NOw that those our Actions are most worthy of praise, which can both please & profit together, wherein a History ought to haue the aduantage to excell all other, I do not wel know, & though I did, hardly could I tell, whether in represen­ting vnto you the estate of Fraunce, and nations neighbours vnto it, since fortye yeeres past I might doe a generall pleasure, considering the mallice, enuye, and diuersitie of iudgements of euery man. True it is, that if I be not deceiued through the selfe liking of my owne labour, the truth herein so clearely represented, the free de­sire of euery ones profit in sundry sortes, the va­rietie and notable euente of so many accidents doe sufficiently promise vnto mee a gratious acceptance, euen at the handes of the more gentle and better vnderstan­ding sort of strangers, who being farre from my knowledge, and thereby lesse tick­led with enuie, (an ordinary compagnion of the liuing) shall be more rightly able to iudge of my labours. I doe lesse doubt, how small or much pleasing soeuer the first Treatises of this Historie shal be, but that all wil euen hasten to see the progresse and issue therof, some allured thereunto through the pleasure, which the diuersitie of so strange and memorable an Argument offereth vnto them, and other of a curiositye praise worthie, to be willing to know the meruailes of Gods iudgments, the great ha­treds and small charitie: So many peaces broken, so many warres renewed, so strange cruelties, so small fauours: in summe al the Potentates of christendom at banding for, and against the French, who most miserably haue made themselues the foole in the play, and the vnhappy end & variable reencounter of more rare miseries, then euer worldlings did practise. I cleane contrarye knowing the verye causes and meanes through which wee haue beene cunningly ledde to such pouertye, endeuour as much as possibly I may, to estrange from my selfe the consideration of so miserable effects, and fetch my history from more high, reaching somewhat beyond the begin­ning of our ciuill warres, where wandring in a true discourse of forraine affaires, and such as are common vnto vs, with our neighbours; I seeke the recompence of my paines. In this chiefely that as maister of my selfe, I cōmand my owne affections for a [Page 2] while, to forget our calamities passed, from which I may boldely borrow so much lea­sure as I shall esteeme necessarie, to turne awaye for a season so sorrowfull and pitious a remembrance, as thereby I am howrely put in minde of: and albeit the memory of such greefes ought not any wayes to cause a vertuous disposition to swarue from the truth, no more then the frendship of some, hatred of other, or respect of great persona­ges should doe, and though hee is verye rarelye to be found, which is not spyed in the ende: if not throughlye gained, yet at the least tempted by some one of these pas­sions, especially in so confuse, graue, and deepe a matter: I will notwithstanding be found so little partiall as all men shall haue more cause in other matters to disgrace me, then in the truth of such accidents as are heere set foorth: which if they shal bring a form of a more agreeable setting forth, either by the number of strange occurrents, or exceeding by a more excellency of deliuery, the rudenes of my naturall language: howsoeuer it be, so farre am I from enuying so great a benefite to those of my age, that I shall holde my selfe for well satisfied, when I shall not gather any other profite of my long watchings, then to see my selfe at the end of so great trauailes, to haue vn­dertaken more for the pleasure of others, then my owne particular. And now that among Historiographers my name resteth as obscured, their high valour & number which are able to shadow the light, wil bring me some comfort: ioyned therewith­all is, that my qualitie holding more of action then of contemplation, doth dispence with me to make any profession of writing, but in matter of consequence wherein I am most delighted: which being the cause that I best iudge of my insufficiency: for being able to conduct and profit so laboursome a trauaile, I will call vpon his grace which is able to blesse the beginning, pursuite, and last end of such a labour.

Being then resolued to lay before your eyes the estate of Fraunce and her neigh­bours since fortye peares passed, and considering how the causes of humaine acci­dents are maintained by an eternall bonde, and knowne of fewe people, I thought I should make my worke a great deale more commendable, if I did fetch the matter from more high, thogh not from the first spring, yet at the least from the more apparāt occasions which haue brought forth so strange occurrents. For when I should entreat but of the wars between Charles the Emperour, and Philip his sonne, against the Kings of Fraunce, or of the change of Religion throughout Christendome, or of the Sedi­tions that ensued thereon, I should worke you very small pleasure and lesse profit, in laying downe these matters so rawly vnto you, leauing in the meane time vndiscoue­red, the roote and cause of these great ones enmities: the beginning and progresse of the reformation, the paines and pursuites against such as were wilfull in the faith, when, whence, and how the Lutherans were dispersed throughout the whole world, by what meanes and successe they haue beene maintained against the Catholiques in euery Countrie: together with the motife and conduite which both the one and the other pretended to bring, to the defence of the true and auncient religion. And hereby in shewing you the beginnings and preparatiues of the stomacking warres a­mong the Christians, I shall make you to iudge how the most notable broyle which euer was seene in Christendome, had his beginning from the diuersities of opinions, in the explanation of the religion of our Fathers. To the maintenance of which, the persecutions which were ordained and pursued against the more stedfast in their faith, haue brought forth lesse troubles in all sortes of vertues, but much greater be it in quantitye or qualitie of vices, yea surpassing all misfortune, number, and vari­etie of notable accidents, all the warres which euer our ancestours had against their neighbours: as the narration of the pittifull effectes both of the one and th'other [Page 3] worldly passion shall make apparant vnto you, if you will patiently abide the reading thereof vntill the end.

The peace which was concluded between Charles 5. Emperour, The state of Fraunce and countries ad­ioyning from the yeere 1544. and Frauncis the first, togither with that which ensued at Ardres betweene Henry 8. K. of England, and the K. of Fraunce, maintained as well the estates and subiects of these Princes, as of sundry other Christians which by alliance, neighbourhood, or other dutie of frend­ship communicated with their passions, in such rest and aduantage, as all esteemed themselues happie of their present ease, considering their toyles passed: euery one re­ioysing so much more, as hauing suffered a world of miseries, vnder the continuance of so long and cruell warres, they had euen fully perswaded themselues that the im­mortall hatreds of their Soueraignes, would vtterly enuy the comming of so greatly a desired peace: ledde hereunto, for that finding their harte burnes grounded vpon a slight enough despite, yea more ambitious then reasonable, they often enough sawe them counselled by those, who hauing nought else thē their Maisters pleasure & their owne particular before their eyes, represented vnto them but an apparance of good: The begin­ning of wars and miseries among chri­stians. the pursuite whereof being alwaies vnfortunate to subiects, brought only honor and profit, to such as full cunningly knew how to make their owne markets. But such was the eternall prouidence, or to speake naturally, the vndiscreet lightnes of the French, ioyned with a too vaine ambition of their neighbours, drawing from so euill guided a passion, a lamentable spring of all our miseries to come, that so yong a peace could not be suffered to wax old among the Christians, who too ticklish in their ease, & as it were leaping with a desire of new chāges, seemed to seek nothing else thē an occasi­on how to free thēselues from this rest, which alredy seemed too noisome vnto thē. Now as according to the infinite reencounter of humaine accidents, they could not long want matter to entertaine the fire of their ancient enmities, the occurrence of the protection of Parma presented it selfe but too soone to heate the well neere tem­pered affections of these Princes, of their people and allies, by a new motion which so greatly changed their counsailors harts, not yet ful cooled of their burning enmities, that there needed no long time to perswade them to make warne, and fall together by the eares with greater stomack then euer. Beholde the very cheefe occasions.

The ancient hatreds between the Spaniards and French, grounded vpon the pre­tence of Naples, Milan, Flaunders, Burgundie, Warres be­gun between the French and Spanish. and sundry other rights (for the main­tenance wherof so much Christian bloud hath bene shed) reuiued between Frauncis the first, & Charles of Austria, & continued for light enough occasions, were no lesse entertained through the enuy of the glory which the French atchieued, at the memo­rable defeat of (at their times) the inuincible Swissers at Marignan, the conquest of Milan, and sundry other great aduantages happened to the Flowredeluce, then the ielousie of the honor and and aduancement, which Charles got at such time as the seauen Electors of Germany bestowed vpon him (to be meete with the French) the title and soueraigne power of Emperour ouer the Christians: and since being tooth and nayle pursued by the ambitious and sturdie nature of these two, though yong, yet the greatest Princes of Christendome, there euer fell out such store of matter to nourish this fire of enmitie, that one could not but iudge it eternall, if Charles had not first shewed both to the Princes of his owne time and to come, as well by his succes­sion to the goods and rights of his ancestors, as by his voluntary resignation of his estates, and free retreate into a solitary life voide of the pranckes of this worlde, how one ought to take and leaue hatreds, rather with discretion then blinde passion or ad­uise of euil councellors, into which almost all Lords, by indiscretion, faintnes of hart, [Page 4] or other insufficiencie, suffer themselues to be but too much ledde. Charles notwith­standing was cunning, The nature of Charles 5. a dissembler, a great husband as well in the expence of his time, as treasure, patient, staide and well setled, couragious in aduersitie, discreat in his wordes and actions, of a good and strong stature, scorning the outward gloryes and shewes of the worlde, hauing for counterpease of his good partes, the indisposi­tion of his person, selfe will in his own opinion, and the wealth of his estate for the end of his actions, more then reason, honor or iustice, what euer could be alleadged vnto him to the contrary. Frauncis on the other side was open, too bountifull, sump­tuous in diet, The nature of Frauncis 1. apparell, buildings, and other outward things, royall in perfourmance of his worde, valiant, couragious, a great freend to learning and other rare matters, but blemishing his praise-worthy partes with too suddaine a change of opinion, and and too free credite giuing to such as he had lightly enough chosen for his cheefe fa­uourites, no lesse then by worldlye pleasure, which carrying him to the fruition of things corporall and fleshly, shortned the course of his life, which otherwise could not chuse but haue beene very long; considering the estate of his person, and a reaso­nable good forme of dyet which hee helde by the aduise of his Phisitions. Both of them freends to the people, whom they would not ouercharge but in great necessi­tie, couragious, ambitious, yea to haue imagined eche one in their owne conceite, to haue had the Empire of the worlde, alike frended of Fortune, if you compare the los­ses which Charles sustained at Metz, in Fraunce, in Affricque, and els-where, with the imprisonment of Erauncis, they both left their children heires to some of their ver­tues, as well as of their wealth and passions: but much surpassing them in yeel­ding credit to their counsellors, to whome they meerelye referred the resolution of good or bad, which sometimes they too much put in practise for their owne parti­cular, as well as for the good of the estate. Of which leauing vnto the historie to dis­couer the ouer-plus vnto you, I will but deliuer the matter of Parma, which reuiuing their halfe dead contrariety of affections, seemed vnto them a sufficient occasion and fit meanes to be throughly reuenged of whatsoeuer had bene before passed.

Pope Paul 3. had exchanged certain of the church lands, by the consent and rati­fication of the Colledge of Cardinals, with Parma and Plaisance, in which he inues­ted his sonne Pierre Loys Farneze, and in the end obtained the Emperours consent (for that in time past they had appertained to the Dutchie of Milan:) Vpon conditi­on of some recompence, and the marriage of his naturall daughter with Octauian, el­dest sonne to Pierre Louys. Who imagining to assure the insolences of his fraile and arrogant life, thorough the rigorous carriage of himselfe, and his strong fortresses which he there built, especially at Plaisance, was notwithstanding in the end stabbed in with a Dagger, by the Paluoysins his Subiects and others as he sate at dinner. But shortly after Ferdinande Gonzague Lieutenant for the Emperour in the Dutchie of Milan was readie to enter, both with horse and foote to sease of Plaisance to the vse of the Emperour, which made men to thinke that he fauoured the plat: So the Pope greatly offended as wel at the losse of his sonne, as of his lands, and especially by him who had beene so greatly benefited, by him and his house, to which he was himselfe alied, found no more ready way for the defence of the rest (knowing that a number of the countrie about Parma yeelded day by day to Gonzague, and others for the Em­perour) then to send Camillo Vrsino, Paul 3. dieth. Iuly 3. chosen Pope. one of the Captaines of the Church to Parma: being himselfe cleane worne with age, his end the rather hastened by so sorrowfull newes: And seeing himselfe euen ready to depart, ordained by his will that Parma should be rendred to his grand childe Octauian, the which was confirmed by Ialie the [Page 5] third, before Cardinal of Mont-Aretin, chosen Pope after certaine defferents which had passed in the conclaue, commaunding Camillo to deliuer vnto him the Cittie which he did. Notwithstanding, that the Emperour had earnestly required him to deliuer it into his handes as Protector of the substance of the Church, The meanes which Charls the Emperour vsed to get Parma. and besides as Lord of Millane, from whēce these places had bene dismembred, declaring vnto him the great charge of expence conuenient for the tuition thereof; yea proceeding so farre as to threaten Camillo if he did not deliuer it. And seeing he could not by these meanes obtaine it, he offered high rewards to Octauian, who notwithstanding vtter­ly despised them, fearing like sundrie other he should become cleane frustrate as wel of his certaintie, as his hope. The Pope for all that deepely pressed in the end tho­rough the solliciting of the Emperour, signified vnto Octauian that he would no lon­ger sustaine the expence which hee had promised towards the protection of his do­minions. Whereupon, he being greatly astonied, especially for that the other seemed cleane to forget himselfe, hauing receiued his first aduancement from the house of Farneze, and considering that his father in law indeuored but his spoyle, in the end besought the King of Fraunce to receiue him vnder his protection: Who being per­swaded that the action was worthy of commiseration, and that by the example of his ancestors, he ought to shew himself therin ready to succour the afflicted, & aboue all things a protector of the goods of the Church: first comforted him with a hope of succour, and not being able to bring the Pope to take vp the matter otherwise, he vndertook the defence therof vpon fauourable conditions, to the Church of Rome: The King of Fraunce ta­keth Octaui­an Farneze & Parma into his protecti­on. so as the French entred there very shortly after, which the Emperour tooke in very euill parte, attributing it to a meere and wilfull breache of Peace so solemnelye con­cluded. The K. notwithstanding to make manifest his entente herein, which he fore­sawe would bee euill construed of such as were ignorant of his meaning, and chiefe­ly to put out of euery mans head such reproches and backbitinges, as by his enemyes might be supposed, that he should haue a further end then he would discouer, made knowne to all men by two seuerall waies, that banding himselfe against the Pope and his partakers, he would not be seperate in ought might appertain to the vnion of the church of Rome: first by the persecution which he was counselled to sharpen & dou­ble against the Lutheranes, secondly, by his protestations which of his own delibe­ration he sent, as wel to the counsel of Trent as dietts, of th'emperour and other chri­stian princes: touching the first he presently made a most sure testimonie thereof, to such as cheeflie desired his enmitie with the Pope, and banding against the Chatho­lick obedience, for vpon the complaint which the Cleargy made vnto him of the vn­brideled companie of Lutheranes, which encreased to a great eye-sore throughout his Realme, he caused a maruellous rigorous Edict to be made for their searching out, reuealing, condemnation and punishment. The which being made at Chasteau-Briant where then he was, the 27. of Iune 1551. was called the Edict of Chasteau-Briant: by vertue whereof all the ancient Edicts which punished Heretiques were reuiued and made in force; the soueraigne knowledge giuen to the Presidiaux, to the end to make speedie expedition, and among sundry other articles for the punishing of Printers, Booke-binders, and other sellers of suspected bookes, it was enacted that the Estates of Iudicature thereto ordeyned, and Regentes of Schooles should bee bound to bring proofe to witnesse that they were well reputed of among good Ca­tholicke Christians: that information should be made against the negligence of such Iudges as slacked their punishment from three moneths to three moneths, that the Mercuriales should be in force in soueraigne Courtes, in which should be chiefelye [Page 6] handled the points of faith, especiallye for the purging of such faultes as might be found in any suspected of heresie, whereof hee will'd information should bee made: the goods of heretiques retired to Geneua, to be confiscate to the King, except good proofe were made that they were simplie bought: togither with sundry other rigo­rous articles. Now for that to the end the estate of Fraunce might be the better assu­red and maintained, the Kings at all times haue beene contented to yeelde this au­thoritie to that Parlament of Paris (being assembled of the most remarqued French­men, for their knowledge, experience and other vertues, as well Clergie as Layetie) to iudge whether the letters, statutes, Edicts, and ordinances, although they were be­fore resolued of by the Priuie counsell, were fit to be put in practise throughout the Realme, to the end they should be either receiued, published, and engrossed of re­cord in their Courte, or sent backe againe to the King if they were not found iust, rea­sonable, and aduantagious to the estate: together with their declarations which they must send both in writing and worde of mouth, by some one of their owne body, which to that purpose they dispatch. The Edict was presently carryed to the Kinges Counsell (which are his Proctor and 2. Aduocates ordained for his assistance) at the earnest sute of the Clergie, requiring to haue it engrossed of record in the Court, but it was refused for many considerations, which a number of Counsellers alleadged, that at that time stoode suspected, and since found to bee Lutherans, as heereafter I will declare. In the end notwithstāding by the earnest and continuall instance of the Cardinals and other of the Cleargie about the King, who besides would make him selfe appeare most Christian throughout all Europe, especially for the reasons aboue mencioned, Religion well maintained preserueth all estates. the Court was so pressed, that all the articles of the Edict were there in publique audience read, the 3. of September 1551. in the Chamber called Doree. Of all which Pierre Seguier the Kings Aduocate, demaunding the ingrossing of the behalfe of the Proctor generall, saide that it was well knowne how the Kinges of Fraunce had bene alwaies zealous protectors of christianitie, of the faith and vnion of the Church, for which they worthily deserued the name of most Christian: that there was no doubt but zeale of Religion was one of the principall causes, for which it pleased God to maintaine the estate of that Realme in that greatnes it was vntill that day, that historyes did witnes, among all the misfortunes and vnhappines which fell out betweene the Romaine Kings, the raigne of Numa Pompilius to haue beene found most long, happie and peaceable, because hee was most zealous in Religion. And Titus Liuius and Plutarch write, Quod Numa Primus condidit templum fidei: primus fidei solemne instituit. And albeit that the Religion of Numa was not ruled after the worde of God, yet hauing had so great an increase of good fortune in his Heathe­nishe Religion, it may verye well cause vs to thinke that the care and zeale which the Kings of Fraunce haue had for Christian religion, hath greatlye auailed and helped towards the maintenance and enlarging of the Monarchie of Fraunce. Contrary­wise negligence of Religion, the leauing and apostacie of faith, and the scismes and diuisions in the Church, are the beginning and spring of all mischiefes, and the fore­warning of desolation and ruine to a Common-wealth. The examples are verye common De neglecta Religione, both in Valerius and other our owne Histories, as the Bookes of Moses doe testifie, that the children of Israel, while they helde themselues vnited in the faith of God, and precepts of Moses, prospered and ouercame all ad­uersities, but when they withdrew themselues from religion, they fell into great ru­ine. The most Christian King considering and well vnderstanding these things, hath studiously & diligently searched by all possible meanes, how the error of the Pseudo-christians [Page 7] might bee extermined, and cleane rooted out of this Realme, and to this end hath commaunded these letters now read, to be approued in this Courte: and further said that he could not omit to yeelde due thankes vnto the King for his most gracious, royall, and most Christian will, moste humblye beseeching God that it would please him to preserue the King in this charitie, deuotion and zeale, many yeares, and hereupon concluded, and required the publication and approuing of the letters, enioyning the Prelates and Cleargy in what appertained to their charge, to obey the contents thereof. Then the Presidente after the counsellers had deliue­red their opinions, gaue this sentence. The Court in obeying of the Kings will, or­daineth that vpon the plight of the said letters shalbe set downe, Lecta, publicata & Re­gistrata, audito & requirente procuratore generale Regis, and that the Iudges Presidiaux, and such as assist them in iudgement of criminall enditementes, shall vpon sight thereof cause the prisoners to be brought before them and heare them speake in per­son, and such iudgements as shall be so giuen by the Presidiaux and their assistantes, shall not be helde and reputed for sufficiently concluded and awarded, except it passe the consent of two at the least, according to the ordinance. And gaue in charge to the Court of the said Iudges, that after iudgement giuen vpon the said criminall endite­ments, they should make them safely to be kept by such Greffiers as the court should appoint, to haue diligent care of the same, to the end they might both deliuer & an­swere the same, whatsoeuer they should be called vpon. Moreouer, he warned & ex­horted the Court, the Archbishops, and Prelates that resorted thereunto, enioyning them to keepe and fulfill the contentes of the saide letters, in whatsoeuer might con­cerne them, the 3. of September 1551. Now let vs handle againe the imperials prac­tises against the French: you shal belowe see in place fitter for it, the second meanes which the King had to iustifie himselfe for his actions in the occurrence of Parma.

If the Emperor were angry knowing of the Kings resolution in fauour of the Far­nezes, Pope Iulye made no lesse shew thereof, Pope Paul seeketh to re­taine Octaui­an Farneze. and thereupon the 11. of Aprill hee bit­terly accused Octauian by a writing published to that end. When (said he) he receiued Parma at my hands, and the estate of Supreame Gouernour, hee promised me vpon his faith that he would neuer serue other Prince, nor put any Garrison of Strangers into Parma without my leaue: and assoone as any apparance was of any change, I oftentimes very louingly admonished him by men expressely, and by his own bro­ther the Cardinall Alexander, that he should remember his dutie. But because he answered very strangely, I threatned him by letters vnder great paines, if hee should forget himselfe: hoping in time to haue wonne him. But since being aduertised how farre he swarueth from the accord, I haue great cause to be extreamelye angrye, that one whom I had enriched and aduanced to honor, should offer me such an iniurye. Now then though it were lawfull for me to pronounce iudgement in so apparante and cleare a matter, yet to the end to make him know my curtesie, I charge him to ap­peare at Rome within 30. daies, to answere to his accusations, and to put in good se­curity for his comming: if hereof he make no accompt, I condemne and holde him for guilty of treason, disloyaltie and other crimes, willing and meaning that all his goods shalbe confiscat: for which I require aide of th'emperour; that he will holde a strong hand to helpe me to punish the same, forbidding all in generall to yeelde him any releefe or succour. Paul de Ter­mes with the Pope in the French Kings behalfe.

The King of Fraunce in the meane time to appease the Pope and his Cardinals, declared by his Embassador Paul de Termes of purpose sent vnto Rome, that he was no whit at all to blame for receiuing of Octauian into his protection, considering [Page 8] it a matter proper to the office of Kings to succour the afflicted. Besides, sayth hee, he sought no particular profit to himselfe, but all for the benefit of the Church of Rome, according to the example of his progenitors, which had inriched the same more than all other, and oftentimes defended it with the sword: for considering that Parma was of the patrimonie of the Church, he would especially seeke to preuent, that it might not fall into the handes of anie stranger, which was the verie reason that hee was at so great & ordinarie an expence. Therfore he earnestly besought him to take it in good part, and not to remaine in that harde opinion hee had conceiued of him, a matter which should bring great profite to the commonwealth. But if refusing all satisfacti­on, he preferred warre before peace, he might wel perceiue the danger which would insue to the whole Church, & to Europe it selfe, in that it was vnpossible in the mean time to assure or establish anie matter of religion, besides the trouble which would fal out among Christians, the Councell summoned coulde not assemble, or if it did, it must of necessitie bee dissolued, for that as the case stoode hee shoulde not bee able to sende anie of his Bishops to the Councell of Trent. Aboue all things no fault coulde bee layde vpon him, who not onely desired the conditions of peace, but also was readie to embrace them, the which hee publikely protested. But Iuly relying vpon the Emperours promises, would neuer a whit relent for this: but ha­uing condemned the Duke Octauian, as a rebellious vassall of the church, gaue leaue to the Emperour to recouer Parma in what sort hee could. Wherefore Fernande Gonza­gue assembling with all speede the garrisons of Millaine and Piemont, and besides ioy­ned with the troupes which Iohn Baptista lead vnder the Apostolique title and autho­ritie, began to braue it in the countrie about Parma, and in the end besieged Parma & Mirandolle, which the French sayde were adiudged by Paul the fourth, to bee helde vnder the protection of King Henrie and his successors, who shortly after sent thether Horace Farneze, brother to Octauian, with De Termes, D' Andelot, Cypierre, and sundrie o­ther: commanding Brissac, his lieutenant in Piemont, to put as many as hee was able into the field, to make Fernande raise his siege, and to annoie him as much as in him laie. Which hee so readily performed, that hee tooke Quiers, Saint Damian, & other places of the Marquisate of Mont-ferrat, readie to haue reached further, if Gonzague had not well bestirred himselfe to hinder his enterie into the Dutchy of Millaine. Behold then these Princes which with the fire of their miserable Countrie begin to feele, or at least to foresee the ruine of theyr poore subiects.

Now as they might well thinke, that many would easily know and at leasure iudge, that this fire of eternall ambition had soone made them forget the couenants & pro­mises of so generall a peace, of the yeere 1546. so did euerie of them, as well by their writings, as Embassadors into all partes, seeke to laie the fault & first motion of breach of peace vpon his enemie. The king of France to this end, and by the selfe same hand to be meete with such rumours as his enemies might cause to bee giuen out of him, contrarie to his owne meaning, sent the Abbot of Bellozane to the councell of Trent, where sundrie Princes and Prelates were assembled by the Emperour and Pope Iu­ly, as well for the matter of religion, as affaires of the Empire, and other particulars, the Cardinall Crescence there as chiefe in the name of the Pope. The Emperour had sent thether Frances of Toledo, The French king tearmeth the Counsell of Trent but an assembly. Hugues Earle of Mont-fort, and Guilliaume of Poictiers: and for that the Councell daie fell on the first of September, the Abbot presented him selfe there with his Letters addressed to the assembly. After that hee had deliuered them to the Popes Legate, and that the superscription was read, they consulted toge­ther, why hee rather tearmed it an assembly than a councell: some being of opinion [Page 9] that they ought not at all to haue beene receiued, except the Embassador shewed his warrant for the same. Thereupon arose a great tumult, with a long houting, which chiefely proceeded from the Spanish Bishops. But when the Embassador aunswered that his commission was contained in the Letters, the Popes Legate rose vp, and cal­ling the fathers into the priuatest place of the Temple, debated of the matter, where it was agreed that he should bee heard, considering that the superscription might bee as well construed in good part. After then that the Letters had beene read in priuate, by which the King declared in briefe the wrong which was done him, and the dis­pleasure which thereof hee conceiued, requiring credite to bee giuen to whatsoeuer his Embassadour should deliuer, they fate all down againe. And after that the Letters were ther publikely rehearsed, they answered, that they could not take in euill part, the King tearming of the Councell an Assembly, not willing to mistrust anie euill, by so great a King, surnamed Most Christian: that if he should haue anie other intention or meaning, in that case they held them as not written, and so commanded him to de­liuer what hee had in charge. Then he began his Oration, which was long, The French Embassadors oration in the Councell of Trent. wherein the King recited all that had passed betweene the Pope and the Senate of Cardinals, by his Embassador Paul de Termes, and that by no meanes hee could doo anie good, albeit hee had doone as much as in him laie for peace. But that Pope Iuly, who by the example of his ancestors ought, if not cleane to appease, yet at the least to mittigate the debates and contentions of Princes, had contrarywise lighted a great fire in a most vnseasonable time: to wit, when the state of Christendome was maruellously weak­ned, and since it is so, that hee carrieth so bitter and eager a heart against him which is the eldest sonne of the Church, hee protested, as before hee had done at Rome. First, that for the great affayres and inconueniences whereof his hands were full, it was nei­ther lawfull nor conuenient that anie Bishops of his realme should be suffered to goe to Trent. Besides, that he doth not hold it for a publike & general councel, but rather for a priuate congregation made to serue some mennes particular profite and commo­ditie, & not for a commonwealth. And that touching anie Decree which they should there make, neither hee nor anie of his realme could bee liable, or shoulde bee bound thereto: and farther, that if the matter so required, hee woulde serue himselfe wyth such remedies as his ancestors were accustomed to doo in like cases. True it is, that he woulde alwaies carrie a pure heart, beare a good affection to religion, and the church of Rome, and keepe himselfe from doing ought worthie of reprehension. But forso­much as he found himselfe highly grieued at the iniuries and hatreds of some, which he neuer deserued, he could doo no otherwise for the present time, & that they should take this his protestation in good part, & make him an act whereby he might informe all other Princes and christians of all that had beene passed. The Kings Letters being read, the fathers sayde that they woulde aunswere him in the first Session, prouided that the King should acknowledge it for a councel which was held at Trent, as touch­ing that which then passed, they receiued it as farre forth as the lawe woulde permit. Wherefore they could not deliuer vnto him any act or testimonie whatsoeuer.

Whereas the King said, that hee woulde vse the remedie his ancestors were wont to practise, it grew thus. In France as well as other countries, The choise of Bishops and Cleargie de­nied to the Pope. if anie Bishoprick or Ab­bey became voyde, those whome they tearmed Chanons or Monkes had lybertie to choose: the other Benefices which were not electiue, were bestowed by the Bishops and Patrones, and all suites for matter of Benefices were determined each one in his owne prouince. But the Popes by lyttle and lyttle beganne cleane to alter these elec­tions, and to drawe for themselues all the profit to Rome, by reseruations and expec­tatiue [Page 10] graces, and caused all suites to bee brought thether, euen at the first instance. This change began in France in the time of Lewes the ninth, who notwithstanding stoutly resisted it, by the aduice of his Councell and Parliament, and made an ordi­nance in the yeer: 1267. by which hee commanded the ancient custome should be maintained, and for all that no man to paie ought to the Pope, which lawe stoode in force many yeeres after. But the authoritie of the Popes became in the end mistresse, scattering among the Cleargie throughout Christendome their graces and reseruati­ons, which were most chargeable and odious vnto euerie man, vntill the Councell of Basle vtterly abolished this manner of taking, relying vpon the ancient lawes of colla­tions and elections, and forbidding the exaction of Auates. So as Charles the seuenth after that hee had summoned a Councel of the choicest men of all his realme, appro­ued that Decree of the Councell, The enacting of La Pragmatique Sanction and in the yeere 1438. confirmed it by an Edict, which was commonly called La Pragmatique Sanction. Yet afterwarde Eugene the fourth pronounced this councel of no valour, so as the Popes which since succeeded, haue vtterly refused this Decree, & named it Schismaticall. Yea Pope Pius the second, sent his Embassadour to Lewes the eleuenth sonne of Charles the seuenth, by whom he tooth and naile insisted to make La Pragmatique Sanction to be abolished. But the king tooke councell of the Parliment of Paris, which is the most renowmed of all France, composed of learned personages, and experienced in the Ciuill and Canon lawe, and in matters of estate, or other publike charge. Who fetching many things from the an­tiquitie and ordinances of the verie Popes themselues, and Councels in time passed, alleadging lykewise what his progenitours Clodo [...], Charlemagne, Philippe Dicudonne, Lewes the ninth, Philip le Bel, Lewes Hat [...], Iohn the first, & finally what his owne grand­father had ordained therein. And taking occasion thereby to shew how exceedingly France then flourished, and how in present shee was desolate and weakned, deliuered vnto him boldly, that if the ancient lawes should not remaine in force, all order of the Cleargie would come to vtter confusion, and that France would bee in the ende left cleane vnhabited, by reason many retired themselues to Rome, by little and little suck­ing out the whole treasure of the realme, whence would insue that the Churches and such like buildings would in the end be vtterly ruined throughout the whole realme. As concerning the treasure, sayd they, if the lawe of your Father take not place, there will yeerely bee transported to Rome a million of golde. For, omitting the rest in the time of Pope Pius, at the least twentie Bishoprickes were voyde, whereof euerie one paide as wel for the Anates, as other charges, six thousand crownes: about three score Abbeyes, whereof euerie one payde two thousande, and aboue two hundred other Benefices, of which euerie one paide aboue one thousand crownes. Besides, that there is in your realme more than an hundred thousand parishes, from which a masse of mo­nie is drawen by this inuention of the Popes. Followe then your Fathers traces, and sticke fast to the Decree of Basle. Such was the counsell which the Parliament gaue him. But the Kinge ouercome with the authoritie or subtiltie of the Pope, or­dayned the abolishing of La Pragmatique Sanction, by meanes of the Cardinall Balne, one verie familyar about the King, and deeply bound to the Pope. Notwithstanding the Kings Proctor generall, and the Vniuersitie of Paris, which had a greate interest therein, couragiously withstood it, and appealed from the Pope to a Councell. Lewes the twelfth was at great oddes with Iuly the second about the same, and it was referred to the Councell of Latran. But Frances the first agreed thereunto, vpon certaine con­ditions with Leo the tenth, in the Citie of Bologne la Grasse, after that hee had gained all Lombardie. To wit, that a Bishopricke or Abbey becomming voide, the Chapter [Page 11] should not haue power to choose, but that it should appertaine to the King, to name some one within sixe moneths to the Pope, which he thought meet for such a charge. This was the matter which the King ment, when hee spake of a remedie by his Em­bassador: for this was the raigne wherewith the Kings euer brideled the Popes, and when they fall a quarrelling with them, they presse to haue La Pragmatique Sanction reuiued, cheefely in this time in which Popes commaundementes are not so much reuerenced as heretofore they haue beene: and in respect that Fraunce is large and rich, Rome cannot wel misse the mony without great losse. Now the King since per­formed in deed, what he threatned heere to Pope Iulye, as we will handle hereafter. Philip le Bel King of Fraunce, vsed the same remedy against Boniface the eight, for be­cause that he had charged him to passe the Seas, and to make warre against the Sarra­zins, not taking in good parte his excuses, hee forbad him to leuie any monye vpon the Churches, (which the King of necessitie was constrained to doe) and if he would not obey, excommunicated him. The King sent for all his Lords and estates of his Realme to Paris, where after hauing discoursed of the outrage of Boniface, and that all the Bishops, Princes, and Gentlemen confessed that they helde all their substance meerely of his grace, bounty, and liberalitie, he forbad that any mony after should be transported to Rome, and to that end caused a diligent watch to be kept in all the en­tries and passages. The summe which was found in the account of the Parliament of Paris, of that which the Bishoppricks and Abbies being voide did paye, must be vn­derstoode of the time passed, for at this present the Taxes are augmented, and passe the annuall reuenues, so as some of the Clergie haue beene faine to leaue their Buls in the banquers hands for the ouer-great exaction. Now there are in Fraunce twelue archbishoppricks, Aix, Vienne, Lyons, Narbonne, Tholouze, Bourdeaux, Aux, 12. Articles in Fraunce. Bour­ges, Tours, Rouen, Reims, and Sens: there are about 96. Bishoppricks, by the vacaties of which is carried to Rome a masse of monye, and of the Archbishopprickes about threescore thousand, three hundred crownes, as it is apparant by an account made in the time of King Lewis the twelfth.

Hereupon the King of Fraunce not content with the rigorous pursuites hee re­newed against the Lutheranes, The K. letters and com­plaints a­gainst the Pope. to the end that notwithstanding the warre hee was resolued of against the Pope, he might entertaine the Catholicke Princes in good opinion of his faith and Catholicke religion, would make further shewe of his du­tie, and iust occasions of warre, by a writing sent vnto the Pope, of whose deepe dis­grace hee stoode well assured: declaring therein what iniurye was doone him. The cause of the warre of Parma, and why receiuing of Octauian into his protection, he forbad vnder great penaltie any mony to be transported to Rome: for considering that monye was the very sinew of warre, what follye were it saide hee to nourishe a mans enemye with his owne wealth? The propertie of Popes was to pacifie quar­relles among Kings, which Pope Paul the third did, who altogeather creeping with age, came as farre as Nice into the Country of Genes, to reconcile his late Father to th'emperour. But Iulye ranne a cleane contrary course, for hauing no sooner publi­shed the counsell most necessary for the common-wealth, he presently mooued a warre, whereby the French Church one of the most principall of Christendome, was cleane excluded: requiring a lawfull counsel might be summoned, to amend as wel the faults of the Prelates and other Ministers of the Church, as a number of other thinges being there handled, to correct the vices of euery one. This was publyshed at Paris by sound of Trumpet the seuenth of September: anon after hee had pro­claimed the Edict of Chasteau-Briant against the Lutheranes. Shortly after, the Impe­rials [Page 12] caused the cleane contrary to be giuen out and proclaimed, in which the begin­ning of the warre of Parma was specified, where hauing shewed how great reason the Pope had to be angry with Octauian and the Lord of Mirandolle, how contrary the King of Fraunce was bent, that sought all occasions and wrought all meanes to hinder the most honest enterprises of the Emperour, gaue notwithstanding to wit, that Charles of Austria who helde his practises for little worth, would most couragi­ously and stoutly pursue the ende thereof. And whereas Octauian gaue out, that he was constrained by necessitie to put himselfe vnder the safegarde and protection of the King of Fraunce, by reason of the outrages and pranckes of Ferdinand Gonzague, it was cleane refuted, for had there beene anye occasion of feare (quoth the Empe­rour) he was the motyfe, who had often sought meanes to cause him to be killed: it was after declared how Plaisance was rendred vp to th'emperour, by reason that Pierre Louis the Popes Bastard, enioying Parma and Plaisance, behaued himselfe so cruelly in his gouernement, that hee drewe the wrath of God vpon him, and euery mans hatred: by the example of Nero, especiallye for his execrable wickednes, not onely with women, but very men: wherefore hee was most iustly murthered in his owne house by the Cittizens, which could not endure his cruelty any longer. This doone, the inhabitants forseeing their apparant and imminent danger, if they should fall againe into the subiection of the Pope and Church of Rome, could finde no o­ther refuge or more assured libertie, then to render thēselues to the Emperour: name­ly, hauing beene at other times vassailes of th'empire: they sollicited then Gonzague and praied him to receiue thē into the Emperours protection, otherwise they would thinke of some other succour and defence: it is but counterfait then in making sem­blance of feare, for the Emperour neuer gaue him occasion, as one that had greatlye benefited the Farnezes, hauing chosen Octauian for his sonne in law, and giuen the Ci­tie of Nouarre for euer to his father Louis, and bestowed on him the honor of Mar­quesse: but both of them oftentimes shewed themselues maruelouslye vngratefull, and especially when they made shew of ayding him against certain rebels of Germa­ny, for in the meane time they endeuoured to take from him both Lombardie, and Gennes it selfe: for proofe whereof Ioannin Dorie a vertuous man, if euer were any was most villanously murthered in the tumulte, while he faithfully employed him­selfe for the Emperour, and sought to deliuer the Countrie from that daunger into which he saw it most ready to fall: The K. an­swere to the Emperours obiection. there was shortly after an answere put in print vn­der the name of the King of Fraunce, in which was rehearsed how the Emperour desiring to winne vnto him Paul the third, had bestowed vpon his sonne Pierre Lo­uis, the tytle and dignitie of Marquesse, had taken Octauian sonne to Pierre for his sonne in law, yeelding goodly benefites to Alexander his other sonne, besides which he had made an alliance with the Pope, wherin was especially set down, that the Em­perour should confirme the decree of the consistory of Cardinals, namely, that the Emperour should confirme the principallitie of Parma and Plaisance to the familye of Farnezes. Now whereas the Emperour made warre in Germany, punishing some priuate rebellions vnder pretence of setting vp of religion: this sleight meruai­lously displeased the Pope, considering by this meanes he shewed well enough that hee had no regarde but to his perticular profit, and making of himselfe great. And in truth saide the King, the Pope was no whit therein misconceiued, for as soone as the warre was finished, and the Emperour no more in need of the Fernezes aide, he publiquely declared his euill meaning conceiued against the Pope: for his Liuete­nants of Italie had already found meanes to compasse Plaisance, and anon after mur­therers [Page 13] were hired to kill Pierre Louis in his chamber: and before that euer the Citti­zens had notice of the murther, men of warre were sent in to seaze of the Castle in the name of the Emperour, who if he had beene so ignorant of the fact, it had bene great reason that after the death of Pope Paul, he should haue sought the deliuery of the Cittie to the Church of Rome: but so farre was he from it, as he went about to take Parma out of the hands of his owne Nephewe, yea while Pope Paul liued, hee made pursuite thereof, in such sort that Paul taking a conceite thereat died for griefe. Afterwardes Ruffians were found at Parma, which of their owne accorde confessed that Fernande Gonzague had giuen them in charge to murther Octauian. He then per­ceiuing himselfe in this distresse, that such as ought to haue preserued him, yea his own father in law, sought to take from him not only his substance but his life, deman­ded succour of the King, and yeelded himselfe into his handes, which hee could not by any meanes gainsay, pressed thereunto by so many teares and reasons. The case standing thus, and for these occasions all the Princes being animated, euery one be­stirred him to doe the worste he could against his enemie. Captaine Powlin hauing in readines his gallies and fleete at Marseilles, furnished and victuailed for Scotland, tooke certaine Merchants Ships of Flaunders, vpon the English Sea, the which hee rifled, alleadging that vnder colour of traffique, they transported the victuail and munition of the Realme, to make themselues the better able to preuaile against Fraunce. Else-where the Gouernours of the frontires prepared themselues openly to the war: the Queene of Hungary in like sorte being gouernesse for her Brother in the Lowe countrie, made stay of all Frenchmen and their goods, neere at the same time, that th'emperour discharging of Marillac Embassador for the King about his person, with many hard and angrye speaches against his Maister, had resolued to passe an armie into Fraunce, to be reuenged of the wrong which he faide he had su­stained. And because it was doubted that hee would enter by Champagne, where Bourdillon was with certaine Troupes, the Duke of Neuers was sent thither with 10. companies of men at armes, which hee distributed for the better strengthening of the weaker Garrisons, prouiding as well as he could for the fortifications and muni­tions of those places, where he bestowed the eight olde bandes which the King had sent vnto him: while it was thus in working, they put out into the fielde, to be the better able to put in execution some soddaine surprisales, according to their olde in­telligences, whereof very few tooke good effect. Then eche partie tarrying for the maine of his armye, made many little skirmishes, now with good, and now with bad fortune, as well on the one side as the other. In the meane time happened the de­feat of a number of Bourgonians, which the company of Gasper de Coligny called Cha­stillon, defeated neere vnto Montcornet in Ardennes: leauing fiue hundred dead on the place, for recompence whereof, other making a shew but of a small company of Harquebusiers, presenting themselues neere vnto Mauber-Fontaine, charged and killed in an ambuscade, the Captaine Gourdes, accompanied with fiue and twentye olde souldiers, too ventrous and ill aduised, in not tarrying for Bourdillon and his peo­ple, who being arriued after their death, followed the Bourgonians, already retyred safe by the benefite of the wood, into which for want of Harquebusiers, they could not hinder more then two partes of them that had the victorie, to retreat in surety: as Mazaeres stoode in great want of prouisions, ioyne thereto that a Souldier loueth best to get from the enemy, and keep his own for his necessitie: Captaine Villefranche hauing in the night planted a number of matches fiered, vpon the toppe of the Ca­stle Ditches at Lumes, while that the Imperials discharged at them both Harquebu­sies, [Page 14] Culuerins, and other shotte, tooke all the cattell and other prouisions which the inhabitants kept by fauour of the Portes: out of which, some of the most couragious hauing sallyed by little, saw thēselues so bepelted with Harquebusies, that they were constrained to let their prouisions be carried to Maizieres. But the Burgonians hauing surprised the Castle of Aspremont, which the yong Earle yeelded vp to the Duke of Neuers, and in a course killed Captaine Ligneres, and defeated the greatest part of his company betweene Hedin and Monstreuilse, greatly bragged that they had beene so well reuenged. At the same time the Garrisons of Pickardie vnder the Duke of Vendosme, and his brothers the Duke of Anguien and Prince of Conde, were no lesse often and painefully awakened, then those of Champaigne all the long winter, in which their masters notwithstanding were busied about more high enterprises thē those before mentioned, as I will make you well to perceiue.

Beholde these Princes hard at it, and the originall and preparation of their quar­rels: whereupon I think good before that I passe any further to fetch the affaires of the Christians from more high, to the end I may not giue any occasion that should turne you from the knowledge of that which I will entreate of: for as I speak of war, of Religion, pollicie and other humane actions, when you shall see the Counsell of Trent mentioned, and not know to what end, when, nor by whome it was helde: the Lutheranes & obstinate pursued with fire and bloud, of the time wherof you should be ignorant, and of the places where they came into the worlde, by whome, and in what doctrine they stood instructed: if I speake of the Protestantes banded, against so great Potentates, and you not know whence they descended, nor why their Father was so named, nor the variable successe of their enterprises, nor how, nor why they were succoured by the Kings of Fraunce, England, and other Princes, with a number of things which would remaine vnknowne vnto you, for that you could not vnder­stand their beginning and progresse, you would take very small delight therein: at the least you will take double contentment, if all the whole be made manifest and plaine, as you would your selfe desire: since then that the knowledge of naturall things con­tent not the spirite, if the cause and reason thereof rest vnknowne amidst many acci­dents, a somewhat lesse agreeable discourse, by reason of the ignorance of their ori­ginall, shall satisfie the more curious sorte, if in representing therein vnto you their very spring and true motife, I shall not fetch it from ouer farre.

As the iudgements of men are diuers and oftentimes contrary, so is there not any thing so common or generall whatsoeuer, that receiueth not alteration in some perti­cular, The originall and differēce of Christian religion in Fraunce. which may easily be seene in all vocations, especially in the doctrine which all embrace to the conduct of their saluation. For to holde my peace of the diuersitie which is amōg the Christians, half Christians, Mahometists, Iewes Paganes and o­ther, yea of the multitude of different and contrarie opinions, which is in euery one of them, it hath bene euer seene, that Christendome how generall soeuer it hath at any time beene, was alwaies set at controuersie by some perticular iudgement: now in matter of substance, now in discipline, now in ceremonies and outward apparan­ces, be it that it proceede of ignorance or of a good zeale, of malice or some indiscre­tion of persons, which aduaunce themselues to speake. And if wee shal seeke further examples then the memory of our fathers, it is most certaine that religion planted in Fraunce in the time of the Pagans, growne vnder the lyne of Clouis, was no sooner established vnder Pepin and his successors, but the authoritie and consequently abuse of certaine of the Cleargie, encreasing with the abundance of wealth, the zeale and curiositie of such as would reforme the discipline and life of the officers, encouraged [Page 15] men by little and little to attempt to the substance, and some to band themselues se­cretly and by writings, others with open mouth, against the Articles of doctrine, which they little iudged of, lesse vnderstoode, or worse practised. As notwithstanding the Pastors confirming their generall receiued doctrine, by a better life then ours, au­thorised both by one and the other thorough a seuere punishment of iustice, to the example of euery one; so the reformation being hindered to grow by the diligence and studie of the Bishops and iusticers, it could not spread so farre but that at this day, (when all estates are onely curious of their pleasure and particuler profit) they haue themselues giuen entrie to what they most complained off & least doubted. So many held their peace, and the hardest could not gaine so much, as to make any other opi­nion runne among the people then the common, vntil that the officers of the Church and iustice, surprised in their dutie, by such as spied but an occasion fit to giue entrie vnto their opinions, saw themselues sooner beaten then assailed, by those whose very first March they alwaies before despised. How the doc­trine of the Vaudois and Albigeois was dispersed tho­rough Europe Then after manye and light brunts with the common faith receiued in Fraunce, (since the sure and publicke esta­blishmentes of Christian Religion) by Berenger of Tours, Abeyllard Breton, Amaury of Chartres, Arnold of Bresse, and other, followed by a great num­ber of Sectaries as well in this Realme as else where, it neuer was so earnestly assaulted as by the Vaudoios and their successors in Guienne and Countries a­bout, which they named Albigeois of the towne of Alby chiefe of Albigeois, scitu­ate betweene Languedos and Quercy. Who in spight of all the Potentates of Christ­endome sowed about the yeare 1100. and euen since their doctrine smally differing from the Protestants at this day: Not onely through Fraunce, but almost all the Countries of Europe. For the French, Spanish, English, Scots, Italians, Germaines, Bohemians, Saxons, Polonians, Lithuaniens and other people haue mightily defen­ded it vntill this present. After that this doctrine had a while crept thorough Fraunce, in the end as the heate of burning coles doth exhalate and pearce thorough by little and little, the thicknesse of the Sinders not able to quench it, it grew more common­ly knowne, by Prayers, publike exhortations, administrations of Sacraments and o­ther vses, the course whereof the Clergie not being able to hinder, sought vnder the authoritie of the Pope, aide and force at the hands of Christian Princes, Opinions so­ner changed by ease and rest then vi­olence whome they speedely armed against the Albigeois. Whom after a number of assaults, battels, reen­counters, losses, ruines, victories and reciprocal aduantages, from the yeare 1200. For 50. yeares after euer maintaining by armes and force the outward shew of their liues, their doctrine and their Countrie together; vntil that the chiefe of them were defea­ted and empouerished, other gained by faire protestations & promises of better hap, and all in generall together wearie with the continuance of so long Ciuil warres: The Christian Princes and Prelats of the Church left (as in contempt) a wandering peo­ple of all parts terrified with so cruell a warre, insisting in their first opinion, which rather the ease of the rest they after felt caused them to chaunge, then any rigour of their enemies. So as all the French anon! after returned to the same doctrine, from which their fathers had so much swarued, except such as retired themselues into the mountaines, chiefely the Prouencaux, Sauoyarts, Dauphinois, and Piemontois: of whome there were many sent into Lombardie, Calabria, Pouille, Sicille, Germaine and o­ther places, to the end they might plant the fruite of that doctrine which they stoode assured was the most true & auncient of Christendome. Now the English was Lord of Guienne in the time of these Albigeois wars, by reason that Henrie of Aniou after the death of Stephen became king of England, Duke of Normandie, Earle of Aniou [Page 16] Tourraine and Maine. The English Lords of Gui­enne in france Normandie, Poictou, An­ioy, &c. And afterwards grew to be Earle of Poictou and Duke of A­quitaine (called Guienne) by vertue of Eleonor his wife daughter to Guillame, last Earle of Poictou, whom king Louys le Ieune had diuourced. So as sundry English men, which ordinarily came into those countries, either by reasons of trafique and mar­chandise, or warre against the French, had speedely enough being imbrued with the same opinions, spread them abroad in their owne Countrie. Which hauing beene conceiued and explaned by manie, in the end fell from hand to hand into the heade of Wicklife, about 50. yeares after, a greatly renowned Diuine in the Vniuersitie of Oxford, and Curate of Luteruorth in the Diocesse of Lincolne. Who in the end be­ing a Doctor in Diuinitie thorough his eloquence and rare Doctrine, gained so farre the harts and vnderstandings of the English, The Religion of the Vau­dois dispersed thorough England. and chiefely of the greatest sorte, as the Duke of Lancaster vncle to king Richard, Henrie of Persye, Lewes Clifford, the Chaun­lor Kegli, the Earle of Sarisburie & others, as a long time after he preached, wrought and dispersed with all libertie what best seemed good vnto him. Most chiefely vnder King Edward. True it is that Pope Alexander thorough the sollicitings of the chiefe of the Clergie, VVicklife his Doctrine. animated Richard his successor, much against him in the yere 1382: Who preuailed so farre, that after sundrie disputations of the Articles of his faith, hee was banished, afterwards called home, and dyed. 1387. But 40. yeares after his decease, his body was puld out of the grounde by the Popes commandement, and his bones burned at Oxford 1410. before the Abbot of Shrewsberie then Chancelor. And al­beit that 13. yeares after his death, 1401. his doctrine was vtterly condemned in open Parliament, with an Iniunction to all men to seeke out those Lollards, (so called they such as professed that order of doctrine, Lollards in England, Li­uonia Serma­tia, &c. according vnto those of Pologne, and borde­rers vnto it) yet for all that, could it not hinder the multiplying thereof as well in that Countrie as else where. Chiefely in Germanie, by reason of the great learning which was taught by the famous Fathers of the Vniuersitie of Oxford: Wher among other, How the doc­trine of the Vaudois and Wicklife was carried into Polonia, Bo­hemia, and other coun­tries of Al­maine. a Scholer of Bohemia, being much delighted in a booke of Wicklifes called The Vniuersales, caried a Coppie thereof with him into his Countrie, where the Vniuersi­tie of Prague was of great commendations. In which Iohn Hus more renowned then the rest for his quicknes of spirite, made himselfe for all that much better knowne after the reading of those bookes: which he explaned and so much thereby encreased the doctrine which long since was spread abroad in those quarters, that many of the peo­ple, Scholers, and of the very Nobles and Clergie themselues, followed the same as a matter worthy to bee receiued among men. Now among the rest of the people which for their conscience were persecuted, the Bohemians had beene long before Iohn Hus, The Bohemi­ans and Al­maines perse­cuted by the Popes inqui­sitors before Iohn Hus. by Venceslaus King of Bohemia, who made great search after them & round­ly punished them. And by the Pope, who long before that, had sent thither an inqui­sitor of the ill affected of the faith, who ( Iohn Hus liuing) was named Bishop of Naza­ret. Be it then that the persecutions either coolled this kinde of people thorough out Christendome, or that the Princes and Cleargie made no accounte of those, who standing fauoured by no great personages became all simple people and inhabitants of the Montaignes, as those of Piemont, Sauoye, Calabria, and other, the Bohemians stoode at that instant most renowned and worst ment to. Especially after that Hus had reformed his preaching, leassons and writings by the tradition of Wicklife. So as in the yeare, 1414. the Counsell being summoned at Constance, for the controuersie of the Popes, and reformation of the Cleargie, Iohn Hus a Batchelor in Diuinitie, to the end to purge himselfe of the heresie which was laide to his charge, was cited thither by the Pope, and after hauing refused to come, accounting it no safe or sure place, hee [Page 17] was perswaded by Sigismond the Emperour that they might safely goe thether and returne againe, at the request of his brother Venceslaus King of the Countrie: and be­sides that Venceslaus of Dube, and Iohn De Chlum Gentlemen of Pologne, should ac­companie him. But so farre was hee from being suffered to present himselfe to the as­sembly of the Councell, to render accounte of his faith as the Emperour and his bro­ther would haue had it, that the Cardinals clapt him vp close prisoner: Councell of Constance summoned for the refomation of the Church. & cleane con­trarie to the earnest requests, which not onely many Gentlemen of Bohemia, but the very Vniuersitie of Prague made, that he might not bee condemned before hee were publikely hard. But in the end the Emperour being perswaded, that there could bee no defence, safe conduct or other meanes yeelded to him, which had beene alreadie condemned as an heretique, and especially a Protestant, publike profest, and that he ought rather to prepare woode and fire to consume him into ashes, Iohn Hus, cō ­demned, and burnt as an heretique at Constance, notwithstan­ding the Em­perours safe conduct. if he would not decline from his obstinacie, the seuenth of Iuly presiding amidst al the Princes & Pre­lates with his imperiall robes in the great temple of Constance, after certaine Articles there drawne out of his writings as hereticall, one of the deputies which examined him, pronounced that the Councell declared him for an heretique, a Disciple and fa­uourer of Wicklife, whose books had beene already burnt by a Councel at Rome, that he was wilfull in his heresies, for the appeale which he had cast in from the Councell to Iesus, reprouing his appellation as scandalous and iniurious to the Popes authoritie and Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction: and therefore hee was to bee disgraded of his Priestly order, with all infamie and reproch, afterwardes the Bishops attired him in a profane garment and estate, and gaue him a crowne of Paper one cubite high, painted with three blacke and ougly Deuils, hauing for deuise Heresiarcha as one shoulde saye the chiefe and Prince of heretiques. This doone the Emperour into whose handes the Cleargie had put him, as the secular arme, commanded D. Louis of Bauiere, kneeling before him with his ornament in his hand an Apple of Golde and the figure of the Crosse) to deliuer him to the hangman, who hauing burned his bookes, and ty­ed him fast with an yron cheane to a stake, piled vp with woode and strawe to his chinne, soone consumed him to ashes, which they flong into the Rhine, to the end no more memorie should remaine of him. Hereupon the Princes for to remedie all abu­ses, and replante the Church in her first glorie, deposed Pope Iohn 24. of that name, as a Simonous heretique, and man-slaier, who fled disguised to Scafusen, and from thence to Fribourg in Brisgoe: But being taken in the fift yeare of his Pontificate, was three yeares kept prisoner. Gregorie who likewise had held him selfe for Pope, Popes depo­sed. dismis­sed himselfe of the popedome. And Pierre de la Lune named Pope Benoist, was con­demned for sundrie offences. Iohn Gerson Chauncelor of the Vniuersitie of Paris (which had sent him with others to Constance) sayde that neuer there woulde bee any Peace in the Church vntill the Moone were taken awaie. Martin the fift of that name before called Ame de Sauoie, was chosen and approued of all.

Hierosme of Prague companion to Iohn Hus, vnderstanding of his entertainement, departed out of Bohemia, and the 4. of April 1415. arriued neere Constance to com­fort him, and offered to answere all such iniuries in open councell as were giuen out of them of Bohemia, if they would giue him any safe-conduct: Ierome of Prag condemned and bur­ned at Con­stance as Iohn Hus. which being refu­sed by the Emperour, he contented himselfe in obtaining of the Lords and Protector of Bohemia, their letters sealed with their seales, witnessing his innocencie, and that he was come to answere such reproches as his aduersaries had giuen out: but as hee thought to haue returned, hee was taken and carried to Constance, where he was so straightly vsed and examined, that in the end he publiquely rehearsed a forme of ab­iuration, [Page 18] which they deliuered vnto him, confessing further that Iohn Hus was law­fully punished. But as they let him goe neuer a whit the sooner for that, and thereup­pon certaine Carmos of Bohemia being come with new accusations, he recanted and stucke so fast to his first opinion, that the councell condemned him as before they did Iohn Hus, whence he appealed vnto Iesus Christ: so that (said hee) after one hundred yeares you shall make account for me: but the hangmen did as much for him as the other. Poge Florentin being present at all, greatly commended in a wrighting which he sent vnto Leonard Aretin, the eloquence, grace, knowledge, and maruellous con­stancie of Hierosme: thinking nothing wanting in him but a conformitie of the com­mon faith. Now when these newes were carried into Bohemia, such Gentlemen and other as had beene instructed in this doctrine, growing maruellous angrye, sent their letters to the Princes and Prelates of Constance, The Bohemi­ans angrye, growe more resolute by the death of Hus and Hierom. to testifie their conceiued dis­pleasure, and their resolution to persist in the same opinion euen to the death and cost of the most mischieuous, foure and fiftie of the best calling signed and sealed it with their seales. And indeed as rigours onely doe not cause men to change opinion, but oftentimes make them more wilfully to persist therein: the Hussite Bohemians mul­tiplying more and more, besought of their King Venceslaus many Temples, in which they might exercise and aduaunce their doctrine, being such a number of people as hourely were gained, Captain Zis­cha leuieth men against the Priests & Monkes of Bohemia. among the rest Iohn Zischa of Trosnouie, one of the most re­nowned warriers that followed the King, and which had lost one of his eyes in the former factions, leuied a number of men to the ruine of as many Priests and Monkes as they found to haue beene authors of the matter of Constance: and so began to pul downe Temples, bruse the Images, throwe downe the Monasteries, and pull out the Monkes, whome they named Swine fatted in their Cloister: finally in smal time were assembled more then fortie thousand men, maintaining the doctrine of Iohn Hus. In the mean while Sigismond the Emperour, & true heire to the kingdom of Bohemia by the decease of his Brother, going thither to take possession, found all passages shut by the people, who extreamly hated him for breach of his faith: so as after many a good and badde reencounter on the one side and the other, he lost his other eye likewise at the siege of Rabi, and yet ceassed not for all that to conducte and gouerne his army, yea oftentimes breaking the troupes of Sigismonde, composed of Hungarians, Bohe­mians, Moraues, Almanes and Danes: for Eric King of Denmarke was come thither to succour him, with Pierre Infant of Portugall; in sorte that the Emperour percei­uing that hee could not otherwise remedye it, gained him by faire promises of graun­ting vnto him what charge soeuer he would require. But Zischa as hee was going to the Emperour dyed of the Plague, and being asked in his sicknesse where hee would be buried, answered that he would haue them flea his body after his death, and with his skinne head a Drumme, at the sounde whereof hee doubted not but all his ene­mies would soone betake them to their heeles.

From this time forwards the persecutions cōtinued in the church, almost through­out all Christendome, Luther & his beginning 1518. at the pursute of the Inquisitors who were annimated enough against the ill affected in the faith, but more againe some perticular and simple people then persons of marke, vntill the comming of Luther, which then they the more aug­mented as they saw mens faith, beleefe and charitie, to diminish towards men of the Church: so as the Christian faith being receiued and oppugned almoste in euerlye countrie, though in some one lesse sharpely then other (where great ones countenan­ced them out, by credit, force of arms, and other means) you may not finde it strange if the religion lesse common and more secret, seeking in all times and places but occa­sion [Page 19] and meanes fit to lifte vp and spread it selfe abroade, knew well how to take her time in the end 1518. to make her selfe knowne by the negligence of the Germaine Prelates, and the diligence and hardines of Luther, who reuiuing of these olde opini­ons, and adding thereunto what before but by the ignorance of the simple people he thought omitted, afterwards explaining the same by a well ordered deliuery, and ex­pressing it in his Sermons and wrightings, through his eloquence and doctrine, dis­couered vnto vs such a kinde of reformation, as hath engendered more strange effectes then euer any man could see, read, or vnderstand to haue bene practised in any other place. Now for that the particulars are very memorable and worthy to be left to the posteritie, I am contented to fetch the narration therof, from the first originall, to the ende I would not leaue any thing vnto you, which might staye you from the entire knowledge of so notable accidents, as vpon this occasion made all christendome both admire and stand wonderfully astonied.

The pardons which Pope Leo published throughout the world, 1517. to get mo­ny, and prouide for a warre pretended against the Turke, Generall par­dons publi­shed through Christendom 1517. were an occasion together with the abuses his Treasorers offred in the leuying thereof, (as the most learned and notable writers as well of Germany as Italy hath left) that Luther first declared him­selfe an enemy to the ouercharging of consciences, then a Censor of Popes and eccle­siasticall abuses, to reforme in the ende the more receaued doctrine in the Christian Church, for first he found himselfe agreeued at the pardons, next banded himselfe against the insolencies of Receiuers, and hauing put in question the autoritye of the Pope, which defended them, he came by little and little cleane to contemne the doc­trine of the Church of Rome: next to reforme it, and in the end vtterly to reiecte it. Now as Leo (say they) vsed too licentiously the authoritie of the Romish Sea, chief­ly in such graces as the Court gaue of spirituall and beneficiall matters, by the coun­cell of Laurens Puccy Cardinall of the title of 4. Sains, so hee scattered throughout, without distinction of time or place, his generall pardons of pleanary remission, as­well for the quicke as the dead: and deliuered soules out of the paines of Purgatory. And because such fauours were deliuered so there were mony, and that the Treasu­rers bought their offices at the Popes handes, and that little which did come vnto his hands was spent badly enough in other affaires, that hee sawe many of his Ministers sell for small price, yea play away at Tauernes, power to deliuer soules out of Purga­torye, and that the Pope (who by the meekenes of his owne nature, exercised in ma­ny things his pontificall office with little enough Maiestie) had at one blowe giuen vnto his sister Magdelaine the profit of such Indulgences as might be reaped in sun­dry Countries of Germany, who deputed for her the Bishop Arebaut, that executed his charge but with too much couetousnes and extortion: and that Leo had permit­ted the King of Fraunce, to vse the last payments of his own Realme as should please him vntill the warre against the Turke; all sauing 50. thousand crowns which he gaue to Laurence de Medicis his Nephew. Luther a Regent Doctor in diuinitie, thought thē he had read, seene, and heard enough to despise such Indulgences, and to be able to taxe therein the authoritie of the Pope: but afterwards a great number of Auditors running thither, to the end they might heare some noueltye to delight them, the po­pular winde, no lesse then the fauour of the Duke of Saxe, one of the electors of the Empire, and the greatest landed of all Germany, so egged him forward that hee did not only band himself against the power of the Popes, and authoritie of the Church of Rome, but yeelding himselfe to the anger conceiued, for the iniuries and sharpe pursuites of the Receiuers, and such as spurned against him, hee grew in the ende to [Page 20] make open warre against the doctrine of the Church. The Pope as they say bestirred himselfe well in the beginning for to quench this fire, but not vsing the proper reme­dies & medicines, Luther cited to Rome. he did but impaire so great a maladie, for he cited Luther to Rome, he forbad him to preach, and after seeing of his disobedience, he gaue him ouer to the censure of the Church, neuer himselfe in all this time abstaining from many things of euill example: which hauing bene with reason blamed by Luther, were by his Ser­mons, lessons, and writings, rendred a great deale more odious to euery man: so as proceeding against him with Ecclesiasticall weapons, without amending matters of euil example in his own Court at Rome, (and which since they were made and con­strained to reforme) so much the more grew the reputation of Luther among the peo­ple, as they sawe him more persecuted for the innocencie of his life, and pure doctrine which he preached then any thing else. And albeit that many were of opinion both at Rome and elsewhere, that it were lesse inconuenience to dissemble the fire of such follie, which peraduenture would growe of it selfe into smoake, then in kindling and blowing it through the sharpenes of such pursuites, to make it encrease and growe in greater blaze then before: and chiefely for that a little wealth and honor had in the beginning, made him to eate his worde, namely, at such time as hee was banished by the Emperour at the Diet of Wormes, assuring themselues to haue seene him in such a fright, as if the iniurious and threatning wordes of the Cardinall S. Xixte, Legat had not led him to a last dispaire, hee would gladly enough haue beene reconciled to the Church, and beene made to leaue his opinions. So it came to passe (as men are ra­ther enclined to remedie inconueniences by vehemency and rigour, then fair means and curtesie) that not onely the persecutions which augmented daylye against him and his Lutheranes, but also a terrible excommunication being resolued against the Duke of Saxe, rendred this Prince more feruent thē euer, to the defence of the cause. True it is that the opinion which was helde among many Princes, that the follow­ers of this doctrine were no lesse enemies to the temporall Lordes, then to the autho­ritie of the Churchmen, was an occasion that many soueraign and other Magistrates, What caused a stay of Lu­thers refor­mation. diligently hindred, and with great seueritie, the publication therof in their countries. Besides that the multitude and contrariety of most absurde heresies, which crept in at that very time, did maruelously retarde the beginning, yea and bring a maruellous a­batement to the doctrine it selfe: but the liberty which the people in the end resumed in their manner of life, (I will holde my peace as concerning the merite of the doc­trine) and the couetous obstinacy of great ones, who could neuer be broght to leaue any more their ancient manners, then the goods which they vsurped of the Church, did adde vnto him so strong winges, that many presaged his more high and loftye flight, then hath as yet beene seene, howsoeuer in a worde to teach perticularlye the beginning of his reformation.

Martin Lu­thers begin­ning, professi­on, and carri­adge of life. Martin Luther borne the 10. of Nouember 1483. at Islebe in the Countye of Mansfelde, sent to Magdeburg and Iscena to plye his studye, and then being giuen al­togither to Logique and Philosophie at Erforde, shortlye after rendred himselfe Munke in the Conuent of Augustines, against the will of his parentes and friendes, gi­uing himselfe to the studie of Diuinitie, Luther him­selfe confes­seth it in his answer to the book which H. D. of Brun­wick wrote a­gainst him 1541. as Sleyden re­porteth in the 14. of his hi­story, repea­ting Luthers words, who discouered the occasions which mo­ued him to preach and write against par­dons. My name, saith he, began to grow famous because no man was found else that durst op­pose himselfe. This little glory was pleasing as then vnto me, &c. in liew of the Ciuill and Cannon law, to the expectation whereof as well his first bringing vp, as the desire of his parents would haue destined him. So as Stupice Vicar of the order of the Augustines, who had the charge of the Vniuersitie lately erected at Witemburge in Saxe vpon the Riuer of Albye, made Luther goe thither to reade Diuinitie Lecture: since being returned from Rome, whether in the yeare 1510. his brethren had sent him to sollicite and [Page 21] followe a sute which they had there, hee passed himselfe Doctor at the expences of Duke Frederic of Saxe, elector of th'empire, vnder whome as he seldome employed himselfe but in his studie, and that more then 2. thirds of Christians, with one con­sent approued the faith and catholique Romane religion, the suddaine and vnlooked for accident of generall pardons, occasioned him though vnskilfully, to debate in the beginning, by way of Colledge disputations, some pointes different in Religi­on. Afterwards the fire of an ambitious anger, inflamed by the vndiscreet couetous­nes of certaine Questors, encreased by the iniurious gain-sayinges of such and other his aduersaries, ioyned thereto the zeale which he had to guide the more simple sort, in a way which seemed better vnto him, encouraged him to reforme and in the ende to reiect almost all the doctrine which had beene generally receiued of our fathers, as soone as he saw himselfe excommunicated by the Pope, and banished by the Em­perour Charles the fifth, 1519. See heere the beginning of pardons, and true motife of the Croizade, the fruites whereof at firste being ordained for the defence of the Christian faith and nation, were imployed notwithstanding as you shall perceiue.

Selim King of Turkes, a naturall and ancient enemie to the Christians, had made himselfe in that time so much more dreadfull to them all, as besides the consideration of his new conquests, whereby he had increased the Ottoman empire, he dreamed of nothing more puffed vp by reading of the happy carriages of Alexander the great, then to make the conquest of the worlde more easie to himselfe then the other: for hauing caused Baiazet his Father (who had thought to haue made Acomat his eldest brother King) with Acomat, Corcu his brethren, and all their race to be murthered, Selim King of Turkes dreadfull to his enemies. was halfe perswaded to haue done as much to his owne onely sonne Solyman: he tamed the Aduliens, defeated the Zophy in battaile, took Tauris chiefe Cittie of Per­sia, and parte of the Realme, which being forced to leaue for want of victuall, Selims cruel­tie towards his father, bretheren and race. and turning toward Syria, ouerthrew two Souldanes of Egipt, and after hauing made a cleane end of Mamelus race, principall of the Souldanes, he inuested himselfe in their kingdomes, for gouernement whereof hauing left a Lord in Caire, chiefe Cittie of the Countrie, almost doubled his reuennues, and entertaining armes both by Sea and land, for th'execution of higher intents, made himselfe so horriblye feared of his neighbours, as the lesse assured tooke all paines to animate the rest of the Potentates to oppose themselues against his enterprises: who fearing least the good hap of his so great victories atchieued, would make his hart swell to the aspiring of their ruine, chiefely considering that he so prosperously accompanied his power & valour with a burning desire of making himselfe a Monarque, and by his famous enterprises, his name appeered most glorious to posteritie: determined at the earnest solliciting of the Emperour Maximilian, and Pope Leo, to make the greatest masse of men, ar­mour, and monie, that they were able, to the end they might at least exclude his en­trie into Christendome, if they found not themselues able to perfourm any way his ruyne: imagining that he would attempt Rhodes or Hungarie, if hee ment not to discende into Italye, by the example of Mahomet his Grandfather, Pope Leo en­deuoureth the Christian Princes to en­ter league a­gainst the Turkes. who surprized Otrante with a very smal power which hee sent thither. The Pope then & the whole Court of Rome after certain solemne Processions, in which they went bare-footed, sent briefes to all Princes, to giue them warning of the imminent danger, and to pray them that all their quarrels set aside, they would readily aduise for the defence of Re­ligion and common health, growing so vncertaine, if by a generall force and agree­ment they would not make warre in Turkie, to assaile the enemy in his owne home: whereupon hauing well considered of the estate between the Turks and Christians, [Page 22] it was resolued that the Emperour accompanied with Hungarians, Polonians, and Germanes, shuld set forward through Danube in Bossine, (anciently Misia) to the end to passe into Thracia, and so approch Cōstantinople, the cheefe seate of Ottomans: that the King of Fraunce with the Italians and Zuissers, should passe from the Port of Brundiese into Albanie, How the Christians ar­mie should be bestowed to annoy the Turke. (a very easie and shorte passage) to conquere Greece, which being peopled with Christans, & in generall too rigorously handled by the Turkes, was in a māner readie to reuolte, that the King of Spaines, Portugal & Englands for­ces, ioyned by Sea at Carthage, and hauens thereabouts, should prepare for the straight of Gallipoly to assault Constantinople, after hauing taken the Dardanes, o­therwise the Castles seated at the mouth of the straight, that the Pope should followe from Ancone with one hundred Gallies, and that for the maintenance therof should be made the greatest prouision of monye that was possible, by a voluntary contribu­tion among the Princes, and a forme of Impost free in generall to be gathered tho­roughout Christendome. This act proclaimed vniuersall Truce for fiue yeares tho­roughout Christendome, vnder paines of great censures to the breakers thereof: and to the end that all particulars of greater importance which sprung from so high an af­faire, might be the better resolued of the one side and the other, by the aduise of the Princes Embassadors which were resident about his person, hee sent out men of worth and reputation, (all Cardinals) for his Legates to all Princes. Now albeit this beginning had bred in the hart of euery one, a great hope of a laudable conduct and mo [...] happy end to ensue the whole plat, yea after the Truce was accepted of among them, which shewed themselues with great vaunts and mighty words, ready for the execution of such an enterprise, yet each one finding very vneasie the conduct of a matter so greatly important, the euent vncertaine, farre distance, and more appertay­ning to the estates of the one then the other, and which asked a farre longer time to compasse among themselues so vniuersall an vnion and affection, as was requisite to this action, Christian Princes rather respected their perticu­lar, then the common cause. the priuate interests and commodities cleane carried away the considera­tion of the publique. In such sorte that these practises were not onely not brought to any assured hope of to come, but were handled lightly, and almost in a kinde of ce­remonie, each one to acquite himselfe so of his duetie: according to the nature of men to whom things in the beginning seeming most terrible, doe so diminish day by day, and vanish by little and little in such sorte, that without a chaunce of new acci­dents which may renew their feare, they yeelde themselues but too soone assured of what may afterwards betide them: so as this negligence of the publique cause, & im­moderate affection of some particular, was the more confirmed by the death of Se­lim, Selim dieth, Soliman suc­ceedeth. (whose long sicknes had delaied, and his death after cleane broken the preparati­ons of the warre) who left so great an Empire to his sonne Soliman, yong of age, but accounted of a milde spirite and little courage, (though his effectes after shewed the contrary) that the Christians not esteeming him borne for armes, soone enough fre­ed themselues of the feare which they had had of the actions passed. Notwithstan­ding before the death of Selim, and during the occasions as yet they had to feare the Turke, the Emperour assigned a day at Ausbourge, whether all the Princes christned were summoned to answere. And to that end Pope Leo sent his Bulls of great par­dons throughout all Christendome, with promise of remission of sinnes, and king­dom of heauen, to all such as would help the Church with a certain summe of mo­nie: and as well to aduance forward his Indulgences, as to animate the Christians to this warre, he dispatched Thomas Caietan his Legate into Germanie. Heereupon the quicke and prompt spirite of Luther, who as the most renowmed of his owne pro­fession [Page 23] had already read many sortes of Bookes, in the most famous Vniuersitie of Germanye, found the preachinges and cariadges of these Questors very strange. Afterwards comming to doubt of the vertue of pardons, because hee saide that hee neuer remembred he found in his bookes that one ought to make traffique of the sinnes of men; and least that they could be redeemed with any monie, but the bloud of Christ, since that the Cannon did teach sinnes could not be remitted by pardons, no more then that the Preachers ought to sell license, to eate Egges, Milke, Flesh, and Cheese, vpon daies forbidden, promising besides to forgiue all sinnes, The palore­piscopal man­tle, how made and giuen by Popes. how great soe­uer, yea and to come, sent out his letters in October 1517. to certaine Prelates of Germany, praying them to take order therein, to refourme the preachinges and im­printed bookes of those Questors: and since sent ninety fiue propositions (a little be­fore published at Witemburge in manner of a scholasticall desputation) of Purgato­ry, Penance, duetie of Charitie, Indulgences and pardons, to search out, saide hee, the truth, and not to resolue: protesting that he would affirme nothing therein, but sub­mit all to the iudgement of the holy Church. Now he first addressed himselfe to the Archbishop of Mayence for the reasons which ensue. Albert of Brandebourge ha­uing bene lately by Pope Leo created Archbishop of Mayence, seeing that the Chap­tre and Cannons excused themselues by reason of their former charges, not to bee able to furnish him with monye to buye his Made of the wool of two white Mat­tons, set vpon the Aulter in S. Agnes Church, while Agnus Dei is sung vpon that ho­ly day, and af­terwards giuē to the Sub­deacons of S. Peters, who shere them at shering time, and of the yarne which cōmeth from them among other, maketh a mantle three fingers broad, & rea­ching from the shoulders to the calfe of the leg with little knobs of lead at the skirts, from thence laide vpon the corps of S. Pe­ter & S Paul, with certaine praiers, and kept there one night, with great ce­remony, after deliuered to him that must haue it, and is only for Archbi­shops. Episcopall mantle, which will cost aboue thirtye thousand Crownes, before it bee brought home, found meanes by accorde with the Pope, to sende Iohn Tekel a Iacobin, to preach pardons (alrea­dye published else where) throughout all his Diocesse, and to set forth their vertue to all such as would disburse monye, with charge that halfe the gaine should returne to Rome, for the building vp of the Church of S. Peter, for in as much as the Foucres of Germanie had imprest their monie, there could not be a better meanes then this found to repaire them. Such was the first, howsoeuer the most apparant beginning of our euils, drawne from a thrid of wooll, which since hath been by so many people, in so many places, and so strongly winded and writhed, as many millions of men haue bene thereby hanged and strangled. Now beit for feare of censures, or thunder of ex­communication, which these Questors caried about with them, no man durst lifte vp his head to bande against them but Luther: many Diuines and Lawyers, to apease the murmures & shut his mouth, began to inueigh against him by a form of answer to his solate and hardye propositions: among the rest Iohn Tekel published certaine theames cleane contrary, at Frankfort on the Viadre, in the seignorie of Brandebour­ghe, praising therein aboue all, the authoritie of the Pope, the profit of pardons, and the woodden Crosse, which the Pope had caused to be set vp in all Temples, compa­ring it to Iesus Christ, as Leo to S. Peter: whereupon Luther taking occasion to manifest himselfe, sent the explication of his owne to sundry, and euen to Leo himselfe, in Iune 1518. declaring vnto him what follies his Questors had taught, and their pickerie of the simplier people, trusting vpon or abusing his authoritie, and for that hee doubted he might be accused towards him, he besought him to giue no credit to their calum­nies, considering that Frederick the Elector, the vniuersitie of Wittenberge, nor so ma­ny other would haue approued his actions if there had bene any impiety in them: In summe, hee submitted his writinges, his life, and his health to his good pleasure, ac­counting whatsoeuer should proceede from him as from Christ, not refusing to haue his head strooke of if he would so ordaine it. Hereupon Iohn Eccius a Diuine, published to the contrary a Booke, entituled Les Effaceurs, to cote the faultes of Lu­thers writings. But he that most of all animated him, was Siluestre Prieras, Iacobin ma­ster [Page 24] of S. Pallaies, by a booke, where hauing set downe the Pope aboue the Coun­cell, yea and the scripture it selfe, which said he had no vertue and authoritie but from the Church and Pope of Rome, hee seemed to take occasion to digresse vpon the great vertue of Indulgences, for Luther setting himselfe to answere it, said that it was a booke so full of horrible lyes and blasphemies against the diuine name, that there is great apparence that Sathan was the very author: that if the Pope (saith he) and his Cardinals be of the same opinion, and if the like be helde and taught at Rome, there is no doubt but that it is the true seate of Antechrist: wherefore Greece and Bohe­mia were most happie that were seperated from it, and those contrariwise miserable that helde neuer so little thereof: if then the Pope would not represse this Prieras, if he made him not vnsay it, he protested that hee would be at discorde with him, and that he would be so far from acknowledging the Church of Rome for a true church, that he would contrariwise holde her for a taste of all villanie, and for a place vowed to all impiety: vpon this difference heated by Siluestre, he made him be cited to Rome, to come and defend his propositions: Leo commaunded Caietan rather by force of th'emperour to bring him to Ausbourghe, and from thence to Rome, commaunding all men to obey this commaundement, on paine of infamie and losse of goods: yea giuing entire absolution of all sinnes, to such as would imploy themselues to the exe­cution thereof as abouesaide: and praying Frederic not to fauour him, but to send him away with speede, promising to send him back againe, if hee were not found cul­pable: he warned also that Gabriel a Venetian, great Vicar of the Iacobins, that hee should not suffer him to teach, and earnestly sollicited him by letters and messages, for by extreame diligence (said he) the fire alreadye kindled must bee quenched. As things newly sprung vp cannot cary any great force, but if by delay a mischiefe be suf­fered to grow stronger, it is to be feared, that afterwards it may grow vncurable, con­sidering that day by day the euill encreased, in which nothing is more to be shunned then delay: Luther would not goe thither, saying that the place stood very suspitious and dangerous for him, but sollicited to haue the cause debated in some free place of Germany. The vniuersitie of Witemberg wrote in his fauour to Pope Leo, to whom hauing protested that he would neither think nor speake against the faith receaued in the holy Sea, Luther appe­reth before Caietan the Popes Legat. gaue notwithstanding attestation of his good life and better doctrine, and besought him to ordaine indifferent Iudges in Germanie: Frederic in the end dealt so farre with Caietan, that by the safe conduct of the Emperour, hee should be admitted to defende his cause at Ausbourghe before him, without going at all to Rome: who set before him that hee should repent himselfe by acknowledging of his errour, and that hee should no more wright ought which might trouble the peace of the Church: for the first, he said he could not acknowledge that he had failed, but for the second he would obey it. But Caietan telling him that he did not esteem so highly of the Popes authoritie as he ought, & that in his propositions he should say the me­rites of Christ were not the treasure of Indulgences, (contrarye to the decree of Cle­ment the sixth) and that faith is necessary to such as would receiue the holy Sacramēt, in sorte that they assured themselues their sinnes wer pardoned; It is false (said he) be­fore diuers witnesses, one Notaire, and foure Councellers of the Emperours: & pro­tested that he had euer honoured & reuerenced the Church of Rome, and that if he had said ought repugnant thereunto, he would not abide by it: but in that hee was vrged to renounce his errour, hee said hee did not think that euer hee spake any thing contrary to the scripture, opinion of ancient fathers, decree of Popes, or the right rea­son it selfe. Notwithstanding for that he confessed he might faile, a matter naturall to [Page 25] man, hee submitted himself to the knowledge of the holy church, & refused not that the vniuersities of Germany and Paris should yeeld their opinion, requiring then that the knowledge of the fact might bee sent to the Pope, nothing being able to come more pleasing vnto him, then to haue the voice of the Church vpon the same: he ac­knowledged how he had bene too bitter and lesse reuerent towards his dignitie, but the faulte was to be laide vpon th'importunitye of the Questors, and praied that hee might be pardoned, promising euer after greater modesty, and that euen in his prea­chings he would content the Pope, and would speake no more of pardons, if they would likewise shut vp the mouthes of his aduersaries: Luther apea­leth from Ca­ietan. wherupon seeing that Caietan pressed him so sore to recant, otherwise threatned him with paines ordained by the Pope, and excōmunication if he repented not, he was coūcelled to appeal from him to the Pope. The appeale contained that the question of Pardons had bene disputed by many, and yet neuer certainly determined; & that in such questions it was lawful especially for Diuines to dispute, the which he the rather did, by reason of so sottish Questors, as exacted the people in so many kinde of sorts, and yet not to affirme any thing therin, but the better to know the truth, leauing the whole to the iudgment of the most learned & Leo himself. Notwithstanding by the aduise of the B. of Scoli and Prieras his Iudges established by the Pope, he had bene cited to Rome, & from thēce the cause sent back to Caietan, whom as suspected he might well haue refused, yet for all that he rendred all obedience, but seeing himselfe still pressed to recant, threatned with great paines, yea and ready to haue had worse, greeued with such preiudicies, The founda­tion of par­dons and In­dulgences. hee appealed from an ill informed Pope to a Pope better councelled. The decree of Clement which hee so vrged, is in the extrauagants of the Cannon, where spea­king of the benefite of Christ, he saith that one droppe of his bloud was sufficient to haue redeemed mankinde, but so much being shedde as nothing whole and entyre rested behinde, it was lefte for a great treasure to the vse of the Church, commaunding Peter and his successors to distribute the same as good Stewardes, to such as should be truely repentant, and confesse their sinnes, in pardoning them such temporall paines as were due vnto their sinnes, adding thereunto the merittes of the Virgin and other Saintes, so as this treasure could not be drawen d [...]ye. Now as hee founded the vertue of pardons vpon this decree, Luther on the other side maintained that there was nothing committed to Saint Peter and his successors but the Keyes and administration of the word, by which Christ would that in a full affi­ance in him they should pronounce remission of sinnes to the beleeuers: and if that the decree did agree with so true a sence of the Scripture it was then good, if other­wise, false: besides that the merittes of Saintes were cleane repugnant to the word, for what men soeuer they be, they doe neuer more then they ought, nay they ne­uer come neere their dutie, and therefore not saued but by the meere mercie of God. As touching that councel which approued the souerainty of Popes to be aboue coū ­cels, see what it is in the 4. & 5. session of the councell of Constance, as in sundry other, it was ordained that the Pope should obey the ordinances of the councell, and ratifi­ed in the 3. and 8. session of that of Basle, but Eugene 4. not willing to be present at that of Basle, as much as he was thither cited, declaring it of no force, assigned another at Ferrara 1438. from Ferrara they went to Florence, where the Popes soueraigntye was established aboue the Church and all Christians, whereas Luther referred himselfe to the Vniuersitie of Paris, it was for that Gerson a Doctor in Diuinity, much renowned at Paris, hauing bene at the councell of Constance, sent thether among others by the v­niuersitie, and hauing greatlye allowed that decree by which the Pope was made in [Page 26] subiection, he therin was followed by them of Paris, and a number of others, he died 1429. And before that Luther had euer put any thing in light, that Vniuersitie had ap­pealed from Pope Leo to a Councell, because that he with Frauncis the first had aboli­shed La Pragmatique Sanction, verye profitable for Schollers, to whome it opened the doore of offices, charges and honors throughout the whole Realme.

