The French Historie That is; A lamentable Discourse of three of the chiefe, and most famous bloodie broiles that haue happened in France for the Gospell of Iesus Christ. Namelie; 1 The outrage called The winning of S. Iames his Streete, 1557. 2 The constant Martirdome of Annas Burgeus one of the K. Councell, 1559. 3 The bloodie Marriage of Margaret Sister to Charles the 9. Anno 1572. Published by A. D. [i.e. Anne Dowrich] |
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The notable, famous, and constant Martirdome of Annas
Burgeus, which, being one of the Kings Counsell, was burnt for the
Gospel of Iesus Christ.
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 | The French Historie |  |
The notable, famous, and constant Martirdome of Annas Burgeus, which, being one of the Kings Counsell, was burnt for the Gospel of Iesus Christ.
About this verie time by force of sodaine iarre,
Betweene the Kings of Spaine and France, was likelie to be warre.
But Herode to agree with Pilate was content,
And for to murder Iesus Christ they both doo ioyne consent.
So now there was a league, where both did giue their word
To roote and rase Gods sowen truth, by fagot, fire and sword.
The graffe that Sathan greeues did yet begin to spring,
The tree of life some ioyfull frute as now did seeme to bring.
Whose bud enameld greene, and blossome sweete to see,
Inraged Sathans fierie moode with mallice; so that he
In furie headlong runnes: he frets, he fumes, he raues,
And of the King some speedie helpe in present danger craues.
Betweene the Kings of Spaine and France, was likelie to be warre.
But Herode to agree with Pilate was content,
And for to murder Iesus Christ they both doo ioyne consent.
So now there was a league, where both did giue their word
To roote and rase Gods sowen truth, by fagot, fire and sword.
The graffe that Sathan greeues did yet begin to spring,
Whose bud enameld greene, and blossome sweete to see,
Inraged Sathans fierie moode with mallice; so that he
In furie headlong runnes: he frets, he fumes, he raues,
And of the King some speedie helpe in present danger craues.
“The fate that files my fall, ô King saith he, is this;
“Your Senate fauours truth too much, your Iudges too remisse:
“They are not sharpe inough to shred appearing ill,
“They suffer impes of Luthers sect too much to haue their will.
“Your Senate fauours truth too much, your Iudges too remisse:
“They are not sharpe inough to shred appearing ill,
“They suffer impes of Luthers sect too much to haue their will.
The
King not well content, prouideth out of hand
Some new assemblie to be had, to haue this matter scand.
The Senate being set, the Kings Attorney first
Some new assemblie to be had, to haue this matter scand.
The Senate being set, the Kings Attorney first
“Doth grauely shew vnto them al; how that the K.doth thirst
“To haue them all agree in matters touching faith,
“And to consent that Luthers brood should all be put to death:
“For that some strife of late there was betweene them found,
“Cōcerning this. But to their shames this iarring would redoūd.
“Because for Heretikes some first would haue them tride,
“And some would haue them banished, & some would haue thē fride.
“And therefore wisheth all with him to giue consent,
“That death might end this strife, which thing the king hath alwaie ment.
“To haue them all agree in matters touching faith,
“And to consent that Luthers brood should all be put to death:
“For that some strife of late there was betweene them found,
“Cōcerning this. But to their shames this iarring would redoūd.
“Because for Heretikes some first would haue them tride,
“And some would haue them banished, & some would haue thē fride.
“And therefore wisheth all with him to giue consent,
“That death might end this strife, which thing the king hath alwaie ment.
This was a
subtill slight the godlie to betray;
That such as spake against the same, their cōscience should bewray.
But yet amōg the rest some freely spake their minde;
That reason for so cruell act as yet they could not finde.
“The King would haue (saie they) but Heretikes to die:
“And what are they but such as dare the Scriptures to denie?
“If anie such be found, let them be wroong to death;
“Because the word is all our staie, and Author of our faith.
“But if for Heretikes the godlie should be slaine,
“God would reuenge their blood; and we by this should reap no gain.
“And those which you do think the truth do now denie,
“Their reasons, deeds & faith we see, wherein they stoutlie die.
Therefore if from the Lord this counsell doo proceede,”
To striue against the same, it were a vaine and sinfull deede.”
Thus did the better sort their godlie thoughts bewraie;
Which being crost with coūter cranks, was cause of their decaie.
For Satan fearing least their sentence would preuaile,
Sent two in post vnto the King these dealings to reueale.
The limbes of Pluto which this bloodie message went,
Egidius and Minardus were fit hounds for such a sent.
Who comming to the King most falselie did declare,
That such as spake against the same, their cōscience should bewray.
But yet amōg the rest some freely spake their minde;
That reason for so cruell act as yet they could not finde.
“The King would haue (saie they) but Heretikes to die:
“And what are they but such as dare the Scriptures to denie?
“If anie such be found, let them be wroong to death;
“Because the word is all our staie, and Author of our faith.
“But if for Heretikes the godlie should be slaine,
“God would reuenge their blood; and we by this should reap no gain.
“And those which you do think the truth do now denie,
“Their reasons, deeds & faith we see, wherein they stoutlie die.
10
To striue against the same, it were a vaine and sinfull deede.”
Thus did the better sort their godlie thoughts bewraie;
Which being crost with coūter cranks, was cause of their decaie.
For Satan fearing least their sentence would preuaile,
Sent two in post vnto the King these dealings to reueale.
The limbes of Pluto which this bloodie message went,
Egidius and Minardus were fit hounds for such a sent.
Who comming to the King most falselie did declare,
That in the Senate such were found which stoutly now did dare ”
Religion to deride, and speeches let to fall”
That for his Lawes and Edictes past they made no count at al.”
Now therefore is the time your Grace must looke about,”
That springing showes of future ill your wisedome may roote out.”
For if you should permit these rebels thus to thriue,”
Great perill is least of your crowne your Grace they would depriue.”
The King inflamed thus, doth make no long delaie,
But to the Senate where they sate he takes his readie waie.
Where placed in his throne, and hauing pausde a while,
Thus spake in presence of them all in high and princelie stile.
Religion to deride, and speeches let to fall”
That for his Lawes and Edictes past they made no count at al.”
Now therefore is the time your Grace must looke about,”
That springing showes of future ill your wisedome may roote out.”
For if you should permit these rebels thus to thriue,”
Great perill is least of your crowne your Grace they would depriue.”
