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 Admirall being slaine, they likewise murdred most cruellie not onelie all such frends, Phisitians, Preachers, and al other that were found hidden in the Admirals lodging, but also as manie as were suspected to be of that religion within the towne or anie where els, were lamentablie put to the sword, as here folowing we may plainlie see.
These furies frying thus, yet thus were not content:
But in the house, from place to place, like greedie hounds they went.
To search the chambers all and corners of receipt;
That from the wolfe the sheep might saue his throate by no deceipt.
And such as sleeping were found naked in their bed,
Or gone to hide or saue themselues they first cut of their head,
And after fiercelie pierst with wounds both great and deepe;
Vvhich being done, like cruell currs they throw thē on a heap.
Among which wofull troope two Noble youths there were
And Pages of most worthie birth which likewise died there.
Vvith these, among the rest a man of noble fame,
The Countie Rouchfoucault was forst at length to tast the same.
Vvhom for his pleasant wit the King did seeme to loue;
Yet in this furie nothing might the King to mercie moue.
But now in hast must be to death vntimelie sent,
To yeeld againe vnto the Lord the life that he had lent.
So him at first De Nance commanded was to kill;
But he most stoutlie did refuse this guiltlesse blood to spill.
But in the house, from place to place, like greedie hounds they went.
To search the chambers all and corners of receipt;
That from the wolfe the sheep might saue his throate by no deceipt.
And such as sleeping were found naked in their bed,
Or gone to hide or saue themselues they first cut of their head,
And after fiercelie pierst with wounds both great and deepe;
Vvhich being done, like cruell currs they throw thē on a heap.
Among which wofull troope two Noble youths there were
And Pages of most worthie birth which likewise died there.
Vvith these, among the rest a man of noble fame,
The Countie Rouchfoucault was forst at length to tast the same.
Vvhom for his pleasant wit the King did seeme to loue;
Yet in this furie nothing might the King to mercie moue.
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To yeeld againe vnto the Lord the life that he had lent.
So him at first De Nance commanded was to kill;
But he most stoutlie did refuse this guiltlesse blood to spill.
Shall I, said he, consent to doo this fearfull thing
To shed this blood, because I am commanded by the King?”
No, God forbid, I know I haue a soule to saue;”
So bloodie spot, to saue my life my name shall neuer haue.”
I know there is a day, a day that Saints desire;”
When of our deeds the king aboue a reckoning will require.”
Obaie the King; that's true, in things that honest be:”
When I obey in wicked hests, wo worth the time to me.”
For Ioab did not well King Dauid to obay,
When wickedlie the King him bad Vriah for to slay.”
Those Elders did offend which shewde themselues too prone,”
Those wicked letters to obey poore Naboth for to stone.”
And cursed Doeg which obaide a wicked will,”
Shall cursed stand for that he did the Lords annointed kill.”
A murder to be done the King doth now request,”
My God cōmands the contrary: now which to chuse wer best?”
The King doth threaten death, and God doth threaten hell,”
If for the King I should forsake my God, should I doo well?”
Vvhat others see ô King, I cannot well diuine,”
To kill the vncondemned man it is no charge of mine.”
To slaie my deadlie foe except there were some cause”
I would not yeeld; much lesse my frēd against our sacred laws.”
What enuie doth report, ô King I cannot saie;”
But this my frend a faithfull man to me hath been alwaie.”
Therefore I praie your Grace your rigor to asswage,”
Or bid some other whom you list to execute your rage.”
In matters that be good if that you list to vse”
My seruice, you shall see that I no perill will refuse.”
Therefore I praie your Grace this answere for to take,
Which vnto Saule his Soldiers once were not afraid to make:
De Nance to kill his frend no wight shall euer see,
Though for refusall he were sure beheaded for to be.
Take heed (ô noble King) what sprite you follow now;
Let no man force you doo the thing that God doth disallow.
While good king Dauid was by whoredome brought a sleep,
He did the thing, which being wakt did force his hart to weep
While Saule in mallice was against good Dauid bent,
He ranne to that which afterward with teares he did lament.
And whilest that Iezabel great mischiefe did intend
Against poore Naboth, she at last came to a fearfull ende.
Looke well therefore (ô King) before you leap too farre,
Least in the end this testie scab do breed a lasting scarre.
Well I can saie no more, but God preserue your Grace,
And graunt your soule when breath is gone with him a resting place.
