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 French Historie |  |
The bloodie marriage, or butcherlie murder of the Admirall of France, and diuers other noble and excellent men, at the marriage of Margaret the Kinges owne sister, vnto Prince Henrie sonne to the Queene of Nauarre, committed the 24. of August in the Citie of Paris Anno 1572.
Now haue you heard before, of faggot, fire, and sword
Inhaunst by Sathan, for to quell Gods truth and blessed word.
But now I must begin such treason to vnfold,
As former times for crueltie, And ages new and olde
Haue neuer seene the like in Christendome, till now
When sacred faith by flatterie, and oath of Princelie vow
By treason, did contriue to shed the guiltlesse blood
Of thē which now by peace did seek to do their coūtrie good.
For when the Lord did send his truth into the land,
He raised vp some Noble men to take this cause in hand.
Among the which, as chiefe and souereigne of the field,
There was Prince Henrie of Nauarre, with such as would not yeeld
Vnto the Guisian race; the Prince of Condee next;
The Admirall, and D'andelot, with others that were vext
By bloodie Guises band, who daily did inuent
How to oppresse the word of truth, which Christ had thether sent.
But when as Sathan saw by words and dealings plaine,
That manie Princes were in armes this truth for to maintaine.
It galde him to the heart, that where he did deuise
To choake the word, that euen there the more it did arise.
He summons all his mates these matters to debate,
How they might choak this springing seed before it were too late.
Where all within a round they come without delaie,
To whom this bloody captaine then these words began to say;
Inhaunst by Sathan, for to quell Gods truth and blessed word.
But now I must begin such treason to vnfold,
As former times for crueltie, And ages new and olde
Haue neuer seene the like in Christendome, till now
When sacred faith by flatterie, and oath of Princelie vow
By treason, did contriue to shed the guiltlesse blood
Of thē which now by peace did seek to do their coūtrie good.
For when the Lord did send his truth into the land,
He raised vp some Noble men to take this cause in hand.
There was Prince Henrie of Nauarre, with such as would not yeeld
Vnto the Guisian race; the Prince of Condee next;
The Admirall, and D'andelot, with others that were vext
By bloodie Guises band, who daily did inuent
How to oppresse the word of truth, which Christ had thether sent.
But when as Sathan saw by words and dealings plaine,
That manie Princes were in armes this truth for to maintaine.
It galde him to the heart, that where he did deuise
To choake the word, that euen there the more it did arise.
He summons all his mates these matters to debate,
How they might choak this springing seed before it were too late.
Where all within a round they come without delaie,
To whom this bloody captaine then these words began to say;
“There is a subtill veyne that feedes this cankred sore:
“For now the deeper it is launcte it riseth still the more.
“Vve see that fire and sword cannot at all preuaile,
“Vve see that al our bloody broiles their courage cannot quaile.
“Vve see how Noble men their forces dailie bend
“To counter crosse our planted plots, this cause for to defend.
“Two ciuill warres are past, the third is now in hand;
“Vve see how stoutlie they are bent our forces to withstand.
“Therefore we must deuise to plaie some other part,
“Or else in vaine we take in hand these Princes to subuart.
“Now lend your listening eares, and marke what I shall saie;
“A secret thing I haue bethought which here I will bewraie:
“You must make show, as though you loude to liue at ease;
“As wearie of these broiles, you must intreate to haue a peace.
“The King as chiefest man this plaie must first begin,
“By louing letters, words, and cheere at first to bring them in.
“And looke what they mislike, the King must rase it out,
“And yeeld to all things they request, to put them out of doubt.
“The King must shew such face to them aboue the rest,
As though he did vnfeinedlie of all men loue them best.”
The worst of all their band the King must intertaine”
With such good will, that no mistrust in anie maie remaine.”
And he must make them know, as though of late he felt”
Some pricke in conscience for the cause against the which hee delt.”
And that he will forgiue al quarrels that are past,”
In hope that this their new goodwil with loue might euer last”
And he must make complaint, as though he did of late”
Mislike the dealings of the Guise, and such as they doo hate.”
And then the Guises must awhile from Court retire;”
For thus you shall intrap them all, and haue your full desire.”
The King must yeeld to all that they request or craue,”
And he must grant for to cōfirm the thing that they wold haue.”
The Mother Queene in this must also play her part,”
That no suspect of treason maie remaine within their heart.”
And here you must giue out, as though you would imploie”
Their seruice in some forreine warres, which dooth your State annoie.”
As if you would not trust the weight of such affaires”
To anie man, but them alone; whose faith and watchfull cares”
You long haue tried: and so you maie your plot prepare”
By these and such like fained things, to trap them in your snare.”
It this preuaile not; then I stand in fearfull doubt,”
What practise next to put in vre to haue them rooted out.”
Now therefore say your minde, if thus it be not best”
To cut them off, that so againe we all may liue in rest.”
“For now the deeper it is launcte it riseth still the more.
“Vve see that fire and sword cannot at all preuaile,
“Vve see that al our bloody broiles their courage cannot quaile.
“Vve see how Noble men their forces dailie bend
“To counter crosse our planted plots, this cause for to defend.
“Two ciuill warres are past, the third is now in hand;
“Vve see how stoutlie they are bent our forces to withstand.
“Therefore we must deuise to plaie some other part,
“Or else in vaine we take in hand these Princes to subuart.
“Now lend your listening eares, and marke what I shall saie;
“A secret thing I haue bethought which here I will bewraie:
“You must make show, as though you loude to liue at ease;
“As wearie of these broiles, you must intreate to haue a peace.
“The King as chiefest man this plaie must first begin,
“By louing letters, words, and cheere at first to bring them in.
“And looke what they mislike, the King must rase it out,
“And yeeld to all things they request, to put them out of doubt.
“The King must shew such face to them aboue the rest,
19
The worst of all their band the King must intertaine”
With such good will, that no mistrust in anie maie remaine.”
And he must make them know, as though of late he felt”
Some pricke in conscience for the cause against the which hee delt.”
And that he will forgiue al quarrels that are past,”
In hope that this their new goodwil with loue might euer last”
And he must make complaint, as though he did of late”
Mislike the dealings of the Guise, and such as they doo hate.”
And then the Guises must awhile from Court retire;”
For thus you shall intrap them all, and haue your full desire.”
The King must yeeld to all that they request or craue,”
And he must grant for to cōfirm the thing that they wold haue.”
The Mother Queene in this must also play her part,”
That no suspect of treason maie remaine within their heart.”
And here you must giue out, as though you would imploie”
Their seruice in some forreine warres, which dooth your State annoie.”
As if you would not trust the weight of such affaires”
To anie man, but them alone; whose faith and watchfull cares”
You long haue tried: and so you maie your plot prepare”
By these and such like fained things, to trap them in your snare.”
It this preuaile not; then I stand in fearfull doubt,”
What practise next to put in vre to haue them rooted out.”
Now therefore say your minde, if thus it be not best”
To cut them off, that so againe we all may liue in rest.”
The Counsell did agree, this was the onelie waie,
And euerie man did giue his word, this sentence to obaie.
And that they would deuise such things to put in vre,
As best might fit this cursed plot, and make the same most sure.
Which Sathan hearing rose, and thankt them with his heart,
That they to him so willing were: and so they did depart.
Then presentlie the King in post a message sent
Vnto the Admirall, to whom he shewed his good intent.
“Which was, that he was loath more ciuill warres to haue,
“And that he greatlie did desire his subiects for to saue.
“I will (said he) forget, yea pardon and release
“All former griefes, so that you will now yeeld to haue a peace.
“Which might be now to me a cause of passing ioie;
“For that I meane in forreine warres your seruice to imploie;
“And first we doo require, that we may ioyne our band,
“Against the man that causeth all these troubles in our land.
“Our Armies being ioynde, we may the stronger goe
“Against the Duke of Alua, whom we know to be our foe.
“Great matters moue our minde against the King of Spaine,
“For he hath taken Florida, and late our sister slaine.
And euerie man did giue his word, this sentence to obaie.
And that they would deuise such things to put in vre,
As best might fit this cursed plot, and make the same most sure.
Which Sathan hearing rose, and thankt them with his heart,
That they to him so willing were: and so they did depart.
Then presentlie the King in post a message sent
Vnto the Admirall, to whom he shewed his good intent.