The King inflamed thus, doth make no long delaie,
But to the Senate where they sate he takes his readie waie.
Where placed in his throne, and hauing pausde a while,
Thus spake in presence of them all in high and princelie stile.
The Lord that lendeth all and weeldes the golden spheare”
Hath sent vs now a wished peace, deuoid of forreine feare.”
Which peace is aye confirmde by bande of solemne vowe;”
And plighted faith of solemn match, which none can disalow.”
Yet one thing there remaines to perfect this my State,”
That in Religion one consent might banish all debate.”
Which is the onelie cause that moues my pensiue heart”
In this your meeting for to ioyne, and beare a carefull part.”
This is therefore in few our craue and eke request;”
That euerie man doo shew his minde as he shall thinke it best.”
Hath sent vs now a wished peace, deuoid of forreine feare.”
Which peace is aye confirmde by bande of solemne vowe;”
And plighted faith of solemn match, which none can disalow.”
Yet one thing there remaines to perfect this my State,”
That in Religion one consent might banish all debate.”
Which is the onelie cause that moues my pensiue heart”
In this your meeting for to ioyne, and beare a carefull part.”
This is therefore in few our craue and eke request;”
That euerie man doo shew his minde as he shall thinke it best.”
Here some that had before in words been verie rife,
Began to staie; and doubted much the danger of their life.
Yet there were some which now a noble coutage take,
Annas Burgeus as the chiefe this doubtfull silence brake.
Began to staie; and doubted much the danger of their life.
Annas Burgeus as the chiefe this doubtfull silence brake.
“Who lifting vp his hands, in heart began to praie,
“With thankes to God that he did liue to see that happie daie
“Wherein the Lord had wrought such care within his grace,
“That he would bēd his willing eare to iudge so weightie case.
“The cause saith he is Christs which we haue now in hand,
“For which the Lord wil surely blesse both you & eke your lad.
“This is the blessed Arke that came to Edomes hall,
“For which the Lord hath blessing sent on him, his house & al.
“This is the dustie booke which good Hilkiah found:
“Which read before the King, did giue a sweet & siluer sound,
“This is the Angel which to Gedeon did appeare:
“This is the deaw vpon the fleece, which set him void of feare.
“This is the sword that made blinde Balaams Asse to speake.
“This is the flame the Prophet forst his silence for to breake.
“This is the liuelie spring, which cooles the thirstie heate
“This is the shining lanterne, which giues light vnto our feete.
“This is the flame that earst by night did shew the way:
“This is the blessed cloud that led Gods chosen in the day.
“This is Elgathes flake that made his offering fume:
“And this the blast which frō the Lord great rebels did cōsume.
“This is the mightie voyce that makes the mountaines shake,
“This makes the Liban cedars stoop, & fearful hindes to quake.
“And this the pleasant wine to weake that comfort giues:
“And this the wholsom milk wherby the sucking Infant liues.
“Now as the Lord doth blesse the land that loues the same:
“So for contemners of his truth he still prouides a shame.
“For why came Ashur vp Gods chosen to molest,
“And led the King with Commons all in Babel for to rest?
But for because they all their God did often grieue,”
Which hated truth, & were content their faith to idols giue.”
And if he doo not spare a King; ô King take heed:”
If people all to thraldome goe; this land, ô Lord had neede”
To weigh the cursed cause of this their finall fall;”
Least for the like, the like consume our King and Cōmons all.”
Now is the Angell come with open booke in hand,”
Which long ere this was sealed close from vs & eke our land.”
Now must the godlie craue of this to eate their fill:”
So God with plentie will not faile to loue and feed them still.”
Now see this Angel which to vs doth offer grace,”
Is Iesus Christ, which by his death our sins doth quite deface.”
If we by liuelie faith of him can take good hold,”
Then voide of feare before the Lord to come we may be bold.”
It's he that shewes the way the truth to intertaine,”
It's he that cleares the blinded eyes, it's he that parteth plaine”
The truth from popish lies, the sonne from mystie shades;”
It's he that cals our straying steppes from Sathans sinfull trades.”
O well is he that can this booke this truth imbrace;”
O ill is he that shall refuse when Christ doth offer grace.”
And though this booke at first be sweete vnto our tast;”
Yet Sathans rages makes the same seeme bitter at the last.”
And what though Sathan rage, what though the ende be gall?”
Shall bitter blasts make vs forsake our Christ, our life, and all?”
No, God forbid, ô King, that he should knock in vaine:”
Least being gone we iustlie doubt when he will come againe.”
As yet he stands without, and knocketh at thy dore;”
O King receue that blessed guest, that he may blesse thee more.”
If that we let him in, his promise is to staie:”
But when from vs he shall depart, ô most vnhappie day.”
The supper is preparde, the Angels sent to call”
The straying guests of this your Land vnto his sacred hall.”
But if by fond excuse we shun his profered grace,”
“He shuts the doore and will admit some others in our place.
“The marriage of the Lambe, that blessed Lambe is nie;
“Which makes with al her Romish trickes that whore of Babel flie.
“Then happie is the man & blessed from the Lord,
“That with the Lambe maie haue a place, & sit at sacred bord.
“If now we see the light that danted Saul to ground,
“If now we heare that sacred voice, that sweete & ioiful sound:
“Then let vs now inquire, what voice it is that calls;
“And let vs yeeld vnto the truth; that from our eies the scales
“Of darknesse may depart. For vaine it is to kicke;
“And labour lost for wilfull colte to striue against the pricke.
“And if the hidden Truth the Lord will now reueale;
“To daunt the same (ô noble King) your force shal not preuaile.
“What Giant can withstand of Truth the piercing might?
“What earthlie force of shining Sunne at noone can quēch the light?
“If Truth do conquere Kings; if Truth do cōquere al?
“Then leaue to loue these Popish lies, let whorish Babel fall.
“Greeue not that blessed Spirit of life that seales the band,
“For which king Dauid did request; by which we vnderstand
“Our calling to be sure, our striuing not in vaine;
“By which we know we are ordaind for Christ to suffer paine.
“Now sith we haue the seale from feare that makes vs free,
“And shining light frō popish shades the Lord hath made vs see:
“We may no longer then dissemble in this case:
“But what we thinke must plainlie showe (ô King) before your face.
“We cannot (as you would) the certain Truth denie;
“But that defend: though for the same we wer cōdemnd to die.
