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diff --git a/3841-h/3841-h.htm b/3841-h/3841-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..676193c --- /dev/null +++ b/3841-h/3841-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8058 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + MARGUERITE DE NAVARRE + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of Marguerite de Valois, Complete +by Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Memoirs of Marguerite de Valois, Complete + +Author: Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre + +Release Date: September 27, 2006 [EBook #3841] +Last Updated: August 22, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUEEN OF NAVARRE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + MEMOIRS OF MARGUERITE DE VALOIS + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + MEMOIRS OF MARGUERITE DE VALOIS QUEEN OF NAVARRE + </h2> + <h3> + Written by Herself + </h3> + <h4> + Being Historic Memoirs of the Courts of France and Navarre + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="cover.jpg (248K)" src="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="titlepage.jpg (56K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" + style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <h2> + LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#marguerite">Marguerite de Valois</a>—<i>Etching by + Mercier</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#p088j">Bussi d’ Amboise</a>—<i>Painting in the + Versailles Gallery</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#p118j">Duc de Guise</a>—<i>Painting in the Versailles + Gallery</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#p160j">Catherine de’ Medici</a>—<i>Original + Etching by Mercier</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#p224j">Henri VI. and La Fosseuse</a>—<i>Painting by A. + P. E. Morton</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#p292j">A Scene at Henri’s Court</a>—<i>Original + Photogravure</i> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + PUBLISHER’S NOTE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The first volume of the Court Memoir Series will, it is confidently + anticipated, prove to be of great interest. These Letters first appeared + in French, in 1628, just thirteen years after the death of their witty and + beautiful authoress, who, whether as the wife for many years of the great + Henri of France, or on account of her own charms and accomplishments, has + always been the subject of romantic interest. + </p> + <p> + The letters contain many particulars of her life, together with many + anecdotes hitherto unknown or forgotten, told with a saucy vivacity which + is charming, and an air vividly recalling the sprightly, arch demeanour, + and black, sparkling eyes of the fair Queen of Navarre. She died in 1615, + aged sixty-three. + </p> + <p> + These letters contain the secret history of the Court of France during the + seventeen eventful years 1565-82. + </p> + <p> + The events of the seventeen years referred to are of surpassing interest, + including, as they do, the Massacre of St. Bartholomew, the formation of + the League, the Peace of Sens, and an account of the religious struggles + which agitated that period. They, besides, afford an instructive insight + into royal life at the close of the sixteenth century, the modes of + travelling then in vogue, the manners and customs of the time, and a + picturesque account of the city of Liege and its sovereign bishop. + </p> + <p> + As has been already stated, these Memoirs first appeared in French in + 1628. They were, thirty years later, printed in London in English, and + were again there translated and published in 1813. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The Memoirs, of which a new translation is now presented to the public, + are the undoubted composition of the celebrated princess whose name they + bear, the contemporary of our Queen Elizabeth; of equal abilities with + her, but of far unequal fortunes. Both Elizabeth and Marguerite had been + bred in the school of adversity; both profited by it, but Elizabeth had + the fullest opportunity of displaying her acquirements in it. Queen + Elizabeth met with trials and difficulties in the early part of her life, + and closed a long and successful reign in the happy possession of the + good-will and love of her subjects. Queen Marguerite, during her whole + life, experienced little else besides mortification and disappointment; + she was suspected and hated by both Protestants and Catholics, with the + latter of whom, though, she invariably joined in communion, yet was she + not in the least inclined to persecute or injure the former. Elizabeth + amused herself with a number of suitors, but never submitted to the yoke + of matrimony. Marguerite, in compliance with the injunctions of the Queen + her mother, and King Charles her brother, married Henri, King of Navarre, + afterwards Henri IV. of France, for whom she had no inclination; and this + union being followed by a mutual indifference and dislike, she readily + consented to dissolve it; soon after which event she saw a princess, more + fruitful but less prudent, share the throne of her ancestors, of whom she + was the only representative. Elizabeth was polluted with the blood of her + cousin, the Queen of Scots, widow of Marguerite’s eldest brother. + Marguerite saved many Huguenots from the massacre of St. Bartholomew’s + Day, and, according to Brantome, the life of the King, her husband, whose + name was on the list of the proscribed. To close this parallel, Elizabeth + began early to govern a kingdom, which she ruled through the course of her + long life with severity, yet gloriously, and with success. Marguerite, + after the death of the Queen her mother and her brothers, though sole + heiress of the House of Valois, was, by the Salic law, excluded from all + pretensions to the Crown of France; and though for the greater part of her + life shut up in a castle, surrounded by rocks and mountains, she has not + escaped the shafts of obloquy. + </p> + <p> + The Translator has added some notes, which give an account of such places + as are mentioned in the Memoirs, taken from the itineraries of the time, + but principally from the “Geographie Universelle” of Vosgien; + in which regard is had to the new division of France into departments, as + well as to the ancient one of principalities, archbishoprics, bishoprics, + generalities, chatellenies, balliages, duchies, seigniories, etc. + </p> + <p> + In the composition of her Memoirs, Marguerite has evidently adopted the + epistolary form, though the work came out of the French editor’s + hand divided into three (as they are styled) books; these three books, or + letters, the Translator has taken the liberty of subdividing into + twenty-one, and, at the head of each of them, he has placed a short table + of the contents. This is the only liberty he has taken with the original + Memoirs, the translation itself being as near as the present improved + state of our language could be brought to approach the unpolished strength + and masculine vigour of the French of the age of Henri IV. + </p> + <p> + This translation is styled a new one, because, after the Translator had + made some progress in it, he found these Memoirs had already been made + English, and printed, in London, in the year 1656, thirty years after the + first edition of the French original. This translation has the following + title: “The grand Cabinet Counsels unlocked; or, the most faithful + Transaction of Court Affairs, and Growth and Continuance of the Civil Wars + in France, during the Reigns of Charles the last, Henry III., and Henry + IV., commonly called the Great. Most excellently written, in the French + Tongue, by Margaret de Valois, Sister to the two first Kings, and Wife of + the last. Faithfully translated by Robert Codrington, Master of Arts;” + and again as “Memorials of Court Affairs,” etc., London, 1658. + </p> + <p> + The Memoirs of Queen Marguerite contained the secret history of the Court + of France during the space of seventeen years, from 1565 to 1582, and they + end seven years before Henri III., her brother, fell by the hands of + Clement, the monk; consequently, they take in no part of the reign of + Henri IV. (as Mr. Codrington has asserted in his title-page), though they + relate many particulars of the early part of his life. + </p> + <p> + Marguerite’s Memoirs include likewise the history nearly of the + first half of her own life, or until she had reached the twenty-ninth year + of her age; and as she died in 1616, at the age of sixty-three years, + there remain thirty-four years of her life, of which little is known. In + 1598, when she was forty-five years old, her marriage with Henri was + dissolved by mutual consent,—she declaring that she had no other + wish than to give him content, and preserve the peace of the kingdom; + making it her request, according to Brantome, that the King would favour + her with his protection, which, as her letter expresses, she hoped to + enjoy during the rest of her life. Sully says she stipulated only for an + establishment and the payment of her debts, which were granted. After + Henri, in 1610, had fallen a victim to the furious fanaticism of the monk + Ravaillac, she lived to see the kingdom brought into the greatest + confusion by the bad government of the Queen Regent, Marie de Medici, who + suffered herself to be directed by an Italian woman she had brought over + with her, named Leonora Galligai. This woman marrying a Florentine, called + Concini, afterwards made a marshal of France, they jointly ruled the + kingdom, and became so unpopular that the marshal was assassinated, and + the wife, who had been qualified with the title of Marquise d’Ancre, + burnt for a witch. This happened about the time of Marguerite’s + decease. + </p> + <p> + It has just before been mentioned how little has been handed down to these + times respecting Queen Marguerite’s history. The latter part of her + life, there is reason to believe, was wholly passed at a considerable + distance from Court, in her retirement (so it is called, though it appears + to have been rather her prison) at the castle of Usson. This castle, + rendered famous by her long residence in it, has been demolished since the + year 1634. It was built on a mountain, near a little town of the same + name, in that part of France called Auvergne, which now constitutes part + of the present Departments of the Upper Loire and Puy-de-Dome, from a + river and mountain so named. These Memoirs appear to have been composed in + this retreat. Marguerite amused herself likewise, in this solitude, in + composing verses, and there are specimens still remaining of her poetry. + These compositions she often set to music, and sang them herself, + accompanying her voice with the lute, on which she played to perfection. + Great part of her time was spent in the perusal of the Bible and books of + piety, together with the works of the best authors she could procure. + Brantome assures us that Marguerite spoke the Latin tongue with purity and + elegance; and it appears, from her Memoirs, that she had read Plutarch + with attention. + </p> + <p> + Marguerite has been said to have given in to the gallantries to which the + Court of France was, during her time, but too much addicted; but, though + the Translator is obliged to notice it, he is far from being inclined to + give any credit to a romance entitled, “Le Divorce Satyrique; ou, + les Amours de la Reyne Marguerite de Valois,” which is written in + the person of her husband, and bears on the title-page these initials: D. + R. H. Q. M.; that is to say, “du Roi Henri Quatre, Mari.” This + work professes to give a relation of Marguerite’s conduct during her + residence at the castle of Usson; but it contains so many gross + absurdities and indecencies that it is undeserving of attention, and + appears to have been written by some bitter enemy, who has assumed the + character of her husband to traduce her memory. + </p> + <p> + [“Le Divorce Satyrique” is said to have been written by Louise + Marguerite de Lorraine, Princesse de Conti, who is likewise the reputed + author of “The Amours of Henri IV.,” disguised under the name + of Alcander. She was the daughter of the Due de Guise, assassinated at + Blois in 1588, and was born the year her father died. She married + Francois, Prince de Conti, and was considered one of the most ingenious + and accomplished persons belonging to the French Court in the age of Louis + XIII. She was left a widow in 1614, and died in 1631.] + </p> + <p> + M. Pierre de Bourdeille, Seigneur de Brantome, better known by the name of + Brantome, wrote the Memoirs of his own times. He was brought up in the + Court of France, and lived in it during the reigns of Marguerite’s + father and brothers, dying at the advanced age of eighty or eighty-four + years, but in what year is not certainly known. + </p> + <p> + [The author of the “Tablettes de France,” and “Anecdotes + des Rois de France,” thinks that Marguerite alludes to Brantome’s + “Anecdotes” in the beginning of her first letter, where she + says: “I should commend your work much more were I myself not so + much praised in it.” (According to the original: “Je louerois + davantage votre oeuvre, si elle ne me louoit tant.”) If so, these + letters were addressed to Brantome, and not to the Baron de la + Chataigneraie, as mentioned in the Preface to the French edition. In + Letter I. mention is made of Madame de Dampierre, whom Marguerite styles + the aunt of the person the letter is addressed to. She was dame d’honneur, + or lady of the bedchamber, to the Queen of Henri III., and Brantome, + speaking of her, calls her his aunt. Indeed, it is not a matter of any + consequence to whom these Memoirs were addressed; it is, however, + remarkable that Louis XIV. used the same words to Boileau, after hearing + him read his celebrated epistle upon the famous Passage of the Rhine; and + yet Louis was no reader, and is not supposed to have adopted them from + these Memoirs. The thought is, in reality, fine, but might easily suggest + itself to any other. “Cela est beau,” said the monarch, + “et je vous louerois davantage, si vous m’aviez moins loue.” + (The poetry is excellent, and I should praise you more had you praised me + less.)] + </p> + <p> + He has given anecdotes of the life of Marguerite, written during her + before-mentioned retreat, when she was, as he says (“fille unique + maintenant restee, de la noble maison de France”), the only survivor + of her illustrious house. Brantome praises her excellent beauty in a long + string of laboured hyperboles. Ronsard, the Court poet, has done the same + in a poem of considerable length, wherein he has exhausted all his wit and + fancy. From what they have said, we may collect that Marguerite was + graceful in her person and figure, and remarkably happy in her choice of + dress and ornaments to set herself off to the most advantage; that her + height was above the middle size, her shape easy, with that due proportion + of plumpness which gives an appearance of majesty and comeliness. Her eyes + were full, black, and sparkling; she had bright, chestnut-coloured hair, + and a complexion fresh and blooming. Her skin was delicately white, and + her neck admirably well formed; and this so generally admired beauty, the + fashion of dress, in her time, admitted of being fully displayed. + </p> + <p> + Such was Queen Marguerite as she is portrayed, with the greatest + luxuriance of colouring, by these authors. To her personal charms were + added readiness of wit, ease and gracefulness of speech, and great + affability and courtesy of manners. This description of Queen Marguerite + cannot be dismissed without observing, if only for the sake of keeping the + fashion of the present times with her sex in countenance, that, though she + had hair, as has been already described, becoming her, and sufficiently + ornamental in itself, yet she occasionally called in the aid of wigs. + Brantome’s words are: “l’artifice de perruques bien + gentiment faconnees.” + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Ladies in the days of Ovid wore periwigs. That poet says to Corinna: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + “Nunc tibi captivos mittet Germania crines; <br /> Culta + triumphatae munere gentis eris.” + </p> + <p> + (Wigs shall from captive Germany be sent; <br /> ‘Tis with such + spoils your head you ornament.) + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + These, we may conclude, were flaxen, that being the prevailing coloured + hair of the Germans at this day. The Translator has met with a further + account of Marguerite’s head-dress, which describes her as wearing + a velvet bonnet ornamented with pearls and diamonds, and surmounted with + a plume of feathers.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + I shall conclude this Preface with a letter from Marguerite to Brantome; + the first, he says, he received from her during her adversity (‘son + adversite’ are his words),—being, as he expresses it, so + ambitious (‘presomptueux’) as to have sent to inquire + concerning her health, as she was the daughter and sister of the Kings, + his masters. (“D’avoir envoye scavoir de ses nouvelles, mais + quoy elle estoit fille et soeur de mes roys.”) + </p> + <p> + The letter here follows: “From the attention and regard you have + shown me (which to me appears less strange than it is agreeable), I find + you still preserve that attachment you have ever had to my family, in a + recollection of these poor remains which have escaped its wreck. Such as I + am, you will find me always ready to do you service, since I am so happy + as to discover that my fortune has not been able to blot out my name from + the memory of my oldest friends, of which number you are one. I have heard + that, like me, you have chosen a life of retirement, which I esteem those + happy who can enjoy, as God, out of His great mercy, has enabled me to do + for these last five years; having placed me, during these times of + trouble, in an ark of safety, out of the reach, God be thanked, of storms. + If, in my present situation, I am able to serve my friends, and you more + especially, I shall be found entirely disposed to it, and with the + greatest good-will.” + </p> + <p> + There is such an air of dignified majesty in the foregoing letter, and, at + the same time, such a spirit of genuine piety and resignation, that it + cannot but give an exalted idea of Marguerite’s character, who + appears superior to ill-fortune and great even in her distress. If, as I + doubt not, the reader thinks the same, I shall not need to make an apology + for concluding this Preface with it. + </p> + <p> + The following Latin verses, or call them, if you please, epigram, are of + the composition of Barclay, or Barclaius, author of “Argenis,” + etc. + </p> + <h3> + ON MARGUERITE DE VALOIS, <br /> QUEEN OF NAVARRE. + </h3> + <blockquote> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + Dear native land! and you, proud castles! say + (Where grandsire,[1] father,[2] and three brothers[3] lay, + Who each, in turn, the crown imperial wore), + Me will you own, your daughter whom you bore? + Me, once your greatest boast and chiefest pride, + By Bourbon and Lorraine,[4] when sought a bride; + Now widowed wife,[5] a queen without a throne, + Midst rocks and mountains [6] wander I alone. + Nor yet hath Fortune vented all her spite, + But sets one up,[7] who now enjoys my right, + Points to the boy,[8] who henceforth claims the throne + And crown, a son of mine should call his own. + But ah, alas! for me ‘tis now too late [9] + To strive ‘gainst Fortune and contend with Fate; + Of those I slighted, can I beg relief [10] + No; let me die the victim of my grief. + And can I then be justly said to live? + Dead in estate, do I then yet survive? + Last of the name, I carry to the grave + All the remains the House of Valois have. + + + +1. Francois I. +2. Henri II. +3. Francois II., Charles IX., and Henri III. +4. Henri, King of Navarre, and Henri, Duc de Guise. +5. Alluding to her divorce from Henri IV.. +6. The castle of Usson +7. Marie de’ Medici, whom Henri married after his divorce from + Marguerite. +8. Louis XIII., the son of Henri and his queen, Marie de’ Medici. +9. Alluding to the differences betwixt Marguerite and Henri, her husband. +10. This is said with allusion to the supposition that she was rather + inclined to favour the suit of the Due de Guise and reject Henri for a + husband. +</pre> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter1">LETTER I.</a> + </p> + <p> + Introduction.—Anecdotes of Marguerite’s Infancy.—Endeavours + Used to Convert Her to the New Religion.—She Is Confirmed in + Catholicism.—The Court on a Progress.—A Grand Festivity + Suddenly Interrupted.—The Confusion in Consequence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter2">LETTER II.</a> + </p> + <p> + Message from the Duc d’Anjou, Afterwards Henri III., to King Charles + His Brother and the Queen-mother.—Her Fondness for Her Children.—Their + Interview.—Anjou’s Eloquent Harangue.—The Queen-mother’s + Character. Discourse of the Duc d’Anjou with Marguerite.—She + Discovers Her Own Importance.—Engages to Serve Her Brother Anjou.—Is + in High Favour with the Queenmother. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter3">LETTER III.</a> + </p> + <p> + Le Guast.—His Character.—Anjou Affects to Be Jealous of the + Guises.—Dissuades the Queen-mother from Reposing Confidence in + Marguerite.—She Loses the Favour of the Queen-mother and Falls Sick.—Anjou’s + Hypocrisy.—He Introduces De Guise into Marguerite’s Sick + Chamber.—Marguerite Demanded in Marriage by the King of Portugal.—Made + Uneasy on That Account.—Contrives to Relieve Herself.—The + Match with Portugal Broken off. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter4">LETTER IV.</a> + </p> + <p> + Death of the Queen of Navarre—Marguerite’s Marriage with Her + Son, the King of Navarre, Afterwards Henri IV. of France.—The + Preparations for That Solemnisation Described.—The Circumstances + Which Led to the Massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew’s Day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter5">LETTER V.</a> + </p> + <p> + The Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter6">LETTER VI.