“And that he greatlie did desire his subiects for to saue.
“I will (said he) forget, yea pardon and release
“All former griefes, so that you will now yeeld to haue a peace.
“Which might be now to me a cause of passing ioie;
“For that I meane in forreine warres your seruice to imploie;
“And first we doo require, that we may ioyne our band,
“Against the man that causeth all these troubles in our land.
“Our Armies being ioynde, we may the stronger goe
“Against the Duke of Alua, whom we know to be our foe.
“Great matters moue our minde against the King of Spaine,
“For he hath taken Florida, and late our sister slaine.
With lies of like deuise the godlie to betraie,
Requesting him most earnestly that he would come awaie;
And that he should obtaine what safetie he would craue:
Yea, for his suretie there, that he his faith & oath should haue.
The message being done, the Admirall as wise,
Within himselfe did halfe suspect the plot of this deuise.
And though that manie things did some suspition bring:
Yet all things els he doubted more than falshood in the King.
He thought the promise sure, and firmelie did beleeue,
No treason could be ment, wheras the king his word did giue.
The Admirall as one that was deuoide of feare,
And willing for to heare of peace, vnto the King gaue eare.
So now the ciuill broiles which manie did intend,
By this deuise were pacified and brought vnto an ende.
It cannot be exprest what shewes of frendlie minde,
Both in the King and Courtiers all the Admirall doth finde.
His frends likewise, which had the Gospell long profest
As Countie Rouchfaucoult and eke Theligni with the rest,
Like grace and fauor found: which made them so reioyce,
That to consent vnto the King they all did giue their voice.
And if in former warres the Admirall had lost
Either castles, houses, townes or fermes what euer it shuld cost;
The King commanded straight for to restore them all,
And all things els which he of right of anie man could call.
And those whom he perceiude the Admirall to loue,
He blinded them with great rewards, suspition to remoue.
Besides, he did command out of his purse to giue
To him an hundred thousand pounds his losses to relieue.
And when as it did chance his brother for to die,
The Cardinall Chastilion: the King then presentlie
The fruites and profites all of liuings all one yeare,
Vnto the Admirall he gaue his charges to forweare.
Yet not content with this, one thing aboue the rest
The King most frendlie did: the which the godlie liked best.
He wrote to Philibert the Duke of Sauoie then,
That he should cease for to molest or grieue those godly men,
The which in former warres the Gospel did defend;
And that to such he should leaue off his rigor to extend.
And that the Admirall might no misliking finde,
He did by gentle meanes appease the Duke of Guises minde:
He tride to make them frends, & brought the same to passe;
Although it on the Guises part a fained frendship was.
The Cardinall likewise that was their greatest foe,
To chuse a Pope, made thē beleeue to Rome that he would go.
So all things being done, t'abandon all suspect,
What they mislikte, the King would seeme the same for to reiect.
So that about the king they onelie credit winne
Which did defend the Gospel, & which latelie were come in.
But nothing did preuaile to put them out of doubt
So much as one thing, which as now the king did go about.
Which was, that he did wish his sister for to match
Vnto Prince Henrie of Nauarre: by this in hope to catch.
Them all within his snare; for this he did conclude,
Not for good will, but mere deceipt the godlie to delude.
Which match the king would haue consummate out of hand,
That so it might remaine (said he) a sure and perfect band
Of that vnfained loue, and inward heartie care,
Which we to those that loue the truth & gospel now do bear.
Vvhich made them all reioice, and quite cast off their feare,
Vvhen in the king they did behold such loue & frendly cheer.
Yet some did here alledge, that conscience did restraine
The Prince to match with her, which yet did seeme for to remaine
In loue with Popish rites; to which the King replide
That he to ease those scruples all such order would prouide
Vvhich they should not mislike: For he would there dispence
Vvith all such rites and orders, as might breed the least offence.
Vvhich Courtiers all mislike, and openlie repinde;
Much doubting least vnto the truth the King had bin inclinde.
The Admirall againe was much confirmde besides
By other signes, not douting now their falshoods & their slides.
The godlie did reioice to see the King so bent
Not thinking of the treacherie & treason that they ment.
So, matters being past and parties all agreed,
In Paris towne to haue them ioinde by both it was decreed.
The Queene of Nauarre now (a rare and vertuous dame)
Vvith others to the Princes Court in full assurance came.
Vvhere hauing staid awhile, she tooke her leaue to ride
To Paris, for this solemne feast the better to prouide.
The King to like effect, by message did request
The Admirall that he would goe to Paris there to rest.
And see that nothing want for that appointed day,
And that himselfe would after come, and make no long delaie.
And that he might not feare the mallice and the rage
That Paris men did beare to him; he said he would asswage
The same himselfe: and so he presentlie did write
To Marcel Prouost of the towne (perceiuing well their spite)
That he should intertaine and vse in frendlie wise
The Admirall and all his traine, that nothing might arise
Which might offend his minde or burst to anie flame:
For if ther did, he swore he would most fiercely plague the same
The king and Queene also vnto the like effect
Vnto the Duke of Aniow did their letters now direct.
So that the Admirall not doubting anie foe
Resolude himselfe, and did prouide to Paris for to goe.
Where being come, he found, the king and all the rest
VVith frendly welcoms, so as more he could not wel request.
But whilst that euerie man was busie to prouide
Within the court, most sodainly the Queene of Nauarre dide:
Which afterward was knowen (as some haue plainlie said)
That by a paire of gloues perfumde this treason was conuaide.
Which leaud and sinfull deede was now no sooner done;
But that the Kingdome of Nauarre descended to her sonne.
Heere manie did reioyce in hope of perfect rest,
Yet this vnequall bloodie match the Guises did detest.
That dismall daie is come, the marriage must begin,
Where were assembled solemnlie the chiefe of euerie kinne.
And for because the Masse their minds might grieue no more,
The mariage was solemnised before the great Church dore
Of Paris, with such words as both were well content:
Which done, into the church the Bride in solemn maner wēt
To heare a Popish Masse, both she and all her traine;
Her husband walkt without the doore till she returnde againe.
Then home at last they goe with mirth and passing ioy;
They little thought this pleasant day would ende with such annoy.
And now begins the plaies, the dancings and the sport,
Which were performd by lusty youths that thither did resort.
The King and Nobles all in pleasures are so mad,
That for to talke of great affaires, no leasure could be had.
And now the Admirall from Court had gone his way,
Had not some causes of the Church inforced him to staie.
Now from the wedding night, fiue daies are come and past:
When as the King and Senate were contented at the last
In counsell for to sit such matters to decide,
As best might fit their fained warres in Flanders to prouide.
Which ended, neere about the middle of the day
As euerie man vnto his house did take his readie waie,
The Admirall himselfe, with other Nobles moe
Along the streetes (not doubting hurt) in pleasant talk do goe:
A harquebusse was shot from other side the streete,
Which charged was with bullets two the Admiral to greete.
Which cursed blow did wound and strike this Noble man,
That thorough both his valiant armes the leaden pellets ran.
Which done, althogh the woūd did tuch him somwhat neer,
Yet nothing danted with the stroke, he said with wōted cheer
From yonder house it came, goe looke who is within,
What vilde vnworthie trecherie is this they doo begin?
And therewithall he sent in hast vnto the King,
Such as might show vnto his grace this bad & shamefull thing.
The message being done (the King as then did plaie
At tennis with the Duke of Guise he fiercelie threw awaie
His racket in a rage, as though it grieude his heart,
That thus the Admirall was hurt and streight he did depart
Vnto his Castle, where a while he did remaine
Close with his brother of Nauarre till he might heare againe
More certaine newes: but now the matter was too plaine,
That this assault was surelie made by one of Guises traine.
Now whilest these greeuous woūds the surgeons had in cure,
He sent Theligni to the King (because he was not sure
Where he should liue or die) for to desire his Grace,
That he would now vouchsafe to come vnto that simple place
Where he did lie: for that he had a secret thing
To tell him, which did much concerne the safetie of the King:
Which was no sooner said, the King was well content,
And with the man the message came without delaie he went.
They went likewise that sought the Admirall to kill,
The Mother Queen, with al her mates, no dout for great good will.
Which all no sooner did within the dore appeere,
But that the King saluted him with sweete & friendlie cheere:
Requesting him most earnestly that he would come awaie;
And that he should obtaine what safetie he would craue:
Yea, for his suretie there, that he his faith & oath should haue.