“And whereas you doo thirst to sucke the guiltlesse blood
“Of them whō you name Lutherans, ô King we think not good
“To strengthen that deuice which Sathan did inuent:
“Least that with Caine our bloodie fact too late we should repēt.
“For those whom you doo hate, and push with heauie hand;
“In verie truth are godlie men, the best in all your land.
Whose faith you doo not see, whose life you doo not know;”
Take heed least you in them doo seeke the Lord to ouethrow.”
Which feate by wāton will if now your Grace assay;”
Be wise in time, least that in this, you frame your owne decay.”
But this we thinke the best, that straight way out of hand”
A lawfull Counsell may be calde to haue the matter scand.”
Till which, let godlie men whom enuie cannot staine,”
In lieu of all their cursed wrong, in rest at home remaine.”
But if to this (ô King) you stoppe your princelie eare:”
Lest God with blindnes strike your hart, your frēds may iustly feare.”
For they that doo not care aright to serue the Lord,”
He leaues them to their filthie lusts to make thē more abhord.”
Remember Ahabs fall that solde himselfe to death;”
Forget not those two wicked men which long withstood the faith.”
Corrupted men shall fade, the reprobates shall die:”
God wil not long maintein their raign that shal his truth denie.”
Their madnesse shall be plaine, their follies seene, & then”
The godlie shall deride the rage of sinfull wicked men.”
Because (saith God) you staid to come when I did call,”
I will be deafe when you lament, and laugh when you do fall.”
VVhich plague the Lord withhold frō you & eke your land;”
The lord preserue your noble grace, & shield ye with his hand.”
That long in perfect peace your Grace may rule and raigne;”
That in your time Gods knowen truth may once reuiue again.”
And this is all we wish, and this the worst we craue;”
That Christ will open once your heart, by faith your soule to saue.”
This said, he sate again. The King in fierie heate
Scant able to forbeare so long; spake thus from out his seate.
“With thankes to God that he did liue to see that happie daie
“Wherein the Lord had wrought such care within his grace,
“That he would bēd his willing eare to iudge so weightie case.
“The cause saith he is Christs which we haue now in hand,
“For which the Lord wil surely blesse both you & eke your lad.
“This is the blessed Arke that came to Edomes hall,
“For which the Lord hath blessing sent on him, his house & al.
“This is the dustie booke which good Hilkiah found:
“Which read before the King, did giue a sweet & siluer sound,
“This is the Angel which to Gedeon did appeare:
“This is the deaw vpon the fleece, which set him void of feare.
“This is the sword that made blinde Balaams Asse to speake.
“This is the flame the Prophet forst his silence for to breake.
“This is the liuelie spring, which cooles the thirstie heate
“This is the shining lanterne, which giues light vnto our feete.
“This is the flame that earst by night did shew the way:
“This is the blessed cloud that led Gods chosen in the day.
“This is Elgathes flake that made his offering fume:
“And this the blast which frō the Lord great rebels did cōsume.
“This is the mightie voyce that makes the mountaines shake,
“This makes the Liban cedars stoop, & fearful hindes to quake.
“And this the pleasant wine to weake that comfort giues:
“And this the wholsom milk wherby the sucking Infant liues.
“Now as the Lord doth blesse the land that loues the same:
“So for contemners of his truth he still prouides a shame.
“For why came Ashur vp Gods chosen to molest,
“And led the King with Commons all in Babel for to rest?
11
Which hated truth, & were content their faith to idols giue.”
And if he doo not spare a King; ô King take heed:”
If people all to thraldome goe; this land, ô Lord had neede”
To weigh the cursed cause of this their finall fall;”
Least for the like, the like consume our King and Cōmons all.”
Now is the Angell come with open booke in hand,”
Which long ere this was sealed close from vs & eke our land.”
Now must the godlie craue of this to eate their fill:”
So God with plentie will not faile to loue and feed them still.”
Now see this Angel which to vs doth offer grace,”
Is Iesus Christ, which by his death our sins doth quite deface.”
If we by liuelie faith of him can take good hold,”
Then voide of feare before the Lord to come we may be bold.”
It's he that shewes the way the truth to intertaine,”
It's he that cleares the blinded eyes, it's he that parteth plaine”
The truth from popish lies, the sonne from mystie shades;”
It's he that cals our straying steppes from Sathans sinfull trades.”
O well is he that can this booke this truth imbrace;”
O ill is he that shall refuse when Christ doth offer grace.”
And though this booke at first be sweete vnto our tast;”
Yet Sathans rages makes the same seeme bitter at the last.”
And what though Sathan rage, what though the ende be gall?”
Shall bitter blasts make vs forsake our Christ, our life, and all?”
No, God forbid, ô King, that he should knock in vaine:”
Least being gone we iustlie doubt when he will come againe.”
As yet he stands without, and knocketh at thy dore;”
O King receue that blessed guest, that he may blesse thee more.”
If that we let him in, his promise is to staie:”
But when from vs he shall depart, ô most vnhappie day.”
The supper is preparde, the Angels sent to call”
The straying guests of this your Land vnto his sacred hall.”
But if by fond excuse we shun his profered grace,”
“The marriage of the Lambe, that blessed Lambe is nie;
“Which makes with al her Romish trickes that whore of Babel flie.
“Then happie is the man & blessed from the Lord,
“That with the Lambe maie haue a place, & sit at sacred bord.
“If now we see the light that danted Saul to ground,
“If now we heare that sacred voice, that sweete & ioiful sound:
“Then let vs now inquire, what voice it is that calls;
“And let vs yeeld vnto the truth; that from our eies the scales
“Of darknesse may depart. For vaine it is to kicke;
“And labour lost for wilfull colte to striue against the pricke.
“And if the hidden Truth the Lord will now reueale;
“To daunt the same (ô noble King) your force shal not preuaile.
“What Giant can withstand of Truth the piercing might?
“What earthlie force of shining Sunne at noone can quēch the light?
“If Truth do conquere Kings; if Truth do cōquere al?
“Then leaue to loue these Popish lies, let whorish Babel fall.
“Greeue not that blessed Spirit of life that seales the band,
“For which king Dauid did request; by which we vnderstand
“Our calling to be sure, our striuing not in vaine;
“By which we know we are ordaind for Christ to suffer paine.