To shed this blood, because I am commanded by the King?”
No, God forbid, I know I haue a soule to saue;”
So bloodie spot, to saue my life my name shall neuer haue.”
I know there is a day, a day that Saints desire;”
When of our deeds the king aboue a reckoning will require.”
Obaie the King; that's true, in things that honest be:”
When I obey in wicked hests, wo worth the time to me.”
For Ioab did not well King Dauid to obay,
When wickedlie the King him bad Vriah for to slay.”
Those Elders did offend which shewde themselues too prone,”
Those wicked letters to obey poore Naboth for to stone.”
And cursed Doeg which obaide a wicked will,”
Shall cursed stand for that he did the Lords annointed kill.”
A murder to be done the King doth now request,”
My God cōmands the contrary: now which to chuse wer best?”
The King doth threaten death, and God doth threaten hell,”
If for the King I should forsake my God, should I doo well?”
Vvhat others see ô King, I cannot well diuine,”
To kill the vncondemned man it is no charge of mine.”
To slaie my deadlie foe except there were some cause”
I would not yeeld; much lesse my frēd against our sacred laws.”
What enuie doth report, ô King I cannot saie;”
But this my frend a faithfull man to me hath been alwaie.”
Therefore I praie your Grace your rigor to asswage,”
Or bid some other whom you list to execute your rage.”
In matters that be good if that you list to vse”
My seruice, you shall see that I no perill will refuse.”
Which vnto Saule his Soldiers once were not afraid to make:
De Nance to kill his frend no wight shall euer see,
Though for refusall he were sure beheaded for to be.
Take heed (ô noble King) what sprite you follow now;
Let no man force you doo the thing that God doth disallow.
While good king Dauid was by whoredome brought a sleep,
He did the thing, which being wakt did force his hart to weep
While Saule in mallice was against good Dauid bent,
He ranne to that which afterward with teares he did lament.
And whilest that Iezabel great mischiefe did intend
Against poore Naboth, she at last came to a fearfull ende.
Looke well therefore (ô King) before you leap too farre,
Least in the end this testie scab do breed a lasting scarre.
Well I can saie no more, but God preserue your Grace,
And graunt your soule when breath is gone with him a resting place.
But this could not preuaile this noble man to saue,
For bloodie Doeg did attend his office for to haue.
For which, an Auernois a man of cused fame
Made offer there, before the King that he would do the same.
The King was well content this office for to giue
To him, so that this Noble man of life he would bereaue.
We see how Sathan doth by glorie mixt with gaine,
Worke to procure this worthy wight the sooner to be slaine.
There fell in this assault (for mallice to the truth)
Theligni famous for his wit, a rare and passing youth:
Who for his manlie heart and courage did excell:
For which, the King in outward shewe did seeme to loue him wel.
Now when the time was come that martird he shuld be
“With courage bold, he smiling said; O welcome death to me.
“It grieues me for to liue since faith from Princelie seate
“Abandonde is, and in her place raignes falshood and deceite.
It grieues me for to see this sad and irksome daie,”
Wherein so great and famous King, a traitors part shuld play.”
It grieues me for to heare poore soules deceiued crie”
Too late, for that they did too much on Princes oath relie.”
Woe worth my harmlesse heart too soone that did beleeue,”
And to the kings dissembling words too soone did credit giue.”
Woe worth the wicked time when first I did begin”
To worke the meanes, for to perswade my father to come in.”
Woe worth my lying tongue which first assaid to bring”
My fearfull Father in the minde, that he should trust the King.”
How oft did I commend the Kings assured loue?”
How did I thinke that nothing might vs frō the same remoue?”
How oft did I recount the Kings repeated oath?”
How many frendly signes were seene of force to bind vs both?”
How often did I vrge there was no cause of feare,”
Because for this we saw the King most willing for to sweare?”
But sith it is too late this error to lament,”
My trusting hath deserued death; and therefore am content.”
Sith I am not the first whom trust hath thus betraid,”
To suffer death for no offence I am the lesse dismaide.”
And since my greatest hope hath wrought me most despite,”
What shall I saie? I saie no more: but Lord receaue my sprite.”
For bloodie Doeg did attend his office for to haue.
For which, an Auernois a man of cused fame
Made offer there, before the King that he would do the same.
The King was well content this office for to giue
To him, so that this Noble man of life he would bereaue.