The message being done, the Admirall as wise,
Within himselfe did halfe suspect the plot of this deuise.
And though that manie things did some suspition bring:
Yet all things els he doubted more than falshood in the King.
He thought the promise sure, and firmelie did beleeue,
No treason could be ment, wheras the king his word did giue.
The Admirall as one that was deuoide of feare,
And willing for to heare of peace, vnto the King gaue eare.
So now the ciuill broiles which manie did intend,
By this deuise were pacified and brought vnto an ende.
It cannot be exprest what shewes of frendlie minde,
Both in the King and Courtiers all the Admirall doth finde.
His frends likewise, which had the Gospell long profest
As Countie Rouchfaucoult and eke Theligni with the rest,
Like grace and fauor found: which made them so reioyce,
That to consent vnto the King they all did giue their voice.
And if in former warres the Admirall had lost
20
The King commanded straight for to restore them all,
And all things els which he of right of anie man could call.
And those whom he perceiude the Admirall to loue,
He blinded them with great rewards, suspition to remoue.
Besides, he did command out of his purse to giue
To him an hundred thousand pounds his losses to relieue.
And when as it did chance his brother for to die,
The Cardinall Chastilion: the King then presentlie
The fruites and profites all of liuings all one yeare,
Vnto the Admirall he gaue his charges to forweare.
Yet not content with this, one thing aboue the rest
The King most frendlie did: the which the godlie liked best.
He wrote to Philibert the Duke of Sauoie then,
That he should cease for to molest or grieue those godly men,
The which in former warres the Gospel did defend;
And that to such he should leaue off his rigor to extend.
And that the Admirall might no misliking finde,
He did by gentle meanes appease the Duke of Guises minde:
He tride to make them frends, & brought the same to passe;
Although it on the Guises part a fained frendship was.
The Cardinall likewise that was their greatest foe,
To chuse a Pope, made thē beleeue to Rome that he would go.
So all things being done, t'abandon all suspect,
What they mislikte, the King would seeme the same for to reiect.
So that about the king they onelie credit winne
Which did defend the Gospel, & which latelie were come in.
But nothing did preuaile to put them out of doubt
So much as one thing, which as now the king did go about.
Which was, that he did wish his sister for to match
Vnto Prince Henrie of Nauarre: by this in hope to catch.
Them all within his snare; for this he did conclude,
Not for good will, but mere deceipt the godlie to delude.
That so it might remaine (said he) a sure and perfect band
Of that vnfained loue, and inward heartie care,
Which we to those that loue the truth & gospel now do bear.
Vvhich made them all reioice, and quite cast off their feare,
Vvhen in the king they did behold such loue & frendly cheer.
Yet some did here alledge, that conscience did restraine
The Prince to match with her, which yet did seeme for to remaine
In loue with Popish rites; to which the King replide
That he to ease those scruples all such order would prouide
Vvhich they should not mislike: For he would there dispence
Vvith all such rites and orders, as might breed the least offence.
Vvhich Courtiers all mislike, and openlie repinde;
Much doubting least vnto the truth the King had bin inclinde.
The Admirall againe was much confirmde besides
By other signes, not douting now their falshoods & their slides.
The godlie did reioice to see the King so bent
Not thinking of the treacherie & treason that they ment.
So, matters being past and parties all agreed,
In Paris towne to haue them ioinde by both it was decreed.
The Queene of Nauarre now (a rare and vertuous dame)
Vvith others to the Princes Court in full assurance came.
Vvhere hauing staid awhile, she tooke her leaue to ride
To Paris, for this solemne feast the better to prouide.
The King to like effect, by message did request
The Admirall that he would goe to Paris there to rest.
And see that nothing want for that appointed day,
And that himselfe would after come, and make no long delaie.
And that he might not feare the mallice and the rage
That Paris men did beare to him; he said he would asswage
The same himselfe: and so he presentlie did write
To Marcel Prouost of the towne (perceiuing well their spite)
That he should intertaine and vse in frendlie wise
21
Which might offend his minde or burst to anie flame:
For if ther did, he swore he would most fiercely plague the same
The king and Queene also vnto the like effect
Vnto the Duke of Aniow did their letters now direct.
So that the Admirall not doubting anie foe
Resolude himselfe, and did prouide to Paris for to goe.
Where being come, he found, the king and all the rest
VVith frendly welcoms, so as more he could not wel request.
But whilst that euerie man was busie to prouide
Within the court, most sodainly the Queene of Nauarre dide:
Which afterward was knowen (as some haue plainlie said)
That by a paire of gloues perfumde this treason was conuaide.
Which leaud and sinfull deede was now no sooner done;
But that the Kingdome of Nauarre descended to her sonne.
Heere manie did reioyce in hope of perfect rest,
Yet this vnequall bloodie match the Guises did detest.
That dismall daie is come, the marriage must begin,
Where were assembled solemnlie the chiefe of euerie kinne.
And for because the Masse their minds might grieue no more,
The mariage was solemnised before the great Church dore
Of Paris, with such words as both were well content:
Which done, into the church the Bride in solemn maner wēt
To heare a Popish Masse, both she and all her traine;
Her husband walkt without the doore till she returnde againe.
Then home at last they goe with mirth and passing ioy;
They little thought this pleasant day would ende with such annoy.
And now begins the plaies, the dancings and the sport,
Which were performd by lusty youths that thither did resort.
The King and Nobles all in pleasures are so mad,
That for to talke of great affaires, no leasure could be had.
And now the Admirall from Court had gone his way,
Had not some causes of the Church inforced him to staie.
When as the King and Senate were contented at the last
In counsell for to sit such matters to decide,
As best might fit their fained warres in Flanders to prouide.
Which ended, neere about the middle of the day
As euerie man vnto his house did take his readie waie,
The Admirall himselfe, with other Nobles moe
Along the streetes (not doubting hurt) in pleasant talk do goe:
A harquebusse was shot from other side the streete,
Which charged was with bullets two the Admiral to greete.
Which cursed blow did wound and strike this Noble man,
That thorough both his valiant armes the leaden pellets ran.
Which done, althogh the woūd did tuch him somwhat neer,
Yet nothing danted with the stroke, he said with wōted cheer
From yonder house it came, goe looke who is within,
What vilde vnworthie trecherie is this they doo begin?
And therewithall he sent in hast vnto the King,
Such as might show vnto his grace this bad & shamefull thing.
The message being done (the King as then did plaie
At tennis with the Duke of Guise he fiercelie threw awaie
His racket in a rage, as though it grieude his heart,
That thus the Admirall was hurt and streight he did depart
Vnto his Castle, where a while he did remaine
Close with his brother of Nauarre till he might heare againe
More certaine newes: but now the matter was too plaine,
That this assault was surelie made by one of Guises traine.
Now whilest these greeuous woūds the surgeons had in cure,
He sent Theligni to the King (because he was not sure
Where he should liue or die) for to desire his Grace,
That he would now vouchsafe to come vnto that simple place
Where he did lie: for that he had a secret thing
To tell him, which did much concerne the safetie of the King:
Which was no sooner said, the King was well content,
22
They went likewise that sought the Admirall to kill,
The Mother Queen, with al her mates, no dout for great good will.
Which all no sooner did within the dore appeere,
But that the King saluted him with sweete & friendlie cheere:
Alas my deerest frend, how camst thou to this place,”
Where wounded now I see thee lie me thinks in heauie case.”
What arrant villaine wrought this leaud and sinfull act,”
Would God I knew the wicked wretch that did commit the fact:”
For though (my Admirall) the hurt be done to thee,”
Yet the dishonor of the fact, and shame redounds to me.”
Both which I will reuenge by death of God I sweare,”
As like in France was neuer seene, to make such wretches feare.”
Such speeches had the King, & questions manie more
Concerning Iudges, health & griefe, and how he felt his sore.
To which the Admirall with milde and quiet minde
Such answere gaue, as moude them much such patience for to finde
In him that had receaude such cause of deadlie ire:
Who did request, but onelie that the King would straight inquire
Vpon the fact: which was I surelie know said he
Procured by the Duke of Guise, for great good will to me.
Which deede the Lord reuenge as he shall thinke it best;
For if I die, I hope by faith with Christ to be in rest.