“Now sith we haue the seale from feare that makes vs free,
“And shining light frō popish shades the Lord hath made vs see:
“We may no longer then dissemble in this case:
“But what we thinke must plainlie showe (ô King) before your face.
“We cannot (as you would) the certain Truth denie;
“But that defend: though for the same we wer cōdemnd to die.
“And whereas you doo thirst to sucke the guiltlesse blood
“Of them whō you name Lutherans, ô King we think not good
“To strengthen that deuice which Sathan did inuent:
“Least that with Caine our bloodie fact too late we should repēt.
“For those whom you doo hate, and push with heauie hand;
“In verie truth are godlie men, the best in all your land.
12
Take heed least you in them doo seeke the Lord to ouethrow.”
Which feate by wāton will if now your Grace assay;”
Be wise in time, least that in this, you frame your owne decay.”
But this we thinke the best, that straight way out of hand”
A lawfull Counsell may be calde to haue the matter scand.”
Till which, let godlie men whom enuie cannot staine,”
In lieu of all their cursed wrong, in rest at home remaine.”
But if to this (ô King) you stoppe your princelie eare:”
Lest God with blindnes strike your hart, your frēds may iustly feare.”
For they that doo not care aright to serue the Lord,”
He leaues them to their filthie lusts to make thē more abhord.”
Remember Ahabs fall that solde himselfe to death;”
Forget not those two wicked men which long withstood the faith.”
Corrupted men shall fade, the reprobates shall die:”
God wil not long maintein their raign that shal his truth denie.”
Their madnesse shall be plaine, their follies seene, & then”
The godlie shall deride the rage of sinfull wicked men.”
Because (saith God) you staid to come when I did call,”
I will be deafe when you lament, and laugh when you do fall.”
VVhich plague the Lord withhold frō you & eke your land;”
The lord preserue your noble grace, & shield ye with his hand.”
That long in perfect peace your Grace may rule and raigne;”
That in your time Gods knowen truth may once reuiue again.”
And this is all we wish, and this the worst we craue;”
That Christ will open once your heart, by faith your soule to saue.”
This said, he sate again. The King in fierie heate
Scant able to forbeare so long; spake thus from out his seate.
Indeede, and is it so? well then we knowe the worst:”
To speake or thinke as we haue heard we deemd no subiect durst.”
But now with griefe we see that this infectious seed”
“Hath taken rooting in our Court, whereof this is the seed.
“But most we maruell whie the Nobles of our land
“So blinded are, that they wil needs these matters take in hand?
“We thought it most vnlike that men so graue and wise,
“Should euer stoop to giue consent vnto so leaud deuise.
“But now we must correct our minde and former thought,
“And giue these new religious mē the guerdō they haue sought
“And trust vs, so we will, now that we know the crue,
“We doubt not but the proudest shall this day & dealings rue.
“Now sith we know the good, the rest shall know our minde:
“We doubt not for these bleding woūds some healing salue to find.
“Such tooles we haue in store to fel this rotting moote,
“That quicklie shall pul vp and rase the branches with the roote.
“This seede of Luthers fect which now begins to spring,
“Shall to the fields where it doth growe a wofull haruest bring.
“It's time to looke about, it's time to set some stay:
“For if we sleepe, we see there be that watch for our decay.
“But they shall haue their meede, they shall not lose their hire.
“They shortlie shal with sorrow feele the waight of Princes ire
To speake or thinke as we haue heard we deemd no subiect durst.”
But now with griefe we see that this infectious seed”
“But most we maruell whie the Nobles of our land
“So blinded are, that they wil needs these matters take in hand?
“We thought it most vnlike that men so graue and wise,
“Should euer stoop to giue consent vnto so leaud deuise.
“But now we must correct our minde and former thought,
“And giue these new religious mē the guerdō they haue sought
“And trust vs, so we will, now that we know the crue,
“We doubt not but the proudest shall this day & dealings rue.
“Now sith we know the good, the rest shall know our minde:
“We doubt not for these bleding woūds some healing salue to find.
“Such tooles we haue in store to fel this rotting moote,
“That quicklie shall pul vp and rase the branches with the roote.
“This seede of Luthers fect which now begins to spring,
“Shall to the fields where it doth growe a wofull haruest bring.
“It's time to looke about, it's time to set some stay:
“For if we sleepe, we see there be that watch for our decay.
“But they shall haue their meede, they shall not lose their hire.
“They shortlie shal with sorrow feele the waight of Princes ire
Thus said, in raging wise he turneth quite about;
And pausing staid a while, as one that seemde to doubt.
But yet such rankor rose and boiled in his breast,
That presentlie he gaue in charge that there they should arrest
Annas Burgeus as the chiefe, and him to prison bring:
Who was, he thoght the only root by whō the rest did spring
When this was said, and that the King had so decreed,
Mongomerie Captaine of the gard was he that did the deede.
Now good Burgeus is in linkes and irons fast,
Which sodaine fall did sore appall, & make the rest agast.
The King vnwilling was to haue the cause deferd:
But time and Iudges were assignde to haue the matter heard.
But such appointed were to iudge this weightie case,
Which hated him, and sought the truth by falshood to deface.
Which partiall minded men Burgæus did refuse;
And to the Senate did recount their olde and ancient vse:
Which was, if anie one of them did chance to slide;
The order was by all the rest his dealings should be tride.
Which they no sooner gaue the King to vnderstand;
But letters came, which did command him answere out of hād.
The letters read, he said; my Prince I will obaie:
But otherwise you had not heard a word of me this daie.
Then questions were proposde of Saints, and Popish Masse,
Of Purgatorie, and such trash as then in credit was.
Whereof he spake his minde, and freelie did protest;
That all these leaud and filthie toyes in heart he did detest.
And pausing staid a while, as one that seemde to doubt.
But yet such rankor rose and boiled in his breast,
That presentlie he gaue in charge that there they should arrest
Annas Burgeus as the chiefe, and him to prison bring:
Who was, he thoght the only root by whō the rest did spring
When this was said, and that the King had so decreed,
Mongomerie Captaine of the gard was he that did the deede.
Now good Burgeus is in linkes and irons fast,
Which sodaine fall did sore appall, & make the rest agast.
The King vnwilling was to haue the cause deferd:
But time and Iudges were assignde to haue the matter heard.
But such appointed were to iudge this weightie case,
Which hated him, and sought the truth by falshood to deface.