Now as since vpon Leo his sending to Frederic, Charles Miltit a Germane his groom of his Chamber, with letters to sundry other to cause them to abandon Luther, and Miltit seeing of him more supported, had found sundrye meanes to appease him, and reconcile himselfe to Leo, Luther eager against the Court of Rome. had not the disputation of Eccius at Lipse against Lu­ther, which hee grounded vpon the difference of the Popes supremacie, cleane da­shed all these hopes: for Luther not able to leaue his eagernesse against the Courte of Rome, proffered greater iniuries then euer, tearming it more wicked and cor­rupt then Babilon or Sodome, that she was the sincke of impiety, to wich nought could be added, and that Antechrist put therto his helping hand: saying that he great­ly greeued that Leo did remain among them like a Lambe among wolues. S. Bernard, quoth he, lamented the estate of Pope Eugene, when as Rome was lesse filthye: but now that she is the receate and bottomles gulfe of all villanies, there is much more reason to bewaile her: further he besought by letters the new Emperour Charles the fift, as a puissance established by God, to render iustice, and to supporte the weake a­gainst the iniurie of the more mighty, that he would protect him, considering that he wrote nothing but by constraint of his aduersaries, and what was approued by the best men of knowledge in all Germany: ioyned withall that he offred to recant, if his errors might be proued: he professed as much before the Electors, the B. of Magde­bourg and others. In summe all the Princes lightly regarded it saue Frederic, who in the ende flatlye refused to send him to Rome, and lesse to punish him. Now Frederic standing in much awe of the Pope, and yet carying some affection to Luther, for that he saw him so much profite his Subiectes and other of his Vniuersitie, was very de­sirous that this difference might haue bene passed ouer with meekenes, without dis­pleasing the one side or the other: but being sollicited on both partes, in the end hee resolued to behaue himselfe according to the aduise of the most sufficientest persona­ges of all his Countrie: therefore not attributing so great authoritie to himselfe, as to be able alone to iudge of this doctrine, hee demaunded the opinion of sundry aged and learned men: yea oft of such Princes, Lords, and Gentlemen as were of his ac­quaintance: Among other hee would needs heare Erasmus speake at a Diette which the Emperour Charles the fift helde in the Cittie of Cologne, after his coronation: causing him then to come vnto him, hee declared amiably, that amidst all these de­bates, hee had rather the earth should open and swallowe him vp quicke, then cleaue to any false opinions, or fauour them the least that might be, against the generall ap­proued doctrine: but that if Luther iustly taxed the errors, and set forth the springes of a more pure doctrine, he would neuer contrary the truth, what euil soeuer should befall him or his, as hee foresawe it, that hee would not too much stick to his own aduise, Erasmus his opinion of Luther. but desired to vnderstand the minde of the more learned, coniuring Erasmus freelye to deliuer vnto him his opinion. Who beginning his speech with a kinde of smyling, saying that Luther had committed two great faults: first in touching the bel­lye of the Monkes, next the crowne of the Pope, then comming to the matter, confessed that Luther had great cause to taxe certaine errors, considering that faults in the Church, encreasing by as naturall a corruption as diseases did in mans bo­dye, reformation then was, and all times had beene necessarye in the Church, [Page 27] but that it ought to be handled with discretion, without difiorming the Church, no more then mans bodie, to restore it to health. He added likewise that the summarye of Luthers doctrine was true, but that hee could haue wished a greater temperance and modesty in the proceeding thereof: Laurence Bishop of Virtzbourge, wrote the very same to th'elector Frederic, Luther con­demned by Pope Leo. affirming he had taken the opinion of many learned men therin, so as Frederic perswaded by the authoritie of such and like personages of valew, made afterwards no difficultie in maintayning Luther against the Church­men. About the sixt of Iulye 1520. Pope Leo hauing called together the Senate, the Colledge of Cardinalles, and a number of learned men as hee affirmed in his Letters to Frederic, sent euery where his Bull out, in which after alleadging cer­taine textes of Scripture fit for his purpose, I pray Christ, saith hee, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and all the hee and she Saintes of Paradise, to turne away such danger from the Church, as Luthers writinges might bring, afterwardes reciting certaine articles drawne out of his doctrine, hee reproued them, commaunding all Magi­strates and other to shunne it, vnder a paine set downe to euery one according to his qualitie, as a thing repugnant to Christian charitie, and to the reuerence which all men ought to beare towards the Sea of Rome: further willing that such books of Luther as contained like doctrine, should be publiquely burned: commaunding him to meddle no more with teaching; to whome he gaue threescore dayes to re­forme himselfe, abolish his bookes, and publiquely recant his doctrine, otherwise hee abandoned him as an Heretique and excommunicate person, and willed hee should be punished according to the lawes: forbidding all men to haunt him, com­prehending vnder the same lawe all such as should doe the contrarye. But he stan­ding aduertised of his condemnation at Rome, repealed his appeale the seuen­teenth of Nouember 1520. and more crossely then euer maintained the Pope to persist in his tiranny and impietie: as being so farre out of the way, as to haue con­demned him, without calling him, hearing him or conuicting him of any errour; his appeale grounded vpon many points: First, for that without hauing heard the matter, and without being conuicted, hee condemned him at his pleasure. Second­ly, that hee commaunded him to reiect all faith necessary to the Sacraments. Third­ly, that hee preferred his owne opinions and rauinges before the Scriptures, and that hee referred nothing to any councell, which hee offred to approue whensoe­uer it pleased his superiours. Then hee besought the Emperour and the rest of the Magistrates, that for the honor of God and defence of a Councels libertye, Luther ap­pealed againe from the Pope. they would receaue his appeale, that they would bridle the tirannie of the Pope, that they would not account his Bul any manner of way able to touch thē, and that they would innouate nothing, vntill the cause might be worthely pleaded: for all this notwhithstanding the Pope vrged Frederic to burn all his Books, and that he should either cut of his head, or making him Prisonner deliuer him vp to be punnished in example. Frederic praied him not to proceede so eagerlye, but to choose good and skilfull Personages, to confer of the whole matter amyablye to giue sure safe-conduct to Luther, and that his bookes might not bee burned before hee had defended his cause, then if he were conuicted by sure testimonies of the scripture, he would not approue his enterprise, albeit that alreadye hee consented not to his doc­trine, and though he should not be able to maintain his fact, yet hee hoped the Pope would not require at his hands a matter which he could not performe: for the rest he hoped (by Gods assistance) to fulfill the office of a Prince of th'empire and of an obe­dient Sonne to the Church.

[Page 28]To which the deputies of Leo hauing in vaine replyed, the end of the conference was that necessity pressed them to do according to the contents of the Popes Bull, wher­fore anon after they burned Luthers bookes: then began he much more eagerlye to goe to worke, Luther pub­liquely bur­neth the can­non law and Popes Bull. for being aduertised of all this passed, hee assembled together all his schollers of Witemberge, and in the presence of many learned personages, hee pub­liquely burned the Cannon law, togither with the Popes new Bull, the 10. of Decem­ber. Afterwards to render reason of his exploite he alleadged these: First, that it was an ancient custome to fling corrupt bookes into the fire, as it is seen in the Acts of the Apostles: besides, it is his part which is baptized into Christ, which is a professor and publique teacher of the Scriptures, to combat against false doctrine, and propose that which is wholsome for mankinde; as touching the Pope and his sequel, they are so miserable and accursed, that they doe not onely withstand the holy ordinances, but condemne the doctrine of Christ and his Apostles, to make their owne shine for the brighter: from thēceforth he imploied himselfe euer after to write against the exces­siue abuses and mischiefes, which hee said was in the Court and doctrine of Rome, as others on the other side very bitterly maintained the contrary, each with many iniu­ries and reciprocall inuectiues far vnworthy of Christians. So as a certaine desire of honor, stirred vp by a dutie to the explaining, according to his charge of the holye scripture, made him become so resolute and stubborne, by the peeuish thwarts of his aduersaries, that then he became open banker out to the catholicke and romain doc­trine, so as hauing bene summoned to the Diet of Wormes, whither he had the Em­perours safe-conduct, to render an account of his faith, there to be punished or iusti­fied according as he should maintaine; he said frankely the 18. of April 1521. that he would not recant one inch, except lawfully they made the contrary to appeare vnto him, being the cause that the Emperour on the next morrowe sent his letters to the assemblye of Princes, in which hee contained that his ancestors who had made pro­fession of Christian Religion, had euer obeyed the Church of Rome: now since Luther oppugned the same, his dutye was to followe the steppes of his Prede­cessors, and to defende Christian Religion, in succouring the Church of Rome: wherefore hee determined to banishe Luther and his Adherents, and vse other re­medies fit for the quenching of this fire: but because of his faith, which he had pligh­ted, hee would send him home safe. The 24. of Aprill the Archbishop of Treuues, and other of the Lords called him to them, where after hauing wished him to re­cant, or at the least submit his writinges to the iudgement of the Emperour, and of the councell of the Princes and generall councell to come: hee would not in any case but that all should be resolued by the authoritie of the holy scripture, which Ec­cius the Lawyer and others saide was not reasonable, considering the diuers sence of Scripture, which euery man interpreteth after his owne fansie: and that further, by this meanes should neuer any thing be sure or clearely determined, that it was not to be suffered that euery man should aske a reason of euery point, as of a matter im­possible in nature. Breefe, that since it was not a thing reasonable, to dispute a matter alreadye resolued or condemned by the Church, men ought simply and absolutely to holde that doctrine which their good Fathers had left vnto them. In summe Charles the 5. of the age of one & twenty yeares, Luther bani­shed by Charls his letters pat­tents at Wormes. banished him the eight of May 1521. by his Letters Pattentes, by which considering it was his duetye to take order that no filthe should enter into the Empire, by the example of his Predecessors; hee assembled all the Princes and States of the Empire at Wormes, where hee communycated the matter of Luther, and diligentlye examyned it. [Page 29] Now albeit the lawes forbid to heare a manifest heretique, so many times condem­ned and seperated from the communion of the Church, yet to stop the passage to all calumnie, he sent him a letter and dispatched his Herald with safe conduct, to cause him to come vnto him and render account of his writings: afterwardes hauing reci­ted the propositions, desseines, Luthers answeres and all that had passed at Wormes, he said that in case Luther did still defend his errors, and wilfully perseuere in them, he ap­proued the Popes bul, and to witnes that he would maintain it, he cōdemned and ba­nished Luther as an author of schism, and an obstinate heretique, cōmanding al men to hold him for such: and after 21. daies which he gaue him of fauour to reclaim himself he charged euery man with all force to endeuour to take him and deliuer him vp in­to his hands: he banished also all such as any manner of way whatsoeuer fauoured him, enioyning his bookes to be vtterly abolished, with great paines from thence for­ward for any booke-binders that should sell any of them; and ordained that his decree made in the councell of the Princes and all the estates should remaine for euer in­uiolable.

Luther then much spiting at his hauing beene thus condemned, and his bookes burnt by the Deuines of Cologne and Louaine, after 1521. by those of Paris, was at Rome giuen vp to the Diuell, the 28. of March 1521. by the Pope, togither with all heretiques, Pyrates, Imposers of new tributes, falsefiers of Buls, Marchants furni­shing the enemies of the faith with weapons, or other thinges forbidden, Massacrers, possessors by violence, & other which they are accustomed to condemn & curse the Maundy Thursday before Easter, in the Bull which they call In caena Domini: After­wards banished by the Emperour in a generall assemblie of the Princes of th'empire: you may not doubt if he were then put into a heate to skirmish more eagerly then e­uer he did, so as that being published throughout, and otherwise pricked forward by the threates and outragious speeches of Cardinall S. Kiste and other his aduersaries, and besides seeing himselfe supported as wel by Frederic Duke of Saxe his Mecenas, as many other Lords, gentlemen, and great personages, attempted (a matter which ne­uer before he durst so much as haue dreamed of) cleane to abolish the Masse by his writings which he published, to that end at Witemberg. First with Frederic whom by little & little he gained as well by his own arguments, as by the authoritie of Philip de Melancthon, a professor at Witemberge, The Masse first aboli­shed in Ger­many. Iustus Ionas and other to whom this Prince had giuen in charge, to examine the consequēce of so notable a change, afterwards in ma­ny places of Germany, so as leauing that feare which had as it were before bound him fast with the chaines of modesty, he durst then make open warre against the Pope and all other that would maintaine his doctrine, by the same weapons thēselues vsed, be­ginning to effectuate the Prophecie which he turned to himselfe, of Iohn Hus & Hie­rosme of Prague. The Bohemians to witnes the great displeasure which they concea­ued at those mens deaths at Constance, caused peeces of mony to be coyned which they called Hussites, about which were engrauen those words which he vttered at his departure. After one hundred yeares ye shal answere God and me. As if knowing they shuld liue no longer, he would haue said that the Iudges shuld thē come before the throne of God to render an accompt of their act. But Luther interpreting it to himself in his commentaries vpon Daniel, taketh it for a certain prophecie that Iohn Hus should be the fore-runner of his reformation, bringing in Iohn Hus, as if he should say, Iohn Hus prophecieth of Luther. they shall roast the Goose, (for Hus is as much to say as a Goose, in the Bohemian tongue) but they shall not roast the Swan which will come after me. Indeede hee was burned 1414. and the differēce moued by Luther vpon the pardons began 1517. Among the cheefest of his [Page 30] aduersaries which openly declared themselues Henry 8. K. of England, presented himselfe, who aboue all the rest disalowed his iudgement vpon the Indulgences, defen­ding the opinion and power of the Pope: thence he proceeded vtterly to condemne by a book dedicated to that end, all the disputation of the Sacraments of the church, taking his argument to write vpon the Captiuity of Babilon caused by Luther: who thereunto answered very bitterlye, not sticking to declare vnto him that hee made no account of the dignitie or magnificent apparance of any person. Pope Lea receaued hereat so great contentment, that he gaue vnto him the title of Defendor of the faith, and afterwards 1524. Clement 7. of Medices, sent vnto him a Rose of golde, which he had consecrated three moneths before Easter.

The Empe­rour visiteth in person the K. of Eng­land.Hereupon the Emperour being embarqued to passe out of Germany into Spaine, where certain seditions were stirred vp, in his way visited the K. of England, to whom the better to assure himselfe of him against the K. of Fraunce, he promised the 13. of Iune 1522. at Windsor vpon the Thames beyond London, to pay annually one hun­dred thirtie and three thousand crownes, which the french yearlye did owe vnto the English. And for a greater alliance it was agreed that in time and place the Emperour should take in marriage Mary, daughter to K. Henry then of the age of seauen yeares, and that if this accord helde not, he should pay foure hundred thousand Crownes.

Luthers doctrine in the meane season dispersed throughout Germany, profited in many places, Images bro­ken downe in Germanie. so farre as his Disciples in their abundance not content to goe any more to the Masse, egged the people to the plucking downe of Images, and cheefely Andre Carolastade, for which act being misliked by the Vniuersitie of Witemberg, they cō ­demned this attempt, shewing that it was not the way wherin they ought to proceed but before all to pull out the Images of the spirite, and to teach the people that onely through faith we please God, Luther misli­keth the brea­king of Ima­ges by the people. and that Images serued to no end, which being beaten downe in the spirite, and men well taught, the corporall Images would soone fall downe of themselues: not for any mislike they had to haue them cleane taken away, but that it ought to be done by the hand of the Magistrate: for it was not permitted to euery man to do according vnto his fancy. Shortly after 1523. 1524. Zuinglius did as much at Zurich in Suizerland, and many other Cantons in like time followed after. In summe that a man cannot tell how lightly, how secretly, and in what a short space this doctrine crept into the harts and braines of many thousands of Christians, especi­ally then when euery one saw that Leo had not imployed any parte of the great masse of monie come of his pardons against the Turke, who in the meane time had ruyned Hungarie, attempted vpon Bohemia, taken Rhodes, and done a thousand mischiefes against the Christians, albeit that the Pope, the Emperour, the Ecclesiasticall Princes and others, had flung all the stones they could to the contrarye, euen causing the E­dict and decree of Wormes to be obserued against Luther and his doctrine, the which was notwithstanding hindred as well by the reformed Princes and their partakers, as by the writings and ancient arguments of Luther and his companions, so as there is no maruell if the people, Leo 10. dieth, Adrian 6. suc­ceedeth. and aboue all the comminalty of townes, not finding their passions staied by any lawes or pollitique ordinances, licenced themselues to growe more wilfull in their impressions then euer.

Leo being departed, whose Father was Laurence, and Cosme his Grandfather, who had enobled and exalted the familie of Medices: Adrian the 6. of Vtrech in Holland, succeeded him 1521. as well in the dignitie, as hate and bitter pursuite against Luther: and the Churchmen seeing the protection which many Princes gained by little and little, thorough his doctrine, gaue to Luther least any should attempt against his per­son, [Page 31] turning the effect of their hatred vpon his disciplines, gaue a beginning to most cruell and continuall persecutions of the euill affected towards the faith. Now as the seede of this reformation was taken out of the conuent of Augustines, so did they make seene the first treates of their bitter punishments vpon Iohn and Henry, Augustine Fri­ers of Brusselles, who after many disputations with Iaques Hocstrat, the Inquisitor a Ia­cobin, hauing bene deposed of the priestly order, disgraded of the lesser orders, Adrian dieth, Clement 7 de Medices suc­ceedeth. clad with laye and prophane habites, after deliuered vp to the secular Iustice, were burned aliue the first of Iuly 1523. Hereupon Adrian died the 13. of September 1523. to whome Clement of Medices 7. succeeded, vnder whome the doctrine of Luther began to creepe in amidst the French: among whom albeit couertly and secretly the Lutheranes were soone enough suspected and known: afterwards examined of their faith, were very often pursued by the Clergie, so as the French army being broken vp, and the King taken before Pauie by Fernand Daual Marquisse of Pescaire, Charles of Bourbon, and Charles De Launoy Viceroy of Naples, 14. of Februarie 1525. who ca­ried him prisoner into Spaine, his mother Loyse regent in his absence, desiring in this so great an affliction, to entertaine the good fauour of Christian Princes, especially of the Pope, besides the good affection and singular reuerence which by her letters shee protested to carrie towards the Church of Rome, Letters from the Pope to the Parliament of Paris demaunded at their hands succour against such an accident, and Councell how shee might staie the course of heresies, which were already hatched thorough out the whole Realme. Then Clement the se­uenth besides his priuate letters full of hope and comfort, signified from Rome the 20. of March 1525. to the Parliament of Paris, that he had vnderstoode by letters from the regent, how those wicked heresies began to slide thorough the whole Realme; and whom by great prudence and good aduise, they had deputed certaine, to whom they gaue charge to see the punishment of such as stroue to abolish the faith and aun­cient Religion: whom so deputed he confirmed by his owne authoritie. It is neces­sarie, saith he, that against this great and maruailous disorder, sprong from the malice of Satan, and the rage and impietie of his supporters, the whole world should bend their forces, to preserue the common health: considering that this forcenerie woulde not onely confound and broyle Religion, but also, all principalitie, Nobility, lawes, orders and degrees. For his owne parte he would neither spare any diligence or labor, to remedie such an inconuenience: that they in like sorte whose prudence and vertue hath euery where beene highly renowned, ought to employ themselues to the pre­seruing of the true and right faith: And moreouer, that to the end the weale of their Realme, and dignitie of their estate should be exempt, from the perill and domesti­call misteries which this pernitious and pestilent heresie sowed round about, they needed not to bee pricked forwards, considering how great testimonie of their pru­dence they had already yeelded; yet to make his dutie appeare, and shew the good will which he bore vnto them he would doe no lesse then adde this. For that which they hetherto had done, was most agreeable vnto him, and was the cause why he ex­horted them, from thence forth to keep good watch against so mischieuous a plague of heretiques, for the honour of God and safetie of the Realme. In some hee assured them that this their diligence should bee greatly acceptable to God and worthy of much praise before men, that he in like sorte would set to his helping hand, and giue vnto them aide and all possible fauour.

Vpon this then the Diuines of Paris, during the imprisonment of King Francis the first tormented greatly among other, Iacques Le Feure of Estaples, King Francis writeth in the behalfe of Iacques Faber who hath left be­hinde him many bookes in Philosophie, and Diuinitie. In sort that hee was enforced [Page 32] to retire out of Fraunce. The King aduertised hereof especially by the recommenda­tion of his sister Marguerite, who greatly fauoured Le Feure for his vertue, sent letters to the Parliament of Paris, in which he signified how hee had beene giuen to vnder­stand, that they had indited Iacques De Feure, and sundry other of excellent knowledge before them at the pursute of the Diuines who deepely hated Le Feure, for euen be­fore his departure out of France, some of that facultie had highly accused him before himselfe, but wrongfully and without cause. That if it had beene so, saith he, he gaue charge to the greatest personages and most notable in all erudition to canuisse out his bookes and writings wherewith he was charged, which they diligently executing, & euery thing thoroughly examined, a most ample and honorable testimonie was deli­uered vnto him touching the said Feure, considering then that the truth is such as hee did afterwards vnderstand: that he was highly esteemed among the Italians and Spa­niards for his doctrine and vertue, he would stand maruailously discontented, if they should offer any iniurie, or put in any danger so innocent a person. And for that, at that instant he ment to haue iustice more rightly & rigorously administred thorough­out his Realme then before; as also for that he resolued to shew all fauour and amitie towards learned men, to that end hee commaunded that if they had put any men of knowledge in question since his departure, that it should be suspended by his mother the regent to the end he might be aduertised by her, and that they should therein at­tend his intention and good pleasure: In the meane time not to proceede any further: but surcease vntill his returne, which he hoped would be shortly by the grace of God, or vntill that he or his mother should bee otherwise aduised. These letters were dis­patched to goe from Madrila Cittie in Spaine the 12. of Nouember, and presented vnto the Parliament of Paris the 28. of the same month.

League be­tweene the regent and Henrie the 8. King of Eng­land. Loyse shortly after seeing that she was not able to winde the Emperour to such an accord as shee desired for the deliuerie of her sonne, made alliance with Henrie the 8. King of England, about the end of August 1525. The first Article purported that they should imploy them selues to the repelling of the Turkes strength and courses, together with the pestiferous sect of Luther, no lesse dangerous then the Turkes. Now as the Emperour, perceiuing the King to grow verie sicke in respect the preten­ded accord could take no good effect, feared least by the encreasing of his sicknesse he might loose thorough a suddain death, so certaine aduantages as presented themselues he went to see him at Madril, comforted him and put him in better hope then euer. In the end the 14. of Ianuarie 1526. the treatie was concluded. Among the Articles whereof, it was specially set down that the Emperours and Kings principall end was to haue the enemies of the faith and heresies of the Lutherans cleane rooted out: And that a peace being concluded between them, Peace conclu­ded between the Emperor Charles and Francis y ^e first they should settle the common wealth, and vndertake a warre against the Turkes, and heretiques excommunicate, and cut off from the communion of the Church. A matter aboue al most necessarie, and to which the Pope had often dealt and sollicited them to become watchfull. To satisfie then his good pleasure, they resolued to beseech him to commaunde Embassadours from all Kinges and Princes, to meete at a day in some certaine place, with generall charge and commission, to aduise how they might well make a war against the Turke and defeate the heretiques enemies of the Church, that the Pope would permit eue­rie Prince according to custome, to leauie money in his owne Countrie, for so holy and charitable a worke: and also suffer them to leauie some dismes vpon the Clear­gie. In somme the Princes prepared themselues of all handes to feast well the Lu­therans.

[Page 33]Their number increased notwithstanding from day to day: Suissers refor­med. especially after the dis­putation at Berne, whether many of the Zuisser Cantons sent of their people to aun­swere, Zuinglius, Oecolampadius, Bucer, Capito, Blaurer and other. The conclusion there­of was made the 25. of Ianuarie 1528, at such time as the Articles published by them were approued by the voice of the greater part, and put in practise by the authoritie of the Magistrate as well at Berne, as sundry other places adioyning: the Masse, Aul­ters and Images being cleane put downe. They of Constance had alreadie made a be­ginning vnder Ambrose Blaurer: But after this disputation they did as the Bernois, and they of Basle likewise in the beginning of Februarie 1529. Those of Geneue did in like sort, by reason whereof the Bishop and Cleargie standing terribly anangred, quitted the town 1528. Whether many French men persecuted for their conscience, Geneue a first retreate to French Lu­therans. beganne as then to retire. But in Germanie the Lutherans helde vp their heade, fearing nothing but the Emperour and some few other, against whose enterprises they began already to league them selues. Now whereas the Emperour had assigned a day at Spire, to resolue there of the matter of Religion, of the decree of Wormes, and warre against the Turke, it was agreed that they should attend a generall Coun­cell: and that for the decree of Wormes euery man shoulde in the meane time so go­uerne himselfe in his Religion, without altering ought in any sort, The decree of Spire permit­ted euerie mā to maintaine his Religion without al­teration. as he might bee a­ble to render a good account to God and the Emperour. Before this decree 1526, the Prince of Saxe and the Landgraue, called vnto thē the deputies of Strasbourgh, Noremberg, Ausbourgh, and others to whome they deliuered, that by reason they saw the Bishops and other Papistes machinate some thing against them, for cause of their Religion, it were good to practise some league and alliance, to the end that if a­ny should be in perill for this profession, he might be succored of the rest: but there was nothing as then concluded, sauing that the deputies hauing receiued no charge thereto, demaunded a time to communicate thereof. Now as afterwards in March 1529 they repeated in the selfe same assemblie at Spire, what had beene concluded touching the decree of Wormes, The begin­ning of the league of Smalcade a­mong the Protestants. and alleaged that many abused the same (for vnder colour of the decree, men defended and excused all horrible doctrines) it was ordai­ned that such as vntill that time had obserued the Emperours Edict, should continue vntill a Councell, (whereof the Emperour gaue hope) and constraine the people to do the like, that they which had receiued other doctrine then they were able to quite, for feare of sedition, should take heed not to innouate any thing vntill then. And that their doctrine which taught otherwise then the Church, touching the supper should not be receiued nor the Masse abolished, and where there should be any new fashion of doctrine, hindering such as woulde goe to Masse, whosoeuer did the contrarie should be proscribed. But the 19. of Aprill, 1529. the Prince of Saxe, George of Bran­debourgh, Ernest, and Francis of Lunebourg, the Landgraue, he of Anhald opposed themselues to the decree, and in writing published the occasions of their opposition. Beseeching the rest of the Princes not to thinke amisse of that, if therein it agreed not iumpe with them: for as the former decree (said they) was established by a com­mon accord, so could it not be broken without all did consent thereunto. One partie of the principall Citties hauing consulted together, ioyned themselues with this pro­testation of the Princes, to wit, Strasbourg, Noremberg, Vlme, Constance, Ruthe­lin, Vuinsseme, Merbinge, Lindaue, Campodun, Hailbrun, Isne, Vuisseburg, Nor­ling, Saint Gal, to which many more after likewise ioyned. Whence the name of Pro­testants first sprong. And for that they all pro­tested to follow the first decree of Wormes and reiect the new, they were alwaies af­ter called Protestants. Who after that made and published an act of their appeale, con­taining [Page 34] by order a narration of all the matter in which they appealed from the day of Spire, and decree there made to the Emperour, and a lawfull generall councell to come; or a nationall of Germanie, and in effect to all Iudges of whom there was no cause of suspition: and thereupon they dispatched men to the Emperour, to beseech him not to mislike any thing therein, and in the meane time offred vnto him all obe­dience, seruice, and other duties which hee could desire at their handes, the which I haue beene willing to describe somewhat at large vnto you, because there will often­times fall out speech of these Protestants and their league, whereof the matter fel out thus.

I haue already deliuered vnto you how the Saxon and Landgraue had heere be­fore at the same day of Spire, made entrance to a certain confederation and alliance, which was afterwards sufficiently and diligently pursued, and as principallye a man aduiseth himselfe more vpon an occasion then at any other time: in like manner after this decree they much more diligentlye bethought themselues, so as they did some little matter at Noremberg, as a proiect which was since mightily increased. And in October the Deputies of these Princes and townes being at Schuabach, it was pro­posed in the name of Frederic and George of Brandebourg, that since the defence of Religion was the very motiue and foundation of this alliance, it was aboue all things necessary that all their wils were of accorde therein: wherefore they recited a sum­marye of doctrine, The opinion of the Supper being diuers among the re­formed, is cause of great inconuenien­ces. which was approued of all, but they of Strasbourgh and Vlme said, that in respect there had no mention at all bene made thereof in the precedent assemblie, it passed their charge to deale therein. The opinion of the Supper grew di­uers, which was the onely hindrance thereof: the one holding the opinion of Zuin­glius, that men tooke the body of Christ by faith: the other of Luther, that men eate it really: which being the cause that at that time they could not conclude of ought, they ordained an other assembly at Smalcade 13. of December. The Protestant de­puties being brought into Plaisance in Lombardie, to giue the Emperour to vnder­stand the reasons of their appeale, had answere, that that was done for feare of nouel­ties, and to be meete as well with all kinde of sectes to come, as such as at this daye wandred throughout, and to establish a peace in all Germanye, so as they ought not to make any difficultie for letting it passe; ioyned withall that the custome did not carrye, that what was ratified by the greater parte of th'empire, should be disanulled by a few, which must needs cause him to write to the Duke of Saxe and his compa­nions, commaunding them to consent thereto, or else he would cause such a punish­ment, as all should take example thereby, which they of themselues ought to haue done, cōsidering how much the Turk at this day wasted Hungary: & albeit that they furnished all against the Infidels, yet except there were a mutuall consent by a peace, and brotherly beneuolence among the estates, no thing could be brought about ad­uantagious against so puissant an enemye: the Deputies notwithstanding gaue vp their appeale in writing, and in the end had leaue to departe, so as all being deliuered in councell, the 14. of October 1529. the Princes and others assembled towardes the end of Nouember at Smalcade, where the difference of Religion hindering as yet a­ny resolution, they departed vnder condition, that whosoeuer would in each point consent to this doctrine and receiue it, should meet at Noremberg the sixt of Ianua­ry 1530. there to deliberate of what were to be done. Now they concluded nothing but to tarry vntill the day which the Emperour should publish in the Spring, which was at Ausbourg, the 8. of April 1530. Charles the fift elected Emperour in Iune 1519. at Francforde vpon the Rhyne, (notwithstanding the contrarye pursuites of [Page 35] the French for their Prince) after the death of Maximilian the 12. of Ianuary, and sa­cred at Aix in the end of October, was crowned at Bologne le Grasse the 24. of Fe­bruary, by Clement. And whereas vpon the 20. of Iune, when the day assigned by him at Ausbourg where he made his entry began, he commaunded the Duke of Saxe to carry the Sword before him going to the Masse, (according to the office of Marshall to the Empire, Hereditarie to the house of Saxe) the Elector would first take the ad­uise of his Doctors, who perswaded him that it was lawfull, considering that he went thither to execute his office, and not to heare the Masse: he was there then onely ac­companied by George of Brandebourgh. After many affaires proposed and debated, in the end he caused to be published this decree for religion, that hauing reiected the confession of the Protestants faith, hee ordained in summe that nothing should be changed in matters concerning faith and diuine seruice, that whosoeuer should doe the contrary, should be punishable both in body & goods, that reparation should be made of all the iniuries which had beene done to the Churchmen; and to the end this decree should remaine inuiolable for religion, he assured that he would imploye all the meanes which God had giuen him thereto, euen to the spending of his bloud and life: yea it was forbidden that any should be able to pleade in the impery­all chamber which astonished a great many: for the Emperour took good assurance of all the rest for the execution thereof: whereupon the Protestants being assembled the 22. of December 1530. at Smalcade, concluded a forme of alyance to succour one another: to the which the Princes at that instant bound themselues, and with them many other Lords and free Citties, thinking good to trye therein the King of Denmarke, and Princes of Pomerania and Magdeburg, with all to write to the Kings of Fraunce and England, to disswade them from such false reportes, as their enemies might make runne of them and their religion, which they accordingly did the 16. of February 1531. The Landgraue allied himselfe with them of Zurich, Basle, and Strasbourg, in Nouember, vpon condition to succour one another for their religion; but after the breaches betweene the fiue little Cantons and the rest (which passed in certaine reencounters where the reformed had the worst) and the accord made be­tweene them since that, in October 1531. was put this clause, that they of Zurich, Berne, and Basle, should quit the allyance of the Landgraue, and Strasbourgh with the fiue Cantons of K. Ferdinandes. Afterwards the 29. of March 1531. they met a­gaine at Smalcade, where they receiued but slender answers from Denmark and Po­meranye, they consulted of meanes how to haue succours ready at need, of men, mo­nye, and munition, and for that they had had the opinion of learned men before they confederated together, and that Luther had before taught and published in writing, that it was not lawfull to resist the Magistrate, hee now changed his minde, for when as their Lawyers did declare in this meeting that such a case might bee offred as the Lawes permitted a man to resist; as they did in this, he said he was cleane ignorant of that point, for that the Gospell did not impugne the lawes pollitick, but often times confirme them: and because they sayd that such an accident might arise in which ne­cessitie and duetie of conscience did put the sworde into their hands, he made a book by which he admonished all men in generall not to obey the Magistrate, The King of Fraunce and England, suc­cour the Lu­theranes. if he sought to imploy them in such a warre, for they stoode well assured how that the Emperour sollicited by the Pope and other, went about some mischeefe for them, vnder colour of hauing a care for the common wealth of Germany: King Frauncis the first wrote curteously back vnto them the 21. of April 1531. with offer of his helpe, so did the K. of England the 3. of May. Now after the decree of Ausbourg the Emperour being [Page 36] sollicited by the Pope and other of the Cleargye, seemed that he would make the Protestants range themselues to the common doctrine: but for that certain Princes more peaceably addicted among the Catholicks, saw that that could not be brought to passe but with great inconueniences to all Germanye, considering that the Prote­stant Princes and confederate Citties had already prepared themselues, they coun­celled the Emperour to assigne some daies, to examine therein their doctrine, and to seeke meanes of peace and accord in religion, which often had bene assaied and euer in vaine, by reason of the great difference thereof: and that the Princes (as Luther at other times had done by Pope Leo his Bull) had appealed from the Decree of Aus­bourgh to a future councell, to whom properly appertained the debating of Religi­on. In the end notwithstanding about the beginning of October, the Princes wrote againe to the deputies Embassadors for peace, that if any did thinke or could proue that their doctrine proposed at Ausbourg were erronious in any point, or in default of so doing, would submit himselfe to the testimony of the holy Scripture, they held it most agreeable, that if the Emperour would assigne a day at Spire, and giue safe conduct and ostages to themselues, The Prote­testants de­maund of the Empe­rour. their associates and Luther, which they ment to bring thether, besides if he would permit their free and publique preachinges, toge­ther with the vse of the Supper according to Christs institution, and not constraine them to make difference of meates, they or their Deputies would be present with ful power: and if their doctrin were not confuted, they trusted the Emperour would no more hinder them in their Religion. In the mean time since that they had formed an appeale to a lawfull Councell, they besought the Emperour that he would not in the meane season innouate ought against them. Now besides the point of religion, the election of Ferdinande to be K. of Romans, Election of the K. of Ro­manes. was proposed by the Emperour, and cou­ragiously refused by the Duke of Saxe, (who died about the 13. of August 1532.) and other Protestantes, Frederic of Saxe elector dieth. in fauour of whom the King of Fraunce had already consig­ned one hundred thousand crownes. But in the end of Iune 1534. by accord made betweene Ferdinand and the sonne of Frederic late departed, it was said among other things, that he should acknowledge him for K. of Romanes without preiudice to come to the Electors, Accord be­tween Frede­deric K. of Bohemia and the D. of Saxe. and that within two moneths the Emperour should ratifie the succession of Frederic, as well to the goods of his Father as his Grandfather: and should confirme the mariage passed with the Duke of Cleues. In summe the ende­uourers of peace, the Bishop of Maience and elector Palatin, preuailed so farre, and the Turkes comming into Austria more, that the Emperour to haue succour of all handes, Peace tho­roughout Germany and Religion free. in the beginning of Iune 1532. at a day helde at Noremberg, confirmed a generall peace throughout all Germany, with forbidding any should be troubled for Religion vntill a Councell, or if that helde not, vntill the Estates had found meanes to appease that difference, vpon greeuous paines to the breakers thereof, and promi­sed himselfe would be a meanes to the Pope, that a Councell should be published within sixe moneths, to begin one yeare after: or if the Councell should not holde, aduice should be taken in the imperiall daies, to resolue the whole: to which the pro­testants promised to doe all dutie against the Turke. Concluded the 23. of Ianuarie, and ratified the second of August, by the Emperour, and afterwards published, the Emperour holding a day at Ratisbone.

Since the Emperour being returned from Vienne in Austria, went into Italye, where he assured himselfe of Clement the 7. from thence passed into Spaine. After­ward Clement at the request of King Frauncis, came from Genes to Marseilles in the Automne 1533. Where to confirme a reciprocall and euerlasting amitie, hee gaue [Page 37] Katherine his Neece to Henry Duke of Orleans, being 15. yeares of age, a mariage no lesse coueted of the one side then the other. True it is that Clement would neuer assure himselfe throughly thereof, vntill he saw them in bed togither. The K. in like sorte (notwithstanding any offers and assurances which the Emperor & other Princes of­fered vnto the Pope, so as he would not perseuere therein,) tooke no rest vntill it was accomplished, as well for the dignitie and singular recommendation of that race, and the hope which his affaires might breede in Italye, as contrariwse, that the Empe­rour might soone enough thereby be impayred: Now to the ende that such as wil­linglye suffer themselues to bee commaunded by their passions, or in like sorte iudge euery thing according to the reporte and opinion of others, may haue the truth de­liuered of what they ought to beleeue, of the house of Medices.

The race hath appeared very great, highlye renowned, The race and descent of Medices, in which the translator doth desire the indifferēt Reader to consider what scandalous libels haue of late yeares by to humo­rous affecti­ons bene cast out in dis­grace of the house of Me­dices, onely to a base the roy­al race of Val­lois, of this look Guic­ciardin in his first booke, &c. and most honourable as well among the Christians as many of contrary faith: be it that you looke into the Fathers stocke an Italian, or the Mothers a French: for the first being endewed with the vertues of charitie and discreete liberalitie (either publique or priuate) for the foundation of her greatnes, a man would iudge the pollitique gouernement of the Medices in Florence, much more worthy of praise, then the raigne of a number of other christian Princes: their power & credit increased by Iohn de Medices, (named of Bicci) contrary to the Nobles, who sought cleane to ruine the whole estate of the towne, so as hauing beene preferred to all their dignities and estates, without euer su­ing for any one, peaceable and succourable to all, hee dyed most rich and wealthye, freended of euery man: leauing as well for heire of his vertues as his fortune, Cosme surnamed the great, in respect he was the most famous personage, (not bearing arms) which euer was seene or read of in any discourse, remarqued aboue all his vertues for his magnificent liberalitie, from whence all men reaped profit, and aduancement in their affaires: euen so farre as he made search to helpe any of the Nobles, or other which he knew stoode in any wante, to releeue their disseanes, so as when hee was dead, the names of al his fellow Citizens were found in an inuertour which Pierre his sonne tooke of his goods: carrying the tytle of Father of the Countrie, which the Tus­canes caused to be engrauen vpon his Tombe. And albeit the life of Pierre and his vertue was much more short thē was expected, he left behinde him notwithstanding Laurence and Iulian of Medices, so renowned in their time, that hee being traiterously murthered by his enemies (leauing a Posthumus named Clement the seauenth) the Prince of the Turkes would not fayle, but with speede enough send Bernard Bau­din the murtherer to Laurence to vse him at his pleasure, so much had he their honour in recommendation. But so greatly were his graces recommended through Italy, that euen as hee liuing, they balanced his vertue in counterweight of the vices of the Christian Potentates for maintaining of whole Italye and all the Princes adioy­ning in peace, so hee being departed, all the Lordes of Italye before rayned with the brydle of his wise councelles, tooke such a libertye to their free passions, that Charles the eight, drawne in by the Duke of Milan against the King of Aragon, for the conquest of Naples, and as soone the rest of the Potentates banding against him, and since among themselues Italye neuer had from that time other occasion, then to mourne the losse of his presence, whome they knewe not sufficiently enough to ho­nor, considering the greatnes of his deserts: hee lefte behinde him Pierre, Iulian, and Iohn, which was Leo the tenth.

So as Iulian being departed without issue, his goods and credite descended to Pierre, [Page 36] [...] [Page 37] [...] [Page 38] though chased out of Florence, he was after drowned at the mouth of Gariglan, lea­uing for his heire Laurence of Medices, whome Pope Leo and Frauncis the first marri­ed to Madame Magdalaine of the house of Bologne in Anuergne, predecessors to the Q. Mother, who in steade of the Countie of Bologne, enioyed the County of Lau­raguez in Lāguedoc; for so much as Lewis 11. would needs haue the County of Bo­logne in exchange for Lauraguez at the hands of Bertrande Earle of Anuergne, great Grandfather to the saide Queen. See now the race on the mother side, deriued from Robert the last of that name, Earle of Bologne and Anuergne, (whose ancestors helde ranke about the Kings before the Constables, Chancelors, great Chamberlaynes, or other officers of the crowne) who left Guillaume and Iohn his heires: the firste had onely Iodhe maried to Philip Duke of Burgundie, and in her second marriage to Iohn K. of Fraunce, to whome by will deceasing without issue, she lefte the Duchie of Bur­gundie. And so the Counties of Bologne and Anuergne came to Iohn her Vnckle, who had Iohn which married Eleonor of Comminges, of whom he had Ioane, whom she brought to the Castle of Ortais to Guston de Foix her Cosin, brother in lawe to Charles the first K. of Nauarre, and left her there, fearing least the Earle of Armignac who had taken from her the Earledome of Comminges should take her to wife, to the end he might make himselfe a peaceable Lord: and went her selfe to abide with her Vnckle the Earle of Durgel in Arragon; but her daughter was married vnto Iohn Duke of Berrie, widower of Ioane of Armignac, dying notwithstanding without is­sue, succeeded vnto her in the Counties of Bologne & Anuergne, Mary of Bologne her Cosin germane, The Q. Mo­ther descen­ded out of the house of Bo­logne by the mother side. who was married to the Lord de la Tour, and of Montgascon fa­ther to Bertrant de la Tour, and Gabrielle wife of Lewis de Bourbon, first Earle of Mont­pensier, great Grandfather to the Duke liuing. Afterwards came Magdalaine wife to Laurence of Medices, ancestors to Catherine of Medices, Q. Mother to the K. liuing at this present day.

About this time the Landgraue being come into Fraunce 1533. got of the K. a masse of mony, to cōtinue the amitie which he carried vnto the Princes of Germany, vpon the morgage of the Countye of Montbelliard, in the name of Vlrich D. of Witem­berge his Cosin, by the league of Suaube expelled his Duchie, (giuen by the same League to the Emperour, who since gaue it to Ferdinand in partage) vpon condition that if he were not repaied within three yeares, the County should remain vnto him, he had besides other monie of his liberalitie, K. Frauncis aideth the Protestants. and with that hee leuied men and reco­uered the Countrie, and placed against his Cosin in May 1534. Afterwards paide the first monye back, gratified with an ouerplus: vpon this Clement 7. who at the marri­age of his Niece to pleasure the K. had made Cardinals Odet de Chastillon, Philip de Bo­logne, Claude de Guiry, and Iohn le Venier B. of Liseux, hauing runne sundry fortunes di­ed in the end of September 1534. Pope Clemēt dieth, Paul Ferneze suc­ceedeth. Paul Ferneze succeeding him, who presently made Cardinalles Alexander sonne to Pierre Louis his base sonne, and Ascanio, sonne of Ca­therine his base daughter.

As the doctrin of Luther profited in Germany, Flanders, England, Italy, & cuntries adioyning, Fraunce felt it no lesse, rather it seemed to increase by the greatnes of persecutions, which might be seene, by the hotte persecutions in the yeare 1534. for searches and informations were no sooner made of the prisonners, Persecutions in Fraunce. but they were as speedily burned quicke, tyed to a stake, after swinged into the ayre, were let fall into the fire, and so by a pullise pulled vp and downe, vntill a man might see them all roa­sted and scorched by a small fire, without complayning, not able to speak, by reason [Page 39] that they had taken out their tongue, and gagged: Afterwards the K. to the ende that might not be a meanes of diminishing of the Princes of the Empire their amitye towards him, and to turne away the wrath of God which hee feared would fall vpon his Realme, for the opinion of these people made a solemne and generall pro­cession to be made at Paris, where the relique of Saint Geneuiefe patrones of the Pa­risians descended, which happeneth but rarely. In the meane time hee excused him­selfe towards the Protestant Princes by his Embassadour, assuring them that he made them to be punished for their sedition, not for their faith; to conferre whereof hee prayed them to send some of their diuines to meete with his, for as hee saide Pope Leo had himselfe heretofore tolde him, that he must needes acknowledge many light ceremonies and humane traditions, which were fit to be changed in time: afterwards Guillaume du Bellay called de Langeay, his Embassadour about them, being assembled 1535. at Smalcade, seeing that he could not conclude a generall alliance with them, (for they euer excepted the Empire and the Emperour) returned without doing ought, after hauing exhorted them in the Kings name, not to receiue Mantoue for the place of Councell which the Pope promised, The Pope hath no au­thoritie to as­signe a coun­cell. nor any other place without aduise of the K. of Fraunce and England, who would doe nothing the one without the other. Louis 12. K. of Fraunce said, he by his Embassador in time past, maintained that it did not appertain to Pope Iuly to publish a councell, without consent of the Emperor and christian Princes, and because the K. of Nauarre was of the same opinion, Iuly excom­municated him, and vnder this title Ferdinande K. of Spaine seased of the Kingdome of Nauarre: the K. of Fraunce is at this present of the same opinion, that he can alow of no councell but in a sure place, not suspitious, where it may be lawfull for euery man to deliuer his minde. Edward Foxe B. of Hereford, Embassador for the K. of Eng­land, spake much more affectionately, and shewed that his maister greatly affected the same doctrine, which he had already in a great part established within his Realme, for which the protestant Princes humbly thanked thē, praying that they would no more suffer such as were of like faith as they, to be persecuted. After the 12. of December 1535. by a decree made at Smalcade on Christmas euen, they renewed for ten yeares their alliance which expired at the end of that yeare, and deliberating among the rest of prouision and munitions, it was there concluded that they would all receiue the confession of Ausbourgh, and be content to runne the same race: among other there were the Princes of Pomerany, Vlrich of Witemberg, Robert of Bauiere, he of Deux­ponts, the Citties of Ausbourg, Franckeforde, Campodum, Hambourg, and Hano­bry, with many more, who ioyned themselues at Franckford in April 1536. and after Guillaume de Nassaw, and albeit that the Landgraue did not accord with them there, in respect of their claim which was made to the signory of Hesse, yet he promised that if there should be any outrage for the profession of the Gospel, he would not abandon them whatsoeuer ensued theron. In the end of March 1538. Christian K. of Denmarck and Iohn Marquesse of Brandebourg, brother to the Elector, were both receued ther­in. Now for so much as Helde who had bene sent from the Emperour to the Germane Princes, to bring them to agree to such a Councell as the Pope had assigned, and therein to resolue vpon all their differentes in religion, &c. could gaine nothing, charging them euery way, if they refused so reasonable conditions of Peace, hee fra­med a League, of which he saide the Emperor & King Ferdinande were the authors, the associates to be the Archbishops of Mayence, and of Salisbourg, Guillaume & Lo­uis of Bauiere, George of Saxe, Eric & Henry of Brunswich, that it was cōcluded vpon at Noremberg, vpon cōdition that if any were troubled for the ancient religion, suc­cour [Page 40] should be ready at hand, and to endure for 12 years vnder the name of the holy League, as made for the glory of God, and defence of the Church. Afterwards 1539. the 19. of Aprill at Francforte, the peace of Germany was accorded vpon such con­ditions: the Emperour graunteth to the confederates of the confession of Ausbourg which are at this present, that hee will holde a Colloquie of learned men within 15. moneths for the matter of Religion, that he will make an Edict, forbidding any to be disquieted for their conscience, that the accord of Noremberg and imperiall Edict of Ratisbone, shall remaine in full force, if within 15. moneths Religion were not fullye accorded, this peace should holde vntill the first assembly of the Empire, that if a Di­ette should happen before these 15. moneths were expired, then this peace shall take place vntill the next: the Protestants should in like sorte doe their duty and remaine in peace.

To continue the paines and pursutes against the Lutheranes in Fraunce, after that Frauncis the first had ordained the like paine to the concealer as to the Lutherain, and the According to the Romaine Emperours, who named the infor­mers quadru­platores. fourth part of his goods which was accused, to the informer, at Paris the 19. of Ianuary 1534. for that it was reported vnto him, that with the encrease of their paines encreased the number of Lutheranes, to dispatch the cognisance and iudgement of them retarded often through the differente between the royall Iudges and the eccle­siasticall, he gaue all to the royall at first instance indifferentlye, and concurring with the soueraign Courtes, and without attending any degrees of appellations, as well a­gainst the Layety as Cleargy, not hauing sacred orders, noble, well and free borne, or not, to the end with speede to certifie the whole vp to the criminall chamber of Par­lament, yea punishing of Iudges and inferior officers, by depriuation of their estates, fines or otherwise, as they saw them not to haue diligently or faithfully enough pro­ceeded, to the accomplishment of their proces, in ordayning as much to the Pro­uostes and other Iudges, immediatly resorting to Soueraigne Courtes, that they should sende the enditement with the offendor, to the Bailifs, Seneschales, or their Lieuetenants, which should certifie them to the Parlament as aboue said. And to all temporall subiects, and high Iusticers, to make diligent inquirie of the Lutheranes, to lende a strong hand, and all fauour to his Iudges, or to certifie vnto them such full proceedings, as they should finde against them as aboue saide: willing that in case of negligence or other fault, his Proctor generall should take the cōclusions, to the com­mitment or depriuation of the Iustices, and other paines as reason ledde them, and to all other secular and ecclesiasticall subiects, vpon paine of incurring high treason, enioyning both his generall and perticular, Proctors and Aduocates, to aduertise him what they should doe from sixe moneths to six moneths, vpon paine of suspen­ding of their estates for the first crime, and depriuation for the second, with condign recompence if they perfourmed their dutie, towardes the rooting out of such and like heresies: not meaning thereby that the Prelates, Clergie, their officials, Vicars, and inquisitors of the faith should cease,, to informe and proceed against their owne subiectes and iusticiables, hauing sacred orders, subiect to degradation, being cul­pable of the sectes and heresies vpon the common faulte, but exhorted them to doe it, and to their iusticers gaue all aide and fauour. At Fountanebleau the first of Iune 1542. Afterwards from Lyons the 30. of August, hee commaunded his Parla­ment of Paris to search out and punishe the assemblye of Lutheranes, in their re­sortes, and gaue like charge to them of the Church to doe the like who from foure moneths to foure moneths were to certifie the Parlament, of their diligence in this behalfe.

[Page 41]In Ianuary 1540. The Empe­rours Inte­rim. there was a day assigned by the Emperour at Ratisbone for a peace to be concluded throughout Germany, and a vnion of faith, and in the meane time was a colloquie at Wormes, to prepare the accorde, but being broken by the Emperours Letters, the whole was referred to Ratisbone, in Aprill whether the Em­perour came in person, in whose name his dutie towardes the Common wealth, ha­uing beene proposed, and certaine Diuines chosen on the one side and the other, for to conferre with the Presidents, witnesses and Notaires the 27. of Aprill, Granuelle offred vnto them all a booke in written hand, which he said had beene presented vn­to the Emperour, by certaine well affected and learned men, as a matter proper to make both parties of accorde, containing the principall points of the doctrine: wher­fore the Emperour was willing, to the end they might haue a lawfull argument, and good entrance to the matter, that both parties should examine it together: approuing and reprouing as best seemed good vnto them: it was in some corrected, and cer­taine articles approued, other not: so as contrary to the Catholique Princes minds, and to Conteran the Popes Embassador, (who saide they would not change ought of the Religion already receaued, that the matter of religion ought not to bee determi­ned but by a Councell, and the whole should be sent backe to the Pope, who for that end had promised one) the Emperour made a decree the 28. of Iuly 1541. by which hee put ouer the colloquie of the learned men, and all the affayres to a Councell, and for defaulte thereof, because an opinion was helde that the Pope would shun it by many delayes, to an assemblye of all Germany, or the estates of the whole Em­pire, hee promised to sollicite the Pope for a Councell, and in defaulte of a generall or prouinciall, hee would ordaine a day imperiall within 18 moneths, to accord Re­ligion, and that the Pope should send thither his Embassadour, commaunding the Protestants not to innouate ought from the accorded articles, which should stand in force vntill then, and further suspend the decree of Ausbourge, enioyning the clear­gie to reforme their life, their abuses, and Churches after all, one side and the other promised succours against the Turke, which was come downe into Hungarie & Au­stria, and had seased vpon Bude, Hungarie, and Pest, hauing defeated the army of Fer­dinande, with great mortalitie of the Christians, while that their Princes stood dispu­ting and quareling together, like people irreconciliable. This was also confirmed in a daye at Spire, in Iune 1544. And other daye was helde at Wormes in Aprill and May 1545. where the Emperour referring the matter of Religion to a Councell, (for the Pope had coursed him that he should vndertake to decide the matter of re­ligion by a conference of Laye men, appertaining onely to him) would meddle only in taking order against the Turke: the Protestants contrariwise saide, The Prote­stants oppose themselues to the decree of the Empe­rour. that they would contribute nothing towards it, and much lesse goe themselues, if they had not first an accord or an assured peace for Religion, by reason of which, their wiues, children, and subiects, might be tormented in their absence: so as nothing being done, the Empe­rour ordained a Colloquie for Religion at Ratisbone among the best learned, in De­cember 1546. where the Disputers, witnesses, and auditors, being chosen, the Saxon saide that he would not approue of the conditions of the colloquie and reuoked his people, after the Landgraue and other of the Protestants did the like, promising to re­turne if the colloquie continued. Hereupon the councel of Trent, published the yere passed on the 15. of March, began in the end of the yeare 1546. The Pope hauing sent thither as his Legats, Iohn Maria de Monte, Marcel Seruin, Councell of Trent. and Reinold Pole an Englishmā all Cardinals, Iacques Mendose came thither to excuse the emperours absence, vpon the testimony which he had often rēdred of his diligence in purchasing of that assembly, [Page 42] and his dutie and obedience towards the holy Sea, and that which should be orday­ned. But more then the Monkes orations to the fathers, and publication of the Bul of the Popes great pardons, there was nothing done, because the Fathers hastned no whit thither, sauing that the 7. of Ianuary where besides the Cardinalles, were foure Archbishops, thirtie three Bishops, two French, fiue Spaniards, one Illiric, the other Italians, thirtie fiue Monkes, and twelue not Monkes: as the number of Bishoppes grewe somewhat greater the Councell began, and after they were all assembled in the great Temple, and that Masse was saide, the Legats read their Orations to the Fathers. Afterwards it was declared how that the Councell was helde for three cau­ses: to roote out heresies, restore the discipline of the Church, and recouer peace: vpon that they said that the fault of the present calamitie ought to be imputed to the Ecclesiasticall estate, considering that none did their dutie, nor diligent to labour in the fielde of the Lord, whence heresies sprung vp like thornes, and albeit that they were not of their owne parte the inuenters of any heresies, yet they were to be char­ged for not well tylling of the Vineyard, they haue not sowen the fielde, they haue not plucked vp the Darnell which began to spring vp, that they then ought to ad­uise, and euery man to examine his owne conscience, and trye if he haue perfourmed his dutie: it is certaine that they were to be blamed, for that all the discipline of the Church had been so trodden vnder foot: the third euill is warre, which is a punish­ment sent from God, in respect of carelesnesse in religion and want of discipline: for Christendome standeth not onely inuaded by Turkes and strangers, but also by ciuil and domesticall armes: during that the Kings combate, or that they which are reuol­ted from the obedience of their Pastors, doe ouerthrowe all order, and pyll the goods of the Church, they haue administred the occasion to the euils, by their most wicked example of life through ambition and couetousnes. God then is the iust Iudge, which afflicteth them by these meanes, and yet the paine is much more gen­tle then their deserte. True it is that such are happy as endure for righteousnes sake, which may not be applyed to those which are worthye of more rude chastisement, that euery one then acknowledge his sinne, and endeuour to appease the wrath of God: for if they doe not acknowledge that, there will neuer be any amendment, and for no end shall the Councell be helde, and in vaine shall the ayde of the holye Ghost bee called vpon, it is a singular benefite of God, to haue giuen vnto vs the meanes to begin a councell, after the Church deliuered from so long and greeuous a shipwrack, taking harbour, is no more nor lesse restored, then was Hierusalem after so long a captiuitye. Esdras, Nehemias, and the other Captaines, being returned out of Iudea, earnestly admonished the people of Israel, to confesse their owne sinnes and their Fathers, and to call vpon the diuine mercie, we ought to follow the like exam­ple. He found in that time scoffers, which sought to hinder, and mocked the Iewes, which reedified the Cittie of Hierusalem: we in our time haue no want of people, which vndertake the like, and in effect perfourme it: but we must march on hardly, in the assurance of Christ, whose commaundement is heere executed, and the bu­sines set in hand. But for so much they are heere as Iudges, they ought well to aduise, not to suffer themselues to be ledde by their affections, but holde themselues neate from the hatred of wrath and enmitie, not ordaining ought to please man in this world, nor accommodating themselues to the eares or desire of any person, but con­trariwise yeeld all honor and glory to God alone: for all estates are straied out of the right way, and there is none which doth good. God himselfe and his Angels are the beholders of this assembly, and there is no thought of any the assistantes, which is hid [Page 43] from him, that they should then proceede roundly and soundly, and that the Bishops which are sent from Kinges and Princes should so furnishe their charges, that aboue all thinges they haue the reuerence and honor of God before their eyes, without re­spect of hatred or fauour: for considering the assembly is helde to establish peace, they must cast farre from them all contention and partialitye. The Oration finished, the decree of the Synod was read by Iohn Fonseca B. of Castrimare, a Spaniard, by which all Christians were admonished to amend their liues, feare God, often con­fesse themselues, and often visite the Monasteries of Saintes, Decree of the Councell of Trent. that they should pray to God for a publique peace; that the Bishops and other Priestes should be attentiue to praiers, and say Masse at the least euery Sunday, praying for the Pope, Emperour, and whole Christendome: that they likewise exercise themselues in fasting and doing of almes in the great Temple; that euery Thursday in the weeke they say a Masse of the holy Ghost, and during the saying thereof, that all be attentiue to the Priest, espe­cially in time of the Sacrifice, and that they keepe themselues from chatting; that the Bishops liue soberly, taking away all superfluitie of their tables, shunning all idle and light discourse, that they accustome their people to like discipline, in sorte that they shew themselues honest in words, apparell, and whatsoeuer they shall doe. And for so much as the end of the Councell is to endeuour that the darkenes of errors and heresies, which since a good while haue raigned vpon the earth, being chased away, the light of the truth may shine forth; all are admonished, and especially men of knowledge, carefully to aduise by what meanes this may be brought to passe, in de­liuering of their opinions that they followe the decree of the Councell of Toledo, and doe all thinges modestlye without cryes, nor be riotous or obstinate, but pro­nounce all sweetely and leasurely. The other Session was the fourth of Februarye, where nothing was dispatched nor resolued, saue onelye that they confessed the Creede of the faith, and put ouer the other Session vntill the eight of Aprill, by rea­son of such as were already on their way, whom they thought good to attend, to the end the authority of the decrees might be of greater waight.

During this Councell, Luther of the age of threescore and three yeares, Martin Lu­ther dieth 1546. sicke of a disease in his stomacke, dyed the 18. of February 1546. at Illebe in the Countye of Mansfielde, whether he was gone to appease certaine differents which were between the Counts for their liuings and inheritance, in forme of an amiable compounder and Arbitrator. And albeit they desired they might bury him in their Countrye, yet the Elector of Saxe would needs haue him brought to Witemberg. He left of a Nunne which he married 1505. Iohn, Martin, and Paul, his children, which haue not follow­ed any course, either for the diminishing or encrease of his reputation.

Hereupon to confirme the suspitions which many had of a warre at hand for Re­ligion in Germany, were seene the first effects in the holy League of the Imperialles, and that of the Protestants made and renewed at Smalcade as I haue declared vnto you.

Moreouer the Emperour being from day to day egged forward by the Pope and Catholick Princes, now discouering himself, writeth to the cities of Strasbourg, The Empe­rour writeth to the townes for succour. No­remberg, Ausbourg, and Vlme, to aduertise them of his entent, and drawe succour from them, at the least not to fauour the enemies of the common Countrie, and of Christian Religion, giuing them to vnderstand, after he had made them see what his dutie and affection was to the good of the common wealth of Germany, how this warre was not prepared against the Citties, but against certaine rebels, which had committed treason, who had confronted the authoritie of the Emperour, pilled the [Page 44] goods of Princes and of the Church, and would in the end the townes too, if they were not bemet withall: that they should then aduise themselues well of their du­tie, both towards him and the common countrie; who, and especially Strasbourge, besought him to leaue off this preparation of warre, and if the Princes had done him wronge, The townes send answers. rather to order them by iustice, then by armes to ruine all Germany, consi­dering that all differents betweene an Emperour and the Princes ought to be adiud­ged by the Empire. Now as the Landgraue, being called for by him, had in familiar speeche at Ratisbone (where the continuance of the Colloquie was assigned) tolde him that his companions had beene aduertised from all partes, Speach be­tweene the Emperour and Land­graue. how he meant cleane to runne ouer those of the confession of Ausbourg, how he attended succours from the K. of Fraunce, & how he had made truce for one yeare with the turk, by means of the French, and that this councell had beene begun by the Pope, to the end the de­crees made against them might be put in execution, notwithstanding that they had yeelded him succour against the Turk and King of Fraunce, and that as wel at Spire as at Ratisbone he had assured thē of a firme peace, albeit they could not accord of re­ligion, he answered that he neuer thought it, praying them not to beleeue such re­portes: that he had made peace with the French, it was all, and truce with the Turke to make poore Germany take so much more breath, to the end that during this truce they might make ready to ouerrunne the Turke, when it should be extermined con­sidering cheefely that they aboue all, had so oftentimes lamented the misery of Ger­manie: but that the councell helde to determine the matter of Religion as they had so often required. And after that the Landgraue had replied, that there could bee no good concluded for them, considering the Pope their mortall enemy commaun­ded there, and that euen the Monkes called againe there in doubt the articles accor­ded, that they were promised a free and sure on in Germany, together with the refor­mation of the Imperiall chamber so bitter against them, and that hardlye they could send their Doctors, much lesse come themselues to Ratisbone as the Emperour de­sired, for the reasons which he alleadged, he retyred himselfe into his Countrie, and anon after their Deputies at Wormes hauing intelligence of this communication, slunk away the 23. of Aprill, the 8. whereof the fathers cōcluded vpon certain points, but of the generall sorte and least controversied in the Church. In summe the holye league was set downe in writing, and after the 26. of Iune 1546. proclaimed, by which the Pope consigned one hundred and 50000. The holy league be­tweene Pope, Emperour, and other Princes. Crowns at Venice, ouer & aboue one hundred thousand already giuen, and furnished twelue thousand Italian Fantas­sins and 500. Horse, paide for sixe monthes, permitting vnto the Emperour to take for that yeare the moitie of the reuenew of the churchmen in Spaine, and to sel as much of the yearelye rents of the Monasteries of Spaine, as amounted vnto fiue hundred thousand Crownes, so as he employed them onely in this war: vpon condition that hee should morgage as much of his own demaine, for which he should make assu­rance, to the Popes good liking. Vpon this Vlrich of Witemberg, and the Citties of high Germanie were first in armes against the Emperour, after the Princes ioyned themselues, the Elector Palatine standing neutrall, praied them to submit themselues, and demaund pardon of the Emperour. They, the Emperour, and Pope, entreated the Zuizers to stand Neutrall. The Protestants sought succours of the K. of Fraunce and England. Now the Emperour sought to hide his game, vntill his forces might be in readines, namely, the Italians which were to passe the Alpes, where the passages are easie to be kept, for there are but two to goe into Germany, from Trent to Enipont. To goe from thence into Bauiere where the Emperour was, stoode at the parting of [Page 45] the Mountaines, Ereberge, a forte almost impregnable, Shartelin a Protestant Cap­taine seased thereof, and had done as much as Enipont, The Emperors army against the Luthe­ranes. The Emperor banisheth and condemneth the D. of Saxe. Protestants defie the Em­perour. The Emperors deuice to draw Maurice a­gainst his Co­sin Elector of Saxe. had not the subiects of K. Fer­dinand risen. So the Italians came vnder Octauian Farneze Cardinall, with many re­nowmed Captaines: Cosme of Medices ioyned therto 200. Horse of ordinance: Her­cules Duke of Ferarra 100. vnder Alphonso his base brother: the 20. of Iuly the Em­perour bannished the Saxon and Landgraue by his letters Pattents, in which hee de­clared the reason at large, as periured persons, rebels, seditious, guiltie of treason, and disturbers of the publique tranquilitie, whome he determined to chastice according to their deserte, withall those that should take their parte. And the 12. of August the Protestants sent him letters of defiance, naming him but Charles pretending himselfe Emperour. Vpon this the Emperour sent the first of August the copie of their banish­ment to Maurice, who hauing talked very familiarly with the Emperour, went home, and thence to Prague towards Ferdinande. Now for that he was neer kinseman to the bannished, in sorte that he might pretend some right to their goods, he commaunded him and his brother Augustus to sease thereon, otherwse it should be to the first occu­pier: in sorte that the right of consanguinitie and contracts should nothing at al serue his turne, ioyned withall that hee should be comprehended vnder the same paine, as hauing bene disobedient vnto him: and commaunded the Nobilitie, and people to fulfill his commandement.

The two armies being incamped before Ingolstat vpon the Danube, The Prote­stants fault and error. the Prote­stantes were the stronger in number of horse and artillerie, but the Emperour had more Fantassins, Lords, and Captaines of Marke. In summe, the Protestants lost there a faire occasion, to haue broken the Emperour, who yet had not his campe well entrenched, nor the succour of ten thousand Fantassins, and foure thousand Horse, which the Counte de Bure brought vnto him, they also lost the time at Nerlinge, so as the Emperour being seased of the places bordring of Danube, and hauing it so at his deuotion, as he could cause all sorte of victuall to be brought, pursued them then with great aduantage: for they ill husbanding the opportunities which presented themselues, and adding thereunto that they were two heads equall, and banded in their opinions, Schertelin first, afterwards other, retyred themselues from them. Mau­rice in the meane time had praied his Cosin the D. of Saxe by his Father in lawe the Landgraue, to take in good parte that he seased of his liuing, but perceiuing himselfe refused, ioyned with Ferdinande, who to enforce the Bohemians to ouerrunne Saxe, (vtterly refusing it, considering the alliance which they had made with that house, and for that they verilye thought hee had wrong doone him) caused his cauallerie of Hussaries of Hungaries to come downe, and some Silesians, Maurice war­reth against his cosin and the Prote­stants. with whome he put all Saxe to fire and sworde: Maurice euer saying, that hee had rather sease thereof him­selfe then a straunger should, considering that the mynes of siluer were common to him with his cousin, and that his landes were shutte in within the others, which hee made sure by this meanes: besides that hee did nothing but by the aduise of the e­states, who had written to that end to his Cosin: and further that the Emperour had sworne vnto him, that hee ment no harme but to the Rebels, and not to Religion: wherefore in all cases the faith excepted, one ought to obeye that Magistrate, which suffered in his Countrie the exercise of religion; and so determined to pursue his owne right, and the differentes which so long time he had had with the Elector, fea­ring least his landes should fall into the handes of Strangers: offering when hee should be reconciled to the Emperour and Ferdinand, that he would restore vp al vn­to him, whereof he certified his Cosin and his Sonne, so as the Hungarians follow­ing [Page 46] of him, he tooke all the places except Gothe-aenac and Witemberge, binding all the subiects to sweate vnto him. For which he was misliked by euery man, rendring so poore a recompence vnto him, whom he ought to haue held for a father, & author of all his good. He was sonne to Henrie, whose brother George Duke of Saxe, had or­dained by his testament, that the Emperour should enioye his prouince vntill that his brother had renounced the Protestant Religion: But the Elector and Landgraue hindered it, making his testament to be broken, & tooke Henrie and his children into their league. Moreouer whreas George had giuen vnto him a pension in mony, & that they feared for spight of Religion he would refuse to pay it, the Protestants promi­sed him in case it should so fall out, to furnish the somme vnto him themselues, so the Saxon being called on that side, and seeing the Landgraue (hauing left vnto him his people) retyre himselfe, and that the Allies furnished no more supplies, hee went a­ganst Maurice, out of whose hands in the end he got againe all the places, and tooke a number of his people, and whatsoeuer Ferdinand had taken from him, shutting both them into Bohemia, he subiected to himselfe also the Bishoppricke of Magde­burg, and Halbestat, hauing conuented with Iohn Albert the Bishop. The Emper­our in the meane time triumphed thoroughout Germanie, ordayning and imposing great ransomes to al the Princes, and Protestant Cities, euen to the Elector Palatine, who before as a Neutre, was readye to haue reformed his Churches by Paul Faggi­us, had not this accident fallen out, and was faine to haue pardon of the Emperour for the 400. horse which hee had sent to the Protestants: albeit hee protested that it was not ment against him, but by right of Obligation, carried by a particular contract with the Duke of Witemberg. Whome likewise, and his sonne Christopher hee par­doned, but woulde not his brother George, all renouncing the Leage, and not spea­king of Religion.

Afterwards the Emperour pursuing of the Saxon, the 22. of Aprill 1547. ariued at Misnes which Frederic had quit, and burning the woodden bridge, encamped him­selfe at Mulburge neare the riuer of Albye; the Emperour still hastening for feare he should enclose himselfe within Witemberg. So as with a thousand Spanish Harque­busiers, which waded into the water, to passe forward, he assailed the garde on the other shoare notwithstanding the Cannon shot, which showred downe on euerie side. Afterwards with the small Boates which Frederic had abandoned, hee made a bridge, ouer which the Hungarians of Ferdinand and the light horse passed first, fol­lowed with the rest, hastning to follow Frederic, who was reencountred 3. leagues from Albye, neare the forrest Lochane, where hee charged him so hard, that after a long combat, he was defeated, hurt, taken and brought by the Duke of Alua vnto him, The Elector hurt taken & broght to the Emperour. to whome hauing said, I render my selfe thy prisonner, most mercifull Emperour; and pray thee to giue me entertainment worthy of a Prince, he answered. Now then thou doest acknowledge me an Emperour, but I wil handle thee according to thy desert. Short­ly after being condemned to death, the Elector of Brandebourge so much appeased the Emperour, that he had his life, not refusing any conditions offred vnto him, sa­uing to obey the Emperours ordinances or the Councell, chusing rather to die. It was then ordained that the Emperour should confiscate all his goods, which he gaue to Ferdinand and Maurice, vpon condition that Maurice should yeerely pay vnto the Saxon and his children fiftie thousand crownes. If it so seemed good to the Emper­our and Maurice, he should enioy Gote, so as he raysed the Castle and fortefied not the Towne. And for that hee was much in debt, Maurice should giue vnto his chil­dren one hundred thousand crownes, to be employed to the payment of his debtes [Page 47] growne before the league of Smalcade: and that Maurice should discharge all such debts as his lands, which had beene confiscat, and giuen vnto him by the Emperour were lyable vnto: And so all suites to be had at an ende, and his children to haue the vsufruite of the goods mentioned, if they approued these conditions, and the people likewise. And in respect his life was saued, he should for euer after remaine prisoner to the Emperour, and to his sonne the Prince of Spaine. Hee surrendred likewise his right and dignitie of Elector into the handes of the Emperour, who put Maurice as well in possession of the dignitie as lands of Frederic. And by his decree it was orday­ned, that if the other should chaunce to dye without heires masles, Augustus his bro­ther and his children should be in remainder thereunto, which was doone the 24. of Februarie 1548. at Witemberge. Frederic regarding the ceremonies of his house all the Electors present, the Landgraue vnder suertie of Brandebourge, Maurice, and Vol­fange his sonnes in law, rendred himselfe almost to the discretion of the Emperour, who afterwards proposed a league at Vlme, to appease all such troubles as might en­sue either for Religion or otherwise: But the whole was referred to Ausbourge. Hereupon the Landgraue hauing demaunded, and receiued pardon, and promise that he should not remaine prisoner, was stayed and commaunded to follow the Em­perour, after that he had accomplished all the rest of the conditions. Great ran­somes which the Emperour had of the Germaines. For which Mau­rice and Brandebourge, being his suerties for his libertie grew in great rage; so as the Emperour to defraye the expence of his warre got, what with these ransomes, and otherwise among the Catholiques, and Lutherans aboue sixtene hundred thousand crownes, and well fiue hundred peces of Artillerie, which hee sent into Spaine, Na­ples, Milan, and the low countrie.

The Emperour after these victories assigned a day first at Vlme, The Emperor would haue the Councell remoued frō Bolonia to Treat. then at Ausbourg to accord points in Religion, reforme the Iustice of the chamber, & obey the Coun­cell. The Palatin, Maurice, and Brandebourge would not consent to any but in place free and sure. In the end, that thereby they might the sooner get the Landgraue out of prison they accorded one, and by their example, the more resolute Citties, by writing graunted somewhat of their demaunde: So as the Emperor being very ioy­full thereof, made great instance towardes the Pope, that hee woulde remoue the Councell to Trent from Bologne where he had appointed it to be held 1544. in re­spect of the vnholsomnes of the aire said Hierosme Fracastor who monthly had a great pension from him. And vpon the difficultie which the Pope made therein, hee sent Mendoza to protest of his parte before the Pope, and the rest of Bologne, that hee held of no account whatsoeuer should be there concluded: declaring that he would prouide thereto well enough, by a lawfull conuocation of the estates of Germanie, 1548 which were of his very opinion being assembled at Ausbourge. And further for that he would not haue the Councell to bee cleane in dispaire of being held, the delaying thereof so much importing him, when as power was giuen vnto him to chuse the Collocutors, Iudges, and witnesses, he tooke Iules Flug Bishoppe of Num­bourg, Michael of Sidoine, Iohn Alebe Agricola, who 18. yeares before had beene a Lutheran, Melancthon, and Brence, who very secretly wrote a Booke of Religion, and after they had againe perused and corrected it, presented it vnto him: But Bucer finding many things contained therin, refused to signe it, saying that the Popes doc­trine was there manifestly confirmed, and since that in like sorte they added sundrie other things: So as both the Pope and Protestants alowed of it, albeit small reforma­tion was had therein of any such Articles as were generally receiued of the Catho­liques. Romee generall of the Iacobins wrote against it at Rome, and so did Robert Bish­oppe [Page 48] of Auranches in Fraunce, for that this booke permitted marriage to Priests, and the Supper vnder both kindes. The Emperour notwithstanding pressed the estates hard to sticke fast vnto it, and not to innouate any thing either in their preachings or writings to the contrarie, attending the decree of a Councell. Afterwards the fiftenth of May the Archbishop of Mayence cheefe of the Electors, thanked him for his so great care of the publike, in the name of them all, and saide that all ought to obey his decree: The which he accounted as a common approbation, and woulde not for euer after admit of any other reason or excuse to the contrarie, whosoeuer would say that they had not consented thereunto: In sort that he caused it to be imprinted both in the Latine, and vulgar Germaine tongs. Fower daies after he besought the estates to contribute by hed, towardes the remedying of such inconueniences, as either for Religion or otherwise might fall out in the common wealth, and that the money might bee reserued as a publike treasor in some places fittest for that purpose, to haue succours readie at neede: and Ferdinand required as much to releeue him against the Turke the fiue yeares of truce being expired. Afterwardes the Emperour somewhat and superficially reformed the state of the Church about the end of Iune 1548. and caused a Booke to be imprinted: Maurice departing from Ausbourge about the end of 1548. went into his owne countrie, where his estates vrging him with his promise to maintaine among them the pure confession of Ausbourge, in the end hee caused to be made a forme of Religion which all ought to holde: from whence great Scan­dale arose. All the Princes and Cities except Breme, and Magdebourge consented to the decree of Ausbourge, an occasion that the latter was by the Emperour exposed as a pray to all such as would warre vpon him in the yeare 1549. Now as this decree of Ausbourge was alreadie as it were generally receiued throughout all Germany, so greatly did the victorie and Spanish Garrisons of the Emperour, together with the Saxons and Landgraues imprisonment, astonish the people, at such time especially when there was an apparant chaunge of Religion thoroughout all the countries of Maurice, the ministers of the Churches of Lubec, Lunebourg, and Hambourge confuted well at length the Booke and decree of Ausbourge, by another contrarie, which they caused to be put in printe, whereof Iohn Epin was the principall author. Shortly after the Doctors of Magdebourge, Nicholas Amstroff, and aboue all Mathias Flaccius an Illiricque, borne in the Citie of Albonne, who since was one of the prin­cipall authors of the Ecclesiasticall historie of Magdebourge, and Nicolas Le Cocq op­posed themselues stoutly against them of Witemberge and Lipsa, and condemned them in sundrie printed Bookes as dissemblers, ouer simple, to timorous, and by in­different and meane things how they had made a high way to the papisticall Religi­on: the which at the first proceeding from a good beginning, grew in simplicitie, af­terwards suffered it selfe to corrupt thorough a disordinate lycence of such thinges among the Christians of the primitiue Church: who ouercome by little and little, with to great a feare of displeasing, and roundly resisting such as at the first woulde bring in their fantasies for sure rules of Faith, in the end cleane marred, vnder a Maske of things indifferent and such like humaine traditions, the true and pure worde of God. For conclusion they set downe this rule, that all ceremonies and fashions, how indifferent soeuer they may be of themselues, are no more neare at this present, con­sidering that the vertue, opinion and necessitie of seruice is now annexed thereunto, and that the occasion of impietie is yeelded thereby. Illiricque one of the authors of this learned and laborious Ecclesiasticall historie, had beene certaine yeares an Auditor and Disciple of Melancthon: but in this different, retyred himselfe to Magdebourge: [Page 49] and caused a Book to be imprinted wherein he rendred the reason of his act. They of Hambrough wrote likewise to them of Witemberg, & especially to Phillip Melanct­hon, making a Catalogue of such things as they termed Neuter, or indifferent, & set­ting downe what might bee receiued, and together prayed them to write openly of their side, what they would haue comprehended vnder that name, to the end men might agree on somwhat, & follow it without varying. And for feare least the name of Neutralitie might giue occasion to sundry other errors, which by little and little might bee engraued in the braines of men, Melancthon, a man sweete; fearefull, Melancthons answere and a great enemie to all ryots, answered among other thinges that some seruitude might well be borne, prouided that it were without any impietie.