We see how Sathan doth by glorie mixt with gaine,
Worke to procure this worthy wight the sooner to be slaine.
There fell in this assault (for mallice to the truth)
Theligni famous for his wit, a rare and passing youth:
Who for his manlie heart and courage did excell:
For which, the King in outward shewe did seeme to loue him wel.
Now when the time was come that martird he shuld be
“With courage bold, he smiling said; O welcome death to me.
“It grieues me for to liue since faith from Princelie seate
“Abandonde is, and in her place raignes falshood and deceite.
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Wherein so great and famous King, a traitors part shuld play.”
It grieues me for to heare poore soules deceiued crie”
Too late, for that they did too much on Princes oath relie.”
The Admirall at first doubting some policis and il meaning, staide a while, & durst not trust the King: but at length ouercome with the perswasions of Theligni his sonne in law, & other his frends that there could be no hurt ment, they all being deceiued with the Kings curtesies, he yeelded and came in vpon trust.
Woe worth my harmlesse heart too soone that did beleeue,”
And to the kings dissembling words too soone did credit giue.”
Woe worth the wicked time when first I did begin”
To worke the meanes, for to perswade my father to come in.”
Woe worth my lying tongue which first assaid to bring”
My fearfull Father in the minde, that he should trust the King.”
How oft did I commend the Kings assured loue?”
How did I thinke that nothing might vs frō the same remoue?”
How oft did I recount the Kings repeated oath?”
How many frendly signes were seene of force to bind vs both?”
How often did I vrge there was no cause of feare,”
Because for this we saw the King most willing for to sweare?”
But sith it is too late this error to lament,”
My trusting hath deserued death; and therefore am content.”
Sith I am not the first whom trust hath thus betraid,”
To suffer death for no offence I am the lesse dismaide.”
And since my greatest hope hath wrought me most despite,”
What shall I saie? I saie no more: but Lord receaue my sprite.”
Thus came this noble impe vntimelie to his graue,
For that he to a Papists oath too great affiance gaue
And thus fell manie moe of Nobles here and there,
Whose names & valiant acts, were now to lōg for to declare.
Thus did those lawlesse bands go raging vp and downe
From house to house, they sought to spoyl the welthiest of the town.
So they that beggers were when first this stirre began,
At last with rich and flowing welth the chiefest credit wan.
This while the Duke of Guise these words repeated still,
With crying voice, Kill, kill the knaues, this is the princes wil.”
And least the souldiers should waxe faint with bloodie toile;
“Now rid thē al my frēds(quoth he) & you shal haue the spoile.
Thus did they all a day from morning vnto night
With bloodie swords runne vp and down: no doubt a heauie sight.
They spared none they knew, no sex could pitie finde,
The rufull crie of tender babes could not asswage their minde.
In great triumphing ioye of this their warlike feate,
The bodies slain frō windowes hie they throw into the streat.
So that there was no way, no lane or passage by;
Vvhere murdred men you might not see in heaps together lie.
For that he to a Papists oath too great affiance gaue
And thus fell manie moe of Nobles here and there,
Whose names & valiant acts, were now to lōg for to declare.
Thus did those lawlesse bands go raging vp and downe
From house to house, they sought to spoyl the welthiest of the town.
So they that beggers were when first this stirre began,
At last with rich and flowing welth the chiefest credit wan.
This while the Duke of Guise these words repeated still,
With crying voice, Kill, kill the knaues, this is the princes wil.”
“Now rid thē al my frēds(quoth he) & you shal haue the spoile.
Thus did they all a day from morning vnto night
With bloodie swords runne vp and down: no doubt a heauie sight.
They spared none they knew, no sex could pitie finde,
The rufull crie of tender babes could not asswage their minde.
In great triumphing ioye of this their warlike feate,
The bodies slain frō windowes hie they throw into the streat.
So that there was no way, no lane or passage by;
Vvhere murdred men you might not see in heaps together lie.
Now whilst within the towne these things a dooing were;
The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee did appeere
Before the King. For so before it was agreed
To saue these youths to farther hope the counsell had decreed.
For they their lodging had within the Castle wall;
Vvhich for defence is alway thought the surest place of all.
These Princes being gone, and onelie had awaie,
The rest were left vnto the sword to die without delaie:
Their seruants & their frends, their tutors with the rest
Could not preuaile to saue their liues by sute ne yet request;
But thrust without the dores, and kneeling in the place,
The gard of Switzers slew them all before the Princes face.