</a> + </p> + <p> + Henri, Duc d’Anjou, Elected King of Poland, Leaves France.—Huguenot + Plots to Withdraw the Duc d’Alencon and the King of Navarre from + Court.—Discovered and Defeated by Marguerite’s Vigilance.—She + Draws Up an Eloquent Defence, Which Her Husband Delivers before a + Committee from the Court of Parliament.—Alencon and Her Husband, + under a Close Arrest, Regain Their Liberty by the Death of Charles IX. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter7">LETTER VII.</a> + </p> + <p> + Accession of Henri III.—A Journey to Lyons.—Marguerite’s + Faith in Supernatural Intelligence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter8">LETTER VIII.</a> + </p> + <p> + What Happened at Lyons. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter9">LETTER IX.</a> + </p> + <p> + Fresh Intrigues.—Marriage of Henri III.—Bussi Arrives at Court + and Narrowly Escapes Assassination. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter10">LETTER X.</a> + </p> + <p> + Bussi Is Sent from Court.—Marguerite’s Husband Attacked with a + Fit of Epilepsy.—Her Great Care of Him.—Torigni Dismissed from + Marguerite’s Service.—The King of Navarre and the Duc d’Alencon + Secretly Leave the Court. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter11">LETTER XI.</a> + </p> + <p> + Queen Marguerite under Arrest.—Attempt on Torigni’s Life.—Her + Fortunate Deliverance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter12">LETTER XII.</a> + </p> + <p> + The Peace of Sens betwixt Henri III. and the Huguenots. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter13">LETTER XIII.</a> + </p> + <p> + The League.—War Declared against the Huguenots.—Queen + Marguerite Sets out for Spa. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter14">LETTER XIV.</a> + </p> + <p> + Description of Queen Marguerite’s Equipage.—Her Journey to + Liege Described.—She Enters with Success upon Her Mission.—Striking + Instance of Maternal Duty and Affection in a Great Lady.—Disasters + near the Close of the Journey. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter15">LETTER XV.</a> + </p> + <p> + The City of Liege Described.—Affecting Story of Mademoiselle de + Tournon.—Fatal Effects of Suppressed Anguish of Mind. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter16">LETTER XVI.</a> + </p> + <p> + Queen Marguerite, on Her Return from Liege, Is in Danger of Being Made a + Prisoner.—She Arrives, after Some Narrow Escapes, at La Fere. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter17">LETTER XVII.</a> + </p> + <p> + Good Effects of Queen Marguerite’s Negotiations in Flanders.—She + Obtains Leave to Go to the King of Navarre Her Husband, but Her Journey Is + Delayed.—Court Intrigues and Plots.—The Duc d’Alencon + Again Put under Arrest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter18">LETTER XVIII.</a> + </p> + <p> + The Brothers Reconciled.—Alencon Restored to His Liberty. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter19">LETTER XIX.</a> + </p> + <p> + The Duc d’Alencon Makes His Escape from Court.—Queen + Marguerite’s Fidelity Put to a Severe Trial. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter20">LETTER XX.</a> + </p> + <p> + Queen Marguerite Permitted to Go to the King Her Husband.—Is + Accompanied by the Queenmother.—Marguerite Insulted by Her Husband’s + Secretary.—She Harbours Jealousy.—Her Attention to the King + Her Husband during an Indisposition.—Their Reconciliation.—The + War Breaks Out Afresh.—Affront Received from Marechal de Biron. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#letter21">LETTER XXI.</a> + </p> + <p> + Situation of Affairs in Flanders.—Peace Brought About by Duc d’Alencon’s + Negotiation.—Marechal de Biron Apologises for Firing on Nerac.—Henri + Desperately in Love with Fosseuse.—Queen Marguerite Discovers + Fosseuse to Be Pregnant, Which She Denies.—Fosseuse in Labour. + Marguerite’s Generous Behaviour to Her.—Marguerite’s + Return to Paris. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#history">HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF VALOIS.</a> [Author unknown] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="marguerite" id="marguerite"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="marguerite.jpg (122K)" src="images/marguerite.jpg" + style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MARGUERITE DE VALOIS. + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 1. + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="letter1" id="letter1"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER I. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Introduction.—Anecdotes of Marguerite’s Infancy.—Endeavours + Used to Convert Her to the New Religion.—She Is Confirmed in + Catholicism.—The Court on a Progress.—A Grand Festivity + Suddenly Interrupted.—The Confusion in Consequence. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I should commend your work much more were I myself less praised in it; but + I am unwilling to do so, lest my praises should seem rather the effect of + self-love than to be founded on reason and justice. I am fearful that, + like Themistocles, I should appear to admire their eloquence the most who + are most forward to praise me. It is the usual frailty of our sex to be + fond of flattery. I blame this in other women, and should wish not to be + chargeable with it myself. Yet I confess that I take a pride in being + painted by the hand of so able a master, however flattering the likeness + may be. If I ever were possessed of the graces you have assigned to me, + trouble and vexation render them no longer visible, and have even effaced + them from my own recollection. So that I view myself in your Memoirs, and + say, with old Madame de Rendan, who, not having consulted her glass since + her husband’s death, on seeing her own face in the mirror of another + lady, exclaimed, “Who is this?” Whatever my friends tell me + when they see me now, I am inclined to think proceeds from the partiality + of their affection. I am sure that you yourself, when you consider more + impartially what you have said, will be induced to believe, according to + these lines of Du Bellay: + </p> + <p> + “C’est chercher Rome en Rome, Et rien de Rome en Rome ne + trouver.” + </p> + <p> + (‘Tis to seek Rome, in Rome to go, And Rome herself at Rome not + know.) + </p> + <p> + But as we read with pleasure the history of the Siege of Troy, the + magnificence of Athens, and other splendid cities, which once flourished, + but are now so entirely destroyed that scarcely the spot whereon they + stood can be traced, so you please yourself with describing these + excellences of beauty which are no more, and which will be discoverable + only in your writings. + </p> + <p> + If you had taken upon you to contrast Nature and Fortune, you could not + have chosen a happier theme upon which to descant, for both have made a + trial of their strength on the subject of your Memoirs. What Nature did, + you had the evidence of your own eyes to vouch for, but what was done by + Fortune, you know only from hearsay; and hearsay, I need not tell you, is + liable to be influenced by ignorance or malice, and, therefore, is not to + be depended on. You will for that reason, I make no doubt, be pleased to + receive these Memoirs from the hand which is most interested in the truth + of them. + </p> + <p> + I have been induced to undertake writing my Memoirs the more from five or + six observations which I have had occasion to make upon your work, as you + appear to have been misinformed respecting certain particulars. For + example, in that part where mention is made of Pau, and of my journey in + France; likewise where you speak of the late Marechal de Biron, of Agen, + and of the sally of the Marquis de Camillac from that place. + </p> + <p> + These Memoirs might merit the honourable name of history from the truths + contained in them, as I shall prefer truth to embellishment. In fact, to + embellish my story I have neither leisure nor ability; I shall, therefore, + do no more than give a simple narration of events. They are the labours of + my evenings, and will come to you an unformed mass, to receive its shape + from your hands, or as a chaos on which you have already thrown light. + Mine is a history most assuredly worthy to come from a man of honour, one + who is a true Frenchman, born of illustrious parents, brought up in the + Court of the Kings my father and brothers, allied in blood and friendship + to the most virtuous and accomplished women of our times, of which society + I have had the good fortune to be the bond of union. + </p> + <p> + I shall begin these Memoirs in the reign of Charles IX., and set out with + the first remarkable event of my life which fell within my remembrance. + Herein I follow the example of geographical writers, who, having described + the places within their knowledge, tell you that all beyond them are sandy + deserts, countries without inhabitants, or seas never navigated. Thus I + might say that all prior to the commencement of these Memoirs was the + barrenness of my infancy, when we can only be said to vegetate like + plants, or live, like brutes, according to instinct, and not as human + creatures, guided by reason. To those who had the direction of my earliest + years I leave the task of relating the transactions of my infancy, if they + find them as worthy of being recorded as the infantine exploits of + Themistocles and Alexander,—the one exposing himself to be trampled + on by the horses of a charioteer, who would not stop them when requested + to do so, and the other refusing to run a race unless kings were to enter + the contest against him. Amongst such memorable things might be related + the answer I made the King my father, a short time before the fatal + accident which deprived France of peace, and our family of its chief + glory. I was then about four or five years of age, when the King, placing + me on his knee, entered familiarly into chat with me. There were, in the + same room, playing and diverting themselves, the Prince de Joinville, + since the great and unfortunate Duc de Guise, and the Marquis de + Beaupreau, son of the Prince de la Roche-sur-Yon, who died in his + fourteenth year, and by whose death his country lost a youth of most + promising talents. Amongst other discourse, the King asked which of the + two Princes that were before me I liked best. I replied, “The + Marquis.” The King said, “Why so? He is not the handsomest.” + The Prince de Joinville was fair, with light-coloured hair, and the + Marquis de Beaupreau brown, with dark hair. I answered, “Because he + is the best behaved; whilst the Prince is always making mischief, and will + be master over everybody.” + </p> + <p> + This was a presage of what we have seen happen since, when the whole Court + was infected with heresy, about the time of the Conference of Poissy. It + was with great difficulty that I resisted and preserved myself from a + change of religion at that time. Many ladies and lords belonging to Court + strove to convert me to Huguenotism. The Duc d’Anjou, since King + Henri III. of France, then in his infancy, had been prevailed on to change + his religion, and he often snatched my “Hours” out of my hand, + and flung them into the fire, giving me Psalm Books and books of Huguenot + prayers, insisting on my using them. I took the first opportunity to give + them up to my governess, Madame de Curton, whom God, out of his mercy to + me, caused to continue steadfast in the Catholic religion. She frequently + took me to that pious, good man, the Cardinal de Tournon, who gave me good + advice, and strengthened me in a perseverance in my religion, furnishing + me with books and chaplets of beads in the room of those my brother Anjou + took from me and burnt. + </p> + <p> + Many of my brother’s most intimate friends had resolved on my ruin, + and rated me severely upon my refusal to change, saying it proceeded from + a childish obstinacy; that if I had the least understanding, and would + listen, like other discreet persons, to the sermons that were preached, I + should abjure my uncharitable bigotry; but I was, said they, as foolish as + my governess. My brother Anjou added threats, and said the Queen my mother + would give orders that I should be whipped. But this he said of his own + head, for the Queen my mother did not, at that time, know of the errors he + had embraced. As soon as it came to her knowledge, she took him to task, + and severely reprimanded his governors, insisting upon their correcting + him, and instructing him in the holy and ancient religion of his + forefathers, from which she herself never swerved. When he used those + menaces, as I have before related, I was a child seven or eight years old, + and at that tender age would reply to him, “Well, get me whipped if + you can; I will suffer whipping, and even death, rather than be damned.” + </p> + <p> + I could furnish you with many other replies of the like kind, which gave + proof of the early ripeness of my judgment and my courage; but I shall not + trouble myself with such researches, choosing rather to begin these + Memoirs at the time when I resided constantly with the Queen my mother. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after the Conference of Poissy, the civil wars commenced, and + my brother Alencon and myself, on account of our youth, were sent to + Amboise, whither all the ladies of the country repaired to us. + </p> + <p> + With them came your aunt, Madame de Dampierre, who entered into a firm + friendship with me, which was never interrupted until her death broke it + off. There was likewise your cousin, the Duchesse de Rais, who had the + good fortune to hear there of the death of her brute of a husband, killed + at the battle of Dreux. The husband I mean was the first she had, named M. + d’Annebaut, who was unworthy to have for a wife so accomplished and + charming a woman as your cousin. She and I were not then so intimate + friends as we have become since, and shall ever remain. The reason was + that, though older than I, she was yet young, and young girls seldom take + much notice of children, whereas your aunt was of an age when women admire + their innocence and engaging simplicity. + </p> + <p> + I remained at Amboise until the Queen my mother was ready to set out on + her grand progress, at which time she sent for me to come to her Court, + which I did not quit afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Of this progress I will not undertake to give you a description, being + still so young that, though the whole is within my recollection, yet the + particular passages of it appear to me but as a dream, and are now lost. I + leave this task to others, of riper years, as you were yourself. You can + well remember the magnificence that was displayed everywhere, particularly + at the baptism of my nephew, the Duc de Lorraine, at Bar-le-Duc; at the + meeting of M. and Madame de Savoy, in the city of Lyons; the interview at + Bayonne betwixt my sister, the Queen of Spain, the Queen my mother, and + King Charles my brother. In your account of this interview you would not + forget to make mention of the noble entertainment given by the Queen my + mother, on an island, with the grand dances, and the form of the salon, + which seemed appropriated by nature for such a purpose, it being a large + meadow in the middle of the island, in the shape of an oval, surrounded on + every aide by tall spreading trees. In this meadow the Queen my mother had + disposed a circle of niches, each of them large enough to contain a table + of twelve covers. At one end a platform was raised, ascended by four steps + formed of turf. Here their Majesties were seated at a table under a lofty + canopy. The tables were all served by troops of shepherdesses dressed in + cloth of gold and satin, after the fashion of the different provinces of + France. These shepherdesses, during the passage of the superb boats from + Bayonne to the island, were placed in separate bands, in a meadow on each + side of the causeway, raised with turf; and whilst their Majesties and the + company were passing through the great salon, they danced. On their + passage by water, the barges were followed by other boats, having on board + vocal and instrumental musicians, habited like Nereids, singing and + playing the whole time. After landing, the shepherdesses I have mentioned + before received the company in separate troops, with songs and dances, + after the fashion and accompanied by the music of the provinces they + represented,—the Poitevins playing on bagpipes; the Provencales on + the viol and cymbal; the Burgundians and Champagners on the hautboy, bass + viol, and tambourine; in like manner the Bretons and other provincialists. + After the collation was served and the feast at an end, a large troop of + musicians, habited like satyrs, was seen to come out of the opening of a + rock, well lighted up, whilst nymphs were descending from the top in rich + habits, who, as they came down, formed into a grand dance, when, lo! + fortune no longer favouring this brilliant festival, a sudden storm of + rain came on, and all were glad to get off in the boats and make for town + as fast as they could. The confusion in consequence of this precipitate + retreat afforded as much matter to laugh at the next day as the splendour + of the entertainment had excited admiration. In short, the festivity of + this day was not, forgotten, on one account or the other, amidst the + variety of the like nature which succeeded it in the course of this + progress. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter2" id="letter2"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER II. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Message from the Duc d’Anjou, Afterwards Henri III., to King + Charles His Brother and the Queen-mother.—Her Fondness for Her + Children.—Their Interview.—Anjou’s Eloquent Harangue.—The + Queen-mother’s Character. Discourse of the Duc d’Anjou with + Marguerite.—She Discovers Her Own Importance.—Engages to + Serve Her Brother Anjou.—Is in High Favour with the Queenmother. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + At the time my magnanimous brother Charles reigned over France, and some + few years after our return from the grand progress mentioned in my last + letter, the Huguenots having renewed the war, a gentleman, despatched from + my brother Anjou (afterwards Henri III. of France), came to Paris to + inform the King and the Queen my mother that the Huguenot army was reduced + to such an extremity that he hoped in a few days to force them to give him + battle. He added his earnest wish for the honour of seeing them at Tours + before that happened, so that, in case Fortune, envying him the glory he + had already achieved at so early an age, should, on the so much looked-for + day, after the good service he had done his religion and his King, crown + the victory with his death, he might not have cause to regret leaving this + world without the satisfaction of receiving their approbation of his + conduct from their own mouths, a satisfaction which would be more + valuable, in his opinion, than the trophies he had gained by his two + former victories. + </p> + <p> + I leave to your own imagination to suggest to you the impression which + such a message from a dearly beloved son made on the mind of a mother who + doted on all her children, and was always ready to sacrifice her own + repose, nay, even her life, for their happiness. + </p> + <p> + She resolved immediately to set off and take the King with her. She had, + besides myself, her usual small company of female attendants, together + with Mesdames de Rais and de Sauves. She flew on the wings of maternal + affection, and reached Tours in three days and a half. A journey from + Paris, made with such precipitation, was not unattended with accidents and + some inconveniences, of a nature to occasion much mirth and laughter. The + poor Cardinal de Bourbon, who never quitted her, and whose temper of mind, + strength of body, and habits of life were ill suited to encounter + privations and hardships, suffered greatly from this rapid journey. + </p> + <p> + We found my brother Anjou at Plessis-les-Tours, with the principal + officers of his army, who were the flower of the princes and nobles of + France. In their presence he delivered a harangue to the King, giving a + detail of his conduct in the execution of his charge, beginning from the + time he left the Court. His discourse was framed with so much eloquence, + and spoken so gracefully, that it was admired by all present. It appeared + matter of astonishment that a youth of sixteen should reason with all the + gravity and powers of an orator of ripe years. The comeliness of his + person, which at all times pleads powerfully in favour of a speaker, was + in him set off by the laurels obtained in two victories. In short, it was + difficult to say which most contributed to make him the admiration of all + his hearers. + </p> + <p> + It is equally as impossible for me to describe in words the feelings of my + mother on this occasion, who loved him above all her children, as it was + for the painter to represent on canvas the grief of Iphigenia’s + father. Such an overflow of joy would have been discoverable in the looks + and actions of any other woman, but she had her passions so much under the + control of prudence and discretion that there was nothing to be perceived + in her countenance, or gathered from her words, of what she felt inwardly + in her mind. She was, indeed, a perfect mistress of herself, and regulated + her discourse and her actions by the rules of wisdom and sound policy, + showing that a person of discretion does upon all occasions only what is + proper to be done. She did not amuse herself on this occasion with + listening to the praises which issued from every mouth, and sanction them + with her own approbation; but, selecting the chief points in the speech + relative to the future conduct of the war, she laid them before the + Princes and great lords, to be deliberated upon, in order to settle a plan + of operations. + </p> + <p> + To arrange such a plan a delay of some days was requisite. During this + interval, the Queen my mother walking in the park with some of the + Princes, my brother Anjou begged me to take a turn or two with him