Now not to long to leaue behinde, the persecution of the Catholikes against the Lutherans in the Realme of France, Persecution of Lutherans. K. Henry seeing at Paris the 19 of Nouember 1549. the Edicts of his father very euill executed by the negligēce of the Ecclesiastical Iudges which was complained of vnto him (cōtending with the soueraigne courts & other Iudges of their natural iurisdictions & powers) ordained the better to cōforme himselfe to the title of Thrise-Christian: that the Royal iudges should take knowledge, ioyntly of the said faults as the cases shoulde offer thēselues: as touching the informa­tion & decree only, after hauing well executed the decree, & examined the accused, they should deliuer thē vp to the Church, to iudge of the errors, or simple heresie, in case it proceeded rather of ignorance, error, & humaine frailtie, lightnes & britlenes of the tonge of the accused, then of meere malice or will to cut himselfe off from the vnion of the Church: and in case together with heresie were found any publike scandall popular commotion, sedition, or other crime importing any publike offence & consequently in case priueledged, then to be tyred by the Royal Iudges, & of the Church together. And after the common fault shal be iudged by the Church thē the case priueledged shalbe iudged by the Royal, charging that any appeale made frō the sentence shold be brought into Parliament. And for that the Iudge Ecclesiastical had not the seasure of mens persons out of their Pretoire, for the aide wich the one Iust­ice ought vnto the other, it was now giuen by priueledge vnto him, & as far as should please him, that in this crime only he might cause, vnder his authoritie, by their sear­geants, to be put in execution the decrees of such arest of bodies as shold be iudged by thē, without asking any permission of any secular Iudges, for feare that in delaying, the accused might be aduertised therof, & so escape, & if the ecclesiastical iudge stood in need of any aide; it was enioyned to all officers Royal to execute the Ecclesiasticall decrees, without taking any knowledge of the cause. And in case the accused, or any such as it should bee decreed against, should absent themselues, it was ordained that the Iudge Royall, within three dayes shoulde proceede against them by seasure of their goods, that the accused should bee deliuered vp to the iudge of the Church, to bee proceeded against as aboue saide. Afterwardes vpon the engrosing of this Edict in Parliament at Paris the twentie nine of Nouember, the Court ordayned at the re­quest of the Proctor generall, that vppon the plight shoulde bee set downe at the charge, that the Iudge Ecclesiasticall shal not condemne any man, for crime of here­sie, be he lay or Clarke, in any pecuniarie fine: & further that when in crime of here­sie he shall haue giuen any iudgement, either of perpetuall prison, or otherwise hee shall no more in the ende of the condemnation vse these accustomed wordes, Salua misericordia Domini: And that forbidding shoulde bee made as well of the one, as the other. And for that the Kinge perceiued how slowly enough they proceeded to the execution of this Edict, the greater parte of the Royall iudges not so forwarde in fauouring the Ecclesiasticall as they desired, to bee meete therewith hee was [Page 50] councelled to send his commaundement to the Parliament of Paris from Fountain­bleau the 9. of Februarie 1549. willing them to appoint commissioners out of their body, to make the inditements of such as stoode euill affected to the faith, in case the Presidiall, or otherwise the Royall Iudges should bee negligent, who should pay the expences of such appointed deputies.

Diet of Aus­bourge.Hereupon the 27. of Iuly the Emperour began the day of Ausbourge, proposing there to continue the Councell, to keep the last decree of Ausbourg, to punish the re­bels, & restore the iurisdiction and goods of the Church. But Maurice declared by his Embassadors, as it were alone against all the rest, that he could not avow the councel except all begun a fresh, and that the Diuines of the confession of Ausbourg might bother hard, with power to decide the matters, that the Pope should not sit as chief, but submit himselfe to the Councell, that he should absolue all Bishops of their oth made vnto him, to the end they might freely deliuer their minde. But it was not permitted that this declaration should be registred. In the meane time George D. of Megelbourg with a maine army wasted the coūtry of Magdebourg, against whom the inhabitants & souldiers issued forth. But hauing in the hinder part of his army placed all the Mar­chants & Villagers, for that the best were in the fore front, they defeated thē, tooke the Artillerie, Baggage, & sundry of the inhabitants. This done, as they intertained not­withstanding Maurice in al duty, the Elector of Brandebourg, Albert his cossen, Henry of Brunsuich, & sundry other addressed troupes the better to shut thē in. But salied forth vpon them conducted by certain Gentlemen, Captaines & souldiers, who in dispite of Brunsuich were retired thither, and carried themselues so fortunately, as they tooke their George of Megelbourg author of all. After Maurice was declared chiefe of the ar­my by the Emperor & the estates, with intent to block thē in, ordaining one hundred thousand crownes for the expences past, & threescore thousand for euery moneth to come. Vpon the displeasure in the meane time which the Emperor cōceiued for that the decree of Ausbourg was not practised, the Protestants said that they could not so soone roote out the Religion, which had so long time growne old in the harts of men & the Catholiques laide the fault vpon the Priests, negligence of Magistrates, & wic­kednes of the Lutheran ministers, so as nothing could be resolued of, but all referred to the Councell. Hereupon Pope Iuly assigned the Councel at Trent the first of May 1550 by his Bull which he sent vnto the Emperour. Now as the Emperor departing out of his countrie to come to Ausbourg, had left the Landgraue at Malines, Maurice and Brandebourg made earnest instance for his deliuerie: but it was answered that not onely hee, but also his children & Councellors had so be haued themselues, that hee might not as yeat be deliuered. The Garde likewise told him that he was to be carried into Spaine: which made him seeke aide of his children, to whom setting before their eyes the fidelitie wherewith they were tyed vnto him, hee gaue in charge, that they should cite Maurice to appeare according to the tenor of his obligation, which they did, and cited their friends many times most instantly. But they now together, now apart, one while by messengers, an other while in person, shewed that it woulde nei­ther turne to their profit nor their Father to run to worke so headily. And from time to time alleaged new reasons, whereby they hoped that hee might bee deliuered without any daunger, they prayed them then to take patience, and demaunded res­pite. The Emperour who had alreadye sollicited the Landgraue, by De La Lare, to deliuer vp into his handes the letters of Obligation, seeing himselfe againe impor­tuned for his deliuerance, sent Lazarus Schuende to his Children and Councellors, commaunding them not onelye hence forward to take heede they pressed no more Maurice and Brandebourge, but also to sende vnto him all the letters and renounce [Page 51] any more the following therof. If they fayled therin, he threatned thē that they shold well abide the burthen of it. And yet for all that he preuailed not, hee declared in like sort al such Princes as were bound quit, & absolued of their promises: The Landgraue then seing not any hope left, determined to make an escape if it were possible for him; vpon which he sundry times consulted with his people which he caused to come frō Hesse: But fearing the danger, they were very slack, in the end he made Conrad Brede­sten, & Iohn Romelia, vndertake the matter, who from his owne countrie as far as Mali­nes layd post horses, vpon which he might escape. But the matter came out by one of his owne seruants, who in great friendship had told one at Malines, The Land­graue discoue­red minding to haue made an escape. that within a few howers he shold be at liberty, for being come frō hand to hand to the captaine of the Gards eares, euen vpō the pinch that he was ready to take his heeles, the matter burst out and two of his seruants slaine in the place, the rest taken and beheaded, and him selfe clapped into a more close prison. Whereof the Emperour being aduertised, hee tooke it maruelously at the hart, & wrote to Maurice & Brandebourg that this so auda­tious an enterprise turned to his dishonor, being resolued rigorously to punish those which had either Councel or assisted him therin. They sent the Copie of these letters to Guilleaume du Lantgraue, telling him among other matters, that if he wold any more attempt the like, they would in nought be boūd vnto him: Maurice notwithstanding conforted him apart, promising for the deliuerance of their father not only al his sub­stance, but also to aduenture his own life, assuring him that at such time as commodi­tie should present it selfe, he would represent himself in Iustice, when as matters shold be so setled as they should haue very small cause to care for the mislike of any. Which made many to surmise that at that time he practised some league with the French.

Maximilian of Austria sonne in law to the Emperor, Difference a­bout successi­on in the em­pire. & chosen in his absence K. of Bohemia came at this time frō out of Spaine to Ausbourg, called thither by Ferdinand his father, for the different which he had with his brother the Emperor, as touching the succession of the empire. For the deciding whereof the Emperour had caused his sister Mary to returne thither, who was parted from him in the month of September: for knowing how materiall the annexing of Germany was vnto himselfe, he desired ther to ensure & establish the seate of his sonne, who ought to rule ouer so sundry, and seperate prouinces. Ferdinand who tended to the same end, was as well resolued, not to frustrate the attempt or profite thereof, were it either for himselfe, or his children. Now Maximilian was of so milde a nature, & vnderstoode so many tongues, & singu­larlie the Germaine, endued besides with such a curtesie in his manner of life, that he was not onely agreeable vnto all the people, but his vertues procured vnto him such good hap, and aduancement, as I shall in place hereafter declare vnto you.

For the better assistance of this councel whether the Emperor had giuen assurance to the Protestants to come in safetie, they chose these diuines, Melancthon for Sax, Councell. Bu­cer for Witemberg, vnited in opinion, & approued by thē of Strasbourg: and after a­greed vpon such points as were to be ther proposed, for all this Maurice to gaine time, spie his opportunity, and inforce the Emperor to deliuer & set at liberty his father in law, trayning the siege of Magdebourg in length, wrote backe vnto him, that for his part he stoode very well contented, with that faith which he had giuen vnto him, Maurice de­maundeth a more safe­conduct. & could require very litle more. But for so much as he was informed, that there stood in force a decree made by the councel of Constance, by which it was ordained that in­formatiō shold be made against al heretiques or any suspected of heresie, if perchance any sommoned to a councell shold appeare ther, & that sentence should be ther pro­nounced against thē, albeit that the Emperor shold giue thē his faith & safe conduct, he desired a sufficienter assurance, for saith he this decree remaineth ingrosed, & they [Page 52] right well put it in practise, The Catho­liques helde that faith was not to be hol­den with he­retiques. in putting Iohn Hus to death. Who barely relying vpon the faith, & safe cōduct which the Emperor Sigismond gaue him, went thither, the matter being thē thus, could not by any menes send any of his own people to Trent except the Prelates which were ther did in like sort giue their faith, in the name of the whole Councell, as it was doone at the Councell of Basle, which incontinently followed that of Constance, for the Bohemians hauing bene made wise by that which was be­fore done, would by no meanes come to Basle but vnder a safe conduct frō the whole Councell, he required then that by vertue of his authoritie & credit, he would cause them to doe as much, otherwise if they did not giue safe conduct in like manner as had beene before giuen at Basle, he protested, that it ought not to turne to any matter of consequent, either to himselfe, or any of like Religion, if they sent no man thither I haue aboue spoken of Iohn Hus, of the Councell of Constance, & of the war which the Bohemians made against the Church-men for such cōdemnations. Now for that there was a decree made at Constance, that the first Councell shoulde bee held fiue yeares after, the other 7. and then from ten yeares, to ten yeares, the fathers assembled together againe at Basle: and for so much as the Bohemians had not as then beene re­conciled, Safe conduct from the coū ­cell at Basle for the Bohe­mians. pursuite was made against them by letters and messages, so as in the Cittie of Egre, there was a forme of safe conduct set downe in writing, the Bohemians say­ing that they would not make any difficultie at all to appeare at the Councell, proui­ded that the fathers would agree to that: after that they which had beene sent in Em­bassage had made report, of that which they had doone, the fathers approued it and dispatched away the like safe conduct sealed, and by the most louing letters exhorted them to make themselues ready, so as, when the safe conduct of the Emperour Sigis­mond should be in like sort sent vnto them, they might presently set forwards on their iournie. This was during the fower Session, in the yeere of grace 1432. Maurice then being thereof aduertised by his people, sollicited the Emperour, & earnestly insisted vpon the ordinance of Basle, both as being the last, & most conuenient for that time. For the case now of the Protestants, and then of the Bohemians was almost alike. And the Councell published at Trent for the like causes in effect, as it was at Basle: to wit, to roote out heresies, to restore the peace and tranquillitie of the common wealth, and for the amendement of the Church, all vices being vtterly secluded.

The Emperour in the meane time, changed the estates of the Citties of Germa­nie alongest as he passed by, as at Ausbourg wher he altered the Senate, and reformed all at his pleasure. Afterwards retired into Flanders, he sent Henrie Hase 1551. al along the Suaube appointing new Councellors, and deposing all such Preachers and mini­sters as wold not obey the decree of Ausbourg. In the meane time Magdebourg was continually battered and rudely intreated, but after manye skirmishes reciprocall betweene the armie of Maurice, and those which were besieged in Magdebourge for one whole yeare together, Magdebourg deliuered vp. the 3. of Nouember 1551. Hedec being sent from Mau­rice came to Magdebourg, where hauing caused the Captaines to come foorth into the next forte, he agreed of all things, and there passed letters signed and sealed: Pas­port was graunted to the men of warre to depart in safetie, but as soone as they were cassirde, they were secretly entertained againe and enroled, vnder the charge of Me­gelbourg, who by accord had beene set at libertie; for Maurice to good purpose, would by no meanes haue his owne name come in question. The cōditions of peace were these that they shoulde beseech pardon of the Emperour, attempt nothing against the house of Austria and of Burgundie: submit themselues to the chamber; o­bey the last decree of Ausbourg; represent themselues in iustice at the request of any which would bring action against them; rayse the fortifications of their Cittie at the [Page 53] Emperors plesure; receiue Garrison at al times pay 150 thousand crownes to the pub­like treasor, deliuered to the emperor 12 great peeces of Artillerie towards the charges of his war and release the Duke of Megelbourg, and all the rest of the prisoners. The same very day that those which had beene besiedged went out, which were 2000 Pie­tons and 130 horse, Maurice caused fiue ensignes of Fanterie to enter in, and the next morning himselfe entred the Citie with his Cauallery. The Senate went out to meet him, to whome he caused an oath to be ministred to become true to the Emperour, th'empire and himselfe, afterwards hauing left a sufficient Garrison, he caused al the rest to voyd. That doone hee sent for the preachers, and greatly complayned by his Councellors Facius, Calebric, and Mortise, of the iniurie which they had doone vnto him, in little Bookes, and Pictures imprinted by them, as if he had beene one reuolted from the Doctrine of the Gospell, & had made war against the Citie for their cōstant profession of the truth. Wherefore he said, he had iust cause to be reuenged of them if he would follow his owne affections, but he quitted all to the cōmon wealth. Re­quiring from thence forward that they shoulde exhort the people to amendment of life, & to beare reuerence to the Magistrate, he cōmanded also that they should make publike praiers for the Emperour, for himselfe, and for all other Magistrates. He said further that the Councell was then held at Trent, to which he would present a con­fession of the true doctrine, as well in his owne name as of al the rest of the Princes & estates, that they shold pray to God then to prosper the enterprise, & take heede here­after from proceeding in like iniuries as they had accustomed. The ministers after ha­uing consulted together answered, that it was not they themselues which had publi­shed those Pictures, & yeat they could not esteeme them worthy of any reprehensiō, for that it was not to be denied, but since three yeares last past many of his Countrie were reuolted frō the pure doctrine; besides that it was an easie matter to proue how the Cittie had beene besieged for the Gospels sake, if they would onely regard but who were the first authors of the warre; that they had euer doone their dutie in ad­monishing of the people, which they would in like sort doe euer after: as touching the Councell which was assembled to deface the truth, and in which the Pope was as cheefe, that was not lawfull for them to make any other praier vnto God, then that it would please him to breake in sunder, bruse, and scatter their deuises & imaginations, for nought could they else attend from thence then all my mischiefe. The Articles of composition were then published. But it is certaine that they were put in good assu­rance of their libertie & Religion: Besides that Maurice chose rather, that the towne shold be yeelded to him then to the Emperor, as the issue afterwards declared. Now the end of the miseries of Magdebourg, was the beginning of a war to thē, who had beene the authors of their afflictions as we wil tell you. In the meane while that Mau­rice remained in the towne, he sufficiently open himselfe, & gaue out that it shold cost him his life, but he would set his father in law at liberty: yea so far as the next morning he did not sticke to tell it franckly to one which was talking with him. He had before sent his Embassadors to the Emperor, for the deliuery of the Landgraue, hauing asso­ciated vnto him the K. of Denmarke, & sundry Princes of Germanie as we will shew you, being resolued to proceede therein by force, if he could not otherwise obtaine it besides that he had already made a couenant with the K. of France, Embassage from the king of Fraunce to Maurice. who had secretly sent thither Iohn de Fersne B. of Bayonne. Who hauing a long time negotiated in Ger­many had good vnderstanding of the tong. But it seemed, that the Emperour made very small accounte of all these matters, and dreamed of nothing else then the warre of Parma, and Councell of Trent.

[Page 54]Hereupon the children of the Landgraue wrote againe to the Emperour for the deliuerie of their father, whereof they would faine see an end. Who in the beginning of Nouember 1551. was gon as farre as Enipont, as well at the request of the Prelats to fauour the holding of the Councell, as the better to prouide for the war of Perma betweene him and the King of Fraunce, to which he seemed so wedded as perswa­ding himselfe that the King would not vndertake any other matter, he scarce belee­ued the preparatiues of warre which were said to bee made in Germanie. Then the Embassadors of these two Princes, being come in the beginning of December, after hauing most humblye saluted the Emperour in the name of their masters, spoake in this sorte. Maurice and Brandebourg Embassadors speech. ‘ You know most mercifull Emperour, in what paine remaine at this day the most excellent Princes Electors Maurice and Brandebourge for the detaining in hold of the Land­graue, a matter happening vnto them beyond all expectation, such time, as thorough a singular affection which they carried vnto you, by reason whereof they were desirous to prepare vnto you the way to an easie and notable victorie, they sought nought else then to ease you of a great charge by a long warre, and restore the Countrie to peace and tranquillitie. For which respect they haue so often bene suters vnto you, as wel in their proper person, as by their Embassadors, that it might please you to regard them, and release the prisoner: your answere to their last Embassador was, that you could not doe it vntill you saw the issue of the day prefixed to bee held, besides that you made no other promise, but that he should not alwaies remaine captiue if he [...] cpt the accord: But for so much as they being busied about other affaires, haue not beene able at the same day to bee in person themselues, they againe sollicited you at Ausbourge, by their Councellors and reiterated letters. In answere whereof you wrote backe vnto them the reasons of your conceiued displea­sure against him, pronouncing the Princes absolued of their obligation towards the children of the Captiue. Wherefore they determyned to importune you in the like againe. And had come themselues in person, had it not beene for what you know, they were both of them employed in the warre of Magdebourge, besides that Brandebourg himselfe was sicke, which was the cause that they haue giuen vs in charge, to declare vnto you for the first point. That when you did or­daine that the Landgraue should yeeld himselfe vnto you vpon condition, they vnderstoode your intention by the B. of Arras, which was, that he should receiue, and keepe such conditions, as you had proposed and imparted vnto them. If it stoode a matter needfull to perswade him to yeelde himselfe in such sort, it was as needfull to declare vnto him that he should not bee kept as a Cap­tiue, nor worse dealt with then the treatie of peace contained. The Princes then were his pled­ges, which your Councellers also well enough vnderstoode. And where as the Landgraue still in­sisted, that they should declare vnto him some Articles of th'accord, and required that for the dispatch thereof he might not be stayed aboue sixe daies, it was graunted vnto him, after that the matter had beene proposed to the B. of Arras. As touching the rest of the points the Princes obtained therein more then they demaunded. And admit that in this proceeding matters should not be a like vnderstoode of the one side, and the other, & that the Landgraue being come was imprisoned against the faith promised, yeat had the Princes neuer accused you for the same, had they not the same time, hauing bene graciously promised by your selfe, gon themselues in person to Halle, & set him thence, at such time as the Landgraue approaching sent vnto them to come vnto him to Numbourg. For at that time they spoake with you, signifiyng vnto you that they had perswaded him to stand to the conditions proposed, and that he was not far off, yea that if it plea­sed you they would goe and meete him: In the meane time praying you that since hee yeelded himselfe vpon their faith and assurance, he might be charged no farther, to which you condis­cended. Now in the last dispatch, there was no mention at all made either of prison or detention, as your owne people the Bishoppe of Arras and of Selde can verie well witnesse. For the first had all the charge in this matter, and sometimes called the other to assist him: for after that the [Page 55] conditions were accepted of, and pardon demaunded, the Princes stood fully assured, that he shuld be incontinently released; which they had reason to imagine for sundry causes. First, for that the Councellors neuer made once mention of retaining him, which was a principall point in the trea­tie which the Landgraue perceiued, and considered of aboue all. Moreouer, sundry thinges are contained therein, which is not possible for any Prince captiue to accomplishe, but for him onelye which is at libertie. After that he had besought you pardon, you remitted his fault, and were con­tented to reuoke his banishment, and giue him letters of reconciliation, besides that you receaued pledge and assurance, wherein it was set downe, that if he did not perfourme the accord, the people should deliuer him vp vnto you, and the pledges should by force of armes constraine him to do his dutie. All these things certes, had serued to nothing, and had beene meere superfluous, if they had thought he should haue endured corporall punishment: but they imagining nothing lesse, consi­dering especially that the Councellors neuer made men [...]ion thereof, brought him vpon this assu­rance, promising to deliuer him backe againe before his children, and to endure like punishment that he should doe, if any outrage were offred him. Such was their intention, which was since more confirmed, when after great request the Duke of Alua inuited them to Supper at his house with the Landgraue. It was not possible for them to conster in so ill a sence, this summons and hospitalitye (considering the custome and fashion of the Princes of Germany) that he should goe into the D. of Alua his house, as into a prison: and that they should goe with him side by side, and beare him company thither, which had they neuer so little made doubt of, who can imagine what they would haue done? for considering how they are Princes of Germany, and also Electors, issu­ed from right honourable familyes, neuer would they haue bene a meanes that a Prince of an ex­cellent house, both their allie and freend, should haue bene brought to such a banquet to fall into so great troubles, and that they should leade him as captiue, and they were no whit at all made pri­uie to the fact, vntill after supper when the D. of Alua tolde him, that hee must remaine in the Castle as in prison: howsoeuer the matter was, they went to worke with a good meaning, as we sayde in the beginning; and for so much as they haue plighted their faith, you may well perceiue how hard and greeuous a matter it will be both to them and their children, if after hauing bene often put in minde of their promises, and after caution giuen, the Landgraue he detayned pri­soner: you perceiue likewise (most puissant Emperour) you, who deriue your race from the Ger­maines, (considering that the Children of the Captiue Prince pursue their right, & presse thē to redeliuer him vnto them, according to the condition of the bond) what becommeth them to doe according to the ancient custome of the Nobilitie of Germany, for to preserue their honour and good reputation, and how they should be inexcusable towards all the rest of the Princes, when the power of citing should be taken from them, or the instrument of the bond, in such forme as remai­neth in their handes, that if perchaunce the Landgraue who neither is prisoner by faith giuen, nor by composition, but by occasion before specified, through the griefe and impatience of his so long restrainte, haue sought some meanes to escape, and that his men haue attempted ought a­gainst the Guardes, the Princes beseech that it may turne no waies to their damage: but for that by reson of the obligation they are in so extreme distres, out of which you alone after the immor­tall God, are able to deliuer them, and that you are most certaine how they stand enwrapped in these inconueniences; besides that you stand fully assured of their good affection, loyalty, and ser­uice, for that in your aduersities they neither haue spared their goods, nor bloud for your profit, according to the example of their ancestors, they beseech you as much as is possible, that you will succour them in deliuering of the prisoner, and that therein you weigh not so much the fact of the Landgraue, as their persons who holde you in singular reuerence, considering cheefelye that many of their families haue neither spared goods or liues for your ancestors, and for the house of Austria and of Burgundie: and if perchaunce you feare that when he shall be at libertie, he will breake the accorde, you doe very well when the matter shall proceede so farre, but the Nobilitye [Page 56] and people of Hesse shall promise the contrary vnto you by oath, and as the Princes haue made themselues pledges, so if you desire any further assurance they haue often offred it, and do at this present, hauing giuen power vnto vs to doe as much with you: as touching such conditions as they haue bene able to accomplish, they doe not thinke that ought is lefte remaining; and when you shall know the cause for which their fortes haue not beene so soone raised, they make no doubt but that you will easily excuse and purge the children of the captiue: if there rest any other thing they will in euery respect employ themselues to content you. Therefore if they, their Fathers or Grandfathers, haue euer done seruice to your selfe, to the Emperour Maximilian, or any your ancestors, or if you think that in time to come they may pleasure you in any occasion, they beseech you affectionately that you suffer them to taste some fruite thereof, and that you will cause them to see some effect of the hope and promise, which you gaue them first at Halle, secondly at Num­bourg, and thirdly at Ausbourg: to the end in time to come they may haue the greater courage to honour you, being able to glory in that the fidelity and seruice which they haue done vnto you, hath bene by you acknowledged according to their deserte, if they be refused, you may well thinke (excellent Emperour) what inconueniences will ensue, when they shall be enforced to appeare and approue their innocencye: but they hope well that you will regarde their praiers, which they will receiue for a singular benefite; and as well they, as the Landgraue with his children and alliance, shall for euer endure all paine to acknowledge it. And forsomuch as this matter tou­cheth so neerely their honour, they haue solicited the rest of the Princes to entreate with them, whose Embassadours you see heere present, to the end that what themselues haue not bene able to obtaine at your hands vntill this present, either by praiers, messages, or letters, these here may ob­taine by their credit and fauour, beseeching you to take it in this parte.’

After that they had thus spoken, they presented vnto him the letters of Ferdinand K. of Romanes, of Albert D. of Bauieres, of the Bretheren of Lunebourg written in the behalfe of the Landgraue: those Princes which made request by their Embassadours, were the Elector Frederic Palatine, Wolfang de deux pontz, Iohn Marquesse of Brande­bourg, Henry, and Iohn, Albert D. of Megelbourg, Ernest Marquesse of Bade, and Christophre D. of Witemberg, whose Deputies after hauing shewed their commission spake in this manner.

The Princes Embassadors. ‘ The Electors Maurice and Brandebourg finding themselues greatly troubled for the impri­sonment of the Landgraue, and being minded to make request vnto you for him (most merci­full Emperour) haue required our Princes to ioyne with them in this their request, to the end it might be of greater weight and efficacie on their behalfe, which they could not deny vnto them, in regarde of that dutie of alliance, freendship, and coniunction which is betweene them. Con­sidering then that the matter standeth on such tearmes, as the Embassadours haue at length ful­ly declared, and that if the captiue be restrained any long time, it may turne to the damage and blame of those which haue pauned their faith, the Princes which haue sent vs hither doe beseech you, and carefully warne you to weigh all these things, for they holde themselues greatlye inte­ressed if the honour, dignitie, and renowne of them be not countergarded: a matter likelye to ensue, if the Landgraue be not released. They require then most humblye that these their re­quests may somewhat preuaile with you, especially considering that hee hath already acknowled­ged his fault, and besought pardon on both his knees: that it is now a long time he hath lien by it, and aboue all, in regarde that the extreame necessitie of the two Electors demaundeth it, who are fallen into this inconuenience, for their proceeding herein in good faith, and their willing­nes to doe you seruice, that if peraduenture there may haue bene some fault committed, or that some matters haue not bene so well vnderstoode, yet it is a matter honest and proper to your mercy, to prefer equitie before the rigour of law, and not so much to regarde him which is cap­tiue, as the ineuitable necessitie of the Electors, and to deale gently and liberally with them, ac­cording [Page 57] to the example of your ancestors, who haue alwaies bene carefull to preserue the honour of the Princes of the Empire: that will turne to your great honour towards all men, and them especially. And it will breed courage in them, to remaine vnto you singularly, faithfull frends, and affectionate seruants, and to employ themselues in all thinges for the loue of you.’ The King of Denmarke in like sorte had sent his owne Embassadour, who made the like re­quest.

The Emperour made answere certaine daies after, that the matter was of impor­tance, and required ripe deliberation, and for so much as he was aduertised that Mau­rice purposed to make his repaire very shortlye vnto him for other matters of conse­quence, in sorte as hauing written vnto him he attended him dayly, hee would defer it vntill his comming, hoping that the matter might then be entreated of most com­modiously in his presence, for their partes they might returne again to their Princes, and tell them as from him, that he would well carry in remembrance their demandes, and so guide himselfe in this action, that they should well vnderstand that their re­commendation caried great weight towards him.

Thus Maurice not able to picke any certainty out of all this, and causing himselfe in the presence of many to be importuned by the Landgraues children, who threatned to put both him and Brandebourg in sute for breach of promise, had no sooner resol­ued with the Embassadour of Fraunce, (whose charge euery man was almost igno­norant of) of what succour he was to draw thence, then he determined to make open warre against the Emperour, but for all that, the better to couer the fainednes of his intents, he sent his deputies to Trent, to demaund such another safeconduct as the Bohemians had at Constance, that the Pope should submit himselfe vnto the Coun­cell, and acquite the B. of their oathes, Maurices de­maunds at the councell. that all Nations might haue free accesse thi­ther, and that whatsoeuer had beene decreede before the comming of the diuines should be cancelled. Srasbourg and the D. of Witemberg his Embassadors saide as much. This comming of the Embassadours, and the promise which he made short­ly after to be with the Emperour, tooke away all suspition of warre, for the very Em­perour wrote to the Archbishops of Mayence, Treues, and Cologne, to leaue Trent, and to goe home and defend their Countries from such souldiers as had bene retay­ned after the siege of Magdebourg: and as the Emperour had in like sort prayed them to do, they receiued very curteously: Maurice his deputies giuing vnto thē their safe­conduct, saying that they had summoned thither all Nations, that all were free there, but that reason and their dutie would by no meanes permit them to disanull or can­cell ought, and much lesse to submit the Pope to the councell. The Embassadours af­ter hauing examined their safeconduct, found it different from that of the Bohemi­ans, and after that they had hastely read it ouer, they found the principal articles chan­ged, and the rest cleane omitted: for in the safeconduct which was giuen out to the Bohemians, there was among other thinges, that they should haue power to decide, that in all differents they shold take for iudge the holy scripture, the practise of the an­cient Church, such councels and interpreters as agreed with the holy Scripture, that it should be lawfull for them to say diuine seruice in their houses, in a tongue which they vnderstoode, that nothing should be proffered in contempt and blame of their doctrine, the first, third, and last of these points were cleane omitted, the second which is the principall, was altogether altered: this being considered of according to the forme of the decree of Basle, they prescribed another safeconduct, and answered that it was not lawfull for them to exceed their commission, which carried that they were not to take any safeconduct, but according to the contents of that at Basle. The Pro­testant [Page 58] deputies for the causes before saide would departe, Diuersities of opinions in the Councell of Trent. and also for that they were not able to endure the iniurious preachings of certaine Monkes against them & their religion, of which likewise they had not free exercise in their owne houses: besides the brute of the warre which hastened then as well as the rest of the Germanes and Italians, who on the other side suspected that the Prelates of Spaine, Scicilie, Naples, and other Imperialls, which demaunded the continuance of the Councell, would re­quire a reformation in the Popes authoritie, (whose Court they esteemed alreadye stretched to farre) and in the discipline and manners of the Church, that the superflu­itie, ambition, and example of their euill life, might be taken away, that euery man should take charge ouer his Church, and holde but one benefice, to which sundrye Germane catholickes put to their helping handes, albeit otherwise they did not ac­knowledge any errour in the doctrine, and yet were of opinion that Councels might erre. In summe both they and the Italians (who they say neuer greatly loued to heare of Councels) fearing that they would enter into this consideration, trussed vp their bagge and baggage, as soon as they had newes of the taking of Ausbourg, which Mau­rice and his company took the fourth day of Aprill, three daies after the siege, from the Emperours Garrison. And albeit that the day of the Session was ordained to be the first of May, yet altogither in dispaire, the Fathers which remained, assembled to­gether the 20. of Aprill, The Councell of Trent de­ferred for 2. yeares. Crescence Cardinall, Le­gat and presi­dent for the Pope, died of an apprehen­sion. and proroged the councell for two yeares, by reason of the discorde happened betweene the Kings and Princes, and for longer to, if in the mean time they could not be reconciled. But the Legate Crescence President of the Coun­cell, remained in his bed, frighted with a spirit which hee sawe by night, whereupon shortly after he fell sicke, imagining that he could neuer escape it, any comforte that his freendes or familiars could yeelde vnto him: so he died at Veronne. The Pope in the mean time had accorded with the K. of Fraunce, who prepared himselfe against the Emperour, as I will tell you.

You haue seene the siege of Magdebourg, and what Maurice did for the deliuerye of the Landgraue, who perceiuing the Emperour, fed him with nothing but hopes, practised as many Princes, Captaines, and other, as he was able in Germany, to main­taine the libertie of Religion, and the common wealth. After that hee made an ally­ance with the K. of Fraunce, and gaue hostages on the one side and the other: and thē they caused the occasions of the warre to be imprinted and spred abroad, to draw the more vnto them. In the mean season th'emperour caused the Drum to be strooke vp at the foot of the Mountains, and assembled his men of war at the towne of Rutte, as the most commodious Rende-uous for all his troupes.

The birth of H. 3. K. of France and Pologne.Vpon the 21. of September 1551. Queene Catherine of Medices was brought a bed at Fontaine-bleau, of a Sonne, named Edward Alexander D. of Angoulesme, by the deputie of Edward K. of England, and of Antoine of Bourbon, D. of Vendosme, with the Duchesse of Mantua, who since notwithstanding left those names, to take that of his Fathers, so as he shalbe euer hereafter named Henry the third, K. of Fraunce and of Pologne.

The Baronnie of Montmo­tency erected into a Duchie, with right of a Petre.Much about the same time, the K. curious to acknowledge from wel to better, the good and agreeable seruices done vnto him by Ane de Montmorency his Consta­ble, erected his Barronie of Montmorency into a Duchie, together with the right and prerogatiue of a Peere.

If the French liued in peace, the Germanes smallye caring for their rest, prepared themselues not onely to a ciuill and dangerous warre, but also desired to bring in a­mong them, the Prince of the Flower de Lys, for a counterpease to the Emperour [Page 61] Charles, whom they sought to enforce, for the deliuery of the Saxon and Landgraue, which he helde prisoners, as also to restore Germanye to her former estate. To this end they had already made him to vnderstand, together with their complaintes, what meanes they had to constraine him thereunto, if he would but releeue them with his succor. To which the K. of Fraunce being councelled to listen & yeeld all fauour, for naturall and ancient desire to abate the greatnes of such an enemye, before that hee would put his forces into the fielde, (to which hee gaue the Rende-uous at Vitry in Partois, hauing already sent the Gouernours into their Prouinces, to leuye the best trained, and most voluntary Souldiers that they coulde) hee caused to be published throughout his owne Realme, Italye, high and lowe Germanye, and other quarters, the declaration of his will and true purpose touching those succours, which hee was minded to yeelde vnto them. The letter which he caused to be made, The K. letter to the Elec­tors. to this effect at Fontaine-bleau, the 3. of February 1552. which Du Fresne broght with him into Ger­many for the same end, were of this tenor. That the greatnes of an estate Royall, fet­ching his encrease from the enterprises which redounded to the profit of many, and aboue all to the freendes of a Crowne, he in like sorte was euer studied from his in­fancy in this holy exercise, and in a desire to shew himselfe gratious, and succourable to the whole worlde, and that therefore comming to be King, he had likewise vnder­taken the protection of the Queene and Realme of Scotland, renued the ancient al­liance with the Suizers, and in the end concluded peace with his Brother the King of England, that the Emperour had lesie no craft or wilines, whereby he might breake this peace, to the end that Fraunce might be enwrapped with warre and discordes, albeit that hitherto himselfe was neuer willing to haue begun the broile, or to arme against him, standing onely to his own defence. But hauing heard the particular com­plaintes and greefes of sundry Princes, Lords, and States of Germanye, as touching the tirannie and violence which the Emperour vsed ouer them, vnder colour of reu­niting those whome the diuersitie of religion had separated and disioyned, of refor­ming of abuses, and ouerrunning the Turke, a common enemye to Christendome. And seeing that herein he went about nothing else thē to encroche vpon the Monar­chie, and make it successiue to the house of Austria: for these considerations the K. remembring that he was descended from the bloud of the ancient Franks or Fran­cons, issued out of Germany, and the perpetuall alliance and amitie, which in all time had bene betweene the Gallique nation and the Germane, the which the Emperour and his Grandfather euer went about to breake, he could doe no lesse then haue re­garde thereunto, and prouide for such mischiefes as are offred themselues on that part, as the Emperor shuld execute his plats and enterprises. His most christian Maie­stie, fearing leash the alteration of the Germane libertie might proue the ruine of that Nation, and by consequence a great shaking to the glorye and power of the Gaules, which haue Germany for their rampire, hath considered it to be a matter almost ne­cessarie for all Christendomes preseruation, that they should ioyne their forces toge­ther, to came whatsoeuer he were, any one that should presume to encroche ought vpon their liberties: it imported further, that his Maiestie had seene so great disorder among the Princes and States of th' empire, that hee was not able to iudge whether all, or parte of them, had praied him to shewe himselfe a protectour and defendor of this Germane liberty almost shaken in peeces: that at this time many Princes as well Electors as other, had besought him to assist them, and be their helpe in this so vrgent a necessitie. And in case that he would not doe it, he protested before God and men, the mischiefe that was likely to befall them, and of which his Maiestie onely should [Page 60] be the cause, greatly iniurying his own reputation, and doing wrong to that which he oweth to the ancient league betweene Gaule and Germany. Besides that he shewed to those Princes, Electors, and others, and to the free Citties, that since that Charles and his brother had taken vpon them to commaund the Empire, euery thing fell into confusion and disorder. And that that was true, a man might see with his eye, how he had fleeced the Empire, the Citties, comminalties, and other places, as Gueldres, V­trech, Cambray, and Constance, which he had made become proper to the House of Austria: and that by a thousand deuices he went about to encroche vpon the Arch­bishop of Treues, and the Dukes of Cleues and Witemberg, and cleane to ruine the principalitie of Hess. The King further complained how that Charles and Ferdinand had cleane excluded the Embassadours of Fraunce, from the Dietts and generall as­semblies of Germany, where in times past they had their place: and that contrary to the liberties of Germany, he would bridle the liberty of the Souldiers, and keep them from seruing any in the warres but himselfe: and that it was not lawfull for them to come vnder his pay, without incurring of condemnation, as breakers of his Edicts, and attainted of treason: he blamed the Emperour of Fellonye and crueltye, in cau­sing many braue warriers to be cruelly put to death, because they had receiued pay of the K. of Fraunce, he made instance of the Colonell Vgesberg, whome the Emperour caused to be beheadded in his own presence, of the banishmentes and confiscations decreede against Captaine Recrod, the Ryngraue, Riffiberg, and Schertelin, against whom he shewed himselfe so obstinately and cruelly carried, that hee caused to be proclay­med by sound of Trumpet, 4000. Crownes to whosoeuer could bring aliue or dead any of these Lords, to make a good pastime with the effusion of Germane bloud, for the Spanish bandes. This discourse and other matters finished, he concluded that he had made an alliance with sundrye of the Princes of Germanye, and that togither with them hee was resolued to imploye both his forces and his person, for defence of the libertye of whole Germanye: without expecting any other recompence, then the honour, in hauing doone his dutye, and tyed vnto him so puissant a na­tion as the Germane, of which this his desire and pretence, hee gaue assurance vp­pon his oath, taking God to witnesse, and swearing that in the woorde of a King, and faith of a Prince: and that in generall hauing no other intention, then to deli­uer all the estates of Germanye from the oppression of the Emperour, and of his: in particular, hee pretended to doe it in fauour of his most deare and most beloued Cosins, Iohn Duke of Saxe, and Philip Landgraue of Hess, detained in miserable seruitude by Charles, whatsoeuer hee had promised or sworne to the contrarye, there­by to get immortal praise as somtimes did Flaminius, for hauing affranchised Greece. And towards the latter end of the letter were these wordes: We promise you in lik­sorte by the almightie God, before all the Kings, Princes, and Potentates of Christen­dome, that we will not in any sorte suffer, that either to you in generall, or to any one in particular, of what estate or condition souer he be, to our knowledge any wrong or iniurie shalbe offred. And lesse will we endure, who carry the title of most Christian, that any damage shalbe done to the goods and persons of you, most reuerende Pre­lates, Abbots, and other of the Clergy, as it hath bene wrongfullye giuen out by our aduersaries: rather we determine to receaue you into our protection and safegarde, prouided that you declare your selues for vs and our allies: and giue vs sufficient as­surance of your intents, hoping for the reunion of the Church, which we attende by the recouering of the publique libertie: to which we will imploy (God willing) all our power, the which we were willing to let you to vnderstand, most reuerend Pre­lates, [Page 61] and most excellent Princes, and other the estates of the holy Empire, to the end you should not be ignorant of the true occasion of this warre: by which we pretend to pursue the Emperour with fire and sword, and (albeit very loath) to cut him of as a rotten member from the body of the common wealth, or at the least to enforce him to cease offring you any more iniurie. As touching ought which more particu­larly may touch vs, or the affaires of the holy Empire, you shall know it by our belo­ued and feal councellor and Embassadour Iohn du Fresne B. of Bayonne, whome to this end we haue dispatched, praying you to giue credence vnto him, in whatsoeuer he shall deliuer on our parte, and that by him you will aduertise vs of your intention. Yeouen at Fountaine-bleau the 3. of February 1552. and in the 5. yeare of our raigne. By this so autenticall a promise & solemne league, the K. made him selfe defendor of the Germanes, and was called Father of the countrye, and protector of the Germane nation & holy Empire: and was so proclaimed throghout al the imperiall cities, with inscription & triumphant arcks & shewes, recōmending this his curtesie, that of gal­lantnes of minde, he would at so great charge oppose himself, to so happy & puissant a Monarch. On the top of this writing printed in the vulgare tongue, there was a hat betweene two daggers, and written about liberty: vnderneath was the K. repre­sented, who called himselfe Protector of Germany, and of the Princes in Captiuitie.

Wheras he said that the Emperor had ordained a price to such as could kil certain of his Colonels, it was thus. Charles 5. reuiuing his Edicts, had againe banished out of th'empire the Colonels Ringraue, Recrod, Ritteberg, and Schertelin, all in the Kings wa­ges, so far as to promise 4000. crownes, to whomsoeuer would bring any of them vn­to him aliue or dead: for they pushed hard at the wheele, and after the league was concluded whereof we haue spoken, carried souldiars into Fraunce.

In the meane season Maurice hauing lefte his Brother Augustus behinde him as his Liuetenant in his Countrie, marched into the fielde, and with the Landgraues sonne, who tooke with him Du Fresne the K. Embassadour, ioyned together the forces of th' associates at Tonouert. Afterwards Albert of Brandebourg came vnto them with a great number of foot & horse, at Koburg, they brought all as they passed alongst vn­der their subiection, and infringing whatsoeuer had bene ordained by th'emperour, they established there new officers, and a new kinde of gouernement, constraining al to furnish them with mony; albeit the Emperor, and especially his brother Ferdinand besought thē of peace, for which they promised their best endeuor, notwithstanding that the emperor caused the drum to be stroke vp at the foot of the moūtains, for the assembling of his army: an occasion that Maurice wēt to Lincy in Austria, to know of Ferdinand the conditions of peace, for he was willing to pacifie matters at the wil of th'emperor, who on the other side had exhorted by his letters the principall Princes of Germany that they would bestow some paines in quenching this vprore, & aduise of some means of peace, to which his best endeuor shuld not be wanting: and wheras some demanded succor of him, not seeing thēselues strong enough against so great a force, he assured them of a good hope, answering that now they were in tearmes of making peace, which as he hoped shuld take good effect: if otherwise, he would suc­cour thē with his means & the whole cōmon wealth of Germany: Vlme was besie­ged 6. daies, & the 19. of April the Princes went to Stoach, a town of Hegouia where in the name of the K. of France 3. months pay was giuen thē, according to the accord, Hostages of Fraunce and Germany. and there was giuen for hostage on the French part, Iames of the house of Marche, for the other (to wit the Earle of Nantueil) died on the way. The hostages which the Princes gaue vnto the King, were Christophle Duke of Megelbourg, and Philip sonne [Page 62] to the Landgraue. The last of April the Princes returned to the Danube, some leagues belowe Vlme. In the meane space Albert of Brandebourg set fire on all the Townes and villages of Vlme, and got as much monie as hee was able, afterwardes hee tooke the forte of Helfesten, scituated vpon an high mountaine, and there put garrison: that done, he rated the towne of Gisling, which is three leagues from Vlme, with certain other villages about, at 18. thousand crownes. In the meane while Maurice arriued at Lincy, proposed certaine articles touching the deliuery of his father in law, for the ap­peasing of the difference in religion and doctrine, of well and dulye establishing the common wealth, The propositi­ons of Maurice. of making peace with the K. of Fraunce their companion and alye, of receiuing into grace the banished men, as the Ringraue & the other abouenamed, among which was likewise Hedec, who some yeares before had placed himselfe in the seruice of Maurice: but the Emperour had not set downe any certaine price to him that could take him, were it for feare of offending Maurice, or any other occasion. Vp­pon that Ferdinande (who had with him his sonne Maximilian, his sonne in law Albert of Bauieres, and the Emperours Embassadors) made answere to his demaundes, that the Emperour made no refusal to deliuer the Landgraue, prouided that they laid aside their armes, for regarde of religion and the common wealth, it pleased him well that they should aduise therof in the first assembly, but it was a matter too noisome to the Emperor to comprehend therin the K. of Fraunce, and yet that Maurice might do wel to know of the K. vnder what cōditions he would appoint it: as for the banished per­sons, they night reenter into grace, so as they obserued such conditions as the Empe­rour would set downe. Further Ferdinande demaunded of Maurice aide against the Turke in Hungarie, The resolution of peace deserred, and wherefore. after that the peace should be concluded, and that he would not suffer any souldiers to retire towards the K. of Fraunce. To which Maurice answered that it was not lawfull for him to conclude of anything, without the consent of his companions, so as they departed vpon condition that the 26. of May they shuld meet againe at Passau, which is betweene Ratisbone and Lincy, at the reencounter of Da­nube and Eno, whether the Princes who had the handling of the matter, should re­paire, if not, their deputies furnished with ample power: where we will leaue thē pre­paring of peace, and the French of warre, for the maintenance of the Germane liber­tie, as I will shew you by and by, to the end to run as far as into Prouence, where no­table accidents present themselues, worthy of the posterity.

I will not passe any further without informing you of a most notable occurrence which happened in this time amōg the Prouencials, I haue before told you of the Al­bigeoise religion, The Vaudois of Prouence how, when, by whom, and wherefore persecuted as Heretiques. and how by force the Albigeoise quitting of Fraunce, went to inha­bit in diuers cuntries of christendom, especially among the mountains of Sauoy, Pie­mont & Prouence, where continuing the exercise of their religion, they were named Vaudois. Now for that in all times they neuer acknowledged the supremacye of the Pope, from whose doctrine theirs differed in many points, cheefelye after the com­ming of Martin Luther, and publishing of his writings, which they couragiously embraced, as neerer approching to their ancient doctrine, they were oftentimes ac­cused and pursued, as Heretickes and Rebels to the Magistrate, so as with the zeale of the Cleargie, encreasing the persecution vpon all Lutheranes, in the yeare 1540. at the instance of the Kings Proctor in the Parlament of Aix in Prouence, the inha­bitantes of Merindol, were adiourned in the person of certaine named in the arrest (which wee will recite) to appeare personally, according to which adiournement, the within named came to Aix to present themselues to the Court. At the daye assigned vnto them, they addressed themselues to the skilfullest Aduocates, to aske [Page 63] their aduise how they were to guide and gouerne themselues in this affaire. The Ad­uocates and Proctors tolde them, that it was not lawfull for them to giue councel vn­to any that were suspected of the Lutherane sect. Notwithstanding one secretly and aparte aduertised them, that they were not to present themselues to the saide Court, except they were ready, and prepared to endure to be burned, yea at little fire, with­out any forme or figure of triall: for that had already beene concluded of among them. With these speeches the Merindoliens were greatly astonied, and more after­wards when indeed they saw sundry of their sect to be cruelly murthered, hauing no other cause alleadged for their condemnation, but that they had spoken and maintai­ned such matters, as had bene declared Lutherane, by the censures & determinations of the Doctors in Diuinitye, which they of Merindal perceiuing, retired themselues without euer appearing at the assignation, so as defaulte was pronounced against them, by vertue whereof the Court ordained an Arrest, which euer after was called the Arrest of Merindol, the tenor whereof was in this wise. At the demaund the pro­fit and vtility of defaultes obtained by the Kings Proctor Generall, Arrest of the par­lament of Aix. demaunder in case of crime of diuine and humane treason, against Andrew Menard, and adiour­ned to three peremptory dayes, not appearing, but making defaulte, the charges and informations considered, made at the request of the K. Proctor generall, They were about 24. as well inha­bitants of Merin, dolas, other their neighbours. the ordinan­ces of arrest of bodies, and for defaulte thereof the adiournementes of peremptorye dayes, being decerned against the said accused, and making defaulte the 30. of Iuly 1540. the said adiournements of 3. peremptory daies being passed, the defaults obtai­ned by the saide Proctor generall, against the said accused, the K. letters patents of the last of May in the said yeare 1540. addressed to the said Court, to proceed against the Vaudois and Lutheranes, and other holding contrary sects, and derogating from the Christian faith and religion: and also other letters pattents of the said Lord, of the 16. of Iuly 1535. and of the last of May 1536. by which he graunted pardon and grace, to such as were charged, accused, and suspected of hereticall errors, so as they would re­nounce the said errours, and abiure them within six moneths, after the publication of the said letters, the certificat of the witnesses, hauing bene wel examined in the aboue said informations, other charges, informations, & proces, being brought forth by the said Proctor generall, to make it appeare how most notoriously all they of Merindol hold Vaudoise & Lutherane sects, reproued, and contrary to the holy faith & christian religion, withdrawing & concealing many strangers & fugitiues charged to be of the same sect, nourishing and fauoring of them, how in the same place ther is a schoole of errors and false doctrines of the said sects, which dogmatise their said errors and false doctrines, & bookbinders, which imprint and sell books ful of such false doctrine: and also that they of Merindol vnder the ground, and in rocks, haue made caues wherein they retire & hide thēselues, their complices & goods, and make themselues strong: o­ther information being takē by the iudge of Apt, to make it more manifest, how after that Colin Palleng named of the plane of Apt, as a sectator of the saide sects, was some daies passed condemned & burned, and his goods confiscate to the K. in despite here­of many of the said people of Merindol, their complices & adherents in great assem­blies of six or seuen score men armed with harquebuses, halbeards, swords, and other weapons, brake into the Mill of the saide Colin Palleng and Thomas Palleng brethren, beat and outraged the Miller, and threatned him and as many as should intermeddle with any goods of any their secte. All this considered, it was saide that the Court hath said and declared, doth say and declare, the said defaultes to haue bene wel obtayned, and for the profit of them, that all the abouesaide accused, and adiourned are true [Page 64] defaulters, and stubborne, barred of all defence, attainte, and conuinced of the cases, and crimes laide vnto them: hauing detained, maintained, and followed hareticall sects and doctrines, reproued, and contrary to the faith and Christian religion, and to the holy prohibitions of the King: and being the retirers and receiuers, the releeuers and fauourers of men charged, and diffamed to holde like damnable doctrines, & re­proued sectes, for remedy whereof, it hath condemned, & doth condemne the aboue named: and in case that they cannot be taken and apprehended, from henceforward it hath banished them al, and doth banish them out of the Realme, landes & signories of the K. with interdiction and prohibition, not once to enter therein vpon paine of the gallowes, and declareth all and euery the goods of the abouesaid condemned, and banished, their wiues, children & families, acquited and confiscate to the saide L. and also prohibiteth all Gentlemen, vassales, and other subiects of the said Lord, that they receaue not, nor conceale any of the said condemned, their wiues, children, seruants, or families, nor giue them any fauour, aide or comforte, in any manner whatsoeuer, vpon paine to such as shall doe the contrary of confiscation of their goods, and other arbitrary paines. And moreouer considering that all the said place of Merindol, is the notorious retreate, den, refuge, and forte of people holding such damnable and re­proued sects, the said court hath ordained & doth ordaine, that al the houses builded in the same place shalbe pulled down, razed, and laied euen with the ground, and the said place be lefte vnhabitable, so that none shall reedifie or builde there, without the pleasure and permission of the K. likewise that the Castle, and den, ram partes & forts, being in the rockes and woods of the land of the said Merindol shalbe ruined, and laid in such sorte, as none shall be able to make there any more residence, and that the pla­ces shalbe vncouered, and the woods where such fortes are cut downe, and grubbed 200. paces about: and further it prohibiteth and forbiddeth, that no parte of the inhe­ritance of the saide place shalbe let to farme, rente, or otherwise, to any of the sirname or lyne of the aboue condemned. Published in iudgement at the Parlament of Pro­uence sitting at Aix the 18. of Nouember 1540.

Particular iudge­ments vpon the merite of the arrest.Afterwards the court ordained to euery iudge ordinary, of Aix, Tomes, S. Maxi­mia and Apt, the execution of what might concerne him in the Arrest, which many found very strāge, as a thing done too headily against persons, which neuer were once heard or come to their answere, yea so cruelly against the feminine sexe, and yong in­fants, and the execution made against all of a whole country, albeit the proceedinges, had only bene against certain perticular men therin mentioned. Others holding with the arrest said, that in case of Lutherane sect, iudges were not bound to obserue either common or ordinary law, so as it tended to the rooting out of those, which are suspec­ted to be such. The president La Chassane differ­reth the executi­on of the arrest, and his reasons. And to set forward the execution, the Archbishop of Arle, the B. of Aix and others, met oftentimes, solliciting the President La Chassane, and other, to the same effect: so farre as to assure them to furnishe their charges, and to turne vp­pon them any the Kings indignation or other mens, who saide he might very well be angry at such a destruction of his subiectes: and that it was rather made to holde in awe the Lutheranes, being so great a number of them in Prouence, then to exe­cute it according to the Tenor: and moreouer that it was not definitiue, and that the lawes and ordinances of the Realme doe not permit the execution before other pro­cedings, yet they preuailed so far as he cōdescended vnto thē, and stroke vp the drum to assemble the people of Prouence which were commaunded to march, which they did: Cause of delay of the execution. but they were as soon countermanded & discharged by the liuely propositions among other of a very learned gentleman named D. Alence, how that this proceeding [Page 65] by way of acte and force, was against all forme and order of iustice, and without di­stinction of the culpable, and innocente. Now it was so as this President had put in light and published in print, a booke intituled Catalogus gloriae Mundi, Catalogus glo­riae mundi, made by Chassane, and printed at Lions. in which by way of pastime he set downe the proceedings which he fained had sometimes bene helde against the Rats, by the officers of the spirituall Courte of the B. of Authun, as if it were, that through all the Bailliwick of Laussois, there had beene such a quan­titye and great multitude of Rats, that they destroied and eate the corne of all the Country, whereupon it was thought good that some body should be sent to th'offici­all of Authun, to excommunicate these Rats, and that thereupon the Official hauing heard the plaintife of the Proctor fyscall, ordained before that he would proceede to excommunication, that a warning should bee giuen by order of iustice, wherby the Rats should be cited at 3. peremtorye dayes, and for default of apparance then to pro­ceede, &c. The three daies being passed, the Proctor presented himselfe against the Rats, and for fault of apparance obtained default: by vertue whereof he demaunded that they would proceede to excommunication: wherupon it was iudicially conclu­ded, that the Rats should bee prouided of an Aduocate to heare their defence, &c. considering it was a question of their totall rooting out and destruction. This Gen­tleman seruing his turne herewith, saide to the President. Sir, remember the councell which you wrote in a matter of nothing, when as being the K. Aduocate at Authun, you defended the Rats, and declared that the time giuen vnto them to appeare in was to shorte, and moreouer how there was so many Cats in the villages, as the Rats had some reason to absent thēselues, &c. with many other rightes & passages alleadged by you, and amply handled in your book made at pleasure. Now so it is Sir, as by such a pleading of a matter of vaine importance, you haue gotten the brute to haue rightlye set downe the manner whereby iudges ought to proceede in criminall matters: now will you not learne right by your owne booke, which wil euen manifestly condemne you, if you proceed any further to the destruction of these pore people of Merindol? is it not as conuenient that they should haue as much law and equity as you wil giue to Rats? Through these perswasions the President was so much moued, that incon­tinently he reuoked the commission which was giuen, and caused the men of war to retire who was come within one league & a halfe of Merindol, whereof they of Me­rindol rendred thanks to God, comforting one another, and animating thēselues for euer to retain the feare of God, and submit thēselues to his prouidence. The brute of this enterprise, and execution of the said arrest together with the patience & constan­cy of them of Merindol, grew so great, and esteemed of such importance, that it was not hid to K. Francis, who sent letters to Langeay, who at that time was his lieutenant in the country of Piemont, to make diligēt enquiry of the truth of the whole matter: Guillaume du Bellay. L. of Lan­geay, lieuetenant for the K. in Pie­mont. whereupon he sent into Prouence two personages, to whom he gaue charge to bring him the coppie of the Arrest, and to enquire of all that which followed, and likewise of the life & manners of them of Merindol, and the rest which were persecuted in the country of Prouence, which they did, and counted vnto him the iniustice, pilferies, & villanies which as wel the ecclesiastical as secular iudges dayly vsed against thē of Me­rindol & other. And as touching the life & māners of the said persecuted persons, they made report that the greatest part of the inhabitants of the country of Prouence, affir­med that those which were persecuted were people of great trauaile, & that since 200. yeares they retired out of the country of Piemont, to dwell in Prouence, and had ta­ken to see farme many hamlets destroied by the wars, and other desolate places: be­sides so great labourers they were, & so good husbands, that in the places where they [Page 66] inhabited was great abundance of corne, wine, oyle, hony, almonds, and great cattell, so as the whole country about was releeued thereby, yea that before they came to in­habite in the said countrie, Merindol was vsed to be let for foure crownes by yeare, and now it amounteth to aboue 350. crownes yearely rent to the Lord: and that it was euen so in Lormarin, and sundry other places of Prouence, which dad beene de­sarts and laide open to theeues, vntill such time as they came thither to inhabite. They found likewise by information made in Prouence, that the Merindols & other of the persecuted, were a peaceable people, beloued of all their neighbours, of faire conditi­ons, keeping their promises, and paying wel their debts, without sute or brabling, cha­ritable, not suffring any to be in need, of great almes to strangers, and other poore pas­sengers according to their power. The Prouenaeals affirmed likewise, that they of Me­rindol, and the rest might very well be discerned from all other of the country of Pro­uence, for that they could neuer be brought so much as to name the Deuill, or any waies to swear, if it were not in iudgement, or passing of some contract. A man might likewise know them for that if they were in any companye where lasciuious speeche were vsed, or blasphemy against the honor of God, they would incontinently depart out of the same: we know not any other matter against them, sauing (said they of Pro­uence) that when they go to the market or about the towne, they are so seldom seene go into the Minster, and if they do chance to goe in, they say their praiers without re­garding of either he or she Saint, and that in the high way as they passe by crosses and images, they vse no reuerence. The Priestes being likewise hard as touching the same, said that they did not cause any Masse to be saide, nor Libera me, nor De Profundis, and that they neuer took any holy-water, and if any were giuen them at their houses, that they would neuer say grandmercie to him that brought it, and they perceiued very well that they conned him small thanks, that they neuer went on pilgrimage to gaine pardons, that they neuer made the signe of the crosse when it thundred, but only loo­ked vp into heauen sighing, and prayed without crossing themselues, or vsing any ho­ly-water, that they were neuer seene make any offring, either for the liuing or for the dead. In summe, Langeay following his charge, aduertised K. Frauncis of the whole, who hauing fully vnderstoode it, sent letters of grace, not onely for such as were con­demned vpon default and cōtumacy, but also for all other within the country of Pro­uence, who were either accused or suspected for the like case, commanding expressely the parliament, that from thence forward they shuld not in such a case proceed so ri­gorously as they had done for the past. Beholde the letters.

The K. Letter in behalfe of the Vaudois.

Thus signed, by the K. Earle of Prouince, Bayard. These letters went for a time suppressed, but in the ende they were signified to certaine prisonners, who were detayned in the prisons of Aix, of whome it was demaunded, if they would take the benefit of those letters, which should bee commnicated vnto them, euerie one paying one crowne of the sum for the Coppie. By this meanes the prisonners were enlarged in paying their expences, and promy­sing to appeare at the Courte, when and as often as they should be demaunded.

Afterwards hauing obtained that they might appeare in Parliament by Proctor, they tooke out a Copie of the proceedings against them, which before thay had not; at the request of the Kings Councell, which pursued them, they sent a confession of their faith, to Cardinall Sadolet Bishoppe of Carpentras, and other, Confession of the Vaudois faith. and after to King Francis the first, taught vnto them (said they) euer since 1200. yeares after the com­ming of Christ: as their auncients and auncestors witnessed vnto them. The which his ordinarie reader Castellanus read vnto him, containing the Articles of God the fa­ther creator of all thinges: of the sonne aduocate and intercessor for mankinde: of the holy Ghost, comforter and teacher of the truth of the Church, which they saide to bee assembled of all the chosen, hauing Iesus Christ for head: Of ministers: Of the Magistrate, whome they confessed ordayned of God, to punish malefactors, and de­fend the good, to whom it sufficeth not onely to carrie honour, but also to pay taxes and Imposts, without acception of state whatsoeuer: & that at the example of Christ who did likewise practise it: Of Baptisme, which they maintained to be a visible, and exteriour signe, representing vnto vs the regeneration of the spirite, and mortificati­on of the members: Of the Lordes Supper, which they holde for a thankesgiuing and commemoration of the benefite receiued by Christ: Of marriage, which they saide was not forbidden to any, by how much it was holy, and ordained of God: Of good workes, wherein they ought to employe themselues continually: Of mans tra­ditions, which they ought to shunne: protesting, in some that the rule of their faith, was the olde and new Testament: and that they belieued al, which was contained in the Apostles Creede. In conclusion they besought the King to giue credit to their [Page 68] saying, offering themselues to proue it false, if ought else had beene otherwise repor­ted against them, whensoeuer it shoulde please him to giue them audience. In the meane time the Bishoppe of Aix, and of Cauaillon, pursued the execution of the arrest; so as it was ordered by the Court of Parliament of Prouence, that according to the Kings letters pattents, master Iohn Durandy, a Councellor of the Court with a secretarie, and the Bishop of Cauaillon, with a doctor in Diuinitie, should goe to the place, and perswade the inhabitants of Merindol, and cause them to abiure those er­rors, which most plainely they should make appeare vnto them, and in case, that con­uicted by the word of God to haue followed and lyued in errors, and heresies, they would not make recantation, that then of all that had beene doone, Verball proces should be made, to proceede against them as the Court should thinke good. But as the Church-men were in hand with them to make them recant their doctrine, they refused, offering to proue it, by the word and truth thereof, and offering to renounce if they could be proued heretiques thereby. They were questioned with, and aun­swered simply: so as by little the persecution, not the hatred ceased against them, es­pecially vpon the suddaine death of Cassane, the President, of Iohn De Roma Monke a seuere inquisitor, who woulde fill Bootes with hot scalding grease, and after make them to pull them on. Of which and such like behauiors, Francis the second being aduertised, gaue commaundement by his letters pattents to the Parliament, that hee shold be arrested, & his proces made. But hauing warning therof he fled to Auignon, where being ryfled of his owne seruants, and from great wealth become a begger, he was tormented with so horrible griefes, that nothing could yeeld him any rest. So as no man being able to endure the stincke of his vlcers, he desired nought, but to dye, which he did. In the ende Iohn Minier, of Oppede, President, neare to Merindol, and Cabriers, (the inhabitants whereof had at an other time made heade against him, and put him to his heeles) hauing giuen the King to vnderstand, that as many of them being assembled as came to fiftene thousand, they were gon in armes to take Marseil­les, and to Cantonise it, besides that all the Countries round about were in great danger of being lost, being all Lutherans, hee obtained letters, to enable him to exe­cute the arrest, by meanes of the Cardinall of Tournon, and other, so as he prepared himselfe to the execution of the arrest against Cabrieres, Merendol, and twentie two Villages. Whereof they being aduertised, repayred again to King Francis, in the yeare 1544. to whom they gaue to vnderstand how from the yeare 1540. his Maiesty hauing perceiued the euident oppression, and nullitie of the saide arrest of contuma­cie, had caused the execution thereof to be differred, forbidding there should be any more proceeding in such rigour. And how notwithstanding many had oppressed them, and ment to oppresse them more, and more, briefly they presented vnto him the whole proceedings as aboue said. An occasion that he reuoked the execution of the arrest of contumacie, and all such proceedings as had beene before doone, and a­greed by the Parliament as well from which, as from his Proctor generall, hee tooke away the Conisance of the cause, vntill he might be informed by one of the masters of requests of his house, and a D. in Diuinitie of the Vniuersitie of Paris, whome hee had deputed to goe to those places, to the end they might well and amply inquire of the life, The proceedings vsed in the pro­ces of them of Merindol. faith, and conuersation of those of Merindol, and the rest. This reuocation was published in Parliament, and insinuated to the Proctor general in the end of Oc­tober following. The Parliament at the instigation of Oppede, commaunded Philip Courtin Husser of the Parlament, to make great suite for the obtaining of the K. letters to execute the arrest, and notwithstanding the interdiction, the Articles and instructi­ons [Page 69] were made by the said president, with a request signed by the Proctor generall; yea the pursute was made for money, which had beene ordained by the Parliament, for the charges of the suite: Whereupon Courtin did so much by his diligence, and subtiltie, that thorough the fauour of the Cardinall of Tournon, he obtained letters in the moneth of Ianuary following, vnder the name of the K. Proctor generall, from the priuie councell, to put in execution the arrest of contumacy, notwithstanding the reuocation aboue mentioned.

Iohn Minier cheefe President, hauing receiued the letters sent vnto him in Ianua­ry 1545. which he concealed vntill the 12. of Aprill, assembled the Court, and there recited the K. letters, by which it was commaunded that the arrest should be put in execution, so as certaine of the Parliament were appointed Deputies for the executi­on. Minier promised to aide them, for because in the absence of Grignan he was lefte his Liuetenant, in the gouernement of Prouence, The war lie ex­ploit of Minier vpon the execu­tion of arrest. he had before at the K. commaun­dement leuied troupes of men of warre, to goe against the English, but he serued his turne with them against these. Moreouer he had sent a commaundement to Marsei­les, Aix, and Arle, vnder great paines to all such as caried armes, that they should put themselues in readines, and march at their first call: there came likewise succours vn­to him out of the Countye of Auignon, a possession of the Churches. Their first course notwithstanding was not against Merindol, but ouer the Countrye neere to the towne of Pertuis, so as the 15. of April Minier accompanied with a number of Gentlemen and Captaines, came to Cadenet, in the time that some of his companie ouerrunne two Villages neer vnto Durance, where practising a thousand pillages and insolences, they put all to the fire and sworde, except a great number of Cattell which they carried away with them, there was no lesse done in other places. They of Merindol seeing all on a fire round about them, presented a supplication to Minier, crauing onely liberty to depart in their shirts with their wiues and children into Ger­many, but hauing for answere that he would send them all to inhabite in hell among the deuils, they abandoned their houses, and fled into the woods, passing that night neere the Village of S. Falaise in great fright. The inhabitants of the Village were al­ready determined to flie: likewise the B. of Cauaillon vice-legate of Auignon, had giuen charge to some Colonell to make a short dispatche of the worlde, so as the next morning they got somewhat further into the wood, for there was euery where dan­ger throughout: and Minier had forbidden vpon paine of death, that no soule should helpe them, but that they should be all alike sacked wheresoeuer they were found. The like forbidding was made in all places round about, bordering vpon the Popes territorie: besides that the Bishops defraied a great parte of th'army: The poor pai­sants then marched on through a monstrous vile way, carrying their little children vpon their shoulders, in their armes, or in cradles, yea some of their wiues following thē great with child. Being arriued at the place apointed, they found many who had saued thēselues there, after hauing lost all: but soon enough newes was broght them, how Minier had gathered together all his men of warre to come and followe them: This was towards night, an occasiō that after a whiles cōsultation, they took a sodain and an hastie deliberation, and for that they were to passe by hard and rude wayes, they left their wiues, daughters & children, with some other, among which was one of their Ministers: th'other went on to Mussi, as they had agreede, hoping the enemy would take some pittie of such a multitude, without weapon, and vnable to defend it selfe: Euery man may well gesse what groanes and sighes, what teares, what imbra­cings they made one with another at the parting, hauing trauailed sore all night, and [Page 70] in the end gained the toppe of the Mountaine of Lebron, they could discouer no­thing but a number of villages and farmes all on fire. Minier hereupon deuided his troupes into two partes, and for that he had vnderstanding by a spye which way they of Merindal were gone, he went to the village and sent the rest to followe them. Be­fore that these men had entred the forrest, a certaine Quidam of pittie being moued, ranne before, so as being at the brim of the Rocke, and hauing cast two stones where he gessed those people rested, cryed out to them that had reposed themselues, that they should flye to saue their liues, albeit that he no waies perceiued them. At that in­stante two of those that were gone to Mussi, gaue them warning that their enemyes were comming, and then they made the Minister runne awaye, with the rest which were left to garde the women, shewing to them a high way throughout the Forrest, by which they might escape: hardly were they departed, but that the souldiers were come with faire naked swordes, and great howtes, crying that all should passe by the point and edge of their swordes: notwithstanding they put none to the sworde. But after many insolences, they led away the women bare both of victual and mony, hin­dred of doing worse by a Capten of horse, who by chāce passed by, and threatned that they should dy if they did the contrary: but commaunded them with all speed to re­paire to Minier, so as the enterprise was cleane broken of: in sorte that hauing left the women, which were aboue 500. they rushed on vpon the butyn, and cattell. Minier in the meane time came to Merindol, and finding it cleane voide of inhabitantes, pil­led and burned it, after an horrible execution done of whatsoeuer was found therin, for hauing met with a yong lad, he made him be tied to an Oliue tree, and slaine with harquebuse shot: from thence he went to the towne of Cabrieres, battred it with Ca­non, and by meanes of Captaine Poulin, perswaded the inhabitants to open vnto him the gates, and yeeld themselues, promising thē that they should sustain no iniury: but anon after that the Souldiers became masters, euery one was cut in peeces, without regarde of age, sexe, religion, alliance, neighbourhoode, or any other respect, some fled into the temple, other into caues of the castle, but they were all drawne thence, and ledde through a medowe, where being stripped bare, they passed all by the sharp of the sworde, not onely men, but women, and of them some great with childe: after­wards Minier made about 40. women to be enclosed into a barne full of hay & straw, where he set it a fire, and as some stroue to quench it with the winde of their gownes, and preuailed nought, other ran to the windowes of the barne, into which they were wont to pitch in the haye, with intent to haue leaped downe: but being driuen back from thence with blowes of Pikes and Clubs, they were all burnt the 21. of April. Af­ter that Minier sent one parte of the armye against La Coste, they so no sooner were departed, then those were found which were thrust together in the caue of the Ca­stle of Cabrieres, then all cryed out against those that were shut in the caue, and cal­ling back those which were gone to La Coste, they made likewise as strange a sham­bles, without reseruing any one: eight hundred were counted for dead, as well with­out as within: sundry infantes which were saued were rebaptised, that done Mi­nier sent his troupes to La Coste: the Lord whereof had already perswaded the Ci­tizens to carry all their armes into the Castle, and to raze the towne in foure places, promising vpon his credit with Minier, that no iniury should be offred vnto them, he was beleeued and obeyed: but departed from thence to beseech Minier, he was not farre vntill he found the army, which spared not to passe forward: at the first entrye they did nought to the towne, but the next morrow they gaue a more fresh assaulte, vpon a few that defended it, so as hauing set the fanebourges on fire, they tooke it at [Page 71] their ease, because that many that were fearefull slunke away, and slipped downe by ropes, abandoning their companies, and the place ordained for their defence. In summe, the towne being taken and pilled, with great murther of all such as were met there, they runne all to a garden neere vnto the Castle, where without any regarde they enforced the wiues, and maides which were retired thither with a great fright: yea hauing shut thē in a whole day and a night, they intreated them so inhumanely, as such as were with childe and the yong maides died presentlye after. In the meane time they of Merindol and their companions, wandring through the woods and rockes, if they were taken, as soone slaine, or sent to the Gallies, sauing those which di­ed of famine. About 25. were hidden neere vnto the towne of Mussi, within a caue, but being disclosed they were all as well strangled as burned, There was not then a­ny kinde of cruelty that was not practised, some but very few escaped the slaughter, who saued themselues at Geneue, and places bordring vpon it. Now for that the K. before continued the persecutions and burning paines against the Lutheranes. The princes of Germany write to the King of Fraunce in fa­uour of such of his subiects as were persecu­ted. In the moneth of May the Protestant Princes of Germany, besought the K. by letters writ­ten from Ratisbone, for his subiects who were so researched & pursued for the same faith which they helde. And for that some made their owne peace, redeeming their life, their goods, and estates, by abiuration of their faith, they besought him that that condition might be taken away, declaring how dāgerous a thing it was so to wound and make seruile the consciences of men. But the brute of so strange an effusion of bloud animated them the more, and offended many, which greatly abated the credit which the King had gotten throughout Germanye: no lesse then in Zuizerland where the reformed ceased not as neerest neighbors, to be mediators towards the K. that he would take pittie of th'escaped: but for a full answere, he sent vnto thē word, that for iust cause he had commaunded that execution to be done, and that they had no more to doe with what he did in his owne country, or what punishment of iu­stice he made ouer his malefactors, then he had to intermeddle with their affairs. See now how the will and nature of men changing with the affaires and reportes: King Frauncis ordained a punishment for the Authors of this tragedie: how his sonne Henry carryed himselfe in the execution thereof, and all that which followed, to serue for most remarqueable occurrences, which may possible happen to any estate.

That which moued Henry 2. King of Fraunce, to publishe his letters pattentes, in forme of adiournement, against those of the Parlament of Prouence, who had shed the bloud of the inhabitants of Cabriere and Merindol, and other neighbours a­bout, was that his Father King Francis at the point of death, touched with remorce and greefe, that he could not before he died make a punishment in example of such, as vnder his name & authority, This touch at the poynt of death, leaueth neither King not subiect vn­sought, without any respect: an especiall war­ning to all prin­ces. had wrought so strange cruelties against his subiectes of Prouence, charged his son with great obtestations, not to defer the punishment, how otherwise God who leaueth no such outrages and sackings vnpunished, would worke the reuenge, and so much the more (saith he) as this affaire toucheth our ho­nour among all nations, it cannot be better repaired, then in making all them suffer, who in such cruelty abused the dutie of their charge, without sparing great or small, weake or mightye: that by their example all men hereafter might take heede of any the like enterprises. This was the occasion why King Henry decreede by his letters pattents as followeth.

These letters of euocation being signified, and the Parlament of Paris possessed of the cause, there appeared in person the President Minier L. of Opide, de la Fond, de Tributijs & Badet, and the ouerplus of the Parlament of Aix by a Proctor. The cause was pleaded in the great Chamber of the Pallace, by the most famous aduocates of that time, Riant was for the King, Robert for the Iudges of Prouence, Auberi for thē of Merindol & Cabrieres, an other for the Lady of Cantal, to the number of 12. & their pleadings and declarations endured a long time, more then 50 hearings. Euery man ran thither out of al parts to hear such matters as neuer were heard the like, for excesse of cruelty: and albeit the Aduocates of the Plaintifes parte did not recite the tenth parte of that which was, yea rather dissembled the cause for which so much innocent bloud had bene shed, yet so it was as all men were rauished with a kinde of astonish­ment, hearing so great and strange matters, an occasion that euery man expected [Page 76] a last iudgement worthy of the matter, after such and so long pleadinges, but in the end from so high mountaines there can come out but a very little smoke, which also very suddenly doth euaporate it selfe into a clowde out of the sight of men: the Pre­sident Minier cheefe in all accusations, hauing beene a long time detained prisonner, attainted, and conuinced of whatsoeuer they would lay to his charge, in the end esca­ped their hands: Guerin hanged at paris. the Aduocate Guerin being hanged at Paris, Minier found meanes not only to escape, but also to be restored to his former estate, after hauing promised and assured, that he would clense Prouence of these new Christians, yea & that all his life long he would be reuenged, for that by their occasion he was driuen so neere his neck verse. Let vs now look back into the desseines of K. Henry, who prepared himself to lead an army, for the Protestants succour of Germany against the Emperour.

The voiage of the army of Henry King of Fraunce, for the succour of the protestant prin­ces of Germany, against the Em­perour Charles the fifth.K. Henry 2. hauing assigned day and place to such forces as hee would conduct to the succour of the Germanes against the Emperour, which amounted nere to 25000. Fantassins of French, 7000. Lanseknights, 1200. men of armes, with their archers, two thousand light horse, and as many harquebusiers, mounted vnder the Duke D'aumal­le, went to holde his bed of iustice in the Parlament of Paris, where hauing admoni­shed euery man of his duty, aduertised his subiects of his enterprise, & made a num­ber of ordinances as well for the reformation of iustice, as the discipline of war, and ordained the Admirall D'Anebaut Viceroy throughout Fraunce, causing the Con­stable to march before with the auantgarde, he passed on his way to Ginuille, where the Dowager of Lorraine presented her selfe, to yeelde her selfe with her sonne, and the whole Duchie into his protection, and also to excuse her selfe of some intelligen­ces, Priuiledges of Metz debated. which it was reported she had with his enemies; afterwards she retired herselfe to Blamont: from Toulh the Constable auanced the army right to Metz, the deputies wherof had vntil that time debated of their ancient priuiledges, confirmed by a num­ber of Emperours and Kinges of Fraunce, offring notwithstanding victualles to the whole army, without that any other sauing the K. with certaine Lordes might enter in: but the Constable who as the stronger, would not debate such pretences, by any other lawes, then the right of the Cannon, hauing limited vnto them a day for their last answere, resolued to enter therein with 2. Ensignes of 600. men, which being dou­bled, they were found so long, that the first which were entred had meanes enough to repel the inhabitants, Metz, Toulh, Verdun, Nancy, &c. taken by the French. whilste that the rest entred peecemeale to assure that Towne, the tenth day of Aprill to the Flower de lys: in the meane time that the King entred in armes within Toulh, followed with his whole traine, the Heralds of armes clad in their Crimson veluet coates, azured, thick embrodered with Flowers de lys, with their Trumpets, Priuiledges of the townes maintained. Clarions, after hauing sworne to maintaine their priuiledges, and re­formed the gouernement and pollicie at his pleasure, he aduanced forwards to Nan­cy cheefe Cittie of Loraine, where came forth to meete him, the yong Duke, cōduc­ted by the earle of Vaudemont his vnckle, & sundry others. The K. hauing made his entry as at Toulh, ordained there Vaudemant Gouernour of the Cuntry, to the pro­fite of the Duke, and hauing prouided him of his estate, he sent him vnder the charge of Bordillon to Reimes, where were the Dolphin and his brethren: after going fur­ther, and approching neere Metz, he saw his army in this manner. There were three square battailes of Fanterie, The armie of Fraunce repre­sented in the fielde, and first the Fanterie. of which the first was of the olde ensignes, paied & enter­tained in the time of the late K. for the wars of Piemont, Champagne, & Boulogne, with other new companies, leuied in the beginning of these warres (without cōpre­hending therin any souldiers of marke, or yong gentlemen who were there for their plesure and without paye) to the number of betweene 15. and 16000. men, where­of [Page 77] betweene nine and ten thousand were armed with Corselets, Bourguinots with beuers, vambraces, gauntelets and tases, downe to the knee, carrying long staues, and the greatest parte a Pistoll at their girdle: and betweene a fiue and sixe thousand har­quebusers, armed with iacks and sleeues of mayle, with rich Morions, and of goodly workemanship, a harquebuse or handgun, bright, well polished and light, their furni­ture exquisite and braue, the rest being armed according to the qualitie of their per­sons. The second battaile was of Gascoines, Armignacs, Basques, Bearnois, Langue­dois, Perigourdins, Prouenceaux, and Auuergnacs: making shew betweene ten and twelue thousand men, experte, and vsed to the warre, as well at Sea as land, whereof betweene eight and nine thousand carried long staues, armed with corselets, and al­mane riuets, and two or three thousand harquebusers, with mailes and morions. The third was of Germanes, to the number of 7. or 8. thousand, vnder the Count Ringrafe their Colonell; men of warre & assured, as they made good proofe in their order, and march of battaile, wel enough armed according to their manner, as wel Pikes as shot. The men at armes and light Caualierie. Touching the men of armes, and light Caualerie, the whole was ordained by ranckes vpon the flancks of these battails, in number of 1000 or 1100. men at armes, with the company of archers. The men at armes were moūted vpon great Roussins, or cour­sers of the realme, Turkes and Ginets, with bardes of of such colours in silke, as the Captains caried from the crown of their head to the sole of their foot, with head pee­ces and pouldrons, the lance, the sword, the dagger, the courtlasse, or the Mace, with reckoning their traine of other horses, wheron were their seruants & groomes: ouer all which right well appeared the cheeftaines and members of these companies, and other great Lords, very richly armed with gilte, & cunningly engraued harnesse, vp­pon readiehorses, barde and caparisond, with bards and of steele, light and rich, or els of strong mayle and light, couered ouer with Veluet, cloth of golde and goldsmiths worke, and Embroderers, with great magnificence. The archers lightly armed carry­ing the halfe lance, the pistoll at saddle pommell, the sworde or the courtlasse, moun­ted vpon horses sturring, and curuetting at pleasure, among which according to the power of eche one, nothing was forgotten to set forth himselfe, who should doe best. Light Caualerie. As touching the light Caualerie, there might be neere 2003. light horse, which were armed with corselets, vambraces, and bourguinots, the half lance or pistoll, the court­lasse, if it seemed good, or the Geldersword mounted vpon caualins, double courtals or horse well shaped and very swift. Harquebusiers mounted. The harquebusiers on horseback were between 12. & 1500. armed with iacks & sleeues of maile, or curats, the Bourguinot, or the mo­rion, the harquebuse of 3. foot long at the saddle pummel, mounted vpon good cour­tals, euery man according to his ability, vnder the Duke of Aumaile, generall of al the light Caualerie. There was also 3. or 400. englishmen departed out of their country to practise the war, vnder a certain Lord, vpon geldings and little nags, swift & prompt, Englishmen. without being much armed, clad in short Ierkins & red caps, according to their mā ­ner, and a lance like a halfe pike, which they very well know how to handle, They are good men, desirous to know and exercise the warres, as such haue very well proued as haue bene with them. But as all men muzed much at the sight of this armie, euen such as were appointed to keep the baggage, a number of souldiers, seruāts & pesants, come out of Theonuille brake in, cheefely on the side of the Lance-knightes, from whom they caried the better, before people could be appointed to follow thē, which occasioned since many yong Frenchmen, especially of the light horse, to attache the garrison, and to try thēselues, against those of Theonuille with more pleasure & war­like exercise notwithstanding, thē harme that happened to the one part or the other.