And still betweene the stroke they cried all amaine
Vpon the Kings fidelitie; but faith was calde in vaine.
Yet none amongst them all so much lamented was,
As Mounsieur de Pilles that he should come vnto so hard a passe.
Because among the rest he past them all so farre
For godlie zeale in truth, and eke for prowesse in the warre.
Vvho lying in his bed somwhat before the day,
And hearing noise of armed men leapt out to see the fray:
And marking well the voyce in place and time of truce,
Of cries and killings euerie where, it made him much to muse.
Vvhich dump De Nance did break, who did this message bring
That straight to void the place he was cōmanded by the king;
And that he should depart (his weapons left behinde)
From out the Court and Castle gate ful sore against his minde.
Vvhich was no sooner said but Pilles was forced out
Among the bloodie weapons of that rude vnrulie rout.
To hope for longer life he saw it was but vaine:
He saw such cruell rage, and eke the bodies that were slaine?
Vvhere lifting vp his voice, so that the King might heare,
These words he spake before them al, deuoid of fainting feare.
The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee did appeere
Before the King. For so before it was agreed
To saue these youths to farther hope the counsell had decreed.
For they their lodging had within the Castle wall;
Vvhich for defence is alway thought the surest place of all.
These Princes being gone, and onelie had awaie,
The rest were left vnto the sword to die without delaie:
Their seruants & their frends, their tutors with the rest
Could not preuaile to saue their liues by sute ne yet request;
But thrust without the dores, and kneeling in the place,
The gard of Switzers slew them all before the Princes face.
And still betweene the stroke they cried all amaine
Vpon the Kings fidelitie; but faith was calde in vaine.
Yet none amongst them all so much lamented was,
As Mounsieur de Pilles that he should come vnto so hard a passe.
Because among the rest he past them all so farre
For godlie zeale in truth, and eke for prowesse in the warre.
Vvho lying in his bed somwhat before the day,
And hearing noise of armed men leapt out to see the fray:
And marking well the voyce in place and time of truce,
Of cries and killings euerie where, it made him much to muse.
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That straight to void the place he was cōmanded by the king;
And that he should depart (his weapons left behinde)
From out the Court and Castle gate ful sore against his minde.
Vvhich was no sooner said but Pilles was forced out
Among the bloodie weapons of that rude vnrulie rout.
To hope for longer life he saw it was but vaine:
He saw such cruell rage, and eke the bodies that were slaine?
Vvhere lifting vp his voice, so that the King might heare,
These words he spake before them al, deuoid of fainting feare.
O false vnworthie King, ô whelpe of sauage kinde!”
O traitrous heart in kinglie breast! ô base polluted minde!”
Is this a Princelie part, by treason to procure”
The murder of thy chiefest frends? Is this thy Popish lure,”
To traine vs in by trust, to thrust vs thus to death?”
Is this thy solemne Kinglie oath? is this a Princes faith?”
Is this thy frendlie cheere? Is this thy fawning face?”
Is this the fruite of Romish faith? ô false dissembling race!”
And doost thou honor so thy sisters spousall daie?”
And couldst thou finde no other time thy treasons to bewraie?”
Is this the trust that is in mother, sonne, and kinn?”
Let France thē curse the man that did first bring this kinred in.”
How are thy wits bewitcht? what furie doth inrage”
Thy tigers heart, that nothing can thy thirst but blood asswage?”
And wast thou not afraid to giue thy leaud consent”
To murder them, which to beleeue thy promise were content?”
Vvhere are thy frendlie words? where is thy feined loue?”
Vvhat, hath thy flintie heart forgot there is a God aboue?”
And thinkst that thou shalt shed our guiltlesse blood in vaine?”
Shall not the Lord (ô wretch) of thee require the same againe?”
How darest thou to behold the creatures of the Lord;”
Vvhen for thy false and bloodie fact this place shalbe abhorde?”
“What answere canst thou make to this vnhappietowne,
“Which for thy traitrous act shall loose his glorie & renowne?
“What answere canst thou giue to manie a weeping childe?
“To manie matrones husbandles what reason canst thou yeeld?
“And deemst thou not that God will plague this sinfull land
“For this our blood? & fearst thou not Gods just reuēging hand.