in a + retired walk. He then addressed me in the following words: “Dear + sister, the nearness of blood, as well as our having been brought up + together, naturally, as they ought, attach us to each other. You must + already have discovered the partiality I have had for you above my + brothers, and I think that I have perceived the same in you for me. We + have been hitherto led to this by nature, without deriving any other + advantage from it than the sole pleasure of conversing together. So far + might be well enough for our childhood, but now we are no longer children. + You know the high situation in which, by the favour of God and our good + mother the Queen, I am here placed. You may be assured that, as you are + the person in the world whom I love and esteem the most, you will always + be a partaker of my advancement. I know you are not wanting in wit and + discretion, and I am sensible you have it in your power to do me service + with the Queen our mother, and preserve me in my present employments. It + is a great point obtained for me, always to stand well in her favour. I am + fearful that my absence may be prejudicial to that purpose, and I must + necessarily be at a distance from Court. Whilst I am away, the King my + brother is with her, and has it in his power to insinuate himself into her + good graces. This I fear, in the end, may be of disservice to me. The King + my brother is growing older every day. He does not want for courage, and, + though he now diverts himself with hunting, he may grow ambitious, and + choose rather to chase men than beasts; in such a case I must resign to + him my commission as his lieutenant. This would prove the greatest + mortification that could happen to me, and I would even prefer death to + it. Under such an apprehension I have considered of the means of + prevention, and see none so feasible as having a confidential person about + the Queen my mother, who shall always be ready to espouse and support my + cause. I know no one so proper for that purpose as yourself, who will be, + I doubt not, as attentive to my interest as I should be myself. You have + wit, discretion, and fidelity, which are all that are wanting, provided + you will be so kind as to undertake such a good office. In that case I + shall have only to beg of you not to neglect attending her morning and + evening, to be the first with her and the last to leave her. This will + induce her to repose a confidence and open her mind to you. + </p> + <p> + “To make her the more ready to do this, I shall take every + opportunity, to commend your good sense and understanding, and to tell her + that I shall take it kind in her to leave off treating you as a child, + which, I shall say, will contribute to her own comfort and satisfaction. I + am well convinced that she will listen to my advice. Do you speak to her + with the same confidence as you do to me, and be assured that she will + approve of it. It will conduce to your own happiness to obtain her favour. + You may do yourself service whilst you are labouring for my interest; and + you may rest satisfied that, after God, I shall think I owe all the good + fortune which may befall me to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + This was entirely a new kind of language to me. I had hitherto thought of + nothing but amusements, of dancing, hunting, and the like diversions; nay, + I had never yet discovered any inclination of setting myself off to + advantage by dress, and exciting an admiration of my person and figure. I + had no ambition of any kind, and had been so strictly brought up under the + Queen my mother that I scarcely durst speak before her; and if she chanced + to turn her eyes towards me I trembled, for fear that I had done something + to displease her. At the conclusion of my brother’s harangue, I was + half inclined to reply to him in the words of Moses, when he was spoken to + from the burning bush: “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh? + Send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.” + </p> + <p> + However, his words inspired me with resolution and powers I did not think + myself possessed of before. I had naturally a degree of courage, and, as + soon as I recovered from my astonishment, I found I was quite an altered + person. His address pleased me, and wrought in me a confidence in myself; + and I found I was become of more consequence than I had ever conceived I + had been. Accordingly, I replied to him thus: “Brother, if God grant + me the power of speaking to the Queen our mother as I have the will to do, + nothing can be wanting for your service, and you may expect to derive all + the good you hope from it, and from my solicitude and attention for your + interest. With respect to my undertaking such a matter for you, you will + soon perceive that I shall sacrifice all the pleasures in this world to my + watchfulness for your service. You may perfectly rely on me, as there is + no one that honours or regards you more than I do. Be well assured that I + shall act for you with the Queen my mother as zealously as you would for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + These sentiments were more strongly impressed upon my mind than the words + I made use of were capable of conveying an idea of. This will appear more + fully in my following letters. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were returned from walking, the Queen my mother retired with + me into her closet, and addressed the following words to me: “Your + brother has been relating the conversation you have had together; he + considers you no longer as a child, neither shall I. It will be a great + comfort to me to converse with you as I would with your brother. For the + future you will freely speak your mind, and have no apprehensions of + taking too great a liberty, for it is what I wish.” These words gave + me a pleasure then which I am now unable to express. I felt a satisfaction + and a joy which nothing before had ever caused me to feel. I now + considered the pastimes of my childhood as vain amusements. I shunned the + society of my former companions of the same age. I disliked dancing and + hunting, which I thought beneath my attention. I strictly complied with + her agreeable injunction, and never missed being with her at her rising in + the morning and going to rest at night. She did me the honour, sometimes, + to hold me in conversation for two and three hours at a time. God was so + gracious with me that I gave her great satisfaction; and she thought she + could not sufficiently praise me to those ladies who were about her. I + spoke of my brother’s affairs to her, and he was constantly apprised + by me of her sentiments and opinion; so that he had every reason to + suppose I was firmly attached to his interest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter3" id="letter3"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER III. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Le Guast.—His Character.—Anjou Affects to Be Jealous of the + Guises.—Dissuades the Queen-mother from Reposing Confidence in + Marguerite.—She Loses the Favour of the Queen-mother and Falls + Sick.—Anjou’s Hypocrisy.—He Introduces De Guise into + Marguerite’s Sick Chamber.—Marguerite Demanded in Marriage + by the King of Portugal.—Made Uneasy on That Account.—Contrives + to Relieve Herself.—The Match with Portugal Broken off. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I continued to pass my time with the Queen my mother, greatly to my + satisfaction, until after the battle of Moncontour. By the same despatch + that brought the news of this victory to the Court, my brother, who was + ever desirous to be near the Queen my mother, wrote her word that he was + about to lay siege to St. Jean d’Angely, and that it would be + necessary that the King should be present whilst it was going on. + </p> + <p> + She, more anxious to see him than he could be to have her near him, + hastened to set out on the journey, taking me with her, and her customary + train of attendants. I likewise experienced great joy upon the occasion, + having no suspicion that any mischief awaited me. I was still young and + without experience, and I thought the happiness I enjoyed was always to + continue; but the malice of Fortune prepared for me at this interview a + reverse that I little expected, after the fidelity with which I had + discharged the trust my brother had reposed in me. + </p> + <p> + Soon after our last meeting, it seems, my brother Anjou had taken Le Guast + to be near his person, who had ingratiated himself so far into his favour + and confidence that he saw only with his eyes, and spoke but as he + dictated. This evil-disposed man, whose whole life was one continued scene + of wickedness, had perverted his mind and filled it with maxims of the + most atrocious nature. He advised him to have no regard but for his own + interest; neither to love nor put trust in any one; and not to promote the + views or advantage of either brother or sister. These and other maxims of + the like nature, drawn from the school of Machiavelli, he was continually + suggesting to him. He had so frequently inculcated them that they were + strongly impressed on his mind, insomuch that, upon our arrival, when, + after the first compliments, my mother began to open in my praise and + express the attachment I had discovered for him, this was his reply, which + he delivered with the utmost coldness: + </p> + <p> + “He was well pleased,” he said, “to have succeeded in + the request he had made to me; but that prudence directed us not to + continue to make use of the same expedients, for what was profitable at + one time might not be so at another.” She asked him why he made that + observation. This question afforded the opportunity he wished for, of + relating a story he had fabricated, purposely to ruin me with her. + </p> + <p> + He began with observing to her that I was grown very handsome, and that M. + de Guise wished to marry me; that his uncles, too, were very desirous of + such a match; and, if I should entertain a like passion for him, there + would be danger of my discovering to him all she said to me; that she well + knew the ambition of that house, and how ready they were, on all + occasions, to circumvent ours. It would, therefore, be proper that she + should not, for the future, communicate any matter of State to me, but, by + degrees, withdraw her confidence. + </p> + <p> + I discovered the evil effects proceeding from this pernicious advice on + the very same evening. I remarked an unwillingness on her part to speak to + me before my brother; and, as soon as she entered into discourse with him, + she commanded me to go to bed. This command she repeated two or three + times. I quitted her closet, and left them together in conversation; but, + as soon as he was gone, I returned and entreated her to let me know if I + had been so unhappy as to have done anything, through ignorance, which had + given her offence. She was at first inclined to dissemble with me; but at + length she said to me thus: “Daughter, your brother is prudent and + cautious; you ought not to be displeased with him for what he does, and + you must believe what I shall tell you is right and proper.” She + then related the conversation she had with my brother, as I have just + written it; and she then ordered me never to speak to her in my brother’s + presence. + </p> + <p> + These words were like so many daggers plunged into my breast. In my + disgrace, I experienced as much grief as I had before joy on being + received into her favour and confidence. I did not omit to say everything + to convince her of my entire ignorance of what my brother had told her. I + said it was a matter I had never heard mentioned before; and that, had I + known it, I should certainly have made her immediately acquainted with it. + All I said was to no purpose; my brother’s words had made the first + impression; they were constantly present in her mind, and outweighed + probability and truth. When I discovered this, I told her that I felt less + uneasiness at being deprived of my happiness than I did joy when I had + acquired it; for my brother had taken it from me, as he had given it. He + had given it without reason; he had taken it away without cause. He had + praised me for discretion and prudence when I did not merit it, and he + suspected my fidelity on grounds wholly imaginary and fictitious. I + concluded with assuring her that I should never forget my brother’s + behaviour on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon she flew into a passion and commanded me not to make the least + show of resentment at his behaviour. From that hour she gradually withdrew + her favour from me. Her son became the god of her idolatry, at the shrine + of whose will she sacrificed everything. + </p> + <p> + The grief which I inwardly felt was very great and overpowered all my + faculties, until it wrought so far on my constitution as to contribute to + my receiving the infection which then prevailed in the army. A few days + after I fell sick of a raging fever, attended with purple spots, a malady + which carried off numbers, and, amongst the rest, the two principal + physicians belonging to the King and Queen, Chappelain and Castelan. + Indeed, few got over the disorder after being attacked with it. + </p> + <p> + In this extremity the Queen my mother, who partly guessed the cause of my + illness, omitted nothing that might serve to remove it; and, without fear + of consequences, visited me frequently. Her goodness contributed much to + my recovery; but my brother’s hypocrisy was sufficient to destroy + all the benefit I received from her attention, after having been guilty of + so treacherous a proceeding. After he had proved so ungrateful to me, he + came and sat at the foot of my bed from morning to night, and appeared as + anxiously attentive as if we had been the most perfect friends. My mouth + was shut up by the command I had received from the Queen our mother, so + that I only answered his dissembled concern with sighs, like Burrus in the + presence of Nero, when he was dying by the poison administered by the + hands of that tyrant. The sighs, however, which I vented in my brother’s + presence, might convince him that I attributed my sickness rather to his + ill offices than to the prevailing contagion. + </p> + <p> + God had mercy on me, and supported me through this dangerous illness. + After I had kept my bed a fortnight, the army changed its quarters, and I + was conveyed away with it in a litter. At the end of each day’s + march, I found King Charles at the door of my quarters, ready, with the + rest of the good gentlemen belonging to the Court, to carry my litter up + to my bedside. In this manner I came to Angers from St. Jean d’Angely, + sick in body, but more sick in mind. Here, to my misfortune, M. de Guise + and his uncles had arrived before me. This was a circumstance which gave + my good brother great pleasure, as it afforded a colourable appearance to + his story. I soon discovered the advantage my brother would make of it to + increase my already too great mortification; for he came daily to see me, + and as constantly brought M. de Guise into my chamber with him. He + pretended the sincerest regard for De Guise, and, to make him believe it, + would take frequent opportunities of embracing him, crying out at the same + time, “would to God you were my brother!” This he often put in + practice before me, which M. de Guise seemed not to comprehend; but I, who + knew his malicious designs, lost all patience, yet did not dare to + reproach him with his hypocrisy. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was recovered, a treaty was set on foot for a marriage + betwixt the King of Portugal and me, an ambassador having been sent for + that purpose. The Queen my mother commanded me to prepare to give the + ambassador an audience; which I did accordingly. My brother had made her + believe that I was averse to this marriage; accordingly, she took me to + task upon it, and questioned me on the subject, expecting she should find + some cause to be angry with me. I told her my will had always been guided + by her own, and that whatever she thought right for me to do, I should do + it. She answered me, angrily, according as she had been wrought upon, that + I did not speak the sentiments of my heart, for she well knew that the + Cardinal de Lorraine had persuaded me into a promise of having his nephew. + I begged her to forward this match with the King of Portugal, and I would + convince her of my obedience to her commands. Every day some new matter + was reported to incense her against me. All these were machinations worked + up by the mind of Le Guast. In short, I was constantly receiving some + fresh mortification, so that I hardly passed a day in quiet. On one side, + the King of Spain was using his utmost endeavours to break off the match + with Portugal, and M. de Guise, continuing at Court, furnished grounds for + persecuting me on the other. Still, not a single person of the Guises ever + mentioned a word to me on the subject; and it was well known that, for + more than a twelvemonth, M. de Guise had been paying his addresses to the + Princesse de Porcian; but the slow progress made in bringing this match to + a conclusion was said to be owing to his designs upon me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I made this discovery I resolved to write to my sister, Madame + de Lorraine, who had a great influence in the House of Porcian, begging + her to use her endeavours to withdraw M. de Guise from Court, and make him + conclude his match with the Princess, laying open to her the plot which + had been concerted to ruin the Guises and me. She readily saw through it, + came immediately to Court, and concluded the match, which delivered me + from the aspersions cast on my character, and convinced the Queen my + mother that what I had told her was the real truth. This at the same time + stopped the mouths of my enemies and gave me some repose. + </p> + <p> + At length the King of Spain, unwilling that the King of Portugal should + marry out of his family, broke off the treaty which had been entered upon + for my marriage with him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter4" id="letter4"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IV. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Death of the Queen of Navarre—Marguerite’s Marriage with Her + Son, the King of Navarre, Afterwards Henri IV. of France.—The + Preparations for That Solemnisation Described.—The Circumstances + Which Led to the Massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew’s + Day. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Some short time after this a marriage was projected betwixt the Prince of + Navarre, now our renowned King Henri IV., and me. + </p> + <p> + The Queen my mother, as she sat at table, discoursed for a long time upon + the subject with M. de Meru, the House of Montmorency having first + proposed the match. After the Queen had risen from table, he told me she + had commanded him to mention it to me. I replied that it was quite + unnecessary, as I had no will but her own; however, I should wish she + would be pleased to remember that I was a Catholic, and that I should + dislike to marry any one of a contrary persuasion. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the Queen sent for me to attend her in her closet. She + there informed me that the Montmorencys had proposed this match to her, + and that she was desirous to learn my sentiments upon it. + </p> + <p> + I answered that my choice was governed by her pleasure, and that I only + begged her not to forget that I was a good Catholic. + </p> + <p> + This treaty was in negotiation for some time after this conversation, and + was not finally settled until the arrival of the Queen of Navarre, his + mother, at Court, where she died soon after. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the Queen of Navarre lay on her death-bed, a circumstance happened + of so whimsical a nature that, though not of consequence to merit a place + in the history, it may very well deserve to be related by me to you. + Madame de Nevers, whose oddities you well know, attended the Cardinal de + Bourbon, Madame de Guise, the Princesse de Conde, her sisters, and myself + to the late Queen of Navarre’s apartments, whither we all went to + pay those last duties which her rank and our nearness of blood demanded of + us. We found the Queen in bed with her curtains undrawn, the chamber not + disposed with the pomp and ceremonies of our religion, but after the + simple manner of the Huguenots; that is to say, there were no priests, no + cross, nor any holy water. We kept ourselves at some distance from the + bed, but Madame de Nevers, whom you know the Queen hated more than any + woman besides, and which she had shown both in speech and by actions,—Madame + de Nevers, I say, approached the bedside, and, to the great astonishment + of all present, who well knew the enmity subsisting betwixt them, took the + Queen’s hand, with many low curtseys, and kissed it; after which, + making another curtsey to the very ground, she retired and rejoined us. + </p> + <p> + A few months after the Queen’s death, the Prince of Navarre, or + rather, as he was then styled, the King, came to Paris in deep mourning, + attended by eight hundred gentlemen, all in mourning habits. He was + received with every honour by King Charles and the whole Court, and, in a + few days after his arrival, our marriage was solemnised with all possible + magnificence; the King of Navarre and his retinue putting off their + mourning and dressing themselves in the most costly manner. The whole + Court, too, was richly attired; all which you can better conceive than I + am able to express. For my own part, I was set out in a most royal manner; + I wore a crown on my head with the ‘coet’, or regal close gown + of ermine, and I blazed in diamonds. My blue-coloured robe had a train to + it of four ells in length, which was supported by three princesses. A + platform had been raised, some height from the ground, which led from the + Bishop’s palace to the Church of Notre-Dame. It was hung with cloth + of gold; and below it stood the people in throngs to view the procession, + stifling with heat. We were received at the church door by the Cardinal de + Bourbon, who officiated for that day, and pronounced the nuptial + benediction. After this we proceeded on the same platform to the tribune + which separates the nave from the choir, where was a double staircase, one + leading into the choir, the other through the nave to the church door. The + King of Navarre passed by the latter and went out of church. + </p> + <p> + But fortune, which is ever changing, did not fail soon to disturb the + felicity of this union. This was occasioned by the wound received by the + Admiral, which had wrought the Huguenots up to a degree of desperation. + The Queen my mother was reproached on that account in such terms by the + elder Pardaillan and some other principal Huguenots, that she began to + apprehend some evil design. M. de Guise and my brother the King of Poland, + since Henri III. of France, gave it as their advice to be beforehand with + the Huguenots. King Charles was of a contrary opinion. He had a great + esteem for M. de La Rochefoucauld, Teligny, La Noue, and some other + leading men of the same religion; and, as I have since heard him say, it + was with the greatest difficulty he could be prevailed upon to give his + consent, and not before he had been made to understand that his own life + aid the safety of his kingdom depended upon it. + </p> + <p> + The King having learned that Maurevel had made an attempt upon the Admiral’s + life, by firing a pistol at him through a window,—in which attempt + he failed, having wounded the Admiral only in the shoulder,—and + supposing that Maurevel had done this at the instance of M. de Guise, to + revenge the death of his father, whom the Admiral had caused to be killed + in the same manner by Poltrot, he was so much incensed against M. de Guise + that he declared with an oath that he would make an example of him; and, + indeed, the King would have put M. de Guise under an arrest, if he had not + kept out of his sight the whole day. The Queen my mother used every + argument to convince King Charles that what had been done was for the good + of the State; and this because, as I observed before, the King had so + great a regard for the Admiral, La Noue, and Teligny, on account of their + bravery, being himself a prince of a gallant and noble spirit, and + esteeming others in whom he found a similar disposition. Moreover, these + designing men had insinuated themselves into the King’s favour by + proposing an expedition to Flanders, with a view of extending his + dominions and aggrandising his power, knew would secure to themselves an + influence over his royal and generous mind. + </p> + <p> + Upon this occasion, the Queen my mother represented to the King that the + attempt of M. de Guise upon the Admiral’s life was excusable in a + son who, being denied justice, had no other means of avenging his father’s + death. Moreover, the Admiral, she said, had deprived her by assassination, + during his minority and her regency, of a faithful servant in the person + of Charri, commander of the King’s body-guard, which rendered him + deserving of the like treatment. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding that the Queen my mother spoke thus to the King, + discovering by her expressions and in her looks all the grief which she + inwardly felt on the recollection of the loss of persons who had been + useful to her; yet, so much was King Charles inclined to save those who, + as he thought, would one day be serviceable to him, that he still + persisted in his determination to punish M. de Guise, for whom he ordered + strict search to be made. + </p> + <p> + At length Pardaillan, disclosing by his menaces, during the supper of the + Queen my mother, the evil intentions of the Huguenots, she plainly + perceived that things were brought to so near a crisis, that, unless steps + were taken that very night to prevent it, the King and herself were in + danger of being assassinated. She, therefore, came to the resolution of + declaring to King Charles his real situation. For this purpose she thought + of the Marechal de Rais as the most proper person to break the matter to + the King, the Marshal being greatly in his favour and confidence. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the Marshal went to the King in his closet, between the hours + of nine and ten, and told him he was come as a faithful servant to + discharge his duty, and lay before him the danger in which he stood, if he + persisted in his resolution of punishing M. de Guise, as he ought now to + be informed that the attempt made upon the Admiral’s life was not + set on foot by him alone, but that his (the King’s) brother the King + of Poland, and the Queen his mother, had their shares in it; that he must + be sensible how much the Queen lamented Charri’s assassination, for + which she had great reason, having very few servants about her upon whom + she could rely, and as it happened during the King’s minority,—at + the time, moreover, when France was divided between the Catholics and the + Huguenots, M. de Guise being at the head of the former, and the Prince de + Conde of the latter, both alike striving to deprive him of his crown; that + through Providence, both his crown and kingdom had been preserved by the + prudence and good conduct of the Queen Regent, who in this extremity found + herself powerfully aided by the said Charri, for which reason she had + vowed to avenge his death; that, as to the Admiral, he must be ever + considered as dangerous to the State, and whatever show he might make of + affection for his Majesty’s person, and zeal for his service in + Flanders, they must be considered as mere pretences, which he used to + cover his real design of reducing the kingdom to a state of confusion. + </p> + <p> + The Marshal concluded with observing that the original intention had been + to make away with the Admiral only, as the most obnoxious man in the + kingdom; but Maurevel having been so unfortunate as to fail in his + attempt, and the Huguenots becoming desperate enough to resolve to take up + arms, with design to attack, not only M. de Guise, but the Queen his + mother, and his brother the King of Poland, supposing them, as well as his + Majesty, to have commanded Maurevel to make his attempt, he saw nothing + but cause of alarm for his Majesty’s safety,—as well on the + part of the Catholics, if he persisted in his resolution to punish M. de + Guise, as of the Huguenots, for the reasons which he had just laid before + him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter5" id="letter5"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER V. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + King Charles, a prince of great prudence, always paying a particular + deference to his mother, and being much attached to the Catholic religion, + now convinced of the intentions of the Huguenots, adopted a sudden + resolution of following his mother’s counsel, and putting himself + under the safeguard of the Catholics. It was not, however, without extreme + regret that he found he had it not in his power to save Teligny, La Noue, + and M. de La Rochefoucauld. + </p> + <p> + He went to the apartments of the Queen his mother, and sending for M. de + Guise and all the Princes and Catholic officers, the “Massacre of + St. Bartholomew” was that night resolved upon. + </p> + <p> + Immediately every hand was at work; chains were drawn across the streets, + the alarm-bells were sounded, and every man repaired to his post, + according to the orders he had received, whether it was to attack the + Admiral’s quarters, or those of the other Huguenots. M. de Guise + hastened to the Admiral’s, and Besme, a gentleman in the service of + the former, a German by birth, forced into his chamber, and having slain + him with a dagger, threw his body out of a window to his master. + </p> + <p> + I was perfectly ignorant of what was going forward. I observed every one + to be in motion: the Huguenots, driven to despair by the attack upon the + Admiral’s life, and the Guises, fearing they should not have justice + done them, whispering all they met in the ear. + </p> + <p> + The Huguenots were suspicious of me because I was a Catholic, and the + Catholics because I was married to the King of Navarre, who was a + Huguenot. This being the case, no one spoke a syllable of the matter to + me. + </p> + <p> + At night, when I went into the bedchamber of the Queen my mother, I placed + myself on a coffer, next my sister Lorraine, who, I could not but remark, + appeared greatly cast down. The Queen my mother was in conversation with + some one, but, as soon as she espied me, she bade me go to bed. As I was + taking leave, my sister seized me by the hand and stopped me, at the same + time shedding a flood of tears: “For the love of God,” cried + she, “do not stir out of this chamber!” I was greatly alarmed + at this exclamation; perceiving which, the Queen my mother called my + sister to her, and chid her very severely. My sister replied it was + sending me away to be sacrificed; for, if any discovery should be made, I + should be the first victim of their revenge. The Queen my mother made + answer that, if it pleased God, I should receive no hurt, but it was + necessary I should go, to prevent the suspicion that might arise from my + staying. + </p> + <p> + I perceived there was something on foot which I was not to know, but what + it was I could not make out from anything they said. + </p> + <p> + The Queen again bade me go to bed in a peremptory tone. My sister wished + me a good night, her tears flowing apace, but she did not dare to say a + word more; and I left the bedchamber more dead than alive. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I reached my own closet, I threw myself upon my knees and + prayed to God to take me into his protection and save me; but from whom or + what, I was ignorant. Hereupon the King my husband, who was already in + bed, sent for me. I went to him, and found the bed surrounded by thirty or + forty Huguenots, who were entirely unknown to me; for I had been then but + a very short time married. Their whole discourse, during the night, was + upon what had happened to the Admiral, and they all came to a resolution + of the next day demanding justice of the King against M. de Guise; and, if + it was refused, to take it themselves. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I was unable to sleep a wink the whole night, for thinking of + my sister’s tears and distress, which had greatly alarmed me, + although I had not the least knowledge of the real cause. As soon as day + broke, the King my husband said he would rise and play at tennis until + King Charles was risen, when he would go to him immediately and demand + justice. He left the bedchamber, and all his gentlemen followed. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I beheld it was broad day, I apprehended all the danger my + sister had spoken of was over; and being inclined to sleep, I bade my + nurse make the door fast, and I applied myself to take some repose. In + about an hour I was awakened by a violent noise at the door, made with + both hands and feet, and a voice calling out, “Navarre! Navarre!” + My nurse, supposing the King my husband to be at the door, hastened to + open it, when a gentleman, named M. de Teian, ran in, and threw himself + immediately upon my bed. He had received a wound in his arm from a sword, + and another by a pike, and was then pursued by four archers, who followed + him into the bedchamber. Perceiving these last, I jumped out of bed, and + the poor gentleman after me, holding me fast by the waist. I did not then + know him; neither was I sure that he came to do me no harm, or whether the + archers were in pursuit of him or me. In this situation I screamed aloud, + and he cried out likewise, for our fright was mutual. At length, by God’s + providence, M. de Nangay, captain of the guard, came into the bed-chamber, + and, seeing me thus surrounded, though he could not help pitying me, he + was scarcely able to refrain from laughter. However, he reprimanded the + archers very severely for their indiscretion, and drove them out of the + chamber. At my request he granted the poor gentleman his life, and I had + him put to bed in my closet, caused his wounds to be dressed, and did not + suffer him to quit my apartment until he was perfectly cured. I changed my + shift, because it was stained with the blood of this man, and, whilst I + was doing so, De Nangay gave me an account of the transactions of the + foregoing night, assuring me that the King my husband was safe, and + actually at that moment in the King’s bedchamber. He made me muffle + myself up in a cloak, and conducted me to the apartment of my sister, + Madame de Lorraine, whither I arrived more than half dead. As we passed + through the antechamber, all the doors of which were wide open, a + gentleman of the name of Bourse, pursued by archers, was run through the + body with a pike, and fell dead at my feet. As if I had been killed by the + same stroke, I fell, and was caught by M. de Nangay before I reached the + ground. As soon as I recovered from this fainting-fit, I went into my + sister’s bedchamber, and was immediately followed by M. de Mioflano, + first gentleman to the King my husband, and Armagnac, his first valet de + chambre, who both came to beg me to save their lives. I went and threw + myself on my knees before the King and the Queen my mother, and obtained + the lives of both of them. + </p> + <p> + Five or six days afterwards, those who were engaged in this plot, + considering that it was incomplete whilst the King my husband and the + Prince de Conde remained alive, as their design was not only to dispose of + the Huguenots, but of the Princes of the blood likewise; and knowing that + no attempt could be made on my husband whilst I continued to be his wife, + devised a scheme which they suggested to the Queen my mother for divorcing + me from him. Accordingly, one holiday, when I waited upon her to chapel, + she charged me to declare to her, upon my oath, whether I believed my + husband to be like other men. “Because,” said she, “if + he is not, I can easily procure you a divorce from him.” I begged + her to believe that I was not sufficiently competent to answer such a + question, and could only reply, as the Roman lady did to her husband, when + he chid her for not informing him of his stinking breath, that, never + having approached any other man near enough to know a difference, she + thought all men had been alike in that respect. “But,” said I, + “Madame, since you have put the question to me, I can only declare I + am content to remain as I am;” and this I said because I suspected + the design of separating me from my husband was in order to work some + mischief against him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter6" id="letter6"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VI. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Henri, Duc d’Anjou, Elected King of Poland, Leaves France.—Huguenot + Plots to Withdraw the Duc d’Alencon and the King of Navarre from + Court.—Discovered and Defeated by Marguerite’s Vigilance.—She + Draws Up an Eloquent Defence, Which Her Husband Delivers before a + Committee from the Court of Parliament.—Alencon and Her Husband, + under a Close Arrest, Regain Their Liberty by the Death of Charles IX. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + We accompanied the King of Poland as far as Beaumont. For some months + before he quitted France, he had used every endeavour to efface from my + mind the ill offices he had so ungratefully done me. He solicited to + obtain the same place in my esteem which he held during our infancy; and, + on taking leave of me, made me confirm it by oaths and promises. His + departure from France, and King Charles’s sickness, which happened + just about the same time, excited the spirit of the two factions into + which the kingdom was divided, to form a variety of plots. The Huguenots, + on the death of the Admiral, had obtained from the King my husband, and my + brother Alencon, a written obligation to avenge it. Before St. Bartholomew’s + Day, they had gained my brother over to their party, by the hope of + securing Flanders for him. They now persuaded my husband and him to leave + the King and Queen on their return, and pass into Champagne, there to join + some troops which were in waiting to receive them. + </p> + <p> + M. de Miossans, a Catholic gentleman, having received an intimation of + this design, considered it so prejudicial to the interests of the King his + master, that he communicated it to me with the intention of frustrating a + plot of so much danger to themselves, and to the State. I went immediately + to the King and the Queen my mother, and informed them that. I had a + matter of the utmost importance to lay before them; but that I could not + declare it unless they would be pleased to promise me that no harm should + ensue from it to such as I should name to them, and that they would put a + stop to what was going forward without publishing their knowledge of it. + Having obtained my request, I told them that my brother Alencon and the + King my husband had an intention, on the very next day, of joining some + Huguenot troops, which expected them, in order to fulfil the engagement + they had made upon the Admiral’s death; and for this their + intention, I begged they might be excused, and that they might be + prevented from going away without any discovery being made that their + designs had been found out. All this was granted me, and measures were so + prudently taken to stay them, that they had not the least suspicion that + their intended evasion was known. Soon after, we arrived at St. Germain, + where we stayed some time, on account of the King’s indisposition. + All this while my brother Alencon used every means he could devise to + ingratiate himself with me, until at last I promised him my friendship, as + I had before done to my brother the King of Poland. As he had been brought + up at a distance from Court, we had hitherto known very little of each + other, and kept ourselves at a distance. Now that he had made the first + advances, in so respectful and affectionate a manner, I resolved to + receive him into a firm friendship, and to interest myself in whatever + concerned him, without prejudice, however, to the interests of my good + brother King Charles, whom I loved more than any one besides, and who + continued to entertain a great regard for me, of which he gave me proofs + as long as he lived. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile King Charles was daily growing worse, and the Huguenots + constantly forming new plots. They were very desirous to get my brother + the Duc d’Alencon and the King my husband away from Court. I got + intelligence, from time to time, of their designs; and, providentially, + the Queen my mother defeated their intentions when a day had been fixed on + for the arrival of the Huguenot troops at St. Germain. + </p> + <p> + To avoid this visit, we set off the night before for Paris, two hours + after midnight, putting King Charles in a litter, and the Queen my mother + taking my brother and the King my husband with her in her own carriage. + </p> + <p> + They did not experience on this occasion such mild treatment as they had + hitherto done, for the King going to the Wood of Vincennes, they were not + permitted to set foot out of the palace. This misunderstanding was so far + from being mitigated by time, that the mistrust and discontent were + continually increasing, owing to the insinuations and bad advice offered + to the King by those who wished the ruin and downfall of our house. To + such a height had these jealousies risen that the Marechaux de Montmorency + and de Cosse were put under a close arrest, and La Mole and the Comte de + Donas executed. Matters were now arrived at such a pitch that + commissioners were appointed from the Court of Parliament to hear and + determine upon the case of my brother and the King my husband. + </p> + <p> + My husband, having no counsellor to assist him, desired me to draw up his + defence in such a manner that he might not implicate any person, and, at + the same time, clear my brother and himself from any criminality of + conduct. With God’s help I accomplished this task to his great + satisfaction, and to the surprise of the commissioners, who did not expect + to find them so well prepared to justify themselves. + </p> + <p> + As it was apprehended, after the death of La Mole and the Comte de Donas, + that their lives were likewise in danger, I had resolved to save them at + the hazard of my own ruin with the King, whose favour I entirely enjoyed + at that time. I was suffered to pass to and from them in my coach, with my + women, who were not even required by the guard to unmask, nor was my coach + ever searched. This being the case, I had intended to convey away one of + them disguised in a female habit. But the difficulty lay in settling + betwixt themselves which should remain behind in prison, they being + closely watched by their guards, and the escape of one bringing the other’s + life into hazard. Thus they could never agree upon the point, each of them + wishing to be the person I should deliver from confinement. + </p> + <p> + But Providence put a period to their imprisonment by a means which proved + very unfortunate for me. This was no other than the death of King Charles, + who was the only stay and support of my life,—a brother from whose + hands I never received anything but good; who, during the persecution I + underwent at Angers, through my brother Anjou, assisted me with all his + advice and credit. In a word, when I lost King Charles, I lost everything. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter7" id="letter7"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Accession of Henri III.—A Journey to Lyons.—Marguerite’s + Faith in Supernatural Intelligence. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + After this fatal event, which was as unfortunate for France as for me, we + went to Lyons to give the meeting to the King of Poland, now Henri III. of + France. The new King was as much governed by Le Guast as ever, and had + left this intriguing, mischievous man behind in France to keep his party + together. Through this man’s insinuations he had conceived the most + confirmed jealousy of my brother Alencon. He suspected that I was the bond + that connected the King my husband and my brother, and that, to dissolve + their union, it would be necessary to create a coolness between me and my + husband, and to work up a quarrel of rivalship betwixt them both by means + of Madame de Sauves, whom they both visited. This abominable plot, which + proved the source of so much disquietude and unhappiness, as well to my + brother as myself, was as artfully conducted as it was wickedly designed. + </p> + <p> + Many have held that God has great personages more immediately under his + protection, and that minds of superior excellence have bestowed on them a + good genius, or secret intelligencer, to apprise them of good, or warn + them against evil. Of this number I might reckon the Queen my mother, who + has had frequent intimations of the kind; particularly the very night + before the tournament which proved so fatal to the King my father, she + dreamed that she saw him wounded in the eye, as it really happened; upon + which she awoke, and begged him not to run a course that day, but content + himself with looking on. Fate prevented the nation from enjoying so much + happiness as it would have done had he followed her advice. Whenever she + lost a child, she beheld a bright flame shining before her, and would + immediately cry out, “God save my children!” well knowing it + was the harbinger of the death of some one of them, which melancholy news + was sure to be confirmed very shortly after. During her very dangerous + illness at Metz, where she caught a pestilential fever, either from the + coal fires, or by visiting some of the nunneries which had been infected, + and from which she was restored to health and to the kingdom through the + great skill and experience of that modern Asculapius, M. de Castilian, her + physician—I say, during that illness, her bed being surrounded by my + brother King Charles, my brother and sister Lorraine, several members of + the Council, besides many ladies and princesses, not choosing to quit her, + though without hopes of her life, she was heard to cry out, as if she saw + the battle of Jarnac: “There! see how they flee! My son, follow them + to victory! Ah, my son falls! O my God, save him! See there! the Prince de + Conde is dead!” All who were present looked upon these words as + proceeding from her delirium, as she knew that my brother Anjou was on the + point of giving battle, and thought no more of it. On the night following, + M. de Losses brought the news of the battle; and, it being supposed that + she would be pleased to hear of it, she was awakened, at which she + appeared to be angry, saying: “Did I not know it yesterday?” + It was then that those about her recollected what I have now related, and + concluded that it was no delirium, but one of those revelations made by + God to great and illustrious persons. Ancient history furnishes many + examples of the like kind amongst the pagans, as the apparition of Brutus + and many others, which I shall not mention, it not being my intention to + illustrate these Memoirs with such narratives, but only to relate the + truth, and that with as much expedition as I am able, that you may be the + sooner in possession of my story. + </p> + <p> + I am far from supposing that I am worthy of these divine admonitions; + nevertheless, I should accuse myself of ingratitude towards my God for the + benefits I have received, which I esteem myself obliged to acknowledge + whilst I live; and I further believe myself bound to bear testimony of his + goodness and power, and the mercies he hath shown me, so that I can + declare no extraordinary accident ever befell me, whether fortunate or + otherwise, but I received some warning of it, either by dream or in some + other way, so that I may say with the poet + </p> + <p> + “De mon bien, on mon mal, Mon esprit m’est oracle.” + </p> + <p> + (Whate’er of good or ill befell, My mind was oracle to tell.) + </p> + <p> + And of this I had a convincing proof on the arrival of the King of Poland, + when the Queen my mother went to meet him. Amidst the embraces and + compliments of welcome in that warm season, crowded as we were together + and stifling with heat, I found a universal shivering come over me, which + was plainly perceived by those near me. It was with difficulty I could + conceal what I felt when the King, having saluted the Queen my mother, + came forward to salute me. This secret intimation of what was to happen + thereafter made a strong impression on my mind at the moment, and I + thought of it shortly after, when I discovered that the King had conceived + a hatred of me through the malicious suggestions of Le Guast, who had made + him believe, since the King’s death, that I espoused my brother + Alencon’s party during his absence, and cemented a friendship + betwixt the King my husband and him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter8" id="letter8"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VIII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + What Happened at Lyons. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + An opportunity was diligently sought by my enemies to effect their design + of bringing about a misunderstanding betwixt my brother Alencon, the King + my husband, and me, by creating a jealousy of me in my husband, and in my + brother and husband, on account of their mutual love for Madame de Sauves. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon, the Queen my mother having retired to her closet to finish + some despatches which were likely to detain her there for some time, + Madame de Nevers, your kinswoman, Madame de Rais, another of your + relations, Bourdeille, and Surgeres asked me whether I would not wish to + see a little of the city. Whereupon Mademoiselle de Montigny, the niece of + Madame Usez, observing to us that the Abbey of St. Pierre was a beautiful + convent, we all resolved to visit it. She then begged to go with us, as + she said she had an aunt in that convent, and as it was not easy to gain + admission into it, except in the company of persons of distinction. + Accordingly, she went with us; and there being six of us, the carriage was + crowded. Over and above those I have mentioned, there was Madame de + Curton, the lady of my bedchamber, who always attended me. Liancourt, + first esquire to the King, and Camille placed themselves on the steps of + Torigni’s carriage, supporting themselves as well as they were able, + making themselves merry on the occasion, and saying they would go and see + the handsome nuns, too. I look upon it as ordered by Divine Providence + that I should have Mademoiselle de Montigny with me, who was not well + acquainted with any lady of the company, and that the two gentlemen just + mentioned, who were in the confidence of King Henri, should likewise be of + the party, as they were able to clear me of the calumny intended to be + fixed upon me. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were viewing the convent, my carriage waited for us in the + square. In the square many gentlemen belonging to the Court had their + lodgings. My carriage was easily to be distinguished, as it was gilt and + lined with yellow velvet trimmed with silver. We had not come out of the + convent when the King passed through the square on his way to see Quelus, + who was then sick. He had with him the King my husband, D’O———, + and the fat fellow Ruff. + </p> + <p> + The King, observing no one in my carriage, turned to my husband and said: + “There is your wife’s coach, and that is the house where Bide + lodges. Bide is sick, and I will engage my word she is gone upon a visit + to him. Go,” said he to Ruff, “and see whether she is not + there.” In saying this, the King addressed himself to a proper tool + for his malicious purpose, for this fellow Ruffs was entirely devoted to + Le Guast. I need not tell you he did not find me there; however, knowing + the King’s intention, he, to favour it, said loud enough for the + King my husband to hear him: “The birds have been there, but they + are now flown.” This furnished sufficient matter for conversation + until they reached home. + </p> + <p> + Upon this occasion, the King my husband displayed all the good sense and + generosity of temper for which he is remarkable. He saw through the + design, and he despised the maliciousness of it. The King my brother was + anxious to see the Queen my mother before me, to whom he imparted the + pretended discovery, and she, whether to please a son on whom she doted, + or whether she really gave credit to the story, had related it to some + ladies with much seeming anger. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards I returned with the ladies who had accompanied me to St. + Pierre’s, entirely ignorant of what had happened. I found the King + my husband in our apartments, who began to laugh on seeing me, and said: + “Go immediately to the Queen your mother, but I promise you you will + not return very well pleased.” I asked him the reason, and what had + happened. He answered: “I shall tell you nothing; but be assured of + this, that I do not give the least credit to the story, which I plainly + perceive to be fabricated in order to stir up a difference betwixt us two, + and break off the friendly intercourse between your brother and me.” + </p> + <p> + Finding I could get no further information on the subject from him, I went + to the apartment of the Queen my mother. I met M. de Guise in the + antechamber, who was not displeased at the prospect of a dissension in our + family, hoping that he might make some advantage of it. He addressed me in + these words: “I waited here expecting to see you, in order to inform + you that some ill office has been done you with the Queen.” He then + told me the story he had learned of D’O———, who, + being intimate with your kinswoman, had informed M. de Guise of it, that + he might apprise us. + </p> + <p> + I went into the Queen’s bedchamber, but did not find my mother + there. However, I saw Madame de Nemours, the rest of the princesses, and + other ladies, who all exclaimed on seeing me: “Good God! the Queen + your mother is in such a rage; we would advise you, for the present, to + keep out of her sight.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “so I would, had I been guilty of what + the King has reported; but I assure you all I am entirely innocent, and + must therefore speak with her and clear myself.” + </p> + <p> + I then went into her closet, which was separated from the bedchamber by a + slight partition only, so that our whole conversation could be distinctly + heard. She no sooner set eyes upon me than she flew into a great passion, + and said everything that the fury of her resentment suggested. I related + to her the whole truth, and begged to refer her to the company which + attended me, to the number of ten or twelve persons, desiring her not to + rely on the testimony of those more immediately about me, but examine + Mademoiselle Montigny, who did not belong to me, and Liancourt and + Camille, who were the King’s servants. + </p> + <p> + She would not hear a word I had to offer, but continued to rate me in a + furious manner; whether it was through fear, or affection for her son, or + whether she believed the story in earnest, I know not. When I observed to + her that I understood the King had done me this ill office in her opinion, + her anger was redoubled, and she endeavoured to make me believe that she + had been informed of the circumstance by one of her own valets de chambre, + who had himself seen me at the place. Perceiving that I gave no credit to + this account of the matter, she became more and more incensed against me. + </p> + <p> + All that was said was perfectly heard by those in the next room. At length + I left her closet, much chagrined; and returning to my own apartments, I + found the King my husband there, who said to me: + </p> + <p> + “Well, was it not as I told you?” + </p> + <p> + He, seeing me under great concern, desired me not to grieve about it, + adding that “Liancourt and Camille would attend the King that night + in his bedchamber, and relate the affair as it really was; and to-morrow,” + continued he, “the Queen your mother will receive you in a very + different manner.” + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur,” I replied, “I have received too gross + an affront in public to forgive those who were the occasion of it; but + that is nothing when compared with the malicious intention of causing so + heavy a misfortune to befall me as to create a variance betwixt you and + me.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said he, “God be thanked, they have failed in it.” + </p> + <p> + “For that,” answered I, “I am the more beholden to God + and your amiable disposition. However,” continued I, “we may + derive this good from it, that it ought to be a warning to us to put + ourselves upon our guard against the King’s stratagems to bring + about a disunion betwixt you and my brother, by causing a rupture betwixt + you and me.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was saying this, my brother entered the apartment, and I made + them renew their protestations of friendship. But what oaths or promises + can prevail against love! This will appear more fully in the sequel of my + story. + </p> + <p> + An Italian banker, who had concerns with my brother, came to him the next + morning, and invited him, the King my husband, myself, the princesses, and + other ladies, to partake of an entertainment in a garden belonging to him. + Having made it a constant rule, before and after I married, as long as I + remained in the Court of the Queen my mother, to go to no place without + her permission, I waited on her, at her return from mass, and asked leave + to be present at this banquet. She refused to give any leave, and said she + did not care where I went. I leave you to judge, who know my temper, + whether I was not greatly mortified at this rebuff. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were enjoying this entertainment, the King, having spoken with + Liancourt, Camille, and Mademoiselle Montigny, was apprised of the mistake + which the malice or misapprehension of Ruff had led him into. Accordingly, + he went to the Queen my mother and related the whole truth, entreating her + to remove any ill impressions that might remain with me, as he perceived + that I was not deficient in point of understanding, and feared that I + might be induced to engage in some plan of revenge. + </p> + <p> + When I returned from the banquet before mentioned, I found that what the + King my husband had foretold was come to pass; for the Queen my mother + sent for me into her back closet, which was adjoining the King’s, + and told me that she was now acquainted with the truth, and found I had + not deceived her with a false story. She had discovered, she said, that + there was not the least foundation for the report her valet de chambre had + made, and should dismiss him from her service as a bad man. As she + perceived by my looks that I saw through this disguise, she said + everything she could think of to persuade me to a belief that the King had + not mentioned it to her. She continued her arguments, and I still appeared + incredulous. At length the King entered the closet, and made many + apologies, declaring he had been imposed on, and assuring me of his most + cordial friendship and esteem; and thus matters were set to rights again. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter9" id="letter9"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IX. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Fresh Intrigues.—Marriage of Henri III.—Bussi Arrives at + Court and Narrowly Escapes Assassination. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + After staying some time at Lyons, we went to Avignon. Le Guast, not daring + to hazard any fresh imposture, and finding that my conduct afforded no + ground for jealousy on the part of my husband, plainly perceived that he + could not, by that means, bring about a misunderstanding betwixt my + brother and the King my husband. He therefore resolved to try what he + could effect through Madame de Sauves. In order to do this, he obtained + such an influence over her that she acted entirely as he directed; + insomuch that, by his artful instructions, the passion which these young + men had conceived, hitherto wavering and cold, as is generally the case at + their time of life, became of a sudden so violent that ambition and every + obligation of duty were at once absorbed by their attentions to this + woman. + </p> + <p> + This occasioned such a jealousy betwixt them that, though her favours were + divided with M. de Guise, Le Guast, De Souvray, and others, any one of + whom she preferred to the brothers-in-law, such was the infatuation of + these last, that each considered the other as his only rival. + </p> + <p> + To carry on De Guast’s sinister designs, this woman persuaded the + King my husband that I was jealous of her, and on that account it was that + I joined with my brother. As we are ready to give ear and credit to those + we love, he believed all she said. From this time he became distant and + reserved towards me, shunning my presence as much as possible; whereas, + before, he was open and communicative to me as to a sister, well knowing + that I yielded to his pleasure in all things, and was far from harbouring + jealousy of any kind. + </p> + <p> + What I had dreaded, I now perceived had come to pass. This was the loss of + his favour and good opinion; to preserve which I had studied to gain his + confidence by a ready compliance with his wishes, well knowing that + mistrust is the sure forerunner of hatred. + </p> + <p> + I now turned my mind to an endeavour to wean my brother’s affection + from Madame de Sauves, in order to counterplot Le Guast in his design to + bring about a division, and thereby to effect our ruin. I used every means + with my brother to divert his passion; but the fascination was too strong, + and my pains proved ineffectual. In anything else, my brother would have + suffered himself to be ruled by me; but the charms of this Circe, aided by + that sorcerer, Le Guast, were too powerful to be dissolved by my advice. + So far was he from profiting by my counsel that he was weak enough to + communicate it to her. So blind are lovers! + </p> + <p> + Her vengeance was excited by this communication, and she now entered more + fully into the designs of Le Guast. In consequence, she used all her art + to, make the King my husband conceive an aversion for me; insomuch that he + scarcely ever spoke with me. He left her late at night, and, to prevent + our meeting in the morning, she directed him to come to her at the Queen’s + levee, which she duly attended; after which he passed the rest of the day + with her. My brother likewise followed her with the greatest assiduity, + and she had the artifice to make each of them think that he alone had any + place in her esteem. Thus was a jealousy kept up betwixt them, and, in + consequence, disunion and mutual ruin. + </p> + <p> + We made a considerable stay at Avignon, whence we proceeded through + Burgundy and Champagne to Rheims, where the King’s marriage was + celebrated. From Rheims we came to Paris, things going on in their usual + train, and Le Guast prosecuting his designs, with all the success he could + wish. At Paris my brother was joined by Bussi, whom he received with all + the favour which his bravery merited. He was inseparable from my brother, + in consequence of which I frequently saw him, for my brother and I were + always together, his household being equally at my devotion as if it were + my own. Your aunt, remarking this harmony betwixt us, has often told me + that it called to her recollection the times of my uncle, M. d’Orleans, + and my aunt, Madame de Savoie. + </p> + <p> + Le Guast thought this a favourable circumstance to complete his design. + Accordingly, he suggested to Madame de Sauves to make my husband believe + that it was on account of Bussi that I frequented my brother’s + apartments so constantly. + </p> + <p> + The King my husband, being fully informed of all my proceedings from + persons in his service who attended me everywhere, could not be induced to + lend an ear to this story. Le Guast, finding himself foiled in this + quarter, applied to the King, who was well inclined to listen to the tale, + on account of his dislike to my brother and me, whose friendship for each + other was unpleasing to him. + </p> + <p> + Besides this, he was incensed against Bussi, who, being formerly attached + to him, had now devoted himself wholly to my brother,—an acquisition + which, on account of the celebrity of Bussi’s fame for parts and + valour, redounded greatly to my brother’s honour, whilst it + increased the malice and envy of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p088j" id="p088j"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p088j.jpg (67K)" src="images/p088j.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The King, thus worked upon by Le Guast, mentioned it to the Queen my + mother, thinking it would have the same effect on her as the tale which + was trumped up at Lyons. But she, seeing through the whole design, showed + him the improbability of the story, adding that he must have some wicked + people about him, who could put such notions in his head, observing that I + was very unfortunate to have fallen upon such evil times. “In my + younger days,” said she, “we were allowed to converse freely + with all the gentlemen who belonged to the King our father, the Dauphin, + and M. d’Orleans, your uncles. It was common for them to assemble in + the bedchamber of Madame Marguerite, your aunt, as well as in mine, and + nothing was thought of it. Neither ought it to appear strange that Bussi + sees my daughter in the presence of her husband’s servants. They are + not shut up together. Bussi is a person of quality, and holds the first + place in your brother’s family. What grounds are there for such a + calumny? At Lyons you caused me to offer her an affront, which I fear she + will never forget.” + </p> + <p> + The King was astonished to hear his mother talk in this manner, and + interrupted her with saying: + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I only relate what I have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “But who is it,” answered she, “that tells you all this? + I fear no one that intends you any good, but rather one that wishes to + create divisions amongst you all.