13
And to the Senate did recount their olde and ancient vse:
Which was, if anie one of them did chance to slide;
The order was by all the rest his dealings should be tride.
Which they no sooner gaue the King to vnderstand;
But letters came, which did command him answere out of hād.
The letters read, he said; my Prince I will obaie:
But otherwise you had not heard a word of me this daie.
Then questions were proposde of Saints, and Popish Masse,
Of Purgatorie, and such trash as then in credit was.
Whereof he spake his minde, and freelie did protest;
That all these leaud and filthie toyes in heart he did detest.
I serue (said he) no Saint, but Christ my onelie staie;”
I will not yeeld to anie man his honor to betraie.”
He is the Sacrifice by death that made me free;”
He is the onelie Paschall Lambe that shed his blood for me;”
He is the onelie heate by faith that purgeth sinne”
In them that now beleeue, or those that heretofore haue bin.”
Therefore I doo defie your popish trifles all,”
And thanke the God that giues me grace to come wheē he doth call.”
Which answere being made, to sentence they proceede;
Who was condemned then: for that the King had so decreed.
The sentence being read, he had but one refudge;
He did appeale to Iesus Christ, as his supernall Iudge.
And being sent againe to place from whence he came,
He was content for Christ to beare this grief, rebuke & shame,
But Sathan did reioyce his matters framde so well;
Whose bloodie minde had cast the plot Christ Iesus to expel.
Great troubles did he stirre, and mischife still deuise
To shred the truth in euerie place so fast as it should rise.
And though Burgæus did from sentence oft appeale;
Yet Sathan seeking for his blood this thing could not preuaile.
So now from out againe the prison he was brought,
And then
disgraded solemnly, which thing the Bishop sought.
Which being done, he gaue a sweete and smiling cheare,
And being not dismaide at all, he said deuoide of feare.
I will not yeeld to anie man his honor to betraie.”
He is the Sacrifice by death that made me free;”
He is the onelie Paschall Lambe that shed his blood for me;”
He is the onelie heate by faith that purgeth sinne”
In them that now beleeue, or those that heretofore haue bin.”
Therefore I doo defie your popish trifles all,”
And thanke the God that giues me grace to come wheē he doth call.”
Which answere being made, to sentence they proceede;
Who was condemned then: for that the King had so decreed.
The sentence being read, he had but one refudge;
He did appeale to Iesus Christ, as his supernall Iudge.
And being sent againe to place from whence he came,
He was content for Christ to beare this grief, rebuke & shame,
But Sathan did reioyce his matters framde so well;
Whose bloodie minde had cast the plot Christ Iesus to expel.
Great troubles did he stirre, and mischife still deuise
To shred the truth in euerie place so fast as it should rise.
And though Burgæus did from sentence oft appeale;
Yet Sathan seeking for his blood this thing could not preuaile.
So now from out againe the prison he was brought,
Which being done, he gaue a sweete and smiling cheare,
And being not dismaide at all, he said deuoide of feare.
“I thanke my God that lent me life to see this daie,
“Wherein these badges of the Beast are taken cleane awaie;
“That Antichrist hencefoorth in me maie claime no part;
“Whose whorish art and Romish raggs I hate with al my hart.
“This Popish sinfull oyle I gladlie here doo leaue;
“For this, of God a glorious crowne I know I shall receaue.
“If you could see the waie that leadeth vnto life;
“If you could know the perfect truth, thē ended wer this strife.
“But yet you are too dull, your eies are yet too blinde;
“Fare well therefore you Romish ragges, which here I leaue behind.
“For theie (my God) when I before thee shall appeare;
“Giue me (ô Lord) a quiet heart, a conscience voide of feare.
“So shall I stoutlie stand and still professe thy name;
“So shall my foes be turned backe, and quite be put to shame;
“So shall I gladlie goe vnto that wished place;
“And in defence of this thy truth, my stake I shall imbrace.
“Now Sathan doo thy worst, I will appeale no more,
“The truth (I know) which I professe is it that gals thy sore.
“Now let me know (I pray) my sentence and my doome;
“My blood it is which you do seeke, now let my sentence come.
“Wherein these badges of the Beast are taken cleane awaie;
“That Antichrist hencefoorth in me maie claime no part;
“Whose whorish art and Romish raggs I hate with al my hart.
“This Popish sinfull oyle I gladlie here doo leaue;
“For this, of God a glorious crowne I know I shall receaue.
“If you could see the waie that leadeth vnto life;
“If you could know the perfect truth, thē ended wer this strife.
“But yet you are too dull, your eies are yet too blinde;
“Fare well therefore you Romish ragges, which here I leaue behind.
“For theie (my God) when I before thee shall appeare;
“Giue me (ô Lord) a quiet heart, a conscience voide of feare.
“So shall I stoutlie stand and still professe thy name;
“So shall my foes be turned backe, and quite be put to shame;
“So shall I gladlie goe vnto that wished place;
“And in defence of this thy truth, my stake I shall imbrace.
“Now Sathan doo thy worst, I will appeale no more,
“The truth (I know) which I professe is it that gals thy sore.
“Now let me know (I pray) my sentence and my doome;
“My blood it is which you do seeke, now let my sentence come.
Which being said, indeed, they did prouide againe
The final sentence to pronounce, which should for aie remain:
Which then in solemne wise with words demure and graue,
By Pilates brother was pronounst, who once like sentēce gaue.
Burgæus, I pronounce the sentence of thy death,
For that thou like an Heretike hast slidden from our faith.
And tied to a stake, there still remaine thou must
Till that thy flesh by fierie flakes be all consumde to dust.
Which when Burgæus heard he did no white repine:
But cheerefullie for Christ he said, my life I will resigne.
To
God he lifted vp his hands with thankfull hart
That he was worthy made, for Christ to feele this ioiful smart.
And meeklie kneeling downe with holie Stephen did praie
For them that had most wrongfully condemned him that day:
That God in mercie would his Iudges all forgiue,
And not to laie vnto their charge the sin that might thē grieue.
So he forgaue them all, though they in fierie moode,
For seeking Christ, had long deuisde to shed his guiltles blood.
But heere we may not passe, what counsell sage and graue,
And to the Senate what he said, and what aduice he gaue.
The final sentence to pronounce, which should for aie remain:
Which then in solemne wise with words demure and graue,
By Pilates brother was pronounst, who once like sentēce gaue.