The rest he did desire a while to stand awaie,
For that he had some secret thing vnto the King to saie.
Which done, he thus began; O King this life to saue,”
Is not the thing (I thank the Lord) that I do greatly craue.”
For this I know is true, we all must pay a death”
To God our maker, which hath lent this vse of liuelie breath.”
But to your Maiestie the great good will I bare”
Is it which now aboue the rest dooth most increase my care:”
To see you now beset with such as wish no good”
Vnto your health, your crown & life, & such as seek the blood”
“Of you and of your frends, to spill your noble race;
“That so they may in future time your Princelie stocke deface.
“And so at length ingraffe a strange Italian weede,
“VVhich may in France most surelie choake the Princes royall seede.
“This is the onelie marke to which they doo aspire;
“This is the onelie wood ô King that doth mainteine the fire
“Of these your ciuill warres, (although they doo pretend
“Religion, and some other thing) this is the chiefest end
“Of all their drift. Therefore ô King beware by time,
“Mark this Eclipse, whilst yet ye see the Moone is in her Prime.
“I saie the lesse, because I know your Grace is wise,
“You shall in time most plainlie see this plot of their deuise
“Your wisedome dooth perceaue (I hope) whom I doo meane,
“For of the same with griefe before I heard you oft complaine.
“For though that I doo lie heere wounded as you see,
“The chiefest treason they intend is not alone to me:
“But to your noble Grace, whose death they daily craue,
“Whose life by treason long ere this & now desire to haue.
“I know when God shall take this fraile and wretched life,
“Some will not sticke to say, that I was cause of all the strife.
“But God that is aboue, and you my witnesse be,
“How deare the safegard of my Prince, & peace hath bin to me.
“God grant you see in time your frends from fleering foe,
“That still in safetie you may reigne deuoide of griefe and woe.
“Now I can saie no more, but God preserue your Grace,
“And shield you from your fained friends which beare a double face.
“And this amidst your mirth I praie remember still,
“That they that seek to haue my life, do beare you no good wil.
Vvhich said, the king did giue such speach as he thought best:
And then in loud and solemne words in hearing of the rest
He did with frendlie cheere request the Admirall
Vnto his Court for to remooue, what euer should befall.
And others spake likewise vnto the same intent:
His simple meaning could not see the treason that was ment.
But yet vpon aduise, his frends did thinke it best,
Not knowing what may there betide, the K.he should request,
That he would them assigne some of his Graces gard,
Before his gates both night & day to keep their watch & ward
The motion being made, the King was well content,
And said; to this their good deuise he gladly gaue consent.
And that he would prouide to haue it surelie knowne,
That of his life he made accompt no lesse than of his owne.
And that he would preserue with care more tenderlie
The Admirall, than he would keepe the apple of his eie.
For that he did admire the valure of his minde,
Vvho little thought in mortall man such courage for to finde.
The Duke of Aniow then commanded out of hand
One Cossin Captaine of the gard, to ward with Princes band
The gates and streates wherein the Admirall did lie;
Vvhich was no sooner said, but was performed presentlie.
This Cossin that was set with watch to ward the gate,
Vvas one that did the Admirall in heart most deadlie hate.
And farther, for to put the matter out of doubt,
They did consent that he should haue his trustie frends about
The place where he did lie: which came of no good will;
But hoping rather all by this the easier for to kill.
And this among the rest a bloodie practise was,
Vvhich cloaked guile by Sathans art too soone was brought to passe.
Where wounded now I see thee lie me thinks in heauie case.”
What arrant villaine wrought this leaud and sinfull act,”
Would God I knew the wicked wretch that did commit the fact:”
For though (my Admirall) the hurt be done to thee,”
Yet the dishonor of the fact, and shame redounds to me.”
Both which I will reuenge by death of God I sweare,”
As like in France was neuer seene, to make such wretches feare.”
Such speeches had the King, & questions manie more
Concerning Iudges, health & griefe, and how he felt his sore.
To which the Admirall with milde and quiet minde
Such answere gaue, as moude them much such patience for to finde
In him that had receaude such cause of deadlie ire:
Who did request, but onelie that the King would straight inquire
Vpon the fact: which was I surelie know said he
Procured by the Duke of Guise, for great good will to me.
Which deede the Lord reuenge as he shall thinke it best;
For if I die, I hope by faith with Christ to be in rest.
The rest he did desire a while to stand awaie,
For that he had some secret thing vnto the King to saie.
Which done, he thus began; O King this life to saue,”
Is not the thing (I thank the Lord) that I do greatly craue.”
For this I know is true, we all must pay a death”
To God our maker, which hath lent this vse of liuelie breath.”
But to your Maiestie the great good will I bare”
Is it which now aboue the rest dooth most increase my care:”
To see you now beset with such as wish no good”
Vnto your health, your crown & life, & such as seek the blood”
“That so they may in future time your Princelie stocke deface.
“And so at length ingraffe a strange Italian weede,
“VVhich may in France most surelie choake the Princes royall seede.
“This is the onelie marke to which they doo aspire;
“This is the onelie wood ô King that doth mainteine the fire
“Of these your ciuill warres, (although they doo pretend
“Religion, and some other thing) this is the chiefest end
“Of all their drift. Therefore ô King beware by time,
“Mark this Eclipse, whilst yet ye see the Moone is in her Prime.
“I saie the lesse, because I know your Grace is wise,
“You shall in time most plainlie see this plot of their deuise
“Your wisedome dooth perceaue (I hope) whom I doo meane,
“For of the same with griefe before I heard you oft complaine.
“For though that I doo lie heere wounded as you see,
“The chiefest treason they intend is not alone to me:
“But to your noble Grace, whose death they daily craue,
“Whose life by treason long ere this & now desire to haue.
“I know when God shall take this fraile and wretched life,
“Some will not sticke to say, that I was cause of all the strife.
“But God that is aboue, and you my witnesse be,
“How deare the safegard of my Prince, & peace hath bin to me.
“God grant you see in time your frends from fleering foe,
“That still in safetie you may reigne deuoide of griefe and woe.
“Now I can saie no more, but God preserue your Grace,
“And shield you from your fained friends which beare a double face.
“And this amidst your mirth I praie remember still,
“That they that seek to haue my life, do beare you no good wil.
Vvhich said, the king did giue such speach as he thought best:
And then in loud and solemne words in hearing of the rest
He did with frendlie cheere request the Admirall
Vnto his Court for to remooue, what euer should befall.
And others spake likewise vnto the same intent:
23
But yet vpon aduise, his frends did thinke it best,
Not knowing what may there betide, the K.he should request,
That he would them assigne some of his Graces gard,
Before his gates both night & day to keep their watch & ward
The motion being made, the King was well content,
And said; to this their good deuise he gladly gaue consent.
And that he would prouide to haue it surelie knowne,
That of his life he made accompt no lesse than of his owne.
And that he would preserue with care more tenderlie
The Admirall, than he would keepe the apple of his eie.
For that he did admire the valure of his minde,
Vvho little thought in mortall man such courage for to finde.
The Duke of Aniow then commanded out of hand
One Cossin Captaine of the gard, to ward with Princes band
The gates and streates wherein the Admirall did lie;
Vvhich was no sooner said, but was performed presentlie.
This Cossin that was set with watch to ward the gate,
Vvas one that did the Admirall in heart most deadlie hate.
And farther, for to put the matter out of doubt,
They did consent that he should haue his trustie frends about
The place where he did lie: which came of no good will;
But hoping rather all by this the easier for to kill.
And this among the rest a bloodie practise was,
Vvhich cloaked guile by Sathans art too soone was brought to passe.
Bvt theere the Prologue endes, and heere begins the plaie,
For bloodie mindes resolued quite to vse no more delaie.
The Mother Queene appeares now first vpon the Stage,
Vvhere like a diuelish sorceresse with words demure and sage
The King she cals aside, with other trustie mates
Into a close and secret place, with whom she now debates
The great desire she had to quit them all from care,
In planting long a bloodie plot, which now she must declare.
For bloodie mindes resolued quite to vse no more delaie.
The Mother Queene appeares now first vpon the Stage,
Vvhere like a diuelish sorceresse with words demure and sage
The King she cals aside, with other trustie mates
Into a close and secret place, with whom she now debates
The great desire she had to quit them all from care,
“O
happie light (quoth she) ô thrice most happie daie;
“Which thus hath thrust into our hands our long desired pray:
“We haue them all in hold, we haue the chiefest fast:
“And those for whom we waited long we haue them all at last.