[Page 78] The K. army be­fore Metz.The King hauing taken great pleasure at the order, equipage, behauiour, and salu­tation, which all they did vnto him, commanded them to march continually in bat­taile, armed at all peaces, afterwards he was saluted by his artillerie, placed a little a­boue the army, within the vignes vpon a platforme: to wit, 16. great Canons, 6. long Culuerines, 6. lesser, 12. bastard culuerins, the whole conducted by D'Estre, great ma­ster and generall of the artillerie of Fraunce: the next morrowe the King entred in­to Metz, at the gate Champanoise, with great magnificence vnder a Canapie, carryed by foure of the best Gentlemen of marke in the Countrie, marching after the Offi­cers, the Cleargie before followed by Cardinals, then the Constable barehead, ar­med at all peaces, bearing a naked Sworde before the King, who at the gate of the great Temple sware vpon the Euangelists to maintaine them in their rights and anci­ent priuiledges: The K. entry into Metz, and priue­ledges graunted to the towne. after hauing giuen order to the gouernement and fortifications, a­boue all to cut the towne, to raise there a rampier vpon the height of a mount, which commaunded, and hauing lefte Arthus de Cosse called Gonor, brother to the Marshall Brissac gouernor, with 200. light horse, a cōpany of ordinance, twelue ensignes for the garde of victuals which from all partes was to come to the army, he departed the 20. of Aprill, after his Auantgare ledde by the Constable: and leauing behinde him in forme of arreregarde, foure hundred men at armes, with a number of light horse, to aduaunce and assure the rearegarde, in like sorte the three troupes marched continu­ally in battaile, and all their armes on their back, how dangerous a time and place soe­uer they found. An occasion that many, who before had liued at great ease and deli­cacie, died: and many more for hauing drunke too much of those olde waters, fel sick at their returne. The armie rested two dayes in the faire and rich plaine of Sauerne, about the beginning of May 1552. to refresh the Souldiers, after the Caualiere gaue within one league of Strasbourg. In the meane season, and while the King remained at Sauerne, to repose his armie, and attende newes from the Germane Princes, they of Strasbourg wise by the example of the Messins, negociated with the King, as well for the commoditie of his armie, The K. aprocheth to Strasbourg. as suretie of their towne: the King had already de­maunded them to prouide victuals for the armie, and for that cause they deputed Pierre Sturme, Gotessem, and Sleiden, who brought vnto him great quantity of Come and wine, but the Constable no whit regarded what they offered, by reason of the greatnes of the armie: And albeit the Embassadors were departed from him in such sorte, that they were to aduertise the Senate, and after to yeeld him answere: yet the very next morning he sent two gentlemen, The K, demaund to them of Strasbourg. by whom he pressed thē to answere with a long discourse of the Kings good will towards Germany, and for what cause he had entred into armes, and bene at so great a charge: to wit, to recouer their libertie, now eslaued by the Imperials, his other demaund was, that by reason the men at armes, stoode in need of sundry things, that it might be lawfull for them to buie them with­in the town, and that it might be permitted to the artificers, to bring their ware to the Campe, and sell it there: whereupon the Senate answered, that in matters of so great importance, they were not accustomed to conclude of ought, but by aduise of the generall councell of all their Seignory, and that after hauing consulted with them, they would send Deputies to declare their minde, so leaue being giuen them to de­parte, the next morrowe, the same men were sent to the Campe, which as yet remay­ned at Sauernes. Their tale being heard, ioyned thereto that they brought a little more munition then at first, and their reasons set downe why they might not suffer a­nye men at armes to enter the towne, the Constable began to speake in choller: and in deliuering how vniustly they iudged of the benefites of the King, and of the iniu­ries [Page 79] of the Emperour, he added certaine biting tearmes, the end of his tale was that the next morrow the King would speake with them in person, and confirme whatso­euer he had vttered. The same daye the Embassadours repaired to the King, with whom was the Cardinal of Lorrain, the Prince of Vendosme, and the Constable, where they recited as much as had bene deliuered by them to the Constable, at two parlies, and presented vnto him as much Oates as they had done before Wheate, and a little more Wine; beseeching him that for the ancient amitie which the signorie of Strasbourg had with the King of Fraunce, and for his owne curtesie, hee would take in good parte their offer, the rather for that there was a great Garrison within the Towne, called thether for feare of surprise, and a great number of Paisants were like­wise retired thither out of the Countrie, which caused the Cittie not to be so well a­ble to spare her prouision. The King after hauing conferred with his Councell, be­gan himselfe to repeate the cause which made him come into Germany, in like sorte as the Constable had the day before deliuered, how that victuals was a matter most necessary, and not to be denyed to any person in the warde, offring to pay for them, were he not an enemy, otherwise if his stoode in any need, he would finde meanes to finde it, cost as it could, which would turne to a great damage, as euery man might perceiue. In the meane time he refused nothing which was offred, but would needs haue bread, the Deputies on the other side besought him that hee would be conten­ted with corne: as they could not fall to agreement, so away they went without do­ing ought, the Deputies being returned into the Towne, the Senate ordained, that albeit they were not able to deliuer any of the Corne within the towne, yet they should make bread in the Countries neere hand, as much as they might be able, for they had both tolde the King and the Constable, that the estate of the towne and di­sposition of the time was such, as they were not to tarrie for ought, but if they could reape any thing of the Countries about, they would most willingly parte with it. The which the Senate had ordained, to the ende no wrong might be offred to the people of their Villages, nor their goods, so whatsoeuer could be found in any the Towns or Villages, was carried to the Campe, but it was no great matter.

Now all Lorraine being surprised, together with the Towne of Metz, Strasbourg leui­eth men▪ fortifi­eth it selfe by the e [...]mple of Metz. they of Strasbourg soddainely leauied fiue thousand men for the defence of their towne, af­terwards they pulled downe many buildings, as well publick as particular, they spoi­led the gardens, and rooted vp the trees, and generally all that which might either hinder the view or serue the enemies vse, and of that part which they esteemed most necessary, they fortefied the Towne the best that they were able: that without all doubt annoyed some of the French in such sorte, as the Constable could not holde his peace, the last time that he spake to the Deputies: and the Germanes perswaded themselues, that as vnder a colour of some amitie they had entred into Metz, so they would attempt the like at Strasbourg, but knowing the town to be maruelous strong, and seeing all thinges so diligentlye prepared for the defence thereof, they changed their mindes as they say; and the better to passe by the remouing of their Campe, The Princes de­puties sent to the King. they tooke the way of Haguenau and Wisbourg, thither the deputies of the Prince Palatine, of the Archbishops of Maience and Treuues, of the Dukes of Cleues and Witemberg, who had beene assembled at Wormes for the good of the common wealth, came vnto the King, whose request was, that hee would not waste the plaine Countrie, and would take pittie of the poore comminaltie, The Germanes be [...]h the K. not to enter Germany▪ but retire. and since that hee prote­sted that he had made this warre for the libertie of Germany, that he would stay his armie, for that if hee passed further, it would be to the great damage of the Empire, [Page 80] they besought him then that hee would encline his hart to the making of a peace, of which as they had alreadye spoken to the Emperour, so would they againe deale with him, hauing a good hope thereof. As touching his demaund of making an allyance betweene them, they besought him to haue regarde to their honour and good renowne, for that they could not by any meanes perfourme, by reason of their faith, by which they were bound to the Empire; notwithstanding they would em­ploy all their endeuours to the establishing of a publicke peace. Moreouer they most affectionately besought him not to endemnifie the territorie of Strasbourge, which is a free Cittie of the Empire, and that at his request Albert Duke of Brandebourg, would more curteously entreate the B. of Wicibourg. At the very same time, to wit, the eleuenth of May, Maurice sent letters to the King, wherein was contained all that had bene done at Lincy, where the confederate Princes of Germany had entreated of certaine articles of peace with Ferdinand, who negociated the same for the Em­perour, of whose parte he had promised a good and prompt resolution, for the bene­fite and quiet of all Germany. In like sorte he required of the King (whom he would should be comprehended in the same treatie of peace) that hee would set downe vn­der what conditions he would compound with the Emperour. These letters being receiued contrary to his expectation, and knowing well that the Queene of Hungary with troupes of men of warre, had taken Satenay, and burned whatsoeuer she met without defence, iudging besides of Maurices purposes as he thought good, he de­termined of his returne, so as hauing deuided his army into three partes, the better to conduct it with fewer discōmodities, and to make it march by diuers waies, and yet arriue altogither at one place, he left Germany; but before his departure hee answe­red to the Princes Deputies, The K. answer to the Deputies. that he had obtained that, for which hee was come into Germany with all his army, for the Captiue Princes should be deliuered which was the occasion of the warre: hee had then attained glory enough, if euer it should hap­pen that Germany should stand in neede of him, he would neither spare trauaile nor expence, nor would faile to put himselfe againe into all dangers, for to succour them; at this present he would retire into his owne Realme with his armye, for hee vnder­stoode that the enemy did ouerrunne his Countrie. As touching the complaintes of the poore people, he receaued great displeasure thereat, but discipline can neuer be so good in a Campe, but that militarie licence will breede some damage; for his owne parte he gaue the best order that he was able, that no man should be interessed, if not, yet the least that might be, and that the offendors should be rigorouslye punished: As touching that which they wrote of the Emperour, and of a peace, he referred him­selfe to them; through his trauaile, diligence and prowesse, Germany stode now freed from those miseries in which she stoode enwrapped: henceforward it was for them to looke to it, that they did not villanously loose that liberty, which he so honourably had rendred vnto them, he could not deny their demaund, on the behalfe of those of Strasbourge, albeit that at such time as hee was with his armye vpon their marches, many behaued themselues insolently and immodestly towards his people; notwith­standing to entertain his confederates, and to haue a man alwaies in Germany, which might assure him of the true estate of the affaires, as they passed betweene the Impe­rialles and the confederates, and the better to be aduertised of the Emperors intents, he lefte Du Fresne B. of Bayonne his Embassadour about Maurice, who did there as you shall vnderstand, after hauing represented vnto you the estate, in which in the meane time stoode the armies of the Emperour, and of Maurice ioyned with his al­lies, together with the conduct and last end of their enterprises; in which it shalbe an [Page 81] easie matter for you to iudge, what fauours and disaduantages the K. of Fraunce his armye brought to the one side and to the other.

We haue before tolde you how Maurice was departed from Lincy, The exploits of Maurices army vpon the Empe­rors troupes. where they had articulated certaine conditions of peace, Ferdinand suddainly after the assembly, took his iourney to Enipont towards the Emperour, to make him vnderstand the whole. In the meane time Maurice being come backe to the Campe, drew towards the Alpes with his companions, where being egged forward by the Embassadour of Fraunce, he determined to set vppon those troupes which the Emperour had caused to be leuyed in that countrie, so as the 17. day of May approching neere vnto Fiesse, a Towne scituate at the entrie of the Alpes vpon the riuer Lech, and hauing vnder­derstoode by his spies sent to descry the countenance of the enemyes, how they had seased on all the straites, and had so ensconced themselues, as it was vnpossible to doe them harme, he contented himselfe to send certaine of the cheefest, which galloped euen to their Campe, and tooke some, which they brought away with them, The princes gaine the straites of the moun­taines, among whome they tooke Langue du Keste. The next morrow aduancing forward with the Infanterie, 200. men at armes, arriued at the straites of the mountaines, which about 800. of the Emperours souldiers kept with two fielde peeces, but they quickly seue­red them, so as they being put to flight, sufficiently astonished those which were nere vnto Rute, the rather for that the Princes following them foote by foote in such sort, set vpon the rest, that they defeated them, in killing about one thousand, and sundrie other as well taken as drowned within the Riuer of Lech, with an Ensigne there lefte behinde.

The next morrowe they battered the forte of Ereberge, with so good hap as they tooke the fortresse seated on the top of the Castle, thereby rendring themselues ma­sters of the Causie, and of the great Cannons which they found there, which done they clambred vp the mountaine, strong and painefull, euen to the Castle, albeit the bullets fell among them like hailestones, notwithstanding which, it was for all that rendred vp vnto them, by 13. Ensignes of foote, whereof nine were taken, The defeating of the Emperors people. and foure saued themselues, and among them three were of Germanes, and three of Italians, a­bout two thousand prisoners were led away, with some losse of the other; this done, and as Maurice would haue gained the Causey, the souldiers ouer whome Rifeberg had charge, refused to goe on any further, Sedition in Mau­rices Campe. except they might receaue extraordinary wages, by reason of the taking of Ereberg: whereupon hauing caused one of the se­ditious persons which cryed out highest to be taken, the rest did not onelye bende their Pikes against him, but many in like sorte shot a number of bullets at him out of Harquebuses, in such sorte as he hardly saued himselfe: in the end notwithstanding the Chiefetaines appeased all, and the 21. of May, two regimentes were sent by the Alpes to Enipont, which was but two dayes iourney thence, the Cauallerie remay­ning with a regiment of Fantassins about Fiesse and Rute, to keepe the passage: The Emperour flyeth. then Maurice and the Princes allied, followed the next morrowe, and ioyned with the In­fanterie neere Ziole, distant from Enipont two leagues; an occasion why the Empe­rour hauing receiued newes of the winning of Ereberge, departed from Enipont in the night in great haste and much trouble, with his brother Ferdinand, who was come thither but a little before to perswade a peace, as hath beene tolde you, so as by keeping the way of the mountaines on the lefte hand, which leadeth to Trent, The D. of Saxe deliuered out of prison, but fol­loweth the Em­perour through­out Germany. he re­tired himselfe to Villac a towne of Cornia vpon the Diane: he likewise had set at li­bertie a little before that, Iohn Frederic Duke of Saxe, whome hee had caused to be shutte vp in prison fiue whole yeares together, and now released him, for feare least [Page 82] the enemy should arrogate the same to his glorie, which likewise the captiue was not himselfe desirous of: being at liberty, he notwithstanding accompanied the Empe­rour whether soeuer he went.

Maurice being arriued at Enipont, whatsoeuer was found lefte of the Emperours stuffe, or appertaining to any of the Spaniards, or to the Cardinall of Ausbourg, was pilled, but no harme was offred to the goods of Ferdinand, nor of the Citizens: And for so much as there rested then but three dayes of the truce, which had beene accor­ded in respect of the future treatie, Maurice wēt from thence to Passau, but the prin­ces his companions, returned backe the same way they came, and rendred thēselues at Fiesse the 20. of May; and afterwardes published letters at Ausbourg, as well in their owne name as in Maurices, in these tearmes.

After that the Princes had published these letters the 7. of Iune, fiue dayes after they installed againe the Protestant Ministers in their places, and gaue them againe a great charge to preach, to the wonderfull reioycing and pleasure of the people.

Maurice went his way in the meane time to Passau to entreat of peace, where the first of Iune all that had beene handled at Lincy was repeated, Maurice his complaint a­gainst the Empe­rour. and the whole matter set downe and explaned at large by Maurice. There were present the Emperors em­bassadours, King Ferdinand, Albert D. of Bauiere, the Bishops of Salisbourg and Dei­stet, [Page 83] and the Embassadours of all the Princes Electors of Cleues, and of Witemberg. Maurice greatly complained how the common wealth of the Empire, which ought to be the freest of all other, was gouerned by strangers, how the authoritye of the Prin­ces Electors, was from day to daye diminished, how many thinges were done with­out euer once demaunding their aduice, how sundrye appertinances were dismem­bred, and cleane aliened from the Empire, and the meanes sought how their right might be vtterly taken away from the chusing of the Emperour, how in the imperiall daies for the most part they left behinde the opinions of the Electors, how the parti­cular assemblies of the Electors remained there, I know not with what feare how their iurisdiction diminished, for so much as contrarye to the ancient custome the Chamber receiued the griefes and complaints of those, which were the appellants of that which they had ordained: the differents of the estates of the Empire were ther­by increased, and could not be pacified vntil both partes were greatly interessed, how it grew to too great an expence and trouble, but to haue audience in the Emperours Court, for that causes could not ordinarily be throughlye vnderstoode, for want of well vnderstanding the language: how not onely great charge grewe thereof, but much time there spent without any profit; how at the imperiall dayes there was small amitye, for if any one proposed ought for the benefite of the cōmon wealth, it was strait construed in the worst part, how Germany drew it selfe clean dry through these so often and long assemblies, and in the meane time many things went to racke at home, and yet for all that the publicke estate waxed not better but worse, and stil en­wrapped in more miseries, how it was forbidden by a rigorous Edict, that none shuld be entertained in wages by strangers, how such as are reconciled are bound not to carrie armes against any of the Emperours prouinces, and by that means are seperate from the Empire; how those which in the warre of Smalcade serued but their owne Lords, were condemned in great fines, and how they leuied monie in like sorte of those, which during the saide warre continually remained in the amitye of the Em­perour, yea vpon paine of seeing their goods solde before their eyes, except they made a quick dispatch; and because their Deputies accorded together, incontinently proclamation was made that they should departe from the Court vpon paine of death; how often they had brought strangers, men at armes into Germany, and after the last watre dispersed them throughout the prouinces, where they committed a thousand villanies and disorders, and bragging how they had tamed Germany, and boasted that she should be annexed to the Emperours patrimony, and how in the cheefe and principall Citties should be erected fortes and bulwarkes to bridle them in, how as it were in mockery, they carried out of Germany to strange nations great quantity of peeces of artillerie, and furniture of warre; how some for extreme coue­tousnes of vaine glorye, haue engraued in such peeces as they caused to bee newe cast, the armes of the Princes of Germanye, as who would say that they had wonne them from them; how they had imprinted little bookes, yea with priuiledge of the Emperour, to the great dishonour of Germany, as if she had bene vtterly tamed and brought into bondage; how at publique assemblies some were receaued to the num­ber of the Princes and estates, vnder the name of the Emperours prouinces, which was craftily done, to the end that the number being encreased, they might gain their wils by multitude of voyces; how foure yeares passed they had erected a Parlament of the Chamber, and how lawes were priuatelye made by some, and since published not without the great damage of a number, and especially of those, of the religion of Ausbourg, for they gaue vnto them no place at all in this assemblye; it is then most [Page 82] [...] [Page 83] [...] [Page 84] necessary, said he, that the lawes should be examined at the very first assembly, Mau­rice proposed these things and sundry other more, requiring to haue them amended, considering how they touched the Empire, and that the Empire might be restored to her antient brightnes, and that it might not be lawfull for other to scoffe them or de­spise them: the Commissioners after hauing consulted together, iudged that these de­maunds contained nothing in them but great equitie, and yet to the ende the Empe­rours honour might be preserued, and that himselfe might the rather be perswaded thereunto, they were of opinion that many matters which concerned the reformati­on of the publique estate might very well be reserued to an imperiall day.

There was also Du Fresne the French Embassadour, who made his oration in full audience of all the Princes, The French Em­bassadors ora­tion. the 13. of Iune, saying: ‘ That in olde time and long before e­uer the name of French was heard of among men, there had bene so great a conformitie of life betweene the Gaulois and the Almans, that at other times they were called by the Latins, Ger­manes, as brethren to the Gaulois: but after that the French had seated themselues in Gaul, the two nations were so vnited together, that it was one selfe same Empire, vnder the same Prince and the same lawes. Afterwards as in change of time the empire was transferred to Germany, so did the Saxons and other Emperours alwaies entertaine amitie with the French, for because they were descended from the Kings of Fraunce: in such sorte as Philip Augustus caused to be engraued in letters of golde, that ancient alliance which was as it were cleane abolished tho­rough antiquitie, and to be set vp in the most holye place, and not without cause, for whilest that this coniunction endured, the common welth of both the people flourished, and the force of Ger­many was so great, as it gaue lawes not onely to the Hungarians, Bohemians, Pollakes & Danes, but also to the very Italians: and the Kings of Fraunce in like sorte curious to amplifie Religion, did often beare armes against Sarazins, Turkes, and other enemies of Christendome, through A­sia, Affrica, and Europe, in atchiuing of most glorious victories. Since that, we are come in a more vnhappie age, when as some Emperours as it were engraffed in, and not of the naturall stocke of Germanes, and vnworthye of their estate, haue cleane abandoned this amitie of the Kings of Fraunce: whereupon there ensued great misfortunes in the Common wealth. But this soare was healed by the grace of God, by meanes of the noble families of the Princes of Lux­embourg, out of which some Emperours descended, men of high renowne, and great freendes to the Kings of Fraunce, for the Father of Charles the fourth died in fighting for the King of Fraunce. The Princes of Austria haue bene in like sorte affected, among whome Albert the first could not possibly be induced by any of the Popes promises or threats, to make warre against Fraunce, which hee recited to the end it might be vnderstoode, how ill some of the familiars and and seruants to the most puissant emperour Charles the fifth order the common wealth, not on­ly seeking by all their trauell to disioyne these two most excellent Nations the one from the other, but before this thorough their subtilties and wilines they haue preuailed so farre, as the most fa­mous Prince King Frauncis was condemned for an enemy without being heard. It is true that that redounded to their particular profite, but to the great dammage of the Common-wealth, for it may euidently enough be perceiued, how hard a matter it is to decay the liberty of Germanye, and to build their Realme to make it last so great and so long, as the amity betweene these two na­tions hath endured, for because at this present standing in feare of the French armies, they pro­ceede therein more slackely, and insist not so liuely to impose their Spanish yoke: they be they for certaine, which haue obtained peace at the Turkes handes, by praiers and tributes, and who vn­der colour of Religion and obedience, haue brought a thousand enormities and factions into Germany, which haue beaten her with her owne rodde, warring against her with her owne pow­er, which haue drawne monie from all, and rendred the condition of Germany into so pitious an estate, as may be wel seene by the Spanish Garrisons, disposed on the one side and the other, which [Page 85] haue vnfurnished those places of armes where they were kept in store, which haue made open the way to the examination of the treasure, for it is growne to that passe at this day, that the seale of the Empire, and the iudgement of the Chamber, and the right or priuiledge of imperiall dayes, is in the sleeue of the B. of Arras, for what meaneth this, to execute by way of iustice, or to banish in offring great rewardes to the murtherers? all those, as for their maintenance, haue put them­selues into the wages of strangers; I omit so many murthers, so many whordomes, pilferies, and sackings of Citties, and aboue all religion; which now was handled of one sorte, and now of ano­ther, accordingly as the time serued. Certes whatsoeuer hath beene done since some yeares pas­sed, hath tended to no other end then to trouble the lawes of the Empire, or constraine or allure King Ferdinand by faire promises, as also to terrifie the Princes by feares and dreades, to the end the Prince of Spaine might be chosen Emperour: were it not rather to be wished by men of valour, to dye then to see the light of the Sunne in such miseries and calamities? I doe not think that any man can be found so blockish or barbarous, that hee doth not feele himselfe galled with these thinges. Therefore no man ought to maruell, if at the last some Princes haue bene found, and among them the Electour Maurice D. of Saxe, which stand resolued to hazard their liues for the recouerie of the liberty of their common Countrie, and which finding themselues too feeble, and not able alone to sustaine the charge, haue demaunded succour and alliance of the King of Fraunce, who cleane forgetting any mislikes of the time passed, hath not onely employ­ed thereto all his wealth and treasure, but also hath not spared his owne person in a matter of so great consequence: contracting an alliance with them, wherein among other thinges there is set downe, that they shall not make any accorde with the enemy, without the Kings good liking: and albeit that Maurice be bound thereunto, yet desiring the prosperitie of the Countrie, and to accommodate himselfe to Ferdinand, which did so earnestly require it, he very lately besought the most christian King, to signifie vnto him, vnder what conditions hee would haue the peace treated of: that, to say the truth fell out otherwise then he hoped for, considering his benefite to­wards them to haue beene such and so great, that hee thought it fitter to entreate neerer hand, and not so farre off, of matters which so neerely concerned him: neuerthelesse forsomuch as he euer preferred the publick weale before his owne particular, hee would deny nothing to a Prince his allie: wherefore if the soares of the common wealth might be healed as they ought, and that good assurance may be giuen that in time to come they shall not be refreshed; if the Captiue Prin­ces may be released vnder the conditions set downe in the treatie, further if the ancient allian­ces betweene Fraunce and the Empire, and the last Capitulation with Princes, may be so confir­med, as that for euer they may remaine in force: if these thinges I saye may bee well brought to passe, he is so affectionate to the Common wealth, that not onely he will willingly accord to a trea­tie of peace, but also yeeld most humble thanks to God, that herein he hath aided you with coun­cell, and succours. As touching priuate matters, as the Emperour hath detained from him ma­ny things by force, and made warre vpon him without any iust occasion; the King thinketh it a matter very reasonable, that he which hath beene the occasion of the iniury, should firste shewe the way of satisfaction. The King in truth no whit distrusteth at all of his owne power, nor yet of the equitie of his cause, and notwithstanding hee will giue them to vnderstand how much hee loueth peace; and how much hee desireth to agree with them all, and with Mau­rice.’

The Princes answered hereunto, that his discourse fet from antiquitie, The confederate Princes answere to the French Embassadour. as concer­ning the coniunction of Germany and Fraunce, was most agreeable vnto them, and no lesse that the King preferred the common wealth before his particular profite, ma­king no refusall to the confederate Princes accorde with the Emperour, for it is not onely the profite of one nation,, but of all Europe, which hauing beene turmoyled [Page 86] with ciuill calamities, tended to an euident ruine. As for the conditions which the K. demaunded, they doubted not but that they might be obtained, for the Emperour al­waies bare good will towards the common wealth, both heretofore and in these pre­sent troubles, he neuer vnderstoode that the libertye of Germany was any waies di­minished. There was likewise great hope that in very short space hee would set at li­bertie the Captiue Princes. As touching the renewing of their ancient alliances; the King well vnderstandeth in his owne wisedome, that a matter of so great weight could not be brought to passe in this assembly: notwithstanding they greatly desired that the amitie which euer had beene betweene the two nations might remaine firme and inuiolable: they likewise desire aboue all the rest, that the differentes be­tweene the King and the Emperour might be pacified, protesting that therein they would neither spare trauaile not diligence whatsoeuer. But forsomuch as the K. said that the Emperour did possesse sundry places which appertained to him, and openly made shew of many which he would repeate; it seemed vnto them a matter very rea­sonable, that he should declare what they were, for they were determined fullye to infourme the Emperour thereof, and to be a meanes in the cause. Further they be­sought the King to take the same in good parte. Familie of Lux­embourg. That which the Embassadour spake of the familye of Luxembourg grew vpon this: Henry Earle of Luxembourg had a sonne named Henry, who afterwards was the seuenth Emperour of that name, hee had a Sonne named Iohn, who by manage was King of Bohemia, and gaue succours to Philip de Valois against Edward the third King of England, being present himselfe in person at the day of battaile; but there remained hee, for that the Englishmen had the better. Among other he left Charles his eldest Sonne, who afterwardes was the fourth Emperour of that name, Father vnto Wenceslaus and Sigismond, who both came after to be Emperours, and the latter was likewise King of Hungarie and Bo­hemia, Albert of Au­stria. and solicited the councell of Constance Albert of Austria of whom he spake, was Emperour sonne to Raoul the Emperour, who alwaies entertained good amitie with Philip le Bel, King of Fraunce, albeit that Boniface the eight, enflamed him as much as possibly he could to make war. But it is now time to look back to the French.

I haue tolde you how the King of Fraunce being come as farre as Strasbourge, with an armye of thirtie thousand men, for the succour of the Protestant Princes a­gainst the Emperour, afterwards resolued of his returne, vnderstanding of the Peace concluded betweene the Germanes, had deuided the body of his forces into three partes, to make them to march sundry waies the easier, and with lesse discommoditie of victuals; The Q. of Hun­gary causeth the K. army to re­turne. and especially to encounter the sooner the Q. of Hungaries army, which she had to the borders of Chāpagne. This Princesse knowing how the affaires of the Emperor her brother, went but euen hardly by reason of those occasiōs which I haue made you to vnderstand: and aboue al that this French armye would proue a crosse girde to his intents, determined to retarde the same by such troupes as she could leuy throughout the lowe countries, which would bee in such sorte able to preiudice the realme; as the K. should be enforced to returne for succour of the same; and so hauing solicited Martin Vanrosse, the bastard and Marshall of Cleues she caused him to come downe into the duchie of Luxembourg, with 3000. souldiers of Cleues, Valois, and Geldres, The Imperials army in Luxem­bourg. assisted with 600. horse, all which being ioyned with Count Mansfielde, the gouernour of the Duchie, the Bailife of Auanes, the Gouernors of Cimetz, & other chieftanes, made vp the number of 12000. Fantassins, & 3000. horse, with which they determined to enter into Fraunce, and there to doe the worst they shuld be able; they [Page 87] tooke Satenay vpon the Meuse, by a Lorraine Captaines voluntarye deliuerye ther­of, which the Dowager of Lorraine had left there without other Garrison; where suddenly they employed themselues to repaire the breaches, and to restore it into his former estate, building of a bulwark behinde on the side of Dun le chasteau, and a platforme towards La iustice. Now vpon the bruite that they ment to assaile Ville­franche, Bourdillon went in with seauenteene horse, and the same night made his com­pany of men at armes to enter in, with as many men and prouisions as hee was able, but being aduertised how they changing of their opinion were determined to re­turne to Mouson, he lefte Chastellus his Lieutenant at Villefranche, issued from one of the antient houses of Burgundie, with such full authoritye as the Queene, and the Admirall D'Anebaut had giuen vnto him to commaund there; and with the rest of his company entred at breake of day into Mouson, where Roche de Maine was with his company of men at armes, and the three hundred Fantassins of the Barons of Cerny; but if the cheefest sorte did not agree, much more were the inhabitants per­plexed through the feeblenes of the place, commanded by a high mountaine neere vnto it, notwithstanding any rampire which they were able to make to couer it: be­sides, that the principall of the towne had already trust vp their baggage; Bourdillon notwithstanding hauing assured them of the Kings comming at hand, and hauing caused his cobbarde, and other more precious moueables to be brought in, and swea­ring not to abandon them, they a little assured themselues. The Imperials for all that being saluted with the Cannon shotte of Villefranche, and councelled not to remain there, crept along the riuer, as farre as the village of Brioles, where they burned the Church and the forte, then to Mont-faucon which they burned, and so descended into the plaine, to put men into the Castle of Boulandre, which they took, by stealth getting of victuals and prouisions, which they carried to Satenay: from thence all a­long the riuer they sacked sundry villages as farre as Grampre, a little Towne vpon Aire, neere Chalons and Atigni, where they rested: and vnderstanding how the Admirall hauing put the Legionaires of Champagne in armes, and vnited the Zui­zers with the French men of warre, approched neere; they set fire on Grampre, Bou­landre, and other places, to retire themselues to Satenay, where they had intelligence that the light horse of the Kings army who aduaunced forward, were already at Lux­embourg: an occasion that to retire themselues, they all abandoned it, leauing the most parte of those of Cleues and Geldres, for the assurance of Yuoy, if any should goe about to force it. King Henry in the meane time, who heard the complaintes of these miserable Subiectes, the sooner to hasten the reuenge, The K. armie ad­uanceth for­ward. put out of his ar­mye almost all the sicke persons, and lefte the baggage vnder the conduct of the Earle of Arraine, and Visdome of Chartres with their companies, and some light horse, and Harquebusers mounted, for the conueying therof into Metz, or any other place which they should think more assured: afterwardes the discamping of the imperials being known, & the immoderate diligence vsed at the retiring of his troups, the con­quest of the duchy of Luxembourg was deliberated of and resolued to annex it vnto the crown, as a proper succession fallē to the house of Vendosme, by the death of the Constable S. Paul, true Lord & peaceable possessor thereof, in carrying the name and armes, as the authors of that councel maintained, albeit that since that time Charles Duke of Burgondie had euer vsurped the same, the rather for that many neighbours therabouts said that it was the very true refuge of theeues and outlawes, therefore did the armye drawe right to the Castle of Roc de Mars, all alongst the Mozelle be­tweene [Page 88] Treues and Theonuille, seated on the steepe of a hyll, strong enough for scituation and fortification, with a little Towne beneath it, vnder the tytle of Vis­count. The Castle summoned made refusall, for a number of Gentlemen, Ladyes, and other neighbours of reputation, were retired thither, imagining that the King would first employe his forces against Theonuille, and that at all assaies they might euer be receiued at an honourable composition after the first brunte. But the King contrariwise was councelled to attempte that, in respect of the victuals and prouisi­ons which the armye so much wearyed should there finde, & that the sacking there­of might rather bee giuen to the Souldiers, how Theonuille was too strong and well prouided, What place the army was first to attempt. to bee gotten in so shorte time, which they were not any waies to consume but with assured profite, how thereby they should loose the occasions of executing other thinges, how in the meane time they would fortefie the rest of the places with all commodities: besides how Theonuille stoode betweene Metz and that Castle, which they might so repaire, as the Garrison of Theonuille should be blocked in, and their prouisions cleane stopped, which would be a meanes that in the end it should likewise be rendred vp to the French, with lesse charge, lesse losse of time, and lesse hazarde: sixe Cannons were planted on the hill for batterye, two Culuerins battered against the wall, where there was but one grosse square tow­er for a flanker, and the Portall which serued for another. After betweene the towne and the Castle was dressed a battery beneath, right against a great Towre and a can­ton of the wall, so as they within besieged, feeling the shaking of the Towres and walles, were not hard to Parley. But the Souldiers hauing the sacking promised vn­to them, fearing least a Parley would cause a voluntary rendring, and neuer tarrying other volley of the Cannons, leapt into the ditches, which were deepe, high, and broad, Roc de Mars be­sieged, battred, taken & sacked, by the French. whereof some clambering vp, others mounting with their Pikes to the wall, while the rest were with wood and fire at the gates, so greatly astonied the besieged, that all retired themselues into Caues, Chambers, Sellers, and other secret places, to shun death, which was euen before their eyes; especially after that some French men hauing found and broken open the gate of a Posterne which went out of the base Courte into the Ditch, had made themselues to be perceiued and feared on al parts, for that as soone as being mounted, they gaue entrye to all the rest, which had no regarde but to throwe downe, rifle, and take all. At such time as the Earle Ringraue Collonell of the Germanes, who did not imagine the taking thereof vpon such a soddaine, went to beseeche the King in consideration of all his seruices, to spare vnto him that place, the Lady whereof was his neere Kinsewoman, which the King graunted vnto him, commaunding Coligny to cause the Souldiers to retire. After­wards Mont S. Iean, Solieure, and other places were sacked and burned, during the continuall and fresh skirmishes betweene the French and Imperialles before Theon­uille; from whence the army being passed Estain, turned face to take againe the way of D'anuille, about which was already the Admirall d'Annebaut, with the Legionai­res of Champaigne, 4. thousand Suizers, and 200. horse, with which he had alreadie hindred such succors, as Marcy gouernour of that place attended from his partakers: it is in a place plaine and fennie, but the hotte season dry through the Solstice of the Summer, Deanuille repre­sented, besieged, battred, and ren­dred to the K. discretion· was so fauourable to the approches of the French, that two thousand Fantassins, and 3. hundreth light horse since named Carabins, nor the Cannon shot could haue hindred the Artillerye from being planted on the toppe of the Castle ditche towardes the Medowe, without the battery from a little hill, of sixe Cul­uerines, [Page 89] to barre and annoye such defences as it was very ill prouided of, albeit it was made at pleasure, to the ende it might bee impregnable: The K. entry into Verdun. during these appro­ches, the King made his entrye into Verdun, albeit it was full of the sicke persons of his armye, and after that the Cardinall had feasted him at Dinner within the Bishops Pallace, hee returned to viewe the batterye, which lasted from the four­teenth to the sixteenth of Iune, making two breaches, whereof one was towardes the riuer, and the Castle ditche was for all that full of water the height of a Pike, and aboue that they were faine some to ascende more then a fadome and a halfe: but as the Fanterye presented themselues at the assaulte, those which were with­in refused of any composition, rendred themselues in the ende to the discretion of the King, which was that the cheefe and principall persons should remaine Pri­sonners, that the Souldiers should departe with white stickes downe, hauing full li­berty to goe whether it pleased them best, the goods should remaine to the Kings vse, which hee afterwardes bestowed (the artillerie reserued) vpon the Earle of Co­ligny called Chastillon, whereat the Souldiers began to murmure, seeing them­selues frustrate of the sacke of both those places, being ill apparelled and little in their purses by reason of their long voyage, and the most parte of them very sicke. The Captaine Villefranche one of the cheefest men of marke among the olde bandes had the gouernement, but hauing beene hurte there with a Musket shotte, hee died: and Le Bruil a Bourgonian Gentleman, before Liuetenant to Salsedo, had his com­panye, and Rabodanges the gouernement.

Whilste that the King with promise of honourable entertainement receaued the Prince of Salerna, who greatly grew discontented with the Emperour, the Con­stable hauing vnderstanding how the Earle Manfielde was gotten into Yuoy, wher­of Strinchant was Gouernour, sent to blocke him in with two thousand foote, The Prince of Salerne quitting the Emperour commeth to the King. and a number of horse, to hinder any goings foorth or entries in: after the rest encam­ped there, the Earle shewing himselfe a great husband of his prouisions, and cau­sing no sallye to be made foorth, which proued not very hurtfull to the French. The Towne is scituate at the foote of a Mountaine, Yuoy and his representation, siege, batterie and yeelding vp to the K. and on the other side is a me­dowe, and a faire spatious plaine, alongst the which runneth La Chesse, a little Ri­uer which commeth towardes D'anuille, swelling greater hard by with many other brookes which fall into it: afterwardes it commeth into Meuse neere Sedan. The greatest parte of the Garrison was of Germanes, Cleuois, and Geldrois, not accus­tomed to abide great famine nor long thirste, no more then to sustaine other discom­modities of such sieges, with the Earls company of 100. men at armes, and 500. horse, as well of the Gentlemen about; was of these Carabins, and Harquebusiers moun­ted. They very wel perfourmed their duties by ordinary sallies, and right sharp skir­mishes to hinder the aproches of the artillerie: but in the end it was planted in 2. pla­ces, as neere the brinke of the ditch of Mouson side against a little Canton of a wall, which onely remained of the rampier, the height of 3. fadome and somewhat aboue, which battered in point blanck. They had set vpon the hill 6. culuerins, which spoiled all the streetes and the length of the courtins, right on the backe of the breache, so as those within besieged, not seeing any walke sure for them, without being scarred, and so neere their eares that the heare remained there, lost their courage, and being with one consent assembled vnder the hale and with them the brauest of the companye, albeit that the greatest breach could not holde fifteene men in front, besides their tra­uerses, trenches, traines, chanssetraps, fricasses, and other deuices proper for the de­fence [Page 90] of a breach: and albeit that the Earle were armed and readye of his charge, de­clared vnto them their dutie, the valewe and renowne of the Germane nation, with the dishonour and losse as well of life as goods, which would ensue so cowardlye a resolution, would make no other answere, but that if the French did assaile him be­fore, they would dispatch him behinde. In summe, seeing them the farre stronger, and notable but to curse his life, and detest his ill happe; hee set a French Gentleman at libertie, to be a witnesse of his dutie. Afterwardes being retyred with salte teares into his Chamber, Strinchant made a Trumpeter goe vpon the side of the trenches to demaund a parle of the Constable, which being graunted, Strinchant went out hoping of some aduantagious capitulation, which could be no other then that of D'anuille, so the Earle hauing learnedly and eloquently (as hee was very well stu­died in learning, with the knowledge whereof hee honoured the profession of armes) bewailed his miserie vnto the Constable, was with the rest of the cheefe ca­ried to Paris. A notable example said some of the French, for all such as reposing themselues in any prosperitie passed, or in the merite of their owne valour, consider not that the dutie of a Captaine is so inseparably ioyned, to theirs which obey him, that hee ought to stand no lesse assured, and before the blowe come, prouide for the same as well as his owne, The Gouernour of a place his du­tie. except hee would fall into the like inconuenience that this Earle did. All the goods of Yuoy which were very great, were giuen vnto the Con­stable, who distributed the greatest parte vnto his owne companye, and his sonnes Montmorency, at which the olde bands openlye mutined, and after that began to breake themselues, and to quit their Ensignes. So the Towne being rendred vp the three and twentith day of Iune, receaued Blaineau, afterwards Haucourt for Gouer­nour. Mommedy (which rendred it selfe life and Iewels saued) had the Captain Ba­ron a Parisian, Mommedy yeel­ded vp. a yong Souldier, but olde enough in warlike experience, with a hun­dred horse and three Ensignes, D'anuille, Yuoy, Mommedy, Luxembourg; and the most parte of the Duchie, had beene before taken by Charles D. of Orleans, third sonne to Frauncis the first, and after rendred againe by an agreement betweene the King and the Emperour; The first con­quest of Luxem­bourg. but they were not then in so good state, D'anuille was as then but a little borough Towne, and since all burned, and after reedified according to the fortifications at this day, with Bulwarkes, Bastions, and platformes of defence, the rampires large and high, De An [...]ille. and of good holde, the whole newe repayred with walles of good stuffe. Yuoy. Yuoy was strong, and not taken by assaulte, neither was there any reasonable breache made to enforce it; but the Captaine Guelphe ha­uing inuented, and himselfe made a great quantity of Mortier peeces, which shot exceeding great bullets from the hyll downe, so greatly astonished them, that Gilles de Leuant, cheefe for the Emperour yeelded himselfe, life and iewels, saued with some artillerie.

During the siege of Yuoy, the Marshall of Sedan heire to the house of La March, besought the King that hee would helpe him to recouer his Duchie of Bouillon, which hee saide the Emperour vniustly detained from him, The Marshall of Sedan heire to the house of La March, vnderta­keth the con­quest of the du­chie of Bouil­lon. at the perswasion of the B. of Liedge, who gaue vnto him 4000. men and fiue peeces of artillerie, wherewith he battered the castle of Bouillon, which was seated vpon a high and steepe rocke, go­ing out of a mountaine, from which it was seperate by a brode ditch and deepe, of an hundred and fiftie pace, in diameter, made by chisell & hammer with long trauell; in the plaine and circumference whereof, the better parte of the Castle is hewen out within the maine Rocke, with like workemanship almost in forme of Ouall, hauing [Page 91] on the dich side a platforme so high, as it almost ouertoppeth one of the Mountains: at the foote whereof is a forme of Casemate well perced, to keepe it from any apro­ches: on the other end is the Portall which goeth out of euerye side fifteene foote, with lightes to keepe the flankers, and which serue for the platforme, within it is a core of antient building, in forme of a square Pauillion, couered with slate, which vn­derneath hath his sellers vauted within the very rock, with an excellent good Well of fourescore fadomme, the Castle is perced to so good purpose, that a Chicken can­not peepe vp in any place, but it will be discouered; furnished with artillerie and all other prouisions for a long season, receiuing but one way vnto it, and that very nar­row and painefull, the borough is vnderneath, in time past a faire towne, but so torne asunder by the warres, that it remaineth almost vnhabited. Semoy which commeth towards Mommedy, runneth there with a mighty fall of streame, especially when it swelleth, by reason of the Winter raines and snowes, on the one side it is shadowed with another Mountaine, full of woods and craggie rockes, so sharpe that it is almost vnpossible to dwell there, not to hurte the Castle on that side, not able to bring any Cannon, the rest of the places are very lowe vallies and dangerous. The Marshall notwithstanding to make his troupes appeare greater then indeede they were, made his companies to passe and repasse many times in one selfe same place, to make it be thought that the whole French armye was there assembled: afterwardes hee plan­ted his peeces vpon the Mountaine, but so vneasily as they were faine to binde them hard with great and huge Cables for feare of tumbling downe, A wile to make ones troupes seeme greater and astonish the enemy. from whence there was not aboue six volleis shotte, hauing onely a little scratte the toppe of the wall with small apparance of any breache, when as the Captaine Bastard of the house of Haurion, very ancient in that Countrie, besought a Parley, and obtained pardon: so as if hee had no succour within three dayes, hee should yeelde vp the place, (life and goods saued) the artillerie and other munitions there reserued, and his sonne in ho­stage. The three dayes being expired, he departed with his Liegers, the Marshal con­fessing that he had vndertaken this conquest at an aduenture. Likewise the Captaine had his hed afterwardes strooke of, for his so good seruice, Bouillon was yeelded vp the very last day of thirtie yeares that the Duchie had beene out of the handes of the right heires, and afterwardes the Marshall easilye recouered all the appendances, and hauing lefte there Des Auelles with a good Garrison, hee returned to thank the King for this so great a benefite: vpon this the army drawing towardes Cinets, and de Lu­mes being dead, the Castle of Lumes was deliuered vp to Vielle-uille, Lieutenant to the Marshall S. Andre by Merembarque, who kept the same for the imperials, the fortes whereof were vndermined and throwne downe, no more remaining but the dungeon, which the King gaue with parte of the confiscation of this rebellious vas­sale to the D. of Neuers, and Earle of Retel, and the rest to De Conflant a French gen­tleman, who had married the Neece true heire of the Lord, the Castle is at the foote of a Mountaine, where the riuer of Meuse runneth by it, and on the other side a faire Medowe, halfe a league from Mezieres, to which it had doone many shrewde turnes, because the Lord pretended certaine rightes, besides that it was a retraite to all lewde persons, an occasion that Frauncis the first had there builded a blockhouse, which for all that serued to no purpose by meanes of the euil gouernement thereof. The Lord of which had beene brought vp a Page in the Kinges house, and euer held the French partie, vntill that vpon some spite he changed for the Bourgonion crosse, with which he dyed of the shiuer of a peece which hee tryed: afterwards the King [Page 92] being determined of his returne, and hauing made the D. of Niuernois Gouernour of Luxembourg, all also furnished Roc de Mars, and the other places with all necessa­ries, notwithstanding the daily roades of Theonuille, and other imperial places, sent his armye to batter, take, and cut in peeces; all those that were retired into the Castle of Trelon, Cimetz batte­red, taken, sac­ked, and burned by the French. which was vndermined and raised, as Glaion and other places: and to content the olde Ensignes, the sacke of Cimetz was bestowed on them, a Towne and Castle of the Duke of Ascottes, whither many of the Countrie and of Arden­nes were retired, with cheefest goods of valewe: but seeing the batterye, they cleane lefte the towne, and ranne into the Castle, the great Tower whereof was no sooner battered downe; but those that were besieged being willing to parley, were knocked downe by the Portail and other places, where they found an entrance to sacke and ri­fle, with so great greedines and indiscretion, as within one of the towre vautes where the Powder lay, were aboue sixe score Souldiars roasted, by meanes of the fire which the kindled matches of some of the Harquebusiers put thereto. After the Towne and Castle was consumed to ashes, which greatly astonied the Bourguinions and other the borderers, which already feared the siege of Auanes, whether the King had indeede caused his armye to marche, had it not beene for the sickenes which day by day encreased among the Souldiers, of whome a good parte were alreadye secretly stolne away, some charged with good booties, some with sicknesse, some with tedi­ous and long paines, and many with blowes more then riches, hard to be endured in warre, although but soddaine and of small continuance, euen of the most hazar­dous. An occasion that in the end of Iuly, the armye was parted into Garrisons, at­tending what the Emperour now would vndertake: who much troubled with the Protestant Princes army of Germany, saw him selfe then brought as it were into two extremeties: either to accorde almost whatsoeuer Maurice and his cōpanions would demaund, as well for Religion, as the libertye of Germanye, and so to enter into Fraunce, and reuenge such iniuries as he had receiued by King Henry, or else to let him alone at his ease to gaine the Countrie, whereby he might another time enforce the Germanes to submitte themselues to the yoke of his power: notwithstanding whether it were that an iniurye receiued from an equall, seemed vnto him more hard to be abidden, then the offence of an inferiour; and one especially bound with a kinde of dutie of subiection, or whether hee thought himselfe in better readines a­gainst the French, or whether (as some say) that his hatred conceaued against King Henry, did more passionate him, then against any other Prince; the Emperour resol­ued himselfe of a peace with Germany, as it were to espouse a warre with Fraunce, by such meanes as I will deliuer vnto you.

The principall demaunds of Maurice. Maurice stood principally vpon two pointes, besides the deliuerye of the Land­graue; the one, that Ferdinand with Maximilian his Sonne, and the commissioners, might from thence take notice of such matters as were hurtefull to the libertye of Germanye, and iudge thereof according to the ancient custome of Germanye: the other, that Religion should be let alone in peace, and no harme in respect thereof to any man in the Worlde, vntill the difference might be decided. The Commissioners allowed of this forme, but the Emperour shewed what hee desired and iudged fitte, how it was reasonable that such as had euer remained loyall towards him, and there­by greatly fallen into calamities; might receiue recompence for their losses. After long debating and some articles eased, it was concluded that the Emperour should giue his full answere by the third of Iulye, and that in the meane time there should bee a [Page 93] truce and cessation of armes: The Commissioners then sent their letters to the Em­perour the 26. of Iune, to exhorte him to a peace. Afterwards the French Embassa­dour being pressed to deliuer the occasions of his Maisters discontentment, and vn­der what conditions he would enter into a peace: hauing receaued newes from his Master, answered, that the King had not vndertaken this warre in respect of his own particular, but to succour Germany so farre going to decay: The French Em­bassadours an­swere to the Commissiones for peace. as touching the condi­tions of peace, it was not the custome of the Kings of Fraunce to demaund it as be­came themselues in all respects: therefore he did not thinke he had any cause to pro­pose ought, without an assured hope of obtaining the same: especiallye considering that the Emperour had most vniustly made warre against him, while he marched for their succours; notwithstanding he would quit much for a peace, so as he might see it generall, and refused not but that they might take knowledge, and determine of these differents, to which if Charles would not doe reason, he protested the fault shuld onely light of his necke, for all the miseries which might ensue thereon.

In summe, that these Princes perceiuing the delaies of the Emperour, Peace through­out Germany, and the occasi­ons thereof. had no soo­ner besieged Francforte, where was a great Garrison of the Emperours, but by the aduise of the most parte of the Princes of Germanye, the peace was concluded the last of Iulye 1552. See the occasions which draue the one and the other to con­clude the same. Among other reasons the great danger was laide before Maurice, which he should stand in, as well on the Emperours side which had alreadye prepa­red a great armie, as of his Cosins behalfe Iean Frederic, whom the Emperour meant to send home free into his Countrie. The Emperour likewise stoode in feare of the force of the Germanes and of the French. The Landgraues sonne for the long deten­tion of his Father. Among other articles the Captiue Princes were to be set at liber­tie, no disquiet for their Religion, which they would aduise of at the first assembly; within sixe moneths the King of Fraunce was to declare vnto Maurice his demaunds: Albert was comprehended therein if he layde downe armes. The King misliked with the whole course, yet hee sent back the Hostages, and Maurice his: to wit, the Earle of Nanteuil, and Iametz.

YOu haue heere before seene what preparatiues the Emperour, and the Catholicke Princes confederate for Religion, made of all partes, against the Protestant Princes, to furnish the great ar­mye that they might be able, to the end they might range them at deuotion. The Germanes notwithstanding had the partie and were so well succoured, as at the last the Emperour accor­ded parte of their demaunds at Paussau, in the ende of Iuly, vp­pon conditions ouer and aboue before rehearsed, that Maurice should carrie such people as he had to the succour of Ferdinand King of Romanes, against the Turkes come downe into Transiluania. Afterwardes the Emperour ex­treamelye fretting at such losses as King Henry had caused him to receaue, fearing worse, The Emperour perswadeth the Protestant prin­ces and other, to succour him a­gainst the K. of Fraunce, for the recouerye of Metz, Thoul, and Verdun. and maruelously affected to a reuenge, practised by all meanes possible, to per­swade the Christian Princes, and aboue all the Germanes, to succour him against the King, whome he endeuoured to render, a no lesse enemy to the Empire, then to his owne particular: hee preuailed at last so farre by the dexterity of his owne wit, that the rest of the Princes and imperiall citties as well of the association as other, were by little and little gained to furnish him with men, monie, and artillerie; cheefelye in respect that hee protested that hee would not imploye any parte thereof to his owne particular, but onely to the recouering of Metz; Thoul, and Verdun, three free Cit­ties, and holding of the Empire, which the King of Fraunce (said he with a discourse very stout and full of great perswasions) had withdrawne from the Empire of the Germanes, vnder colour of comming to aide them for the maintenance of their Re­ligion & libertie, which said he is not to be presumed for many reasons, but principal­ly for the diuersitie of the religion, whereof he hath alwaies made profession, and by the effect which ensued thereon: hauing so much dismembred the Germane Em­pire, which he had more annoied, had hee beene permitted to haue passed the Rhin, and entred into the Countrie full of garboyles and factions of all partes, whereof he full well knew how to make his profite; for his owne parte hee promised, that hee would employ therein all his forces and meanes, to repaire so great an iniury: there­fore he hastned the olde Spanish and Italian bands, which he caused to come out of Italye, both by Sea and land; which being ioyned to the troupes of Lombardy and Piemont, trauersed the Alpes, to repaire to the rest of the armie, which was assem­bled [Page 95] in Germany, as well of Bohemians, Hungarians, Pollaques, Germanes, Han­nuyers, Wallons, Cleuois, Flemings, Burgonions, as other, whereof he furnished the number of fiftie thousand Fantassins, and twenty thousand horse, with great proui­sion both of grosse and small artillerye. Now for as much as Albert of Brandebourg would not agree to the conditions of peace concluded at Paussau, The Emperours army against the K. of France, for the recouery of Metz, Thoul, and Verdun. and for not laying downe his armes, he stoode as banished the Empire, hee assembled a troupe of men as malcontent as himselfe, who disuniting themselues from the former confederacie, continued warre against such townes as refused to succour the league against th'em­perour, as Nuremberg, out of which he receiued a great summe of monie; afterwards besieged Vlme, enforced the Bishops of Bamberg, & Wissembourg, to very strange conditions; entred into Wormes, Spire, Mayence, Treuues, and sundry other places, whence he receaued great treasure, so as making warre apart, and yet as vnder the name and pretence of the K. of France, whose armes they bare in their ancients, and cornets, he made himself more renowned for his rigours, and extream cruelties, thē for any other feats of war, notwithstanding being followed with 2000. horse, 8000. pi­etons, & certain peeces which he trained to make him open passage, and enforce any places of resistance, in the end he came as low as Treues, which he ransackt; and as he passed forwards towards Fraunce, the King in whose name he made the warre, Albert of Bran­debourg why not comprehen­ded in the peace, and banished the Empire, with the exploites of his malcontent ar­mie. and caused such places as he tooke, to take their oath, sent vnto him Iohn da Fresne B. of Bayonne, altogether freshly returned out of Germany, to vnderstand his intent, and agree with him touching his owne paye, and such of his people as would continue their course of liuing vnder the title and pretence of the seruice of France, endem­nifying the enemies as much as might be, and chiefely vpon the frontiers of Luxem­bourg. His first answere was very honest and gratious, saying that as touching his owne appointment, he was not come to the K. seruice for a particular profit or hope to enrich himselfe thereby, but that all his life long he had euer a desire to employe his person and meanes, to do vnto him all humble seruice, considering the good zeale of his Maiestie, in hauing so well maintained the franchisies and liberties of Germa­ny, the very occasion why he was seperated from D. Maurice, esteeming the King so reasonable, as that he would giue an appointment equall to the merits of his Souldi­ers, men of choice, and ready to dye for his seruice; with many other gratious spee­ches. But the King and his councel had a further reach into the matter, The answere of Marquesse Al­bert to the B. of Bayonne, and his behauiour a­gainst the K. and Emperour, and their reciprocal­lie towards him. and as he mi­strusted least the Emperour went about to practise him, certaine particulars happe­ned, soon enough to make him apparantly to iudge how his attonement was already in good tearmes, the conclusion whereof the Emperor had notwithstanding euer delayed, hoping to preuent him, and vnder colour thereof so to shut him in, and en­close him so neere with his army, which he had in the fielde, that he would haue him vpon what cōdition himselfe best liked: the which the Marquesse had no lesse doubt of, setting before his owne eyes such entertainment as his kinsemen and allies had be­fore receiued: an occasion that he euer sought to gaine the forewardes, resolued that if hee were euer able to ioyne on the Frontiers of Fraunce, he should rest assured, and be well appointed by the King, and that the Emperour would be most glad to agree to whatsoeuer he would demaund. Some councelled him to rest vpon the Kings of­fers, other to follow his fortune from higher of his owne Countrie, vpon these plats and secret inductions, he notwithstanding passed further, mounting towards the ri­uer of Mozelle, and coasting of Theonuille, he came to encampe at Roranges, three leagues from Metz, where as soone as he was arriued, he sent to demaund victuals of the Duke of Guise (whom the King had already apointed Gouernour at Metz, as [Page 94] [...] [Page 95] [...] [Page 96] well for the opinion of his valour, as the credit and reputation which hee had in all those Countries) for the entertaining of his armye, The behauiour of Marquesse Al­bert of Brande­bourg towards the D. of Guise, gouernour of Metz, and his to­wards the Mar­quesse his armie. who to take from him all occasi­on of discontentment vpon any refusall (albeit it had bene reasonable) did his best to helpe him with some for certaine dayes; which notwithstanding being otherwise considered of by him, he ceased not to importunate him from day to day, to yeelde the same vnto him in as great an abundance, as if there had beene no question but of taking all at his own pleasure, without any regarde to the future necessitie, nor to the place where this Prince was ordained, the time of his keeping thereof: being alto­gether vncertaine. In summe, that he so hardly pressed him and so often, that hee was constrained to declare vnto him by Pierre Strossi, how the reason of the warre which hee was not ignorant of, permitted not that one should disfurnish a place of guarde, (chiefely of such importance of Metz) of victuals and prouisions whereof it should be furnished, to distribute them to a Campe, which might be master of the field, and follow any other way or Country, as towards Sallines, a most fertile Countrie, wher­in he should not onely finde all commodities: but in eating and consuming thereof, he should the more disaduantage the enemye, in not being able to recouer the like there. At which seeming to content himselfe, he demanded some guide, which knew the Country, and might conduct him and lead him thither: whereto was ordained by the Duke of Guise, and expressely sent from Metz, one Gaspard de Hus, a natiue Gentleman of Metz: notwithstanding in very short space he changed his minde, for insteed of taking the waye towardes Sallines, hee came the more neerer within one legue to Metz, and encamped in a place called Aey, where he made some stay, vsing all the scales which he could imagine, for vnder colour to gaine the good grace of the Emperour by some remarqueable seruice, entising the Duke of Guise to giue him some trauerses, or to trouble him by some disorder, had not the Prudence of that Prince bene so great as to foresee and remedy the same. Then hauing by diuers re­moues trauersed all that Countrie; and being turned towards Treues, to fetche there a number of Souldiers which he had left there, he came downe to Pont Camouson, neuer hauing for al that resolued any thing with the B. of Bayonne, either of his own appointment, or pay of his people: albeit that the King had againe sent back Lonsac vnto him for the very same cause; notwithstanding he could conclude vpon nothing with him, training alwaies the effect in diuersitie of demaundes, coloured with faire wordes, whereon it was a very vneasie matter to laye any foundation, and therefore they entred into the greater suspition of him, so as the first mistrust began to encrease more then before: wherefore with as much speed as might be the King who hauing knowne the Emperours intents and preparatiues, had alreadye caused all his Garri­sons, bandes and arriere bandes, and other new companies, to repaire vnto Cham­pagne, made his Campe to assemble at S. Michel, a little towne of Lorraine, vpon the riuer of Meuse, The French ar­mie assembled with all diligēce at S. Michael, a little towne of Lorraine. sixe leagues on the side of Pont Camouson, as farre from Verdun, and ten long ones from Metz, whether likewise repaired the Constable, the D. of Neuers, the Earle of Anguien, the Prince of Conde, the Earle of Aumale, the Vice-count of Rohan, the Marshall S. Andre, Chastillon generall of the French Fanterie, the Earle of Villars, Bourdillon then ordained Marshall of the Campe, the Earle Rein­graue, and Reiroc, with their Regimentes of Lansquenets, and sundrye other great Lords and Captains.

The imperiall army at Deux­ponts scattered ouer the Coun­try of Vaulges.As touching the Imperiall armie, it was altogether readie, and grew great by view of the eye, hauing so farre already marched, as being arriued at Deuxponts, it exten­ded it selfe throughout all the Countrie of Vaulges, in sorte that it was very requisite [Page 97] to lodge, and cause to enter into Metz all such succours, as well of men, of artillerie, and other munition, as had beene determined to be sent thether, and therefore the most commodiously that hee was able, The Marques Alberts armie verie dissolute about Pont Ca­mouson. the Constable sent from Saint Michael the compa­nies of horse and foote which were ordained to this purpose vnder the charge and conduct of Horace Farneze Duke of Castres, carrying with him a number of pioners, and store of pouder, for the better strengthning of the towne, though not in so great quantitie, for all that, as the Constable could haue wished, and as hee had done, with­out the feare he had of the Marquesse, who was alwayes at Pont Camouson, his men being ouer the plaine Country round about, giuen to all insolencies of warre, pilling, & leauing not ought but what they made no account of, or could not carrie or beare away. The which was found very strange, and greatly augmented the distrust which might be had of him. Notwithstanding to bring him to some reason, they sent vnto him the Duke of Aumalle, de Chastillon, and the Earle of Reingraue, The last answers or resolution of the marques to the French, and the behauiour of his armie. to praye him to cause his people to leaue of their wasting and spoiling of the Countrie: and finally to resolue with him the last accord of his appointment and paye of men. Then they soone inough discouered what had bin before conceiued of him but as it were in a cloud, rendering so ambiguous & haughtie an answere, with a spitefull and malecon­tent iesture, that he demanded almost the moitie of a kings ransome for appointment. And as touching the order of his mens liuing, hee shewed that he had alreadie setled his affaires, answering in the end with an assured resolution, that he was a friend to the king, and an allie to the house of Lorrain, but hee meant that his souldiers should haue wherewithall to liue, and take it where they could find it, in case of refusall, he was re­solued what he had to do, and whether to retire himselfe: yea, so far, as refusing to re­ceiue such monie as the Constable had sent vnto him. Whereby they well perceiued how he was reconciled to the Emperor, by the practise of some. Who perceiuing that he was out of his reach for doing him any harme, and that he had himselfe great need of people, pardoned him all his faults, and forbad that any should make his pro­cesse in respect of the war passed: ratified the contracts made with the B. of Bamberg and Wicibourg, released him of going to the war in Hungary, yea, so farre as to agree with him the more, he pardoned the Earles of Itigen, both father and son, & Albert de Mansfeld and his children. Now the Emperor lying sicke of his gouts, and as well for this cause, as for the importunitie of the time, his armie soiourning in the countye of Vaulges, with as great dilligence as was possible, they placed againe the French army at S. Michel, strengthned it as well with the French Fanterie, Germans & Zuizers, to the number neere hand of 30000. footmen, and betweene seuen and eight thousand horse: wherefore the French began to hope better than euer, so as the aduise of some was to charge vpon the Marques whilest that the greater armie of the enemie was so far of, the meanes were the gallantnes of the French armie, the discontentment of the Marquesses people, not able besides to make anie retrait into anie place, wherein they should not be pursued as enemies for their insolencies passed, present, & to come. O­ther preuailed in councell, which perswaded that it would be better to goe more co­uertly to worke, and vnderhand to withdraw the better part of his captains & souldi­ers, by meanes of such Germanes as were alreadie come to the kings seruice, with as­surance of redie paie & good intertainment to come. Which was so wel handled, Colonel Reif-berg with a regi­ment of the mar­ques Alberts, re­tireth himself to the kings seruic [...] that with a great mutiny hapned between themselues, the colonell Reif-berg with his regi­ment, accepted from thence forward of the French party. Wherat the marques being extreamly despited, and seeing otherwise how the armie of France, which euerie day was mightily increased, grew neere neighbor vnto him: how alredie men murmured [Page 95] agaynst him, and how his souldiers mutined among themselues, whereof many both couertly and in sight were retired to the French, and how through all these accidents he was in danger to be surprised and inclosed, The Marques de­mandeth pasport to returne. hee certefied the Constable, howe that since it pleased not the King to entertaine him into his seruice, not willing to accorde vnto him reasonable appoyntment and paie, his request was to haue a safe conduct to depart, protesting that in other places of his enemies Countrie, he was able to doo vnto him as good or better seruice as there, and could conquere landes, which might perpetually remaine vnto him without sticking at a trifle: assuring him notwithstan­ding vpon his faith, neuer to take parte wyth the Emperour agaynst him. The King beeing aduertised heereof, and the matter thoroughly debated of in Councell, grew of opinion howe it was much more expedient, to make a bridge to a mans enemie, seeking to retire, than to put armes into the furnace to heate him anie more, as well to assure the people of the violent comming of the man, seeking nought but his owne aduenture wythout respect of his lyfe, as also honestly to conuoie and conduct him, for in beeing willing to fight with him by strong hande, albeit that fortune were fa­uourable, yet coulde not the victorie remayne but wyth great losse, peraduenture of many braue men, whereof the King as then stoode in great neede, a farre greater enemie beeing at hande than the other, The D. of Aumal appointed to ac­companie the Marques. as also to the ende it might not bee reproach­ed vnto him to haue defeated one which came to his succours, especially a Germane, one of the most auncient friendes and confederates of the French. To this end was the Bishoppe of Bayonne lefte neere about him for his better suretie and conduct, to cause him to haue a safe and free passage thoroughout all the Kinges Countries. Of the other parte the Duke of Aumalle was appoynted to accompanie him with two hundred men at armes, and fiue hundred light horse, to hinder anie of his men from spoyling or ruining anie of the kings subiects. For during the three weekes that Al­bert made his abode neere de Thoul vppon Mozelle, they vnderstood of so straunge disorder, and most excessiue excesses, which his people dyd as well to the Nobles, as pesants and church men, that in the ende perceiuing howe the Duke of Aumalle, to whome they addressed themselues, tolde them that hee was not able to haue anie o­ther reason at his handes, albeit hee had certefied him thereof, they assembled them­selues to kil and trusse vp as many as they were able. Whereof he greatly complained to the Duke, who aunswered him that hee woulde haue regarde to his duetie, lea­uing him the passage free, but hee had gone agaynst his worde in permitting so great an insolencie. Constrayned in the ende to displace, hee went and incamped neere vnto a poole vppon a marish, where in the night it rayned so harde, as hee thought hee shoulde neuer haue founde meanes to escape thence, especiallye his Artillerie sticking fast in the myre, and bemoyled euen to the verie axiltree and truckes of the carriages, where the Duke of Aumalle had fayre meanes to haue cleane ruy­ned him, wythout the losse of anie one man, had hee beene so disposed to haue done.

Aduice & coun­sell among the Emperors Cap­taines, if they ought to besiege Metz at that time of the yere.October was now well spent, when the imperiall armie as yet remained in the Countrie of Vaulges, and towardes Deuxponts, the Emperour still continuing very ill disposed, as also for that hee attended succours out of the Low Countries, which were not as yet arriued, and his artillerie and munition which hee caused to bee brought downe the Rhine as farre as Confluence, from thence the easier all along the riuer of Moselle, to make it bee landed almost harde by Metz. And for that the sharpest coldes of the winter beginne in this season, such a delaie caused a number of persons to bee of opinion, that the Emperour woulde not so late vndertake [Page 99] a siege of so great consequence, and that he would not expose so fayre and well com­pleat an armie, to thinke to vanquish both the rigor of the time, and a Towne so well prouided, as all the Captaines imagined: who councelled him rather to assaie the re­couerie of the rest of the townes, as wel of the Dutchie of Lorraine, as of Barois and Luxenbourg, in which hee might well cause his armie to winter, and keepe it coue­red from the euill season, in which meane time they of Metz shoulde bee constray­ned to spend theyr victuals, and consume their munitions, beeing continually not­withstanding held in subiection by such roads as the souldiers should dayly make vp­pon them, and the Countrie about more and more to affeeble them, and cleane take awaie all meanes from them to recouer victualles; whereof towardes the spring they woulde stande in so great necessitie, as they might then easily set vppon them to their greater aduantage. Shewing further, how that before he cold wel dispose and appoint the siege of this so great a towne, and that his artillerie could be planted and prepared for the batterie, winter would so hardly bee come on, that it woulde be a cause of in­terrupting all his meanes, as well by reason of snowes, windes, raines, and extreame frosts, causing a great number of his souldiers to die, as through the difficultie which they should haue to recouer victualls, beeing detayned and stayed backe by the con­straint and indisposition of the time, as also in hauing them oftentimes bee met with, and taken awaie by the French. Besides all that, together with the losse that myght fortune him to receiue there, such and so great a shame, as hee would rather wish it had cost him the crowne of his Empire, so as hee had not beene at all there. For after hauing combatted, and beene in part defeated by the furie and violence of the time, he should finde besides another enemie strong and puissant, which attended but one­ly an occasion to ruine him for euer. This aduice though it were the most certayne for the Emperours securitie, yet could it not by anie meanes bee receiued of him, for his spirite beeing pricked forward and solicited by an extreame desire of beeing re­uenged, forgot all accidents and perils, to bee happily resolued in the end of one one­ly point, whereby hee might knowe but how to bee reuenged of the King. And a­mong others it seemed best vnto him, first to addresse himselfe to the towne of Metz, within which hee well knew were many of the principall Princes and great Lords of France: and that besides, it was perfectly furnished and prouided with great store of munition. Wherfore it seemed vnto him, that if by the surplus of the rest of that yere, hee could worke so wel, as to be able only to recouer it, hee might easily by meanes of such prisoners as he should find therein, obtaine and get againe at the kings hands whatsoeuer he had taken from him, perswading himselfe that he would help himself with the French mens owne roddes and preparatiues to constraine them therto, and that being come once to the top, and hauing subdued this first and principall fortres, wherein was the verie flower of the French souldiers, hee easily promised to himselfe the compassing of his lesser enterprises. So as in the end the Emperour marched with his armie towardes the riuer of Moielle, neuer following for all that the right waie, as if hee had meant to descend towards Theonuille, and the Dutchie of Luxembourg. Whereof the Duke of Guise beeing aduertised, not willing to loose or leaue in praye one of the olde Ensignes of Captaine La Prade, which was within Roc de Mars, tooke so good order; as in the sight of his enemies, the rather by the meanes of a skir­mish which the Duke of Nemours, and the Earle of La Roche-foucaut made before Theonuille, the Ensigne hauing set all the Castle on fire, was retyred and saued, to­gether wyth the better part of the Artillerie which was therein.

[Page 100]The Constable in the meane time who still remained at S. Michel to see and know what course the Emperour ment to take, hauing intelligence how the imperiall ar­mye marched, holding on that way, doubting the euent of sundrye thinges, among other, least leauing of Metz, it might addresse it selfe to Verdun, which was not strong enough, nor almost of any reasonable defence, or to some feeble towne or vn­prouided, caused the French armie in like sorte to march, and approched nere vnto Verdun, in which as then the Marshall S. Andre remained Lieutenant for the King, with his company of one hundred men at armes, and Tauannes which was gouernor with his company of fiftie men at armes, and eight Ensignes of French Fanterie, of the legion of Champagne, two companies of light horse, and as many Harquebu­siers on horseback, who without ceasing either day or night, caused them to trauaile about the fortification, replenishing otherwise this great Towne, with corne, wines, and all other sortes of victuals, which they could finde round about. As much did Rabaudanges Gouernour of D'Anuille, and De Blaneau then Gouernour of Yuoy, and the Captain Baron Gouernour of Mommedy, striuing as it were with a kinde of en­uye, and forcing themselues who should best better his place; for albeit that they were already strong and well appointed, yet did they continually watch to aduaunce thereto whatsoeuer they might presume to be wanting therin. Now there rested no more but the towne of Satenay, by corrupt speech called Astenay: which the Impe­rials being already in the field, men doubted might be first assaulted and taken on the suddain, vnprouided of euery thing, as indeed it was: albeit that before time the late King Francis had caused it to be repaired and fortified, to serue him for some shadow or colour, against thē of the duchie of Luxembourg: since notwithstanding the euill scituation thereof hauing bene declared vnto him, and how much more hurtefull it would grow vnto him, if after hauing fortified it, it should happen to fall into the e­nemies hand, he caused the fortes and bulwarkes in many places to be cast down and raced, and the flankers and defences to be ruined; putting it againe in this sorte to the domanie of the Duke of Lorraine, sometime after notwithstanding the King hauing again recouered it, and thrust out the Bourgonians which had seased therof, and be­gan to repaire it as you haue seene, to aide themselues against him, euer since helde it in his owne handes, without adding for all that any new fortification, but onelye to hinder that it should not be hurtfull vnto himselfe. Heereupon afterwardes hauing bene shewed vnto him by the D. of Neuers, how it might be made strong & defen­sable, and that himselfe without any danger would vndertake to keep it, he comman­ded that all means and deuises should be sought out to fortifie it with al diligence: to which this Prince voluntarily rendred himselfe so subiect, that any great labour see­med to him but a pleasure, for the perfecting of his work, which he had in so great re­cōmendation, that much and the principal part therof was found wel forward before euer it was imagined that the foūdations were as yet laid; & not only that, but hauing intelligence how in a little town named Vireton within 5. leagues of Satenay, there were a number of theeues & bannished persons assembled, liuing vpon nothing but theft & spoiles, which they made about the country, forseeing further that if the siege shuld fortune to come before Satenay, that this receptackle of brigands would serue very fitly to his enemies, Vireton surpri­sed and besieged through the se­cret and great diligence of the D. of Neuers. to retire thither their victual, munitions & other necessaries, hee surprised them so fortunately, as in a morning before that euer they could haue thought him awake, hauing no means to saue thēselues, or to haue reskew from their partners, they sawe themselues enclosed and enwrapped by this Prince, accompany­ed with ten Ensignes of French Fanterie: to wit, two of Verdun, two of D'anuille, 2. [Page 101] of Yuoy, two of Mommedy, and two of Satenay; of Caualerie of the companies of the Duke of Bouillon, of Iametz, and of La Roche du Maine, of light horse and Harquebusiers on horseback, of Captaine Sapoigne, and sundrye Gentlemen of his owne house, so as being arriued before this towne in this sorte, to the end readilye to execute his determination, he caused it to be battered as soddenly as might be, with­out giuing any leasure at all to make any trench, or dresse any baskets of earth, but the artillery being onely couered with Cartes, Tables, dores, Waggons, and such geare, as at that instant they were able to finde to put before it, he so planted it and cunning­ly trauersed it to the marke, that the wall was greatlye shaken;, and a very reasonable breach made; the which they within endured without any semblance at all of feare, or willingnes to yeelde themselues. The French Souldiers seeing the gappe, had so burning a desire to goe to the assault, as being impatient of temporising, and without tarrying for the Generals commaundement La Chesne Ensigne to Captaine La Land, followed with some number of Souldiers, ranne hastelye into the ditche with his head forwards, to thrust right into the breach, who notwithstanding was valiantlye put back by the Bourgonions, and sore hurt, whereof afterwardes hee died. Arbelay likewise the Ensigne of Captain Baron was there slaine, and many valiant Souldiers. In the end they within besieged, seeing the rest of the preparations, and not finding themselues prouided, nor strong enough to sustaine a generall assaulte, made a signe of being desirous to parley, requiring that some respit might be giuen vnto thē with­in, who if they had not readily succours, promised to yeelde themselues, their liues and goods saued. The Duke of Neuers would by no meanes accord vnto them one onely howre of delay, but answered that if they did not yeelde themselues at the in­stant vnto his discretion, their liues saued, Vireton rendred vp to the discre­tion and mercy of the D. of Ne­uers. he would cause them al to passe by the edge of the sword; so as hauing a while considered of the danger, they yeelded themselues to the mercy and discretion of the Duke, which happened in very good time, for there remained no more but two bullets of a Culuerin left: they being gone out, to the end no leasure should be giuen to the French souldiers to amuse about the spoile, fire was put in diuers places of the Towne: as for the Prisonners the Duke of Ne­uers had alreadye giuen them leaue to departe, when as they were as well known vn­to the Captaine Sapoigne their neighbour, Sonne to Gilles de Leuant sometimes gouer­nour of Luxembourg, against whom Sapoigne declared vnto the Duke, that the ho­nestest man among them all had one hundred times deserued death, and how hee should shew them too much fauour to saue their liues, for if he should set thē at liber­ty, it would be a means to make them do more harme to the French: Therefore the greatest part of them were retained and carried prisonners to Satenaye, afterwardes some were sent backe, the principall being reserued, cheefely the Captain Dalumont otherwise Malladerie, and his ensigne named Arbonniere: all these matters being thus happely atchieued in one onely day, the armie returned the same very night to lodge at Satenay with all the companies, except those of Mommedy, who in respect they were neere hand retired as then from the place, cōmandement being giuen, that they should dayly repaire thither by hundreds, to make euen with the ground the rest of Vireton, which the fire was not able to waste or consume, and on the next morrowe hauing dispatched S. Simon to carry newes vnto the K. who continually remained at Reims, and cōmanded Despotz Gouernour of Satenay, to receaue of the inhabitants within the town, the oath of fidelity in the K. name, he dparted towards the cōstable, who caused the armye to temporise, attending what the Emperour would attempt; [Page 102] who finding all his forces assembled, and the succours which he attended out of the low Countries being arriued, took the high way againe towards Metz, and was ap­proched as farre as Sarabuc, The Imperial armie appro­cheth within 7. or 8 leagues of Metz. seuen leagues from thence: and a few dayes after the D. of Alua, Lieutenant generall of the Emperour, and the Marquesse of Marignan Co­lonell of the Italian Fantassins, with fourteene thousand foote, foure thousand horse, and sixe fielde peeces, approched so neere as to discouer the Towne, and the fittest places for to pitch their Campe in, which was not doone without a furious and braue skirmish of the French souldiars, The D. of Alua and Marquesse of Marignan came to descry Metz. who being sallied forth, for a beginning made them well to perceiue and feele with what affection they were determined to defend themselues, and maintaine the place, wherein the French as then atchiued great re­putation as well of the Duke of Guise as of their enemies: who afterwardes retired themselues to S. Barbe, two leagues back, with small aduauntage, and losse of neere hand eight or nine score men, and of French men there was lost Marigny Picard, is­sued out of the auncient and most renowmed house of Salezart, and fiue Souldiers which were slaine on the place, Sylly Mompha and the Captaine La Vaure, dyed there of their wounds.