“Yes though at this our greefe thou proudlie now doo jest,
“Yet God will not forget the blood of them that be opprest.
“Did Ioab die in peace that had by treason slaine
“Two noble men? Did not his blood requite the same againe?
“Did Absolom likewise that wrought his brothers death
“By treason, vnder frendlie show, and falsing plighted faith,
“Thus prosper long? No, no, for God did quicklie send
“To this rebellious wicked wretch a swift and fearfull end.
“Be sure therefore of this, and marke what Pilles harh said,
O traitrous heart in kinglie breast! ô base polluted minde!”
Is this a Princelie part, by treason to procure”
The murder of thy chiefest frends? Is this thy Popish lure,”
To traine vs in by trust, to thrust vs thus to death?”
Is this thy solemne Kinglie oath? is this a Princes faith?”
Is this thy frendlie cheere? Is this thy fawning face?”
Is this the fruite of Romish faith? ô false dissembling race!”
And doost thou honor so thy sisters spousall daie?”
And couldst thou finde no other time thy treasons to bewraie?”
Is this the trust that is in mother, sonne, and kinn?”
Let France thē curse the man that did first bring this kinred in.”
How are thy wits bewitcht? what furie doth inrage”
Thy tigers heart, that nothing can thy thirst but blood asswage?”
And wast thou not afraid to giue thy leaud consent”
To murder them, which to beleeue thy promise were content?”
Vvhere are thy frendlie words? where is thy feined loue?”
Vvhat, hath thy flintie heart forgot there is a God aboue?”
And thinkst that thou shalt shed our guiltlesse blood in vaine?”
Shall not the Lord (ô wretch) of thee require the same againe?”
How darest thou to behold the creatures of the Lord;”
Vvhen for thy false and bloodie fact this place shalbe abhorde?”
“Which for thy traitrous act shall loose his glorie & renowne?
“What answere canst thou giue to manie a weeping childe?
“To manie matrones husbandles what reason canst thou yeeld?
“And deemst thou not that God will plague this sinfull land
“For this our blood? & fearst thou not Gods just reuēging hand.
“Yes though at this our greefe thou proudlie now doo jest,
“Yet God will not forget the blood of them that be opprest.
“Did Ioab die in peace that had by treason slaine
“Two noble men? Did not his blood requite the same againe?
“Did Absolom likewise that wrought his brothers death
“By treason, vnder frendlie show, and falsing plighted faith,
“Thus prosper long? No, no, for God did quicklie send
“To this rebellious wicked wretch a swift and fearfull end.
“Be sure therefore of this, and marke what Pilles harh said,
That this our blood by shedding of thy blood shalbe repaid.
Which said, from off his backe he put a costlie cloke,
And to a frend among the presse, the same thus saying toke.
Take this, and let the same a token still remaine,
That Pilles thy frend by treason was here most vniustlie slaine.
With that he did commend his soule vnto the Lord,
Vpon his knees with lifted eies still waiting for the sword.
Then one of Princes gard to end this bitter strife,
Thrust thorough Pilles with partisan, who yeelded ther his life?
This was the cruell ende of that most famous man;
To read the same without remorse, I thinke no creature can.
Which said, from off his backe he put a costlie cloke,
And to a frend among the presse, the same thus saying toke.
Take this, and let the same a token still remaine,
That Pilles thy frend by treason was here most vniustlie slaine.
With that he did commend his soule vnto the Lord,
Vpon his knees with lifted eies still waiting for the sword.
Then one of Princes gard to end this bitter strife,
Thrust thorough Pilles with partisan, who yeelded ther his life?
This was the cruell ende of that most famous man;
To read the same without remorse, I thinke no creature can.
This Rout in Paris streates which posted vp and downe,
Foure hūdred houses sacked haue within that wicked towne.
The King therewith directs his letters out in post,
To Cities all his message flies in hast to euerie coast,
That they (as Paris had) with murder should oppresse
As manie in their townes, as did the Gospell there professe.
Which leaud and bloodie charge, a wonder is to see,
How glad and willing to obaie most townes and Cities be.
But one among the rest, a place of ancient fame,
Did Lion-like behaue her selfe, as Lions was her name.
For though in other townes by murder manie fell;
Yet Lions for her cruell hart, all others did excell.