“Vvhie should we longer staie? what can we farther craue?
“Vvhat are not all things come to passe which wee doo long to haue?
“Doth not our mightiest foe lie woūded in his bed,
“Not able now to helpe himselfe, which others long hath led?
“The Captaines captiue are, the King of Nauarre sure;
“The Prince of Condee, with the rest that mischiefe did procure
“Are close within our wals, we have them in a trap;
“Good fortune(loe) hath brought them al, & laid thē in our lap.
“By force or flight to saue their liues it is too late,
“If we (to cut off future feare and cause of all debate)
“Doo take the profered time: which time is onelie now;
“And wisedome matcht with policie our dealings doth allow.
“Vve neede not feare the spot of anie cruell fame:
“So long as we maie feele some ease or profite by the same.
“For wisedome doth allow the Prince to plaie the Foxe,
“And Lion-like to rage: but hates the plainnesse of an Oxe.
“Vvhat thogh ye do forswear? what thogh ye break your faith?
“Vvhat thogh ye promise life, & yet repay it with their death?
“Is this so great a fault? Naie, naie, no fault at all:
“For this we learne we ought to doo, if such occasions fall.
“Our Masters doo perswade a King to cogge and lie,
“And neuer keep his faith, whereas his danger growes thereby.
“Cut off therefore the head of this infectious sore:
“So maie you well assure your selues this Byle wil rise no more.
“The Captaines being slaine, the soldiers will be faint;
So shall we quicklie on the rest performe our whole intent.”
Plucke vp therefore your sprites, and play your manlie parts,”
Let neither feare nor faith preuaile to dant your warlike harts.”
What shame is this that I (a woman by my kinde)”
Neede thus to speake, or passe you men in valure of the minde?”
For heere I doo protest, if I had bene a man;”
I had my selfe before this time this murder long began.”
Why doo you doubting stand, and wherefore doo you staie?”
If that you loue your peace, or life; procure no more delaie.”
We haue them in our hands, within our Castle gates,”
Within the wals of Paris towne the masters & their mates.”
This is the onelie time this matter to dispatch;”
But being fled, these birds are not so easie for to catch.”
The towne of Paris will most gladlie giue consent,”
And threescore thousand fighting men prouide for this intent.”
So shall we quicklie see the ende of all our strife,”
And in a moment shall dispatch these rebels of their life.”
But if we stand in feare, and let them scape our hand;”
They will procure in time to come great trouble in our land:”
For if the Admirall his strength receaue againe,”
Can anie doubt but that he will be mindfull of his paine?”
It is a simple thing for Princes to beleeue”
That new goodwil an ancient hate from galled hearts cā driue.”
Therefore if we permit these Rebels to retire,”
We soone shall see by warres againe our Countrie set on fire.”
This is a womans minde, and thus I thinke it best:”
Now let vs likewise heare I pray the sentence of the rest.”
“Which thus hath thrust into our hands our long desired pray:
“We haue them all in hold, we haue the chiefest fast:
“And those for whom we waited long we haue them all at last.
“Vvhie should we longer staie? what can we farther craue?
“Vvhat are not all things come to passe which wee doo long to haue?
“Doth not our mightiest foe lie woūded in his bed,
“Not able now to helpe himselfe, which others long hath led?
“The Captaines captiue are, the King of Nauarre sure;
“The Prince of Condee, with the rest that mischiefe did procure
“Are close within our wals, we have them in a trap;
“Good fortune(loe) hath brought them al, & laid thē in our lap.
“By force or flight to saue their liues it is too late,
“If we (to cut off future feare and cause of all debate)
“Doo take the profered time: which time is onelie now;
“And wisedome matcht with policie our dealings doth allow.
“Vve neede not feare the spot of anie cruell fame:
“So long as we maie feele some ease or profite by the same.
“For wisedome doth allow the Prince to plaie the Foxe,
“And Lion-like to rage: but hates the plainnesse of an Oxe.
“Vvhat thogh ye do forswear? what thogh ye break your faith?
“Vvhat thogh ye promise life, & yet repay it with their death?
“Is this so great a fault? Naie, naie, no fault at all:
“For this we learne we ought to doo, if such occasions fall.
“Our Masters doo perswade a King to cogge and lie,
“And neuer keep his faith, whereas his danger growes thereby.
“Cut off therefore the head of this infectious sore:
“So maie you well assure your selues this Byle wil rise no more.
“The Captaines being slaine, the soldiers will be faint;
24
Plucke vp therefore your sprites, and play your manlie parts,”
Let neither feare nor faith preuaile to dant your warlike harts.”
What shame is this that I (a woman by my kinde)”
Neede thus to speake, or passe you men in valure of the minde?”
For heere I doo protest, if I had bene a man;”
I had my selfe before this time this murder long began.”
Why doo you doubting stand, and wherefore doo you staie?”
If that you loue your peace, or life; procure no more delaie.”
We haue them in our hands, within our Castle gates,”
Within the wals of Paris towne the masters & their mates.”
This is the onelie time this matter to dispatch;”
But being fled, these birds are not so easie for to catch.”
The towne of Paris will most gladlie giue consent,”
And threescore thousand fighting men prouide for this intent.”
So shall we quicklie see the ende of all our strife,”
And in a moment shall dispatch these rebels of their life.”
But if we stand in feare, and let them scape our hand;”
They will procure in time to come great trouble in our land:”
For if the Admirall his strength receaue againe,”
Can anie doubt but that he will be mindfull of his paine?”
It is a simple thing for Princes to beleeue”
That new goodwil an ancient hate from galled hearts cā driue.”
Therefore if we permit these Rebels to retire,”
We soone shall see by warres againe our Countrie set on fire.”
This is a womans minde, and thus I thinke it best:”
Now let vs likewise heare I pray the sentence of the rest.”
This counsell of them all was liked passing well;
And in respect of present state, all others did excell.
Some doubting, mused long which were the better waie,
The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee for to slaie;
Or els to saue their liues in hope they would recant:
Because the proofe of perfect yeres they both as yet did want.
But
here, they did preuaile (as God, no doubt would haue)
Vvho thoght it best in this assalt these princely youths to saue.
Because they were in hope, that when those impes should see
Their mates tormēted thus, they would most willingly agree
To bow where they would bind, to go where they would cal;
And to forswere their former faith would make no dout at all.
But all the rest remaine condemned for to die
Vvhich cruell verdit must be put in practise presentlie
The night that should insue then next without delay,
Beginning ere the same were spent long time before the day.
The Duke of Guise was thought the fittest of the traine
To take in hand this bloodie plot to haue the godlie slaine.
Concluding thus, they goe each one vnto his place,
The godlie doubting nothing lesse than this so heauie case.
And in respect of present state, all others did excell.
Some doubting, mused long which were the better waie,
The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee for to slaie;
Or els to saue their liues in hope they would recant:
Because the proofe of perfect yeres they both as yet did want.
Vvho thoght it best in this assalt these princely youths to saue.
Because they were in hope, that when those impes should see
Their mates tormēted thus, they would most willingly agree
To bow where they would bind, to go where they would cal;
And to forswere their former faith would make no dout at all.
But all the rest remaine condemned for to die
Vvhich cruell verdit must be put in practise presentlie
The night that should insue then next without delay,
Beginning ere the same were spent long time before the day.
The Duke of Guise was thought the fittest of the traine
To take in hand this bloodie plot to haue the godlie slaine.
Concluding thus, they goe each one vnto his place,
The godlie doubting nothing lesse than this so heauie case.
Heere is the first part plaide; and heere I doo lament,
My slender skill wants fitted phrase the sequele to depaint.
The Duke in office put begins for to prepare,
So that in troopes the armed men ranne busling here and there
With noise & threatning words, as though some tumult were
Preparing now in euerie streete; which made the wisest feare
Vvhat would insue. At length the Admirall did heare
This tumult, and not knowing how the truth for to inquire;
He sent vnto the King to know the full intent,
Vvhy in the night in riot wise these armed people went
Thus raging in the streetes: and where it were his will?
If so, he would not feare; but rest in hope of safetie still.