The D. of Auma­les aduertisemēt to the K. vpon the determinati­on of the Mar­quesse of Bran­debourg.In the meane time the D, of Aumalle standing well assured of all the plattes and sollicitings which they practised with the Marquesse Albert, aduertised the K. there­of who was at Reims, to the end to prouide of all sides, as wel on that part as towards Picardie, certifying him that the most expedient way was rather to set vpon him, thē to suffer him to ioyne with the enemy, and so to make him the stronger, and to bring that to passe, he let him to vnderstand that with such meanes as hee already had two hundred men at armes, would be sufficient to defeate him. The King made answere that hee liked his deuice very well, prouided that it were wisely executed, and with­out too much hazard, and presently hee commaunded Bourdillon to goe and ioyne with him with a hundred men at armes, and obey him wherein soeuer for his seruice hee would imploye him: whereupon hee came towardes him within three leagues, neere vnto which place, hee readily aduertised him how by the Kings commaunde­ment, with all possible diligence he had made his repaire towards him, to obey him, beseeching him to signifie his pleasure, and what he was to doe. The D. of Aumalle answered him that he was maruelously contented at his so great diligence vsed, and that the Marquesse hauing already passed ouer the riuer of Muze, was ready likewise to goe ouer the other of Madon, to retire himselfe to the Emperours Campe, and he knew not any great means how to follow him any longer: wherfore in breefe he determined to retire himselfe to Thoul, to make warre against the enemie. This an­swere was the cause that Bourdillon stirred not from Blanieau attending his returne. Three daies after notwithstanding the D. of Aumalle sent his Trumpetter with let­ters to the Marquesse, to suck alwaies some intelligence from him: but so it was as fin­ding him at the borough of S. Nicolas, whether he was gone with a small companie to conclude with the Emperours Deputies, making small account of those letters; the Trumpetter was staied, to the end that readily returning hee might not discouer the secret, nor make reporte of what he had seene: who maruelling greatlye at this strange entertainement, went to the Marquesses truchman for it was tolde him that hee had beene brought vp in Fraunce, The D. de Auma­les trumpeter staied by the Marquesse Albert. thinking by that meanes that hee would haue carried some good affection to haue pleasured those of that Nation, whence he had receaued all kinde of curtesie, but contrariwise hee found him a braue and pre­sumptuous Gallant, who iudged himselfe of the highest valour, by reason of the fa­miliaritie which he had with his Master. The Trumpetter be sought him to procure [Page 103] his dispatch and returne. He contrariwise without making any answere at al to his re­quest, railed extreamely at the French, and wishing vnto them a thousand curses, he protested with great oaths, that before it were long he would bathe himselfe in their bloud. So the Trumpetter was enforced to tarrie vntill the Thursday before the day wherein the defeate should be accomplished, as they tolde him and how that the morrowe after he should returne with his answere: which came not to passe for all that: for that day all things being changed to the worse, the Trumpeter was more rigorously entreated then before, led, bound fast, wrong hard, and trained, as if how-erlye hee expected nought else then to be hanged or dye miserably. Thus the Mar­quesse had determined the next morrowe to take his way to the Emperours Camp, and there rested nothing but to vnite and appease some of his Captains & Souldiers, who had no great minde to turne their face to take oath to the Emperor, in respect of the euill entertainment which they had found both at his hands and the Spaniards, in the wars passed. The 28. of October the D.D'aumalle being enformed of this depar­ture, dislodged at the break of day, with al his Caualerie from the Port of S. Vincent, where he lay, and put himselfe in battell vpon the toppe of an high mountaine cal­led La Croiz du Montier, aboue the Marquesse, to consider well and viewe what he would doe, and what course he would take; who in like sorte ordered his battailes to follow his intended way, without hauing any opinion at that daye to fight with the French: yet these two armies were not long time neighbours, but that the skirmishes began hottely, as well by the Countrie people as some French Souldiers, The couragious perswasions of the Marquesse to make his people to fight. who were runne thither hoping to robbe and spoile some bootie at the taile of the Marquesse. To whom reporte thereof was made two or three times before hee would beleeue ought, answering that the D.D'aumalle did not make search after him. It was about the beginning of Nouember that these plaintes redoubling of all partes, himselfe with his truchman, would needs goe see how true indeede it was, where hee was very fiercely repulsed, so as with a Harquebuse shot his truchman was slaine hard by him, which moued him in such sorte, as returning to his people, and with liuelye and affectionate praiers and exclamations, hauing declared vnto them, The D. de Au­melle and the French charged vpon fiercely. how the D.D'au­malle with a great number of French Caualerie, attended them in the passage to hew them in peeces, and that the least that could befall them was death, which they could by no meanes escape without doing some notable and great exploite, hee vsed all paines and meanes to encourage them to the Combate, laying down before them in like sorte, that if they had any doubt of the rigour and punishment of the Empe­rour, they were much lesse to hope or looke for any better entertainement of the French. All these perswasions could no whit for all that moue the Fanterie of Albert, who mutining for want of pay, refused so goe any further; but well the Caualerie, e­specially the chieftanes, and aboue all; George of the noble familye of Lichtebergh, who was as in the Protestants war his Lieutenant generall: the which fiercely went to charge vpon the companies of the D.D'aumalle, who was vpon the point and de­termination to retire, albeit that the B. of Bayonne egged him forward to the defeate of the Marquesse: but it was so late that they were already at hand to ioyne together, and to fight with so extreme euill lucke, as at the first reencounter they mette with a troupe of seruants, who had beene set in that place but to make a shew; The D. compa­nies put to flight by the Marquesse. whome they incontinently put to flight: and by and by charged vpon an other squadron of light horse, and Harquebusiers on horseback, the which in like sorte they disordered, fin­ding an onnerture without fight to charge vpon the very ranks of the men of warre, which they set vppon and caused to recoyle with Pistoll shotte, as troupes and com­panies [Page 104] euil prouided of Lances to defend themselues. The D. of Aumalle seeing his cauallerie thus broken, and fled on all hands, greatly agreeued, and foreseeing an vnhappy end to ensue this enterprise, willed Breze the Lieutenant of his company to retire, and the best way that he might be able to saue his company. Afterwards not­withstanding seeing the great fire kindled neere vnto him, and the enemies much intermingled with the principall troupe of his men of war, and neerest to his person, where the cōbate was most sharp, and the enemies couragiously reskued, by the small nūber which was there of gentlemen, he ioyned him togither with those few that he had left, crying vnto them with a smiling and assured countenance; my ompanions, my freends, Battaile; Battaile, afterwards abandoning himselfe to fortune, which hee had euer notwithstanding so ill cheered, and entertained vntill then, without respect of his life, with the Sword in his fist he thrust into the presse, and did as many great actes as was possible for him to doe; but the throng of his enemies continually wax­ed greater, and the number of his owne diminished, as well by being abandoned by those which fled, as by the death of the brauest men slaine and beaten downe before him, other sore wounded, and vnhorsed, taken, & led away prisoners: in such sort as himselfe sore hurt with two Pistoll shot in the body, and in his head, the horse slayne vnder him, The D. de Au­melle sore hurt taken Prisoner. was in the end thrown down & taken. The B. of Bayonne saued himself, the Vicecount of Rohan was there slaine, for as 2. Germanes which held him prison­ner had already taken from him his head peece, quarrelling who should haue him, ar­riued a third, Death of Vice­count Rohan. who after many disputes shot him into the brayne with a Pistoll, where­of he presently dyed. He was greatly lamented of all men, as one who greatlye con­traried, and withstoode stiffely this enterprise: the company of D. D' aumalle was almost all there defeated, and among other of renowne were slaine De Nancay gui­don of the saide company; De la Motie Dusseau guidon of the Vidame of Charstres companie, the guidon of the Earle of Sancerres company, S. Forgeus Captaine of the light horse, the Baron of Couches, De Ioncy the yongest of the house of Rochebaron in Charollois, the yong Vaux, and sundry other Gentlemen to the number of two hundred, of Prisonners remained many, together with the D. D'aumalle, among o­ther Desguilly master of the Camp of light horse, the Baron of Guerres, and Do lieu­tenant of the Vidasme of Charstres company, who for not being known, and by the helpe of their freends, escaped for a small raunsome. As for Bourdillon the same night some speeches hauing bene reported vnto him, which the paisans comming from thence vsed touching the defeate, presently caused a Gentleman of his company to mount on horseback, accompanied with some other to goe learne the matter better, and bring him the certainty thereof: afterwards within a short space following two Gentlemen of qualitie, which were hardly escaped thence, rehearsed vnto him how all the matter passed. Vpon this occasion, without making any greater losse, or cau­sing more trauaile to his men, he dispatched that night Castellus lieutenant of his com­pany, to carry the sorrowfull newes to the King: and presently sent his Trumpe­ter, to the Earle of Vaudemont, to pray him to permit the bodies of Rohan and the Baron of Couches, to be buried within the Church at Nancy, as they were after­wards, and others in like sorte.

The Marquesse Albert hauing now his hart puffed vp, and receaued farre into the Emperours good grace, tooke againe his waye on towardes Nancy; where hee had much speech with the Earle Vaudemont, touching this defeate, for amidst his discour­ses and pleasant tales, hee laughed at the great hardines of the D. D'aumalle. After­wards [Page 105] he returned to encamp at Pont Camouson on the other side of the riuer, whe­ther anon the Emperour sent vnto him a number of horse to strengthen & aide him, vntill he might be ioyned to his campe, which was already assembled, and encam­ped about Metz. A little aboue the Pont aux Moras within the vynes, neere vnto an Abbey dedicated to S. Martin, was the quarter where the 13. of Nouember the Marquesse Albert went to entrench himselfe, from whence hauing caused the D. of Aumalle to be dressed, The Castle of Clermont in Ar­gonne surprised by Chastillon. he sent him prisonner into Germanye to be kept in good suretie. The Kings army was arriued at Clermont in Argonne, a little village well sci­tuate in the country of Barrois, aboue which on the top of a mountaine, is a Castle naturally strong in respect of the height, vnaccessable in two or 3. places; the which being very commodious and conuenient for many necessities, Chastillon partelye by craft, and partly through feare which the captaine of the place had, seeing the French army to arriue, surprised and rendred it to the disposition of the Constable his Vncle, for the K. afterwards men wrought a long time to fortifie and amend it better, and an other little towne named Varenne; and in the villages round about all couertly was the K, army lodged; the Constable, (the D. of Neuers remaining Lieutenant general in the armie) departed thence, to goe see the K. at Reims, verye sorye and greeued at this euill aduenture.

As these were eagerly in armes there in Lorraine, Du Reux with the imperiall ar­my would faine surprise La Fere in Picardie. so the rest would not be at rest in Pickardie, for Du Reux the Emperours Lieutenant generall in the low Countryes, with a number of Flemings; Hannuyers, and Wallons, amounting to fortie Ensignes of foote, and aboue two or three thousand horse, hauing entred into the fielde with resolution to enforce and surprise La fere in Picardie, which appertaineth to the D. of Vendosme, and after finding that hardly hee could compasse it with his honour, the Admirall D'Anebaut being there within, well prouided of whatsoeuer was ne­cessary for him; after hauing burned the town of Noyon, Nelle, Chaunis, Roye, and a magnificent house which the late King Francis caused to be builded for the plea­sure of hunting, called Foulembray, with betweene seuen & eight hundred villages, whereof the most parte were of the D. of Vendosme his patrimony, and to speak tru­ly done infinite mischiefes alwaies, by the means of the Queene of Hungary, went to besiege Hedin: the towne was quickly taken, Hedin besieged by Du Reux. not being strong enough to sustayne the batterie nor the assault: shortlye after the Castle was besieged on the Parke side, where a great towre which defended the towres on that side, being much broken and the defences beaten downe and shattered to peeces, they found means to vnder­mine and digge downe a great peece of the wall, and with Cannon shotte to breake downe the squares and spurres as well of that great towre, as of the wall: wherefore the whole suncke downe and was turned topsie turuie within the ditche, which fil­led it vp, and made a bridge very easie to goe to the assault, the rampire remaining meerly vncouered and worne, they had no baskets nor platformes to couer it, and al­beit the rampire was as yet seuen or eight foote high, they within notwithstanding seeing the wal so suddenly fallen down & the ditch filled, were so amased & astonied, as without tarrying any assault, they yeelded themselues to composition, Hedin yeelded to the Emperour by de Rasse. their liues and goods saued, & the cōposition was made by de Rasse and Ianlis, to which D'ouoye of the house of Querqui would neuer consent. At this losse the K. much maruelled, considering that a litle before De Rasse had certified him that he had no doubt at all of the holding out of that castle, but that which was found most strange, and that gaue to the French occasion diuersly to speak, was that De Rasse had euer a good reputation [Page 106] of a valiant Knight: Admirall de Anebaut dieth at La Fere. hereupon the King vnderstanding of the death of the Admirall D' Anebaut, deceased at La Fere in Picardie, whether hee was retired to defend it from the Imperials, departed from Reims to approch as farre as Challons, whether the D. of Neuers, the Marshall S. Andre, de Chastillon, and the principall chieftanes of his army came vnto him, to the end to aduise and conclude as soone as might be, of some way how to recouer Hedin: The D. of Grise assured within Metz. therefore the D. of Guise was sent vnto, to know of him how long time he could be able to defend Metz, and if he were in any neces­sitie, hee should be the sooner succoured, who assuring himselfe of the will of God, and of the faith & loyaltie of many valiant men which had followed and watched about his person, certified the King that there was no doubt at al of his towne, nor of those which were within, in all whom he knew alike and semblable affection for his seruice, chusing rather to leaue their liues then to go out of that place with dishonor. Besides that he had want of nothing whatsoeuer, whereby hee should not be able to keepe it against all power of man, with the aide of him, without whom he watcheth in vaine, which will vndertake the keeping of any places: hee aduertised him in like sorte, The distribution of the Imperiall army about Metz. how that the second day of Nouember the D. of Alua with the greatest parte of the Imperiall armye, hauing quitted the lodging at Belle Croix ( Brabanson being left there with three Regiments of high Germanes, two of lowe, and three thousand horse) and passed the Riuer of Seille, was come to encampeneere vnto the Towne, distributing his army in the places about, as at S. Clement, and at S. Arnoul, where he was lodged with the spanish companies: One parte of the Germanes was lodged at Pont de Magny, Dom Louis d'Auilla with the Spanish cauallerie at La Maladiere, the Seneshal of La Morauie with the Bohemian horse at Blery, the ouerplus at Ollerye, S. Priech, at the grange aux Dames, at the grange aux Mercieres, and other places a­bout: certifying him further how that they had begun their trenches neere vnto the Porte S. Thibaut, as if they purposed there to plante their principall battery. In the end he wrote the names and surnames of such as had best perfourmed their dutye in sallies out and skirmishes; not forgetting many other affaires as the time serued, in his answere. The D, of Ne-Lieutenant gene­rall ouer all the K. forces in Lo­raine. The King thus standing assured on that parte, ordained the D. of Neuers his Lieutenant generall ouer all his forces, which remained in Lorraine: and for the good and agreeable seruices which Gasper de Coligny, called Chastillon, had done him and daily did, he honored him with the office of Admirall of France, and at the ve­ry instant constituted him his Lieutenant, to bring back his army into Picardye, there to resolue vpon and execute, whatsoeuer should be most profitable and necessary for his seruice. Chastillon being made Admirall of France bring­eth all the K. ar­my from out of Picardy toward Hedin. Afterwardes all the chiefetanes being aduertised and instructed in their charges, the armie was leuied by the Admirall, to cause it to take the right way to­wardes Hedin: the Marshall S. Andre was retired to Verdun, the D. of Neuers with his company, and that of La Roche du Maine, retired to S. Michel, to the end to cut of al victuals fom the enimie and turn them away parting themselues in sundrye compa­nies within the Vallyes: within S. Michel there were already the Ensignes of Cap­tain La Prade and of La Mothe Gondrin on hundred lighthorse of captaine Pelous, and one hundred Harquebusiers of Captain Lauenture and Bourdillon with his company, who a little before was returned from that place, whether the D. Aumalle had writ­ten vnto him. The D. of Neu­ers his compa­nies make roads to cut off victu­alles from the e­nemies.

As soone as the D. of Neuers was arriued at S. Michel, there was a road made by his companie, with certaine light horse and Harquebusiers on horseback, vnder the charge of Mouy, guidon of his company, a valiant and resolute gentleman, as farre as [Page 107] Malatour, a little towne strong inough neere vnto Gorges, and in other great villages, which couered a valley strong inough, full of hollowe woodes and daungerous pla­ces, which they of the Countrie called La Veur, into which certaine souldiers were retyred, as well Spanish as Germanes, of the imperiall auantgard. Some were slaine, and the rest carried awaie prisoners. This misfortune fel vpon those as returned from the castle of Aspremont, thinking to haue taken the Earle there in his bed, to whom it happened so well, as at that instant he was at Saint Michael neere vnto the Duke of Neuers. For in stead of thinking to take, they were taken, & carried awaie with some bootie. Such roads there and abouts were continued by the Duke of Neuers for the space of three weekes, himselfe beeing there sometimes in person, which so sore an­noied and troubled his enimies, as they were inforced to forget the waie of that quar­ter. Yea, by reason of these continuall alarums, the imperiall armie was oftentimes constrayned to remaine halfe a daie in battell, with great trauell, coldes, and other ne­cessities. But if they endured much, the French men were not cleane exempted, be­cause that oftenest times they were faine to mount on horsebacke at midnight, indu­ring so sharpe frosts and colde, as some of them haue euer since had diuerse of theyr members benummed, and other dead, lost by the paine and insupportable torments which they indured, hauing continually the snowe vp to their horse bellies: & in such equipage passed they the daie and night without food, after in the daie time, & when they thought to repose themselues, and take a litle breath in theyr lodging, they were faine to keepe the watch for feare of surprisall: so as, as well to keepe themselues, as to annoie and plague the imperials, they endured theyr parte of the discommoditie of the time, but much lesse as they wel witnessed, which had abandoned thē: the Italians aboue all, who dayly went threedmeale from the Emperours campe, to beseech the Duke of Neuers to receiue them into the Kings seruice, who moued with pittie, The Italians of the Emperours campe repaired to the Duke of Neuers to be in­tertained in the kings seruice. see­ing some dead, and halfe passing, other hunger starued without monie, vsed all libe­ralitie possible towardes them, and caused monie to bee giuen them out of his owne coffers attending the kings paie. Afterwardes he sent them to Captaine Andre de May More, a man of approued hardinesse, to dresse of them companies as well of foote as light cauallerie. By them & other spials the French were aduertised of the most great diligence and wonderful preparatiues which the Duke of Alua had made to addresse his batterie, the great plaines, the trenches, so ample, large, and deepe, as hath bin seene of long time, the great number of artillerie and munitions, the almost innumerable quantitie of baskets, which hee caused continually without anie rest to bee made and filled, making no account of the life of those miserable vascadors, no more than of bruite beasts exposed to the mercie of the artillerie and counterbatterie of the towne. They reported lykewise the great harmes and annoiances that they within did inces­santly vnto them, theyr resolute sallies, so furious & in such sort, as some thought them rather ghosts and deuillish spirites than mortall creatures. And others reporting how the conduct of the most part of theyr sallies was happily executed, attributed all to a rashnesse and bolde hardinesse, more than to wisedome or anie discreete foresight of the inconueniences lyke to happen, in such sorte; as one Sergeant of a band, accompa­nyed with fiue or sixe souldiers onely, with his halbard chased awaie, and constrained to abandon the trenches more than three hundred men. Some other in like sort durst goe and naile theyr artillerie, and kill their canoniers vpon theyr peeces. The which the enemies notwithstanding woulde not repute as a fact worthie either of them, nor of a valyant and magnanimious heart. Besides that, twice or thrice a daie the caual­lerie [Page 108] issued forth, putting the imperials often inough in such disorder, as some of the most hardiest Gentlemen, which woulde doo anie act worthie of memorie, or for the remembrance or loue of their mistresses, would goe breake theyr lances, and strike with theyr swoords euen within the enemies tents, so farre as to cut their ropes asun­der, executing strange things, and not heard of in our memorie. Now if the French by such feates were desirous to shew themselues loyall subiectes to their king, and cu­rious of honour, the Duke of Alua reposed not lesse of his part, who shewed himselfe so desirous and inflamed to render into the obedience of his maister the Emperour, that puisant Citie, to reioyce him with the taking of so many princes, great Lordes, and valyant men as were there within, that not sparing anie labor, nor the liues of his, he planted his batterie readie the twentith of Nouember, beginning to shoote at the defences, to wit, at that of the portall of the port Champenois, and of a bulwarke which is within a great tower, the which is towardes the riuer called La Tour D'En­fen, and surnamed La Tour de Lanques, & at a little Church being within the town, where there was a platform, in summe, they razed and ruined as much as they could, whatsoeuer might serue as they iudged to the defence of the towne. The six & twen­tith he began to cannon it with such an impetuositie, as in the memory of anie liuing man was neuer heard the like, hauing in front fortie great peeces, which carrying bul­lets of an extraordinarie waight, shot daie and night without anie intermission, other than to refresh themselues. In the mean time the besieged slept not, but with the prin­ces and great Lordes, and generally euen to the verie least, they carryed earth & pan­niers to rampire, in such diligence and carefulnesse, as at any place where they imagi­ned the breach should be made, in lesse than twice foure and twentie houres they made vp the rampire the height of a perapect, leauing betweene the old wall and the rampire conuenient flankers, & a trench farced with diuerse drogs, to feast the most hotly disposed, if they meant to goe to the assalt. Attending which; I will looke back againe into the exploits of the French armie.

As soone as de Reux with the Flanders armie, which as yet remained about He­din, perceiued the French to approach, without anie countenaunce at all made to be willing to fight for maintenance of them which were redie to be besieged within, he retyred, leauing his sonne in the castle, to whome hee vowed and swore great punish­ment if hee yeelded the place with dishonour and reproch. With the same charge he left with him his companion, a Henault Gentleman named Harenuille. So the breach beeing made farre stronger by them than before, and standing prouided and streng­thened with whatsoeuer they could imagine to bee necessarie for them, they sowed a bruite that both the one and the other woulde rather die there within, than yeelde themselues so good cheap as they that first went out thence. Shortly after the French armie beeing arriued, the Duke of Vendosme, Lieutenant for the King in Picardie, caused his approaches to bee made, and one of his batteryes to bee planted in the ve­rie same place where the Bourgonians had addressed theirs, and the other vppon the slope of a little hill of the side of Therouanne. So Hedin began to bee cannoned the seuenteenth of December most furiously, and there were discharged foure thousand three score, The castle of He­din yelded vp by de Reux his son to the D. of Ven­dosme for the king. and sixe shot of Cannon, without making anie breach or ouerture, that had not yet a rampire behinde eighteene or twentie foote high. Yet faintnesse of heart and feare of death ceazed the besieged, who yeelded themselues by compositi­on, theyr liues and goods saued, theyr Ensignes displayed, with two meane peeces of artillerie at theyr tayle, wythout taking awaie ought, or transporting of anie thing els [Page 109] of that which they had found within: so the castle of Hedin was yelded and rende­red vnto the Kings obedience, by the conduct of the Duke of Vendosme, the eigh­teenth of December. And albeit that the chiefe was acquited of his dutie in keeping it, yet fearing his fathers cholar, he remained a long time not daring to present himself before him. Sodainly after the Duke of Vendosme beeing aduertised that the ene­mies meant to passe ouer the riuer, to giue him battel at the houre that he parled with them of Hedin, by the Kings aduise hee purposed to ease them of that paine, and him selfe went to seeke them out with his forces, with intention to fight with them if they would abide. But not finding themselues strong inough, they retired towardes the strong townes, and further into the heart of the Countrie, quitting vnto him the pas­sages to execute his good pleasure, and a means to reuenge himselfe of those cruelties which they had committed vpon his lands.

At such time as these affayres thus passed there, the Duke of Neuers hauing caused on the side of Saint Michael many and sundry roads to be made, to the great damage of the enemies of the crowne of Fraunce, departed thence by an intelligence which he had, how that on the side of Espinaux, by the Countie of Vaudemont, The D. of Neuers at Vauco [...]leu [...]s, to stop such vic­tuals as came from the French countie to the Emperors camp, & his courses to anoy the imperi­als. ordinarilye came downe great quantitie of victuals & prouisions to the Emperors campe. Ther­fore with those few men of warre which he was able to recouer, beeing two hundred men at armes, two hundred light horse, and as many harguebuziers on horseback, he retired towards Vaucouleurs, a little French village, renouned inough vpon the riuer of Meuse, within fiue leagues of Thoul, included within many of the lands of Lorain, from whence within two daies after he departed to go towardes Thoul, thether cau­sing his forces to approach, which he made to be lodged in a verie faire and great vil­lage named Blanieau, a temporall lordship & roialtie of the Chapitre of S. Stephens of Thoul, and in other little ones adioyning. Shortly after their comming was a role made of the men at arms, and archers, the most likely and best mounted, to the num­ber of sixe score, conducted by Mouy, to breake and cut vp the head of a maruellous great pond in the countie of Vaudemont, thereby to drowne and destroy a number of villages which were vnderneath it, whether many victuals had retired themselues, and where the enemies forages found yet great store of corne and forage: which not­withstanding was alreadie found broken and cut vp, to the great hinderaunce of the Countie. The French men hauing made the hole greater, and returning homewards, met with a great troup of waggons & chariots, laden with all sortes of victualers and munitions, addressed to the imperiall campe. Whereof hauing made the greatest spoile that they were able, with a great deale of wines of Arbois, and marred the o­uerplus, and hauing slaine some of the guides and waggoners, led away as many hor­ses as they were able, and retired with great daunger, notwithstanding that they were constrained to passe at full daie through sundrie villages where some of the enemyes were lodged, as wel of foot as horse. The which notwithstanding fell out without the losse of anie one, in respect they were not knowen, apparelled like marchants, without anie white crosses or scarfes seene, and their harnesse couered with their cloakes, bee­ing likewise thought to be auantcouriers, to drawe them to an ambuscade, or fearing least the greater troupes of the enemies were couered and laie hid. Wherefore the D. of Neuers verie much contented herewith, anon after retired to Vaucouleurs.

Now to looke backe againe to what the Emperour did before Metz, A guile to passe amidst ones ene­mies without danger. hee trauelled there with small aduantage, all the thunder and strange impetuositie of his artillerie not able to make one hole or passage fit to giue the assault, which the Marques Albert [Page 110] demaunded of him; The Emperours battery at Metz. thinking thereby further to aduaunce himselfe into his good fa­uour, for that hauing well neere shaken all the great tower D'enfer, all the great parte of wall betweene the tower and the porte Champenois, with the bulwarke which couered it, he could not raise the vaumure, otherwise termed fanse-braie, which held vp the quarters of the wall that fell, and were stayed the one vpon the other, betweene this vaumure and the foote of the wall, no wayes filling of the ditch, which remayn­ed as neate, large, and deepe as before: nay, they serued them within for a stronger rampire. Mines begun to be made by the imperials before Metz, to make a breach. Wherefore it was thought good the batterie shoulde bee chaunged to ano­ther place a little aboue, and to vndermine that parte, to turne topsie turuie into the ditch that same vaumure and fanse-braie: whereof the Duke of Guise beeing aduer­tised, hee caused countermines to bee made within in sundrie places, in which hee might haue anie knowledge, and prouide for theyr passages, in such sorte, as they had not long digged and hollowed theyr mines, but the sentinels and scoutes of the be­sieged might easily heare and perceiue them, the which began to discourage them, to daunt and quayle greatly in theyr enterprise. Ioyne that then, as well by reason of the maruellous coles, as thorough the necessities and defaultes of sundrie thinges for the men of warre, the verie Germanes beganne euen to fayle of courage, who caused to bee signifyed vnto the Emperour, that it woulde please his maiestie to command a reasonable breach to bee made, to enter and take the towne, choosing rather to die honourable at an assault, than miserably to fall by colde and extreame famine. It was then that the Emperour iudging of the impossibilitie of the taking thereof, was pricked with an acknowledgement of his fault, and wyth a great griefe to haue there setled so euyll a beginning, for seeing so shamefull an end to so hotte desseines, yet to make them lifte vp theyr heartes, and incourage them to his power, hee pro­mised them that if by the ende of the yeere hee dyd not make a reasonable breach, hee woulde giue them leaue to departe, which made them to temporize, and take patience. Whereupon to make proofe of this good affection, hee commaunded a­gayne the Duke of Alua wyth all diligence to cause these mines alreadie begunne to bee continued and pursued, the which he did with so great and feruent a desire, that hee abandoned the worke neyther night nor daie. But the time was so contrarye vnto him, as all remayned vnperfect, wherefore if then in the enemies campe euerie man fayled of force and courage, the French increased from houre to houre, making more and more continuall sallies and charges vpon them, wherewith they dayly di­minished their armie, for some stole awaie, and retired by whole troupes into theyr Countries, others in great number were found stiffe, and frozen within the trench­es, lodgings, tents, and quarters, and many pale, diseased in their liuers, and dead for hunger, partly for that they were so euill paide, the Emperours treasure beeing verie much consumed. Who seeing the tearme promised to the Germanes to draw neere, hauing before his eyes a fearefull kinde of shame to returne, without hauing done anie honourable action, himselfe beeing there in person, caused some to practise with them, to sound them whether they wold be content to go with him to besiege Thoul, an imperiall towne, whereof men could not be able to finish the fortification, by reason of the plague which had taken awaie so great a number of the inhabitants. To which they made answere, that they had not deliberated vppon it, and they were commanded by the Princes & electors, not to passe anie further vntill Metz were first taken or yelded vp. Therefore if it woulde please his maiestie to make anie breach hee opened as hee promised, they were all readie either to die there, or enter in: [Page 111] from this time about the eighteenth of December hee began to cause his best and greatest peeces of artillerie to retire. A lyttle after hauing assembled together all his Councell, to conclude of an honourable retreate, it was commaunded to the Earle of Aiguemont, Colonell, and chiefe of two Regimentes of Cauallerie lodged at Pont Camouson, to go downe with his forces all alongest the riuer as farre as Thoul, & as much lower as was possible for him, to discouer the Countrie, and know what num­ber of men of warre might be there all along with the Duke of Neuers, doubting least at his retreate some greater anoiances might be done him. Wherupon this Earle de­parted with his Cauallerie from Pont Camouson, & passing along the Mozelle as far as Thoul, caused it to bee summoned in passing thorough the suburbes, addressing his Trumpetter to D'esclauolles, who was the gouernour. Who hauing vnderstoode the Chiamade, made a signe to him with his hand that hee should retyre, albeit that hee had iust occasion to doubt vpon this summons, seeing the want of victualles, the towne pregnable, and to bee battered on euerie side, euill prouided of artillerie and munitions, whereof hee aduertised the Duke of Neuers, who was at Vaucouleurs. But the Gentleman of his house who carryed the newes, named Torte esper, was ta­ken by the waie by some of that Cauallerie, scattered to finde some wandering bootie as it befell vnto them, for hauing taken from him an hundred crownes which he had vnder his faddle, they stript him no further: but hee shewed himselfe so accord, as fin­ding himselfe halfe at libertie, hee saued himselfe acrosse the woode, thorough the darknesse of the night, and so perfourmed his message. And as soone as the Duke of Neuers receiued this aduertisement, hee sent all night long to fetch his men of warre at the instant to come vnto him, which was lodged one or two leagues of. And Albeit that it was at a time of rest, and that the most parte were alreadie asleepe, his commaundement notwithstanding was, that euerie man shoulde bring his ar­mour on his backe, and readily mount on horsebacke. So they parted all the night wyth keeping a good watch, as it was reason, because that this Earle approached as neere them as they coulde, and went vppon the brinke of the riuer into a village cal­led Dagny vppon Meuse, thinking to surprise them. But seeing the fire of all sides, hearing the noyse and neighing of horses, and by other tokens knowing howe they had warning and attended him, hee retyred backe his wayes, where returning vp the riuer of Mozell, hee passed neere vnto a lyttle towne named Gondreuille, seated vppon the banke of that riuer, of the side of Nancie. On the other parte a lyttle be­fore was arriued the Baron of Guerres, which returned freshly from a roade, who not aduertised of his enemyes beeing so neere him, wanted verie lyttle of passing the riuer of Bac, which if hee had done, as much had happened vnto him as did to some others that were of his companie, who for hauing crossed the riuer aleady on the enemyes side, were surpised, some hurt, others taken prisoners, and fewe or none killed or slayne, the Baron saued himselfe wythin the lyttle towne, and was not rigorously pursued, as well for the darkenesse of the night, as the feare which they had least they shoulde bee charged vpon. That verie same night was S. Simon, a Gentleman of the house of the Duke of Neuers sent wyth fyue and twentye horse as farre as Thoul, to vnderstande of Esclauolles the successe of the enterprise a­boue sayd. Vpon whose report Fouronne, a Gentleman of his house, was forthwith dispatched and sent by the Duke of Neuers to aduertise the King of all the pro­ceedinges. Who in short aunswere sent vnto him, and prayed him to search out by all meanes possible that hee coulde, howe that towne of Thoul myght [Page 112] bee preserued, and holde out onely for fifteene dayes, within which time hee woulde not fayle himselfe to come to succour it wyth all his power. The Duke vppon this aunswere, woulde not put anie other in trust with this charge, but reseruing it vnto himselfe, the two and twentith of December followed by Bordillon, De Bigny master of the Q. householde, d'Eschenets and de Giry Ensigne of his companie, he went and lodged within the towne thus vnprouided. As soone as the Duke was there arriued, hee made the round vpon the walls about the towne, and visited a beginning of ram­pires and platformes, which D'Escauolles had begun to frame wythin, the which was found to bee excellently well inuented by the ingeners and masters of fortifications, whome hee caused to come thether, to consider of, and addresse the disposing and finishing of this fortification, enterprised and imprinted so deepely in his affection, that there remayned not one man about his person, to whome hee gaue not some commission, and hee himselfe the most part of the time stirred not, interrupting the ordinarie houres of his meales, so greatly was he affectionate to that worke, that there rested verie small time that hee sawe not some platforme made vp in defence, which carryed his name, De Bordillon was as busie about another, and they seemed to bee al­most iealous of the perfection of theyr workes. Besides, hee made search to be made throughout all the houses, garners, and sellers, and to take an oath of all those which inhabited there, to knowe what corne, wines, haie, fourage, and of euerie kinde of victuals might bee wythin the Towne, to the ende that order might bee taken there­in. But there was a small deale founde, hauing beene carryed awaye before by the Burgesses and those which were retyred to other places for feare of the plague, and that which remayned wythin the towne was consumed and spoiled without reason, by the souldyers, and such as remayned there during this peryll. Then beeing infor­med how that into two little townes, Thoul, and Gondeuille, greate quantitie was carryed as well out of the plaine Countrie, as little townes and French lands, for feare of the enemyes, hee sent to summon them, and gaue commandement that it shoulde bee brought and stored vp wythin Thoul. To Gondeuille was sent Eschenets, fol­lowed a farre off by an Ensigne of footemen, wyth a certayn number of horse. The Prouost and the inhabitants, after some difficulties, sawe themselues so sodaynly sur­prised, that in the ende they aduised themselues to obey. They of Thoul grew stub­borne, forgetting themselues in the regarde of Mouie, who was sent vnto them with fiftie, horse of the Duke of Neuers his companie, and an Ensigne of fanterie, to sum­mon them to obey the Kings Lieutenant. Notwithstanding after his honest perswa­sions, seeing the Prouost contestate, and at his dissembled presumption the inhabi­tants rebellious, hee caused the towne presently to bee scaled, and taken as shee was by assault, they somewhat felt the payment of theyr refusall. Mouie notwithstand­ing caused the furie of the French souldyers to cease, alreadie heated at the slaughter. The Ensigne of Fanterie remained and lodged there, vntill that all the victuals which were within were carryed to Thoul, wythout taking or carrying awaie anie thing, thereby to maintayne them alwayes in theyr Neutralitie: so all victuals and muni­tion were carryed to Thoul from all partes, by the commandement of the generall, with so good order, as euerie man liued somewhat better, and wyth more discretion than before. And after hauing considered howe in case the siege shoulde bee, the towne woulde bee verie ill prouided of footmen, hee caused foure other companies to enter in, which made vp the number of eighteene hundred fantassins, & some light horse, ouer and aboue the ordinarie garrison.

[Page 113]The Duke of Neuers beeing heereupon aduertised, The Emperour vpon the point to retire from Metz. how the Emperour euen long­ed to retyre himselfe, and how his armie euerie daie broke and diminished, seldome suffered anie daie to passe wythout sending some people ouer the Countrie to hast­en theyr going: so as oftentimes in stead of aduauncing forwarde, they caused them to recoyle backe inough wyth a number of prisoners which they tooke. Notwyth­standing they founde them in so great pouertie, as they were faine to let them passe wythout anie harme dooing. In this estate remayned they vntyll the last daie of the moneth of December, that the Emperour vnderstanding of the taking of the castle of Hedin, seeing himselfe to fall and to diminish of euerie thinge, fearing be­sides the returne of the Kings armie, and to fall into greater losse, was one of the first which retyred on new yeeres daie, leauing all the charge to the Duke of Alua, for the departing of his armie, and ordering of the retreate. As soone as his departure was knowen throughout the campe, the wayes and villages rounde about were so­daynly full of souldyers, which retyred themselues, the one into theyr quarter, the o­ther whether they were able, in so great miserie, as verie beasts, were they neuer so cru­ell, woulde haue taken pittie of those miserable souldiers, falling and staggering a­long the high waies in extreme necessitie, and most commonly dying neere the hed­ges, and at the rootes of bushes, to become a praie to dogges and birdes. And which is yet more to bee lamented by men of courage, to bee inforced to die so poorelye, without hauing made anie great proofe at all of theyr valor. The which ought great­ly to moue the heartes of such men, as God hath rendered so happie in this worlde, that they neuer felt nor assayed the hardnesse of warre. And when they speake with a full belly and the cuppe in theyr hande, it seemeth vnto them a wedding, to liue in such an estate as consisteth not in thousand and thousand of perills, more than in the daunger both of soule and bodie, except it bee wisely & iustly executed. Not to loose anie time vppon the intelligence which the Duke of Neuers had receiued, hee sent Mouie, and the Captaine Andre de Maye More, wyth about fiue hundred horse, as well of men at armes, as harguebuziers on horsebacke, to put on theyr spurres agaynst the inhabitants of the Countie, retyring themselues into theyr quarters, where there wanted verie lyttle, that the sonne of Granuelle, the Baron of Carlaon, and others, had not beene there staied, but doubting themselues of that comming, by slacke and long treates, they saued themselues. Hauing failed of this their first enterprise, they at one treat went at the point of day to lie in ambuscade neere Ramberuilliers, within which was a Commissarie of victualles, which came from the Franche comte to the Empe­rour, and the master of the monie of Besanson, with two other marchauntes which brought great quantitie of all kinde of victualles and prouisions. The commissa­ries and marchants were before horsed and guided by a Lorrainer, who serued for a spie, by whome the Duke of Neuers was certainly aduertised what hee was to put in execution for theyr surprisall. Wherefore as they were in ambuscade neere inough to the towne, Andre de Maye sent certayne Italian souldyers, which were to aduer­tise the ambuscade, by a signe if they entered, and gaine the port vpon the gardes, so as faining to come from the imperiall campe, and to indure great colde and hun­ger, they lamented so much, as they were let to goe seeke some victuals. Anon after some other came thether, who did as the first, & in such wise as seeming strong inough to repulse the gards from the ports, who were but Lorain pesāts armed with old bils, rotten staues, and rustie brigandines, Andre speaking excellent good Spanish, was no sooner ariued, but the soldiers who were aduertised of the signe made them, charged [Page 115] vppon the porters halfe asleepe, and the rest dronke, of whome some were massacred, other constrained to abandon the gates, which were a little after opened to all the rest of the ambuscade, who beeing aduertised thereof, couragiously entered in. I leaue you to thinke what good husbandrie there was made. The Comissarie was founde there hidde in the bedstrawe, and wyth these marchants was carryed prisoner to Thoul, the victuals and prouisions dispearsed, and spoyled as much as they coulde. They did as much at Espinau, a castle scituate vpon Mozelle and Rimiremont, where great violence was offered to the Abbesse and Ladies, especially by the Italians which were newly come from the Emperous campe to the Kings seruice. The Duke of Ne­uers had sent Chastellus Lieutenant of Bordillons companie, towardes Metz with like number of Cauallerie, to learne out and make a certaine report of the truth of this re­trait. Who passing by the Pont Camouson, founde that the Count of Aiguemont with his regiment of Cauallerie was departed thence: where was onely remayning a great number of miserable sicke creatures. From whence he passed as farre as Metz, where hee found that the Dukes of Alua and Brabanson, with the greatest part of the imperiall armie were dislodged in straunge disorder, Retreat of the imperiall armie before Metz. departing in the night with two fires onely for signall, the most secretly that they could, without anie noise, trumpets, fifes, and drums sleeping, the tents lefte behind, and great quantitie of all sorts of har­nesse and weapons, pipes full of cannon pouder, with an infinite deale of moueables and stuffe, and vnder the ground a great part of theyr artillerie There were a­boue seuen thou­sand men put in­to Abbies by the D. of Guise and releeued, as oftē hath ben report­ed vnto me the Translator, by the most renow­med Lord C. H. L. high Admirall of England, who himselfe saw all, remained in the towne all the siege, and serued the daie that the Duke of Aumall gaue battell to the Marques, na­rowly escaping, being of the suit of the Vidasme of Chartres, in al those warres. remaining for hosta­ges, an incredible multitude of sicke persons, towards whom the Duke of Guise, and the rest of the chiefe, euen to the simplest French souldiers, vsed most great charitie, furnishing them with all necessaries, and such releefe as poore sick strangers had need of. Vpon the tayle charged the Vidasme of Charstres, so as hauing defeated a com­panie of light horse, and caused a great deale of theyr pouder which hee had taken a­waie in theyr sight to be burned, hee returned wyth more prisoners than he was wil­ling, wythout the losse of anie one of his owne. The Marques Albert remayned the last to serue for helpe and arreregard, not without great paine and hazard, thorough the continuall alarums which daie and night hee receyued. Besides that, he prayed the Duke of Neuers to hasten him to go, so as the third of Ianuarie he departed from Thoul with his men at armes, and cauallerie, and three Ensignes of fanterie, accom­panied with Bordillon and sundrie other Gentlemen and Captaines. After he went to dine at Pont Camouson, where the rest of that daie he tarryed to heare newes of the Marshall of Saint Andre, who was gone the lower waie: hauing in lyke sort sent Mo­uie to the Duke of Guise, praying him to aduertise him of the resolution of that af­fayre, whose aunswere hee attended. But Chastellus being returned, and by him assu­red of the whole, especially how the Marques sought all meanes to saue himselfe and retire, hee went forwards towardes Metz with two hundred horse. The rest of that daie the Princes tooke great pleasure to see the braue sallies and skirmishes of theyr souldiers. Vpon the Marques & his Germanes whom they went to seeke out in their owne forte, and giue them thrusts of pikes, and harquebuze shot euen within theyr tents, Sallies & skirmi­mishes between the soldiers with in Metz. & Mar­ques Alberts campe. to prouoke them to come out into the plaine to fight, which they woulde not doo but by constraint, keeping still close together, and vnited, wythout breaking or seuering themselues. In this estate and paine were they constrained to tarrie from morning vntill night, not once daring to inlarge themselues so much as to seeke out victuals. For as soone as they were found in anie small number, by and by, by the Ma­rangetz and Fouillardz, villaines of the Countrie, they had theyr throates cut, and [Page 114] were defeated. Wherewith being the more annoyed, they ought rather to come out as the French desired, considering that they coulde not inforce them but with greate losse. Therefore to the end they might the more vexe them, the Duke caused foure meane Culuerines to bee placed in a lyttle Ilande aboue Pont au Mores, which shot euen within them. In summe, they dyd so sore annoye them, as two dayes after the Marques hauing lost the better parte of his men, departed thence in a farre lesse num­ber than hee came with, taking his waie towards Treuues. Hee was a little followed after, and they made a good market wyth his people, being combatted inough wyth colde, famine, and other miseries. But the French moued with pittie made no ac­count thereof: but in stead of tormenting them, they opened vnto them the passage, and suffered the members to go scotfree, wishing onely that they might haue gotten the head to haue paid for all.

The Duke of Guise aduertised the King by Randan of all the successe of his siege, Thankesgiuings to God by the French for the siege raised at Metz. who after hauing yeelded thankes vnto God for so good an issue, commaunded that they should make publyke and general processions throughout his Realme, to praise and thanke God of so great and especiall a grace for all France. The Duke of Guise dyd the lyke at Metz wyth a generall procession, where he himselfe was present with all humilitie and deuotion, as also dyd the rest of the Princes and Lordes which ac­companyed him, to wit, the Princes of D'anguien, de Conde, Montpensier, la Roche Suryon, de Nemours, Horace Farneze, Pierre Strossie, le Vidasme de Chartres, Montmo­rencie, D'anuille, de Gonor, gouernour of Metz, De la Brosse, Lieutenant of the Duke of Lorraines companie, and De la Rochefoucaut, the Vizecount of Turaine, and De Mar­tiques, D'elangues, Entragues, De Biron, and Saint Remy, and generally all the Captaines, Gentlemen, and souldyers which remayned after the siege. Afterwardes hauing or­dered the garrison which should remaine there within, and disposed of all the rest of the affaires, the musters being taken as wel of the men at armes as the fanterie, he gaue leaue to all to go repose and refresh themselues in their owne houses, and he himselfe went to the Court, leauing De Gonnor to command in his place.

During the time that the Emperour patiently carryed the misfortune happened vnto him, vnder a hope of a more fauourable to come, and as hee retired to the Low Countries, hee excused himselfe towardes the Princes and Cities of the Empire of so pittifull successe, laying it vpon the slacknes of theyr forces and meanes. For which cause, sayde hee, hee was inforced to set vpon that place in the dead of winter: The King of France triumphed ouer his miseries, and increasing them by his Letters and Embassages to all Christian Princes, the more to diminish the authoritie and credite of his enemie, whose power hee sayde was altogether broken by the issue of so mise­rable a siege, passed the most parte of the times for reuenge of so great raines and sick­nes, as had beene indured by the continuance of the warres passed, in ease and reioy­cings which hee tooke in feastings, tiltings, turney, and other royall pleasures, among which, the marriage made at Paris wyth rare magnificence, betweene Horace Farneze Duke of Castres, and the Ladie Diana his natural daughter, was most famous. But the Emperour prompt and actiue in his actions, pricked besides with an extreame desire of reuenge, which by all meanes in all places hee practised, soone troubled this good cheere, for in the beginning of the spring, with such a number as hee was able to as­semble, and first vnder the conduct of du Reux hee sent to besiege Terroanne. But pre­uented by death, that charge was giuen to Binecourt, a knight esteemed one of the most sweet & gracious among them. That Citie, albeit that it was little of circuit, had a re­nowne great inough throughout all Europe, of which the Romanes make honorable [Page 116] mention in their writings. It was scituated vpon the little riuer of Liz, in the confines of Gaul Belgique, a nation of a long time esteemed warlyke by the historiographers, called by the Latins Morini, now they call it the Cauntie of Ponthieu somwhat neer the great Ocean sea, in situation somwhat hanging, inuironed with fens & marishes, woodes, and great forrests. Besides, curiously fortified by the Kinges of Fraunce, to whose handes it hath a long time since beene fallen, to serue them as a bulwarke and frontire as well against the English, as Flemings and Hanuiers, among which it is in­closed, hauing done a thousand spoyles, and an hundred sundrie enterprises, which they woulde attempt vpon Picardie. Wherefore it was once cleane raysed and made euen to the earth by the Englishmen, and there was salt sowen in signe of eternall ru­ine. But yet is it much more odious to the Flemings, Burgonians, and Hanuiers, who for this occasion importunately induced the Emperour to this enterprise. Now for­somuch as it was esteemed impregnable, & that as well by intelligence, as other con­siderations not thought, that the Emperour woulde conuert his forces to that place, but rather into Champagne, towardes Mezieres and Yuoy, they had not so carefully furnished it with victuals & sure munition, as was requisite for so long a siege. Where­of the neighbours being aduertised, the enemyes vsed so greate diligence, that it was sodainly besieged, De Losses beeing alone, within the principall and chiefe, with his light horse and some people of the Country, in no great number, nor of anie great de­fence. Ioyn that thorough the couetousnes and neglygence of former gouernours, a thing naturall to vs French men, this key remained bare and vnfurnished of all pro­uisions: therefore it was necessarie to make a vertue of necessitie, & where prudence could not take place, there it was necessarie that force should second it. In such sorte, as euen in the beard of the enemy, and in spight of them, being as men iudged for the most parte not vsed to the arte of warres, they strengthned it with men, victuals, and whatsoeuer they were able. D'esse, otherwise called Panuilliers, knight of the order, most renoumed for his vertue and prowesse, beeing sent thether Lieutenant for the King, and with him Frances of Montmorencie, eldest sonne to the Constable, with the most part of theyr companies, followed wyth a great number of other Lordes, Gen­tlemen and souldyers, who entered therein to seeke for honour: and the rest follow­ing theyr Captaines to defend and keepe the place. But as such a victualling thereof despighted the Emperor, and making him obstinate, reiterated his despight, to cause it to bee battered and assaulted, the King contrarywise assuring himselfe of an impos­sibilitie to force it, slacked it in such sort, as without anie other succours or prepara­tiues, hee lefte his enemie to doo whatsoeuer hee listed. For albeit that they wythin, and the Duke of Vendosme wyth the men at armes of the garrisons about, impeach­ed and gaue alarums vnto them as much as was possible, yet theyr number beeing much greater and stronger than the French, they could not so hinder them, but that they made their approaches, where they themselues thought best euen to plant their batterie where they pleased, and knew might most annoy the towne, putting the ve­rie mouth of theyr artillerie neerest, and vpon the brinke of the ditch betweene the castle and the towre Du Chapitre, vppon a little hill where the gallowes stoode hard by. Hauing brought from many townes and castles of Flanders and Artois all sortes of Artillerie, with innumerable munitions of pouder and bullets. So glad was that nation to see it inuironed, that not onely women and litle children ranne the­ther, but for ioy sung songs, and vulgar rimes, carrying and bringing into the campe all sortes of graine, drinkes, beasts, and other victuals by heapes, which made their ar­mie seeme farre greater in number; than well furnished of good souldiers.

[Page 117]Theyr batterie began about the end of Iune, straunge and furious inough: but al­beit the bullets fell as thicke within the towne, as great hailestones out of the skie, and that there was not vpon the rampires, thorough the streets or within the houses, any sure place and without danger, yet they within besieged were smally seared there­with. Now making continuall sallies and recharges vpon their enemyes in the midst of these thickes and smoakes, they sought them out, and by heapes beate them within theyr owne forts and trenches, and sometimes constrayned them to abandon theyr trenches, and had leasure inough to sticke vp some of theyr peeces with nayles, and set theyr pouder on fire, so as they dragged into the towne one of theyr culuerines, and after shot many shootes at them, albeit the great store of artillerie and munition which was continually brought to the campe, hourely repayred anie disorder or an­noyance, which the French with great labour and daunger could doo them, being a farre greater losse to loose one man besieged, than ten besieging. Vppon this the tem­pest and thundring batterie of the enemies grew greater dayly, & there remained not within the towne, tower, or turret, to the least battlement that fell not to the ground, there was not anie defence without or within, which they raysed not. Briefly, in see­ing it thus battered, & throwen downe, one would easily beleeue that they determi­ned to laie it all to dust. They within without anie respect at all of theyr owne liues, to the same place whether they sawe the bullets bend, from moment to moment car­ried vpon their backes earth, faggots, turfes, and dung, which notwithstanding much weakned them by reason of the continuall toyle which they in the daie had to ram­pire, and in the night to watch, to keepe sentinell, and sustaine diuerse alarums with li­tle rest, for a necessitie practising the office of souldiers and labourers both together, by reason of the small number of artificers and pioners, and lesse store of anie necessa­rie tooles that was in the towne at a pinch, as pickaxes, spades, shouelles, mattockes, crowes, and such sort of yron workes, whereof they stood in so great need, as the sol­diers within were constrained to peck the ground with spits, daggers, fire shouels, and as a man maye saie, euen scratch it wyth their nailes: for which and such like wantes, many townes in France haue bene gotten by the enemie, albeit that they were well furnished besides for good men: for help whereof, and to giue some reioycing to the long trauell of the besieged, they caused the Captain Grille to enter in with one hun­dred harguebuziers on horsebacke. The which hee brauely enterprised and execu­ted, and with such conduct, as hauing forced the watch, with small losse of anie of his soldiers he entered in, in the sight of them all, which greatly increased their courage. The same daie they made a sallie in like sorte out vpon them luckily inough; & made their retreate like men of warre, without receiuing the worse. But that nation shewed it selfe so greate an enemie to this poore miserable towne, that shee forgot nothing whereby shee might make her extreame desire appeare, of seeing the totall destructi­on therof, and how much by day & night they ceased not to torment it, by all means which they could possiblie imagine, by so much more increased the courage of the French, to repulse them backe, for in lesse than one houre they had made vp the ram­pire without the ladder, where they perceiued the artillery to begin to shake the wal, and made stronger in an instant, what in one daie had beene throwen downe, then it was before. Notwithstanding the lightning of their artillerie was so terrible and vio­lent thundering without intermission, as there was neither rampire, banke, nor de­fence which it turned not ouer without remedie, the which continued so furiouslie for the space of neere hand ten dayes together. Within which time the enemies sup­posing that they had made a breach reasonable and great inough, as in deed it was of [Page 118] threescore paces long, the wall, rampire, & all the defences as well of the castle as the great tower being broken downe and battered, no more remaining but a litle mount which they within had caused to bee made, and the parapect and toppe of the ditch, which was yet strong, and hard for them to mount vp vnto, notwithstanding that as well with the quarters and ruines of the wall, as with faggots and hurdles, they dyd what they could to fill vp the ditch, to make the scale more easie. That beeing know­en to those within, they resolued to abide them, and you may easily beleeue that they lefte nothing in theyr lodgings that was not brought out. After many vollies of artil­lerie, as well from the mountaine, which gaue right on the backe of the besieged, wil­ling to defend the breach, as from that which shot in face of them on the riuer side, with a great noise of Fifes, A furious assault to Terroane by the Fleminges & Hanuiers, helde out by the French. Drums, Trumpets, and diuerse cries after theyr manner, they went furiously to the assault of all partes, carrying ladders and all kinde of engins to scale and force the towne, and there was that daie a most maruellous combat seen. For if the enemies were wilfull to enter in, much more had the French a better wil to defend themselues and repulse them. There could one haue seene nothing but wild fire, and vnquenchable crackling of armour, and al kinde of weapons, pittious cries of those which were burned, maimed, turned ouer, and drawing towardes death: gene­rally all sortes of most terrible and furious executions, for the space of more than ten long houres, the enemies refreshing themselues three times. In the end the resolute constancie of the besieged preuayled, and vanquished the obstinacy of the imperials, repulsing them with a great butcherie of theyr most braue men, not without greate losse of them that kept it, among whom the valiant Knight De Hesse lost his life, whose prowesse was alreadie renowmed beyonde the frontiers of Fraunce in many places, namely in the Ilandes of England and Scotland, as also dyd De Viennes, De Beaudisne, De la Rocheposay, De Blandie, and the Captaine Ferriers, all men of marke, and of lauda­ble conduct, with other valiant Gentlemen and souldiers.

The King beeing aduertised how couragiously his men behaued themselues, per­swaded himselfe that to so victorious a beginning, there coulde not insue but a most happie end, A stratageme of the Captaines, Breuill & Saint Romain. without ordaining anie further succours for this litle towne almost torne in peeces of all partes, sauing onely that hee caused De Hedin, the Captaine Breuil, and S. Romain with about three hundred footmen, to assaie if they could enter in. Which they most fortunatly performed, not without great daunger and hazard of their per­sons, the enemies hauing with theyr trenches and mounts compassed and inuironed the towne round about, euen so far as to place their Corps de gnets within the ditch­es, who being neuer a whit the more cooled nor discouraged for that, fought daylye hand to hand with the French which kept the breach, and grewe much more earnest in returning vnto it, assaying by all force possible to carrie it awaie, and did not onelie giue fire to diuerse hollow mines in sundrie places, the most part whereof they found false and vented, but they beside practised a slight neuer before vsed, which was to dig vnder the parapect and backe of the ditch, beeing verie hard and vneasie to mount vp to the breach, all the flankers and defenses (as I haue tolde you) being raised and bro­ken downe with the artillerie, hauing made certaine Taudis, which they call Mance­lets, in fashion of blinders, onely to couer them from hand strokes and stones, whilest that they did approach to the foot of the breach, vnder which they hollowed & trai­ned, their mine as themselues could desire. Whereat the French maruelling inough, perswaded themselues that the enemies were not able to hollowe and dig so farre as vnder their feet, which were aboue them vpon the breach, but rather that they wold drawe out the earth from vnder the castle, or the great tower Du Chapitre, but con­trariwise [Page 119] they still digged vnder the parapect, the length of the verie breach, holding vp the burthen with shores and piles, fylling the ditch full of the earth which they drew out. The worke being finished, and fire put thereto, it happened that one parte of this parapect was blowen vp, and fel within the ditch, and the rest sunke in a heap, swallowing vp many French souldyers, Terroane surpri­sed [...]ppon the tearmes of com­position. the which made the mouth of the breach far greater, and so easie, as a man at armes might mount vp on horseback armed at all pee­ces. Whereupon Frances of Montmorencie, according to the counsell of all the Cap­taines which were within with him, considering how there was no more meanes to defend the town or make anie resistance, aduised at the least how to saue the persons, and demanded composition, which was graunted vnto him. But whilest that they parlyed, the Germanes and Burgonians entered in at diuerse places, and thereuppon the olde Spanish Ensignes ranne vp the great breach, crying, Faire warres, faire wars. Whereupon some French men drew to them with theyr pikes, and stretched out theyr handes vnto them to keepe them from beeing murthered by the Germanes. The crueltie of the Germanes & Burgonians at the taking of Terroane. Nothing beeing able to bee otherwise concluded by this composition by reason of such a surprisall, where you might haue seene most strange cruelties which the Ger­manes and Burgonians committed, speaking of nothing but cutting of throats, so as the miserable French men esteemed themselues most happie to fall prisoners into the handes of more gracious Lordes, from whose furie hardly could Frances de Montmo­rencie saue himselfe, who onely remained there within lieutenant for the king, whom in seeking to couer and defend, D'ouartie was sore set vppon and hurt in his presence, yet afterwardes hee was knowen and carried prisoner to Binecourt, the Emperours Lieutenant. The other more apparant prisoners, as the Vicount de Martiques, The principall prisoners taken within Terroane Dampi­erre, de Losses, Baudiment, Bailet, de S. Romain, the Captaines Grille, le Breul, and Saint Ro­mane yeelded themselues to diuerse masters, as the hazard gaue them leaue: and for­asmuch as the simple souldiers were the first which entered in, and not the captaines or Lordes of authoritie, such prisoners as could readily make anye money, went out good cheape, as the Vicount De Martiques, Dampierre, de Saint Romane, and the Cap­taine Breul. But such as tarryed tardie were knowen, The humanitie of the Spaniards towardes the French soldiers. and in great daunger there to a­bide by it long. The surplus of the souldiers found at the Spaniards hands (to whose mercie the most parte were fallen) an honest entertainment, taking of such as had meanes reasonable ransome, and the poore hauing stript them of their weapons and best stuffe, they sent backe safely, and oftentimes themselues conducted them. With­in this little towne was found a great deale of good and grosse artillerie, chiefly two verie faire and long Culuerines.

In this time the great Turke Sultan Soliman carryed himselfe too rigorously to­wardes the person of Sultan Mustapha his eldest sonne, which he had of a slaue. Soliman the great Turke cau­seth his sonne to be slaine. Who hauing beene sent with his mother from his first youth into the prouince of Amafia, which was giuen vnto him, was so well and carefully brought vp, as hee there atchie­ued great honour and amitie, not onely of all in that Countrie, but thoroughout all the gouernments of his Father. This mother beeing absent; Soliman tooke another slaue vnto him named Roza, of whome hee had foure other sonnes, Mahomet, Baiazet, Selim, Giangir the crooke backe, and one daughter, which was marryed to Bassa Ro­stan. Roza being indued with admirable beautie, accompanyed with all the flattering delights and allurements which possibly one could imagine, Religion lightl [...] a colour for anie villanie. knewe so well howe to plaie her part towardes Soliman, who was as it were a man rauished, that by the helpe of Muchthy (as much to saie, as the soueraigne Priest of the lawe of Mahomet) and vn­der colour of religion, shee was not onely made free of condition, but lawfull wife & [Page 120] spouse of Soliman, to which neuer anie before her attayned. Raised now vnto such ho­nour, and seeing her selfe entirelie beloued, she had no greater care than how to esta­blish the Empire vnto one of her children after the death of the father. But foreseeing that the singular vertues of Mustapha would bee so farre contrarie thereunto, that whilest hee liued shee should neuer haue rest, (because that he had gotten the loue of the men of warre, and how the eyes of all men were vppon him, for the great hope of his magnanimious courage and singular dexteritie) she studyed as much as she could to make him become odious to Soliman, to which her sonne in law greatly aided her, for that hee as then gouerned all the affayres. Her reasons were, how that Mustapha building vppon the loue and fauour which hee had gotten of all men, thorough his great liberalitie, courage, & dexteritie of spirit, burned with such a longing to raigne, as euerie man feared least in affecting the Empire, hee would shorten the dayes of So­liman, as alreadie Selim had done to his father. Therefore shee vrged Soliman, and be­sought him with many and great teares that hee would take order therein, thereby to prouide for his owne safetie. Now albeit in the beginning shee smally preuailed, and that Mustapha had well discouered the crossebarres which shee ordinarilye prepared for him, yet shee neuer ceased to continue, by the helpe of a Iew, a most renowmed inchantresse, who hauing giuen vnto her certaine drugs, shee caused the amitie of So­liman to bee redoubled towards Roza, so well, as she assured her selfe of a good euent at the last to her enterprises, albeit a delaie might bee for a time. Finally, after many practises, shee found meanes to suborne the gouernour of Mustapha, and caused him to write (though falsely) vnto Soliman, howe his sonne meant to take in marriage the daughter of the Kinge of Persia. This olde man moued by the continuall plaintes of Roza and Rostan, easily gaue credite to these newes and false aduertisements, so as in the yeere 1552. hauing caused a bruite to runne of the Persians comming downe in­to Syria, hee sent Rostan thether with a puisant armie, for (vnder colour of going to meete with his enimies) to ceaze vpon Mustapha, and bring him prisoner to Constan­tinople, with expresse commaundement to kill him, if otherwise hee coulde not take him. But Mustapha aduertised of the whole matter, and howe that the Persians were not at all in the field, came towardes him with seuen thousand men of the best expe­rienced in the warres, which caused Rostan to make a quicke returne without dooing ought. Whereat Soliman beeing the more prouoked, the next yeere caused the same bruite agayne to runne, and how hauing leauied a great armie he meant to go himself in person agaynst the Persians. Beeing arriued in Syria, hee commanded his sonne to come vnto him to his campe. Mustapha knowing how it was him alone which they shot at, albeit hee was prayed and greatly solicited to auoide the furie of his Father, and retire himself into some other part, trusting in his owne innocencie, and thinking it a matter more commendable and worthie of his greatnesse, to die in obeying of his Father, than liuing, to incurre a note of infamie and treason, yea, though thereby hee, might gaine the Empire of the whole world: thinking in like sorte, that for that he ne­uer made anie refusal, by his owne presence hee might appease the furie of his father went on his waie thether, but being entered within Solimans tent, hee was sodainly ta­ken and strangled in his owne presence, after at the same instant, the Bassa his head of the Prouince of Amasia, was stroke off. This crueltie beeing come to the knowledge of Giangir, the crooke backe, one of the rest of the foure brothers, hee manfully reiect­ed the gifte and spoile which his father had presented vnto him, so that lamenting the death of his brother, he could not command himselfe, nor refrain from vttering these speeches.

[Page 121] Ha cruell Traitor, I cannot say Father, take now to thy selfe the treasures, the Horses, the Tapistrie, and the Prouince of Mustapha, and gouerne it at thyne owne pleasure: could it fall into thy thought O infamous man! and without humanitye, to cause to dye against all lawe, so valiant a personage as neuer was nor neuer will be the like in all the house of Otto­mans? Ha, ha, it shall not bee true, and I will take order, that thou shalt neuer bee able im­pudentlye to vaunte, that euer thou didst the like to me poore Crookebacke: and at the in­stant drawing out his dagger, hee stabbed himselfe so farre into the bodye, as hee fell downe starke dead, which being knowne to his Father, hee maruelouslye mourned, and notwithstanding he spared not to sease of all his goods, which cau­sed a great tumulte in Mustapha his Campe, but it was nothing in respect of that they did after they vnderstoode of his death. In such sorte as Solyman with great daunger of his life, was constrained to banishe Rostan, and depriue him of all honors and dignities. This death fell out very fortunatelye for the Christians, to whome Mustapha was a sore enemye, and tooke singular pleasure in shedding of their blood: it was likewise taken so greeuouslye of the Turkes, that from thence forth this prouerbe is growne among them, Gietti Sultan Mustapha, all is ended since that hee is dead, all is done whatsoeuer we thought of: for they imagined in their own fancie that it was he which should enlarge the bounds of their Empire in another manner of sorte then euer did his Ancestors, which they could not expect at the handes of any other.

Let vs handle againe the siege of Teroene.

The Emperour lying at Bruxelles, and being promptlye aduertised of the taking of Teroene, conceaued a verye great pleasure thereat, Teroene razed to the foundati­on by the Empe­rours comman­dement. sweetening by the happe of this good fortune, the bitternesse of his former disgraces, so as through­out all the Countryes of Flaunders, Arthois, and Henaute were seene great bon­fyers. Afterwards he commanded that it should be razed and throwne down to the very foundations, to the end nought might rest but the place, where it might be sayd Teroene had beene. Afterwardes hee sent the Prince of Piemont his Nephewe Lieutenant generall in his armye, to quenche a sedition and a certaine enuye which the Princes and great Lordes bare to Binecourt a worthy Cheefe of these troupes. But such is the malice among men, that it was neuer, nor euer shall bee, but that enuye will bee among equalles, albeit that often tymes it maye lye dis­sembled.

The King vnderstoode of these sorrowfull newes as soone as the Emperour, which at the instant seemed as strange vnto him, as any thing which they could haue made reporte of, considering how hee had before receiued an entire con­tentment of that furious assaulte which the French had so resolutely sustained: but being certified by diuers reportes how all the matter was handled, hee was greatlye greeued at the taking thereof, and much more bewayled his men, which he thought to be in a farre greater number dead, then afterwardes it was found to be. Now albe­it that among the French the plainte was great, and the losse very preiudiciall, yet necessitye (the inuentresse and mistresse of all Artes) sharpning the wits of men to assay strange things, stirred vp the Kings spirit in a sorte, ioynte with the sorrowe and greefe of the losse, so that being aduertised how his enemies shortlye after this ruyne took their way, and prepared themselues to come and do as much at Hedin, he made ready all preparatiues to fortifie the same with men, and all thinges fitting to staye them shorte, or at the least vntill such a time as hee imagined his armye coulde be [Page 122] in a readines, to the end to raise the siege and driue them into their owne Countrie. Now the D. of Bouillon Marshall of France, desirous more and more to perseuer in the K. seruice, The D. of Bouil­lon within He­din, Lieutenant for the King. had long time before vndertaken the defence of this Castle, to which would needes accompany him Horace Farneze D. of Chastres, and the Earle of Vil­lars, with a great number of other Lords, Gentlemen, and good Souldiers, who to make proofe of their courage, of their own accord presented themselues to this ser­uice, albeit that the K. stoode in some doubt of the force and validitie of that place, and had no affection at all to expose thither such personages of such authoritie: they notwithstanding preferring an immortall renowne before their goods or liues, went to enclose themselues within this forte: to this verye ende were dispatched couriers and commandements to the Captaines of the men of warre, to haue in readines all their companies, and as soone as it were possible to cause them to march and to ren­der themselues neere Amyens, where the Constable was, hoping to assemble toge­ther there the Kings army, commissions were distributed to the Captaines of the Fanterie, to make their leuies as soone as they were able, and to those of the olde En­signes, and entertained companies to furnish them compleate, and wel armed to con­duct them surely, and without plaints vnto the Rendeuous: there was also proclai­med throughout all the Realme, that the Rirebands according to their dutie, and the Kings ordinance, should forthwith march and furnish themselues to the same place, afterwards they aduertised and besought the Zuizer cantons of the French league, to send to their succour a certaine number of footemen of their nation, the best ar­med and compleate that they could, according to the agreement between the Kings of Fraunce and them. The King in summe caused great diligence to be made, and commaunded that all thinges should be prouided for the putting of his power into the fielde, Great diligence vsed by the im­perials to be­siege Hedin. where his enemies being aduertised and well assured, that if they did not imploy that small time which they could get, (within which the Kinges army might be made readye) so to purpose as they might enforce Hedin, hardly they should at­taine to the cheefe of their enterprise, or retire without a battaile, or other peiudiciall accident: they aduaunced with such diligence their affaires, that the Towne being voide of inhabitants, (who were fled and retired into France with whatsoeuer they could carry away of their goods) was in very short time taken by them, in respect it was not much defended by Souldiers, who shutte vp themselues within the Castle, esteeming it impregnable. There they planted on the one side one of their batteries, and the other towards the parke, and the greatest of all by the Towre Robin, where the French had already made theirs, but notwithstanding any resistance which they within besieged were able to make, they were not able to diuerte them. This Castle being little, which in al could contain but 2000. men, and that hardly hauing in times past beene builded by the Dukes of Burgondie, onely for the pleasure of hunting, & not to fortifie it in any sort, so not loosing one sole hower by day or night to batter it so furiouslye as was possible, they trauailed not onelye to throwe it downe by their artillerie, but vndermined it so diuerslye and in so many places, that it was im­possible that a Cony berry could haue more holes and hollowes vnder the ground, then were vnder the foundations of this castle, Hedin besieged, battered, vnder­mined, taken, and sacked by the Imperials. all the countermines & secrets within being known & practised by many of the enemies, the place besides being very sub­iect to this imperfection. Now the enemies had already battered and digged downe the greatest parte of the parapette and rampire of the great breach, where a great number of valiant men remayned, and alreadye giuen a false assaulte, when [Page 123] all the dangers were declared to the D. of Bouillon, and withall the irrecouerable losse of so many braue men as were within so vile a place, the taking of Teroane ser­uing them for a fresh example, without comparison farre stronger then that Castle, wherefore of euerye side were proposed termes of composition, the which the Prince of Piemont willingly enough agreede vnto, standing assured how the chief­taines which defended that place were men of valour, and the souldiers full cunning at such an occupation, considering likewise that the time was very short to make any long temporising, curious besides to get good cheape, whereby afterwards he might the better imploy his army to matter of greater consequence. But as the Gentlemen and Trumpetters went from the one side to the other, to resolue of the composition already in good forwardnes, nothing resting but the deliuerye of hostages on both sides, and the signing with the Princes hand, two misfortunes happened to the French: the one, that a Priest not wittingly as since it was knowne, but through lack of foresight or some secret malediction, set on fire such workes and preparations as they had made ready to abide the assault: the other, that the Bourgonians greedy of the pray, by the sweetenes which they found in the sacke of Teroane, gaue fire to the traines of their mines, fearing to be frustrate of so great a bootie as they expected: so as one parte of the Souldiers being burned and consumed in these fires, another swallowed vp and perished in this gulfe of smoaking mines, the rest which were a ve­ry fewe astonied as if they had fallen from the cloudes, without daring to make any resistance, in respect they were forbidden to stirre from their places, or moue theyr weapons, attending the Princes signing and confirmation, were surprised and found themselues at the mercy of their enemies, before they euer thought them as yet to haue bene entred. The Prince of Piemont knowing this aduenture so happely fallen out for him and better thē he hoped for, would not afterwards signe what he had be­fore promised, forgetting all the precedents, through the ioy which he had for the re­couering of that place, and the prisonners at so easie a rate. So as presently mounting vp the great breach, he entred the Castle to goe to the D. of Bouillon, who as soone as hee perceiued him, moued with an extreame choller, which made him forget all feare of death, said vnto him: why how now Sir, is this the keeping of your promise? will you not send such hostages vnto me as you promised, and perfourme what is a­greede betweene you and me? to whom the Prince answered with a smile, sufficient testimony of his ioy, how that he had spoken too late, and how it was no more need­full to giue hostages when all his people were already within. In summe, that after many speeches the resolution was, that they should remaine prisonners, to wit, the D. of Bouillon cheefe and lieutenant for the K. De Riou Gouernour, La Lobe Ensigne of the Dukes company, the Earle of Vilars, De Prie Lieutenant of his company, De Guenon guidon, De Vanze Marshall of the lodgings, the Baron of Culan, De Marets Lieutenant of De Riou his company of foot, with sundry other, whome seeing by ap­parance to be of some mark, he would needs haue their names, and afterwards more raunsome then otherwise he had: so this Castle was againe recouered by the imperi­als the 18. of Iuly, after the death of Horace Farneze D. of Castres, whom a bullet of a great peece carried away, and hard by him De Magny a renowned gentleman in the feates of armes, there died also the Vicecount of Martigues, Horace Farneze D. of Castres, De Magny, the Vi­count of Marti­gues, Moninuille Cizieux, Dampi­erre, Lusignan, and others dead at Hedin. who being deliuered out of prison at Teroane, presently repaired to this castle, hauing alwaies spent his time in many honourable actions: Moninuille of the house of Amboise, de Cizeux Cōmissioner of the wars, the C. Lusignan ensigne to De Riou, De Dampierre, who had likewise beene prisonner at Teroane, and came againe thither with the Seneschall of Castres, and [Page 124] Captaine Vifargent, who were sunke within the Mynes, the Captaine Malestrot Lieu­tenant to Maugeron, the Captaine Morarque, captaine of a company of footmen, and the Captaine Coq Ensigne of Captaine Cerf his company of foot, were there slaine among the first in the base towne. The Emperour most ioyfull of the taking thereof, commanded that with all diligence they should cause the Castle to be razed, but K. Henry much more redoubled his former sorrow, being enforced notwithstanding to run to the most expedient remedy, albeit there was before no other brute through­out all Fraunce, then leauying of men of warre, and all the waies couered ouer with Souldiers, he sent againe to hasten all his companies, and in as short time as was possi­ble to make ready his army to hinder them from doing any other enterprise, thin­king it sure that they would as they threatned to Dourlans (where the Vidasme of Chartres was) a Castle of lesse strength then Hedin, which the late King Francis had caused to be dressed vp with earth, to serue for a bulwarke and counterfort to Hedin, at such time as it was enemy: therfore on all sides postes flew about to sollicite this preparation. As touching the men of armes and French cauallerie, they were by & by ready and on foote, as well in hauing bene placed in garrisons, as for the commoditie and leasure which was giuen to the men at armes, to looke for a little time into their domesticall affaires. The French fanterie was likewise very glad to be ioyned toge­ther, the olde Ensignes being compleate in their garrisons, and places ordained, with such good order as the new captaines had set downe to make suddainly their leuies, and thorough the aduertisement which they had giuen to their Souldiers to be rea­dy at the first warning, as for the Germanes and Lansknets, such as the K. had retained for his seruice, hauing alwaies bene entertained and paide were already in the fielde, so in very few daies and about the beginning of the moneth of August. the K. campe grew far greater & greater, about Amiens and Pequegny, none remaining but the Zuizers and Grisons, The French ar­my assembled neere Amiens and Pequigny. who as well for abiding far of, as being of themselues heauy and massie, came but by smal iournies, especially to the end they might not be tyred, whē they should arriue at the campe, but be fresh and prompt to fight suddenly if need so required: therefore they arriued not before the end of that moneth: after the taking of Hedin all the time while the K. army assembled, the imperials did nothing els then raze it to the ground, and employ themselues to robberies, and burning of Villages all alongst the riuer of Authia: and albeit that they had summoned the Castle of Or­lan, and spread a brute that they ment to besiege it, they made no semblant thereof for all that, nor that they were willing to attempt any new matter, vntill about the 13. of that moneth, when, hauing had aduertisements how the Constable had caused 4. ensignes of the French fanterie, and 2. companies of light horse to passe ouer the ri­uer of Some, they determined with 4. regiments of their caualery to surprise, and de­feate them so readilye, that as they would haue executed the enterprise before that those which were about Amiens should be aduertised thereof: it fortuned that the Constable had addressed the same day another party to go visit them as farre as their owne Campe, Paul Baptista hauing commission to passe the riuer with 50. horse to at­tacke the skirmish, and draw thē to fight, the D. of Neuers remaining in ambuscade, with 3. companies of light horse, in a wood vpon the banke of the riuer of Authia, who finding himselfe at any time to be ouermatched, had Sansac to rescue him, who was behinde half a league of, with 5. other light cōpanies, the Prince of Conde was a quarter of a league on the right hand of him with 3. light cōpanies: likewise the Mar­shall of S. Andre with 500. men at armes, a mile farther behinde towards the campe, the constable being halfe way between al his companies and the riuer, accompanied [Page 125] with 4000. horse, as wel of companies as Rirebands, and 20. ensignes of Fanterie, half French and halfe Lansknets, and 4. feelde peeces, but easing the French of the paines to goe seeke them out, they approched neere the Marshall S. Andre, hauing lefte all their light Caualerie behinde them, so as three hundred horsecouriers rushed euen vpon the Constable without discouering any of the ambuscades. Hereupon Sansac his light Cauallerie began the skirmish neerest to the Marshals ambuscade, where the French were borne downe, and rudelye put backe euen to the hindermost man, so as they tooke two prisoners, who tolde them that the Constable was not aboue a quar­ter of a league of with all his forces, the which caused them to hasten to giue the charge vpon the companies of the D. of Vendosme and of Sansac, who at the same instant was couered and charged by an other thousand horse, and vpon this medley the Marshall began to march with a great trot right towardes them, which quicklye stayed them, and by and by they discouered the Prince of Conde in set battaile gal­loping to ioyne vpon them, whom as soone as they saw, they put themselues in such disarray, as being recharged onely with fiftie helmets, they were put to flight: for the Prince of Conde so roughly set vpon them, as he and his company pursued them a long League, where were slaine of theirs betweene 7. and 8. hundred men, among whome there was found of renowne the Earle D'espinoy, and other great Lordes of the low Countries, seauen as well Ensignes as Guidons gained, The D. of Asco [...] prisonner. neere 500. prisonners in number, among whom the D. of Ascot was found. On the French part for men of reputation, the sonne of Canaples, and of La Roche Guion, and the Guidon of Sansac, remained there prisonners, with some other souldiers, especially of the light caualle­ry, not any great number either taken or slaine.