Where then, vnhappie then, a Lion as the chiefe
One Mandelot was Gouernor a blacke and bloodie theefe,
Vvho hauing once receiude these letters from the King,
Vvith greedy mind, he sets abroach this vile vnworthie thing.
Vvho caused out of hand his Crier to proclaime
That al within the towne which did the Gospel then maintain
Should presentlie resort vnto a certaine place
Vvhere Mandelot would haue them al appeere before his face.
This message being done, the godlie doo obay,
And to the place appointed them they came without delaie,
Vvhere Mandelot they found with visage pale and sad,
Vvho nothing said, but bids them all to prison to be had.
The godlie trapped thus, and thus to thraldome sent;
As sheepe vnto the slaughter they to prison meeklie went.
Vvhere lying in the Clinke their feete and hands were bound,
And by the cruell Iailors were laid prostrate on the ground.
Then Mandelot commands the hangman for to call,
Vvhom he enioynes to enter in with axe to kill them all.
But this so fearfull fact the hangman did refuse,
Foure hūdred houses sacked haue within that wicked towne.
The King therewith directs his letters out in post,
To Cities all his message flies in hast to euerie coast,
That they (as Paris had) with murder should oppresse
32
Which leaud and bloodie charge, a wonder is to see,
How glad and willing to obaie most townes and Cities be.
But one among the rest, a place of ancient fame,
Did Lion-like behaue her selfe, as Lions was her name.
For though in other townes by murder manie fell;
Yet Lions for her cruell hart, all others did excell.
Where then, vnhappie then, a Lion as the chiefe
One Mandelot was Gouernor a blacke and bloodie theefe,
Vvho hauing once receiude these letters from the King,
Vvith greedy mind, he sets abroach this vile vnworthie thing.
Vvho caused out of hand his Crier to proclaime
That al within the towne which did the Gospel then maintain
Should presentlie resort vnto a certaine place
Vvhere Mandelot would haue them al appeere before his face.
This message being done, the godlie doo obay,
And to the place appointed them they came without delaie,
Vvhere Mandelot they found with visage pale and sad,
Vvho nothing said, but bids them all to prison to be had.
The godlie trapped thus, and thus to thraldome sent;
As sheepe vnto the slaughter they to prison meeklie went.
Vvhere lying in the Clinke their feete and hands were bound,
And by the cruell Iailors were laid prostrate on the ground.
Then Mandelot commands the hangman for to call,
Vvhom he enioynes to enter in with axe to kill them all.
But this so fearfull fact the hangman did refuse,
And bad him for so wicked act some fitter man to chuse.”
For I will not defile my hands with guiltlesse blood,“
Nor giue consent (said he) to doo the thing that is not good.“
On such as are condemnde by Iustice and by law,“
I onelie am in publike place my deadlie blade to draw.“
For I will not defile my hands with guiltlesse blood,“
Nor giue consent (said he) to doo the thing that is not good.“
On such as are condemnde by Iustice and by law,“
I onelie am in publike place my deadlie blade to draw.“
The man repelled thus, inuents another waie;“
He wills the souldiers of the towne these prisners for to slaie:
“But they likewise replide; that they would not distaine
“The glorie of their martial feates, with fame that they had slain
“Poore simple naked men bound prostrate at their feete,
“It is a seruice (sir saie they) for souldiours farre vnmeete:
“And therefore if you haue this murder thus decreed,
“Chuse out some other men that list performe so hard a deed.
“Yet if in Rebell sort their banners were displaide,
“To put them all vnto the sword we would not be afraid.
“But now sith that we know no fault that they haue done,
“Let them (for vs) proceed heerein that haue the same begun.
“But they likewise replide; that they would not distaine
“The glorie of their martial feates, with fame that they had slain
“Poore simple naked men bound prostrate at their feete,
“It is a seruice (sir saie they) for souldiours farre vnmeete:
“And therefore if you haue this murder thus decreed,
“Chuse out some other men that list performe so hard a deed.
“Yet if in Rebell sort their banners were displaide,
“To put them all vnto the sword we would not be afraid.
“But now sith that we know no fault that they haue done,
“Let them (for vs) proceed heerein that haue the same begun.
Againe refused thus, the man with furie bent,
For all the butchers of the towne, he straight his message sent.
To whom in sauage sort his minde he did vnfolde;
And had them goe & kill them all whom he had laid in holde.