My slender skill wants fitted phrase the sequele to depaint.
The Duke in office put begins for to prepare,
So that in troopes the armed men ranne busling here and there
With noise & threatning words, as though some tumult were
Preparing now in euerie streete; which made the wisest feare
Vvhat would insue. At length the Admirall did heare
This tumult, and not knowing how the truth for to inquire;
He sent vnto the King to know the full intent,
Vvhy in the night in riot wise these armed people went
Thus raging in the streetes: and where it were his will?
If so, he would not feare; but rest in hope of safetie still.
“The King returned word, and wilde him not to feare:
For this was done by his aduise, yet not in euerie where,
But in some certaine waies these armed men were set:
The foolish rage of leaud attempts by this in hope to let.
For this was done by his aduise, yet not in euerie where,
But in some certaine waies these armed men were set:
The foolish rage of leaud attempts by this in hope to let.
O leaud and filthie lie! vnseemlie for a King:
Vvhat Turke or Diuell could deuise, a more vnworthy thing.
For when the Duke of Guise had all in order set,
And nothing rested which might seem their purpose for to let;
He Marcell calls in hast, and wills him haue a care
That all the masters of the streetes ere midnight did repaire
Vnto the Counsell hall, where they should heare at large
Great matters frō the King himself of strāge & speciall charge.
The message being done, they all without delaie
Assembled were, to know the thing the Guises had to saie.
Where Prouost Carron rose with stomacke stout and bolde,
And garded with a Guisian troope, this bloodie message tolde;
Vvhat Turke or Diuell could deuise, a more vnworthy thing.
25
And nothing rested which might seem their purpose for to let;
He Marcell calls in hast, and wills him haue a care
That all the masters of the streetes ere midnight did repaire
Vnto the Counsell hall, where they should heare at large
Great matters frō the King himself of strāge & speciall charge.
The message being done, they all without delaie
Assembled were, to know the thing the Guises had to saie.
Where Prouost Carron rose with stomacke stout and bolde,
And garded with a Guisian troope, this bloodie message tolde;
My frends (quoth he) giue eare, and marke what I shall saie,”
The Kings intent is presentlie this night without delay,”
Those Rebels to destroy; which now these latter yeeres”
Bore armes against his Grace: which thogh they be his peeres,”
Yet will he quite pull vp, and roote the lawlesse race”
Of thē, that long haue sought by force his dealings to disgrace.”
And what a happie time (I praie) my mates, is this;”
When fast within our Citie wals the Captaine closed is”
That fiercelie brued the broile of this our doubtfull strife,”
And manie times hath put vs all in danger of our life?”
Their trust by treason trainde, is cause of this deceite:”
Oh happie she that wrought the molde of this so cunning feat.”
Their frēds will proue their foes, sweet plesures wil haue pain;”
And being here they are not like to see their homes againe.”
Their chambers prisons are, their beds shall be their graue:”
And ere the day appeere we must a glorious Conquest haue.”
Be strong therefore my frends, make sharpe the fatall knife;”
For of these Rebels ere the day not one shall scape with life.”
Their leader and their guide lies wounded in his bed,”
And therefore as the chiefest foe, we'ill first haue off his head.”
And when we haue dispatcht the Rebels we haue heere,”
We'ill likewise ransack all the Land of like that shall appeere.”
“This is the Kings intent, this is his Graces minde,
“To doo this feate, let him in vs a willing courage finde:
“And for a token when this murder shall begin,
“The warlike trumpet shall not sound, nor banner shalbe seene;
“But Tockeseine shalbe heard this bloodie newes to bring,
“For then begin, when as you heare this Pallace bell to ring:
“The badge which you shall bear by which you shal be known,
“Shalbe a Linnen cloath of white, made fast about the brawne
“Of left side arme; and eke, a crosse vpon your cap,
“Of white likewise: and these keepe fast what euer chance may hap.
“And this is all (my frends) that I haue now to saie,
“Come follow me, and let's begin and vse no more delaie.
The Kings intent is presentlie this night without delay,”
Those Rebels to destroy; which now these latter yeeres”
Bore armes against his Grace: which thogh they be his peeres,”
Yet will he quite pull vp, and roote the lawlesse race”
Of thē, that long haue sought by force his dealings to disgrace.”
And what a happie time (I praie) my mates, is this;”
When fast within our Citie wals the Captaine closed is”
That fiercelie brued the broile of this our doubtfull strife,”
And manie times hath put vs all in danger of our life?”
Their trust by treason trainde, is cause of this deceite:”
Oh happie she that wrought the molde of this so cunning feat.”
Their frēds will proue their foes, sweet plesures wil haue pain;”
And being here they are not like to see their homes againe.”
Their chambers prisons are, their beds shall be their graue:”
And ere the day appeere we must a glorious Conquest haue.”
Be strong therefore my frends, make sharpe the fatall knife;”
For of these Rebels ere the day not one shall scape with life.”
Their leader and their guide lies wounded in his bed,”
And therefore as the chiefest foe, we'ill first haue off his head.”
And when we haue dispatcht the Rebels we haue heere,”
We'ill likewise ransack all the Land of like that shall appeere.”
“To doo this feate, let him in vs a willing courage finde:
“And for a token when this murder shall begin,
“The warlike trumpet shall not sound, nor banner shalbe seene;
“But Tockeseine shalbe heard this bloodie newes to bring,
“For then begin, when as you heare this Pallace bell to ring:
“The badge which you shall bear by which you shal be known,
“Shalbe a Linnen cloath of white, made fast about the brawne
“Of left side arme; and eke, a crosse vpon your cap,
“Of white likewise: and these keepe fast what euer chance may hap.
“And this is all (my frends) that I haue now to saie,
“Come follow me, and let's begin and vse no more delaie.
This while the Duke of Guise did shew his whole intent
Vnto the Captaines of the gard, and bad them giue consent
With courage to performe so great and famous act;
Which seruice as the case did stād, they might not lōg ptotract
Now shortlie after this, the Duke with manie more
(Accompanied with the Cheualier and armed men great store)
Came posting to the gate which Cossin tooke to keep,
Woe worth the time whē they did trust the wolfe to gard the sheepe.
The Admiral knew wel the tumult of this rout;
Yet this, nor anie thing could make his valiant heart to doubt:
For though he had but few, scarce tenne within the place;
Yet nothing could at all preuaile to make him doubt his case.
Vnto the Captaines of the gard, and bad them giue consent
With courage to performe so great and famous act;
Which seruice as the case did stād, they might not lōg ptotract
Now shortlie after this, the Duke with manie more
(Accompanied with the Cheualier and armed men great store)
Came posting to the gate which Cossin tooke to keep,
Woe worth the time whē they did trust the wolfe to gard the sheepe.
The Admiral knew wel the tumult of this rout;
Yet this, nor anie thing could make his valiant heart to doubt:
For though he had but few, scarce tenne within the place;
Yet nothing could at all preuaile to make him doubt his case.
“For oft he would repeate the Kings assured loue,
“Approoued by so manie signes as you haue heard aboue:
“What though the Cōmons rise? what thogh the tumult rage?
“When they shal see the princes gard, their malice wil asswage.
“I know the King will not by treason false his faith,
“Thogh for the same there might ensue the hazard of his death.
“The oath that he hath sworne so oft to keepe the peace,
“No Christian conscience can assent at all for to release.
His mother gaue her faith, his brothers sware likewise,”
The publique recordes of the Land doo witnesse this deuise.”
What band may surer be? what more may you desire?”
What can we farther wish? And yet if more you doo require”
The Queene of England is a witnes of the same,”
The Prince of Aurendge, & the States that from the Germaines came.”
This Royal match likewise my hart doth wel assure”
That such a seale of perfect loue for euer will indure:”
Which marriage latelie made with counsell graue and good,”
The King will not permit to be so soone defilde with blood.”
For what would strangers saie if such things should befall?”
But such things Lord be farre from vs, & Lord preserue vs all?”
What would the future age of impes as yet vnborne;”
What would all Nations thinke, if we by trust should be forlorne?”
The stout and constant minde, & honor of the King”
Will neuer giue consent I know to doo so leaud a thing.”
“Approoued by so manie signes as you haue heard aboue:
“What though the Cōmons rise? what thogh the tumult rage?
“When they shal see the princes gard, their malice wil asswage.