This reencounter so happily executed, greatly quailed the courage of the imperi­als, who since did no matter of importance, for incontinentlye after they departed from Beauquesne, where they were encamped, so as hauing razed the towre and the forte, they came by great iournyes as farre as Ancre & Miraumont, within 4. leagues of Peronne, French lands, where hauing put to the fire, and lodged ten Ensignes of their brauest men within Bapaulme, thinking that according to the common brute, the first fury of the French would be there discharged, without making any longer stay, the body of their army retyred towards Arras, which was not as then very great or puissant, for many of them especially of the borderers of Artois and Henaulte, re­tired to their owne houses, to gather together the best of their goods, and enclose it within strong townes, or hide it in sure and secret places, knowing that the Kings ar­mie was all compleate, and was to put into the fielde within a fewe dayes, the which in the end of August was assembled to gether neere to Corbie; The French ar­my in the field. and the first of Sep­tember the Ensignes of Fraunce were displaied about the little towne with a mighty great number of men, the which the K. would needs see vpon a little mount, especi­ally the Zuizers, now they set their battailes in such ordinance, as they caried the prise ouer many nations, a thing which maruelously was agreeable & pleasing vnto him: The Constable being generall of the army, and the first cheefe in the auantgarde, was accompanied with the Princes & Dukes of Vendosme, Neuers, Anguien, Montpē ­sier, and the Admirall: each one of these Princes hauing a regiment of men at armes, which is of 200. men at arms, and ouer which they cōmanded 49. ensignes of French sundry, making vp the number between 15. & 16000. men, of whom Chastillon Admi­rall of France was generall, the Earle Reingraue colonell of the Lanseknets, with Reis­berg had 4. regiments, which are 20. ensignes, making the nūber between 10. & 12000. men, foure Ensignes of Scottes, and two of English, amounting betweene twelue [Page 126] and fifteene hundred men. Sansac was the principall chiefe of the light Cauallerie, neere to two thousand horse, comprehending therein three or foure hundred Eng­lish men, braue men, and well skilled in this occupation. The nobles and rierbandes were compleat verie neere three thousand horse, whereof La Iaille was generall, there were few of the particular companies of harguebuziers on horsebacke, for that the King had a little before made an ordinance therupon, to euery Captaine of one hun­dred men at armes, to leauie fiftie harquebuziers on horsebacke, armed with corslets, murrions, vanbraces, or sleeues of maile, with an handgunne or harquebuze, or a fire­locke or cocke, within a case of well tanned leather, mounted vppon good curtailes, and vnto euerie one of fiftie, A new ordi­nance of harque­busiers moun­ted. fiue and twentie in like equipage, conducted by a man at arms of the greatest experience, especially to that end to be chosen out of their own companie: all which made wel vp the number of twelue or fifteen hundred. A thing well inuented and by good counsell, to assist a man at armes in anie narrow or vnea­easie place, and which gaue great countenance and grace to the armie, in beeing the first before the companyes, together with the diuersitie of theyr apparell. In this bat­tell was king Henrie neere vnto him, the Prince of Ferrara, the Duke of Guise, the prince of La Roche-Suryon, and the marshall Saint Andre, euerie one of these prin­ces hauing a regiment of men at armes as the rest. The great Escuyer de Boisi, and Cana­ples, wyth theyr bandes of the royall house, and the guardes as well French and Scots, as Suizers, and a number of great Lordes and Gentlemen following the King, as well in respect of their fidelitie, as to make knowen vnto him theyr vertue and good will. Of all sortes of artillerie there was about one hundred great and small peeces, o­uer which Estre was great master and chiefe gouernour, a Gentleman verie watchfull and of great spirite, for the first daie of this voyage the armie made no great treate, in­camping that night a league of Corbie in two little villages, vpon a current and small riuer, beeing verie commodious for the same. The next morrow it followed almost the tracke and waie of the imperiall armie, to lodge at Miraumont, it happened that in the waie the Duke of Neuers slipped out of the armie with his regiment, taking the left hand towards the woods and forrests, ouer agaynst Arras, where some scoutes were discouered, who saued themselues by theyr swiftnesse within the thick of those forrests, which beeing well looked about, there was not one enimie found that made head, onely a fort within a lyttle village, which a lyttle after was forced by the hargue­buziers, and found worse prouided than they imagined. The which caused him to turne to Miraumont, to take his quarter. The second of September the D. of Guise with two regiments of men at armes, between a thousand and twelue hundred horse as well of the light cauallerie as of the nobles, and ten Ensignes of French fanterie departed from the place, drawing thorough the rout of those woods towards Arras, to discouer and cleere the most dangerous places, & subdue the forces of any which should be retired thither, but he found not ought which was hard vnto him, hauing discouered as far as the suburbs of Arras. So returning for a testimonie of this voy­age, fire was set on al the villages round about, with a desolation and most lementable pitie. Bapaulme repre­sented. Now from Miraumont there were but two good leagues to Bapaulme, a strong place, barren more thorough the scituation of nature, than anie workemanship, but much more odious and hurtful to the French bordering vpon it, than euer Terroane was to the Bourgonians, so as secretly the better to know the place, and tempt the re­solution of those that held it, the thirde of September the Constable with the most parte of the Princes, accompanied with fiue thousand horse, & as many of the French fanterie, went to view this place as neere as he was able, whereof Huntsimond a knight [Page 127] was Gouernour, (much esteemed of among the Bourgonians) furnished with ten or twelue Ensignes of Fantassins, and three or foure hundred horse, who at the first fight did not any waies shew himselfe sparing of powder and bullets, besides they within shewed themselues very slacke and loath to come out to the skirmishe, but as farre as the Bullets of their artillerie might play, they kept a loofe of, and perfourmed their dutie brauely enough almost foure houres, while the skirmish lasted. In these light reencounters there were hurt the Captaine Breul with a Harquebuze shotte in the thigh, and yong Molimont Sonne to Molimont the Gouernor of Saint Dizier and of Nogent, who afterwards dyed at Peronne: during the skirmish the Admiral with a smal company went round about the place, and found it pregnable, the rampier be­ing of bad stuffe, and the fastening wherewith it was made but a thinne crumpled sand, which is no good earth. But the greatest difficultie of all was the remediles ne­cessitie of water, albeit that the Constable had caused a great number of Pyoners to seeke out Conduit heads and springs, but no vaines of any lasting could be found out, so the determination of the siege was broke of and put ouer vntill another time: during this lingering there arriued at the Court the Cardinall of Saint George, be­ing a Legate from the Pope to treate of a peace or truce betweene these two Princes: At their departure hence, all the Villages, Abbaies and mansion places appertaining to the enemy, not so much as sparing the windmilles neere to the gates of Bapaulme, being partely consumed, and the rest as yet of a flame and smoking, the ground and waies grew so durtie and slipperie, by reason of a whole day and nights raine, that the Souldiers and footmen could hardly get to their other lodging, named Morlin­court within two small leagues of Peronne: and the waggons and baggage sustained no lesse, whereof as well the garrison of Bapaulme, as the rest of the Pesantes about got good booties, spoyling the most scattered and worst conuoyed sorte of them: the imperiall armie in the meane time coasted them within fiue or sixe leagues, hauing the riuer as a barre and separation betweene them, albeit it was farre lesse then the French; for first euen at the nose of the imperiall Campe, the French went and bur­ned and set fire on the Villages next vnto them, in respect of the fewe alarmes which they gaue vnto the French, except it were sometimes vpon their vallets and foura­gers, the which they rather supposed grew by the spoyled and desperate Pesants, then by the men of warre: and lesse hurt was done to the victualers & prouisions brought into their Campe, all victuals being at a competent rate in the middest of an enemies Countrie, where they found nought but Granges voide of Corne and fourage, all sorte of victuals being already transported and withdrawne into the strong holdes. The which being come vnto the Kings knowledge, The dessein of Charles 5. Empe­rour against the French. and sufficiently foreseeing that his enemy hoped and attended nought els then to make him temporise about some towne or other enterprise of small consequence, to drawe him on vntill the season of raynes, which beginneth soone enough in the colde and occidentall Countryes, to the end to ruine and weaken him, as well in cutting of all his victuals, as by diseases and coldes, afterwards to giue him battaile vpon his aduantages, concluded with his Councell to giue remedy thereto. The resolution then was to reduce his enemy in­to two extremeties, the one of which he perswaded himselfe was vnpossible for him to shunne, and perhaps yeeld to them both: either to hold his forces close together for the meeting of a battaile, or to seperate them for the defence of so many of his places, vncertaine which of them all should be first attempted by the King, conside­ring the secret of his dessein, and the variable turning of his army, without any appa­rant resolution of the place whether it would turne head, vpon which perswading [Page 128] himselfe of the aduantage of the first, and that the Emperour durst not hazard a ge­nerall combate, considering he had not so many men as himselfe, and that they were more then halfe tired with the long time that they had remained in the fielde, hee thoroughly resolued to get by force, sleight, or any other meane: the first place hee should attempt, and to sacke it, and ruine the whole countrie about in the eye of the Maister, and so to returne in triumph, as hauing braued and caused him to refuse the day in his owne Countrie, and whereof he had vaunted himselfe to be the first chal­lenger. Charles on the other side measuring his aduantage rather by the valour then number of his people, supplying otherwise the long wearisomnes of these trauailes of warre, by discretion of well choosing his aduantage, rather then to accept of bat­taile, no lesse assured himselfe to make vaine the attempts of the French in any place which they should goe about to besiege; alwaies prouided that his would haue the patience to suffer the first heate of the French, a little to euaporate as into smoake, knowing that Henry notwithstanding the better to preuaile therein, made account to sound Cambray, as well for that the taking thereof would be an example to sundrye other of renowne, as thinking to prouoke the imperials rather to battaile, then that they would lose such a place, in which especially he knew his owne credite not to be so deepely rooted, but that for a small matter the inhabitants would shake of the yoke which not long before he had imposed of them: ioyne that the towne hauing beene alwaies Neuters, such occurrents might so happen, as he might make it partaker with him, or at the least fauourable, if they would assist to the recouering of their aunci­ent liberty, considering that in terming it selfe Neuter, it was not lawfull for him to haue any greater authoritie ouer it then the King, and the rather for that the magi­strates and popular sorte began to feele themselues outraged by the vsurpation which he had made ouer them (hauing proceeded so farre to his own aduantage, as to build a citadell to keep them in subiection) he feared least they would euen make plaine on­uerture to the King, being as then the stronger. In summe, if the Imperialles shewed themselues of good courage, the French caused no other brute to runne, but of the desire they had to battaile, and how the King sought no other occasion then such as the place and time yeelded vnto him: to wit, being there at hand in so large and spati­ous a plaine, to present battaile, or to summon the Towne according to the accord of neutralitie, to make him onuerture, and giue him victuall, or proclaime it as his ene­my: and so not farre from that place neere to Peronne, the French were encamped a two little leagues from Cambray. And the next morrow by break of day the King caused his army to be set in order of battaile ready to fight, sending a herald of armes to summon the towne of her duety, signifying vnto them that he was not come thi­ther to oppresse them, but rather to restore and settle them in their auntient libertye, which he well knew had beene already corrupted by the Emperour, of which if they would be reuenged and leaue that bondage, they could not haue better meanes then by his comming, that if the Emperour would quarrell for other aduantages, hee was there in person both to declare, and fight with all his forces to the contrary: if they did otherwise, they would be an occasion of much mischeefe to themselues; first in losing the title and priuiledge of being called Neuters, which is not affectionate to either the one or the others quarrels, by which meanes they had onely obtained the liberty to be able to traffique in both their Countries. Moreouer they should there­by exempt their Countrie round about from the miseries of the warre, otherwise they should remaine for euer subiect to imposts, loanes, subsidies, and all other man­ner of exactions, and be besides that in danger to be partaker of the sundrye trauayles [Page 129] whereto a particular Country is abandoned and accustomed to suffer for his Prince. In summe they demaunded twise foure and twenty houres of the King to be adui­sed thereof, and to yeelde their answere, so the King caused his Campe to retyre a great league further backe, being lodged at Creuaecaeur, of the appertenances of the Queene, and it was proclaimed thoroughout the whole armye, that vpon a great paine of corporall punishment no man should dare take ought within the territorye of Cambray without paying for the same. During this delay the Emperours partye within Cambray certified him of this summons, as then lying at Breuxelles, who to comforte and releeue them with hope and courage, set downe many thinges vnto them: among the rest that they helde of the Chamber of the Empire, and that hee was the Emperour to defend and protect them, not a King of Fraunce who sought nothing but their ruine; so as hauing set before their eyes the example of Metz, hee promised the deputies that in case they should be besieged, hee would succour them by all meanes whatsoeuer. And from thence gaue order to the Prince of Piemont, who was gotten with his army towards Valenciennes, that hee should yeelde vnto them as much succour as they would demaund, or well needfull for them, ordaining thereto for cheefe and principall Gouernours the Earls of Bossu and Brabanson. The time of delay being expired, albeit the King knew well all these newes, Their answere of Cambray to the King. yet hee sent againe to summon them to knowe their resolution, but they sent worde that if it might so please his Maiestie they were all content to remaine his humble neighbors and freends, no waies refusing to giue him victuals, but that as yet they were not ma­sters ouer their owne goods, for that the Emperor spight of their teeth had put men and great garrisons into their towne, wherefore it was cleane out of their libertye and power to be able to dispose of any more. Vpon this answere and mylde excuse the towne was adiudged for enemy, and the same day being the eight of September, the Constable with two regiments of men at armes, Skirmishes be­fore Cambray. and 3. or 400. light horse and Rire­bands, followed by the Admirall with ten Ensigns of French fantery, went to prie and view round about, but in steede of hearing the crowing of Poultrie before, now nothing was heard but Cannons, harquebuze shot, and noyse of all partes, especial­ly from the cytadell, which made the earth to tremble with the artillerie shot, where­with they played vpon the French souldiers, entring therewith as thicke out of the Towne as waspes vse out of the hole of a tree after him that stirreth them: but so maintained and the skirmishes so gallantly handled, that they continued sixe whole dayes togither, in one of which there was killed De Brese captain of one of the French guardes, and before the Cytadell Coruet was slaine, Captaine of one of the compa­nies of the French footmen. Of the Bourgonians there was of reputation taken and brought prisonners the Earle of Pondeuaux of the French Countie, De Trelon of the Duchie of Luxembourg, and other. In the meanetime Bourdillon sent vnto the King by Neuuy Ensigne of his companie, two Cornets of Bourgonians, broken and defeated at La Haiette, neere to Maubert Fontaine, the Gouernour of Cimetz, one of their cheefe remaining there prisonner, the Bastard of Auanes another of their cheefe leaders by his good speede and well flying, sauing himselfe. Now to returne before Cambray, it was perfectly viewed and by the aduise of such as had marked round about from the one end to the other, ioyne the reporte of the spyes and such as likewise had viewed it within, Description of the towne of cambray. found to be as much subiect to the Cannon & mine as any place might be: it is a great towne, scituate halfe in a bottome, and halfe han­ging, where there is not any shew of Bulwarkes, Rampiers, or fortifications according to the new fashion. On the side of Fraunce and the East, it is in a champion and ara­ble [Page 130] Countrie, This towne of Cambray was euer coueted of the K. of France, but neuer able to be reduced to the Flower de­lice, vntil Fran­cis D. of Bra­bant, Aniou, and Sonne of France, and onely bro­ther to the King, had by siege ta­ken the same, and so annexed by his prowes at this day to the Crowne of Fraunce. The Citadell of Cambray. discouered well eight hundreth or a thousand paces in breadth, not so plaine notwithstanding but there is a little descent still vnto the Towne hauing cer­taine small bottomes and barricades betweene both, but I call it plaine for that it is not ouershadowed with trees, nor thornes, nor other places hindring the prospect; on the west side where it is most lowe and the suburbs lye, there are gardens and groues of willowes, with some medowe and marshe. Southwards there is a little hanging plaine towards the Towne, and a little further there are little hilles and vallyes, on the North side is a little Mountaine which taketh parte of the coigns of the citadell mounted ouer the highest parte of the whole towne, where there was wont to be an Abbey or Cathedral Church, almost square, notwithstanding one of the coigns stret­cheth more towardes that little mountaine, then any part of the rest, resembling a coyne in forme of a spurre, seruing for a defence to the flankers with a platforme. As touching the scituation and foundation of the Citadell, one would iudge it at the first apparance white earth, as marse, if it were stone within, I would thinke it tender and easie to be hewen, as you see ascler whereof some houses are builded, but it is ra­ther a white chalke then a hard stone, so as some holde that it was rather builded to holde the newter towne in subiection, then to make an impregnable fortresse for be­ing ioyned to the Towne as it is, it were needfull to fortefie it, the one to succour the other, by reason that the towne being taken would endemnifie the Citadell, which also being forced would be the cause of the losse of the Towne: but the Emperour partely in consideration that this great towne would hardly be fortified, or at the least not of a great and long time, and partely for that he would not oppresse the inhabi­tants with suddaine surcharges, first builded this little citadell, to set one foot within, and to be meet with the mutynies & rebellions of the citizens, to the end that by little and little he might make himselfe maister of the whole. Therefore they helde out thorough the hope of a great number of men sent vnto them, furnished with victu­als, munitions and all other necessaries: besides the Imperiall armye which fortified it selfe neer vnto them, to cut of victuals, and annoy as much as might be the French: and lastly the raines which euer begin at that season in those low Countries, so great presumptions had they to recouer the siege, for besides the diuers alarms which they gaue vnto them, with continuall and hot skirmishes, they sent out of the campe part of the field peeces, and caused it to be giuen out, that there were farre greater com­ming from Amiens, Corbie, S. Quentin, and Castelet, a great number of Gabions be­ing already prepared, and sleddes made ready to draw them to those places where the approches should be made, so farre as the Marshals of the Campe went to marke and viewe the scituation, the better to order their quarters: notwithstanding the councell had no such intention, but to the end that still holding them in this iolitye and opinion, they might breake and consume the Imperials by little and little, who for that cause had more enlarged and seperated themselues: wherefore without any longer delay, all the fortes round about being throwne downe and ruined, euen to the very Churches, the Towers and Steeples being vndermined and battered, and fire put to all the Villages, Granges, and cotages, euen to the very suburbes and gates of the towne, Feeble places ought not so much as to offer to holde out a­gainst an army bringing canon. the French dislodged marching straight to the castle of Cambresy. In the waye there were two fortes taken and ruined, obstinate vpon very small reason, whereby they well felte the effect of the conquerers choler. The first endured sixe and thirtie Cannon shot, and a great and wide breach before it would yeelde, where the Captaine Pierre-longue was slaine, and twelue French Souldiers slaine and hurt, notwithstanding there was not one liuing soule found within, hauing cōueyed thē ­selues [Page 131] vnder ground, and hidden in some caues and mines, therefore they stopped close all the ventes which they were able to finde. The other was not so strong as the first, for that it was but a skuruie poulier of earth hanging houelwise to the halfe of a great towre, with drye ditches, where they within standing very obstinately to their defence, notwithstanding any summons, made aboade two shot of the lesser sorte, af­ter which hauing answered that they would not yeelde without sight of the Canon, they made a signe to yeelde, but it was too late, for the Souldiers not as yet colde of their first furie, neuer stayed so long as the once discharging of a Canon, but rushed in as madde men to beate downe the gates, where afterwardes it was great pittie to beholde the slaughter which was there made, for there was not so much as one man taken to mercye: the battaile lay encamped round about the Castle of Cambresy, without suffering any bodye to goe in sauing one Ensigne, the which was lodged there to repell other, if they should goe about to make any stirre: for the inhabitants were in great doubt what should befall them. His Maiestie and the most parte of the Princes and great Lordes was lodged in a sumptuous house of pleasure neere hand, which appertained to the Bishop of Cambray, where in stead of being reuenged of the burning of his Castle of Foulembray, which was done by Du Reux a kinseman of the B. he not onely straitely forbad they should not set it on fire, but that nothing should be carried thence or spoyled. A little aboue the riuer the Constable remained with the Vantgarde. Now all these boutes and deuises were but to marke the ene­mies countenance, for the French being aduertised that they stirred in no sorte of the worlde to followe them, without any alarme, or semblance to come vpon them, hauing soiourned a whole day in that place, descended downe to Quesnoy, appro­ching within two leagues of Valenciennes, where the imperial army was imparqued within a forte which they had there addressed. The next morning the 17. of Septem­ber the baggage remaining in that place, and one hundreth men at armes with about 2000. foote for their garde, Representation of the Imperials forte. the rest of the army aduanced forwarde to seeke out the imperials, and to present them battaile. Their forte was about a Culuerin shotte di­stant from Valenciennes, vpon the same Riuer of Lescau which passeth along by Cambray, compassed in forme of a square, enuironed with trenches and diches of a Pikes length, and betweene 10. or 12. foote hollow, seated halfe on the hanging of the hill towards Valenciennes, and halfe in the bottome along the Riuer, hauing on the side of the French a little hillock which went sloping euen to the forte: besides that it was very proper to place there the artillerie, and shot leuell into the fort, with great discommodities, therefore euen as the armye marched their ordinary pace in bat­taile, the auante couriers and light horse rushing before to attack the skirmish, found a great number of their Cauallerie already in order of battaile vpon the little hillock ready for the Combate. And hard by they tooke one of the Countrie on Horseback in habite of a Marchant, some iudging him to be a spie, who certified them that the auantgarde of the Imperialls had passed the riuer to come to fight with them, so as being brought vnto the Constable, and from him sent vnto the K. hee was the cause of the aduancing forward of the army, and with as much speede as might be orde­ring of the battailes in their places. In the meanetime the skirmish grew warme, tho­rough the sallye of a number of the imperiall fantassins, which greatly annoyed the lost children, without any stirring of their men at armes at all, who kept themselues a little aboue them, sauing such as sometimes went out of their ranckes to breake a Launce where they saw their opportunitie against the French, light horse encamped front to front. During these skirmishes the Imperiall armye ranged it selfe, part into [Page 132] one onely square battaile within the forte, and the rest was deuided by the flankers, especially the Harquebuze shot, in the same manner as they vse at the assaulte of a Town. The artillery was planted one part vpon mounts of earth, which drew aboue the hillock that I saide was one the side of the French, and the rest was disposed as well to scoure the defences, as all along the trenches. The ordering of the French ar­my was in this sorte.

In the Vantgarde were two square battailes, on the right hand whereof were 24. French Ensignes, The order of the French army hoping to gaine the battaile neer Valenciennes. among which was the Constable, the D. of Mompensier, and the Admirall with their Regimentes of Demilances, which was sixe hundred men at armes to each one, and a little belowe a partie of the nobles, and somewhat higher all their Harquebusiers on horsebacke: that on the lefte hand was of 19. Ensignes of Lansknets, there was in this wing the Princes, and the D. of Vendosme, of Neuers, of Anguien, with the like number of men at armes as the right, and a party of the no­bles a little more backward, with their men of ordinances, then the Constables were to conuer a little hill which was on their left hand, and the Harquebuziers more for­ward, neere vnto a little Village which was burned, to keepe that the enemy should not so much as creepe on all foure by that way, without being espied. In the battaile were two other square battaillons, that on the right side was of the olde Ensignes, in number 25. In this wing was the King with his whole housholde and gardes, and the Marshall of S. Andre with his Regiment of men at armes, on the left side were of the Swizers and Grisons 30. Ensignes, the most parte armed with corselettes, vambrases, cases, and the best furnished that of long time hath come into France. In this wing were the Prince of Ferrara, the D. of Guise, the Prince of La Roche sur-yon with their Regiments of demilances, eche one 600. men at armes, the Captaines Momus & Eurard, two of the most ancient and best experimented, had the leading of the lost children. Now for so much as the fielde was very fit, plaine and champion neer hand a great league, the whole was so equally handled, that it hung with one same weight and measure, especially the spaces which remained betweene the battailons of the footemen, and the rankes of the men at armes were so well compassed, that it seemed vnpossible to the French, (without some very great desastere) that any harme at all should happen vnto them: for to begin with the battailons of the footemen. The or­der whereof was so well established, as that the author seemed to take the inuention thereof from the practise of the Romanes, that if the first rankes were at any time put backe, they should retire into the second, and the first and second into the third, so might they three times resemble and fight vnto the very last, An inuention of the French so to order, as all their troupes in one day should fight in battaile, ta­ken from the an­cient Romanes. each battaillon hauing his flankers of pikes and harquebusiers which were able to make head in all places, and succour as well the horsemen, as the core of their battailons: The whole was so well armed and couered, that when the Sunne had shone, you would haue iudged all those troupes to haue bene heapes of Siluer. As for the horsemen each regiment extended farre, so as there were alwaies 200. men at armes in a front, and their suite of Archers at their backe all along, in such sorte as if a man at armes had beene ouer­throwne, the second had straight stept into his place, so as they had al meanes to fight euen to the very last. The Ensignes of the men at armes were in the midst, and the Guidons in the midst of the ranke of the Archers: as touching the light cauallery, it was deuided into foure squadrons, that of the vantecourriers which was at the skir­mish was led by Paul, Baptista and Sansac kept the other in ambush within a little hol­low, on the hanging of a small mountaine on the left hand, the Prince of Nemours had an other behinde a little hill betweene the army and the forte of the imperialles [Page 133] And the prince of Conde lay in ambush with his in a little bottome al along the high way to the Towne, to stoppe the passage that way. Touching the artillerie, How the artille­ry was ordered and disposed. that of the vantgarde was vpon the front of the right wing, and that of the battaile vpon the hanging of a little hillock, on the lefte hand of the Zuizers and Grisons, who had al­ready made an end of their ceremonies, with intention to fight and dye euen to the very last man, before they would make one false pointe. Now besides that the assi­stance of so many men was able enough to put courage into the most faint harted, The K. presence giueth great en­couragement to the Souldiers. the presence of their King set them a gog much more, who being accompanied with a great traine of Princes and other great Lords, went notwithstanding to visite and encourage such as had any neede, with so sweete and amiable language, stirred vp with such vehemency and affection, that eche one seemed most willing to dye for his seruice. Now his whole army being thus ranged in order of battaile, and the skirmish growing more and more eager on the one parte and the other, the Imperiall caualery stood stil, and seemed euer ready to al euents vpon the little hillock. And so were they attending their comming more then three long houres, a brute of their comming flying vp and downe so long among the French, that night at the last approched. In the end the Constable foreseeing that they cunninglye delayed vntill the night grew darke, either to surprise or put them out of order, aduised the light Caual­lerye to ioyne together to seeke out the height of the Imperiall Cauallerie. The charge of the French Ca­uallerie. The which was readilye executed, but with such a cheerefulnesse and dexteritye, that they beate them backe, and liuelye droue them in lesse then nothing, euen to the very boorde of their Trenches, causing them almost all to fall huddle vpon one anothers tayle into them; where of the French side of reputation was slaine Ienlis a gentleman of the Duchie of Bourgondie, hauing beene brought vp of a Page in the Kings house: it was then that their artillerie, as well that of the flan­kers, as that which was vpon the mountes of earth, began to play their prise, the which killed some, and hurte more of the French then were found to haue beene hurte by any handstrokes. Among the rest there was slaine the Captaine Steph an Italian Gentleman, Lieutenant of the companyes of light horse to the Captaine Senetaire, and De Ferriere Lieutenant of the companies of light horse to Giury of the house of Estanges. This bickering endured for all that more then a long houre, where on the French parte there was slayne of horse and foote about one hun­dred men, so as when the retraite was sounded the Sunne was alreadye set, and the night closed in. Now had the Councell long debated, whether they should as­sayle them euen within their owne forte or no, considering the good happe of their firste charge. But the better parte were of opinion that they were rather to content themselues, in that they had already done them so great shame in their own Countrye, as not onely to haue executed a parte of their Princes will, but to haue presented vnto them the battaile, Consultation whether the ene­mies were to be assailed within their own forte or no. which they still threatned to doe from the begin­ning, and now coldely enough and with a slender excuse had refused. Their rea­sons not to attempt any further were; first that the French Souldiers were growne wearye and faynte, as well with marching as with the weight of their armour, con­trariwise the enemies were fresh and reposed, not hauing for certayne dayes toge­ther runne the fielde. That the Countrie was theirs, and their proper enheritance, which would encourage them to fight the more couragiously. Ioynt that conside­ring the scituation of the place, they could not be assailed but to their great aduātage, as the battaile of Poitiers and La Bicoique might well serue for example. Likewise that the French were not onely to fight at the first forte, from which though it were [Page 134] lost, the Imperials might easily retire into the towne, ready to begin a fresh; especi­ally when they should be able to doe both the one and the other, the French should be sure to be the first which should take all the paine and hazard of the enterprise, a good parte of them lefte behinde in gage, if not all, as well for that it is not the pro­pertie or nature of a Zuizer or Lansknet, to assaile a towne or fortresse, as in that they are not otherwise so affectionate or enclined as subiects are to their Prince, whereby if it should so happen that the K. should be in an enemies Countrye, vnfurnished of the better parte of his forces, Retraite of the French. it were to be feared that many mischeefes would ensue, according to the vncertain occurrence of feates of armes. And therefore it was con­cluded that it was far better to retire with honor, thē to hazard ought vnder the hope of an vncertain & aduenterous good luck, so they placed againe the battailons of fan­tery in single ordinance: afterwards they returned to the place where their baggage was lost, the Constable with all the Demilances and Cauallerie of the vantgarde, was the last which departed to see if they would play the wagges in the end, and set vpon them behinde, which they neuer once offred; so as by the light of the fires which burned the Farmes and villages for three leagues round about, the French in the end found their first lodging, where at night it was proposed in councell by some Lords, that there was very great meanes and occasion offred to returne againe to seek out the enemye, to fight with them, and enforce them within their owne forte, for that by the reporte of some prisonners which were newlye come thither, it was not of so great defence as it was adiudged: assuring that on the South side in the bottome by the riuer it was very weake, and that there their trench was not perfited nor fiue foot high, that there would be meanes enough to pitch and order the battailes, and to make it be assailed by the lost children, whilste that the artillerye planted vpon the hillockes of the flancker should shoote leuell in. The which would either make thē to come out in disorder and so quit the place, or suffer themselues to become a dead­ly marke to so many Cannon shot, as would shoure downe vpon them. But albeit that this aduice was at the first allowed for sound, yet after that the olde and experi­enced Captaines, had deliuered their minde, and spoke as they thought good, they found that the latter opinion was the more sure: following which, after one dayes abode to refresh themselues, the army retired towards the castle of Cambresy, where likewise the French remained another daye, without setting fire either on that fayre house, or the towne, onely all the victuals within were taken out, for that the enemies should not be releeued therewith. Afterwardes they retired as farre as Fonsomme, two small leagues from S. Quentin: and there was the army dissolued about the 20. of September, Retrait & depar­ture of the French army. for the Zuizers well paid and contented, had leaue to retire into their owne Countrie, and parte of the Garrisons was put all along the frontiers, and the rest sent home to the gouernement of their Captaines: as much was done with all the Nobles and rirebands. The other parte of the Demilances and light Caualle­rie, The Marshall. S. Andre sent with part of the army to recouer the County of S. Poul. with the olde Ensignes and the Almanes, were retyred and assembled at Auchy to Chasteau below Hedin, & led very shortly after by the Marshal S. Andre towards the Countye of S. Pol to destroy it vtterly, and to waste and ruine for euer, as well the Baylifwicke of Hedin, as the Countye of Ponthieu, and all the rest of the coun­trye of Arthois, which was put in execution by him in the very viewe of his ene­mies, without any resistance, remaining stil superiour, with such fury and desolation, that there was not so much as the poor shepheards cottages or houels spared, but the whol country set on fire, & ashes round about Aire, S. Omer, Lislars & Perne, the ca­stle wherof was by force taken, & about 50. spanish souldiers slain & hewen in peces. [Page 135] Thus was the voyage of the French armye, more remarquable for fires, ruynes, sackings, and all other sorte of desolations, by th'example: and in reuenge of the Hannuyers and Bourgonians ouer France, then for any tricke of notable vertue, sauing a braue skirmish which the Vidasme of Chartres made before Lissars, with fifteene Ensignes of French Fanterie, and almost two thousand horse, against nine­teene Ensignes of the Spanish Fanterie which lay encamped about the little towne, for that the inhabitants had shutte the gates vpon them, fearing to be sacked by them as their neighbours had beene. The skirmish lasted almost a whole day, eche partye being obstinate to the gaining of the victory, which after a long hazard & vncertaine combate, remained to the French, very few of them being either dead or hurte, but many more of the Spaniards, whereof in like sort diuers were brought away prison­ners. After all this coyle the French returned to Anchy, and about Hedin, Count Rein­graue. where the Almanes were put in garrison, the bayliwick whereof was giuen by the King to the Count Reingraue. In summe towards the end of the moneth of October, some com­panies as well of the French Fanterie, as light cauallerie being cast, the rest were deui­ded and put into garrisons, to passe ouer the winter which drew on.

In the meane time the Emperour proceeded on to pursue a marriage betweene his son the K. of Spaine, and the infant Mary new Q. of England, with such earnest­nes, as he forgot nothing which might serue to the consummation thereof; A marriage trea­ted between the K. of Spaine, and the infant Mary new Q. of Eng­land. seing him selfe almost out of all hope to haue succour elsewhere, or recouering of any monie at neerer hand: which many of that Realme sought to hinder foreseeing an immortal warre with the French, which was prepared for them by this meanes; remembring well the losses and damage which they had alreadye sustained, in hauing vpholden the warre against this nation, from whence the Countrie of England reaped great commodities. Notwithstanding so much auayled the perswasions of the Emperor, with the instigation of the two Queenes Mary and Elenor, and aboue all the induc­tions of Cardinall Pole cosin to the Q. that she being cleane rauished with this new loue, and with the ambition to see her selfe wife to the Sonne of an Emperour, the better to assure her estate against the reformed and other malcontents, in spite of the aduise and liking of the greatest of her Realme, keeping her sister Elizabeth likewise a prisonner, consented to this marriage. Afterwards with as much speede as was possi­ble she affianced by Proctor (which was the Earle of Aiguemont) Philip K. of Spaine hoping shortlye after to perfit and consumate the ouerplus. The K. knowing that all these things tended to no other end, but cheefely to endamage and annoy him, made a great masse of monie, calling such to his aide and succour, as he knew were most o­bedient and faithfull vnto him, and as hee thought best able to aide and do him ser­uice.

Pope Iuly to the end to pacifie these great troubles of Christendome, Cardinal Pole sent to treat a peace betweene the K. and the Emperour. had sent the Cardinall of England to mediate a peace betweene the King and the Empe­rour, for you must vnderstand that vpon the pursute of the warres of these two Prin­ces, Pope Iuly seeing all Europe as it were much moued with the feare of mischeefes which was likely to ensue to euery Countrye, by reason of the particular quarrels of these two Monarcks, with a secret remorse and gnawing of conscience, for him­selfe had beene the Author, had sent the Cardinall of England his Legate to the King and the Emperour, to aduise, and by all meanes to vnite, and cause them to condescend to a good peace: in which he imployed himselfe so vertuously, that lay­ing aside all ambition, or feare of hatred, or other cōsiderations, he neuer ceased to lay [Page 136] before them the infinite miseries wherewith the poore Christian people were af­flicted, togither with the vncertaintye and miserable estate, whereunto the Catho­licke Church by their dissentions was reduced. And albeit that many accounted him to fauour the Emperour more then the King, yet hee seemed to haue so well managed their hartes, that the hope of a peace was alreadye common thorough out Fraunce, and quarters neighbouring about: yea so great that the poore bor­derers of the one and other Lord, perswading themselues thereof, so assured them­selues by little and little, that they reedified and began to reinhabite their cottages and small tenementes, as yet besmoaked with the fire, wherewith they had beene burned to ashes, so farre as euery man promised vnto himselfe a happy repose, if it would please God to mollifie the harts of these two great Princes. But euen as all the tokens of Moses and Aaron hardened the more the obstinate courage of Pha­raoh, to the end afterwards to make the great wonders of the Lord to appeare: so this great God, not yet satisfyed and content with so small a punishment for our enor­mous sinnes, would not permit vnto them the vnderstanding to receaue a good and assured peace, for the ease and repose of all Christendome: wherfore the Legate af­ter many trottings to and fro of each side, returned very sorrowfull vnto the Pope, leauing in the harts of these two Princes, this so inueterate an enmitie, whereof the clamors could not so soone mortifie the effects.

The Queene was deliuered at Fontaine-bleau about nine of the clocke and three quarters past in the morning, Birth of Moun­sier. the eighteenth of March 1554. of a sonne named Her­cules by Charles Cardinall of Lorraine, Anne de Montmorency Constable, and the Du­chesse of Guyse daughter to the D. of Ferrara: afterwards leauing that name he was called Francis D. of Alencon, and of Aniou.

In the meane space and about the first of the spring there arose a certaine brute of a warre at hand betweene these Princes, and much furniture and weapons were di­spersed, whereby they might bee polished and made readye to the seruice, after­wardes to be mustered, as soone as the fame was spread throughout France, how the Emperour had prepared a great leauye of men of warre, and all other sortes of prouisions, towardes the Countries of Liege and Ardennes, with intent to be­siege the Towne of Mesieres, hauing established Mariembourg and Auanes, as store places and markets to his armye, so as Bourdillon who then was at the Courte, was presently sent back to fortifie & strengthen this little Towne, with whatsoeuer should be necessary to attend their comming. On the other side the K. foreseeing the Empe­perours determination and intent, made all meanes to assemble his forces, to the end to meet him and preuent him of this small enterprise, hauing sent sufficient enough of succour into Piemont and Italye, thereby to pursue and continue such good be­ginning, as fortune in that parte had presented vnto him. Besides hee dispatched Captaines and commissioners to bring him men of warre as well out of Germany as from those Cantons of Zuizers as were his confederates. This was about the ende and issue of the Spring, when as the Sunne raysing him selfe high, to send among vs his great heates, burned and consumed the fruites of the earth, with so strange a drouthe, that togither with the long trauayle of the warre the poore people expected nought els to the aggrauating of their miseryes, then a great and mortall famine for the heape of all theyr pouertyes, which notwithstan­ding came not to passe, and so certaine dayes passed ouer, that the King see­ing all his forces readye, albeit that his enemye made semblaunce of nought [Page 137] els, then busied in the consummation of his sonnes marriage, determined to ad­uaunce forward, and by the same place that he was threatned to be assayled, The K. army as­sembled in di­uers pleces. to assaye him, and enter within his Countryes. To this end he assembled his forces and deui­ded them into three, to wit, in Pickardy about Saint Quintin, vnder the Prince of La Roche Sur-yon, in the Valley of Laon, towards Crecy vnder the Constable, and at Mesieres vnder the Duke of Niuernois. Vnder the Prince of La Roche Sur-yon, might be nine or ten thousand footmen, the most parte Picardes, and the rest of the olde Ensignes, with three hundred men at armes, and fiue or sixe hundred horse, and Harquebuziers on horseback. Vnder the Constable were fiue and twentye En­signes of French fanterie new and olde, two Regiments of Germanes of the Count Reingraue and Reifberg, and fiue and twenty Ensignes of Zuizers, with foure hun­dred men at armes, and neere eighteene hundred or two thousand as wel light horse as Harquebuziers on horseback, whereof the Duke D' Aumale was Generall, a little before come out of prison, and almost as many nobles in the Rireband, vnder La Iaille their General, there were also some companies of English and Scottish Caual­lerye. The D. of Niuernois had twentye olde Ensignes of French Fanterie, drawne from the garrisons of Metz, Verdun, Thoul, d'Anuille, Yuoy, and Montmedy, (com­prehending therein foure English and Scottish Ensignes) in place of which other new were put in, two Regiments of the Count Rokendolphe, and of the Baron of Fron­tenay, three hundred men at armes, neere eight hundred light horse and Harquebu­ziers on horseback, whereof the Prince of Conde was generall, and two hundred pi­stoliers Germanes. The army then being thus deuided in three diuers places, The French en­treth in 3. places within the Em­perours coun­try. to the end to holde the enemy in doubt of what they had deliberated to execute, and on which side they wold surprise him, the French entred by three seueral places into his Country. The Prince of La Roche Sur-yon hauing passed the riuer of Somme, gaue within Artois, with a most cruel and furious a beginning, burning and ruining all the Countrye alongst as hee passed. The Constable hauing taken his waye towardes Mauber Fontaine, the 23. of Iune, fained as though hee would addresse himselfe to­wards Auanes; the common brute being that hee went to besiege it: but as soone as the Ensignes of France were discouered by those of the plaine Countrie, they abandoned Villages, boroughs, Castles, and other places, constrained for their surety to retire within the Ardennes, with the better parte of their moueables and Cat­tell, esteeming themselues (considering the places vnaccessible, thorough the diffi­cultie of being able to bring artillerye) exempt and out of all perilles, amidst the thickest of those woods, by reason whereof they were able the more easilye to ruyne the Village and Castle of Cimetz, the Castles of Trelon, Glaion, Com­mins, and other little fortes neere hand. Besides their retreate serued them to ve­ry small purpose for the Duke of Neuers being determined to tame and bring vn­der his obedience, this nation smallye frequented through the difficulty of the Ar­dennes, dislodging from Mesieres, encamped his armye at the entrance of the Ar­dennes, in a Valley rough and vnpleasant enough, at the end of which there is a little Village called Vieil-meseuil, a name very aptlye giuen, The army of the D. of Neuers and his exploites. for that it was rather composed of olde ruynes of manors, then of houses of habitation. And that night hee dispatched De Marets a Gentleman of Niuernois; one of the most anci­ent and experienced men at armes of his company, together with his Trumpetter to summon the Castle of Orcimond, distant sixe great leagues thence, to whom the go­uernour called Colas Lois, Lieutenant to Bayson a Gentleman of Liege, who a little [Page 138] before nothing mistrusting their comming, was departed thence, answered that hee would neuer yeelde except he saw the Cannon, not for that hee esteemed the Ca­stle tenable, but by reason of the height of the Rocke vpon which it was scituate, which was almost vnaccessible on two sides, notwithstanding they planted the artil­lery in a little plaine towards the wood for the batterie, the place appertained to Bar­lemont Generall of the Emperours finances. This answere being heard, the Prince determined to goe somewhat neerer to viewe them, and to lodge his armye one league from the Castle, The difficulty of the Ardennes. if the difficultie of the places had not stayed him halfe way, in some places so hard and stonye, that it was impossible for either men or horse to stand sure, and besides so straite, that they were enforced to march single by one and one, and in some so steepe and painefull, that their breath failed them in climing, and else where the descents were so steepe, that they were faine to creepe downe pace by pace, and to graspe and holde fast, except their head should firste tumble downe, to their assured death: so as the horses serued to very small vse for drawing of the artil­lerie, the force of mens armes being there much more needefull, for the better and more sure managing and conducting thereof: true it is that throughout there was so good order kept, as the enemies could hardly giue any impediment therevnto, for that all the waies were furnished with Harquebuziers euery ten pace, for the suretye of the whole trayne: this night being the 29. of Iune, the Prince encamped in ano­ther Valley called the Valley of Suranda, neere vnto a rocke, where was wont to be the forte of Linchant, The fort of Lin­chant ruined. Streame of Se­mois. at this day for the most parte ruined, vnder which and all a­longst this valley runneth a riuer, or rather a swifte streame called Semois, which run­neth towards Bouillon, and falleth into La Meuse, vnderneath Chasteau Regnaut, from this place hee sent Iamets with a Regiment of French Fanterie, and artillerye to batter the Castle of Orcimont, which as soone as it was saluted with two Cannon shot, they within being altogither dismaied, without concluding in any other sorte of yeelding, neuer set themselues to any defence, but the Cheefe secretly shut vp all the keyes, and by a secret posterne which opened into this valley between the rocks, saued himselfe with 12. of his most fauoured Souldiers, leauing the rest well astoni­shed and doubtfull of the euent, The Castle of Orcimont sum­moned, besieged battered, and yeelded vp by the flight of the Defendants. who notwithstanding shortlye after yeelded them­selues to the mercy of the Prince, whose prisonners they were: when the Captains of the rest of the fortes all along these wayes, had receiued aduertisement that for certaine the Prince had trained his artillerye, which before they would neuer haue beleeued, without further endeuouring how to annoy his passage, or to stoppe and hinder his wayes with great Logges and trees felde downe, as they are wont, cleane abandoning their fortes, munitions, and all places whether they were wonte to re­tyre themselues, they fledde of all handes, so as being arryued at Louettela grande, after their departure from the Valley of Suranda, they found a little forte called Vil­larcy, of earth and timber, all voide, the which 25. or thirtie Couriers which had been there within had quited, vnder the charge of the Captaine La Losse borne at Mesi­eres, which euer since his tender age had beene brought vp in the seruice of Lumes, and after his death continually followed the parties of his maister. Abandoning thus this forte, hee set fire of all the houses and surplus of the rest of the village, whereby the Vastadors ordained thereunto by the D. were eased of much paines, A Church likewise which the Ardennois had caused to bee fortified called Fort de Iadines, was found open and abandoned, which in like sorte was all razed, and beaten downe sauing a great square tower, whose coynes and fastnings in the building were [Page 139] broken and scattered about, by the Cannon shot, which the Prince in passing by cau­sed to be giuen. In somme al the villages, faire enough cōsidering the barrenes of the Countrie, were burned and destroyed. And for that the fort of Iadines was the most hurtfull of all the rest to the French, bordering vpon them, the gouernours of Mesi­eres oftentimes assaied to take it, but euer in vaine vntill this blow. About the last day of Iune, the Prince encamped at the village of Valsimont in the bottome of a vallie, Valsimont the 4 lodging of the D. of Neuers ar­mie. Streame of Vouye. where a swift streame runneth called Vouye, which commeth from the mountaines and falleth into Meuse neere at hand: thence he sent the Harrowlde of Angoulesme with his trumpet or to sommon the Castle of Beaurin, in the confines of Ardennes, & vpon the limits of the countrie of Liege, which likewise appertained to Barlemont, the Emperours fauorite. Reporte being made vnto him, how the souldiours had brought great booties out of the woods, with a number of women and young may­dens, knowing that in this furie of warre, they could hardly helpe and protect them selues, he made them all to be shut vp, with commandement vpon paine of life not to do them any force or violence: but to bring them all into a certaine lodging, wher hauing vsed great liberalitie towards the souldiers, he made them be safely kept vntill the next morrow that the Campe was departed. And then vpon the reporte of the Harrowlde of Angonlesme, how they of Beaurin ment not to yeeld except they saw the Cannon, they marched thitherwards. Hereupon such as were appointed to take the view were receiued by them with the bullets of many harquebuses a croc, The Castle of Beaurin summoned. and muskets, willing to shew that they were prouided as well of courrage as other neces­saries, so attending vntill fower Cannons were presented vnto them, readie to giue fire. But finding what danger they were in, and being aduertised that if they did not yeeld they should all passe at the swords point, and such as escaped by the hangmans hand, after hauing a while parlied and demaunded to escape life and goods saued, they were in the end reduced to this extreamitie, that they should yeeld themselues to the good mercie and pleasure of the Prince: who caused the chiefe of them to bee kept prisoners, and sent away the rest of the pettie companions, euery man a white sticke in his hand. Iohn Colichart borne at Bains in Heinault Captaine of this Castle, was led away prisonner with 40. of his best souldiers. Beaurin Castle yeelded. Among which was the Cap­taine of the forte of Iadines, named Le Grand Gerard and La Losse, of whome I spoke before Captaine of Vilargy, who was not put at all to any ransome, but sent backe shortly after to Mesieres, there to be punished as a traytor. The D. of Neuers lodged within the Castle a companie of foote of the olde ensignes, and 50. harquebusieres on horsebacke. At their departure from this siege, each man began to reioyce, that he should out of this grieuous and painefull desert, and enter into Liege a countrie so pleasant and delectable: taking their discent by the ports of Giuets the most renow­ned vpon, the ryuer of Meuse. But before I passe any further, I will not forget how as wel to render the Nauigation of this riuer which runneth all alongst the countries of Liege, and Brabant easie and open vnto them, Cap. Salsede commissioner gene­rall for victuals, conquered al the Castles along the riuer. as to enforce the rest of the small Castles and little forts, alongst, there was left there the Capitane Salsede, generall commissioner for all the victuals and munitions, with sixe companies of French fan­terie, and two Cannons. Who after that by force he had taken the Castle of Sumet, appertaining to the D. of Ascot, he cleane abandoned that of Hurge, which apper­tained to Barlemont.

As the Prince of La Roche Sur-yon burned all Artois and the borders about, without any resistance at all made to his little armie, so the Constable hauing caused the bruite to be giuen out that his determination was to besiege Auannes, so [Page 140] farre as that the light cauallerie had more then once skirmished before it as though they ment to view it, albeit it was well strengthened with a Garrison & other muni­tions, being notwithstanding aduertised how Mariembourge had but a bare ordina­rie Garrison, and that small, the most couertly that was possible, caused the Marshall S. Andre to depart with the Suisers, and some companies of French foote, assisted with two or three thousand horse, and the most part of the artillerie, who made so good speede, hauing all that night cleared the waies and Lanes, which the enemies had stopped, and hedged in. As the 23. of Iune, at ten of the clocke in the morning, he was come with all his troupes before Mariembourg. Whereat they within being altogether astonished, and much more the night after when they vnderstoode that the succours which they attended were driuen backe, and no possibilitie for them to enter, yet to shew themselues as men not dismaied, they played infinitly with the Cannon, which for all that would not serue the turne, any whit at all to staie these new come guests from beginning their approches and trenches. So as the next mor­row the Constable being ariued with the rest of the armie, and seeing the good be­ginning of this siege, to bring it to a better end, he caused the approches to bee con­tinued with such diligence, as the third day of the siege, hauing made fiue or sixe Voleys of artillerie onely to breake the defences, a parley was requested by the be­siedged. In somme many of their Articles being refused, they condescended in the end to yeelde vp the place to the K. liues and goods saued, all sauing armor, muni­tion and artillerie, and De Rinsart remained prisoner with the Captaines and princi­pals of the Cittie. Which being well stored with al munition of an inestimable price, was thus yeelded vp the 28. of Iune, 1554. Whereat the K. much reioysing, shortly after departed towards Laon, Mariembourg taken by the French. ther to find againe his armie the last day of the month. The which in signe of ioye at his ariuall was pitched in order of battell, and the whole artillerie discharged, yeelding a maruellous report and eccho betweene the woodes and the rockes of the Ardennes, giuing notice to the rest of the imperiall townes of the yeelding vp of this. Which in respect it was the rampart of the whole countrie was wel enough fortified. It had beene in former times a litle village where all assemblies for any great hunting still met, in which Q. Marie tooke singular plea­sure. But for that shee found the seate thereof very proper and delectable, shee fell a building there sparing nothing which was any waies requisite to the beautie or for­tification thereof, which shee would in farre better sorte haue perfited, had not the K. taken it who not onely was studious to finish what as yet was vnperfit, but better to fortifie and rampire it, then euer it was before: commaunding them of Mariem­bourg, to name it from thence forwardes Henriembourg.

Rocroy a small village between Maubert-fon­taine and Mari­embourg fortifi­ed for the safetie of the passage.Now to the end to make the way more easie, and the better to be of discouerie, as farre as the little towne of Maubert-fontaine which was the next, they caused a little village called Rocroy to bee fortified, within which they lodged the Capitane La Lande, with his ensigne of 300. men on foote, the Capitane Breuil of Bretaigne with three companies of French still remaining in Mariembourge. Shortly after Go­nor was sent thither from Disnan: hauing already beene gouernour of Metz, who receiued the King, order to remaine Leiutennant generall at Mariembourg, at the hands of the D. of Neuers. Who at his departure from Ardennes, a little after the taking of the Castle of Beaurin, had sent the Harrowlde of Angoulesme, with his trompetor, to summon the Castle, and towne of Disnan, and to know whether the inhabitants determined to continue in newtralitie such as was accorded in the coun­trie of Leige, or if they would hold out, for and in the name of whome, of the Em­perour [Page 141] or the Bishop of Liege. But in steade of yeelding an honest answere, or spea­king like a souldier, farre forgetting themselues, Their answere of Disnan to the D. Harro [...]lde and trumpeter. they answered them that if they had in their hands the K. and the D. of Neuers harts and liuers, they would soone make a frycasse of them for their breakfast, pelting there with so many Harquebuse shot at them, that they were compelled to returne with all speede and deliuer their report. The D. of Neuers being come downe with his armie, as farre as the ports of Giuets the first day of Iuly, found that the Castle of Agimont not yet yeelded, standing on this side the Meuse a quarter of a league from the other Giuets, albeit it had beene al­ready summoned. Notwithstanding the same day hee made a number of his light Cauallerie to passe the water, with certaine companies of foote, to enuiron the Castle, attending the K. army which marched from Mariembourg of purpose to ioyne with them. Now as the vantgarde of the K. armie ariued, the footemen made semblance as though they would scale it, and giue the assault, The K. armie. which in the end turned to good earnest, for the souldiers entred so farre and furiously in sporte that they within could no longer sustaine their assault. In such sort as they were compelled to acquite and a­bandon the defences, and to giue them entrance: so as being entred with furie, they put all to the sword, that offred to make any resistance, which was for al that no great number, nor men of any marke. And there was taken prisonner the Captaine of the Castle called Eurard de la Marche, owne sonne to the Earle of Rochefort, Father to him who then liued, Lord of the place, and the most part of the rest of the souldi­ers, were sent away the morrow after. The whole armie remained on this side at Gi­uets, encamped for the most part betweene the borough and the Castle, in a long & spacious plane: and notwithstanding that this great riuer made a seperation between the two armies, yet did not their kinsfolkes, friendes, neighbours, and companions faile continually to crosse ouer to visit and feast one another. The King himselfe be­ing moued with the good report which he had heard of the D. armie passed ouer in person to see it in battell on Wensday the sixt of that month, and found it in so good order, and equipage, that hee grew thereat much contented. Now there remained but a little forte called Casteau Thierry which appertained to the Baylife of Namur, or else all round about was subiected to the K. obedience. Therefore there was sent thither the same day a regiment of the French footemen, with artillerie, and some companies of horse: but those which kept it vnderstanding what entertainment they had had at Agimont, neuer tarrying their comming quitte the place in good time; So was the Castle found emptie, and abandonned, but furnished with most faire moue­ables as was possible, and great quantitie of all sorts of graine. These two armies so­iourned at the two Giuets six whole daies together, and the seuenth dislodged▪ the Kinges feete kept on the way on this side the Meuse, and the D. of Neuers for the difficultie of the waies, was faine to encampe that night in a vallie two leagues from Dinan, aboue which there was a Castle called Valuin, which was found emptie, and hee lodged in the base courte. The next morrow the two armies encamped aboute the Towne and Castle of Disnan and Bouines. The artillerie being planted vpon the height of an hollow thorough which the high way passed which went to the plane aboue, battered Bouines so furiously vntill three of the clocke at afternone, Bouines furious­ly battered and taken by assault. that a breach being made at a portail, and within a Tower, the assault was therewith all gi­uen, and carried away with small resistance, being onely defended by them of the Towne it selfe, with whome it fared full ill for their labour: For vpon the first furie there was made a sore slaughter, some thinking to saue themselues leaped into the water: and yet for all that they coulde not escape death, the most part of them being [Page 142] slaine with Harquebuze shot, whilst that they dipped to the bottome of the water like Duckes. The rest albeit that they had crossed the riuer, and so taken prisonners by the French, were afterwards hanged, and strangled: for hauing so rashly resisted and held out against the K. power. True it is that in the recompence of the faire warres which the Spaniards made vnto the French, at the taking of Teroenne, the K. par­doned and saued a number of their liues, Forts punished for holding a­gainst the K. power. which were retired into the great Tower which stoode aboue the Towne. Afterwards of his great & accustomed humanitie, he caused the women maidens, and young children to bee all saued, and gaue vnto them for their better safe conduct, a Harrowlde and a trumpetor. Now the verie same morning as the D. of Neuers hard by the Castle of Disnan, would needes him selfe with Iamets goe neere to take the view, Iamets horse next adioyning to his owne person was slaine with a Harquebuze a croc: himselfe being warned there by, how such cheefes of an armie ought not so venterously to expose themselues to such pe­rill: for that day notwithstanding the batterie was not begun, for that the artillerie came not time enough; but onely all the rest of the day, many Cannons playde, to be­gin to breake downe the defences, A chiefe of an ar­mie ought not to be to ventrous. and certaine Gabions, as well vpon the portaile, as at a little round Tower aboue the Towne, which greatly annoyed them: so as all that night was employed in making with al diligence the aproches and trenches, but not without great danger for the numerable shot, of artillerie & Harquebuses a croc which played from the Castle, without any murther for all that, or losse of any per­son other then miserable pyoners. The next morning this Castle was saluted with thertie great peeces of artillerie, fiftene on the D. side, and as many on the Kinges on the other side of the riuer which gaue all along the hollow, and euen within the ve­rie Castle: so as a wall of Bricke which was the highest was perced thorough by day, they battered likewise in flancke, a great round Tower, at the corner of a core of lod­ging which looked towardes the North. On the Dukes side was battered a great round Tower, seated at the end of the same lodging, cleauing to the bulwarke of the portall: and this thundering continued without ceasing day and night vntill Tues­day, about three of the clocke in the afternone, that these two Towers were raysed and battered downe, and a breach made at the ende aboue this lodging about tenne pace long, notwithstanding it was verie vneasie to clyme, for that the Cannon could not fasten vpon the foote of the wall, being amaine Rocke. Ioynte, that they must be faine to creepe a Pikes length, and the ascent was very slipperie, and vnsure vnder the souldiers feete, by reason of the earth and cement which continually fell vpon it. But for all this it was resolued at the instant to giue the assault. And the Admirall led such companies of French as were ordained thereto vnto the foote of the breach, praying and exhorting them with many faire, and gracious remonstrances, to remember the immortall renowne, which the French had achieued for feates of armes thorough out the whole world: and of their dutie where with they stoode bounde for the faith and assurance which the K. reposed in them, this speech being ended, some Capi­tanes followed with their valianttest souldiers, marched on, and with an assured gate aduanced forward to clime vp: the Capitane Maugeron being one of the first, so as they within esteeming him to be followed hard, and that the French would of them selues stoupe, and creepe in, set fire of a trayne which they had prepared, which bee­ing quenched if the souldiers pursuing their enterprise had but assaied to enter the e­nemies could neuer haue held out longer, the walls hauing beene alreadie so shaken & broken with the artillerie, that it was vnpossible for them anie longer to endure. But if some of the French performed their part well, there were other which bee ha­ued [Page 143] themselues so coldly, that they haue left a very bad opinion of them. The Capi­tane Saragose being ensigne colonel went to it verie brauelie and was sore hurt, so did the Capitanes Gourdes, La Mole and Le Forte, whose ensigne bearer called Le Basque was there slaine, and flong downe from top to the bottome, and his ensigne thrice taken vp, they still being cast downe which tooke it vp, so as at last it remained in the hands of a Gascon souldier named Fougasset. The Admirall Colonel of al the French fanterie, seeing his souldiers thus to waxe coole, excusing themselues by the narrow­nes, and euill accesse to the breach, to giue them hart began a little more seuerely to exhort them, shewing vnto them, that if in the K. presence they would make no bet­ter proofe of their hardines the good reputation which they had heretofore gotten, would turne them to a farre greater reproch, and a perpetuall infamie. The which he had no sooner finished, but the further to set them in a heate hee began first himselfe, and after him the more to encourage them, Monpesat (albeit he had no charge at all in their bands) seased vpon one of their ensignes, and brauely before them all carried it vp to the top, where he couered himselfe behinde certaine quarters and ruines of the wall which was fallen downe; calling them and making signe with the ensigne that they should follow him. It was impossible for all that, to make them take any further courage vnto them: whereby some Captaines before well esteemed of were very ill thought of euer after, of whome some were disgraded, cast from their charge, decla­red villanes and vnable to beare armes in the face of the whole armie, which witnes­sed their fault. As the night came on, so was the retreate sounded. That day they of the Towne of Disnan, yeelded themselues at the mercy of the K. into the handes of the D. of Neuers: who forgetting their foolish and rash wordes receiued them, and assured them of their liues, and that their Towne should not be burned: to that ende the Capitaines Duras, and Boisse, were sent with their companies of French fanterie: but albeit that these companies were lodged there for their assurance and safetie, yet could they not warrant them from the sacke: for the Almanes of the new leauie, ima­gining that these companies had bene gotten in only to haue the sacke among them, ranne thither vpon a huddle, and broke open the gates with hatches, crowes, and great beames: the rest which had not the patience to tarrie, crept vp, and scalled the walles, leaping in, in a number of places, where they made a maruellous peece of worke: and not content with this, vnderstanding how they had caused all the woe­men and young children to retire with certaine Cittizens into the great Church, they gathered together in troupes before it. And after that they had by violence beaten downe the gates, and porches of the temple: notwithstanding any resistance made to them by the French which were within, they rauished and trayned out the men, wo­men, maidens, and young children: so as for that cause was raysed a crueell medly betweene them and the French which would haue put them out. The which endu­red all that night and vntill the next morrow in the morning vntill the King sent ex­pressely to appease this mutinie. And afterwards it was proclaimed thoroughout the whole armie, that euery man vpon paine of death should deliuer vp the women of Disnan: which he caused to be nourished vntill their departure with his own pro­uision, albeit that the souldiers themselues were in great necessitie. After that the French were retired from the assault, the artillerie began on fresh to batter the Castle, to make the breach greater & more easie, continuing the batterie all that night: while that they sought other meanes to haue it by the fallings of the wall right against the breach making it more easie to clime. Notwithstanding the 13. of Iuly about seuen of the clocke in the morning, they offred to parlie, and being admitted thereunto, there [Page 144] came out first de Floyon gouernour of the Castle, and Hamon Captaine of the Al­manes, who were conducted to the D. of Neuers tent: to whome hauing proposed Articles, and it being resolutely denied vnto them to carrie thence any weapon, artil­lerie, or ensigne, they agreed that they should depart with sworde and dagger, and some other trifling baggage. But Iulian the Capitane of the Spanniards, to keepe a kind of authoritie which that nation maketh it selfe much to be marked for in feates of armes, insisted with great perswasions that hee and his people might depart with their weapons: the which for all that the Constable would by no meanes graunt. Now while that they were reasoning about this and sundry other things, Bourdillon, and de Rabaudanges were secretly sent to know, and conclude with the Spanniards whether they were willing to come foorth with like condition as the rest: to which they most willingly consented demaunding nothing but libertie. Wherefore the ca­pitulation being brought backe to the Constable, signed, and accorded, was shewed to Iulian, who after the Spanish fashion making great exclamation said that he one of the chiefe and principall of all did not consent nor approoue it: and required with great importunacie that he might be conueied backe againe to the Castle, which he vndertooke to keepe onely with his Spanish companies: the which of fauour was graunted vnto him, with protestation, that if he were taken by force, he should hope for nothing but to be the first hanged at the gate. Whereupon by leasure his choller was moderated: hauing occasion to thinke rather of the danger wherein he stoode, then to shut himselfe vp with his souldiers, which desired nothing but comming forth one after an other: the K. being still present, who tooke great pittie of them, the most part of them being so worne and tyred, as they looked like frighted bodies, and true Anatomies, thorough the paines and necessities which they had endured: the whole amounting to aboue 800. of all sortes, and there dyed one another about eight score, or two hundred. Tauannes his companie was appointed to conduct the rest in safetie the way of Namur, and this Capitane Iulian was kept prisoner, not on­ly for the aunswere which he had made, but for an other more especiall occasion. This Castle was reputed amongst one of the strongest and fairest houses of the B. of Liege, with B. Eurarde, of the house of La Marche, vncle to Iamets then liuing, had caused to bee reedified, vpon the olde ruines, but farre more excellent and strong then euer it was before: likewise sundrie other as Hue, Franchemont, Stoquehan, Bouillon, and Floranges. It is scituate vpon an huge Rocke, which may be about & of circumference neere fower hundred paces, issuing from the side of a mountaine of great scope, vpon the riuer of Meuse in forme ouall: vnaccessible two waies, on the Towne side and on the riuers: verie vneasie likewise on the side wher the breach was made, vpon the two fronts are two bulwarks, in halfe circles, or as they com­monly say in forme of horse-shooes, the one vieweth and defendeth al the plaine of the mountaine, seruing for a platforme, the other aboue the Towne and riuer is al­most in the same sorte, sauing that it was not so high, and the vpper parte made of Bricke, no whit at all rampired. Within the Castle is a square court of about fortie pace in Diamiter and widthe, inuironed with three great core of houses, of a maruai­lous faire building and workemanship: propped vp vnderneath with great colomes, the most part guilt, specled all with white and graye spots, of which was likewise all the foundations made, and the vpper part of Bricke. The vnder storie was all inui­roned with faire and long galeries and walkes: and aboue were many great romes proper and well fitted with Chambers and a Chappell taking light towards the Towne: without towardes the North stoode these two round Towers, which the [Page 145] Cannon ruined euen to the verie foundations: and below a courtaine or false braye flankered with Torions which was almost broken downe & battered. At the roote of this great Rocke all along the riuer stoode the towne, well builded & adorned with houses, scituated most properly for the bringing of al kind of marchandise, especially copper, brasse, and all sorte of russet colours: on the other side of the riuer about 200. pace off standeth the towne of Bouines which is not much lesse then Disnan, of the Countie of Namur, and it is found that in auncient time the two townes made warlike wars together. Disnan holding the party of La Marche which was for France, and Bouines of Burgondie. Disnan being a neuter town lost her neutrality, for at the apetite of their B. vncle to the Emperor to subiect themselues to one particular, who by violence (said some) did vsurp the Bishoppricke of Liege, frō the Abbot of Beau­lieu to whom his said vncle had resigned it. Whereupon the humanity and sweetnes of this Prince was much to be marked, who by no meanes would haue the towne of Disnan burned as Bouines was, but had regard vnto the subiection which the Castle so much commanding ouer, alwaies had the towne in: & therefore in the most faire and strongest part thereof, it was by his owne fault beaten downe and battered, for euer after to be an example, that neuter lands, & especially of the Church ought not to be partiall or cleaue to any one more then another.

Whilst that these two armies staied about Bouines & Disnā, the other of the Prince de La Rochesurion burning al the country of Artois was sundry daies skirmished with­all by a number of Flemmings which sided & followed him continually to interrupt his purpose: whereof the Prince being aduertised, & of their courses which they still kept betweene Arras and Bapaume, came so fitly vpon thē that hauing wrapt them in vpon the way, he charged thē in such sort that there lay aboue 200. & of their prin­cipall chefetaines ther were brought away prisoners, De Fama gouernor of the Cita­del of Cambray and his Leiutenant, Varluset Capitane of the light horse: so as if it had not bene for a good horse vpō which De Hausimont gouernor of Bapaume was moū ­ted, he was in as great danger to haue borne them company. Two Cornets of their cauallery were there defeated & taken which the Prince sent vnto the K. wherby he might be the more assured of the aduantage which he had ouer his enemies. The 15. day of the moneth many French marchants which by riuer had brought victuals to the campe, hauing sold thē, and going back againe to Mesieres with their botes laden with booties, & certaine souldiers, and the Capitanes Garragosse, Gourdes, and La Mole hurt in the former assaults, were reencountred by the Bourguignons not far frō Gi­uets, & constraining them to come abord, killed part and part, they carried away pri­soners, among whom were these three captaines, to whom they made very faire war, & gracious entertainmēt, sending thē away vpō their faith. English & Scotts takē at the ports of Giuets by the Bourguignons. At their departure thence vnderstanding how at Giuets were certain English & Scottish companies pertaining to the French, they suddenly went to surprise thē, and constrained them to retire into a house tenable enough, but brought away fowerscore and sixe of their horses.

The Emperor who as thē lay at Bruxelles neer enough, being aduertised of al this, and how the cōmon bruit of the camp went, that at their departure frō Disnan they mēt to besiege Namur, caused as many souldiers to be lodged ther as he estemed ne­cessary, knowing it otherwise but meanely fortefied for any artificial fortification, and that as a great number of men were needful for the assailing of so great townes, so as great & careful diligence for their defence to be requisite. Seing in like sort all the cō ­mons of the plaine countrie so moued & out of hart as all was abandoned he sent his nephew the D. of Sauoy for his Leiutenant general, with as many souldiers as he was [Page 149] recouer, readily to emparke himselfe in the towne side in a place called Giuelou, be­tweene the two riuers of Meuse, & Sambre, wher he got together and assembled his army with extreme diligence: hauing sent for succours out of al places. As sone as the Prince was fortefied in this place, he scattered his Cauallerie vpon the way where he thought the victuals would passe for the French, as wel to weaken thē and giue them occasiō to retire, as to learne & know their determination causing a bruit to be sowne, reported by spies and prisonners, that if they aduentured to march further, or to passe the riuer of Sambre to enter into Henault, he would present himselfe a hed to giue thē battel. The Emperours armie vnder the prince of Pie­mont. But the K. as not being so far entred into his enemies countrie to returne with­out passing further, hauing likewise left the way of Namur, staied to passe ouer the ri­uer of Sambre, & to burne the countrie of Henault, whereby he might make proofe of the imperiall forces: frō whence such being returned as went to view the places & way which the army must passe thorough, hauing sent backe Bourdillon with his com­panie to Mesieres to cause certain Bourgingnons to retire, which burned certaine vil­lages about, the K. raised his army from this place the 16. of Iuly to continue his de­termination: knowing notwithstanding the difficulty to recouer victuals, & how the enemie had gotten al within their strong townes, & broken down al mils, he thought good to aduertise the whole companies, to make prouision of as much victuals as was possible, euen so farre as to lade their horses with prouision: the D. of Neuers remai­ning vpon the Meuse side, as wel to make the surplus of prouisions to be distributed, as to tarrie the raysure of the Castle of Disnan, and of all the rest of the small fortes a­bout, whence he departed the 18. day of that month, and went to finde the King at Storne a small village, where the Lord of the place, as he was ready to goe to dinner, was surprised by the light horse. The next morning, at their dislodging, that was set on fire, and all the villages round about. Now as the armie lying betweene these two riuers there was no meanes honorably to retire, but by the issue of an happie combat, so already and resolute for the show, marched in battell straight to this riuer. Their couriers notwithstanding hauing giuen as farre as the brinkes of La Sambre, founde not so much as one sole man to make them resistance, and passed forwards freely so as the whole cauallerie followed after, then the [...]nterie and men at armes without the losse of any one vallet, were it not by some other accident. Likewise the imperials not finding themselues strong enough as then, contained themselues close within their fort, and insteede of going out to seeke them, they were shut in and fortefied with good trenches the best that was possible. Notwithstanding that night there were cer­taine troupes of their cauallerie discouered, which presently drew backe into the woodes, hauing perceiued a number of French companies, which were ready to accost them. So the poore popular people abused with the hope, which they imagi­ned of the imperiall armie, were surprised within their houses, with a mightie num­ber of cattell, & other moueables, not without great pittie: all the plaine countrie be­ing set on fire and extreamely ruined, especially one little Towne called Forces, within the countie of Assebais. This night they encamped on this side the riuer in a Copice, where the whole armie kept close and well vnited, perceiuing the imperi­als to be but one league and a halfe of. The twentie day of the moneth the French armie beganne to make her entrie so furiously within the countries of Hanault, that there was nothing but fire, cries, flightes, and all thinges pittifull to heare, but much more to see, without so much as one burrow daring to make resistance. All the people flying away from the reencounter of this horrible furie, which continu­ed vntill euentide, that they encamped in the village of Iumets, very famous for [Page 147] the two new forts which were there: frō one of which a number of imperials hauing bene aduanced thither to cut off the victuals from the army, had already giuē the slip at the bruit of the vauntcouriers. These Castles were in the strongest places ruined & raised. In this place the K. did an act worthie of a most Christian Prince: for hauing beene told him by a guidon of the D. of Neuers company how a poore woman his hostesse was deliuered of a faire sonne, himselfe would needs be godfather, carried it vnto the Font, & their caused the Cardinall of Lorraine to Baptise it by the name of Henrie, bestowing certaine presents of him: besides that he made it be writtē ouer the house dore, to the end it might not be destroied nor ruined with the rest. Thus is the house where the K. Christned the child. This night the comte Roquendolphe with his pistoliers, his regiment of Almanes, the D. of Bouillons companie, An act of a most christian K. & two small field peeces, vndertooke to goe surprise the little Towne of Niuelle, the first town of Bra­bant: notwithstanding finding it better furnished with men of war then he supposed he returned without doing ought else then burning the suburbs and villages abouts: frō whence he broght away great booties. At their dislodging thence the army drew straight to Bains one of the principal townes of Hennault, leauing for all the waies be­hinde it nothing but flames of fire, smoke and all kind of calamitie: whome the D. of Sauoy still followed with the imperiall army from lodging to lodging: giuen at their tayle as many alarums as he was able, to annoy and weaken thē, being of himself grie­ued enough to heare and see the plaints of the miserable common people so destroy­ed & ruined: to whom he could giue no other comfort, but say that they still fled be­fore him, & he followed stil after to be reuenged of thē. An occasiō that the same day they encamped about Bains wher they lightned far greater fires then the first, The imperial ar­mie followeth the French from place to place. for that there were spoyled & consumed to ashes the most faire Castles and gentlemens hou­ses, which were possible to be builded. Among the rest the most sumtuous house of Marimont was set on fire, curiously builded for the singular pleasure of Q. Mary, fur­nished with as many singularities as was possible to be imagined. An other excellent faire Castle, called Tragny was burned and the greatest part ruined, Marimont a hous of pleasure to Q. Mar [...]e burned. where were found sundry moueables and rich vestements as well of men as women. The 22. of Iuly the Towne of Bains being summoned, and no waies willing to yeeld, was most furiously presented with the Cannon, and in another manner of sorte then when D'­Alegre lost his life there. Which hauing endured out sixe volleyes of the Cannon, yeelded themselues to the Kinges mercie, who for all that commaunded it to bee de­stroyed and burned, not forgetting his Castle of Foulembray and other Townes of Picardie, which Q. Marie had before caused to be burned & entirely ruined, at such time as he was in Germanie. They did as much to a sumtuous Castle which she had newly caused to be built, replenished with all exquisite things as of sundrie varieties of Marble, Tables, plate pictures, and embost statues, colours of all sortes, whereof notwithstanding in smal space was made great wast & destruction. De Blosse who was gouernour thereof was brought away prisonner, with the chiefest of marke which were found both there and within the towne: the K. still vsing all meekenes towards the women, young maidens & litle children, which he made be conducted & put in safty, by a Harrowld, & a trumpetor. Afterwards the same morning de Giry Leiutenāt of the D. of Neuers company, was sent with 4. other companies of men at armes, to keepe scoute to those, which set fire on the Castle of Reux, which the late maister therof had caused to be reedified, and better masonned then euer it was, when it was first builded, beeing vowted from the bottome to the toppe: from thence they were at Bais sur Bais a village: afterwards at a litle towne of Bauets, very anucient first builded by the Troians, (as they of the country tell) which passed beyond the forest [Page 148] of Mormant, calling it after the name of their Prince Bauo. At this time smally inha­bited, but to ruine it the more fire was put in many places. The imperial armie stil fol­lowed thē very neere, being better strengthned as well by the succours of Almanes which the D. of Brunswich brought, of 2000. Reistres, which they cal in France Pis­toliers, as for that all the Emperors Garrisons, which hee had distributed among the towns which he had left behind were retired thither. The which caused the French to march in better order, & closer then before: as alwaies ready to fight, frō one place to another, for doubt of the enemy, being very vigilant, subtil & couragious, wher he could spie any aduantage to assaile thē: whereat the Constable well aduising, to sup­port the charges, & enterprises, which the enemie might giue vpō their skirts, ordina­rily remained there with the vauward, and dislodged euer last. Thus the alarums re­doubled at their departure thence, hauing as it were couped thēselues in betwene six great Towns of their enemies to wit Mons in Haynault, Auanes, Landrecy, Leques­noy, Valenciennes, & Cambray, and the imperiall armie which was at their heeles, & had assailed them as by a dispaire had not been the good conduct of their chefes the imperials hauing aduentred so far as in clere day to force their whatch, after they had surprised one of the sentinels of Tauannes his company: notwithstāding not daring to aduenture further, as sone as they were perceiued, they were driuen in as farre as Le­quesnoy. Now this night their light cauallery skirmished long, & with lucke enough, which was a cause to make thē forbeare, & take som rest the surplus of that night. Ha­uing then frō Villie encamped at Souleine, and frō thence at the burrowes & Castle of Gommigny which they burned, they marched forward the 24. of the month, whē as their enemies as it were desperate, in seing their country burned, destroied & sack­ed by thē, without any doubt of being followed, or feare of being famished, propo­sed to giue thē a charge, taking vantage of the raynie & misty weather: knowing like­wise that they had two reasonable bad riuers, to passe which were swelled that night where they hoped to delay thē and put thē in such dioder, as they would haue them at deuotion hauing all their own garrisons ioyned together. Therefore they deuided into two troupes about 4000. of the best horse they had, laying part of thē in ambush within the woods vpon the way, & part of them within certaine villages at hand ac­cording as they might most cōmodiously sustaine one another, the D. of Sauoy re­maining behind with other 4000 horse & some footmen, hauing belaid the field with 4. or 5. hūdred couriers to entise forth their light horse: wherby they being first disco­uered by the D. D' Aumale, The imperials enterprises vpon the French armie it was thought fit to send to the Marshall S. Andre, who remained at their taile with two regiments of men at armes to know if it were best to charge thē: who sent back word that he was not of that opiniō, fearing they had a gre­ter company. Wherefore Paul Baptista, & the capitane Lanque were sent to view them more neere: who made report each one of his side that they had descried two other troupes of 2000. horse a peece which anon after as soone as the wether grew clearer, discouered thēselues at ful, & so neere as they attacked skirmish with the light caual­lery of the French hard by the camp, without setting, or giuing in earnest vpon any of the other ranks of cauallery, and men at armes: which made thē hedlong enough, & in their view retired and passed this last riuer: afterwards they returned without car­rying the honour to haue had any aduantage at all ouer them. The regiment of the Duke of Neuers was sent another way, where certaine of their scoutes were defea­ted, which brought great quantitie of baggage, but parte thereof was againe res­kewed. Afterwardes they encamped that night in a village, which the yeere before had beene burned called Viellie. The same day a trumpetour which the Duke of Neuers had sent to the campe, called La Capelle, to vnderstand what was become of [Page 149] a man at armes of his company, returned almost al naked, & stript by some souldiers of the enemies, smally experiēced in feates of war. But at the instant he was sent backe againe in the same estate, with a trumpetor, who was charged by the K. to tel the D. of Sauoy, the Emperors Leiutenant general, that if hereafter they vsed any more the like fashions, & al the priueledges & liberties of war shold be thus abolished, he wold do the like at his next siege. Which being vnderstood by this gentle Prince, to shew how sore he was displeased therat, he caused diligent search to be made thoroughout his whole campe, for those as had cōmitted so base and lewd an act, to haue thē puni­shed in example: so as hauing recouered the trumpetors clothes & horse with recō ­pence for such other things as had beene taken frō him, he caused him to be safely cō ­ueied backe by one of his owne. Now for that some of the imperials had caused the bruite to run, how that the French did flie before thē, & that if they woulde but stay 24. howers, the Prince shold giue thē battel, they answered, that they saw no cause to be so brag, nor so lightly to vsurp such glory, occasion of cōbat hauing already beene often enough presented vnto them if they themselues had listed. Notwithstanding if the Prince had so great desire thereto as he made shew for, he assured them on the K. behalfe, that he would stay full 24. howers & no more, or if he would come find him out neer Cambray, he did assure him that would tarry for him 8. daies together, wher nothing should be refused him. But whilst they sought out the most cōmodious pla­ces to lodge their battellons & men at armes, the imperials in the end retired to their first lodgings neere to Bauets. An occasion that at their departure thence the French with one march got as far as Craeuecaeur neere Cambray, where the enemies had de­termined to fortefie and repaire the Castle, hauing already begun to make certaine trenches & conduits to tast the water, purposing there to lay their foundations which the same day being the 26. of Iuly, their pioners began to raise: where the first wound of the miserable Cambresius was renued, who had already set vp & builded some lit­tle cottages, only to keepe thēselues dry: imagining that a long time there would not so great misfortune befal them, hauing according to their habilitie againe sowed part of their fields, to haue wherwith all to nourish, and keepe themselues from famine: so as the richer sort, & glad to that they were with their best moueables retired within the strong townes, were not exempt out of al these losses & aduersities: for whē the tennant is poore & afflicted, the Lord fareth neuer a whit of ought the better. Now whilst that in the plain countrie they made wast of Corne alredy ripe, & ready to be reaped, many braue salies and skirmishes dayly fel out between them of Cambray & the French: the Citadel stil troubling & darkning the aire with shot of Cānon, which lighted only among the worst sort, without slaying of any person of renowne: which they did only by al meanes possible, seeking to hinder the losse & ruine of their fruits, being notwithstanding often enough repelled and driuen into their owne gates, so as these bickerings continued for the space of 8. daies, whilst that the French lay ther en­camped. The imperiall armie in the meane time was pitched and fortefied in a place called Arçon betweene Cambray, Le Quesnoy, & Valeciennes vpon the little riuer of Montet, which commeth towards the Castle of Cambresy, & a little lower falleth into Leascau, still continuing their courses to cut off the waies: which the Prince De La Roche Sur-yon well perceiuing came thither, incorporating his armie with the K. which hee succoured with great quantitie of victuals, whereof they stoode in great want and necessitie.

In this time was the marriage concluded betweene Philip of Austria, and Mary of England, though with much more honor to the English, then to the Spanniards: ha­uing [Page 150] taken from him by the contract of marriage, Marriage of Phi­lip of Austria & Mary Q. of Eng­land. many commodities which ordi­narily are proper and incident vnto a husband, yea so farre as to denie vnto him the curtesie of England which carrieth. That a Queene enheritrice to England, com­ming to be married to a Prince stranger, Courtesie of England. and afterwards dying, the husband shoulde enioy such goods as appertained vnto her during his life, though no heires at al were issued by marriage: wherein likewise may be very well noted the power of the estates and Parliament of England, ouer the disposition whether liuing or testamentarie of their Prince. This marriage notwithstanding, though very honorable to their nati­on, yet stucke sore in the minds of many Lords and other of the countrie as well for the displeasure which they tooke in that they were to be commaunded by a stranger, as for the change of Religion and pollicie, already as it were growne olde and setled in the harts of many: so as with a full resolution to hinder the same, and to set vp Iane of Suffolke as Queene, they rose in armes vnder Henrie of Suffolke, Thomas Wyat and sundrie other as well in Cornewale as the North countrie. Wyat vndertooke to bring his men straight to London chiefe Citie of the Realme, hoping to draw the Londo­ners vnto him vnder a pretext of the countries libertie, & hinderance of the alliance with a stranger. The Q. on the other side hauing leuied a great number of men cau­sed the Duke to flie to Warwicke, from whence seeking to escape into Fraunce, hee was apprehended and brought to London by the Earle of Huntington, who mar­ched against Wyat, gathering men out of the Dutchie of Norfolke, the Duke whereof being taken prisonner by Wyat, in no case would be perswaded to combat with this partie, but afterwards being released, hee reuealed vnto the Q. all the enterprise of Wyat and his partners: with whome stoode likewise suspected and kept as prisonner, Elizabeth daughter to Henry and Anne Boulen. Wyat notwithstanding being ariued at London was much astonied. But the Queene though with small force, hauing pub­likely to all men rendred the cause, which moued her to take the Spanniard to her husband, and how that the countrie should there by receiue much more good, then by her alone, or any other English Prince: besides; how she would loose nothing of her owne, nor any waies diminish the libertie of her subiectes, encouraged them so farre as Wyat cleane out of hope of entring the Cittie, and seeking to retire into Kent, being pursued was defeated by the Earle of Penbrooke: afterwards brought to Lon­don, Iane of Suffolke and her husband with sundry o­ther beheadded at London. within short space, both the D. of Suffolke and himselfe, had their heads cut off, being not long after followed by Iane of Suffolke and her husband, for not hauing refused, the vnfortunate Crowne which was offred vnto them. Thus began the mar­riage of Marie, with th' effusion of her subiectes bloud, as almost all the rest of her Raigne consumed in diuision: and full of murther and punishments of the most no­table personages of her Realme. These troubles being appeased the Prince of Spaine ariued about the end of Iuly in the Ile of Wight: from whence being honorably con­ducted by my L. Paget and other, entring afterwards further in to England, follow­ed by the D. of Alua, Earles of Padille, Rigomes, & Aiguemont, the Admiral of Cas­tile, and Marquis of Languillare, the mariage was solemnised the 23. of Iuly at Win­chester, wher Masse being finished, the Emperors deputies declared how in fauour of that marriage, his Maiestie did giue vnto his sonne the realme of Naples, Sicilie, and Ierusalem, the Dutchies of Milan, Burgondie, Brabant, the Earledomes of Aspur, Flanders, and Tiroll.

Henrie in this meane while, cōtinuing stil ready & vpon his guard caused in the great plain betwene Craeuecaeur and Cambray a generall muster to be made of al his men at armes and French Cauellerie, about the month of Iuly whilst that his footmen & [Page 151] cariadges had gained the aduantage, and passed the Riuer, for some companies of light horse being sent forth for watch and scoutes, returned word back how that they had discouered neere hand to a foure or fiue hundred horse, and a great number of foote, making shew as though the Emperours Campe marched, keeping their way as though they went directlye to Cambray, whereof they were no sooner aduertised, then likewise ready, with resolution rather to fight it out in the fielde, then to permit or giue them leaue to fortifie so neere vnto them, especially with the helpe and suc­cour of so great a Towne, whereby as much mischeefe might happen vnto them as did vnto the Protestants of Germanie before Ingolstat, whereupon the D. D' Aumale remounted suddenly on horseback with the light Cauallerie, the better to be assured of the truth, and found how the imperial army was indeed remoued with full deter­mination to come and encampe neer Cambray, but that the Emperor knowing how they were not departed thence, fearing to be enforced to fight to his great disaduan­tage, lodged in another place neere vnto the first, called Neuuille, which hee caused soddenly to be renforced with trenches on that side, which was not flancked to the riuer.