These beastlie butchers then no conscience made at al,
But with their blodie butchering kniues like tigers they do fall
Vpon these sillie soules, in murder fiercelie bent;
Not like to men, but rather as some furies had been sent
From hell, to stop the course of Gods afflicted word;
So quicklie did these helhounds put these people to the sword.
Here some that prostrate were, and did for mercie crie,
And other some vnto the Lord that lift their voices hie,
They killed not, but did their hands cut off at first,
And after chopt in sauage sort with blood to quēch their thirst
Such shrikes and wailing cries from prisons did rebound,
That euerie corner of the towne might hear their woful soūd.
The mournfull mothers wept, whom nature did compell,
To see these hoūds before their face their louing babes to quel
The tender infant doth for help to father crie,
The wofull father cannot helpe his childe before he die.
The husband to his wife, the frend to frend doth call,
With heauie sighes lamenting this their most vnhappie fall.
And they that strongest are to weake doo comfort giue,
That so they may by sugred words their fainting harts relieue.
Of these captiued soules such was the piteous plight,
That verie Papists did lament to see this cruell sight.
And some that loude the Pope, these dealings did detest;
Who for their credit did not thinke this rigor to be best.
And manie women of the towne deuoide of crime
With horror of this sodain feare, had child before their time.
For from the common Gaole in sight of shining Sunne,
The smoking bloud from streat to streat with grief was seen to runne.
But one amongst the rest, an old & aged man
Calde Francis Collute, for his faith a lasting credit wan.
To whom with bloodie axe when butchers did resort,
Vpon his Sonnes with teares he fell, and did them thus exhort;
For all the butchers of the towne, he straight his message sent.
To whom in sauage sort his minde he did vnfolde;
And had them goe & kill them all whom he had laid in holde.
These beastlie butchers then no conscience made at al,
But with their blodie butchering kniues like tigers they do fall
Vpon these sillie soules, in murder fiercelie bent;
Not like to men, but rather as some furies had been sent
From hell, to stop the course of Gods afflicted word;
So quicklie did these helhounds put these people to the sword.
Here some that prostrate were, and did for mercie crie,
And other some vnto the Lord that lift their voices hie,
They killed not, but did their hands cut off at first,
And after chopt in sauage sort with blood to quēch their thirst
Such shrikes and wailing cries from prisons did rebound,
That euerie corner of the towne might hear their woful soūd.
The mournfull mothers wept, whom nature did compell,
To see these hoūds before their face their louing babes to quel
The tender infant doth for help to father crie,
The wofull father cannot helpe his childe before he die.
The husband to his wife, the frend to frend doth call,
33
And they that strongest are to weake doo comfort giue,
That so they may by sugred words their fainting harts relieue.
Of these captiued soules such was the piteous plight,
That verie Papists did lament to see this cruell sight.
And some that loude the Pope, these dealings did detest;
Who for their credit did not thinke this rigor to be best.
And manie women of the towne deuoide of crime
With horror of this sodain feare, had child before their time.
For from the common Gaole in sight of shining Sunne,
The smoking bloud from streat to streat with grief was seen to runne.
But one amongst the rest, an old & aged man
Calde Francis Collute, for his faith a lasting credit wan.
To whom with bloodie axe when butchers did resort,
Vpon his Sonnes with teares he fell, and did them thus exhort;
You know (quoth
he) my Sonnes, what pain & tender care”
Your louing Father from your youth hath had for to prepare”
Your hearts to know the Lord, his truth to intertaine;”
Which farre surmounteth fading wealth, & hope of worldlie gaine.”
Now is our haruest in, now must our fruite appeere,
Now wil the Lord require accompt how we haue liued here.”
The finall axe is laid to roote of falling tree;”
And how we have the truth imbrac't, the world forthwith must see.”
Be strong therefore my Sonnes, refuse not profred death;”
Which from the Lord is sent to be a triall of our faith.”
But how should we be strong, when flesh doth dailie fall?”
O Lord increase our faith, that we maie come when thou dost call”
And from the Lord I know this butchring axe is sent,
Who Sathans sword hath losed now no doubt for some intēt.”
This is no new deuise which Sathan puts in vre;”
For they that will imbrace the trurh of this shall still be sure.”
For vnto Truth belongs both fier, sword and racke,”
And naked Truth hath alwaies tied a whip vnto her backe.”