Burgæus, I pronounce the sentence of thy death,
For that thou like an Heretike hast slidden from our faith.
And tied to a stake, there still remaine thou must
Till that thy flesh by fierie flakes be all consumde to dust.
Which when Burgæus heard he did no white repine:
But cheerefullie for Christ he said, my life I will resigne.
14
That he was worthy made, for Christ to feele this ioiful smart.
And meeklie kneeling downe with holie Stephen did praie
For them that had most wrongfully condemned him that day:
That God in mercie would his Iudges all forgiue,
And not to laie vnto their charge the sin that might thē grieue.
So he forgaue them all, though they in fierie moode,
For seeking Christ, had long deuisde to shed his guiltles blood.
But heere we may not passe, what counsell sage and graue,
And to the Senate what he said, and what aduice he gaue.
As thus.
Are Plutoes Nymphes instald within your brest?”
Doth dire Megara now posses the place where Christ shuld rest.”
Hath Sathan (which deceite and lies hath vsed long)”
Inforced you against the truth and Christ to practise wrong?”
And are you gone so farre, that you can be content”
For loue ye beare to Sathans lies, to kill the innocent.”
VVhat, is there not a God that searcheth euerie vaine?”
And will he not reuenge the blood of Abel spilt by Cain?”
And can you now accompt the truth to be a lie?”
And can you think within your hart that Christ can go awrie?”
And dare you to blaspheme that great and sacred name?”
And feare you not by fained glose his Gospell to defame?”
And will you be so bold to saie that we doo straie,”
Vvhich haue for vs the written word,& Christ our only way?”
Vve are the sonnes of God whom thus you doo pursue,”
If you persist, you shall to soone perceiue it to be true.”
Vve know that he doth liue, his voice doth shew his loue:”
If you refuse his profered word, your sinnes shall you reproue.”
By him we can doo all; If he doo hide his face”
Vve maie not hope without his help for mercie, loue, or grace.”
Vvhat boldnesse is it then for ashes, filth, and claie,”
By fond attempt for to resist the thing that he shall saie?”
“And can you be content that Christ for to depraue;
“Whose wounds haue washt our sinnes, whose mercie doth vs saue?
“Shall we denie our King, our Prince, our ioy, our might?
“Shall we consent to do him wrong, that doth defend our right?
“He is our princelie Guide, our Captaine, and our staie;
“He wakes for vs when we do sleepe, & keepes vs from decay.
“Then heare, what shall we doo? Shall feare make vs to flie?
“Shall anie earthlie force make vs our Captaine to denie?
“Shall we vnconstant be our duetie to forgoe?
“Shall we repaie such curtesie to him that loude vs so?
“No, no, we are but earth, to earth we must returne;
“O happie earth, if (earth) for Christ thou be content to burne.
“Our time is heere but short, our deadlie foe but weake;
“The Lord is able when he list his mallice for to breake.
“But what would Sathan haue? what doth this flesh require?
“But onelie this; that from our God and truth we should retire.
“If anie doo blaspheme, we must them not controll:
“If anie wilie wantons sinne, we must their deedes extoll.
“If truth be troden downe: If we will liue at ease,
“We must be then with heauy hearts cōtent to hold our peace.
“Which sith we doo refuse, you runne with open crie;
“Loe these are wicked Rebels, which most worthie are to die.
“And are we Rebels then? how will you prooue this thing?
“Yes sir; you doo refuse, with vs to Baal your offrings bring.
“O mercie now good Lord! what wicked times are these?
“How long shal these vngodlie men keep these vngodlie waies?
“How long wilt thou forbeare to bridle this their lust?
“And when shall all their fleshlie pride be raked in the dust?
“Why doost thou winke so long? whie dost thou so delaie?
“Why dost thou not cut off those Impes, that stir this fierie fray?
“But if it be thy will that they should longer raigne:
“And if thou thinke it best for vs that they should yet remaine:
“Restraine them yet (good Lord) least they doo go too farre;
For they against thy godlie Saints intend a cruell warre.”
And till thy pleasure be for to destroie them quite;”
Withhold their cruell iawes (ô Lord) with thy most mightie Bitt.”
Haue mercie still on vs (ô louing Father deere;”
Maintaine vs in defending thee, from danger, fals and feare.”
And make them Lord to know, that they those Rebels are:”
That frō the simple (which do seek) the light & truth debarre.”
And while that I haue breath I will declare the same;”
That Sathan may not with his lies thy blessed truth defame.”
Is this a Rebels part when men to Princes giue”
Their bodies, goods, and al things els without repine & griefe?”
Is this a traitors pranke vnto the Lord to praie;”
That he will keepe both Prince & Land from troble & decaie:”
And that he will vouchsafe to take from them the myste”
Which keeps thē from the knowledge of their sauior & their Christ?”
Or rather is not this a most rebellious part;”
To seeke by all rebellious meanes Gods glorie to subuart?”
To giue the honor due vnto the Lord alone,”
To Saints that you haue made: or els, to senseles stock & stone?”
To vse blasphemous oathes; to suffer common stewes;”
To iustifie your owne deuice; and such like filthie vse?”
Your Conscience shall be iudge, to you I doo appeale:”
Hath God deliuered you the sword against his truth to deale?”
If not, beware betime, and marke what I shall saie;”
This mallice which you beare to Christ will be your own decaie.”
And what, are you so blinde, that you perceaue not this;”
How in this sentence you pronounce, that you are none of his?”
Recount within your selues and call to minde at large,”
Where anie sinne or wickednesse be laid vnto our charge.”
If not; then iudge againe, and tell me if you can:”
VVhich is the best; to serue the Lord, or follow sinfull man?”
Now if you loue your goods, your credite, and your life;”
If you preferre before your God your houshold, child, or wife:”
“Then know you are not fit with Christ to haue a part;
“But feare, least for your sinne in hell you finde a lasting smart?
“But if you doo not feare the iudgements of the Lord:
“Yet know, your deeds in forreine lands to strāgers are abhord.
“How manie sinfull actes, and deedes deuoyd of wit,
“That ruddie purpled Phalaris hath made you to commit?
“Who for his cursed gaine hath set about the King,
“Such as wil Prince and Commons all to deadlie ruine bring.
“And when that Beast doth bid, you runne at euerie call;
“You racke & teare Gods knowen truth, not caring what befall.