“I know the King will not by treason false his faith,
“Thogh for the same there might ensue the hazard of his death.
“The oath that he hath sworne so oft to keepe the peace,
“No Christian conscience can assent at all for to release.
26
The publique recordes of the Land doo witnesse this deuise.”
What band may surer be? what more may you desire?”
What can we farther wish? And yet if more you doo require”
The Queene of England is a witnes of the same,”
The Prince of Aurendge, & the States that from the Germaines came.”
This Royal match likewise my hart doth wel assure”
That such a seale of perfect loue for euer will indure:”
Which marriage latelie made with counsell graue and good,”
The King will not permit to be so soone defilde with blood.”
For what would strangers saie if such things should befall?”
But such things Lord be farre from vs, & Lord preserue vs all?”
What would the future age of impes as yet vnborne;”
What would all Nations thinke, if we by trust should be forlorne?”
The stout and constant minde, & honor of the King”
Will neuer giue consent I know to doo so leaud a thing.”
Thus whilest among the rest the case he did debate,
His trustie keeper Cossin came and knocked at his gate.
Who was no sooner come within the outward dore,
But that there came in after him of armed men great store.
Then after went the Lords, the Nobles, and the rest;
For to dispatch this noble man, whom they did most detest.
And those whom Cossin found within to lie or stand,
He slew them with a Partisan which he had in his hand.
Which wofull newes when as the Admirall perceiude,
Wo worth the time (quoth he) that I by trust haue been deceiude.”
Wel, now the time is come, I may no longer doubt,”
Come lend your help, my frends (I pray) frō bed to lift me out.”
To Christ my onelie hope my soule I doo betake,”
And in this place from off my couch this life I will forsake.”
Then stāding on his feet his night gown on his back:
Shift for your selues my frends (quoth he) that you goe not to wrack,”
“And haue no care for me; for I am well content
“This life to yeeld vnto the Lord, which he to me hath lent.
“It greeues me not to die, Gods will is alwaie best;
“From future feares I know with Christ my soule shalbe in rest.
“This plot is not preparde alone to murder me;
“But for the rasing of that truth, which they are loath to see.
“The godlie for to spoile which haue receaude the word,
“These tyrants seeke with cruel hate by falshood and by sword.
“Which word vnto my power I alwaies did defend,
“The mallice of which godly course hath broght me to my end.
“Which doth reioyce my heart & soule exceedinglie;
“That for his truth the Lord hath thought me worthy for to die.
“For though our sinnes doo cause these troubles in our land:
“Yet shall these tyrants not escape the Lords reuenging hand.
“And though our God doo seeme from vs to hide his face,
“And armes our foes with cruell death his people to disgrace:
“Yet if we be content, his mercie will retire.
“Haue mercie Lord vpon thy Church, ô Christ I thee desire.
“And you ô traitors vilde that laide this trothlesse traine,
“Against the Lord haue lifted vp your wicked harts in vaine.
“For you are puffed vp with hope that is not sure;
“For these our paines, you shal receaue the pains that shal indure.
“And you that dare to lift your hands against the Lord,
“Before your death most iustlie shall of all men be abhord.
“Though yet you doo not feele the sentence that is due
“To this your bloodie traitors act, yet know that you shall rue
“Your breach of plighted faith, your deepe dissembling hart;
“There is a God will iudge vs all, that will reuenge our smart.
“The paine that we receaue doth breed eternall ioy;
“But for the wrōg that you haue done the Lord wil you destroy
“O Lord confirme my faith, which now must here be tride;
“Reach me thy hand(ô Christ) that I from thee may neuer slide.
My fearfull flesh is weake, my heart and will is prest:”
Forsake me not my God, but now receaue me to thy rest.”
Let not this irksome shade, this darke and dolefull night”
Keepe from my heart in this assault thy sweete & plesant light:”
For though the worldlie Sunne mine eie shall see no more,”
Thy blessed Sonne let me enioy, whom I by faith adore.”
And whereas I dispaire no more to see the day,”
In steed of that, thy louing face shew me (my God) I praie.”
Loe then, a blessed chance, and happie change for me;”
That from this vale of wretched life with Christ in ioy shalbe.”
Now let these traitors come, the feare of death is past;”
And fainting flesh that did rebell, hath yeelded at the last.”
Now doth my soule reioice, my heart most gladlie saie;”
Thou Sonne of God, my Sauiour come, my Christ now come thy waie?”
For here againe to thee my soule I do commend, ”
And to thy poore afflicted Church ô Lord thy mercie send.”
So shall they be at rest, so shall they praise thy name;”
Let not these tyrants longer Lord thy seruants put to shame.”
Least they doo proudlie bragge, and saie within their heart;”
Vvher is the God whō they do serue, that now shuld take their part.”
Come quicklie Lord therefore, & make no more delay ”
To ende these fierce and bloodie broiles; Amen, Amen, I saie.”
His trustie keeper Cossin came and knocked at his gate.
Who was no sooner come within the outward dore,
But that there came in after him of armed men great store.
Then after went the Lords, the Nobles, and the rest;
For to dispatch this noble man, whom they did most detest.
And those whom Cossin found within to lie or stand,
He slew them with a Partisan which he had in his hand.
Which wofull newes when as the Admirall perceiude,
Wo worth the time (quoth he) that I by trust haue been deceiude.”
Wel, now the time is come, I may no longer doubt,”
Come lend your help, my frends (I pray) frō bed to lift me out.”
To Christ my onelie hope my soule I doo betake,”
And in this place from off my couch this life I will forsake.”
Then stāding on his feet his night gown on his back:
Shift for your selues my frends (quoth he) that you goe not to wrack,”
“This life to yeeld vnto the Lord, which he to me hath lent.
“It greeues me not to die, Gods will is alwaie best;
“From future feares I know with Christ my soule shalbe in rest.
“This plot is not preparde alone to murder me;
“But for the rasing of that truth, which they are loath to see.
“The godlie for to spoile which haue receaude the word,
“These tyrants seeke with cruel hate by falshood and by sword.
“Which word vnto my power I alwaies did defend,
“The mallice of which godly course hath broght me to my end.
“Which doth reioyce my heart & soule exceedinglie;
“That for his truth the Lord hath thought me worthy for to die.
“For though our sinnes doo cause these troubles in our land:
“Yet shall these tyrants not escape the Lords reuenging hand.
“And though our God doo seeme from vs to hide his face,
“And armes our foes with cruell death his people to disgrace:
“Yet if we be content, his mercie will retire.
“Haue mercie Lord vpon thy Church, ô Christ I thee desire.
“And you ô traitors vilde that laide this trothlesse traine,
“Against the Lord haue lifted vp your wicked harts in vaine.
“For you are puffed vp with hope that is not sure;
“For these our paines, you shal receaue the pains that shal indure.
“And you that dare to lift your hands against the Lord,
“Before your death most iustlie shall of all men be abhord.
“Though yet you doo not feele the sentence that is due
“To this your bloodie traitors act, yet know that you shall rue
“Your breach of plighted faith, your deepe dissembling hart;
“There is a God will iudge vs all, that will reuenge our smart.
“The paine that we receaue doth breed eternall ioy;
“But for the wrōg that you haue done the Lord wil you destroy
“O Lord confirme my faith, which now must here be tride;
“Reach me thy hand(ô Christ) that I from thee may neuer slide.
27
Forsake me not my God, but now receaue me to thy rest.”
Let not this irksome shade, this darke and dolefull night”
Keepe from my heart in this assault thy sweete & plesant light:”
For though the worldlie Sunne mine eie shall see no more,”
Thy blessed Sonne let me enioy, whom I by faith adore.”
And whereas I dispaire no more to see the day,”
In steed of that, thy louing face shew me (my God) I praie.”
Loe then, a blessed chance, and happie change for me;”
That from this vale of wretched life with Christ in ioy shalbe.”
Now let these traitors come, the feare of death is past;”
And fainting flesh that did rebell, hath yeelded at the last.”
Now doth my soule reioice, my heart most gladlie saie;”
Thou Sonne of God, my Sauiour come, my Christ now come thy waie?”
For here againe to thee my soule I do commend, ”
And to thy poore afflicted Church ô Lord thy mercie send.”
So shall they be at rest, so shall they praise thy name;”
Let not these tyrants longer Lord thy seruants put to shame.”