This night at sundry times were fent out some companies of French Cauallerye, and of the Admirals men at armes to keepe them in continuall alarmes within their forte, vntill the break of day next morning, that the Constable with the most parte of the men at armes of his vantguarde, and two Regimentes of French Fanterie went neere to view and see if there were any meanes to force them within their forte, or to entice and giue them occasion to come forth. But he found that very hard, for that this place was two waies enclosed with the riuer, and on the other sides wel fortified and trenched in, assuring himselfe by the discourse of naturall reason, and examples past, that for the smalnes of resolution which would be had therin, he could not car­ry away more honor and profite, then hee had done at other times, and in his yong yeeres at La Bicoque a simple Country house, of lesse strength then the place where the Marquesse of Gnast defeated all the fury of the French, Zuizers, and other parta­kers of the Flower de luce. True it is that in his returne hee espyed some olde Tow­ers where sundrye of the enemyes were lodged on this side their Campe, as well to keepe scoute, as to endamage the fouragers: whereupon it was concluded that the Cannon should be brought thither the same day to the battrie; by this meanes the rather to prouoke the Emperour to come forth to guarde and defende them. But the imperialls cleane acquited them retiring within their fort. Notwithstanding to giue all occasions which might bee, as also doubting the descent of the English in­to the countrie of Boulonnois, the marriage hauing beene alreadie solemnized be­tweene the K. of Spaine, and their Queene, Henry determined to make his armie vnto those partes. where accordyng as the commoditie presented it selfe, he might besiege on of his enemies holdes, to the end that if hee would put himselfe into the fielde and striue to rescue it, the Emperour might bee thereby constrained to fight. Hauing then soiourned certaine daies at Creueceur neare to Cambray, the second of August hee departed, and the same day went to encampe at Ondrecourt nere the Castelet, whereof the Emperour being aduertised, raised his armie from Neuuille, and taking his way towards Arras, pitched at Marteau, The day after the French were at Mornencourt, two leagues from Peronne, and the next morrow passed be­fore Bapalme saluted with infinite shot of Cannon. Notwithstanding the armie made no long aboade there through the discommodity which they founde in not being a­ble to recouer water: but onlie the light horse skirmished somtime before that place [Page 152] whilest that the whole army descended to encampe that night all along the little Ri­uer vnderneath Mirammont; whence they departed the next daye, keeping theyr way all along the borders of the Countie of Artois, where they sawe a wonderfull waste which the Prince of Roche Sur-yon his army had made sundrye faire Castles and Villages as yet smoaking, the Corne and fruites of the earth clean destroyed and abandoned, which are the miseries and calamities that the warres and dissentions be­tweene Princes bring to poore people. That night being the 5. of August, they en­camped Paz in Artois; where some cauallerie of the Garrison of Arras keeping a­longst the woods and couered cuntry, vndertook to free about vpon the hinder part, but being encountered with their English and Scottish Cauallery, were defeated, and the most parte of their Souldiers dismounted, and other brought away prisonners, whereby the losse of Giuettes was now recompenced. There they made great waste, and continued it as farre as the abbey of Cercamp, where the County of S. Poul be­ginneth; there they soiourned two dayes for many reasons, especiallye for that they had resolued to besiege the Castle of Renty. The K. army be­fore Rentry and his desseines. The D. of Vendosme departed thence with a good number of Cauallerie and foote, training some artillerie to goe before to summon it; also to knowe whether any bodye were lefte within Fauguemberg, which he purposed to raze, with all other small fortes adioyning; to the end like­wise that he might be able to bring greater store of artillerie, that which he had there being partly homecomed, partly cracked and dismounted, much powder and mu­nition hauing beene spent before the Townes and Castles which they had taken; the eight of August they trauersed all the Countye of S. Poul, leauing Dorlan and He­din on the left hand, and Terroanne on the right, to encampe the night following at Fruges; whence that night the Castle of Renty was againe summoned, and answere made by the Captaine, The Emperour before Renty & his disseines. that he would neuer yeelde it vp, assuring himself of the suc­cours which the Emperour would bring vnto him; who being informed of the K. comming thither, as well in respect that forte was very preiudiciall to the County of Boulonnois, as to assay if they would hazard to fight with him and driue him out of the Countrie, was departed from Arras, where hee had mustered all his forces, with which he approched as neere vnto the King as Terroanne on the Friday at night. But the French knowing his intent to be to keepe on the other side of the Riuerh, a place strong by reason of the length & bredth of the wods which stretched very far into the country, wherby succors might come vnto him as well of victuals as Soul­diers, and all other sorts of munitions, and being there fortified, his presence would easily succour and reskew the Castle with whatsoeuer should be needfull, yea of all sides readye to cutte of and annoye the besiegers, aduised for the more sure, that the Constable with the Vantgarde should passe into that part, and fortefie himselfe with trenches, to bemeete with and preuent all occasions of surprise; and to cut of the way to any succours which might be sent vnto the Castle, bridges and boates were made vpon the little Riuer, whereby the two Campes might the more easily succour one another. Afterwards all the light cauallerie being encamped at Fauquemberge, this castle remained so penned in, as there was not one man able to enter in without being discouered; notwithstanding the better to ascertaine the Emperour of this siege, they caused to be planted on the toppe of a mountain on Montereul side foure Culuerins, to begin to batter these defences, whilest they aduanced forward such great peeces as were taken and brought from the Townes aboue the Riuer of Som­me, which came thither somewhat late, and only the Satterday at night, but to make amends to this sloath, they made the approches with such speede, as all was seene in [Page 153] batterie by the next morrowe, notwithstanding any shower of Harquebuze shotte, which they were able to send out of the Castle, whence there was hurte the Cap­taine Vauquedemars, one of the most ancientest and experimented Captaines of the olde Ensignes, the which redoubled vnto the Emperour his doubt and feare of the place, seeing himselfe without all meanes or hope to be able so much as to cause one man to enter in: but in the end the greefe and shame which hee conceaued, to suffer his Country so to be destroyed, and before his eyes, and that this place should be taken and enforced, so mingled themselues together, that making himselfe an enemy to his feare, he resolued to trye fortune, and to doe his best whatsoeuer should ensue thereon to succour it. Thereupon the same day he came to encampe hard by the French, but for all that the artillery neuer ceased most furiouslye to batter the Ca­stle, and that in two places, to wit, on the Constables side and on the Kinges, the artil­lerie being aduanced, and planted on the very brinke of the ditch, which battered a bulwarke on the left hand, and a round tower within the dungeon on the right; they shot likewise from the mountaine a little below the Zuizers Campe, with foure cul­uerins to break the defences, and you may not doubt but in short time this castle was as violently battered and cannoned, as any other place, so as the Emperour de­termined as the best way to raise them as yet to approche neerer, and so lodged on the top, on the plaine of a mountaine, betweene a little Village called Marque and Fauquemberg, where there was but one little Valley of an hundred and fiftye pace large, and at the least as steepe, which deuided the two armies, and the valley on the other side, wher the riuer runneth which maketh a marish, and ouerfloweth al round about the Castle on the right hand. Besides a wood on the left betweene the Spani­ard and the French, aboue Fauquemberg, called the wood William, The Emperours and K. Henries desseines before Reinty. which the Em­peror thought good to sease vpon to hinder their giuing of the assaulte, and to com­pell them by shot of Cannon into their campe, to dislodge and quit the place. Now had the D. of Guise which commaunded in the battaile watched all that night, as al­so the Prince of Ferrara, the D. of Neuers, the Admirall, the Marshall de S. Andre, and other, assuring themselues that the enemye would not faile to spye out the wood to lodge in, and therefore was there set about 300. Harquebusiers in ambush, within certaine little caues, and some corselets which stoode plaine to be discouered, to the end the enemies first addressing themselues to fight with them, might be enclosed in, the easier to be defeated by the Harquebuziers: and so a little after at the point of day, the scouts reported how they had heard a great noise, and descried certain mat­ches of Harquebuziers, the which himselfe afterwardes perceiuing, forbad them to discouer themselues, but to tarrie vntill they might be sure, and vpon that went back into the corps de gnet, which was retyred in the plaine towardes the Campe. The Imperials still marched forward within the wood, according to the reporte of some couriers, which they still sent before, and perceiuing nothing, went so far in that they found themselues enclosed within this ambush, not as yet discouered: wherefore the French suddenly all at one instant discharged so hottely on them, that they remained in the end so astonied and beaten, as in seeing a number hurt, they began to flye and turne their backes, glad that the day was no further forwardes, and that the weather was mistye. Now from the beginning of the daye the batterye was continued more furious then before, so as in a shorte space the breaches in euery place grewe reasona­ble ready to giue the assaulte: whereof the Emperour being aduertised, hee was so angry, as the very same day being the 13. of August, about noone he made a volley of artillerie to be discharged, to giue them warning within that they should be of cou­rage, [Page 154] and that their succours were at hand. Afterwardes hauing concluded to giue battaile, (against the aduice of the principall of his councell) he caused all his campe to be set in order, but he resolued first to gaine the wood, knowing the importance thereof, and at all hazards to chafe away the French. Therefore hauing chosen out of all his companies of foote about three or foure thousand Harquebuziers of the best experienced, The Imperial ar­my to giue bat­taile to the French. some corselettes, and Pikemen to supporte them, and about foure thousand horse, with foure fielde peeces, carried vpon foure wheeles, ready to turne them vpon any hand, (whereby they were afterward called the Emperours Pistols) he caused them all to march right into the wood, the light Cauallerie vnder the con­duct of the Duke of Sauoy, and the Harquebuziers vnder Dom-Ferrant de Gonzague. All along the Glade of the wood in descending towardes Fauquemberg marched a battaile of Almanes, ledde by the Count Iohn of Naissau, and the Marshal of Cleues, on whose flancke marched a troupe of Reistres of about eighteene hundred or two thousand horse, vnder the conduct of the Count Vulfenfort, who promised the Em­perour to march that day vpon the bellye of all the Kinges men at armes; followed not farre of with a number of light cauallerie, of about one thousand or twelue hun­dred horse, with foure fielde peeces more. The Harquebuziers then being entred in­to the wood, encountred with the three hundred French, as fresh and with as good a will to recharge them as they had done at the first. And therevpon grew faire and hot skirmishes. Now albeit that the Imperials arriued there in farre greater number, yet they behaued themselues so valiantly that they kept them a long time back, so as ma­ny remained on eche side as well dead as hurt, and taken prisonners: among other of the French, the Captaine Fort, and his Lieutenant Courcelles. Hereupon the Duke of Guise, who from the beginning had vndertaken the defence of this wood, and by his presence animated and seemed to grace these martiall actions, hauing carefully con­sidered of the whole dessein of the Imperialles, aduised the King that by their coun­tenance and fury wherewith they went to the combate, hee verily thought that that day should not passe without a battaile. The King then which was in the plaine on this side the wood, about 5000. pace in length, and 2000. in breadth, caused his bat­tailes of foote to be put in order, to scituate them in a place commoudious and easie to combate with the men at armes, because that place was vnproper for them both together, The French ar­my represented before Renty to giue battaile. as by the aduice of the Constable and sundry other Princes and Captaynes, he had the day before perceaued. Notwithstāding for the better countenance and to make head to the enemy, there was lodged both the one and the other as commodi­ouslye as could be; the first battell of foote were French, the second Almanes, the third Zuizers, which followed one another with Regiments of men at armes ordai­ned for their flancke on their right hand. And for as much as on the lefte there was a little Valley, which as well from the quarter of the Zuizers towards Fauquemberg, as towards the wood, widening made a glade easie and commodious enough, as wel to lodge foote as horse, in the opening of that plaine they set the most parte of the rest of the Regimentes of men at armes for the other flancke. And right before to­wards Fauquemberg was the D. D'aumale with all the light Cauallerie, and certaine Harquebuziers on foote to fight, without keeping any order, to the end they might giue notice if the enemy should come that way. And in the mean space the Duke of Guise not being able readily to haue the K. answere vpon such occurrents, being like­wise no lesse curious to draw the enemie into the place most aduantagious for him­selfe, then fearefull of the losse of the three hundred Harquebuziers in the wood, in the end resolued to make them retire from place to place, through the trauerses of [Page 155] the wood, euer refreshing them with some companies of Cauallery, which notwith­standing so encreased the imperials courage, as assuring themselues of victorye, they caused their battailes of Alamanes to march with al diligence which alwaies flankred them on the rightside, as they sawe their harquebusiers haue aduauntage ouer the French. And euen then Dom-Ferrant sent word vnto the Emperour that he should hasten the rest of his army, for the Vantgarde of the French said he was already sore shakened, ready to set themselues in disorder: the which the Emperour did, and his army passed all along the Valley aboue, and at one of the corners of the wood him­selfe tarried, to be partaker of the pleasure or annoy of the good or bad which should fall out: it was then as the K. answere came to the D. of Guise, that if occasion of­fred it selfe to receaue battaile, he should not refuse it; that he would come himselfe thither in person with as good a will to fight, as the most valiant of his whole army. Then the Duke of Guise went back to his Regiment in the sight and face of all vp­pon the plaine towards Fauquēberg; where of a famous warrier, The D. of Guises speech to the gentlemen of his company. gratious notwith­standing and with a smiling countenance, hee vsed some words, as well to aduertise the Gentlemen, of the faire occasion which that day was offred to attaine honour, as to encourage those which might haue any neede; and shewed them all in generall, how the day was come wherein God presented vnto them (in doing seruice to their Princes and encreasing their honor and particular reputation) the matter and true subiect, to make themselues for euer to be redoubted and feared of all the nations of the worlde, whereof the K. assured himselfe so farre, as he would honour this glo­rious victory with his owne presence, which indeed encouraged them in such sorte, as hauing called vpon the name of God, and recōmended their soules into his hands, The K. answere to the Zuizers euery man prepared himselfe well and faithfully to perfourme his dutie. In the mean time the Constable passed ouer the riuer towards the Duke with a Regiment of the Captaine Glamay his footmen, who caused the first order a little to be altered; and re­tired the battaile of Zuizers towards Renty, who according to their ancient custome, sent vnto the King to demaund some men at armes to supporte them, but the K. an­swered them, how himselfe would liue and dye with them, and that he so farre assu­red himselfe of their promise and good will, that he determined no whit to abandon them, resolute to shew vnto them, how as well in life, as point of death, if it were of­fred he would honour them as his colleagues and faithfull freends both to himselfe and his kingdome: whereat they were so stirred vp, as there was no other intention among them, but to fight valiantlye for his seruice. Likewise as a testimonye of the pleasure which the King receiued therein, he did that which I will shew you in ano­ther place. As all this was thus a handling, the Imperials were in such sort already ad­vanced vpon the French, as they had recoyled them, and driuen thē out of the wood so farre, as their harquebuziers began to come forth, and shew themselues in front of the first battail of the French, ready to ioyne with them, pelting at them with a con­tinuall and maruellous noyse of Harquebuze shot all along the glade. The Imperi­al battaile supported with Pistoliers and cauallerie, was aproched with one hundred pace of the French, and there remained nothing but to charge, at such time as the D. of Guise gaue a signe to the D. of Nemours, to charge with his regiment of light Cauallerie vpon one of the corners of the Pistoliers, and vpon the other hee set the Guidon of his owne company, and Tauannes to scoure on their slancke, whereupon there began a most sore and furious combat; but the French were in the end valiant­ly put backe, and there was slaine the yong Baron of Curton, Randan sore hurte, and his Lieutenant D'Amanzay dead, the Cornet of Auannes sore hurt, and his horse [Page 156] slaine vnder him, Forges Guidon of the company of Tauannes slaine, the Vicecount D'Auchy Guidon of the Duke of Guises sore hurt, and sundry valiant men out of all the companies, The second combate in which the impe­rials were ouer­throwne. as the Sonne of Pied-pape, yong Iouy, Bourdilly, yong Branches, and ma­ny others; whose death, hurtes, and retreates gaue such hart to the Imperialles so well to hope, as they already encouraged one another, as hauing gained an entire victory: whereupon the Duke of Guise and Tauannes, hauing assembled their troupes toge­ther againe, the which the D. D' Aumalle with all the light Cauallerie went to ioyne, began with one fronte so furiously to charge vpon the Imperials, as they opened, and threw downe the Pistoliers of Vuluenfort so rudelye, as they themselues brake the battaile of their Almanes to retire, who might best, whilest that the Duke of Neuers who had his Regiment placed along the glade towards Ranty, passed betweene the battaile of the Almanes and the French, to charge in a heape vpon all the Spanish Harquebuzerie, which by fauour of their cauallerie was alreadye come out of the wood, which they perfourmed so couragiously, and with such violence, as they were all ouerthrowne and put to flight; yea in such disorder as they suddenly turned their back, to escape and get into the wood, where there were taken and razed seuenteene Ensignes of footmen, fiue Cornets of horse, and foure fielde peeces which they found cleane abandoned all along the glade. The Admirall then who was the first which alighted before the battaile of the French, caused a number of Souldiers to leaue their ranckes still to follow the victory, who entring within the wood at the be­ginning made a great slaughter of their enemies, ridding all such as they met of their miserable liues, by the cruell edge of their sworde. There were the Emperours Pi­stols found and brought vnto the King, whilest that the companies of men at armes pursued the victorie all along the glade and borders of the wood, especially the light Cauallerie and Tauannes his company, which descended downe into the bottome of the valley, where was likewise defeated a great number of those which were come downe out of the wood, hoping to gaine their Campe. The rest of the troupes tarri­ed vpon the top of the valley, vpon which they straightwaies made the Emperours artillerie to playe, which remained on the other borde his side, whereby his peo­ple might somewhat the more fauourablye retreate. But to answere him, the French was as soon leuelled against the corner of the wood, which made his quickly recoyle backe, the battailes of the footmen which were already come together vpon this top in the plaine, still attending what might further ensue. During this time the Emperor caused his Campe with all diligence to be razed, trenched and fortified: doubting of a more hotte pursute. But the night comming on, was an occasion to the French to passe the rest of the time in peace, and to content themselues with the happy issue of this reencounter. Now for that the companies of the men at armes of the D. of Guise, Neuers, Bourdillon, and Tauannes, were the first which fought, and most hot­ly pursued their enemies, the King was so highly contented therwith, as he Knighted the cheefe Captaines and principall members thereof. Among the rest Tauannes whome hee greatlye honoured, and gaue vnto him the order which he wore about his owne neck, Number of the dead French and Imperial. vsing towards the rest great liberalitie, especially towards those as pre­sented vnto him either Ensignes, Cornets, or artillerie, which they had taken or found abandoned. After the encounter the French Captaines viewed ouer their bandes, to know those which had beene slaine or hurt, where there were found of dead about two hundred or twelue score: but the Emperour lost there thrise as manye men: for the charge and onset of the French was at the first so furious, as without respect of any, nor tarrying about prisonners, all such as presented themselues before them, [Page 157] were hewen in peeces, so as the D. of Sauoy and Dom-Ferrant to saue thēselues were faine to runne into the thick of the wood, where they remained so long, as it was a great time before any newes could be heard of Dom-Ferrant, so as hee was esteemed either to be dead or taken prisonner. And there was also taken a Colonel of the Al­manes, which a Harquebusier found within the wood sore hurt, who being kept by the Baron of Fontenay, dyed a few daies after in his handes. A Spanish Captaine na­med de Castres, who saide hee had beene page to the Admirall, being abandoned for dead, was taken by an other Harquebusier, to whome they gaue so good entertaine­ment, as within few daies after his wounds being broght into good plight, for a small ransome he was sent away, and conueied vnto the Castle of Renty. There was like­wise taken prisonner, a gentleman of great vertue and knowledge of the Emperours chamber, named De Silly, who afterward was employed to mediate a peace betweene these two Princes.

After that the K. was retired with his battaile into his first stand, the Constable en­camped the same night within the wood, with al the Vantgard, in the very place of victorie, but with small rest notwithstanding; for that all the night the Imperials kept themselues in battaile, the two armies remaining in great doubt one of the other, for the French presumed how that the Emperour being a couragious & magnanimous Prince, would neuer endure such a losse, without doing of his best for reuenge: but he seeing himselfe weak, and so vnfauoured of fortune, knowing the puissance of the K. feared least he would turn all his forces to defeat him for altogether. So as hauing with all diligence possible, caused his Campe to be enclosed about round with great trenches, by peep of day we might see them in so great forwardnes, as they rested as impregnable. The same day notwithstanding to make an end of his part, the K. sent the Constable to view whether there could be any accesse or means to go search thē out within their owne fort, who gaue aduise of an impossibilitie, without danger of loosing thereby a great number of valiant men: so this day passed peaceably ouer on each side, still continuing for all that the battery against the castle, vntill night that the Emperour caused all his artillery to be discharged in signe of great ioy, and reioycing for the good newes which he had receaued of the defeate of Peter Strossy, and a great number of the French partie in Italy. I will tell you else where how the matter was: vpon this the fifteenth day of the moneth, the retreat of the army into France was re­solued of in full councell, as well for want of prouisions for horses, as to change the ayre, which was already infected and corrupted with the stinche of carrins and dead horses, whereof the plague is quickly engendred, and other diseases very contagious in an army; alleadging in like sorte that the K. would not lose so many braue men as followed him, before so little a place, and of no worth; but for all that the K. meant first to aduertise the Emperor therof, and sent him word that it was not for any doubt of him, and that if hee would assure him that he would meet him, he would tarry for him foure long houres on the way, as he did: for hauing caused the Cartes and bag­gage to be sent away, the armye wholy remained in battaile more then three howres in the same place, where the Monday before they had fought. But none presen­ting themselues, and knowing how that the Imperialles were close shutte vp in their Campe, hauing in their sight set fire on all the Villages about, they began with a softe march to retire, looking back sometimes to see if they were followed. And so late enough arriued at Montcaure, a league from Montereul, where they soiour­ned 5. daies together, stil to learn out & vnderstand the enterprises of th'emperor, the which as long as the French forces were still assembled, the King might more easi­lye [Page 158] preuent, and meete with them if they should put into the fielde. But hauing cer­taine intelligence how the armie was not as yet departed from their first lodging in the plaines of Marque, and that the Emperour expressely tarried to see the reparati­ons and amendements of Rente, the K. purposed in like sort to giue some rest and refreshing to his owne; Notwithstanding that before the fiue dayes were out, want of fourage and euill ayre of the marshes caused them to dislodge and come neerer to Montereul, where they soiourned fiue other dayes entire; the K. being lodged in the Charter house, and the Campe pitched all along the little riuer of Cauche, where the English and Scottish companies receiued an euill bobbe, in being scattered and lodged two leagues farther thē the Vantgarde, in a village called Marenlo, where the imperials hauing receaued aduertisement thereof, and being guided by one of the same village, were to surprise them at midnight, so as their lodgings being set on fire, some of the masters, seruants, and horses tyed were burned, some slaine, and some ca­ried away prisonners: wherupon the Emperour being retired to S. Omer, without hauing any meanes to be able to vndertake any matter of great importance or dam­mage to the French; as also that the Winter and euill weather threatned him, the K. departed thence with the D. of Guise, and certaine gentlemen of his house to goe to Compeugne, after he had well munitioned and fortefied the garisons of the townes of Ardres, and Bolongne, to make head & keep strong against his enemy, if he would besiege him: the Constable remaining cheefe of the ouerplus of the army, as well to keepe it vnited, as the better and more readily to be able to prouide for whatsoeuer the Emperour could vndertake: whose guiles the French haue alwaies feared, espe­cially vpon the end of a warre; wherupon they took occasion to charge now & then vpon his campe, as well thereby to know and learne some thing, as to keep scoute for the fouragers, who were faine to goe very far to recouer victuals and fourage for their horses, who hauing no more left to nourish them withall, they were enforced againe to dislodge and passe ouer the riuer on the other side, where the army was pitched & encamped in the villages of Brameu, Espimeu, Beaurin, & al alongst the riuer shoare. They taried there certain daies, The K. army dis­solued. fearing least the Emperour should besiege Montreul, Ardres, or Dourlan: notwithstanding being aduertised how his Souldiers for want of pay, victuals, and other commodities, dissolued themselues: the constable not to consume the rest of the victuals of the frontire (which were alreadye greatly dimini­shed and growne deare) sent home the rirebands to their houses, and dismissed the Zuizers well contented & satisfied, as wel with their pay, as with the order of knight­hood bestowed by the K. vpon Mandosse their Generall, and vpon the Captains The­odore Inderhalden Colonel of the Cantons, and Petroman Clery Colonel of the townes, and Aonis who was afterwardes the K. Embassadour to the Grizons, a few daies after being accompanied with the Marshal S. Andre, he came vnto the K. who gaue the cō ­duct of the rest of the army to the D. of Vendosme: wherupon the emperor who had alwaies delaied and dissembled his determination, seeing his forces diminished sud­denly, called backe certaine companies which before hee had caused to departe the campe, to drawe towards Hedin. The which the D. of Vendosme foreseeing, & that he meant to be reuenged in burning the flat country, as the French had done his, cau­sed his camp to dislodge, stil to accost him and hold him in such awe, as he shuld not scatter his army, so as hauing passed the riuer of Authie, hee encamped that night at Dampierre, vntill the next morrow about noone, when as hee was aduertised how the most part of the Imperial army and cauallery was come down to Auchy, a Castle appertaining to the Count of Aiguemont, and had fired the same, broken & defeated [Page 159] certaine companies of light cauallery, which the Duke doubting of their cōming to hinder the passage of the riuer had sent thither. The which caused him sodenlye to raise his Campe from Dampierre, and imagining by the course which his enemye tooke, that he meant to besiege Abbeuille or Dorlan, hee approched neerer to these two places, the which he furnished and fortefied with what euer was necessarye. Af­terwards on the morrow being the first of September, he passed the riuer of Somme, and pitched his Campe at Pondormy, a place very commodious both to keepe the Country and passage of the riuer: the same day the Imperials began to make waste, and to burne the flat Country which the French had abandoned, for two or three leagues compasse, encamping at Saint Requier, two leagues from the French, whom they thought should not dislodge thence without battaile offred, or some charges or other braueries perfourmed: an occasion that the next morning early the D. of Ven­dosme sent his light cauallerie with three hundred men at armes to supporte them, vnder the conduct of the Prince of Anguian, who approched as neere their Campe as he was able, and kept them so as they should not scatter to burne and destroye the villages, holding them in such awe and subiection, that they alwaies marched in troupes close together: at night the French ouerthrew at their taile certain waggons laden with victualles, which were nothing but apples, bonillons, and very naughtye bread: the which caused them to think that in so great want and necessitie of victu­als they would not long keepe themselues encamped: notwithstanding they mar­ched afterwards all along the riuer of Authie, and set fire on the Castles and Villages alongst as they passed. As at Dampierre, Daurye, Marchy, Marchye, Mainthenay, and diuers other places: an occasion that the Duke of Vendosme sent sixe score men at armes as well of his company as of the Marshall S. Andres, with 9. Ensignes of foote to lodge in the Towne of Montereul, which the Imperialles made countenance as though they meant to besiege: whereof being aduertised, and changing their pur­pose, they returned back to passe the Riuer of Authye, and descended into the Mar­shes belowe Hedin, betweene the riuer and an other which commeth out of the County of S. Poul, in a place called Mesnil, fit to be fortefied for the keeping and as­surance of the baliadge of Hedin, and county of S. Pol. Then on the twelfth of Sep­tember they began to reare and build vp a forte, hauing for the more speedy dispatch of the defence, leauied a great number of Pionners and labourers out of the Coun­tryes about, which they did without any let, for besides that they were within their landes, the French army was maruelously diminished and lessened euery day, both by reason of sicknesse among the Souldiers, as of the companies which were sent vn­to the townes, which were threatned with a siege at hand. This done, the D. of Ven­dosme knowing his Souldiers to be very wearye with the long trauaile of this voy­age, to refresh and solace them, brake vp his Campe; and sent certaine companies of men at armes of the most tired, to winter in their ancient Garrisons, and his light ca­uallerie in places neerest to the enemy, and to helpe and succour the poore people, to husband and sowe their fieldes The foote companies of French, English, and Scot­tish, were lodged in the Townes and Borroghes all alongst the the banke of the Ri­uer of Some. The Almanes of the County of Reingraue, and Baron of Frontenay, at S. Esprit de Reux; which they caused to be fortefied for a counterforte to Mesmil, and those of the Count Rocdolphe, and Reifberge, tooke their way towardes Pie­mont and Italy.

YOu haue already seene how the French and the Imperialles sought out one another with as great stomacke as euer: eche of them the more for­ward, thorough the presence of their Princes, which as then conducted the armies, when as Henry with great fury battered the castle of Ren­ty, and had carried it, had not the Emperour broght thither all his forces, the better to encou­rage them which were besieged, and allaye the fury of the French, by the skirmishes and hotte sallies which he caused to be vndertaken by the cheefest of his army; so as the Erench albeit they carried away the honour of the memorable re­encounter which I haue mencioned, (in which the Spanish Fanterie put to rout, the Almane Pistoliers of Count Vul-uensort, since called Reisters, were broken and put to flight by the French Cauallerie) were yet in the end constrained to quit the place, retyring themselues in march, as if they should haue presented battaile to the Impe­rials, from which the Emperour kept them thorough the fauour of his trenches. Af­terwards the two Princes hauing for the reasons which I alleadged elsewhere, bro­ken & dissolued their armies, wherof they placed a good part in the garrisons of their frontiers, the better to be able continually to vndertake an enterprise more secretly, & as opportunity serued, helde themselues a long time vpon their garde, without much discouering themselues, through the discommodities of the Autumne, and violence of the blustring Winter: employing themselues onely in some surprises and secret intelligences, whereof verye fewe succeded so well as the vndertakers desired. These two Princes in the meane space pricked forward, no lesse with enuye, then a recipro­call ambition, boyling with a worldlye desire of reuenge, by the remembrance of so great losses, old & new offences, made ready al kinde of preparatiues for a war at hād, and much more bloudye then the former; so as the brute being spread throughout France of the rodes which the Imperial garrisons stil made, the French therby soone tooke occasion to march vnder the Marshall of S. Andre, for to surprise, scale, at breake of daye, and cutte into peeces, whomsoeuer they should finde in armes, in the Castle of Cambresy. At what time the Spaniards had notwithstanding the fa­uour [Page 161] of a faire warre, to retire themselues whether it liked them best. Mariembourg. About the be­ginning of the same spring Bouillon as the K. lieutenant in the absence of the D. of Ne­uers Gouernour of Champaigne, was sent thither to rescue those of Mariembourg: afterwards to enterprise vpon the enemy as occasion should be offred, for the Impe­rialles meant no lesse to the place then to the Garrison, because that this Towne (ha­uing before beene a Village and pleasant seate of Mary widdowe to Lewis King of Hungarie, which she had caused to be most curiously builded and fortefied, whilest that she was gouernesse of the Countrye for the Emperour her Brother) was buil­ded and raised vp much stronger, and farre better prouided then before: yea the K. would needs bestowe his owne name thereof, as this Princesse before had done hers: which notwithstanding more happye in that, Pope Iuly 3. de­ceased. could not out of the memorye of the people bordering round about.

The three and twentith of March Pope Iulye the third of that name deceased, af­ter hauing taken great paines in the latter end of his yeares, to reconcyle these two great Lordes, whome himselfe before had set to debate: an occasion that the ninth day of Aprill the Cardinall Marcel Ceruin of Montpulcien in Tuscane, was chosen and proclaimed Pope, who by no meanes would change his name as the rest were wonte to doe. He was Bishop of Nicastre, Pope Marcel poysoned. and Cardinal of the tittle of Holye crosse in Hierusalem, who died poysoned for all that, as some affirme, the two and twen­tith day of his election, for that he was of too good a life. But in very truth as hee was before giuen to be sicke of the yellowe Iaunders, the disease grewe so sore vpon him in his olde yeares, as hee dyed the three and twentith day of his Papacye. True it is that a fewe dayes before his death he made himselfe be crowned with very small expences, and very modestly. Now as he was very wise, so men had a great hope that he would correct many thinges in the Romish Church, and especially that he would chase away all the dissolution and superfluitie thereof, from whence the brute of his poysoning did growe: for indeede hee abolished the superfluities of gardes, and other honours which the first Bishops of Rome knew not once what they meant. Pope Paul 4. Afterwards the three and twentith of May the Cardinals those in their conclaue, the Cardinall Iohn Pierre Caraffa, Deane of the Colledge called Theatin Neapolitain, Iesuistes. na­med Paul the fourth, esteemed to be a man very eloquent and learned. The first au­thor (being a Monke at Venise) of Iesuistes, of whome I will speake else where. For at diuers times, and throughout all the Prouinces of Christendome, yea as farre as the East and West Indies, they haue engrauen and thundred out the name of their profession, thorough the merite of their paines, incredible hazardes and cruelties, which they haue suffered among the Barbarians, for the name of Christ.

In this time Philip of Austria, by Mary King of England, as well to appease the mutinyes which were growne betweene the English malcontentes thorough the alliance with a Stranger, and other greeued with the change of the Protestant Religion for the Romane, as the better to entertaine traffique and other commo­dityes with the French, one parte of the great riches of that insularie kingdome, curious on the other side of the generall good and repose of Christendome, refu­sed not with Charles the Emperour his Father, and Henry the second, to hearken to a vniuersall peace, especially at the perswasions of the English Cardinall Poole, who hauing passed betweene the Emperous and the King of France, did marue­louslye sollicite them to a good accorde: whereunto the rather to induce them, he insisted both by woordes and wrighting. Among other meanes and perswa­sions, wherewith hee serued himselfe to bring them to this poynt, he vsed these.

[Page 162] ‘ Whilest that you make ciuill warre one vpon another, the Turke stretcheth out at large his dominion, Cardinal Pole his perswasions to a peace. and hath already taken two fortes by land and Sea, to wit Belgrade and Rhodes, by meanes whereof hee hath made his way as farre as Bude, and is growne maister of the Danu­be; that if God had not raised him vp the K. of Persia for an enemie, it is very likely that long since he had put all Christendome vnder his obedience. By this occasion many false Christians are so multiplyed in diuers places, with such corruption of all kinde of discipline, as well ecclesia­sticall as ciuill, as your power is not great enough to punish and correct them, which the mutinies growne in so many places well declare, the offices of religion left, the schismes and heresies which in the meane time engender and grow throughout all Countries; you ought to consider your own dutie, and aboue all that you be Princes of christian religion. And albeit that God hath permit­ted Satan; (the author of all mischeefe, who goeth about to sifte the Church like Corne) to moue warre among you who are the two most principall and noblest members of the Church, yet hath hee not permitted his malice to exceede prophane and ciuill actions: for hee hath counter garded you entirely in one religion, in one same faith and opinion, assembled and vnited in one selfe same body of the Church: otherwise it were not possible to finde meanes to set you at accorde. And al­beit that many other Princes are reuolted from the Church, and that the enemye of mankinde hath spread his malice throughout, God notwithstanding hath looked vpon you in pittie, and brought to nought the attemptes of the Deuill. In which as for a certain signe of his bounty and clemency towards you, he sheweth that finally he wil be serued by you, and vnite you with one fra­ternall bond, together with his Vicar on earth, to take away these so perillous discordes, and re­store againe peace, as well in the ciuill as ecclesiasticall estate.’

Pole alleadged many other thinges to this purpose, greatly threatning them with the wrath and vengeance of God, if they did not leaue of these their passions, and take compassion of the poore people so greatly afflicted. And albeit that he preuai­led nothing, yet for so much as the affaires of England came to his wish, hee insisted in such sorte, as hee caused the Emperour and the King of France to come to this poynte, to sende Embassadours on the one parte and the other. The Queene of England who carried her selfe neuter in this cause, caused a place to bee chosen neate and proper in the fielde, betweene Cales, Ardes, and Graueline, Townes vn­der the subiection of England, France, and Burgondie, scituate as in a tryangle, then hauing made cast a trenche round, she caused foure lodginges to be reared vp for the time onely, but commodious enough; where the three and twentith daye of May the Embassadours assembled. On the Emperours parte the Bishop of Arras, a­mong other for the French King were the Cardinall of Lorraine, and the Consta­ble; for England to mediate the Peace, was Pole, the Earle of Arundel, and Paget. The brute hereof being spread abroade, gaue men occasion to think and hope for much, especiallye those who vnderstoode not the deapth of the differences: for there was question made of the Duchies of Milan, Bourgondie, Sauoye, Pie­mont, The place ap­pointed to treat of the Peace. Corse, Nauarre, Lorraine, Luxēbourg, of the Townes of Thou, Verdun and Metz: matters hauing beene long and stiffelye debated, as among other diffi­culties, the English mediators were of opinion that the knowledge of certaine of the differents, were fitte to be reserued to the deciding of a Councell, they all departed thence without doing ought. The tenth of Iune Ferdinande and the estates of the Empire; besought the Emperour by their letters, that in treating of peace, he would haue especiall regarde to what the K. of France had taken away from the Empire. Now nothing being accorded betweene the Embassadours, the Emperour wrote backe fifteene dayes after to the estates in like substance.

See how God which hath the harts of Kings in his hands, making each partie to iudge the o­thers demaunds to vnreasonable, would not permit Christendome so soone to en­ioy a benefit so much desired. In sort that each one keeping himselfe vpon feare of a surprisal, easily made his neighbor thinke, how the cariadges of the Garrisons round about tended to more high enterprises. So as these two Princes tickled with the like feare, and quickly taking one anothers actions for a sufficient defiance of warre, as Henrie deuided his men where he saw it most needfull, the Emperour first put his ar­mie into the field of twentie thousand fighting men vnder Martin Roussan bastard of Cleues, who after many roades, burnings, and vncredible wasts all along the Meuse, encamped at Deux Giuets, minding to build a fort vpon that mountaine, at the foot whereof this riuer runneth, there by to bridle all the quarters round about, & make a sure retreate there for al such as were able to endomage the French. The D. of Ne­uers in the meane space hauing taken good order for Maizieres, and other places of importance, resolued by the K. commaundement to victuall well Mariemburg. And to that end hauing speedily and secretly made ready all preparations as well of men as victuals, munitions, and companies vnder the Comte of Retheloix, he sent three hundred harquebusiers as well French as English and Scots, mounted to dis­couer and bring backe word to the cheefe of the eight hundred light horse, which followed them, what they should discry: who with the leader of the vantgard of two hundred men at armes, and eight ensignes of fantassins which marched after, and a number of harquebusiers close to the winges of the wagons, prouided therto what­soeuer was needfull according to the generals commaundment, who led the battell of three hundred men at armes, and eight ensignes of fantassins, hauing on his backe the arrieregard of two hundred men at armes, then one hundred Archers to hasten them, and to aduertise the chefe of euery occurrence. In such sort as this order being thus followed, ioyned thereto the speedines of the march, and well disciplined obe­dience of the souldiers, was the cause that fiue hundred wagons as well of the K. mu­nition as voluntarie Marchants entred in without any disturbance, which either the enemie or badnes of the way could yeeld vnto them, fully perswading themselues throughout all the marche, which was eight long leagues, that they were able en­ough to make hed to the enemie, when, where, and with what troupes soeuer hee would aduance, though he were dubble as strong as the French. Afterwards the D. hauing placed there, and encouraged Du Fumel gouernour, & left fiftie men at armes, two hundred light horse, and nine olde companies of the best souldiers on foote, de­parted thence, and making his vantgard of the hindermost, kept on another way to visit Rocroy, where the Capitane La Lande was. So the Garrisons of Gampaigne, [Page 164] frontires of Haynaut, and countries about being well prouided, the imperiall armie was as soone dislodged thorough the infection and discommoditie of victuals which they there endured. So as Martin Roussan being dead and many other, the better sorte were sent to Giuets. Whether the D. of Neuers marched with his troupes: against whome the imperials skirmishing, and setting on them with many salies, maintained and doubled by their reciprocall succours, had soone enough recorded a memora­ble reencounter, considering the aduantage and euident fauour still turning on the French partie, had not Henrie expresly forbidden his Leiutenant to fight, but in great, and in the field without assailing them in their fort. So as being retired and dispersed into Garrisons, the rest of the time passed ouer mildly vntill the midst of August, whē the Emperour hauing sent the Prince of Orange with new forces to reassemble his troupes, set forth an armie vnder the generall of the house of Challons: the effectes whereof notwithstanding was but to keepe in the French, and rayse vp the forte A Couins neere Mariembourg, which was after called Philippe Ville. Besides the Ami­rall Gaspard of Coligny gouernour of Picardie, tooke such order within his frontires as he left nothing at randome. Anthoine of Vendosme, had surrendred that gouer­ment into the K. hands, at such time as being married to Ioane of Albert, soale heire to Henrie of Albert, he went to take possession of the kingdome of Nauarre, Dutchy of Albert, Earledome of Foix, Armignac, Bigorre, and Soueraintie of Bearn, after the decease of his Father in law. Since notwithstanding as some of the Garrisons of Picardie mingled with 15. hundred horse of the Rerebandes, whome they tearme the companies of the nobles, and fower hundred pioners had so happily ouerrunne the countrie round about vnder La Iaille their generall, as they all returned laden with a rich nauy inestimable bootie, Hausimont gouernour of Bapaume, finding them be­tweene a woode a village and a riuer, (the passages whereof he caused to bee broken downe and kept) without skouts, without order, without any feare of the enemie, and without hart, charged them so roundly with a few men, as in lesse then nought, he made them leaue together with their courage al their rich pickkerie, yea and their verie liues at his deuotion. The wood and the riuer notwithstanding saued a great number, La Iaille hurt, and more then a third part prisoners the rest died in the place. The which the imperials tooke so greatly to their aduantage, as they could not speak of any other more notable exploite, so farre as it grew to a scoffe among them, how they had taken the nobles of France without weighing thē. Albeit that these troupes were not indeede furnished for the most part but of Ronturiers, vnnoble euery kind of way, or of some seruants which the olde or sicke Lordes, widowes and orphelins had sent thither: the gentlemen hauing beene all retyred to the ordinances of the K. who ought in respect of his owne honour, and profit of his subiects to reforme such and like lewd abuses, as are committed in the companies of bands and rerebands. In summe the enemies encouraged with such a successe, tooke heart of grace to venter further vpō Picardie: for the defence wherof the D. of Guise retired into the town of his owne name, the Admirall into his gouerment, & the K. himselfe aduanced as far as Villiers Cottorets, the better to assure and dispose his forces where hee should see neede: yet they kept much at this stay, and within a little after the forces of the impe­rials dissolued without performing any great matter.

THe narration of matters passed hath made you able to know no lesse the desire thē the necessitie which the French had of a generall peace, vnder the bene­fite whereof they hoped to forget all, at the least, part of so many losses passed, and of the present mi­series, which caused them to feare much more mis­cheefe to ensue: you haue seene how stoute these Princes shewed themselues vpon their treaties, by the aduantagious conditions which their Embassa­dours had charge from them to repose. In the ende notwithstanding, yeelding vnto the aduise of their Councell, they thought good to renew againe the negotiation. Iointe the feare which the Imperials had of the comming of the Turks, Occasions which moued K. Philip & Marie of Eng­land to harken to a peace. and the desire of Marie Queene of England to haue her husband still about her, ho­ping there by to get an inheritor vnto her Crowne, to restore the Catholike Church into her Countrie, not to enter league with any one to warre against another, to ease her Realme of so great charges, & not to breede any occasions of new riots and mu­tinies amongst her people: Of all which points shee cleane lost the hope, if her hus­band should bee absent, employing in the managing and conduct of warre. Besides the peaceable nature of this Prince, which made great accounte of the good Coun­cell which his Father gaue him, to procure a reconciliation with all Princes rounde about him, were sufficient occasions to mooue him instantly to request the Cardi­nall Pole to renew againe the tearmes of peace: or at the least to conclude a good truce, for a release to so great mischiefes. Whereupon seeing the difficultie of articu­lating the conditions with such aduantages as each one desired, the truce was con­cluded for fiue yeares, the fift day of Februarie, 1556. ceasing al quarrels, and begin­ning againe to enter traficque, and Marchandise one with an other, as well by Sea, as land, euery man retaining what they had gotten and taken by right of warre, without being able to agree vpon their prisonners, (among whome the D. of Ascot a Flem­ming, and Francis de Montmorency, eldest sonne vnto the Constable were the princi­pall) with many other conditions, which were proclaimed at Paris the sixteene day of Februarie. And afterwards the Comte de Lallain was at Blois in April to confirme [Page 188] the same with the King, as also the Admirall De Chastillon was at Bruxelles with the Emperor and King Philip, to receiue there the oath of their part: wherein it was not forgotten to motion a marriage, betweene Don Carlo eldest sonne vnto Philip, and Prince of Spaine, with the Ladie Isabel eldest daughter vnto the King. But if Fraunce and the prouinces which cōfined on the Septentrional side, hoped for repose during the continuance of this truce, new occasions of more fresh mischiefes presented thē ­selues on the other side especially towards Italy.

You haue seene the election of the Cardinall Theatin to the Papacie: and for that the house of Caraffe, out of which hee was descended, and of Melphe, being of the most speciall marke within the Realme of Naples, haue alwaies remained deuoted vnto the Crowne of France, which euer honourably entertained them, the Colonois, Vrsins, and other families of Rome partakers of the Emperour, fearing to bee made stoope, and least the Pope would too much exalt the friends of the French, whome he might cal into Italy, (for that the Church of Rome pretendeth the Realme of Na­ples to be of her proper Domanie) and least, together with the graunts made vnto the Kings of France, confirmed by the Popes predecessors, and other matters which the King there demaunded, he should make a new ratification, with intent to bee a­ble to preuaile, helde themselues in the beginning vpon their gards, then as the feare­full man interpreteth, all newter things, simple and doubtfull to his disaduantage, they suspected in such wise the actions of the Pope and his confederates, as they well furnished with men, armour, and other munition such lodgings as they had within the Towne. Whereof the Pope being aduertised, & as soone animated against them, he leauied men: and by a generall muster tooke away armes from those whome hee thought had too much: he munitioned the places within Rome, and well furnished the Castle of Saint Angelo with all necessaries. Afterwards, as a man licenseth him­selfe accordingly, as leasure and libertie is giuen vnto him, he seased vpon the stron­gest places which were about Rome, into which he put Garrisons. And at the same instance caused to be imprisoned or assigned a brefe day, to the authors of their com­motion, among the rest the Cardinall S. Fleur, Camille Collone, Iulian Cesarin, and As­caigne de la Corne. All which stomacking, that they were so strangely handled, fled vn­to the Emperour and his sonne, vowing themselues vassals vnto them, where by they might find succour, causing them so much to mislike the forme, wherewith the Pope had proceeded, and to doubt in such sorte the desseins of the French partie in Italy, as they sent straight to the Dukes of Alua and Flourence, to assemble all their forces, and hauing ioyned them together with such new as they appointed vnto them, so to shut vp the Pope and his adherents, that no meanes shoulde bee left vnto them, but bare words, to expresse the repentance of such an attempt: which they performed in a very short space, hauing by the meanes and conduct of the Colonois among other, regained from the Pope manie fortresses, whereof they rendred some to these com­plainants. Afterwards building many forts about Rome, neere Ostia, vpon the banke and course of Tiber, they put the Pope in such a straight within the Castle of Sainte Angelo, Rome in such necessitie, and her supports so bare of meanes, as they were constrained to demaund succour of the King of Fraunce, as of the first sonne of the Church, sending vnto him by the Cardinall Caraffe, nephew vnto Pope Paul 4. his Legate, a Hat after the fashion of the auncient Romane Senators, and a Sword, signi­fying the defence of the Church, and Apostolike Sea. Who being come to Fontain­bleau about the end of Iune, deliuered the presents vnto the King whome hee sum­moned, and abiured to succour the head of the Christian Religion, according vnto [Page 189] the title of most Christian, which was giuen vnto him thourough the endeuour of his predecessors, who had many times restored the Popes into their seates, against tyrants, paganes, and other: especially as his late father in fresh memorie did touch­ing Pope Clement besieged within Rome, afterwards in the Castle of S. Angelo, by the troupes of Charles of Bourbon, and Prince of Or [...]nge, successiuely generals ouer the Imperiall armie. To whome hauing answered that he would take counsell vpon it, he put him notwithstanding in a good hope, assuring him that hee would faile no whit in the vertuous deportments of his auncestors, and would succour the holy Father with al his might, in any reasonable sort. Afterwards notwithstanding hauing giuen aduice to the Emperour and his sonne, endeuouring to meditate the whole ra­ther by perswasions, then to come to action, contrarie to the couenants, so solemnly sworne of each parte, for the repose of all the Christian Churches. According to which at a feast which the King made at Fontaine-bleau, he caused before supper all the Embassadours to retire into the Chappell, in the presence of whome he told the Emperours to this effect. That his master was not able to excuse himselfe, but that the warre which the Seigneur Marc Anthoine Colone made against the Pope, was maintained, and conducted at his expences and prouisions. Moreouer this Cardinal had beene not long before seene in Fraunce a man of war at the Kings seruice, and was so fauourably entertained, that he was soone laden with presents. Now for that there was no Bishoppricke voide at that time, Bertrande the Lord-keeper of the great Seale, being requested by the King lent vnto him his Bishoppricke of Cominges, which he bestowed vpon the Cardinall Caraffe: and afterwards Bertrande was made Cardinall of Sens. Charles Cardinall of Lorraine, Charles Cardi­nall of Lorraine and his vyage in into Italy, being returned a little before from Rome, (hauing beene sent thether to congratulate the election of the Pope, confirme the amitie of the French, and if it were possible to draw him in League against the Emperour, and who with great capitulations had made Hercules the second Duke of Ferrare, the Kinges Lieutenant generally in Italy) seemed to fauour the desseine of the Pope.

In such an occurrence the King wanted no aduise, & that very diuers: they which councelled him to breake the truce, laide before him the immortall honour which he should obtaine to defend, yea and to free out of such a seruitude the great Pontife the holy Father, and the vniuersall head of all the Christians in the world; which he was tyed the rather to doe, for that he seemed pricked forwardes thereunto, by a ge­nerall emulation of so many Kings his auncestors, who to retire him out of his ene­mies hands, and to carrie themselues as the true piller of the Christian building, haue attained and preserued as it were from hand to hand, that faire and so honourable ti­tle of Most Christian, and eldest sonne of the Catholique Church. They likewise set before him the incredible profit, which he should make in the conquest of that good­ly Realme of Naples, which being withdrawne from the Crowne of Fraunce, by the ingenious malice of the Castilians, and Aragonois, stoode so smally assured be­tweene their hands, that with the great authoritie which the Pope had thoroughout all Italy, and the particular meanes of his owne house within that Realme, together with the fauours of so many Princes, who desired nothing more, then to see againe the Flower de Luce better founded there then heretofore, there was no doubt but that the armie which he might send thether, would carrie it away euen at their first a­boorde, considering the discontentment which the Italians carried against the Span­niards, who mastred them with all kinde of Rigor: and considering the small forces which were there, and the retreate of the Emperour Charles the fift: who not to con­founde [Page 190] himselfe in the vanities of this world, had quitted all his goods, and estates thereby to liue priuate, Perswasions to periurie. and out of all managing of humaine affaires. And to remoue from him any opinion of dishonour, which they would imprint vnto him, that dis­waded him from breaking of his faith, giuen to the obseruing of this truce, they de­clared vnto him that the accident since happened vnto his holines, caused so much more all occasions to vanish, which might moue him to keepe his word, as the Pope is aboue all the persons of the world. And as the Sonne could not be thought to doe his dutie, if he did not rush vpon his kinsman or allie, what friendship soeuer were sworne betweene them, which went about to endamage his Father. So the malici­ous ambition of Charles, and Philip of Austria, who holde the Pope prisonner, to en­force him to doe their will, to the seruitude of all Italy, whence they determined to chase out the credit of the French, was sufficient cause enough for him, to declare himselfe protectour of the holy Sea against all violence. All good conuentions are lawful and to be kept, but the Pope Christes Vicar is aboue all, is alwaies & in al things excepted, as euery Soueraigne is in a reciprocall oth made among his subiectes: for they cannot preiudice the rights of their Prince, much lesse then Christians the right of the Pope, especially in a case of such importance. Iointe that Truces doe not for­bid war, but in Countries of obedience, not in other places where they haue nought to doe. Moreouer they do not hinder one from taking vpon him the defence of some friend or allie, by a much more strong reason then of him, to whome all Christi­ans are redewable for what soeuer they haue in this worlde, as to Gods Lieutennant on earth.

Anne de Montmorency, and his nephewes Odet and Gaspart of Coligny, called Chastillon with many others, represented vnto him for the contrarie, the eternall and generall dishonour in all countries, which he should get by breaking his faith, so solemly sworne for the repose of his subiects, & vniuersall good of all Christendome so miserably torne in peeces, thorough the continuance of so vilanous warresl: yea and that there was a time, in which ther was demaunded of Princes only their word for all assurances: by reason that they saw them so wise and vertuous, as they woulde not change their promises for all the aduantages of the worlde. But as the malice of men encreased, whereto the Princes by little and little participated, so subiectes and strangers haue required at Princes handes their faith, and oath, which all men, yea the very Turkes, and other of contrary Religion, hold inuiolable, sauing at this daye Christians, which first made shew of being willing to dispence with so Religious a bond, as an oath is: which cannot but turne to the great dishonour and generall ob­loquic of all Christendome: the which no longer acknowledging any assurance vail­able among men, will fall into such a confusion, that the strongest, and most malici­ous, will make subiect the good, right, honour and all vertue at his pleasure. By con­sequence then there is no apparance of honour to be gotten in succouring the Pope, who of himselfe, in respect of the dutie of his charge, ought to be ashamed to aske it, and to giue occasion to such periurie and disloyaltie. Yea if he were asked, how hee would truely iudge, or practise in his owne act if he were a King, he would make no difficultie to disswade so pernitious a deliberation: much lesse the hope of a conquest of a Realme ought to stur him vp thereunto, considering the impossibilitie of gay­ning it, or at the least keeping it, by men so farre off, so euill husbands, and bad pro­uiders against a nation so neere and wel aduised as the Spanniard: and especially that this hope is founded vpon the amitie of Italians, whome we haue found for the most part vnconstant, and variable in their duties, as so many examples passed may verye [Page 191] well make vs wise enough, to counsaile well therein our suruiuours. And it is so farre off, that the farre distance of the Emperour ought to encourage vs to doe euill, as the good aduices wherewith he hath instructed his sonne: the aduised and pro­uident personages, which he hath lefte vnto him for counsell: the alliaunce of the English which will furnish him both with men and money: together with the reso­lution which he hath not to degenerate in ought from the vertues of his father, nay rather to encrease them higher, if occasion did present it selfe, ought to make vs the more to feare the vndertaking thereof, and to assure vs that we shall find ynough, nay more forces and meanes to stay vs euen in the best of the enterprise, then if the father himselfe had taken the conducte thereof. All this notwithstanding, and many other reasons which were alleadged, coulde not hinder the breach of the truce and the ex­pedition which was made into Italie, chiefely in the ende by the diligence of the Conestable. For albeit that he helde a hard string to the contrarie, yet hee slacked for two occasions. First, that he perceyued, through the absence of these vndertakers, he mought haue faire and easie meanes to make great and assure his house: so as hee was not in the ende ouer sorrie, to see them of the house of Guise, bearing armes to quitte the Courte, and goe the voyage, whereof hee hoped for no happie euente. Iointe, that he sought to marrie his eldest sonne, (whom 50000. crownes had a few dayes before redeemed out of prison) with the widdow of the D. of Castre, Marriage of Mareschall Montmorency eldest sonne to the Conestable. the kings aduowed daughter. Whereupon the marriage being accorded, euen as it stood vp­on the poynte to be accomplished, his sonne let him to vnderstande in October, by Odet and Gaspart of Coligny his cousin germanes, howe he had made a promise vnto the Ladie of Pienes, & that he coulde haue no other. Whereat the father grieuous­ly displeased, endeuoured notwithstanding by all meanes to accomplishe this marri­age. So as hauing caused Pienes to be put in sure guarde within the house of Filles Dieu, he considered with himselfe, that herein he shoulde stande in neede of the Popes assistance, vpon that he sent his sonne to Rome, The Pope the last succour to flie vnto for breach of truce and oathes. where he found Pierre Sirossy mareschall of Fraunce, and they beganne together so well to besturre themselues for the Pope, as they recouered agayne the porte of Ostye, and other places occupied by the Spaniardes about Rome, which serued him but as a prison. And yet all the meanes which mought be, was wrought with the Pope, that he should not dispense with him to marrie any other then Pienes: fearing least that being once obtained the Conestable would breake the desseins of the warre. Whereof he being aduertised, and seeing howe the Pope vsed him but with delayes, & dissimulations, he besought him to contente himselfe with the seruice which he had done vnto him: So as ha­uing taken his leaue, he retourned to Paris, a few dayes before Easter, 1557. declaring vnto his Father, that that which he let him to vnderstande of the promisse which he had made vnto Pienes, was only to induce him vnto the marriage, but that in trueth there was no other matter, in such sorte as presently after the marriage was accom­plished with the Lady of Castres. The denyall thereof notwithstanding proceeding from the promisse, which he mainteined he made vnto Pienes, was the cause of an Edicte which was then published, for the reciprocall duetie of parents and children, vpon the occurrance of their marriage.

Hereupon the Cardinall carryed tydinges of the whole vnto his Holynesse, whi­lest that the King sent the Popes griefes vnto the Emperour, and his sonne as it were to be the meanes to render him content. Ioint that he woulde not so soone attempt any thing against them, for the opinion which hee conceyued, that they were not consenting, and lesse the authours of such nouelties. Some assuredly gaue out, that Philippe answering more eagerly then his Father, sayd that for his parte he desired the continuance of the Truce, The King of Spaines answere to such griefes as the K. alleadged on the Popes be­halfe. and rather a peace if it were possible to bring it to perfecti­on. But howe he had alwayes founde the Pope, and his affinitie so great an enemie vnto his house, that whosoeuer woulde declare himselfe his friende vndertaking his defence, he woulde holde him for an enemie, & ouerrunne him with all his forces. This notwithstanding, the King stirred not of a long time any whitte in the Popes fauour, were it that his meanes were not yet in his hande, were it that he perswaded himselfe verie well of K. Philips good inclination to the continuance of the Truce, by the report of Renard his ambāssadour, who assured him that his Maisters intention was cleane contrarie to the aunswere abouesaide, o [...] else that he hoped that the truce woulde not leaue to be kept inuiolable in this case, nowe that the Imperialles armed themselues in Italie for the restitution of the Colonois: yea so farre as by playntes, and requests redoubled, they knew that they were entrenthed at Rome gates, where the Pope was straightly enclosed within the castle of S. Angelo. And further how Octauian Farneze solicited by the Imperialles, and gayned by the Cardinals Farneze his brother, & S. Fleur his cousin, was reuoulted from the King to them, who a little before causing his father to be slayne, woulde disinherite him, which made him to listen eare vnto them, who assured him that they meant to raunge the Pope to the will of the Emperour, and chase the French out of Italie. So as the King resolued to breake the truce, determined to sende an armie vnder Francois de Lorraine Duke of Guise, composed of 6000. Switzers vnder the Colonel Frel [...], and 4000. French vn­der the Duke of Nemours, with 500. men at armes, and 500. light horse, who ha­uing late enough made readie his preparatiues, was enforced diligently to hasten to passe ouer the mountaines of Sauoy, and the Alpes in the great frostes and infinite tra­uayles which Winter brought with it. Such was one of the principallest occasions of this warre. I leaue the pretence of the Realme of Naples, to those who fansie it vnto themselues against those of Guise, without any great apparance. Iointe likewise the particular reason, which some alleadge, to shewe howe these Truces made, and en­tertayned in dissimulation, were but to couer the progresse, and effectes of such in­telligences as these Princes had one vpon another. I will recite vnto you the meanes by which the Imperialles as the Frenche reporte, gaue iust occasion vnto them to breake the Truce, and despayre of a peace.

[Page 193]Without agrauating say they, Particular causes of the breache of Truce by the Imperialles. the rigorous entertainement made vnto our priso­ners of warre, more cruell then could be among the Moores & Infidels: Yea leauing apart how the D. of Bouillon was villanously, and trayterously poysoned, and after­wardes solde being dead, it is most notorious, that a fewe dayes after the conclusion of the Truce, euery man on this side, liuing with a hope of peace at hand, it was veri­fied by the reporte of the conspiratours, how many enterprises had bene attempted vpon the principall Townes of this Realme, as of the souldiers of Metz resolued to yeilde the Towne, at the pursuite of the Compte de Meigue, Gouernour of Luxem­bourg, and with the priuitie of the Prince of Piemont. The intelligence vpon Bour­deaux in Guienne at the conduct of Barlemont, Generall of Finances to the Empe­rour, a little before Easter, and a moneth after the Truce accorded. Few dayes after there was taken an ingener, and maker of fortifications, named Iaques de Flectias, who confessed that he was sente by the Prince of Piemont, to viewe, and draw the plattes of the principall Townes vpon the Frontire, with money imprest, as Montreul, Saint esprit de Rue, Dourlan, S. Quentin, and Mezietes. Besides a prouenciall souldier sub­borned with great presents to poyson the Welle at Mariembourg, and consequently the whole Garrison, therby to make the surprisall of the towne the more easie. Thus did the Emperor first infringe the Truce contrarie to the publique oath. Albeit that all contractes and accordes especially among Princes (who are themselues to be ex­ample of the greatest conformation to the Lawes which they make) ought not only to be without deceit and malice, but exempt of all suspition, considering that therein, besides the duetie of conscience, and of an honest man, their particular acte alone is not comprised, but the whole good, and vniuersall repose consisteth. They adde thereto the great preparations of men, and money, which Philip secretly made of all partes, namely at the solliciting of the King of Boheme, and Princes of Germanie, to vndertake a warre against the King, for the recouering of free Townes, without ca [...]sering his Captaines & men of warre. So as soone enough the Garrisons of Mes­neil, beganne to ouerrunne the platte Countrie, about Abbeuille, S. Esprit de Rue, Auannes, Cymetz, Roc-Roy, & Ambenton, vnder colour that famine enforced thē therunto. Henry thē hauing seene how K· Philip stil proceeded on against the Pope, and helde Rome beseiged, sent worde to Pierre Strozzy (to whome he had giuen the office of Mareschall of Fraunce, in the roome of the late Mareschall de Sedan) that he should put himselfe within Rome, & abide the brunte of the Spaniards, vntil that the succours should be ariued out of Fraunce. In this meane space, Don Iean de Lune, Iean de Lune a Fugitiue into Fraunce. mal­content with King Philip, retired from his seruice into Fraunce, towards King Henry, who courteously receyued him, and gaue him an honest pension to mainteine him, in such sorte as it was not possible for King Philips ministers to induce him to retire a­gayne into Spayne, what fayre promises soeuer they made vnto him. Some say that the Gouernour of the Castle of Milan fledde, being suspected that hee woulde haue deliuered it vp to the King. The which other auowing to be false, say that the matter was about a quarrell betweene him and Ferdinand de Gonzague being disappointed of the gouernement of Milan, by the meanes of Don Iean de Lune, and the Chaunce­lour of Milan. For Gonzague being afterwardes returned into fauour, and purged of the crimes layde vnto him, pursued in such sorte Don Iean de Lune, as he being angrie at the small respecte, which was carryed to the great seruices which hee said hee had done the Emperour, lefte Milan, and came into Fraunce, without euer making any practise against the catholike K. The Emperors partisans in the meane time, the bet­ter to settle his affayres in Italie, & seeing how greatly Octauian Duke of Parma, and [Page 203] his territories (the defence whereof had coste the Frenche so much) mought ad­uauntage him, especially in such an occurrence, employed the Cardinall of Trent, to gayne him vnto the Emperour, quitting King Henry, who had done him so great good, and for his sake had made warre against the Pope and Emperour, to the ende that the Duchies of Parma and Plaisance might bee restored and assured vnto him. In summe the Cardinall Madruch, Bishoppe and Lorde of Trente, was he, Plaisance ren­dred to Octauian D. of Parm [...] who according vnto the Accorde betweene the Catholique King and Octa­uian, restored him into the possession of Plaisance, where hee made his entrie verie sumptuously, and declared himselfe against the Pope and all his allies. The Duke of Alua in the meane space, ouerranne and spoyled the terretorie of Rome, and be­sieged the citie of Anagne, which the Popes souldiers abandoned, hauing burned all the powder and munition. The which astonied in such sorte the Cardinalles at Rome, as they gotte the Pope to sende to the Spanish Generall to parley of Peace, but all in vayne, for as much as the Popes deputies were not at the breake of day ap­poynted for the Pourparley. Which made the Duke so angrie against the Pope, as hee rushte vpon Pilastrine and Segue, which yeelded: whilest that the Cardi­nall Caraffe fortified Bellitre, attending certaine troupes out of Germanie, which he caused to come, in hope of which and of the frenche Succoures, he would by no meanes suffer any parley of Peace, saying that it was not beseeming for the Pope to seeke him, Point of Honour in a Cardinall. who was but a minister of a vassall Prince, & feodarie to the holye Sea.

Alreadie did the forces of Tuscane ouerspread the countrey of Rome, where the Mareschal Strozzie was. In such sorte as Monluc was to viewe Tiuoly, to see if it were tenable conducting seuen hundred Gascoignes to defende it, in case there were any meanes to fortifie it. But seeing the place too feeble to endure a siege, and lesse proper in any shorte time to be fortified, he lefte it, giuing leaue to the Citizens to prouide for themselues, and to yeelde it with the best aduantage they coulde possi­blie make for themselues, as they did.

After, Monluc being returned to Rome, and F. Vrsin to Vico-Valerio, the Ti­uoliens yeelded them selues vnto the Duke of Alua: which were followed by them of Vico-Valerio, in despight of F. Vrsin, who woulde haue defended the place for the Pope, seeing howe necessarie it was to hinder any victualles comming to the Spanishe campe from Naples side.

Beholde howe the Duke of Alua was able to holde Rome in subiection, hauing the places rounde about at his deuotion.

The Duke of Al­ua besea [...]e h [...] Rome, with the Pope and cardi­nals so harde as he thought to fami [...]l [...]e them.Afterwardes he made a nomber of fortes on the side of Ostia, to holde the Ro­manes yet in greater necessitie, and cutte off their victualles from all partes, to the ende to famishe them. Attending the succours out of Fraunce notwithstanding, Alexander Colomne, which followed the Popes partie, was of opinion that Rome be­ing deuided into diuers quarters, there shoulde be in euery one a seuerall Captaine put, The meanes which the French and Ita­lians helde to a li [...]e Rome and the Pope against the enemies at­tempts atten­ding succours out of Fraunce. with his troupes to defende it. Therefore Alexander was made Colonell of all the Romanes, which mought amount to 7. or 8. thousand, whom he dispersed into places as he sawe neede, entermingling among them some Enseignes of souldiers, as well Italians as Gascoignes. So as Lansac had in guard the gate called De Populo, ha­uing 1000. Gascoignes vnder his charge. The D. of Palliane, nephewe to the Pope, had the keeping of the gate S. Agnes, hauing 800. Almanes in his company. Iourdan Vrsin come out of Corse, cōmanded 6. Italian companies at the gate of S. Lawrence, the Cardinall Caraffe at S. Sebastian, hauing 500. Italians, and the rest of the Gascons were vnder Monluc his charge at the gate S. Paul. Aurelie Fregose kept betweene the [Page 195] Tiber, with 1500. souldiars, Camille Vrsin commaunded the quarter of S. Peter, with 2000. footemen. So as these troupes pefourming well their duetie, the Spanish Ge­nerall durst not hazzard himselfe to make any attempt to the towne, onely hee kept himselfe slyelie watching his commodities, aboue all to cutte off victuals, whose tem­porising notwithstanding was an occasion, that the Cardinall Caraffe went into the fielde, ouerranne & wasted the Neapolitane countrie, whilest that the D. of Alua, was busied about the Isle & Citie of Ostia, Ostia taken by the D. of Alua. whereof he made himselfe Maister to the great disaduantage of the Romanes. This place being seated vpon the mouth of the riuer Tiber, where shee falleth into the Tyrrhene Sea, which vpon this occasion ser­ueth as a chiefe Magasin for the bringing of victuals to Rome. Notwithstanding hee tooke not the Towre and Forte of the Cittie at that blowe. In the meane time the Pope hastened forwardes the Kinges succours, and sollicited him harde, not to suffer the Duke of Alua thus to spoyle the holy Sea: as he likewise did vnto the Venetians, hoping to drawe some succour from them, The Venetians succour not the Pope. but that Seigneurie comforting him with woordes, condoled his grieuous mishappes, without vsing any other duetie, or office of amitie, sauing that they tooke paynes to seeke to appease the differents, and mediate a peace betweene him and the Spanyardes. While these thinges were a doing, and the Spaniard battering the Forte of Ostia, the Mareschall Strozzie came to the succour of it with such Troupes of Fraunce as he had, rearing vp certayne ram­piers, and retrenches, that the enemie shoulde not carrie away the cattell, and other goodes of the Romanes, enclosed within that Isle. About the ende of Decem­ber, the King, as I tolde you aboue, dispatched the Duke of Guise for to be Gene­rall of the armie, which his Maiestie sente to the succour of the Pope, and with him Duke Aumalle, and Duke Elbause his brethren, the Duke of Nemours, The D. of Guise matcheth to Rome with the French armie. the Earle of Eu, the Vidasme of Chartres, and other Chiefetaines, all which mette together in Ianuarie 1557. (hauing ouercome with a constant and opinatiue patience, the sharpenesse of Winter, and difficultie of the Alpes,) at Turin the chiefe Citie of Piemont. For feare of whome the Spaniardes fortified Milan, knowing that the Frenche armie was composed of such a nomber of men, as I haue tolde you. The port of Ostia rendred by composition to the Spanyardes. Du­ring which time, such as were besieged in the Forte of Ostia, hauing abidden many assaultes, their powder fayling, their souldiars and citizens for the most parte hurt, in the ende yielded them selues by composition, which Ascaigne de la Corne caused to be accorded reasonablie enough, whereat the Romanes were sore abashed. So as by the meanes of the Cardinalles of S. Iaques, and of S. Flour, they came to make a Truce for tenne dayes. During which, the Duke of Alua finished the Forte which he had begunne in the Isle, bordering on the porte of Ostia, Truce betweene the Pope and the D. of Alua. whither the Cardinall Caraffe wente vnto him, of whome he procured the prolonging of the Truce, free and marchandable for fourtie dayes, with a hope of a generall peace. But Caraffe tended to no other thing, then to solace his owne vntill the ariuall of the Frenche, of whome hee helde himselfe alreadie all assured. And in the meane time hee assayed to drawe the Venetians to the partie, who in the ende refused to declare thēselues against the K. of Spayne. But the D. of Ferrara followed the Popes partie, as well for that he was a vassall and feodarie, as in fauour of the K. of Fraunce, following the association alreadie concluded and agreed betweene them. So had he alreadie assurance, as I sayde before, of the title of Defendour of the Church, D. of Ferrara named the De­fender of the Church. which the Kings of England were wont to carrie. The League betweene the Pope, the K. & the D. of Ferrara carried: That the Pope should to the nomber of twentie thousand footmen, & one thousand horse furnish the whole charges of the armie. [Page 192] The K. should put the like nomber of fanterie into the fielde, and 2000. horse, & the Ferrarois 6000. souldiars, 200. men at armes, and 400. light horse with 20. peeces of battery. League between the Pope, the K. of Fraunce and D. of Ferrara. Thus the D. of Guise being entred into Italie, with an assured hope to ioyne such succours to the forces which I haue shewed you, and a great nomber of the no­bilitie which followed him for their owne pleasure, (& such as he mought well vaūt that he had neere hand the two tierce of the flower of the nobility of Fraunce) could not imprint into the heads of the Italians, but a feare of great mischiefe to ensue vnto all Italie, which he put into armes, in diuers hopes and dangerous partialities, through a suddaine entrie of so many people. Moreouer euerie man doubting with himselfe, and fearing least vnder the colour of the Popes succours the D. of Guise would giue elsewhere, was an occasion that first they fortified Milan, with all her dependances. Then they prouided suddenly strong Garrisons for Cremone, Pauia, Lode, Ast, Valence, Italie in armes upon the com­ming of the French. and other places of importance. And in the meane space the Duke of Flo­rence; armed himselfe, and put Garrison vpon the Frontiers of Ferrara. He fur­nished with souldiars Florence, Pisa, and other Townes vnder his obedience in Tus­cane, and aboue all, those which neighboured vpon Bologne.

The D. of Alua his disseins.Vpon this the Duke of Alua, who was no whitte ignoraunte of the Spanishe for­ces comming against him, was once vpon the poynte to retyre to Naples, as well for the doubte which he had, that he shoulde not be able to sustayne the furious assaulte of so freshe Troupes, as to drawe them and hemme them in within the e­nemies Countries, thereby by little and little to consume them with Famine, and o­ther diseases: and had done so, but for the Counsell of Ferdinande Gonzague: He resolued then for the more expediente to reste there, and to sende Garzie de Toledo, the Compte de S. Flour, Vespasian Gonzague, and other of the Realme of Naples, to furnishe the Townes of Capue, Arian, Saint Agathe, Venose, Nolle, Ciui­telle, Aterne, and the rest which are vpon the Calabrian Sea: Iointe that the bruite ranne howe the Turkishe armie was to lande there in fauour of the French, as it had before done in Corse. The first at­tempts of the French armie ioyned with the Mareschal Brissae. The Duke of Guise in the meane time hauing ioyned his forces in Piemont, with the Mareschal de Brissaes, was at Valence, which had for Garrison two thousande souldiars, parte Italians, parte Spaniardes, and Grizons vnder Spoluerin.

Nowe, as the Duke of Guise had caused the bruite to be giuen out, that they had taken Pauia, and that the Duke of Guise had caused Valence to be summo­ned to yeelde, or that if hee tooke it by force, he would vse all the cruelties which coulde be looked for in a mortall warre, Spoluerin fearing the losse of his great wealth, did so much after some skirmishes, and nomber of Cannon shotte, as the souldiars condescended to the yeelding of the place, prouided that they mought be suffered to depart, liues, & goods saued, the which was graunted vnto thē about the 8. day of Ianuarie. 1557. But this Captaine Spoluerin and many other of the Garrison, Valence yeilded vp to the D. of, Guise. being retyred to Pauia, were beheadded for yeelding so cowardly, hauing victuall and munition at commaundement, within a verie strong place, and without seeing ought which mought mooue them to yeelde it so soone. It was then, as the Cardinal of Trent, sent to summon the D. of Guise, to render Valence vp into his hands, the which he had takē against the articles of Truce: but it was answe­red him, how the D. of Alua hauing first brokē, he ought not to maruel if he followed his example: & therefore that he looke for no other effect at the handes of the French then warre, vntill that reason were yeelded to those which were most interessed, fur­ther, that hee had iustly handled them of Valence, for that his forces marching to [Page 185] the succour of the Pope, had bene braued by that Garrison, the which had saluted thē with Cannon shotte. As the Duke of Guise marched towardes Rome, Strozzy, Monluc, and the Duke of Palliane, perceyuing the Duke of Alua to be retired from before Rome, beset Ostia, with fiue hundred souldiers, as well Italians as Gascoignes, Ostia and [...] fort there of ta­ken [...] Stro [...]zy & Monl [...]c and sixe hundred horse, which carryed it away without any great paynes. After­wardes, they besieged the Forte, the which was yeelded vnto them in the ende by composition, and the Spaniards departed, liues, goods and weapons saued with some pieces of artillerie. At the verie same time, the Popes people tooke from the Spani­ardes, the townes of Bellitre, Tuscule Marin, (which was in olde time called Villa Marij, and Grotta Ferrata, some holde it was Cicero his place and Seigneuriae, To vnes taken from the Spani­ardes. which he called Tusculanum) and diuers other within the territorie of Rome: They tooke besides Palesan, and S. Ange, a forte scituate vpon a mountaine: S. Paul being like­wise besieged by the enemie. The Duke of Palliane succoured by the Mareschal Strozzy was there, and receyued the place agayne being abandoned by the Spani­ardes. Then he was to besiege Vico-Valerio which he tooke by assaulte, and put to fire and sworde all those which they mette in armes, giuing the pillage to the souldi­ers. All this passed ouer vnder the onely fright of the name of Guise, The D. of Guise taketh Coun [...]h of what is best to be done att [...] taking of Va­lence. and of the ar­mie which he ledde, who hauing helde a Councell at Valence, vpon the conduct of his dessein, intelligence still being of what passed at Rome, and hauing heard the ad­uice of the Mareschal Brissac, Louys de Birague, Vimercat, and other of his armie, it was concluded, that the Mareschal and other Captaynes ordayned in Piemont, shoulde returne to Turin, and make as many roades as was possible vpon the enemies coun­trie. In the meane time the Duke of Guise shoulde goe towardes Ferrara, passing thorough the Countrie of Plaisance, the which was accordingly done. But not without the Marques of Pescaire his continuall being at his tayle, without any great preiudice notwithstanding, by reason of the good order which he gaue in the dis­camping, & conduct of his armie, the which was furnished with victuals in the Pla­centine Countrey, by the commaundement of Octauian Farneze D. of Parma: which the D. of Guise caused to be payd for, expresly forbidding any souldiar to doe wrong to the subiectes of this Prince. We will leaue then for a while the D. of Guise mar­ching with his forces in Italie to the Popes succour, to enterlace you here an acci­dente, as straunge, as any which hath happened in the memorie of our fore­fathers.

Dauid George, who since made himselfe to be called Iean de Bructe, Dauid George heretique de [...] & the discourse of his life. borne at Delph in Hollande, an authour of a peruerse secte, making himselfe to be named by his fol­lowers, King and Christ immortall, dyed the yeere passed, 1556. the 24. day of Au­gust, and his wife a little before retired with a verie great familie of her owne to Basle in the yeere 1544. He sayde he was fled his owne Countrey for the Gospels sake, and there bought houses, and a Castle neere vnto the towne called Buiuignen, with landes of great reuennewe. He was verie cunning, of great Spirite, and had his eyes addressed on all partes to gayne the heartes of many, and an exteriour reputati­on, which was mainteined and greatly augmented by his riches, his money, and most precious moueables, which he had brought thither, and which men brought vnto him day by day, as well out of the high, as lowe Countries of Flaunders, as it fal­leth out, that almost all men suffer themselues to be cousined with an apparaunce, & magnificence of worldly things, rather thē to be caried away with the vertue & truth of euery thing. Two things presaged vnto him his death, one of his houses which he had at Basle was smotte with lightning, and another sumptuously builded within his [Page 198] pastures, was likewise burned with parte of his rarest and most exquisite moueables: shortly after the floure of the house wherein he lay, fell all downe at one blowe, and sodainly: yet nothing happened more grieuous vnto him before his death, then the comming of a man of authoritie out of Base Almania to Basle. For from thence­forth as well aduised and forecasting, hee knewe that by little and little he shoulde easily be discouered. His disciples were marueilously astonished at his death, for that he had assured them of his immortalitie, yet their hope was somewhat vpheld, because he had giuen them to vnderstande certayne dayes before, howe he shoulde take life againe, by the space of three yeeres, and perfect most excellent things. Hee kept a porte within his house almost like a King, in like sorte was the gouernement of his house and castle very well ruled. Euerie man had his estate and office: their charges and dueties being so distributed, as he shoulde neede to employe no other therein then his owne. In gouerning their common wealth, they obserued verie straightly 3. things, thereby more and more to conceale their pernitious secte. First that none of them once published the name of Dauid George. Secondly that none reueyled of what condition hee had bene: whereupon it grew that many thought hee had beene yssued out of some great noble House, other that hee was some great Marchaunt, which had his factours abroad both by Sea and by land. Thirdly that they shoulde not discouer so much as any one article of their doctrine to any man in Basle, not so much as to a Swizer, nor shoulde not endeuour to drawe any man vn­to their doctrine: the summe whereof was.

In the yeere 1559. the 5. of March, his children, his sonnes in lawe, and all them of his familie, Informations, proceedinges, & iudgementes of the Seigneurie of Basle, vpon the bodie and goods of Dauid George and of the follo­wers of his faith and religion. with some other adhering to his Secte, were adiourned before the Senate of Basle, after information made of that pernicious secte, which he had al­wayes helde in his life time. The Atturney declared vnto them, howe the Seig­neurie stoode duely infourmed, that they were retyred to the Castle of Buiuignen, not as men persecuted for the Gospell, as they had falsly giuen out, but for the secte of Dauid, wherewith they had bene alreadie infected. Eleuen were made prisoners to draw out the trueth of the whole. The greater part examined by a more straight inquisition confessed the truth: who in the ende obtayned pardon. Then the first day of May, the Ministers, Rectour, Professors, and Scholemaisters of Basle, hauing all with one voyce condemned the pointes of the doctrine, the Senate fully infor­med of the whole, proceeded the 13. of May to the conclusion of the proces, to wit,

That all his writinges, as full of iniquitie, & mortall poyson, Item his bodie, or his bones, and whatsoeuer shoulde be founde more within his graue, shoulde be burned, together with his [Page 199] picture which they founde in his house, representing him verie liuely: and that generally all the goodes of so wicked a man, wheresoeuer they were founde, shoulde be confiscate and adiudged to the Seigneurie.

This sentence was proclaimed according to the Custome of the place, and all the fourme of righte and ordinances of the Towne was kepte in the obseruation thereof. Before that I handle againe the tearmes of warre, betweene the Frenche and Spany­ardes, I will finishe, and in fewe wordes, the Empire, and managing of the affayres of Charles of Austria the fifte, Emperour of the Almanes.

About the ende of August, Charles of Austria resolued to passe into Spayne for the occasions before rehearsed, wente from Bruxelles to Gaunt, the place of his na­tiuitie, where he assembled the 27. of that moneth, all the Embassadours one after an other, resiant about his Person, within his chamber, The speech which Charles of Austria vsed to the Embassadors resiante about his person▪ when as he lefte Flaun­ders to retourne into Spayne, there to finish his dayes. vsing in generall no other speech vnto them, but of the declaration of his old age & indisposition, praying thē to per­fourme all good offices for the repose due vnto Christendome: Protesting to the Nuncio (that is the Popes Embassadour,) how all his life long, hee had loued and defended the holy apostolike Sea: & to the Venetian, how much hee honored that Seigneurie & common wealth, whose libertie, & preseruation he had all his life long desired, knowing howe much shee nourished, and mainteyned the repose of Italie. That his Sonne shoulde followe him therein, hauing lefte it as an expresse, nay te­stamentarie commaundement vnto him. To them of Ferrara and Mantoue hee spake in generall, but somewhat more particularly to the Florentine, charging him to write vnto his Maister, that he shoulde neuer lende his care to any newe practi­ses against his house, nor passe nothing without aduertising of his Sonne, as hee had verye well done, vntill that present, and whereby he thought hee tooke no harme, as it appeared. Hereupon, the Embassadour, who was a Bishoppe, woulde haue disswaded his departure, and shewed him, howe his most affectionate friendes were much astonied, considering especially that all reasons, and good discourse, were cleane contrary to such a resolution. And that in stead of goyng into Spayne, he were better drawe vp into Italie, or at the least not abandon his Sonne, whome he mought assist with his good counsayle. To whom aunswearing, that he could not imagine an olde Prince, euill disposed, and afflicted in all partes as he was, was able to doe as a young Prince, whome he lefte so well instructed, and in so good a will to shewe himselfe great, and a man of warre if hee were vrged thereto: and that it shoulde be well knowne, howe his absence shoulde no whitte at all preiudice his friendes. The Bishoppe woulde haue replyed vpon the affaires and greatnesse of this worlde, but he interrupted him, praying him to thinke, that his thoughtes were no longer enter commoners with the worlde, to which he badde farewell, and to him likewise, and so they departed. After hee was at Sail fiue Leagues from Gaunte, where his Sonne gaue him the last adieu. Himselfe goyng downe the riuer to embarque at Vlishing in Zelande, whither the Queenes Allenor, and Marye his Sisters followed him, vntill he was embarqued. Then Philip made his retourne to Gaunte, where the multitude of affayres beganne to solicite his brayne, especially in the expedition of them, in the remarke of humane actions, in the choise, and re­compence of his seruauntes, whome hee chose and cherished, after another maner of fashion then his Father. But I must agayne handle the enterprise of the Frenche vpon Italie, in fauour of Pope Iulye, whose disseins and conducte the better to open vnto you, I am content to research the affayres of Piemont, where they passed some­what in a higher kinde.