“To please him, you doo yeeld the godlie to torment
“With such outrage, as you are forc't the same for to lament.
“But what; me thinkes I see the teares tril downe your cheeke?
“What, haue I spoken that which now your conscience doth mislike?
“Well, then beware betime, for yet the time is wel;
“But if you shun this profered grace, beware the paines of hell.
“Your conscience must be knowen, your deeds must al appeere;
“Then call for grace, and so repent while yet you tarrie heere.
“But if you quake in iest as Felix did before,
“And if you feare without remorse your paine wilbe the more.
“You see how they reioice whom you condemne to die;
“No terror can assaile the heart on Christ that doth relie.
“We waie not all your force, your mallice, and your strife;
“We doo accompt this cruell death to vs a happie life.
“Why should it grieue my heart for Christ to hang or burne;
“For little paine, I know the Lord great pleasure will returne.
“But they vnhappie are, and cursed from aboue,
“Which from thēselues & others seek the truth for to remoue.
“But this I know from Christ nothing shall me depart,
“And from assured hope in him none shall remoue my heart.
“For though you teare my flesh, and heart to pouder grinde;
“Yet this shall neuer so preuaile, as once to change my minde.
“And when that you haue done the worst you can deuise;
Vve know that in the latter day with Christ we shall arise.”
This death therefore to vs we recken little paine:”
For we beleeue assuredlie that we shall liue againe.”
Now hap what maie befall, to hang, to burne, to frie”
I haue professed Christ: and so, a Christian I will die.”
Vvhy therefore doo we staie? Come hangman doo thy part;”
Thy fact in this, loe heere I doo forgiue with all my heart.”
And this he did repeate, Come hangman doo the deed;”
Till that the stoutest heart that heard, for griefe began to bleed.”
Put out, put out (said he) your franticke fierie brands;”
That Christ may onlie rule & reign, set to your helping hands.”
Repent your wicked thoughts forsake your filthie waies:”
And if you hope to haue release, then vse no more delaies.”
But why doo I so long draw this forsaken breath?”
Farewell my mates; for now behold, I goe vnto my death.”
Doth dire Megara now posses the place where Christ shuld rest.”
Hath Sathan (which deceite and lies hath vsed long)”
Inforced you against the truth and Christ to practise wrong?”
And are you gone so farre, that you can be content”
For loue ye beare to Sathans lies, to kill the innocent.”
VVhat, is there not a God that searcheth euerie vaine?”
And will he not reuenge the blood of Abel spilt by Cain?”
And can you now accompt the truth to be a lie?”
And can you think within your hart that Christ can go awrie?”
And dare you to blaspheme that great and sacred name?”
And feare you not by fained glose his Gospell to defame?”
And will you be so bold to saie that we doo straie,”
Vvhich haue for vs the written word,& Christ our only way?”
Vve are the sonnes of God whom thus you doo pursue,”
If you persist, you shall to soone perceiue it to be true.”
Vve know that he doth liue, his voice doth shew his loue:”
If you refuse his profered word, your sinnes shall you reproue.”
By him we can doo all; If he doo hide his face”
Vve maie not hope without his help for mercie, loue, or grace.”
Vvhat boldnesse is it then for ashes, filth, and claie,”
By fond attempt for to resist the thing that he shall saie?”
“Whose wounds haue washt our sinnes, whose mercie doth vs saue?
“Shall we denie our King, our Prince, our ioy, our might?
“Shall we consent to do him wrong, that doth defend our right?
“He is our princelie Guide, our Captaine, and our staie;
“He wakes for vs when we do sleepe, & keepes vs from decay.
“Then heare, what shall we doo? Shall feare make vs to flie?
“Shall anie earthlie force make vs our Captaine to denie?
“Shall we vnconstant be our duetie to forgoe?
“Shall we repaie such curtesie to him that loude vs so?
“No, no, we are but earth, to earth we must returne;
“O happie earth, if (earth) for Christ thou be content to burne.
“Our time is heere but short, our deadlie foe but weake;
“The Lord is able when he list his mallice for to breake.
“But what would Sathan haue? what doth this flesh require?
“But onelie this; that from our God and truth we should retire.
“If anie doo blaspheme, we must them not controll:
“If anie wilie wantons sinne, we must their deedes extoll.
“If truth be troden downe: If we will liue at ease,
“We must be then with heauy hearts cōtent to hold our peace.
“Which sith we doo refuse, you runne with open crie;
“Loe these are wicked Rebels, which most worthie are to die.
“And are we Rebels then? how will you prooue this thing?
“Yes sir; you doo refuse, with vs to Baal your offrings bring.
“O mercie now good Lord! what wicked times are these?
“How long shal these vngodlie men keep these vngodlie waies?
“How long wilt thou forbeare to bridle this their lust?
“And when shall all their fleshlie pride be raked in the dust?
“Why doost thou winke so long? whie dost thou so delaie?
“Why dost thou not cut off those Impes, that stir this fierie fray?
“But if it be thy will that they should longer raigne:
“And if thou thinke it best for vs that they should yet remaine:
“Restraine them yet (good Lord) least they doo go too farre;
15
And till thy pleasure be for to destroie them quite;”
Withhold their cruell iawes (ô Lord) with thy most mightie Bitt.”
Haue mercie still on vs (ô louing Father deere;”
Maintaine vs in defending thee, from danger, fals and feare.”
And make them Lord to know, that they those Rebels are:”
That frō the simple (which do seek) the light & truth debarre.”
And while that I haue breath I will declare the same;”
That Sathan may not with his lies thy blessed truth defame.”
Is this a Rebels part when men to Princes giue”
Their bodies, goods, and al things els without repine & griefe?”
Is this a traitors pranke vnto the Lord to praie;”
That he will keepe both Prince & Land from troble & decaie:”
And that he will vouchsafe to take from them the myste”
Which keeps thē from the knowledge of their sauior & their Christ?”
Or rather is not this a most rebellious part;”
To seeke by all rebellious meanes Gods glorie to subuart?”
To giue the honor due vnto the Lord alone,”
To Saints that you haue made: or els, to senseles stock & stone?”
To vse blasphemous oathes; to suffer common stewes;”
To iustifie your owne deuice; and such like filthie vse?”
Your Conscience shall be iudge, to you I doo appeale:”
Hath God deliuered you the sword against his truth to deale?”