“The ages that are past doo yet declare the same,
“Whose constant death for Christ, depaints the glorie of their name.
“For as the sillie sheepe betweene the Lions iawes.
“And like the meek & wailing doue in goshauks greedie pawes
“So is the present state of Christs afflicted flocke,
“Who are content with Christ to lay their head vnto the block
“Feare not therefore to tast this cup of ioyfull paine,
“That with the Lord in lasting joy we all may meete againe.
“Let nothing force your faith from Christ to goe astraie,
“For I your Father(as your guide) will lead you first the waie.
“One house hath helde vs all, one Christ hath been our joy;
“This sweete and noble vnion let Sathan not destroy.
“And let vs ioyne in one this death for to imbrace,
“So ioynd with Christ we shalbe sure with him to haue a place.
“I was not he that gaue your vse ofliuelie breath;
“I am not he that sets the time and order of your death.
“It is the Lord alone, which will restore againe
“A better life, if for his law by death we suffer paine.
“Come, let vs gladlie giue our throate vnto the knife;
“And for our Christ let vs reioyce to leaue this wretched life.
“And saie you all with me; ô Lord from these our bands,
“Receaue (we praie) our sinfull soules into thy blessed hands.
“And lend vs Lord thy grace and mercie to the end,
“Thy blessed helpe to come to thee, o Lord of mercie send.
Your louing Father from your youth hath had for to prepare”
Your hearts to know the Lord, his truth to intertaine;”
Which farre surmounteth fading wealth, & hope of worldlie gaine.”
Now is our haruest in, now must our fruite appeere,
Now wil the Lord require accompt how we haue liued here.”
The finall axe is laid to roote of falling tree;”
And how we have the truth imbrac't, the world forthwith must see.”
Be strong therefore my Sonnes, refuse not profred death;”
Which from the Lord is sent to be a triall of our faith.”
But how should we be strong, when flesh doth dailie fall?”
O Lord increase our faith, that we maie come when thou dost call”
And from the Lord I know this butchring axe is sent,
Who Sathans sword hath losed now no doubt for some intēt.”
This is no new deuise which Sathan puts in vre;”
For they that will imbrace the trurh of this shall still be sure.”
For vnto Truth belongs both fier, sword and racke,”
And naked Truth hath alwaies tied a whip vnto her backe.”
“Whose constant death for Christ, depaints the glorie of their name.
“For as the sillie sheepe betweene the Lions iawes.
“And like the meek & wailing doue in goshauks greedie pawes
“So is the present state of Christs afflicted flocke,
“Who are content with Christ to lay their head vnto the block
“Feare not therefore to tast this cup of ioyfull paine,
“That with the Lord in lasting joy we all may meete againe.
“Let nothing force your faith from Christ to goe astraie,
“For I your Father(as your guide) will lead you first the waie.
“One house hath helde vs all, one Christ hath been our joy;
“This sweete and noble vnion let Sathan not destroy.
“And let vs ioyne in one this death for to imbrace,
“So ioynd with Christ we shalbe sure with him to haue a place.
“I was not he that gaue your vse ofliuelie breath;
“I am not he that sets the time and order of your death.
“It is the Lord alone, which will restore againe
“A better life, if for his law by death we suffer paine.
“Come, let vs gladlie giue our throate vnto the knife;
“And for our Christ let vs reioyce to leaue this wretched life.
“And saie you all with me; ô Lord from these our bands,
“Receaue (we praie) our sinfull soules into thy blessed hands.
“And lend vs Lord thy grace and mercie to the end,
“Thy blessed helpe to come to thee, o Lord of mercie send.
And this repeating oft the butchers with their blade,
Their bodies then with deadlie woūds a bloody present made.
Then ioyning on the ground they clasped all in one;
Where groueling lay in folded armes the father with the sonn
Which sodaine heauie chance such wofull sight did giue,
That iust remorse of causeles death a flinty hart would grieue.
Thus hath this blessed man receaud a happie place;
The Lord grant vs that be behinde like portion of his grace.
Their bodies then with deadlie woūds a bloody present made.
Then ioyning on the ground they clasped all in one;
Where groueling lay in folded armes the father with the sonn
Which sodaine heauie chance such wofull sight did giue,
That iust remorse of causeles death a flinty hart would grieue.
Thus hath this blessed man receaud a happie place;
The Lord grant vs that be behinde like portion of his grace.
Amen.
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