Least they doo proudlie bragge, and saie within their heart;”
Vvher is the God whō they do serue, that now shuld take their part.”
Come quicklie Lord therefore, & make no more delay ”
To ende these fierce and bloodie broiles; Amen, Amen, I saie.”
By this came vp the staires ere ended were his words,
One Benuise & two other mates with targets & with swords.
The chamber broken vp, this Benuise swearing came
Vvith sword drawn to the Admirall, & asking for his name;
Art thou the Admirall? the man not much appalde,
Vvith quiet minde gaue answere thus; Indeed so am I calde.
Then seeing Benuise bend his naked sword to slaie,
My frend (quoth he) that bloodie blade I pray thee for to staie,
And haue respect vnto my age, and weake estate
To which by treason wrought by trust I haue bin drawn of late.
But beastlie Benuise would to this no answere giue:
But swearing, to this Noble man his pointed sword let driue,
And thrust him to the heart: but yet not fullie dead,
With force he laid a mightie blow & strake him on the head.
With that came Attin in with Pistoll in his hand,
And shot him in the wounded breast; yet did he stoutlie stand:
Till Benuise came againe with third repeated wound:
And slasht him on the thigh: which done, he fel vnto the groūd
Where he gaue vp the ghost. The bloodie Guise that staid
This while within the lower court, with lifted voice now said
Hoe Benuise, hast thou done? who straightwaie did replie,
Yea sir this happie deed is done, and that most perfectlie.
Then said the Duke of Guise Come throw him down to me:
That where it be the same, or not, we here may quicklie see:
For now our Cheualier will thinke it but a lie,
Except at window throwen out he see him with his eie.
Then Benuise with his mates to put them out of doubt,
Tooke vp this bloodie corse: & so from window cast him out.
Where from his wounded head sprang out so fresh a flood,
That vizard-like his face was all imbrued with goarie blood.
Whereby they could not well at first discerne his face:
Till that the Duke of Guise himselfe first kneeling in the place
Had with his napkin wipte the clotted blood awaie,
And searching viewed euerie part; he rose without delay,
And crying to his crue deuoide of feare and shame:
It's he (my frends) I know him well, trust me it is the same.
The Duke descending then from out the stately gates,
With bloodie hart and cursed mouth he cride vnto his mates,
One Benuise & two other mates with targets & with swords.
The chamber broken vp, this Benuise swearing came
Vvith sword drawn to the Admirall, & asking for his name;
Art thou the Admirall? the man not much appalde,
Vvith quiet minde gaue answere thus; Indeed so am I calde.
Then seeing Benuise bend his naked sword to slaie,
My frend (quoth he) that bloodie blade I pray thee for to staie,
And haue respect vnto my age, and weake estate
To which by treason wrought by trust I haue bin drawn of late.
But swearing, to this Noble man his pointed sword let driue,
And thrust him to the heart: but yet not fullie dead,
With force he laid a mightie blow & strake him on the head.
With that came Attin in with Pistoll in his hand,
And shot him in the wounded breast; yet did he stoutlie stand:
Till Benuise came againe with third repeated wound:
And slasht him on the thigh: which done, he fel vnto the groūd
Where he gaue vp the ghost. The bloodie Guise that staid
This while within the lower court, with lifted voice now said
Hoe Benuise, hast thou done? who straightwaie did replie,
Yea sir this happie deed is done, and that most perfectlie.
Then said the Duke of Guise Come throw him down to me:
That where it be the same, or not, we here may quicklie see:
For now our Cheualier will thinke it but a lie,
Except at window throwen out he see him with his eie.
Then Benuise with his mates to put them out of doubt,
Tooke vp this bloodie corse: & so from window cast him out.
Where from his wounded head sprang out so fresh a flood,
That vizard-like his face was all imbrued with goarie blood.
Whereby they could not well at first discerne his face:
Till that the Duke of Guise himselfe first kneeling in the place
Had with his napkin wipte the clotted blood awaie,
And searching viewed euerie part; he rose without delay,
And crying to his crue deuoide of feare and shame:
It's he (my frends) I know him well, trust me it is the same.
The Duke descending then from out the stately gates,
With bloodie hart and cursed mouth he cride vnto his mates,
O happie lucke that we so good beginnings haue,
”Lo Fortune frames her willing hand to giue that we do craue.
”And sith it pleasde the fates at first such hap to send,
”It giues me cause of future hope to see some happie end.
Come on my valiant hearts, so place your warlike bands,”
That marching forward to the rest, not one may scape our hāds”
This is the Kings decree, this hath he giuen out;”
We do no more than he commands, to put you out of doubt;”
Let pitie take no place till Rebels all be rid,”
Thus saith the king, feare not therfore to do what he doth bid.”
Let nothing now preuaile to dant your hardie minde;”
No, though with teares they pitie craue, let thē no mercie find.”
Haue no remorse vnto the yong ne yet the olde;”
Without regard to anie one to kill them all be bolde.”
Now sanctifie your swords, and bath them in the blood”
Of these religious Rebels, which do meane the King no good.”
So shall we quicklie finde a path to perfect peace;”
So shall we see assured meanes at length to liue at ease:”
For if we can recount the troubles that are past;”
Then happie time wherein we may dispatch them all at last.”
”Lo Fortune frames her willing hand to giue that we do craue.
”And sith it pleasde the fates at first such hap to send,
”It giues me cause of future hope to see some happie end.
28
That marching forward to the rest, not one may scape our hāds”
This is the Kings decree, this hath he giuen out;”
We do no more than he commands, to put you out of doubt;”
Let pitie take no place till Rebels all be rid,”
Thus saith the king, feare not therfore to do what he doth bid.”
Let nothing now preuaile to dant your hardie minde;”
No, though with teares they pitie craue, let thē no mercie find.”
Haue no remorse vnto the yong ne yet the olde;”
Without regard to anie one to kill them all be bolde.”
Now sanctifie your swords, and bath them in the blood”
Of these religious Rebels, which do meane the King no good.”
So shall we quicklie finde a path to perfect peace;”
So shall we see assured meanes at length to liue at ease:”
For if we can recount the troubles that are past;”
Then happie time wherein we may dispatch them all at last.”
Vvhich said; he bad in hast the Tockesein for to ring,
Vvhich sounding bell appointed was the fatall newes to bring
Vvhen as this raging rout this murder should begin:
Vvhich they performde, as though they had no men, but monsters bin.
And therewithall deuise a larum for to raise—
Pretending with some solemne lie the people for to please.
So now the trumpets sound this lie and shamefull thing,
Vvhich sounding bell appointed was the fatall newes to bring
Vvhen as this raging rout this murder should begin:
Vvhich they performde, as though they had no men, but monsters bin.
And therewithall deuise a larum for to raise—
Pretending with some solemne lie the people for to please.
So now the trumpets sound this lie and shamefull thing,
That certaine traitors were in armes about to kill the King.
Heere, one among the rest from Rome that latelie came,
(Desirous by some valiant act perhaps to get a name)
Cut off the bleeding head (imbrude with reaking blood)
Of that most worthie Admirall in hope to doo some good;
And sent it straight to Rome as Lorraine had requirde,
A present welcome to the Pope, which he had long desirde.
His hands cut off by some, by some his secrete parts,
Declares what hate to shining light lies hid in blinded harts.
His hackt and mangled corpes by space of certaine daies
Vvas dragde by rascals all along the streetes and filthie waies.
At length this rusticke rage, as furie thought it meete;
At common gallowes of the towne did hang him by the feete.
Thus came this Noble man to this vnworthie death,
Thus doo the Papists learn to break the vow of plighted faith.
Heere, one among the rest from Rome that latelie came,
(Desirous by some valiant act perhaps to get a name)
Cut off the bleeding head (imbrude with reaking blood)
Of that most worthie Admirall in hope to doo some good;
And sent it straight to Rome as Lorraine had requirde,
A present welcome to the Pope, which he had long desirde.
His hands cut off by some, by some his secrete parts,
Declares what hate to shining light lies hid in blinded harts.
Vvas dragde by rascals all along the streetes and filthie waies.
At length this rusticke rage, as furie thought it meete;
At common gallowes of the towne did hang him by the feete.
Thus came this Noble man to this vnworthie death,
Thus doo the Papists learn to break the vow of plighted faith.
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