If not, beware betime, and marke what I shall saie;”
This mallice which you beare to Christ will be your own decaie.”
And what, are you so blinde, that you perceaue not this;”
How in this sentence you pronounce, that you are none of his?”
Recount within your selues and call to minde at large,”
Where anie sinne or wickednesse be laid vnto our charge.”
If not; then iudge againe, and tell me if you can:”
VVhich is the best; to serue the Lord, or follow sinfull man?”
Now if you loue your goods, your credite, and your life;”
If you preferre before your God your houshold, child, or wife:”
“But feare, least for your sinne in hell you finde a lasting smart?
“But if you doo not feare the iudgements of the Lord:
“Yet know, your deeds in forreine lands to strāgers are abhord.
“How manie sinfull actes, and deedes deuoyd of wit,
“That ruddie purpled Phalaris hath made you to commit?
“Who for his cursed gaine hath set about the King,
“Such as wil Prince and Commons all to deadlie ruine bring.
“And when that Beast doth bid, you runne at euerie call;
“You racke & teare Gods knowen truth, not caring what befall.
“To please him, you doo yeeld the godlie to torment
“With such outrage, as you are forc't the same for to lament.
“But what; me thinkes I see the teares tril downe your cheeke?
“What, haue I spoken that which now your conscience doth mislike?
“Well, then beware betime, for yet the time is wel;
“But if you shun this profered grace, beware the paines of hell.
“Your conscience must be knowen, your deeds must al appeere;
“Then call for grace, and so repent while yet you tarrie heere.
“But if you quake in iest as Felix did before,
“And if you feare without remorse your paine wilbe the more.
“You see how they reioice whom you condemne to die;
“No terror can assaile the heart on Christ that doth relie.
“We waie not all your force, your mallice, and your strife;
“We doo accompt this cruell death to vs a happie life.
“Why should it grieue my heart for Christ to hang or burne;
“For little paine, I know the Lord great pleasure will returne.
“But they vnhappie are, and cursed from aboue,
“Which from thēselues & others seek the truth for to remoue.
“But this I know from Christ nothing shall me depart,
“And from assured hope in him none shall remoue my heart.
“For though you teare my flesh, and heart to pouder grinde;
“Yet this shall neuer so preuaile, as once to change my minde.
“And when that you haue done the worst you can deuise;
16
This death therefore to vs we recken little paine:”
For we beleeue assuredlie that we shall liue againe.”
Now hap what maie befall, to hang, to burne, to frie”
I haue professed Christ: and so, a Christian I will die.”
Vvhy therefore doo we staie? Come hangman doo thy part;”
Thy fact in this, loe heere I doo forgiue with all my heart.”
And this he did repeate, Come hangman doo the deed;”
Till that the stoutest heart that heard, for griefe began to bleed.”
Put out, put out (said he) your franticke fierie brands;”
That Christ may onlie rule & reign, set to your helping hands.”
Repent your wicked thoughts forsake your filthie waies:”
And if you hope to haue release, then vse no more delaies.”
But why doo I so long draw this forsaken breath?”
Farewell my mates; for now behold, I goe vnto my death.”
Thus hauing said his minde, and readie to depart;
The hangman takes, and ties his hands, and laies him on a cart.
In which he was conuaid vnto a place fast by;
Where chained to a stake, it was ordainde that he should die.
The streetes of Paris towne were kept with watch and ward,
There went with him of armed mē foure hūdred for his gard.
The waies on euerie side that lead vnto the place
Were stopped vp, as if they had foreseen some doubtful case.
And where we plainlie see these tyrants all afraid;
The godlie man for all this broile was not a whit dismaid.
For when he was vnbound, there was in him no feare:
He put his clothing off himselfe with bold and constant chear.
Where standing naked then and stript vnto his skin,
With cheerefull voyce he did at last this heauie speach begin.
The cause why I am come (good people) to this death:
Is not for murder, theft, or wrong; But for a liuelie faith.
Which said, he held his peace: and kneeling on the ground,
VVith sighes he praid, til to the stake by hangmā he was boūd,
VVhere he did oft repeate; O Lord forsake not me,
Least by the frailenesse of my flesh I hap to slide from thee.
O Lord receaue my soule into thy blessed rest,
Giue me thy strength while I doo liue O Lord I thee request.
Thus with a quiet minde, and heart deuoide of strife,
For Christ amidst the fierie flame, he yeelded vp his life.
Bvt
what a ioy is this to vs that doo remaine,
The hangman takes, and ties his hands, and laies him on a cart.
In which he was conuaid vnto a place fast by;
Where chained to a stake, it was ordainde that he should die.
The streetes of Paris towne were kept with watch and ward,
There went with him of armed mē foure hūdred for his gard.
The waies on euerie side that lead vnto the place
Were stopped vp, as if they had foreseen some doubtful case.
And where we plainlie see these tyrants all afraid;
The godlie man for all this broile was not a whit dismaid.
For when he was vnbound, there was in him no feare:
He put his clothing off himselfe with bold and constant chear.
Where standing naked then and stript vnto his skin,
With cheerefull voyce he did at last this heauie speach begin.
The cause why I am come (good people) to this death:
Is not for murder, theft, or wrong; But for a liuelie faith.
Which said, he held his peace: and kneeling on the ground,
VVhere he did oft repeate; O Lord forsake not me,
Least by the frailenesse of my flesh I hap to slide from thee.
O Lord receaue my soule into thy blessed rest,
Giue me thy strength while I doo liue O Lord I thee request.
Thus with a quiet minde, and heart deuoide of strife,
For Christ amidst the fierie flame, he yeelded vp his life.
That God dooth giue to his elect such strength to conquere paine.
This is the godlie end that blessed man did make,
VVhom life & honor could not bēd his Christ for to forsake.
He liude with good report, his death deserueth fame,
And he hath left vnto his foes a leaud and filthie shame.
A rare and passing signe no doubt the Lord did giue,
To see that noble constancie in him while he did liue.
VVhose constant death in France and blood did sow the seede
VVherby the church did much increase, & godly yet do feed.
He came of honest house, in learning spent his youth,
And beeing plac'te in high degree he sought to learn the truth.
VVhereof when he had felt the sweete and pleasant tast,
He ioinde himselfe vnto the Church, & sticks to them at last.
VVell, he is gone before; and we that are behinde:
Lord grant to vs in Iesus Christ like faith and constant minde.
Amen.
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