[Page 120] The meanes which the K. vsed to make the D. of Guises armie to passe into Ita­ly to the succour of the Pope.To fauour the passage of the Duke of Guises armie, the King had alreadie com­maunded the Mareschal Brissac, who was but a little before come out of Piemont to the Courte, (where de Termes commaunded in his absence) to returne thither a­gayne, and make readie another armie, the better to second the Dukes in Romaigne, and assay to make some other exployts for the seruice of his Maiestie, with promesse that he shoulde not be farre gonne on his iourney before money shoulde bee sente him, as well to paye the olde bandes of Fraunce and Italye lying in Piemont, as to prepare the newe forces, which was conuenient he shoulde adde thereunto. Not seeing for all that, the effecte of the prouision of the sayde money to followe, which was promised vnto him for the men of warre, pioners, horse to drawe the artillerie, building of bridges vpon boates, munitions of victualles, and other things necessary to the following of an armie, he made many dispatches and instances vnto his Ma­iestie, and the Conestable, who as then had the Superintendance of all the affayres of the Realme, The breach of Truce begun by the assayling of Valence in the Dutchie of Milan but hee coulde onely obtayne a slowe and no compleate prouision: and lesse to perfourme any aduauncement of honour to any Captaynes of marke as their seruices deserued. Notwithstanding about the ende of December, 1556. the Mareschall made an other recharge to the same ende, and likewise gaue his Maiestie to vnderstande of the resolution taken betweene the Duke of Guise and him, vpon the breach of the Truce, and passage of the armie into Italye: which breach began vpon the enterprise, as they fantasied vnto themselues, of the towne of Valence within the Dutchie of Milan, hauing after many deliberations found this enterprise most fitte and commodious for the more easie passage of the Dukes armie. The armie beyng readie in the moneth of Ianuarie, albeit it was not succoured with the assignations promised, yet not to suffer it for default thereof to lye still, the Mareschal borrowed vpon his owne credite, many grosse summes, and especially of the Duke of Guise. Yet all was so little to the price of that which was due, as they had much adoe to drawe the olde Italian bandes out of their garrisons, or any of the new french Companyes. Which made the armie more weake then it would haue bene. As the Secretarie Bounin declared, who as well for the effecte, as the reasons abouesayde, was expresly dispatched: chiefely likewise to giue his Maiestie to vnderstande, how to the ende the platte countrie of Piemont, mought not be lefte in praye to the gar­risons of Aste, Valserniere, Fossan, and Coni, whiles the forces of the Countrie were so farre esloigned off, it was thought fitte to make a Leuie of 3000. foote, and 200. light horse, which shoulde lye dispersed about the Imperiall garrisons, and the mo­ney for their payment leuyed vpon the Countrie. Whereto those which were cho­sen made great difficultie to consente, yet all was well executed in the ende. And the 14. of Februarie, S Foy had the charge giuen vnto him of 5. Companies of Pie­mont, and 100. light horse, and the rest of the said Leuies, were from hand to hand distributed rounde about these Garrisons. The which caused great suertie, commo­ditie and succour to his Maiesties affayres. Then according to the resolution taken vpon the breache of Truce, The order which the Mareschal Brissac gaue in Piemont. the two armies marched towardes Valence, which they assayled the 12. day of Ianuarie. So as after the Batterie had bene layed vnto it, the 14. of that moneth, the Gouernour rendred it vp, vpon the occasions before sayde. This done, they helde a Counsell to aduise, vpon what shoulde be necessarye as well for the passage of the D. of Guise, as the rest of the affayres concerning the K. seruice. To whome among other particulars it was proposed by the Mareschall, that his Ma­iesties intente being to succour the Pope, it was best to bethinke of the propiest and most easiest meanes to execute his Commaundemente, and increase his authoritie [Page 199] in Italie. Which as then was verie easie, the enemies and especially the Inhabitantes of Milan being in such fright and feare, as standing very tickle within the Towne, Enterprise of Milan. which was abandoned by a great nomber of men, seeing the greater parte without any Fortresse, it was very easie for the Duke taking that way, to enter in: Iointe that there were no forces to hinder him, or which durst oppose themselues against him. That being Maister of the Towne, he shoulde be consequently of the whole Estate, hauing power to commaunde there with such authoritie, as in fewe dayes he shoulde haue meanes to finishe what remained therein to be fortified with earth and faggots, to cutte off and couer the saide Towne from the Castle. To fauour which enterprise, and occasion more businesse vnto the enemies, the Mareschal offered to goe besiege some little towne there, if he founde any facilitie at all to essay with, the Artillerie to carrie it away, and that in the meane time Saluoisin Gouernour of Casal, shoulde goe at a day agreed vpon betweene the Generals attempte, with the souldi­ers of the Garrison, the execution of the enterprise which he had vpon the Towne of Alexandria, of the places of most importaunce of the state of Milan. Whereof there coulde no other then a good yssue bee expected, as well by the intelligence which one gaue from thence vnto the Counsell, & whom the Captaine Saluoisins Secretarie expresly went to fetch for that purpose, as that Saluoisin had him selfe taken a view of the place. And to the ende that Saluoisin mought the better keepe it being taken, the Mareschall promised to come thither on the morrowe after the execution thereof with his whole armie: as well to assist Saluoisin, as to prouide for whatsoe­uer shoulde be necessarie for the assuraunce, and conseruation of the place, and that shortelie after he woulde marche to Milan, to giue order with the Duke of Guise for the getting of the Castle, and for such affayres as concerned the Kinges seruice: and so to make the State assured vnto his Maiestie. Thorough the consideration whereof it was not to be doubted, but the Duke of Alua with the forces which hee had in Romagne, woulde leaue the Countrie to come succour the rest of that E­state: as a matter of greater importaunce vnto his Maister, then the quarrell of the Pope. Who notwithstanding shoulde by this meanes haue the succoures which he desired, without hazzarding an armie in such daungers as mought fall out in so long voyages, and to which all such as haue heretofore passed thorowe Italie in fa­uour of the Popes, haue for the most parte beene subiecte. Thus shoulde the will of his Maiestie be perfourmed, with the Conquest of an whole Estate, for which, What successe the French ar­mies haue had in Italie, especially in the conquest of the Realme of Naples. Warre had beene so long time made in the House of Fraunce. Furthermore the hope and apparaunce which was there to gayne the whole, or at the least a great parte of the Seigneurie of Genes, yea by the inhabitauntes owne good will, tho­rough the necessitie of Victualles, into which they were brought. Prouided that his Maiestie, to whome a dispatche for that ende shoulde be sente, woulde com­maunde the Galleyes of Marseilles to scowre the Seas, and to keepe the Coast of Sicilie in subiection, to keepe the Genowaies from beeing that wayes any more succoured with Corne, then they shoulde bee out of Piemont. And indeede the dearthe was there so great, for the small time which they were in the Duchie of Milan, and thourough the taking of Valence, as that a sacke of Corne was worth tenne Crownes. The propositions being at large debated of, were in the ende founde so good, and accompanyed with so apparaunt reasons, as the most parte of them which were of the Counsell, seeing the importaunce of such Estates, as those of Milan and of Genes, which made a way vnto his Maiestie to encrease his po­wer and authoritie in Italie, Iointe the vncertaine and so variable occurrents, as [Page 202] mought befall an Armie, in so long a voyage, and by such an enemie so readie and resolute, were of opinion, that they were to bee hearkened vnto, and that his Ma­iestie shoulde with all dilligence be aduertised thereof. But the Duke of Guise ha­uing an other intent of greater importaunce, tolde them that hee had receyued Commaundement from the King to proceede onwardes and not to stay: An oc­casion that many haue since depraued this his aduise, especially after the ende of his enterprise.

But Lautrec in the like accidente, conducting the Frenche armie, for the taking of Naples, after the deliuerie of Frauncis the first, allied with the Potentates of Italie, 1527. hauing taken the Towne of Bosco, Alexandria, Vigeneue, Pauia, and other places, as it was deliberated in Counsell, whether they shoulde staye vp­pon the Conquest of Milan, (to which they which helde the Frenche partie be­sought him to employe his men, considering the resolution of them, and the fright of their enemies,) or passe forwardes, aunswered that hee had commaundement to seeke further, and that he was principally sent into Italie, for the deliuerie of Pope Clement.

True it is, that some thought Lautrec tooke this resolution, fearing least if they shoulde conquerre the Dutchie of Milan, the Venetians being confederate with the Frenche, woulde bee carelesse to succour the King in the Conqueste of Naples. And it is possible likewise that the King thought, it woulde be better for him that Frauncis Sforze mought not entirely recouer this Estate, to the ende that no power remayning vnto him to bee able to vndertake ought, hee mought the more easilye obtayne the deliueraunce of his children, as yet the Emperours prisoners, by waye of accorde, which continually was treated of, about the Emperour, by the Em­bassadours of Fraunce, Englande, and Venise.

Thus then the D. of Guise resolued vpon his first aduise, caused a bridge of boates to be made at Basignaue ouer the riuer Tauaro, where his armie seconded with the Mareschal Brissacs, passed ouer to perfourme the voyage of Italie. And to the ende that it mought bee done with more suretie, and that hee mought auoyde the meeting of the forces which the Marquesse of Pescarie caused in all dilligence to bee assembled, thereby to cutte him off from his passage, the Mareschal entered with­in Laumeline, with a countenaunce as though he would marche towardes Milan: An occasion that the Marquesse turned bridle suddainely towardes Milan, with the fewe forces which hee had, suffering the Duke of Guise freely to passe, and his ar­mie, whither it liked him best.

Vpon whose Ariuall, the Duke of Alua, for wante of money, and to suffer the first furie of the Frenche to coole, leuyed his siege from Rome, and retired vpon the borders of the Kingdome of Naples, there to defende the Frontiers from the disseins of the Frenche.

As for the Duke of Florence, he to keepe his dependances from waste, and spoile of the enemie, and likewise to get leysure to goe on with his Fortresses, lent his eare to some alliaunce with the King. But fortified as he was, hee retyred within his Towne. In such sorte, as Pierre Strossi Mareschal of Fraunce, being departed one of the first, and enclosed himselfe within Rome, with a nomber of French and Ita­lians, had alreadie vnder the fauour of the Dukes comming, combated, and taken certayne Fortes and Blockehouses, builded by the Imperialles rounde about the Towne, and vpon the Tiber: so as the Pope was before the ariuall of the Frenche, as it were, restored into full libertie, and Rome assured of her enemies.

[Page 194]I will shewe you by and by what the Duke did as soone as he was approched vnto the capitall Citie of Italie, against the disseins of his enemies, who prepared thē ­selues to all euentes, and in sundrie places.

Nowe, albeit there was no talke of any warre in Fraunce, but onely by murmurs, and particular presages, more then any publique declarations, Warre begunne in Fraunce a­gainst the Truce. many presumed that the warre of Italie woulde giue a beginning to that of Fraunce, yet the bruite being giuen out, howe the Arthois and Henaute Garrisons were reenforced to make a checke vpon some of the Frontiers, the Admirall Gouernour of Picardie, thinking to playe with the cunningest, meant to preuent them, and first of all, himselfe to breake the Truce in Picardie. In such sorte, as about the beginning of Ianuarie. 1557. hauing ambushte himselfe neare Douay, hee had entred in, in the night, while the most parte of the Garrison was droncke, with drinking and crying the king drinkes, had not an olde woman by her long and lowde cryinges out, of Arme, Arme, the Frenche, giuen in the ende the Alarme thorough out, hauing soone ynough discouered some indiscreete persons among the formost of the French. But being retourned to Lans in Arthois, and entered within, The Admirall breaketh the Truce in Fraunce. he suffered it to be so pilled, as the Imperialles for a long time reproached those cruelties to the Frenche: besides that they alleadged the taking thereof, among the first occasions of the breache of Truce.

You see then on this and that side, the Spanyarde and Frenche disposed to warre, seeking all meanes to ruyne them selues more furiously then euer. Nowe for that the broyles in Piemont, as the first seeme to mee more remarkeable, Iointe that certaine monethes passed ouer in Fraunce, and the Countries bordering about, in the preparations of a future warre, without any other more notable effectes then a­boue rehearsed, I will remember againe the Mareschall Brissac, to shewe you, howe hauing taken the Imperialles at vnawares, he pursued the poynte of his aduaun­tages.

After the departure of the Duke of Guise and his armie, the Mareschall gaue him­selfe to fortifie and munition Valence with all that was necessarie: abiding notwith­standing, a certaine time in Lomline, to holde the Generall of the Imperialles in suspence of his disseins. And had vndertaken matters of greater importaunce, had money beene in his handes to contente his people, and furnishe out such thinges as were needefull for him. But for want thereof, resolued to retire himselfe, and keepe his aduantages, hee furnished Casal, Montcalue, Valence, and Santia, each of them with ten Enseignes of Fanterie, and some Cauallerie, against the enterpri­ses of the Marquesse, whose Forces grewe greater to the diminution of the French, for the occasions abouesayde. And albeit that the want of money, and the cutting off alreadie made by the King of certaine Companies of Piemont, as well in nom­ber as in paye, were sufficient occasions to hinder the Estate of his affayres in that Countrey, he sente vnto the Mareschall notwithstanding about the ende of Febru­arie, that in any sorte soeuer, hee shoulde not meddle with the dead payes. And that euery moneth he shoulde send him an accounte, to the ende he mought assigne warrant for money to the Treasourer of the extraordinarie: without any whitte re­garding howe nothing hauing bene sente for the artillerie carriages, Pioners, muni­tions, commissaries, and matters vnlooked for, the Mareschall saide hee was fayne to helpe himselfe with those dead paies. So as founding vpon such defaults the smal aduancement which he made in Piemont, & seeing how he preached to a deafe eare, hee besought but in vaine his Maiestie, about the moneth of May, to sende some [Page 204] Gentleman vnto him, to controle his actions, to the ende that no euill mought bee presumed of him. This notwithstanding, albeit that hee durste not muster his ar­mie, for feare of mutinies, thorough wante of paye, and that he was resolued not to remayne ydle, hee employed his credite to recouer a summe of money, to make a loane vnto the companyes of Fanterie, attending the Kinges money. And hauing thus made them to goe into the fielde, hee ledde them, for the execution of the Counsell, to batter, and take in parley, the 22. of Aprill, Valeserniere, notwithstan­ding the great and continuall raynes, all the while that the siege endured. A Towne which wasted all Piemont, and scowred the way from Ast, to Cony, Queras, and Emerast: and Queras being with the selfe same furie, besieged, battered, and sud­dainely assayled, was taken by force the 29. of Aprill, the fourth day of the siege. Whereupon to encrease this fire of good will, and make the poore souldier to liue, more vpon the expence of the enemie, then of the allie, the siege of Cony was re­solued vpon and begonne in the same moneth. Whether the K. sent money, which very little exceeded the only pay of the Zwizers. The Mareschall notwithstanding appointed mustars to be taken, of the French and Italian Fanterie. But as soone as the souldiers knewe, that they woulde giue but a crowne a piece to a man, and that by the handes of the Treasourer, the souldiers were not slacke to mutinie, and goe away in great Troupes, considering their long seruices, which had neuer beene ac­knowledged, and the newe fashion of paying them, by other mens hands then their Captaines: who shewing themselues no lesse grieued, and resting the beholders of such insolencies, without stirring to punish any, they made the Mareschal goe him­selfe to procure them to returne backe, and assure them that the money should be de­liuered vnto their Captaines, to distribute as they were accustomed. And albeit that so little money did not much content them, yet the siege was continued. In which the Mareschall seeing that the batterie wrought no great effecte, and yet they which were besieged, shewed a countenaunce as if they woulde yeelde if they were lustily pursued, it was agreed that a myne shoulde bee made, right against the Batterie. Wherein they wrought long with daunger and difficultie notwithstanding. But in in the ende being finished, well closed, and sealed vp, the fire put, and the assaulte giuen by the ruyne which it had lefte, the order established for the assaulte was so euill kepte, and besides the Souldiars wente so slackely to worke, as the Maister of the Campe being slayne, and a nomber of Gentlemen and Souldiers, who were the first which aduaunced formost, being dead on the earth, and the rest beaten backe with the hurte of many gallaunt men, the euente shewed howe of an armie euill sa­tisfied, full of Captaynes and Souldiers discontented and disobedient, no other successe ought to be hoped for then vnfortunate.

In the meane time the Mareschall sente to declare vnto the King, together with the necessities of his armie, and the feare least all woulde turne to ruyne for him, the instance which the Duke of Ferrara made, to cause the French armie to approache to the Dutchie of Milan, to the ende to helpe it with his forces and disseins: and likewise the impossibilitie of beeing able to satisfie it, without paying at least the Fanterie.

Not long after, the Mareschall hauing receyued newes, howe the Marquesse of Pescare was ariued at Fossan, with some forces in intention to approch neare Cony, to fauour them within, or assaye to compell the siege to be raysed, a Counsell was helde, and resolued to abandon Cony, to martch right towardes the Marquesse. But as soone as hee perceyued the Mareschall to approache, he retired into Fossan, [Page 205] to the which the Frenche still approached. By meanes whereof the Marquesse fea­ring to bee enclosed there, consequently himselfe to reduce this place to extreame necessitie, he wrought so well, as with the whole Infanterie he gayned Cony: But from thence not knowing howe to returne, he was constrayned to leade his men a trauerse the mountaines to gayne the Sea shoare, and saue his people as well as hee mought. The difficultie of the wayes notwithstanding was founde such, as he lost many of his people, and they which saued themselues, so wearie, and defeated, as it was not possible to bee more. As for his men at armes, and his Cauallerie, they re­mayned still within Fossan. Therefore it was agreed, that waste shoulde bee made there round about. And further that Forces should be layed all a longest the passages and wayes, that none of the Cauallerie mought escape.

During the time that it was thus enclosed, many fayre feates, and notable skirmi­shes were vndertaken, and diuersly executed: Namely by the Vidasme of Chartres, Colonell of the Fanterie of Piemont, D'Anuille de Terrides, and others, with so good watche kept all alongest the passages, as many Troupes of this Cauallerie, which was no lesse then betweene one thousande and twelue hundred horse, were entrap­ped and defeated. The Frenche in the meane space, entertayned the siege before Cony, and many Gentlemen and Captaynes trauayled, who shoulde be marked to worke most to the damage of the besieged. Among the rest, woorde was sente vnto the King of the feates done by the Vidasme, since the raysing of the siege. Especi­ally in the breaking vp of milles, which had bene repayred by them of the Towne, blocked with a nomber of Fortes, which marueilously annoyed him. And like­wise the happie enterprises atchieued about Fossan, by De Termes, Gonor, D'Anuille, and other, who gaue so small reste to their Troupes of Cauallerie, especially their light horse, whose coursings out were more ordinarie, & remarkeable, as all thought they had yeilded occasions enough vnto his Maiestie, to be well and sufficiently re­quited, for so well perfourming of their duetie.

You shall see howe, and wherefore the meanes wanted vnto their Prince rather then the will, through the accidents, which lesse fortunate in other places of Fraunce then in Piemont, happened at the same time, to counterpease the Mareschals good fortune by the disgrace of his Conestable, as I will make you to perceyue, if you well and dilligently marke all the notable particularities, which I will deduce vpon such and so important an occurrence. For it is lesse then nothing to knowe the inconue­nience of the iourney of Saint Quentins: That is knowne as well to fooles as wise men, younge, and olde, men and women, homebirdes and straungers, friendes & enemies. But to applie it to ones profite, to the suretie, and aduauncement of the State, one must vnderstande the beginning and true motiue: dilligently, and with affection marke the meanes as well forced as voluntarie, by which this disfauour happened: then note the effectes of them, and in the ende consider the good and the badde, which hath ensewed vnto Fraunce, and the Countreyes aboute, vnder the obedience of these two Princes. This is called to reason of, and to reade Histo­ries as it appertayneth. The which I will doe, hauing represented vnto you the de­portement of the Duke of Guise, and his Armie in Italie.

From Plaisantin the Duke of Guise went to Regge, a Towne which appertained to the D. of Ferrara his father in law, who mette him at Pont de Leuz, & all in com­pany, with the Cardinall Caraffe, sente thither by the Pope entered within Regge, where they consulted of the dissein, meanes, & conduct of this warre. Some would [Page 206] haue gone into Lombardie to attempt the getting of Cremone and Pauia, whilest that Brissac dyd his dutie vpon that side of Nouarre and Valence. Other who consi­dered that in so dooing they should giue leasure to the Duke of Alua to fortifie him­selfe, and to make a leauie of men, as well within the kingdome of Naples as Tuscane, without forcing for all that, any one of those Townes furnished with all thinges necessarie, were of opinion that they should rush vpon Tuscane to deliuer Siene out of the Florentines and Spaniardes handes. The Cardinall Caraffe founde it most ad­uantagious to assayle the kingdome of Naples, by the March of Ancone (the territo­rie of the ancient Picentines) saying that on that side of Terre de Labour, hee might conquere as much of the Countrie as seemed good vnto him. But the Duke of Fer­rara maintained, that the Duke of Guise being come for the cause of his holynesse, he ought likewise to go straight on to Rome, and imploy himselfe to the defence of the Pope. And that afterwardes the rest should bee thought of. That in the meane time hee would keepe himselfe with his forces in his owne Countries, forasmuch as he tru­sted not the Duke of Parma his neighbour, D. of Ferrara at Venise and why hauing entered into league with king Phil­lip: and that he feared besides least the Florentine would make roades into his lands, if hee esloigned himselfe. Corregge taken by the Spaniards vpon the D. of Ferrara. So as according to this aduise the Duke of Guise marched with Caraffe towardes Bologne, and the Duke of Ferrara leauing the Prince Alphonce his sonne for his lieutenant, went to Venise to aunswere the Embassadour of Spaine, who made there grieuous complaintes against him, blaming the Pope, and King Henrye to make warre vniustly against his Maister, and to breake the truce so necessa­rie to Christendome: beseeching the Seigneurie to make warre against the Ferra­rois, and to enter into league with the Catholique King. Now as the Duke of Ferrara soiorned at Venise, the Marquesse of Pescare seased vppon the Towne of Corregge, The French army in Italie. whence sprange the first beginning of the war in the Countrie of Ferrara. An occasion, that the Duke leauing Venise returned into his owne lands, to fortifie Modene, Carpi, and other places of his Seigneuries: whilest that the Duke of Guise at Bologne, complayned to the Popes ministers, howe he sawe no such preparation of warre, as had bene promised vnto the King. But they contented him, when they tolde him that there were tenne thousand men in the March d'Ancone. And hauing passed by Imole, Rauenne, Faenze, & Cesene, he came to Rimini, where he viewed, and mustered his Troupes, which he found to amount vnto fiue thousande Swizers, ouer which the Marquesse d'Albauf his brother commaunded: foure thousand Gri­sons, seauen thousand French, and Gascoignes, some Italians, fiue hundred and fiftie men at armes, and fifteene hundred light horse. Ouer the Fanterie commaunded the Duke of Neuers. Cipierre was Maister of the Campe. Tauannes, and La Motte Gon­drin, were Mareschalles of the Campe. On the other side the Mareschall Brissac com­ming out with his Forces into the fielde, caused Valle-Feniere to bee besieged, a strong place scituate betweene Ast, and Carmignolle, which he enforced to yeild by composition, for the want of victuals which the Spanyardes had that helde it: after­wardes it was ruyned topsie toruie. This done, hee made Chiauasse to be assailed, a Castle scituate in a high place, and bordering vpon Vlpian, which hee carryed away, albeit it was furnished with all thinges necessarie, and there he put in a strong Garri­son to keepe it. While these thinges were a doing, the Duke of Alua caused his Armie to turne head, D. of Alua in the Kingdome of Naples. as though hee meante to goe to the Kingdome of Naples to defende it, imagining that the Duke of Guise woulde martche thither. Then hee furnished, & fortified the townes of Arbuzze, a countrie neighbouring to the march [Page 207] of Acone, and in the meane space the Duke of Guise tooke Campilio, and besieged Ciuitelle, scituate vpon the Tiber on Tuscane side, mounted vppon a high hillocke, hauing a rocke for the foundation of the wals, and of a most harde accesse vnto it. So as nature seruing it for a rampire, it seemed almost impregnable, thorough the greate steepes of her most deepe valleyes, all alongest which runneth the riuer Viperate. An occasion that it laie not in the power of the French to inforce it, but they were fayne to leauie the siege after they had lost many good souldyers and valyant men. Lyke­wise little dyd the Marshall of Brissac gayne at the same time by the siege of Conie: For albeit that he had battered day and night this place appertayning to the Duke of Sauoy, yet hee was faine to leaue it in the end, for the succour which the Marquesse of Pescare had brought thether. Now albeit the Duke of Guise aduaunced lyttle be­fore Ciuitelle, the Duke of Alua notwythstanding came to leauie the siege. Ciuitelle rescu­ed from the French. So as hauing sent certaine troupes vnder the charge of Garsie de Toledo, and Countie de Pe­poly, to see what countenance the French made, they were so roughly reencounte­red, as Garsie beeing defeated, and his troupes put in rout, Pierre Henriques master of the Duke of Alua his campe, was there taken, and almost all the Spaniardes cut in peeces, by the Vidasme of Chartres, Tauannes, Cipierre, and others. Afterwardes the French beeing constrayned to leaue the place for the reasons abouesayde, were dra­wen to Mont-fort by the inhabitants, who saying they were not able to supporte the insolencie of the Spaniardes, woulde not bee reduced vnder the obedience of the Pope. But they coulde not yeelde the towne, which was the cause that the Duke de Palliane hauing battered it and scaled it, carryed it awaye by assault. The Spani­ardes beeing retyred by another place of the Towne, and so the Citizens bare theyr pennance, beeing well pilled, theyr towne burned, and halfe ruined. Afterwardes the Duke of Palliane, and the Marshall Strozzie ioyned both theyr forces with the Duke of Guises. Who seeing that what the Popes Legates and Nounces promised vnto the King, was but winde without effect, and that there was no meanes to in­crease his forces in Italie, as the Duke of Alua dyd his ordinarily: hee wrote vnto the King, giuing him to vnderstand, that wythout newe succours it was vnpossible for him to aduance his desseine, considering his enemyes forces, and the small fauour which hee founde in those quarters. Some haue left in writing, that that which mo­ued the Duke of Guise to write in that manner vnto the King, was for that he was ad­uertised, how Codognac the kings Embassador at Constantinople, was dismissed of his charge, and La Vigne put into his place. And as hee attended one hundred Turkish Gallyes which were promised by Soliman to Codognac for his succours, hee receyued intelligence how the Turke had chaunged his mind, through some too high words vttered by La Vigne. Others saie that it was thorough the practise of some French men, enemies to La Vigne. In such sorte as the Kinges seruice was thus retarded in Italie, for occasions slight inough. Natalis Countie of Nuouolare, confessed that the Turke woulde not stirre one whit in this businesse for the king in Italy, for that hee sawe no profite redound to himselfe. Ioynt that hee doubted least the Christi­ans agreeing together woulde seeke to diminishe his forces, and afterwardes make some attempt agaynst him. And in deede those which were in Corse at such time as Dragut-Rais brought thether the Turkes succours, knowe that when the French besieged Calui, as the Turkes had demaunded the first point of the assaulte, see­ing themselues cruelly and bloudily cut in peeces, they beganne to suspect and mi­struste the Christians, to see howe the Spaniardes and the Frenchmen made [Page 208] warre the more gently one vpon another. And Iorden Vrsin had inough to do to con­tent them, and to pul out that hard impression which they had conceiued against the French.

The Duke of Guise in summe, seeing howe on all partes the effectes fayled of so rich promises as had beene made vnto his master, and confirmed vnto him since his comming into Italy. Ioyne that the forces of the Spanish Duke beganne to growe greater, and increase in courage, by the aduertisement which they had of the neces­sities of the French, before that his owne were too much diminished, and the aduan­tage too euidently turned elsewhere, resolued to put it to the hazarde of one daie. Therefore seeing himselfe neere enough vnto the Duke of Alua his campe, he pre­sented battell vnto him betweene Fermie and Ascolye. To which the Spaniarde woulde not hearken: Were it that hee found himselfe too weake, or that he thought by delaie hee might better serue his turne. In the meane time King Phillip had no sooner made the aduauntage of his armie to appeare in Picardie, but the King sent to the Duke of Guise, The Pope retain­eth the d. of Guise that hee shoulde retire home. Who seeing that all the burthen of the warre lighted on the Kings armes, and that it was so farre of from the Popes furnishing of twentie thousand men, as hee had promised, that hee was not able to paie sixe thousand, nor disburse the fourth parte of the charge of the armie. Ioynte that the Ferrarois were so farre from succouring the Pope or the King, as the Duke of Guise was faine to ayde him with some of his men, fearing besides least the Pope woulde make a peace wythout comprehending the King therein, concluded to re­turne into France. But the Pope fearing to bee lefte alone, and least hee should be afterwardes compelled to accord at the will and discretion of the Spaniard, sware vn­to him that hee woulde neuer agree wythout the Kinges aduise and consent there­to: and how for the better assurance thereof hee woulde sende his sonne the Duke of Palliane, as hostage into Fraunce. So as this so large an offer retayned the French longer, during whose vaine aboade there happened the defeate of Saint Quentin in Permandois. Which beeing knowen at Rome, so greatly astonied the Pope, as see­ing himselfe out of all hope to haue anie further succour out of Fraunce, hee resol­ued to followe the counsell of sundrie Cardinalles, which verie earnestly solicited him to make a peace with the Spaniarde. Who in the meane time determined to plant agayne the siege before Rome: not that hee was in anie hope to take it, but onely to inforce the Pope to a peace, which hee knew was greatly desired by the Ca­tholike king. But the Duke of Guise vnderstanding this desseine, and the effects thereof, fayled not to approach vnto Tiuoli, a place scituated vppon the Teueron, to front the enemie, and to inforce him to leauie his siege. The which was the cause that by all the meanes they possiblie coulde, they hastned the treatie of the peace sought by the Venetians, and the Duke of Florence. The Pope sending on the eight of September in his name, the Cardinalles Carlo Caraffe, Saint Fior, and Vitolloce, with some Romane Lordes towardes the Duke of Alua, who as then laie at Canie, a place scituate in the Romane Countrie, neere to Pilastrine, to con­ferre of the whole.

Peace negotiated, and by whom.Betweene whome it was concluded and agreed, that the Duke of Alua and the Cardinall Caraffe woulde resolue thereof together at Benessan, which is not farre from them: hauing each of them ample power and commission from theyr ma­ster, to determine and conclude of all thinges, according as the Popes Letters car­ryed for the Cardinall Caraffe, dated the eighth daie of September, 1557. at Rome: [Page 209] and king Phillips, for Don Ferdinande Aluarez de Toledo, Duke of Alua, dated the fiue and twenteeth of Iuly. In summe, the peace was concluded betweene the Pope and the Spaniard, and such were the Articles: Articles of peace between the Pope and the Spaniard. That the Duke of Alua dooing all kinde of obeysances due, and submissions in the name of the king of Spaine his master, should beseech pardon of the Popes holynesse: That hee shoulde receiue him as his good and obedient sonne, participating vnto him such graces as were common to other: That king Phillip shoulde doo the lyke, by an Embassadour expresly sent from him to Rome: That the Pope as a mercifull and debonarie Father, shoulde receiue the Catholique king as his sonne, and giue vnto him all such graces as hee was wont to doo, and accorde to other Christian kings: That his holynesse shoulde renounce the league with the French king, and declare himselfe a father to the one and the o­ther of both the kinges, wythout anie one more than the other: That the Catho­lique King shoulde render vp all the townes, places, castles, and fortresses, beeing of the domaine of the Church, which had bene taken since the ouerture of this warre. Hee shoulde make bee builded agayne and repayred, all such as had beene ruined and dismembred by the Spaniardes: That all the artillerie taken on the one side or the other, in what sorte so euer, shoulde bee restored againe into the handes of his auncient possessour: That they shoulde forget all such executions as had ben done by iustice during this warre, were it by death or bannishment: and all confiscations of what persons whatsoeuer, wythout anie mannes researching after into them. As also all such as thorough this dissention were driuen out of theyr landes, goods, and dignities, shoulde bee restored into theyr good renowme, goods, honours, states, and dignities, right actions, and Seignouries. Prouided that they had lost these thinges by meanes of this warre, to the ende this peace might not bee auaileable to Marke Anthonie Colone, nor to Ascaigne de la Corne, but that they shoulde remayne outlawed, at the will and discretion of the holy Father. That the Dutchie of Palliane should bee put in such estate as it was then, by the consent and good liking of both partyes, into the hands of Iean Barnardin Carbon, which was the sequestrer, who should sweare to the Pope and the Catholique King, to keepe faith to both parties, and obserue the articles and agreements made and accorded betweene the Duke of Alua and the Cardinall Caraffe. Which Carbon was to haue the keeping of the Towne of Pal­liane, hauing vnder him eight hundred souldyers, payed by the Pope and the Ca­tholique king.

These Articles were sworne to in the name of the sayde Princes, the Pope, and king Phillip, by the Cardinall Caraffe and the Duke of Alua, according to the Com­mission and faculties giuen vnto them, swearing by the soules of theyr Princes, to obserue all the whole without fraude, cauelling, or anie exception whatsoeuer: ad­ding a truce for a certayne time, contayning pasport and safeconduct to the Duke of Guise, and to all the Captaines and souldyers of the king of France, to departe out of Italie, and the Countries appertayning vnto king Phillip, as well by sea as by land. Afterwardes they signed and sealed the whole in the presence of the Cardinals of S. Flour, and Vitelle, who lykewise signed the present Treatise. And forsomuch as it was not set downe therein to whome Palian shoulde appertaine, since that the se­questrer kept it in the name of both the princes contracting, there were secrete arti­cles agreed vpon between the Cardinal Caraffe and the Duke of Alua. In which it was contained, how that it should remaine at the will and discretion of the catholike king, either to ruine or leaue that place in her entire, without being lawful for him to repair [Page 210] or fortifie it, vntill the sayd Lord King had giuen some place of like value and reue­new to the Popes sonne for recompence. And anie difference falling out vppon that exchange, the Senate of Venice shoulde giue iudgement thereof, wythout either the one or the other parties refusing to obey what shuld be ordayned by that Seignorie. And the recompence beeing once made by king Phillip, hee might then bestowe the place of Palian vppon whom it liked him best, sauing anie such as were an enemie to the Church of Rome. And that he which should haue Palian in sequestration, should bee bound to depart so soone as the place were dismembred. Such was the issue of the affayres of Italie, and of the armie which the King sent for the Popes succour, the which was followed with a strange ouerflowing inundation of Tiber, as I will cause you to see elsewhere.

Now that each partie had of a long time turned his desseignes to the warre, coue­red notwithstanding by the conclusion of this truce, yet had the Spanish Councell much better and from longer hande prouided for the preparatiues and inconuenien­ces thereof. For Phillip put as soone an armie agaynst that of Italie (by which he drew out of the realme, the flower of the nobilitie, and the most renowmed Captaines and souldiers which were there) the most accomplished and best furnished with all neces­saries of anie that had beene seene of long time. The desseines & old preparations of king Phillip. To the end hee would not faile to set forward his first fortune, which he meant to proue in the view of all the potentates of Europe, especially of the French, in whome hee meant to ingraue by the beginning of his enterprises such a dread of his forces & means, as that for euer after they should bee more stayed, and lesse stirring against him, than they had beene against anie of his ancestors. Henrie on the contrarie (as the French is neuer aduised but vpon the blow) prouiding onelye for his armie which marched to affranchise the Pope from his ene­mies, Dessignes and preparations of king Henrie. (to whom succours was almost as soone promised as demanded) hauing vnder­stood but too late, through want of intelligence the galliard preparatiues of Phillip, found himselfe no lesse astonied to see he was taken at a lifte, than perplexed through the difficultie, whereof reporte was made vnto him, of finding finances to leuie, con­duct, furnish, and imploy so grosse an armie withall. Which to hinder the enterie and sacke of his realme to so puissant a neighbour and ancient enemie, was a matter neces­sarie for the richest and poorest Prince of Christendome, (thorough the abundance, and yet euill husbanding of his meanes) in making readie the preparatiues, whereof hee knew a great deale better the difficulties which presented themselues to the exe­cutions of his haughtie desseignes, by the complaintes which all the estates of his Realme made to bee resounded on all partes, as soone as the bruite of another warre refreshed theyr memorie wyth remembrance of so many sorrowes passed.

Two houses at this time possessed king Henrie more than anie other of his realme, that of Guise and Monmorencie, both of them recommended for the antiquitie, va­lour, and renowme of their races, vertuously imployed to the profite and honour of the crowne of France. But that being the greater, better allied, richer, and of more re­nowme throughout all Christendome, woulde not acknowledge the Monmoren­cian equall to itselfe, sauing in the fauor of the Prince, whose grace towards the Con­stable mounted so farre, as that hee would conceale nothing from him, doo all things by his aduise, and vouchsafe him sometimes to bee his bedfellow, the honour and re­spect beeing kept still such as hee ought. So as beeing set in authoritie, thorough the credite and exceeding vertue, as well of his foure sonnes, as of his three nephewes of Chastillon, and other his kinsmen, who bare honorable offices, all of them within the [Page 211] realme, hee seemed to haue no need of desiring the increase of ought, but only a con­tinuance of his greatnesse, prouided that no disaster did crosse the course of so happie a pursuit. Those of Guise no lesse supported by the merite of their owne valour, and put in authoritie thorough the ancient renowme of so many princes, issued out of the house of Lorraine, sought to make themselues greatest in the kings fauour, by a farre greater number of signall seruices with Charles and Frances of Guise, might doo to the flower de Luce. So as, as well to continue their owne dutie, as their auncestours and fathers, they had vndertaken the voyage of Italie, to the end to deliuer Pope Iulie out of the Spaniardes handes: and if promise should bee kept with them, to imploy them selues to the conquest of the kingdome of Naples, hoping by that means much more to extoll the kings power & credit among forrain nations▪ Charles and De Guise Cardi­nals remaining onely behinde in Court to entertaine the king to the conduct of such a dessein. Which lykewise was greatly fauoured by Diane de Poitiers, sole heire to S. Valier, Duke of Valentinois, who to imploie thereto that part of hir credit, which her beautie, comely carriage, and quicknesse of spirite (graces hatefull inough to the ver­tuous Katherine de Medices Queene of France) had gained vnto her of the king, had gi­uen one of her daughters in marriage to De Guise Earle of Aumaule, who accompany­ed the Duke his brother into Italie. Now as all greatnesse standeth accompanied with the passions of the Court, vpon the preparatiues which king Phillip made dayly, to be reuenged of the losses abouesayd, men began to shew vnto the king the damage and dishonour, which thorough the absence of his forces, the breach of truce so solemnly sworne would bring vnto him: how the Duke of Guise had spent one hundred and three score thousand crownes a moneth, without hauing done ought else than seene Ciuitelle, a frontire towne of Naples the small, or rather no aduantage at all, which hee had receiued by the breach thereof. How that the king of Spaine beeing well setled in his quarters within Italie, had assembled together such forces, as it was an easie matter for him to aduance the ruine of France, if hee should enter in against so few people as were to present themselues vnto him, in the ranke of whome, notwithstanding the Constable humblie besought his maiestie to place him, that hee might imploie there­in, together with his owne meanes, the lyfe of himselfe, his kinsmen, friends, and such other as would follow him in such an enterprise, as much perforced and vncommo­dious as it was. The king greatly bewailed such an accident: but as hee was one of the best princes and most easie to bee managed, as France euer sawe, hee dyd not greatly torment himselfe, thorough the hope which the Cardinall of Lorraine and the Dut­ches of Valentinois had giuen vnto him. How the whole matter could not but receue an happie issue, and how that the Constable, chiefe of armes, might assemble men e­nough to make head to the Spaniard, if it would please his maiestie but to sende him towardes the frontires, there to make readie the campe. The which hee was comman­ded to doo. So as hee departed from Compeigne, (where the king as then laie go­uerned by those of Guise) with speed inough to go to Nostre dame de Liesse, there to receiue his troupes together, which should bee sent vnto him out of all partes. In the meane time they studyed vpon all meanes (the kings treasure beeing alreadie dra­wen drie) how to procure monie for the entertaining of such an armie, in which ap­peared great difficulties, accompanyed with grieuous complaintes in many places. In summe, besides the great and ordinary impostes which were leuied vpon the people, new taxes and particular loanes were put vpon them, with surcharges so excessiue, as they grew intollerable vpon the third estate, which the continuance of the warres had alreadie eaten almost to the bare bones. The ministers and beneficed men of the [Page 212] Church; albeit they alleadged how that they were exempt, & priuiledged from such charges, were neuer a whit spared, but seazed according to their tenths, to the vtmost value of the reuenue of theyr Benefices. The Nobilitie but euen freshly returned frō the warres passed, with a hope of a good repose, to helpe vp themselues againe, settle order in their houses, and establish theyr reuenues to come, was agayne called, as wel to appeare in the Rirebandes, as to inroll themselues in the kinges ordinances, who dispatched commissions to leauie new companies, and to fyll vp the olde. The Rin­graue bringing vnto him one thousand Pistolliers, and eight hundred Lansknets, came to ioyne with his forces. In the meane space to preuent the first desseines of his e­nemie, to fauour the aduancement of the fortifications vpon the frontiers, and whilest that the armie was making readie, at the end of Ianuarie, 1557. the rest of the men at armes of France, were sent as the most ready force which the king had, to be diuided among the most dangerous frontires, especially in Campagne. For that the imperials ordinaryly made theyr descent most that waies, and to fauor the fortification of Ro­croy, which serued as a counterfort and support to Mariembourg and Maubert Fon­taine. Fortifying in lyke sorte, and munitioning the rest of the places vppon the frontire, they repayred vp agayne the platforme and pan of the wall behinde the castle of Mezieres, which was much fallen downe. The spring notwithstanding and most part of the Summer passed ouer, without anie matter worthie of memorie, sauing the attempt of certaine of the garrisons vpon Roc Roy, which I wil shew vnto you. After hauing represented the place to the naturall. Roc Roy and his representation. It is a barren soile more than two leagues round about it, where you can see nothing but high woods, standing water, and mar­rishes, especially in the wast & vnmanured places groweth nothing but briers, thorns, broome, and heath, for that the molde thereof is clay: the plains & bottomes all moo­rish where the fort standeth. The rest of the places are hard and sharpe rocks, without anie moisture or bearing of fruit, sauing catmint and mosse, which maketh it farre vn­fit for the incamping of an armie, by meanes of the seate and barrennes of the place. The fort hath fiue frontes, which they tearme in forme of Pantagone, couered and de­fended with four great bulwarkes, garnished with their flankers, Cazamates, & plat­formes: then the old fort which serueth for the fift, each carrying his particular name, so great and spacious, that euerie one may lodge two thousand souldiers, and a greate deale of artillery. A matter verie commodious for the retrenches and rampires against the enemie.

Moreouer, the defences there are so surely couered, and without anie daunger of batterie, that it is verie vneasie to take them awaie: ioynt that the heeles and shoulders thereof are so large and thicke, that they couer a great part of the Courtines. And for the better enduring of the rampire, the turfe and the earth is so claie and slammie, as if it soake in neuer so little water, it stiffneth and hardneth inough of it selfe. Therefore the fourth of Aprill the imperiall garrisons beeing assembled together, marched so se­cretly to breake downe the banke, which as yet was reared but two foot high, as thin­king that the most part of the souldiers would sallie out vpon their curriors, with reso­lution to cut off theyr waie, and so hew them in peeces. Then (together with such as fled to enter pesle mesle within the forte) they sawe the souldiers euen and anone sal­lying out file a file to the skirmish, against the first, as the indiscreet heat of the French doth alwayes carrie. But the whole companie comming vpon them to cut off their re­treate, the rest which were within the forte in armes, to make the view and deale the last, issued forth so readily, and with such resolute charges, as the other were constrai­ned to drawe backe and retyre themselues in the end, to defend themselues from the [Page 213] number of Cannon shot which played vpon them with out ceasing.

Passing ouer thus some time in these light attempts, the seuenth of Iune the Queen of England sent an Heralde of armes to proclaime warre vnto the king, who, the king hauing made it bee declared vnto him by the Constable, how graciouslye hee vsed him, in respect of the punishment which hee deserued, in that he had passed thorough his realme without safe conduct, was curteously sent backe with presents, and his an­swere: which was, how hee accepted of the defiance, in hope to make her know, that wythout anie occasion at all shee had offered this vnto him, considering the good of­fices which had passed as well from himselfe as his auncestours towardes her and her nation.

Likewise it was sufficiently inough apparant, how that shee had beene as it were importuned heereunto by her husband, in respect of the diuisions and partialities of that Realme, as well betweene the English and the Spaniardes, as among the English themselues. The most parte imagining howe that theyr new king, diminishing theyr forces and meanes by such warres, would seeke the more easily to make himselfe ma­ster of theyr fortresses, and vsurpe the superintendance, which he so much longed af­ter, to manage all things at his owne will and pleasure. You shall else-where see what insued heereupon. In Iuly the Prince of Piemont, Almora Earle of Eguemond, the Duke of Ascot, and others, prepared an armie at Giuets, curious to performe the mat­ter better than they dyd at the first attempt. Which they had assembled together for to haue surprised Rocroy, at the verie first push. But their vant curriers were so lusti­ly set vpon by those which issued out to the skirmish, as the grosse comming to assist and support them after a long meley of hot buckling together, and infinite Cannon shot which rained among them, was constrayned in the end to leaue a great number of theyr dead behinde in the field, whilest they turned vppon the frontire of Picardie, K. Phillips armie. as if they had meant to haue attempted vpon Guise, before which the whole imperi­all armie laie of thirtie fiue thousand men, and twelue thousande horse, tarrying for eight thousand Englishmen: who landing at Calis and in the Countie Doye, K. Henries armie. was to ioyne wyth them at Saint Quentines. King Henrie his armie assembled it selfe at the same time at Atygnie. But as theyr foresight was not so great as the Spanish, no more was theyr number, nor theyr meanes found to be alike. There might be about eigh­teene thousand fantassins of Almanes and French, fiue or sixe thousand horse, of light men at armes, as well French as Almaine, coasting alwaies notwithstanding the impe­rials within foure or fiue leagues following, the Countrie of Tierasche, resolued to close themselues within Pierre Ponte, a place very commodious to ouerrun the whol frontire, and there to distribute succours among the garrisons, with suretie of those troupes which should keepe the field.

The aduantage which grew vnto the imperials thorough their long foresight, The aduauntages which the Spani­ards & Flemings had ouer the French. ha­uing brought foorth vnto them so strong an armie, and the variable and diligent dis­march of theyr troupes, caused that the French beeing insolent, and contemning the enemyes forces, (against whome ordinarily they esteemed it inough to prepare them selues vpon the blow and intelligence which presented it selfe) did in no sorte prouide to withstand the enterprise of Phillip, and beeing at the verie pinch vncertayne of his intent, they were not able to iudge by the deportments of his armie to what place he meant, whereby they might furnish it as were necessarie. So as first the Kinges coun­cell, and afterwardes the Constables, beeing diuided into two partes, some thought that the Prince of Piemont would vndertake nought else, and turned to no other end than to make an honorable retreate. For that not hauing bene able to assemble his ar­mie [Page 214] together so soone as he imagined, through the distance of so many diuers coun­tries, as he was to drawe his men out of, and other discommodities, the opportunitie was escaped him, far attempting any matter of great importaunce. Especially for that he was repulsed from the Frontier of Champaigne, whither they sayde his principall entente was. And albeit that other were of a contrarie opinion, assuring howe there was a certaine complotte, an assured Rende-vous, and a full foresight determined, whither he meant to turne his Forces, as vnto a matter which he helde alreadie halfe conquered, beeing well aduertised of such wante, as there mought be, so farre, as the Admirall did assure, (by intelligence receyued) the Conestable his Vnckle, how that the Prince meant to haue a blow at Picardie, as a place very euill prouided. Ioint that the Spanishe bandes which were within newe Hedin, (the best Troupes which they had) were not as yet dislodged: the Frenche, (as mens senses being dispersed doe lesse apprehende one of those things which they doe beholde, then if they were all fixed vpon that alone) being curious to furnishe the whole, prouided not suffi­ciently either for the armie, or any other of those places, whereby they mought stay the enemie, who still entertayned them with his long delayes, and irresolutions, tho­rough the vncertainetie of his dissein, vntill that the Prince, hauing made a showe, as though he woulde first encampe before Guise, then at Mariembourg, had enclosed rounde S. Quentins with his light Cauallerie. S. Quentin en­uironed rounde before that the Frenche once thought thereof and lesse proui­ded for it. And at the same instant causing his whole armie to martche with extreame dilligence, hee founde himselfe encamped rounde about it, before that euer he coulde be thought to haue bene halfe way. The suddainesse whereof made the whole Campe to doubte least the place woulde be ta­ken by surprise, as well for wante of men, as other prouisions and fortifications with­in the Towne, which had but the Captaine Brueil for gouernour, and Telligny, Lieu­tenaunt to the Daulphin, of a Companie of one hundred men at armes: the better parte of whome were therein Garrison, at which the Inhabitauntes grewe so great­ly discontented, considering as they alleadged, that their priuiledges did exempte thē from them, as whatsoeuer ensued thereupon, was rather attributed to their owne faulte then to any others. The Admirall, being commaunded by the Conestable, to get into the Towne with as many men as hee shoulde be able, vnder a hope of being succoured by him: Gaspard Colig­ny Admirall and Gouernour of Piccardie get­teth into S. Quentin. albeit that Iarnac and Lusarche offered themselues to goe thither, and keepe him from aduenturing so great a danger, perswading him to employ him­selfe somewhere else, where he shoulde be able to doe the King more signall seruice, then to cast away himselfe there within, did so much notwithstanding, as with foure hundred & fiftie men, as well horse as foote, he entred in. Afterwardes hauing made the Rounde about the walles, encouraged the Inhabitauntes: whome he assembled together in the common Hall, visited the whole Towne thorough, ouerlooked the prouisions and munitions of warre, and giuen the quarters vnto Companies, he pro­uided for all the rest the best which he was able. Now for that Iulian Romero, and Ca­rondelet spanish Captaines had alreadie gayned the bulwarke of Fauxbourg d'Isle, where they had settled their Enseignes, notwithstanding any resistaunce which could be made. Iointe that it was without parapette, and the earth without as high as with­in, the Admirall yssued out to regayne it, and to burne the houses about. But the be­sieged were so euill receyued, and hottely pursued, as many returned hurte, counsel­ling the Admirall to abandon that Fauxbourg, considering the small number of men which he had, and the two passages to the Flankers thereof, by which the enemie mought cutte betweene the Fauxbourg and the Towne, and so hinder the retreat of such as shoulde defende it. But he would needes still holde it vntill a greater occasion [Page 215] were offred, to set a good countenance vpon it. Hereupon beeing willing to viewe the encamping of his enemies, he commanded Teligny, to cause 50. horse of his Cō ­panie to fallie out vnder the conducte of some assured man at armes, onely to viewe, Howe a sallie ought to be made vpon the enemie. enioyning them by no meanes to sight, and especially, that he shoulde not goe him­selfe: But seeing the Couriers engaged, and in disorder, he was no sooner aduanced without armour, and vpon a bad court all to cause them to retire, but he was wrap­ped in, throwne downe to the grounde, wounded to death, stripte naked, and after­warde carryed away by a souldier, who hazzarded his life, for the rewarde, which the Admirall had promised vnto him. This done, perceyuing the preparratiues of the enemie to batter the Fauxbourg d'Isle, hauing carryed away whatsoeuer was por­table, and prouided for the burning of the houses vpon the watch worde giuen, hee quitted it, and caused the whole to be burned. Nowe as the Inhabitantes had hidde their prouisions, notwithstanding any commaundement or dilligence vsed to forbid them, (among whome the Maior aloane and the Sire de Gibercourte, were noted to doe their duetie) so their faulte in concealing the powder, which had lyen a long time hidde in the Towres of the gate of the Fauxbourg d'Isle, was a cause of great in­conuenience. For to the ende they mought carrie it away, as soone as it was disco­uered, the cakes being all rotten and mouldering into pieces, they were fayne to put it into blankettes, where the fire tooke so at vnawares, with such violence, of this diuelishe mixtion, as it made a breache of more then fiue and thirtie paces, Gunpowder. besides the losse of sixe and thirtie seruiceable men, which wente all into smoake. Where­upon the enemie had a fayre occasion presented to vndertake some thing to his ad­uantage, if the fire of the houses of the Fauxbourg which burned, had not taken away the sight of this breache from the Spanyardes, who mought easily haue entered in at the beginning, for that euery man was retired to feede, and other necessaries. And albeit that the Conestable greatly payned himselfe, to get succour into the Towne, according to the aduise, which he had receyued from the Admirall, who to this ende had sente foorth Vaupergue, and from the toppe of a steeple had shewed him by what wayes they were to take their course, yet Dandelot his brother was not able to bring any in, for that certayne Englishemen prisoners among the Spanyardes, had aduerti­sed them of this enterprise. An occasion that hauing entrenched and furnished the high way to Han, by which they were to passe with harquebusiers, (for so much as that quarter being allotted to such Englishmen as were ioyned vnto King Philips Ar­mie, was lesse peopled with men of warre) the thirde parte was there slayne, Meanes to sende succours to the besieged, and howe to be bet­ter assured. and the rest enforced to saue themselues, albeit they had a nomber of men at armes and light horse to assiste them with hotte alarmes, whilest that they shoulde enter in: In the meane space to viewe the Countrie, and to hinder the enemie from enlarging him­selfe, attempting vpon him as occasions were proffered. But Vaupergue, had not suf­ficiently marked the places which were shewed vnto him for his entraunce in, but gaue straight vpon a Corps de guarde of Fantassins, in steade of passing betweene it, and one other of Cauallerie. Where he should haue founde nothing but Sentinels, and haue bene able to gayne a little hill, all alongest the Vines, by which the Cap­taine S. Andre had entered in by fayre day light. An occasion that the Admirall had nowe ynough to doe, to encourage the besieged, assuring them that the Conestable woulde not suffer them to be lost within, and that together with himselfe, so many Gentlemen would not tarrie there if they supposed they should be but loste. It was about this time, that nine thousande Englishmen, & 1500. horse, Englishmen ioy­ned to K. Philips Armie. ariued at the campe vnder the charge of the Earle of Penbrooke, Clinton, and Gray, lodged as I before [Page 216] told you. In the meane time the Admirall caused 700. idle monthes to be put cut, to ease the towne so much in fauour of the voluntary men. The Prince euen as soone made his trenches, and aproches against the porte of Romicourt, vnder the fauour of the hedges and trees, which had not beene before cutte vp by the beseeged. Where­of the Admirall aduertised the Constable, and of the marish, by which way onely they were then able to succour them: promising to rampire and fill vp certaine little deepe channels, which hindered their passage. The which he did by the Captaine S. Romain: and to crosse the Riuer which runneth through and ouerfloweth this ma­rish: they caused fowre boates to be brought, vpon which, being chained together, and reaching from the one shoare to the other, they might well haue passed, if they had beene able to lande on the banke, whilest that a hotte alarum were giuen to the whole campe. Vpon which the Constable being resolued, hee departed the 8. of August from La Fere, with two thousand horse, fower thousande Fantassins, as well Almaines as French, trayning fower field peeces alongest. Being ariued ouer against the village called Le grand Essigny: he made a stand, and taking the D. of Neuers, the Prince of Conde, and some others, he aproched as neere as he was able to S. Quentin, as farre as the descent of the marish without discouering any enemy. Afterwardes hee sent Du Fumett to viewe neerer, and make report of the distance of the enemy from the towne, and of the marish from them, together with the largenes of the ri­uer. The which he did, with two other more, who agreed somewhat with his re­port: whereupon on S. Laurence day in the morning the tenth of the moneth, there were set in battaile, at the place of execution neere La Fere sixteene French ensignes, and two and twentie Almaine with fifteene peeces of artillarie, whither the whole cauallerie came to ioyne with them. Then they aduanced as farre as S. Quentines by nine of the clock right to the fauxbourge de Lisle on the side of fourteene Spanish Ensignes, where the whole was set in order of battaile. On the side beyond the water, and the marish, was the Prince of Piemont & his army, far stretched forth, hauing for sentinell, within a mile on this side, two Spanish Ensignes, which were sodenly tur­ned downe and constrained to retire themselues beyonde the causey. At the same instant the french artillery thundered so furiously vpon the Campe, & especially in­to the Princes Tent, as he had no leasure to put on his armour, to retyre himselfe into the next quarter of the Count of Aiguemont: to whom euery man retired in a strange disorder. Now for that they doubted a certaine dangerous passage, distant about one league from Fauxbourg d'isle, (where the french Cauallery lay) they sent thither a cornet of the Renigraues pistoliers, to the end to haue newes sooner by them, then footmen, which were rather like to be lost then succoured, as also that they were the more easily able to retire. And for a greater strength the D. of Neuers went thither with three companies of men at armes. Vpon this the Constable vsed all meanes to make his men to enter in: but the boates not being able to come to the other shore, through the aboundance of the souldiers, which entred in by such heapes, and dis­orderlie, were so ouerladen, as by reason of the durte and ouse in which they stooke, it was vnpossible for any great number of men to passe ouer: besides at the going out of the boates, the presse of the souldiers was such as they were not able to follow the waies and pathes shewed vnto them. An occasion that they scattered▪ and fell in­to the deepe ditches of the marish, whence they were not able to get out, but remai­ned there all mirie, and the most part drowned miserablie.

The Prince of Pi­mont resalueth to charge, to hinder the rest from en­tring in, or to breake the Frenche Armie.The Prince in the meane space hauing taken resolution to charge vpon so few men before the appointed succours were al entred in, the artillarie ceasing to annoy them, [Page 217] any further, caused the Compte of Aiguemont to passe ouer the passage with two thousande horse, which the Frenche durste not encounter withall, and then two other Companies followed after with Battailions of foote, during whose passages, some gaue counsell to the Conestable to charge vpon them which were alreadie passed ouer. But their aduice preuailed, who rather counselled a retreate, then to aduaunce further with so fewe men, considering the furious dismartche of their ene­mies: Ioynte that hee was not come thither to hazzarde the Forces of Fraunce, excepte that hee were greatly constrayned thereunto. And further howe hee had succoured and furnished Saint Quintin with all necessaries, as hee thought in spight of the enemie. Thus the Duke of Neuers retyred to Louys de Bourbon Prince of Conde, who had the charge of certayne light Cauallerie, which the Conestable had caused to tarrie at a Windemille. With whome being ioyned, and keeping the lefte winge, they came safe and sounde vnto the Conestable, who alwayes gayned grounde of the retreate, whilest that his enemies encreasing, aduaunced forwardes, and had alreadie gotten aduauntage of him, in eighte great battailions of Cauallerie and Reistres. Yea, they viewed him so neere, as the Conestable imagining that hee had well enough prouided for the place, and that by the temporising of his enemies, they woulde not dare to come backe vpon him, made no other accounte, then softely to retyre. The which the enemie attributing in the beginning to an assured resolution of Combatte, shewed himselfe vncertayne of the charge, vntill that per­ceyuing the Financiers, marchauntes and other, The occasion of the charge gi­uing. (following the Warres for their pleasure, or profite) to retyre apace, to saue themselues, with their money and marchandises, from an enemie so neere vnto them, and afterwardes the seruauntes, whome they caused to bate to retyre, all which chaunging their pace to a galloppe, astonyed at the retreat of these marchauntes, retyred themselues with great cryes, witnesses of the feare which had alreadie possessed them, it made the Compte of Aiguemont to thinke, who suddaynely caused the Prince to be aduertised thereof, that the Frenche Armie quaked, and that it was nowe time to trye their fortune, and to charge vpon such an aduauntage. In the ende, this Flemmishe Compte, ha­uing after he had receyued commaundement from the Prince, conferred a while with the Chiefe men which accompanyed him, leauing the Compte of Saint Che­ualsbourg, with his Regiment of Reistres to keepe the passage, charged thorough a Flancke with two thousande horse, at the same time as the Earles Henry and Eruest of Brunswich, eache followed with one thousande Reistres, backed and encouraged by the Compte of Horne, with a thousande men at armes of the ordinances of the Countrie, sette all as it were with one trotte vpon the other Flancke, at the very same instaunte, as the Earles of Maunsfielde, Vuilen, Dostrat, and of Geldres with other three thousande horse, threwe vnder foote the middest with such a furie, as hauing ouerthrowne the first Ranckes, and those which seconded them, all the surplus was put to flight.

Iohn of Burbon Duke of Anguien, being beaten downe, The defeate and route of the Frenche at S. Quentins. and afterwardes re­mounted, was slayne at the seconde Charge, and in the ende being brought vnto the Prince, hee caused him to bee carryed with all honour to bee buried at La Fere.

Frauncis de la Tour, Vicompte of Turaine, S. Gelais, and more then sixe hundred Gentlemen dyed there, with foure thousand as well French as Almaine Fantassins, and well neere 300. men of marke taken prisoners. The D. of Neuers was retired to [Page 218] La Fere, Espeuilles, Enseigne to his men at armes, gaue his colours to Chazeilles to saue it. And his Guidon S. Simon beeing ouerthrowne, had beene taken prisoner, if D' Auerly had not slayne him which carryed him. The Conestable sore wounded in the haunche, was carried away prisoner, and so was the Duke of Montpensier. As also the Mareschall S. Andre, Ludouic Prince of Mantoue, the Reingraue, Roche-foucat, S. Heron, Frenchmē dead, prisoners and escaped from the battayle of S. Quentins. Bordillon, Mouy, Montsales, and many other of name. As soone as the Fan­terie perceiued this disorder, it set it selfe in square battailions, but being ouerthrown, resisted no whit at all. So as many lying bleeding, and dead vpon the grounde, the rest were ledde away prisoners by troupes like muttons. Who at the comming of King Philip were presented vnto him, with their weapons and coulours, in tryumph of so great and signall a Victorie, happened betweene Essigny and Rizerolles. Being pursued by the space of foure howres, vntill euening, frō the Blanc-fosse where the slaughter beganne, vnto the gallowes distaunt one league from La Fere, where two pieces of Artillerie onely were recouered: the which Bordillon went afterwardes to fetche, to carrie them to La Fere, where the Duke of Neuers, Chiefe of the rest, the Prince of Conde, the Compte of Sancerre, Bordillon and other saued them selues. And shortly after such as were escaped from the Combatte, and out of prison, retired themselues in farre greater nomber then was hoped for. But stripped of all they had.

The Duke of Neuers Chiefe of such as escaped, reassembleth the rest of the bat­taile, and howe he prouided for the whole.This done, the Duke of Neuers sente rounde aboute, to make it knowne vnto the dispersed sorte, howe that the Rende-vous of the Armie was appointed at Laon, Where he assured them that they shoulde receyue their paye, which they had not seene of many monethes together. This done, hauing furnished the Frontires with men and munitions the best which he was able, he aduertised the King of the estate wherein his affayres stoode, and besought the Prince of Piemont, to sende vnto him the nomber rolle of such prisoners of marke as were taken. Then together with the Prince of Conde he retired within Laon, with sixe hundred horse the residue of all the Troupes. He lefte Bordillon at La Fere, and the Compte of Sancerre at Guise. Afterwardes the King sente De Pot to Han, & De Lorges to Noyon, there to assemble together the Gentlemen of his house, and the Archers of his guards, and to prouide for those quarters, according as neede shoulde require.

Paris scareth the comming of K. Philip no lesse then afore time his fathers Charles the Emperour.Hereupon the King retired himselfe from Compienne to Paris, thereby to assure the Inhabitauntes, who alreadie quaked, seeking to retyre themselues, with the more pretious parte of their goodes, and moueables, into the furthest parts of the Realme. To whome first he sent the Queene, who was quickely at the Guilde hall, where she demaunded, and obtayned a graunt of three hundred thousande livers, after an Ora­tion made by the Cardinall Bertrande, Archbishoppe of Sens, Lorde Keeper. Who in summe declared vnto them.

‘ HOwe that the Lorde God, hauing chosen and appointed him for their King, by like meanes had created and lefte vnto him, a hearte and affection to rule them, preserue and defende them, euen to the aduenturing of his owne life: Therefore that they shoulde assure themselues, that hee woulde no more abandon them, then that he had this firme beliefe, howe the diuine Grace would neuer faile him, to which if it hath seemed good to sende vnto him this misfortune, it was an admonition, to acknowledge the Almightie, who distributeth all thinges according to his good pleasure as well to great as small. The K. demaun­deth succour of the Parissians. Nowe, albeit that he receiued it as a punishement & chastisemēt for his offences, or it mought be his Peoples, yet the danger was not so great & ineui­table, but that meanes were lefte of remedie, considering the succours, which they are to seeke of [Page 219] the God of Victories. And that of themselues they woulde be an ayde vnto themselues, and espe­cially to him in this desperate necessitie, Whereupon they had to consider, that so long as the rentes of his reuennewe, were able to streatche out towardes the maintenance of these warres, he had not importuned them, by surcharges of demaundes, and redoublementes of taskes, or other contributions: But that hee was alwayes willing, rather to sell and morgage his owne De­mayne, exchaunge and borrowe elsewhere, then to fleece or moleste them. But since that nowe he was no longer able to satisfie them, thorough the affayres which daylye redoubled vpon him, as they mought see and perceiue with their owne eyes, therefore he besought them that they would succour him onely with money, and that for the rest they woulde relye themselues vpon him, who of his parte woulde neuer fayle them in will, and good affection, nor yet in force or power to suc­cour them, or in any thing else which mought appertaine to the authoritie or Estate of a King towardes his subiectes.’

Brieflie the Parissians reacknowledging the good zeale of their Prince, accorded willingly vnto him three hundred thousande livers, as also the rest of the capitall Ci­ties of the Prouinces, contributed as their abilitie stretched. With the which he sent into Zwizerlande, to leuie sixe thousande men, vnder the Colonell Luc Reistre of Basle, and on the other side eight thousande vnder Claris de Haris. Likewise he sente the Colonell Rechrod, to make an other leuie of Almaine footemen. Albeit that the Countrie was much vnfurnished thorough the leuies of King Phillip, and of another which the Baron of Poleuille made there of twentie Ensignes, and certaine Reistres. Besides this, the King sente worde vnto the Duke of Guise, by Scipion his escuyer, howe he shoulde settle all things in Italie, to the most aduantage which he were able, The meanes which the K. of Fraunce vsed for his better assu­rance after the battaile of S. Quentin. and withdrawe his Forces hitherwards. In the meane time it was ordred that gene­rall musters shoulde be made of the Inhabitantes of Paris, ouer whome there com­maunded Charles de Bourbon, Prince De la Roche-Suryon in Poitou. This done, the King being shortly after ariued from Compienne, generall processions were made, whither likewise Paul de Termes was sente for, for the reputation of his vertue, espe­cially in feates of Armes. Who being come, caused to be broken off, that vnprofi­table deuice, of the long trenches, which they had begunne at Paris on the side of Mont-martre, the better to assure that passage. In the ende proclamation was made in the Kinges name, thorough out all the Countreyes, that all souldiers, Gentlemen, or other, which eyther had followed, or were able to carrie armes, shoulde retyre to Laon, towards the D. of Neuers, his Lieutenaunt generall, to the ende they mought be there employed for his seruice, and safetie of the Countrie. And that all such as woulde followe the warres for their owne pleasure, shoulde retire themselues aboute his person, vnder payne of being declared Rebelles, punished corporally as villaines, and disgraded of all Nobilitie.

Such an accident was soone enough able to chaunge the affayres of the Courte. Yea, to establishe an other kinde of fourme altogether, in the managing of the Estate of Fraunce, ouer which the Conestable seemed to holde the aduantage. But his taking caused it to fall into the handes of the Cardinall of Lorraine, and Dutchesse of Valentinois, who kept it for the Duke of Guise, as soone as hee shoulde bee come to the Courte. During the attendance of whose Forces, the Duke of Neuers assem­bling together such as were escaped from the battaile, and as many more as hee was able, gaue foorth a nomber of Commissions to Leuie in the Kinges name, newe Companies, and sente De iours to fetche the Leagion of Champagne, whereof hee had beene chiefe Captayne, and drewe fiue Enseignes out of the Garrison [Page 220] of Metz, and other olde bandes of the Garrisons neare hande, in whose steade hee sent newe, not ceasing to sende forth men of all handes to viewe, learne newes, and vpon any good intelligence, to charge at their aduantage. In the meane space the Prince of Conde suffered no more the enemie to repose himselfe, then the light horse as also did the Earles of Sancerre and Bordillon of their parte. And albeit that the Captayne Graye his Englishe light horse, The Englishe which serued K. Henry gained by those of Philips side, leaue their Captaine and flye. hauing quitted him, and carryed away his armour and horse, gaue occasion to the enemie to sende two thousande horse as farre as Oyse, to passe ouer there, and stoppe these Couriers, yet durste they not for all that venter any further, but returned to the Campe, hauing founde the Frenche watchfull at all handes, as disgrace awakeneth and keepeth all kinde of persons with­in their duetie, more then prosperitie, or any other accident.

To returne to the Mareschall Brissac his actions in Piemont, whilest that hee em­ployed his armie, in attending the effect of the long promises, which had bene made him of his paye, to waste the Countrie rounde about Fossan, blocke in Cony, and hindering them both from hauing any succoures, especially of victualles or other ne­cessaries, De Lambres, an ordinarie groome of the Kinges Chamber, was dispatched vnto him, on the 15. of August, to aduertise him of the defeat, and taking of the Co­nestable, Defeate of S. Quentins. De Termes and De Anuille. vnder Saint Quentins, and of the continuance of the Siege thereof. And further carryed a commaundement vnto him, to sende away thither out of hande, De Termes, and D'Anuille, with their Companies, & the Regiment of Swizers which were in Piemont, the better to further the affayres of the Realme. Whereupon a Counsell was helde, at Lagasque, and therein it was resolued that they shoulde de­parte with their Companies. And how that in regarde of the Swizers, and other affayres which as then fell out, the Secretarie Bounin shoulde bee dispatched, with charge to condole with his Maiestie, for so great a losse, and disastre on the behalfe of all his seruantes in Piemont. And further most humblie to deliuer vnto him, what their opinion and aduise was, for the preuenting of such inconueniences, as mought growe by such an accident: The substance whereof was howe his Maiestie should himselfe embrace the conducte of his affayres, and commaunde a Leuie forthwith to be made, of twentie thousande Almaines, and thirtie thousande Frenche, with cor­respondent Forces of Cauallerie. And that this armie mought bee on foote, before such time as the enemie shoulde haue taken Saint Quentins, or at the least assayled, taken, and fortified any other place, That to be able to restore all thinges into good tearmes, and for a long time to entertaine the saide Armie, it were necessarie to make a good prouision of money, taking vp to that ende, an whole yeeres reuennewe of the Bishoprickes, Abbayes, and other benefices, without excepting anye, sauing such as still trauayled, and spente their owne about his Maiestie. Who mought, if it pleased him, beginne with the Bishoppe of Constance, Cousin to the sayde Mares­chall. The K. meanes to drawe out of the Cleargies & Nobilities reuen­newes. Who likewise was of aduise, that the Estates shoulde be assembled, and that his Maiestie in person shoulde deliuer the necessitie of his affayres, and demaunde succour therein. And that all that, which mought be so drawne out, was not able to supplie the wante: That he should in the like sorte helpe himselfe by the Nobilitie, beginning with him, taking all his reuennewes, sauing two thousande livers, which mought be left to his wife, to nourishe her selfe and her children withall. That the Swizers shoulde make themselues readye to martch, albeit that they were so tyred, and neare driuen of all handes, by being euill payde, as that they woulde hardly be able to bee ariued within Fraunce, before that the occasion for which his M. sought [Page 221] them were passed ouer. And that by this meanes Piemont without cause woulde remayne vnarmed, and in great daunger: besides the losse of time and expence, which had bene employed and bestowed vpon the bringing of the sayde Fossan and Cony into that extreame necessities in which they then stoode. But at the seconde summons of his Maiestie, the Swizers must of necessitie be sent away, The Swizers goe out of Piemont who as it was foretolde grewe altogether vnprofitable, thorough the long aboade which they made at Lions, being very sicke, weake, and euill payde.

Nowe the Mareschall hauing vnderstood that vpon this defeate his Maiestie had caused newe Companies of men at armes to be addressed, hee greatly besought for La Mothe Gondrin, Francisque Bernardrin de Pauan, and Vicompt Gourdon, but they mought not be gratified. He offered for all that to come in person himselfe vnto his Maiestie, in this his great necessitie to doe him seruice, but it woulde not bee accepted.

Certayne dayes after his Maiestie perceyuing howe few Forces were remayning in Piemont, the Swizers being departed thence, and foreseeing the daunger of some inconuenience like to ensue, sente worde vnto the Mareschall, that in steade of those Swizers, he shoulde with all speede leuie newe Companies of foote, and that hee shoulde wante no money to that ende. Notwithstanding there was onely sente to paye the olde bandes, which were in extreame necessitie, many monethes hauing bene due vnto them: Yea, and in steade of remedying the necessities of Piemont, his Maiesties pleasure was, to accept the offer, which vnwitting to the Mareschall was made vnto him by the Vidasme of Chartres, Colonell of the Infanterie, The Vidasme of Chartres carieth 2000. Fantassins into Fraunce. for car­rying into Fraunce from thence two thousand Frenche harquebusiers, and as many Italians. Which being accordingly put in execution, it was altogether apparaunt, that thereby his Maiesties affayres were put into extreame perill and ruyne, the ene­mies being strong, and the Frenche feeble, ill payde, and comming so lately from receyuing the desastre of the defeate of the Armie, and losse of Saint Quentins.

As the time thus passed away, with verie small aduauntage to the Kings affayres, the President Baillif, made offer vnto the King of himselfe, and vnwitting to the Mareschall, that hee mought leuie in Piemont, two or three hundred thousande crownes, leuying three crownes vpon euery housholder, which offer was not one­ly accepted without any aduise at all demaunded of the Mareschall, but there was likewise preste money deliuered vnto him vpon the assignations of Piemont. And whilest that his Maiestie made difficultie to heare such reasons as mought bee allead­ged touching the impossibilitie of such a leuie, there was no prouision made for suc­cour of men, nor money, in so much as many losses and inconueniences were rea­dye to ensue: Especially for that the Vidasme still pursued the execution of his Leuie of two thousande harquebusiers.

For if any man woulde haue constrayned the bandes of Piemont, to muster with­out paye, it was to be feared that it would haue happened worse then it did at Cony. The more likely, considering in what vnfauourable tearmes, his Maiesties affayres as then stoode. Who mought very well haue called to minde howe diuers and sun­drye times woorde was sente vnto him, that the prolonging of the Musters, was onely wrought and occasioned, by the delaye of the money, the wante whereof rendred the souldiers poore, and made them disobedient, and an euidente losse to the finances of his Maiestie, which notwithstanding they colde by no meanes re­medie, without hauing meanes to make a rigorous muster. All thinges being thus [Page 222] conducted in this sort, and the death of Salueson happening gouernour of Casal: his Maiestie as he was accustomed to doe in like vacances, neuer tarying for the aduice & nomination of the Marshall, Death of Salue­son. placed Francisque Bernardin therein, fayning as though he had vnderstoode that hee and not La motte Gondrin had beene put into Casal after the death of Salueson. Francisque Ber­nardin Gouer­nour of Casal. And albeit that his Maiestie did afterwardes reuoke this nomination, yet matters were in such sorte handeled as Francisque Bernardin stil sto­mached the Marshal the rather for that at his return from the Court into Piemont, he was not gratefied nor honoured in such sorte as hee expected: hee recommen­ded likewise Mont basin to haue the place of gentleman of the chamber which Salue­son before had. Salueson gentle­man of the Chamber. But he was not able to obtaine it, so as he, & many other of the Kings seruantes, seeing how little credite was giuen to the Marshals recommendations, albeit they were for men of merite began to diminish their affection, and some of them to aske leaue to depart homewardes to follow their aduauncement, alleadg­ing that none but such as went to the court were aduaunced and recompensed. Thus vpon these occasions, The credit of a Gouernour is impared among his owne except it appeare some­what about his soueraigne. began many complaintes, disobediences and quarrels to arise, which notwithstandinge receiued an other kinde of construction then this: so as being inforced thereunto the twenty and eyght of September, hee let the King to vnderstand how many Captaines, gentlemen, and other officers daylie de­parted away without leaue as wel for want of pay, as that they perceiued right wel, how they should neuer receiue any preferment, through his recommendation: a­mong whome Pauan had for this occasion quitted and giuen ouer his Lieuetenan­cie: Pauan, Baron of Adrek, Bouual de parte. and the Baron of Ardrets, the Captaine Bouuall, Sergent Maior of Casal, and sundry other personages who had long and faithfully serued. But notwithstanding he made light account thereof, so as euerie man began to seeke an other supporte then his, and to perke vp the nose against him. Now as his Maiesty stoode aduer­tised how that the enemies had leuied great companies of resolute men in readines after the comming of the D. of Alua, The D. of Alua commeth in Pi­emont with his armie. (whome they attended within fewe dayes at Gennes with the forces of the kingdome of Naples) to assaile eyther Piemonte, or the D. of Ferrara, (who for that cause had made great instance, that his Maiesties forces might approch to the D. of Milan) the Marshall besought him to prouide thereto aswell with force, as money: to the end he might preuent in time and place, such inconueniences, which a man mought perceiue prepared as well on the one side as the other. And for so much as his maiestie had made semblance to mislike the diffi­cultie which the Marshal made vpon the leuy of two thousande Harquebusiers, whō the Vidasme offred to bring into Fraunce, dispatching the eighteene the Secretarie Bounin, for instance of supplie and prouision of money, he gaue him in charge to de­clare vnto his saide Maiestie that whatsoeuer he had done was not with any intenti­on to contrary his will, but for so much as his Maiestie had not as then countermand (as he had done since the thirteenth) the Ensignes of the Zuizers, who not returning backe, and the saide two thousande Harquebusiers going away, there was smal like­lihood. But Piemont would remaine altogether at the enemies discreation. And whē as this consideration could not preuaile. Yet he saide that he had otherwise occa­sion enough to remaine euill satisfied, seeing that such an offer had beene made without euer communicating the same vnto him, and afterwards accepted without euer demaunding his aduise, The Mareshal [...] content. as it seemed reasonable, since that he gouerned Piemont the principall charge whereof it pleased his Maiestie to bestowe vpon him. Not­withstanding he ceased not all thinges layde by, rather to fauour then hinder the Vidasme. And as it was giuen him in charge at the same time, to leuie, according to [Page 223] the proposition made by the Presidente Bailly, Money leuied vpon Piemont. three crownes of taxe vpon euery housholder, whereof his Maiestie made full accounte, without demaunding his aduise at all therein, yet resting onely vpon the seruice of his Maiestie, hee did so much, as that he leuyed vpon the Countrey sixe score thousande liuers, wherewith he relieued himselfe, attending better prouision. Vpon which leuie, what fayre wordes soeuer or amiablenesse he could vse, many inconueniences were readie to ensewe. Shortly after, the King in like sorte commaunded him, that hee shoulde sende vnto him, by Lodun, the Commissions for the Captaynes, which ought to be prouided of vacant Companies, which hee must needes doe, albeit he had neuer meddled with those Companies since the comming of the Vidasme: notwithstan­ding that all his predecessours had bene accustomed, to nominate the same compa­nies, as had bene practised as well by himselfe in his owne right being Colonell of the footemen, as by them which had bene before him. This disgrace was likewise offered vnto him, that notwithstanding any request which had bene made by him in the fauour of Ossun, and Frauncisque Bernardin, to be a meanes they mought receyue the order, hee coulde neuer yeilde them any assurance thereof, but it was D'Anuille which carried it away, so as euer after they depended on the Conestable. In summe, the Mareschall still continuing, to make instaunce of supplie, wherewith he mought be able to oppose himselfe against his enemies forces, who might vndertake eyther the forcing of some holde or fortifiyng themselues in some new, and by that meanes mought abate their nomber, it was aunswered him, that they were matters easier talked of then done, and that he must needes confesse, that winter was alwayes win­ter, during which season, men were accustomed to surcease armes. An aunswere in deede coyned by his enemies, who woulde not so much as call to minde the taking of Lans, Valence, Iuree, and sundry other places in the monethes of December and Ianuarie, in the very hearte of Winter. Thus did the complayntes of the Mares­chall moue the Kinges Counsell bente to turne their eyes an other waye, no more, then the newes of their enemies comming into Piemont, no not so much as the des­cente of the Duke of Alua, at Gennes with 7000. men: The D. of Alua his armie at Gennes. and that attending their a­riuall in Piemont, the enemies had put themselues within Galliany, (which the Mareschall willing to haue fortified, onely for a time to haue founde the enemie oc­cupyed, was constrayned for want of money, to leaue and rayse it) which they be­ganne to fortifie. And lesse the going away of many Captaines and souldiers day by day, especially the Captaine Benes who demaunded leaue to departe home to his owne house; and replie being made vnto him, that hee did but come thence, hee persisted to say that hee woulde goe, come what woulde, and whereas he was adui­sed to take time to consider thereof, and afterwardes deliuer his minde vnto the Ma­reschall, he refused it, and the nexte morning wente home without once bidding farewell. For this cause he besought his Maiestie, that such disobedience mought not goe vnpunished, and that his Companie mought be bestowed on the Captaine Lisle: which the King liked well of, Captaine Lisle. and yet was it afterwardes rendred agayne vnto him. Of which the Mareschall afterwardes complayning, and standing vpon, it had bene deliuered and bestowed on the Captaine Lisle, Serieant of the Battayle, who had long and faithfully serued, they woulde yeelde no credite at all vnto him, but the companie was bestowed vpon La Roche a gentleman of D'Anuilles, who had beene nothing so long a Seruitour. True it is that complainte beeing made of the wrong which thereby was done to the Mareschall, it was in the ende restored to the Cap­taine Lisle. In fine the Mareschall well weighing howe he was handled, & how that [Page 224] the instances and importunities which he continued as well by letters, as expresse messengers to haue the affaires of Piemont better prouided for, brought forth no fruit at all, as small credit being yeelded thereunto, he besought leaue of his Maiesty that he might come home, and kisse his hande, especially to declare vnto him the e­state of his affaires and to deliuer vp an account of the gouernement which hee had receyued, The Mareschall Brissac going out of Piemōt, leueth Gonner his bro­ther Liuetenant generall. the which his Maiestie graunted for this cause, hauing setled all thinges as conuenientlie as he was able hee departed out of Piemont, leauing Gonner his bro­ther the Kinges Liuetenant Generall in his absence. Being arriued at the Court, & vnderstanding how some bad impressions had beene put into the Kinges heade, as well against him as sundry other Gouernours and Captaines in Piemont, he besought his Maiesttie, hat he would sende thither to sift out the matters to the ende, that hee and they might be punished, in case they were founde true: and if they were found contrary, that the accusers might beare the punishment, which the accused should haue deserued: to the ende that by this example all false accusers might bee taught. Notwithstanding his Maiestie woulde doe nothing, saying that hee beleeued no whit at all the accusers, that he should speake no more thereof, but perseuer wel & diligentlie to doe him seruice. Let vs leaue the Mareschall at the Courte, to looke backe into the olde pursuites which they began to renew against the Lutheranes, for expiation of the desastre and misfortune of S. Quentins.

As the managing of forraine affayres, doeth ordinarily breede a carelessenes a­monge men at home, the great ones bare such an affection to these warres, and the Churchmen and iustices turned their eye so far fixed thereon, for feare least the euent thereof would giue some shrewde checke to all Fraunce. And besides they dispensed by little and little in such sorte, with the pursuites of those which had beene accused for the euill opinions which they held of the faith, as now a man could not see in all places but an incredible number of Lutheranes, to the great disaduantage of the Catholicques, notwithstanding any seuere ordinances or rigorous punish­ment, which had beene before made against them. There was no speech but of the secrete assemblies which night and day were made in many places, Assemblie of Lu­therans discoue­red in S Iacques street in Paris and especi­ally in Paris: where in the end they discouered one in S. Iacques streete, right ouer against the Colledge of Plessis. Many saued themselues, yet some were slayne in their owne defence, and a great number remained there of prisoners, of all sexes, a­ges, and qualities, the women were the vnchoifed, beaten, and railed at in all sortes. Among whom the Ladies Douartie, de Rentigny and de Champaigne, with mistresse