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the King had left her she told me all that had passed, and + said: “You are unfortunate to live in these times.” Then + calling your aunt, Madame de Dampierre, they entered into a discourse + concerning the pleasures and innocent freedoms of the times they had seen, + when scandal and malevolence were unknown at Court. + </p> + <p> + Le Guast, finding this plot miscarry, was not long in contriving another. + He addressed himself for this purpose to certain gentlemen who attended + the King my husband. These had been formerly the friends of Bussi, but, + envying the glory he had obtained, were now become his enemies. Under the + mask of zeal for their master, they disguised the envy, which they + harboured in their breasts. They entered into a design of assassinating + Bussi as he left my brother to go to his own lodgings, which was generally + at a late hour. They knew that he was always accompanied home by fifteen + or sixteen gentlemen, belonging to my brother, and that, notwithstanding + he wore no sword, having been lately wounded in the right arm, his + presence was sufficient to inspire the rest with courage. + </p> + <p> + In order, therefore, to make sure work, they resolved on attacking him + with two or three hundred men, thinking that night would throw a veil over + the disgrace of such an assassination. + </p> + <p> + Le Guast, who commanded a regiment of guards, furnished the requisite + number of men, whom he disposed in five or six divisions, in the street + through which he was to pass. Their orders were to put out the torches and + flambeaux, and then to fire their pieces, after which they were to charge + his company, observing particularly to attack one who had his right arm + slung in a scarf. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately they escaped the intended massacre, and, fighting their way + through, reached Bussi’s lodgings, one gentleman only being killed, + who was particularly attached to M. de Bussi, and who was probably + mistaken for him, as he had his arm likewise slung in a scarf. + </p> + <p> + An Italian gentleman, who belonged to my brother, left them at the + beginning of the attack, and came running back to the Louvre. As soon as + he reached my brother’s chamber door, he cried out aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Busai is assassinated!” My brother was going out, but I, + hearing the cry of assassination, left my chamber, by good fortune not + being undressed, and stopped my brother. I then sent for the Queen my + mother to come with all haste in order to prevent him from going out, as + he was resolved to do, regardless of what might happen. It was with + difficulty we could stay him, though the Queen my mother represented the + hazard he ran from the darkness of the night, and his ignorance of the + nature of the attack, which might have been purposely designed by Le Guast + to take away his life. Her entreaties and persuasions would have been of + little avail if she had not used her authority to order all the doors to + be barred, and taken the resolution of remaining where she was until she + had learned what had really happened. + </p> + <p> + Bussi, whom God had thus miraculously preserved, with that presence of + mind which he was so remarkable for in time of battle and the most + imminent danger, considering within himself when he reached home the + anxiety of his master’s mind should he have received any false + report, and fearing he might expose himself to hazard upon the first alarm + being given (which certainly would have been the case, if my mother had + not interfered and prevented it), immediately despatched one of his people + to let him know every circumstance. + </p> + <p> + The next day Busai showed himself at the Louvre without the least dread of + enemies, as if what had happened had been merely the attack of a + tournament. My brother exhibited much pleasure at the sight of Busai, but + expressed great resentment at such a daring attempt to deprive him of so + brave and valuable a servant, a man whom Le Guast durst not attack in any + other way than by a base assassination. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter10" id="letter10"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER X. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Bussi Is Sent from Court.—Marguerite’s Husband Attacked with + a Fit of Epilepsy.—Her Great Care of Him.—Torigni Dismissed + from Marguerite’s Service.—The King of Navarre and the Duc d’Alencon + Secretly Leave the Court. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The Queen my mother, a woman endowed with the greatest prudence and + foresight of any one I ever knew, apprehensive of evil consequences from + this affair, and fearing a dissension betwixt her two sons, advised my + brother to fall upon some pretence for sending Bussi away from Court. In + this advice I joined her, and, through our united counsel and request, my + brother was prevailed upon to give his consent. I had every reason to + suppose that Le Guast would take advantage of the reencounter to foment + the coolness which already existed betwixt my brother and the King my + husband into an open rupture. Bussi, who implicitly followed my brother’s + directions in everything, departed with a company of the bravest noblemen + that were about the latter’s person. + </p> + <p> + Bussi was now removed from the machinations of Le Guast, who likewise + failed in accomplishing a design he had long projected,—to disunite + the King my husband and me. + </p> + <p> + One night my husband was attacked with a fit, and continued insensible for + the space of an hour,—occasioned, I supposed, by his excesses with + women, for I never knew anything of the kind to happen to him before. + However, as it was my duty so to do, I attended him with so much care and + assiduity that, when he recovered, he spoke of it to every one, declaring + that, if I had not perceived his indisposition and called for the help of + my women, he should not have survived the fit. + </p> + <p> + From this time he treated me with more kindness, and the cordiality + betwixt my brother and him was again revived, as if I had been the point + of union at which they were to meet, or the cement that joined them + together. + </p> + <p> + Le Guast was now at his wit’s end for some fresh contrivance to + breed disunion in the Court. + </p> + <p> + He had lately persuaded the King to remove from about the person of the + Queen-consort a princess of the greatest virtue and most amiable + qualities, a female attendant of the name of Changi, for whom the Queen + entertained a particular esteem, as having been brought up with her. Being + successful in this measure, he now thought of making the King my husband + send away Torigni, whom I greatly regarded. + </p> + <p> + The argument he used with the King was, that young princesses ought to + have no favourites about them. + </p> + <p> + The King, yielding to this man’s persuasions, spoke of it to my + husband, who observed that it would be a matter that would greatly + distress me; that if I had an esteem for Torigni it was not without cause, + as she had been brought up with the Queen of Spain and me from our + infancy; that, moreover, Torigni was a young lady of good understanding, + and had been of great use to him during his confinement at Vincennes; that + it would be the greatest ingratitude in him to overlook services of such a + nature, and that he remembered well when his Majesty had expressed the + same sentiments. + </p> + <p> + Thus did he defend himself against the performance of so ungrateful an + action. However, the King listened only to the arguments of Le Guast, and + told my husband that he should have no more love for him if he did not + remove Torigni from about me the very next morning. + </p> + <p> + He was forced to comply, greatly contrary to his will, and, as he has + since declared to me, with much regret. Joining entreaties to commands, he + laid his injunctions on me accordingly. + </p> + <p> + How displeasing this separation was I plainly discovered by the many tears + I shed on receiving his orders. It was in vain to represent to him the + injury done to my character by the sudden removal of one who had been with + me from my earliest years, and was so greatly, in my esteem and + confidence; he could not give an ear to my reasons, being firmly bound by + the promise he had made to the King. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Torigni left me that very day, and went to the house of a + relation, M. Chastelas. I was so greatly offended with this fresh + indignity, after so many of the kind formerly received, that I could not + help yielding to resentment; and my grief and concern getting the upper + hand of my prudence, I exhibited a great coolness and indifference towards + my husband. Le Guast and Madame de Sauves were successful in creating a + like indifference on his part, which, coinciding with mine, separated us + altogether, and we neither spoke to each other nor slept in the same bed. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this, some faithful servants about the person of the King + my husband remarked to him the plot which had been concerted with so much + artifice to lead him to his ruin, by creating a division, first betwixt + him and my brother, and next betwixt him and me, thereby separating him + from those in whom only he could hope for his principal support. They + observed to him that already matters were brought to such a pass that the + King showed little regard for him, and even appeared to despise him. + </p> + <p> + They afterwards addressed themselves to my brother, whose situation was + not in the least mended since the departure of Bussi, Le Guast causing + fresh indignities to be offered him daily. They represented to him that + the King my husband and he were both circumstanced alike, and equally in + disgrace, as Le Guast had everything under his direction; so that both of + them were under the necessity of soliciting, through him, any favours + which they might want of the King, and which, when demanded, were + constantly refused them with great contempt. Moreover, it was become + dangerous to offer them service, as it was inevitable ruin for any one to + do so. + </p> + <p> + “Since, then,” said they, “your dissensions appear to be + so likely to prove fatal to both, it would be advisable in you both to + unite and come to a determination of leaving the Court; and, after + collecting together your friends and servants, to require from the King an + establishment suitable to your ranks.” They observed to my brother + that he had never yet been put in possession of his appanage, and received + for his subsistence only some certain allowances, which were not regularly + paid him, as they passed through the hands of Le Guast, and were at his + disposal, to be discharged or kept back, as he judged proper. They + concluded with observing that, with regard to the King my husband, the + government of Guyenne was taken out of his hands; neither was he permitted + to visit that or any other of his dominions. + </p> + <p> + It was hereupon resolved to pursue the counsel now given, and that the + King my husband and my brother should immediately withdraw themselves from + Court. My brother made me acquainted with this resolution, observing to + me, as my husband and he were now friends again, that I ought to forget + all that had passed; that my husband had declared to him that he was sorry + things had so happened, that we had been outwitted by our enemies, but + that he was resolved, from henceforward, to show me every attention and + give me every proof of his love and esteem, and he concluded with begging + me to make my husband every show of affection, and to be watchful for + their interest during their absence. + </p> + <p> + It was concerted betwixt them that my brother should depart first, making + off in a carriage in the best manner he could; that, in a few days + afterwards, the King my husband should follow, under pretence of going on + a hunting party. They both expressed their concern that they could not + take me with them, assuring me that I had no occasion to have any + apprehensions, as it would soon appear that they had no design to disturb + the peace of the kingdom, but merely to ensure the safety of their own + persons, and to settle their establishments. In short, it might well be + supposed that, in their present situation, they had danger to themselves + from such reason to apprehend as had evil designs against their family. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, as soon as it was dusk, and before the King’s + supper-time, my brother changed his cloak, and concealing the lower part + of his face to his nose in it, left the palace, attended by a servant who + was little known, and went on foot to the gate of St. Honore, where he + found Simier waiting for him in a coach, borrowed of a lady for the + purpose. + </p> + <p> + My brother threw himself into it, and went to a house about a quarter of a + league out of Paris, where horses were stationed ready; and at the + distance of about a league farther, he joined a party of two or three + hundred horsemen of his servants, who were awaiting his coming. My brother + was not missed till nine o’clock, when the King and the Queen my + mother asked me the reason he did not come to sup with them as usual, and + if I knew of his being indisposed. I told them I had not seen him since + noon. Thereupon they sent to his apartments. Word was brought back that he + was not there. Orders were then given to inquire at the apartments of the + ladies whom he was accustomed to visit. He was nowhere to be found. There + was now a general alarm. The King flew into a great passion, and began to + threaten me. He then sent for all the Princes and the great officers of + the Court; and giving orders for a pursuit to be made, and to bring him + back, dead or alive, cried out: + </p> + <p> + “He is gone to make war against me; but I will show him what it is + to contend with a king of my power.” + </p> + <p> + Many of the Princes and officers of State remonstrated against these + orders, which they observed ought to be well weighed. They said that, as + their duty directed, they were willing to venture their lives in the King’s + service; but to act against his brother they were certain would not be + pleasing to the King himself; that they were well convinced his brother + would undertake nothing that should give his Majesty displeasure, or be + productive of danger to the realm; that perhaps his leaving the Court was + owing to some disgust, which it would be more advisable to send and + inquire into. Others, on the contrary, were for putting the King’s + orders into execution; but, whatever expedition they could use, it was day + before they set off; and as it was then too late to overtake my brother, + they returned, being only equipped for the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + I was in tears the whole night of my brother’s departure, and the + next day was seized with a violent cold, which was succeeded by a fever + that confined me to my bed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile my husband was preparing for his departure, which took up all + the time he could spare from his visits to Madame de Sauves; so that he + did not think of me. He returned as usual at two or three in the morning, + and, as we had separate beds, I seldom heard him; and in the morning, + before I was awake, he went to my mother’s levee, where he met + Madame de Sauves, as usual. + </p> + <p> + This being the case, he quite forgot his promise to my brother of speaking + to me; and when he went, away, it was without taking leave of me. + </p> + <p> + The King did not show my husband more favour after my brother’s + evasion, but continued to behave with his former coolness. This the more + confirmed him in the resolution of leaving the Court, so that in a few + days, under the pretence of hunting, he went away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter11" id="letter11"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XI. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Queen Marguerite under Arrest.—Attempt on Torigni’s Life.—Her + Fortunate Deliverance. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The King, supposing that I was a principal instrument in aiding the + Princes in their desertion, was greatly incensed against me, and his rage + became at length so violent that, had not the Queen my mother moderated + it, I am inclined to think my life had been in danger. Giving way to her + counsel, he became more calm, but insisted upon a guard being placed over + me, that I might not follow the King my husband, neither have + communication with any one, so as to give the Princes intelligence of what + was going on at Court. The Queen my mother gave her consent to this + measure, as being the least violent, and was well pleased to find his + anger cooled in so great a degree. She, however, requested that she might + be permitted to discourse with me, in order to reconcile me to a + submission to treatment of so different a kind from what I had hitherto + known. At the same time she advised the King to consider that these + troubles might not be lasting; that everything in the world bore a double + aspect; that what now appeared to him horrible and alarming, might, upon a + second view, assume a more pleasing and tranquil look; that, as things + changed, so should measures change with them; that there might come a time + when he might have occasion for my services; that, as prudence counselled + us not to repose too much confidence in our friends, lest they should one + day become our enemies, so was it advisable to conduct ourselves in such a + manner to our enemies as if we had hopes they should hereafter become our + friends. By such prudent remonstrances did the Queen my mother restrain + the King from proceeding to extremities with me, as he would otherwise + possibly have done. + </p> + <p> + Le Guast now endeavoured to divert his fury to another object, in order to + wound me in a most sensitive part. He prevailed on the King to adopt a + design for seizing Torigni, at the house of her cousin Chastelas, and, + under pretence of bringing her before the King, to drown her in a river + which they were to cross. The party sent upon this errand was admitted by + Chastelas, not suspecting any evil design, without the least difficulty, + into his house. As soon as they had gained admission they proceeded to + execute the cruel business they were sent upon, by fastening Torigni with + cords and locking her up in a chamber, whilst their horses were baiting. + Meantime, according to the French custom, they crammed themselves, like + gluttons, with the best eatables the house afforded. + </p> + <p> + Chastelas, who was a man of discretion, was not displeased to gain time at + the expense of some part of his substance, considering that the suspension + of a sentence is a prolongation of life, and that during this respite the + King’s heart might relent, and he might countermand his former + orders. With these considerations he was induced to submit, though it was + in his power to have called for assistance to repel this violence. But + God, who hath constantly regarded my afflictions and afforded me + protection against the malicious designs of my enemies, was pleased to + order poor Torigni to be delivered by means which I could never have + devised had I been acquainted with the plot, of which I was totally + ignorant. Several of the domestics, male as well as female, had left the + house in a fright, fearing the insolence and rude treatment of this troop + of soldiers, who behaved as riotously as if they were in a house given up + to pillage. Some of these, at the distance of a quarter of a league from + the house, by God’s providence, fell in with Ferte and Avantigni, at + the head of their troops, in number about two hundred horse, on their + march to join my brother. Ferte, remarking a labourer, whom he knew to + belong to Chastelas, apparently in great distress, inquired of him what + was the matter, and whether he had been ill-used by any of the soldiery. + The man related to him all he knew, and in what state he had left his + master’s house. Hereupon Ferte and Avantigni resolved, out of regard + to me, to effect Torigni’s deliverance, returning thanks to God for + having afforded them so favourable an opportunity of testifying the + respect they had always entertained towards me. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, they proceeded to the house with all expedition, and arrived + just at the moment these soldiers were setting Torigni on horseback, for + the purpose of conveying her to the river wherein they had orders to + plunge her. Galloping into the courtyard, sword in hand, they cried out: + “Assassins, if you dare to offer that lady the least injury, you are + dead men!” So saying, they attacked them and drove them to flight, + leaving their prisoner behind, nearly as dead with joy as she was before + with fear and apprehension. After returning thanks to God and her + deliverers for so opportune and unexpected a rescue, she and her cousin + Chastelas set off in a carriage, under the escort of their rescuers, and + joined my brother, who, since he could not have me with him, was happy to + have one so dear to me about him. She remained under my brother’s + protection as long as any danger was apprehended, and was treated with as + much respect as if she had been with me. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the King was giving directions for this notable expedition, for the + purpose of sacrificing Torigni to his vengeance, the Queen my mother, who + had not received the least intimation of it, came to my apartment as I was + dressing to go abroad, in order to observe how I should be received after + what had passed at Court, having still some alarms on account of my + husband and brother. I had hitherto confined myself to my chamber, not + having perfectly recovered my health, and, in reality, being all the time + as much indisposed in mind as in body. + </p> + <p> + My mother, perceiving my intention, addressed me in these words: “My + child, you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble in dressing to go + abroad. Do not be alarmed at what I am going to tell you. Your own good + sense will dictate to you that you ought not to be surprised if the King + resents the conduct of your brother and husband, and as he knows the love + and friendship that exist between you three, should suppose that you were + privy to their design of leaving the Court. He has, for this reason, + resolved to detain you in it, as a hostage for them. He is sensible how + much you are beloved by your husband, and thinks he can hold no pledge + that is more dear to him. On this account it is that the King has ordered + his guards to be placed, with directions not to suffer you to leave your + apartments. He has done this with the advice of his counsellors, by whom + it was suggested that, if you had your free liberty, you might be induced + to advise your brother and husband of their deliberations. I beg you will + not be offended with these measures, which, if it so please God, may not + be of long continuance. I beg, moreover, you will not be displeased with + me if I do not pay you frequent visits, as I should be unwilling to create + any suspicions in the King’s mind. However, you may rest assured + that I shall prevent any further steps from being taken that may prove + disagreeable to you, and that I shall use my utmost endeavours to bring + about a reconciliation betwixt your brothers.” + </p> + <p> + I represented to her, in reply, the great indignity that was offered to me + by putting me under arrest; that it was true my brother had all along + communicated to me the just cause he had to be dissatisfied, but that, + with respect to the King my husband, from the time Torigni was taken from + me we had not spoken to each other; neither had he visited me during my + indisposition, nor did he even take leave of me when he left Court. + “This,” says she, “is nothing at all; it is merely a + trifling difference betwixt man and wife, which a few sweet words, + conveyed in a letter, will set to rights. When, by such means, he has + regained your affections, he has only to write to you to come to him, and + you will set off at the very first opportunity. Now, this is what the King + my son wishes to prevent.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter12" id="letter12"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The Peace of Sens betwixt Henri III. and the Huguenots. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The Queen my mother left me, saying these words. For my part, I remained a + close prisoner, without a visit from a single person, none of my most + intimate friends daring to come near me, through the apprehension that + such a step might prove injurious to their interests. Thus it is ever in + Courts. Adversity is solitary, while prosperity dwells in a crowd; the + object of persecution being sure to be shunned by his nearest friends and + dearest connections. The brave Grillon was the only one who ventured to + visit me, at the hazard of incurring disgrace. He came five or six times + to see me, and my guards were so much astonished at his resolution, and + awed by his presence, that not a single Cerberus of them all would venture + to refuse him entrance to my apartments. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the King my husband reached the States under his government. + Being joined there by his friends and dependents, they all represented to + him the indignity offered to me by his quitting the Court without taking + leave of me. They observed to him that I was a princess of good + understanding, and that it would be for his interest to regain my esteem; + that, when matters were put on their former footing, he might derive to + himself great advantage from my presence at Court. Now that he was at a + distance from his Circe, Madame de Sauves, he could listen to good advice. + Absence having abated the force of her charms, his eyes were opened; he + discovered the plots and machinations of our enemies, and clearly + perceived that a rupture could not but tend to the ruin of us both. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, he wrote me a very affectionate letter, wherein he entreated + me to forget all that had passed betwixt us, assuring me that from + thenceforth he would ever love me, and would give me every demonstration + that he did so, desiring me to inform him of what was going on at Court, + and how it fared with me and my brother. My brother was in Champagne and + the King my husband in Gascony, and there had been no communication + betwixt them, though they were on terms of friendship. + </p> + <p> + I received this letter during my imprisonment, and it gave me great + comfort under that situation. Although my guards had strict orders not to + permit me to set pen to paper, yet, as necessity is said to be the mother + of invention, I found means to write many letters to him. Some few days + after I had been put under arrest, my brother had intelligence of it, + which chagrined him so much that, had not the love of his country + prevailed with him, the effects of his resentment would have been shown in + a cruel civil war, to which purpose he had a sufficient force entirely at + his devotion. He was, however, withheld by his patriotism, and contented + himself with writing to the Queen my mother, informing her that, if I was + thus treated, he should be driven upon some desperate measure. She, + fearing the consequence of an open rupture, and dreading lest, if blows + were once struck, she should be deprived of the power of bringing about a + reconciliation betwixt the brothers, represented the consequences to the + King, and found him well disposed to lend an ear to her reasons, as his + anger was now cooled by the apprehensions of being attacked in Gascony, + Dauphiny, Languedoc, and Poitou, with all the strength of the Huguenots + under the King my husband. Besides the many strong places held by the + Huguenots, my brother had an army with him in Champagne, composed chiefly + of nobility, the bravest and best in France. The King found, since my + brother’s departure, that he could not, either by threats or + rewards, induce a single person among the princes and great lords to act + against him, so much did every one fear to intermeddle in this quarrel, + which they considered as of a family nature; and after having maturely + reflected on his situation, he acquiesced in my mother’s opinion, + and begged her to fall upon some means of reconciliation. She thereupon + proposed going to my brother and taking me with her. To the measure of + taking me, the King had an objection, as he considered me as the hostage + for my husband and brother. She then agreed to leave me behind, and set + off without my knowledge of the matter. At their interview, my brother + represented to the Queen my mother that he could not but be greatly + dissatisfied with the King after the many mortifications he had received + at Court; that the cruelty and injustice of confining me hurt him equally + as if done to himself; observing, moreover, that, as if my arrest were not + a sufficient mortification, poor Torigni must be made to suffer; and + concluding with the declaration of his firm resolution not to listen to + any terms of peace until I was restored to my liberty, and reparation made + me for the indignity I had sustained. The Queen my mother being unable to + obtain any other answer, returned to Court and acquainted the King with my + brother’s determination. Her advice was to go back again with me, + for going without me, she said, would answer very little purpose; and if I + went with her in disgust, it would do more harm than good. Besides, there + was reason to fear, in that case, I should insist upon going to my + husband. “In short,” says she, “my daughter’s + guard must be removed, and she must be satisfied in the best way we can.” + </p> + <p> + The King agreed to follow her advice, and was now, on a sudden, as eager + to reconcile matters betwixt us as she was herself. Hereupon I was sent + for, and when I came to her, she informed me that she had paved the way + for peace; that it was for the good of the State, which she was sensible I + must be as desirous to promote as my brother; that she had it now in her + power to make a peace which would be as satisfactory as my brother could + desire, and would put us entirely out of the reach of Le Guast’s + machinations, or those of any one else who might have an influence over + the King’s mind. She observed that, by assisting her to procure a + good understanding betwixt the King and my brother, I should relieve her + from that cruel disquietude under which she at present laboured, as, + should things come to an open rupture, she could not but be grieved, + whichever party prevailed, as they were both her sons. She therefore + expressed her hopes that I would forget the injuries I had received, and + dispose myself to concur in a peace, rather than join in any plan of + revenge. She assured me that the King was sorry for what had happened; + that he had even expressed his regret to her with tears in his eyes, and + had declared that he was ready to give me every satisfaction. I replied + that I was willing to sacrifice everything for the good of my brothers and + of the State; that I wished for nothing so much as peace, and that I would + exert myself to the utmost to bring it about. + </p> + <p> + As I uttered these words, the King came into the closet, and, with a + number of fine speeches, endeavoured to soften my resentment and to + recover my friendship, to which I made such returns as might show him I + harboured no ill-will for the injuries I had received. I was induced to + such behaviour rather out of contempt, and because it was good policy to + let the King go away satisfied with me. + </p> + <p> + Besides, I had found a secret pleasure, during my confinement, from the + perusal of good books, to which I had given myself up with a delight I + never before experienced. I consider this as an obligation I owe to + fortune, or, rather, to Divine Providence, in order to prepare me, by such + efficacious means, to bear up against the misfortunes and calamities that + awaited me. By tracing nature in the universal book which is opened to all + mankind, I was led to the knowledge of the Divine Author. Science conducts + us, step by step, through the whole range of creation, until we arrive, at + length, at God. Misfortune prompts us to summon our utmost strength to + oppose grief and recover tranquillity, until at length we find a powerful + aid in the knowledge and love of God, whilst prosperity hurries us away + until we are overwhelmed by our passions. My captivity and its consequent + solitude afforded me the double advantage of exciting a passion for study, + and an inclination for devotion, advantages I had never experienced during + the vanities and splendour of my prosperity. + </p> + <p> + As I have already observed, the King, discovering in me no signs of + discontent, informed me that the Queen my mother was going into Champagne + to have an interview with my brother, in order to bring about a peace, and + begged me to accompany her thither and to use my best endeavours to + forward his views, as he knew my brother was always well disposed to + follow my counsel; and he concluded with saying that the peace, when + accomplished, he should ever consider as being due to my good offices, and + should esteem himself obliged to me for it. I promised to exert myself in + so good a work, which I plainly perceived was both for my brother’s + advantage and the benefit of the State. + </p> + <p> + The Queen my mother and I set off for Sens the next day. The conference + was agreed to be held in a gentleman’s chateau, at a distance of + about a league from that place. My brother was waiting for us, accompanied + by a small body of troops and the principal Catholic noblemen and princes + of his army. Amongst these were the Duc Casimir and Colonel Poux, who had + brought him six thousand German horse, raised by the Huguenots, they + having joined my brother, as the King my husband and he acted in + conjunction. + </p> + <p> + The treaty was continued for several days, the conditions of peace + requiring much discussion, especially such articles of it as related to + religion. With respect to these, when at length agreed upon, they were too + much to the advantage of the Huguenots, as it appeared afterwards, to be + kept; but the Queen my mother gave in to them, in order to have a peace, + and that the German cavalry before mentioned might be disbanded. She was, + moreover, desirous to get my brother out of the hands of the Huguenots; + and he was himself as willing to leave them, being always a very good + Catholic, and joining the Huguenots only through necessity. One condition + of the peace was, that my brother should have a suitable establishment. My + brother likewise stipulated for me, that my marriage portion should be + assigned in lands, and M. de Beauvais, a commissioner on his part, + insisted much upon it. My mother, however, opposed it, and persuaded me to + join her in it, assuring me that I should obtain from the King all I could + require. Thereupon I begged I might not be included in the articles of + peace, observing that I would rather owe whatever I was to receive to the + particular favour of the King and the Queen my mother, and should, + besides, consider it as more secure when obtained by such means. + </p> + <p> + The peace being thus concluded and ratified on both sides, the Queen my + mother prepared to return. At this instant I received letters from the + King my husband, in which he expressed a great desire to see me, begging + me, as soon as peace was agreed on, to ask leave to go to him. I + communicated my husband’s wish to the Queen my mother, and added my + own entreaties. She expressed herself greatly averse to such a measure, + and used every argument to set me against it. She observed that, when I + refused her proposal of a divorce after St. Bartholomew’s Day, she + gave way to my refusal, and commended me for it, because my husband was + then converted to the Catholic religion; but now that he had abjured + Catholicism, and was turned Huguenot again, she could not give her consent + that I should go to him. When I still insisted upon going, she burst into + a flood of tears, and said, if I did not return with her, it would prove + her ruin; that the King would believe it was her doing; that she had + promised to bring me back with her; and that, when my brother returned to + Court, which would be soon, she would give her consent. + </p> + <p> + We now returned to Paris, and found the King well satisfied that we had + made a peace; though not, however, pleased with the articles concluded in + favour of the Huguenots. He therefore resolved within himself, as soon as + my brother should return to Court, to find some pretext for renewing the + war. These advantageous conditions were, indeed, only granted the + Huguenots to get my brother out of their hands, who was detained near two + months, being employed in disbanding his German horse and the rest of his + army. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p118j" id="p118j"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p118j.jpg (70K)" src="images/p118j.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter13" id="letter13"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The League.—War Declared against the Huguenots.—Queen + Marguerite Sets out for Spa. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + At length my brother returned to Court, accompanied by all the Catholic + nobility who had followed his fortunes. The King received him very + graciously, and showed, by his reception of him, how much he was pleased + at his return. Bussi, who returned with my brother, met likewise with a + gracious reception. Le Guast was now no more, having died under the + operation of a particular regimen ordered for him by his physician. He had + given himself up to every kind of debauchery; and his death seemed the + judgment of the Almighty on one whose body had long been perishing, and + whose soul had been made over to the prince of demons as the price of + assistance through the means of diabolical magic, which he constantly + practised. The King, though now without this instrument of his malicious + contrivances, turned his thoughts entirely upon the destruction of the + Huguenots. To effect this, he strove to engage my brother against them, + and thereby make them his enemies and that I might be considered as + another enemy, he used every means to prevent me from going to the King my + husband. Accordingly he showed every mark of attention to both of us, and + manifested an inclination to gratify all our wishes. + </p> + <p> + After some time, M. de Duras arrived at Court, sent by the King my husband + to hasten my departure. Hereupon, I pressed the King greatly to think well + of it, and give me his leave. He, to colour his refusal, told me he could + not part with me at present, as I was the chief ornament of his Court; + that he must, keep me a little longer, after which he would accompany me + himself on my way as far as Poitiers. With this answer and assurance, he + sent M. de Duras back. These excuses were purposely framed in order to + gain time until everything was prepared for declaring war against the + Huguenots, and, in consequence, against the King my husband, as he fully + designed to do. + </p> + <p> + As a pretence to break with the Huguenots, a report was spread abroad that + the Catholics were dissatisfied with the Peace of Sens, and thought the + terms of it too advantageous for the Huguenots. This rumour succeeded, and + produced all that discontent amongst the Catholics intended by it. A + league was formed: in the provinces and great cities, which was joined by + numbers of the Catholics. M. de Guise was named as the head of all. This + was well known to the King, who pretended to be ignorant of what was going + forward, though nothing else was talked of at Court. + </p> + <p> + The States were convened to meet at Blois. Previous to the opening of this + assembly, the King called my brother to his closet, where were present the + Queen my mother and some of the King’s counsellors. He represented + the great consequence the Catholic league was to his State and authority, + even though they should appoint De Guise as the head of it; that such a + measure was of the highest importance to them both, meaning my brother and + himself; that the Catholics had very just reason to be dissatisfied with + the peace, and that it behoved him, addressing himself to my brother, + rather to join the Catholics than the Huguenots, and this from conscience + as well as interest. He concluded his address to my brother with conjuring + him, as a son of France and a good Catholic, to assist him with his aid + and counsel in this critical juncture, when his crown and the Catholic + religion were both at stake. He further said that, in order to get the + start of so formidable a league, he ought to form one himself, and become + the head of it, as well to show his zeal for religion as to prevent the + Catholics from uniting under any other leader. He then proposed to declare + himself the head of a league, which should be joined by my brother, the + princes, nobles, governors, and others holding offices under the + Government. Thus was my brother reduced to the necessity of making his + Majesty a tender of his services for the support and maintenance of the + Catholic religion. + </p> + <p> + The King, having now obtained assurances of my brother’s assistance + in the event of a war, which was his sole view in the league which he had + formed with so much art, assembled together the princes and chief noblemen + of his Court, and, calling for the roll of the league, signed it first + himself, next calling upon my brother to sign it, and, lastly, upon all + present. + </p> + <p> + The next day the States opened their meeting, when the King, calling upon + the Bishops of Lyons, Ambrune, Vienne, and other prelates there present, + for their advice, was told that, after the oath taken at his coronation, + no oath made to heretics could bind him, and therefore he was absolved + from his engagements with the Huguenots. + </p> + <p> + This declaration being made at the opening of the assembly, and war + declared against the Huguenots, the King abruptly dismissed from Court the + Huguenot, Genisac, who had arrived a few days before, charged by the King + my husband with a commission to hasten my departure. The King very sharply + told him that his sister had been given to a Catholic, and not to a + Huguenot; and that if the King my husband expected to have me, he must + declare himself a Catholic. + </p> + <p> + Every preparation for war was made, and nothing else talked of at Court; + and, to make my brother still more obnoxious to the Huguenots, he had the + command of an army given him. Genisac came and informed me of the rough + message he had been dismissed with. Hereupon I went directly to the closet + of the Queen my mother, where I found the King. I expressed my resentment + at being deceived by him, and at being cajoled by his promise to accompany + me from Paris to Poitiers, which, as it now appeared, was a mere pretence. + I represented that I did not marry by my own choice, but entirely + agreeable to the advice of King Charles, the Queen my mother, and himself; + that, since they had given him to me for a husband, they ought not to + hinder me from partaking of his fortunes; that I was resolved to go to + him, and that if I had not their leave, I would get away how I could, even + at the hazard of my life. The King answered: “Sister, it is not now + a time to importune me for leave. I acknowledge that I have, as you say, + hitherto prevented you from going, in order to forbid it altogether. From + the time the King of Navarre changed his religion, and again became a + Huguenot, I have been against your going to him. What the Queen my mother + and I are doing is for your good. I am determined to carry on a war of + extermination until this wretched religion of the Huguenots, which is of + so mischievous a nature, is no more. Consider, my sister, if you, who are + a Catholic, were once in their hands, you would become a hostage for me, + and prevent my design. And who knows but they might seek their revenge + upon me by taking away your life? No, you shall not go amongst them; and + if you leave us in the manner you have now mentioned, rely upon it that + you will make the Queen your mother and me your bitterest enemies, and + that we shall use every means to make you feel the effects of our + resentment; and, moreover, you will make your husband’s situation + worse instead of better.” + </p> + <p> + I went from this audience with much dissatisfaction, and, taking advice of + the principal persons of both sexes belonging to Court whom I esteemed my + friends, I found them all of opinion that it would be exceedingly improper + for me to remain in a Court now at open variance with the King my husband. + They recommended me not to stay at Court whilst the war lasted, saying it + would be more honourable for me to leave the kingdom under the pretence of + a pilgrimage, or a visit to some of my kindred. The Princesse de + Roche-sur-Yon was amongst those I consulted upon the occasion, who was on + the point of setting off for Spa to take the waters there. + </p> + <p> + My brother was likewise present at the consultation, and brought with him + Mondoucet, who had been to Flanders in quality of the King’s agent, + whence he was just returned to represent to the King the discontent that + had arisen amongst the Flemings on account of infringements made by the + Spanish Government on the French laws. He stated that he was commissioned + by several nobles, and the municipalities of several towns, to declare how + much they were inclined in their hearts towards France, and how ready they + were to come under a French government. Mondoucet, perceiving the King not + inclined to listen to his representation, as having his mind wholly + occupied by the war he had entered into with the Huguenots, whom he was + resolved to punish for having joined my brother, had ceased to move in it + further to the King, and addressed himself on the subject to my brother. + My brother, with that princely spirit which led him to undertake great + achievements, readily lent an ear to Mondoucet’s proposition, and + promised to engage in it, for he was born rather to conquer than to keep + what he conquered. Mondoucet’s proposition was the more pleasing to + him as it was not unjust, it being, in fact, to recover to France what had + been usurped by Spain. + </p> + <p> + Mondoucet had now engaged himself in my brother’s service, and was + to return to Flanders’ under a pretence of accompanying the + Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon in her journey to Spa; and as this agent + perceived my counsellers to be at a loss for some pretence for my leaving + Court and quitting France during the war, and that at first Savoy was + proposed for my retreat, then Lorraine, and then Our Lady of Loretto, he + suggested to my brother that I might be of great use to him in Flanders, + if, under the colour of any complaint, I should be recommended to drink + the Spa waters, and go with the Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon. My brother + acquiesced in this opinion, and came up to me, saying: “Oh, Queen! + you need be no longer at a loss for a place to go to. I have observed that + you have frequently an erysipelas on your arm, and you must accompany the + Princess to Spa. You must say, your physicians had ordered those waters + for the complaint; but when they, did so, it was not the season to take + them. That season is now approaching, and you hope to have the King’s + leave to go there.” + </p> + <p> + My brother did not deliver all he wished to say at that time, because the + Cardinal de Bourbon was present, whom he knew to be a friend to the Guises + and to Spain. However, I saw through his real design, and that he wished + me to promote his views in Flanders. + </p> + <p> + The company approved of my brother’s advice, and the Princesse de + Roche-sur-Yon heard the proposal with great joy, having a great regard for + me. She promised to attend me to the Queen my mother when I should ask her + consent. + </p> + <p> + The next day I found the Queen alone, and represented to her the extreme + regret I experienced in finding that a war was inevitable betwixt the King + my husband and his Majesty, and that I must continue in a state of + separation from my husband; that, as long as the war lasted, it was + neither decent nor honourable for me to stay at Court, where I must be in + one or other, or both, of these cruel situations either that the King my + husband should believe that I continued in it out of inclination, and + think me deficient in the duty I owed him; or that his Majesty should + entertain suspicions of my giving intelligence to the King my husband. + Either of these cases, I observed, could not but prove injurious to me. I + therefore prayed her not to take it amiss if I desired to remove myself + from Court, and from becoming so unpleasantly situated; adding that my + physicians had for some time recommended me to take the Spa waters for an + erysipelas—to which I had been long subject—on my arm; the + season for taking these waters was now approaching, and that if she + approved of it, I would use the present opportunity, by which means I + should be at a distance from Court, and show my husband that, as I could + not be with him, I was unwilling to remain amongst his enemies. I further + expressed my hopes that, through her prudence, a peace might be effected + in a short time betwixt the King my husband and his Majesty, and that my + husband might be restored to the favour he formerly enjoyed; that whenever + I learned the news of so joyful an event, I would renew my solicitations + to be permitted to go to my husband. In the meantime, I should hope for + her permission to have the honour of accompanying the Princesse de + Roche-sur-Yon, there present, in her journey to Spa. + </p> + <p> + She approved of what I proposed, and expressed her satisfaction that I had + taken so prudent a resolution. She observed how much she was chagrined + when she found that the King, through the evil persuasions of the bishops, + had resolved to break through the conditions of the last peace, which she + had concluded in his name. She saw already the ill effects of this hasty + proceeding, as it had removed from the King’s Council many of his + ablest and best servants. This gave her, she said, much concern, as it did + likewise to think I could not remain at Court without offending my + husband, or creating jealousy and suspicion in the King’s mind. This + being certainly what was likely to be the consequence of my staying, she + would advise the King to give me leave to set out on this journey. + </p> + <p> + She was as good as her word, and the King discoursed with me on the + subject without exhibiting the smallest resentment. Indeed, he was well + pleased now that he had prevented me from going to the King my husband, + for whom he had conceived the greatest animosity. + </p> + <p> + He ordered a courier to be immediately despatched to Don John of Austria,—who + commanded for the King of Spain in Flanders,—to obtain from him the + necessary passports for a free passage in the countries under his command, + as I should be obliged to cross a part of Flanders to reach Spa, which is + in the bishopric of Liege. + </p> + <p> + All matters being thus arranged, we separated in a few days after this + interview. The short time my brother and I remained together was employed + by him in giving me instructions for the commission I had undertaken to + execute for him in Flanders. The King and the Queen my mother set out for + Poitiers, to be near the army of M. de Mayenne, then besieging Brouage, + which place being reduced, it was intended to march into Gascony and + attack the King my husband. + </p> + <p> + My brother had the command of another army, ordered to besiege Issoire and + some other towns, which he soon after took. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I set out on my journey to Flanders accompanied by the + Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon, Madame de Tournon, the lady of my bedchamber, + Madame de Mouy of Picardy, Madame de Chastelaine, De Millon, Mademoiselle + d’Atric, Mademoiselle de Tournon, and seven or eight other young + ladies. My male attendants were the Cardinal de Lenoncourt, the Bishop of + Langres, and M. de Mouy, Seigneur de Picardy, at present father-in-law to + the brother of Queen Louise, called the Comte de Chalingy, with my + principal steward of the household, my chief esquires, and the other + gentlemen of my establishment. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter14" id="letter14"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIV. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Description of Queen Marguerite’s Equipage.—Her Journey to + Liege Described.—She Enters with Success upon Her Mission.—Striking + Instance of Maternal Duty and Affection in a Great Lady.—Disasters + near the Close of the Journey. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The cavalcade that attended me excited great curiosity as it passed + through the several towns in the course of my journey, and reflected no + small degree of credit on France, as it was splendidly set out, and made a + handsome appearance. I travelled in a litter raised with pillars. The + lining of it was Spanish velvet, of a crimson colour, embroidered in + various devices with gold and different coloured silk thread. + </p> + <p> + The windows were of glass, painted in devices. The lining and windows had, + in the whole, forty devices, all different and alluding to the sun and its + effects. Each device had its motto, either in the Spanish or Italian + language. My litter was followed by two others; in the one was the + Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon, and in the other Madame de Tournon, my lady of + the bedchamber. After them followed ten maids of honour, on horseback, + with their governess; and, last of all, six coaches and chariots, with the + rest of the ladies and all our female attendants. + </p> + <p> + I took the road of Picardy, the towns in which province had received the + King’s orders to pay me all due honours. Being arrived at Le + Catelet, a strong place, about three leagues distant from the frontier of + the Cambresis, the Bishop of Cambray (an ecclesiastical State + acknowledging the King of Spain only as a guarantee) sent a gentleman to + inquire of me at what hour I should leave the place, as he intended to + meet me on the borders of his territory. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly I found him there, attended by a number of his people, who + appeared to be true Flemings, and to have all the rusticity and unpolished + manners of their country. The Bishop was of the House of Barlemont, one of + the principal families in Flanders. All of this house have shown + themselves Spaniards at heart, and at that time were firmly attached to + Don John. The Bishop received me with great politeness and not a little of + the Spanish ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Although the city of Cambray is not so well built as some of our towns in + France, I thought it, notwithstanding, far more pleasant than many of + these, as the streets and squares are larger and better disposed. The + churches are grand and highly ornamented, which is, indeed, common to + France; but what I admired, above all, was the citadel, which is the + finest and best constructed in Christendom. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards experienced it to be strong whilst my brother had it in his + possession. The governor of the citadel at this time was a worthy + gentleman named M. d’Ainsi, who was, in every respect, a polite and + well-accomplished man, having the carriage and behaviour of one of our + most perfect courtiers, very different from the rude incivility which + appears to be the characteristic of a Fleming. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop gave us a grand supper, and after supper a ball, to which he + had invited all the ladies of the city. As soon as the ball was opened he + withdrew, in accordance with the Spanish ceremony; but M. d’Ainsi + did the honours for him, and kept me company during the ball, conducting + me afterwards to a collation, which, considering his command at the + citadel, was, I thought, imprudent. I speak from experience, having been + taught, to my cost, and contrary to my desire, the caution and vigilance + necessary to be observed in keeping such places. As my regard for my + brother was always predominant in me, I continually had his instructions + in mind, and now thought I had a fair opportunity to open my commission + and forward his views in Flanders, this town of Cambray, and especially + the citadel, being, as it were, a key to that country. Accordingly I + employed all the talents God had given me to make M. d’Ainsi a + friend to France, and attach him to my brother’s interest. Through + God’s assistance I succeeded with him, and so much was M. d’Ainsi + pleased with my conversation that he came to the resolution of soliciting + the Bishop, his master, to grant him leave to accompany me as, far as + Namur, where Don John of Austria was in waiting to receive me, observing + that he had a great desire to witness so splendid an interview. This + Spanish Fleming, the Bishop, had the weakness to grant M. d’Ainsi’s + request, who continued following in my train for ten or twelve days. + During this time he took every opportunity of discoursing with me, and + showed that, in his heart, he was well disposed to embrace the service of + France, wishing no better master than the Prince my brother, and declaring + that he heartily despised being under the command of his Bishop, who, + though his sovereign, was not his superior by birth, being born a private + gentleman like himself, and, in every other respect, greatly his inferior. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Cambray, I set out to sleep at Valenciennes, the chief city of a + part of Flanders called by the same name. Where this country is divided + from Cambresis (as far as which I was conducted by the Bishop of Cambray), + the Comte de Lalain, M. de Montigny his brother, and a number of + gentlemen, to the amount of two or three hundred, came to meet me. + </p> + <p> + Valenciennes is a town inferior to Cambray in point of strength, but equal + to it for the beauty of its squares, and churches,—the former + ornamented with fountains, as the latter are with curious clocks. The + ingenuity of the Germans in the construction of their clocks was a matter + of great surprise to all my attendants, few amongst whom had ever before + seen clocks exhibiting a number of moving figures, and playing a variety + of tunes in the most agreeable manner. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Lalain, the governor of the city, invited the lords and + gentlemen of my train to a banquet, reserving himself to give an + entertainment to the ladies on our arrival at Mons, where we should find + the Countess his wife, his sister-in-law Madame d’Aurec, and other + ladies of distinction. Accordingly the Count, with his attendants, + conducted us thither the next day. He claimed a relationship with the King + my husband, and was, in reality, a person who carried great weight and + authority. He was much dissatisfied with the Spanish Government, and had + conceived a great dislike for it since the execution of Count Egmont, who + was his near kinsman. + </p> + <p> + Although he had hitherto abstained from entering into the league with the + Prince of Orange and the Huguenots, being himself a steady Catholic, yet + he had not admitted of an interview with Don John, neither would he suffer + him, nor any one in the interest of Spain, to enter upon his territories. + Don John was unwilling to give the Count any umbrage, lest he should force + him to unite the Catholic League of Flanders, called the League of the + States, to that of the Prince of Orange and the Huguenots, well foreseeing + that such a union would prove fatal to the Spanish interest, as other + governors have since experienced. With this disposition of mind, the Comte + de Lalain thought he could not give me sufficient demonstrations of the + joy he felt by my presence; and he could not have shown more honour to his + natural prince, nor displayed greater marks of zeal and affection. + </p> + <p> + On our arrival at Mons, I was lodged in his house, and found there the + Countess his wife, and a Court consisting of eighty or a hundred ladies of + the city and country. My reception was rather that of their sovereign lady + than of a foreign princess. The Flemish ladies are naturally lively, + affable, and engaging. The Comtesse de Lalain is remarkably so, and is, + moreover, a woman of great sense and elevation of mind, in which + particular, as well as in air and countenance, she carries a striking + resemblance to the lady your cousin. We became immediately intimate, and + commenced a firm friendship at our first meeting. When the supper hour + came, we sat down to a banquet, which was succeeded by a ball; and this + rule the Count observed as long as I stayed at Mons, which was, indeed, + longer than I intended. It had been my intention to stay at Mons one night + only, but the Count’s obliging lady prevailed on me to pass a whole + week there. I strove to excuse myself from so long a stay, imagining it + might be inconvenient to them; but whatever I could say availed nothing + with the Count and his lady, and I was under the necessity of remaining + with them eight days. The Countess and I were on so familiar a footing + that she stayed in my bedchamber till a late hour, and would not have left + me then had she not imposed upon herself a task very rarely performed by + persons of her rank, which, however, placed the goodness of her + disposition in the most amiable light. In fact, she gave suck to her + infant son; and one day at table, sitting next me, whose whole attention + was absorbed in the promotion of my brother’s interest,—the + table being the place where, according to the custom of the country, all + are familiar and ceremony is laid aside,—she, dressed out in the + richest manner and blazing with diamonds, gave the breast to her child + without rising from her seat, the infant being brought to the table as + superbly habited as its nurse, the mother. She performed this maternal + duty with so much good humour, and with a gracefulness peculiar to + herself, that this charitable office—which would have appeared + disgusting and been considered as an affront if done by some others of + equal rank—gave pleasure to all who sat at table, and, accordingly, + they signified their approbation by their applause. + </p> + <p> + The tables being removed, the dances commenced in the same room wherein we + had supped, which was magnificent and large. The Countess and I sitting + side by side, I expressed the pleasure I received from her conversation, + and that I should place this meeting amongst the happiest events of my + life. “Indeed,” said I, “I shall have cause to regret + that it ever did take place, as I shall depart hence so unwillingly, there + being so little probability, of our meeting again soon. Why did Heaven + deny, our being born in the same country!” + </p> + <p> + This was said in order to introduce my brother’s business. She + replied: “This country did, indeed, formerly belong to France, and + our lawyers now plead their causes in the French language. The greater + part of the people here still retain an affection for the French nation. + For my part,” added the Countess, “I have had a strong + attachment to your country ever since I have had the honour of seeing you. + This country has been long in the possession of the House of Austria, but + the regard of the people for that house has been greatly, weakened by the + death of Count Egmont, M. de Horne, M. de Montigny, and others of the same + party, some of them our near relations, and all of the best families of + the country. We entertain the utmost dislike for the Spanish Government, + and wish for nothing so much as to throw off the yoke of their tyranny; + but, as the country is divided betwixt different religions, we are at a + loss how to effect it if we could unite, we should soon drive out the + Spaniards; but this division amongst ourselves renders us weak. Would to + God the King your brother would come to a resolution of reconquering this + country, to which he has an ancient claim! We should all receive him with + open arms.” + </p> + <p> + This was a frank declaration, made by the Countess without premeditation, + but it had been long agitated in the minds of the people, who considered + that it was from France they were to hope for redress from the evils with + which they were afflicted. I now found I had as favourable an opening as I + could wish for to declare my errand. I told her that the King of France my + brother was averse to engaging in foreign war, and the more so as the + Huguenots in his kingdom were too strong to admit of his sending any large + force out of it. “My brother Alencon,” said I, “has + sufficient means, and might be induced to undertake it. He has equal + valour, prudence, and benevolence with the King my brother or any of his + ancestors. He has been bred to arms, and is esteemed one of the bravest + generals of these times. He has the command of the King’s army + against the Huguenots, and has lately taken a well-fortified town, called + Issoire, and some other places that were in their possession. You could + not invite to your assistance a prince who has it so much in his power to + give it; being not only a neighbour, but having a kingdom like France at + his devotion, whence he may expect to derive the necessary aid and + succour. The Count your husband may be assured that if he do my brother + this good office he will not find him ungrateful, but may set what price + he pleases upon his meritorious service. My brother is of a noble and + generous disposition, and ready to requite those who do him favours. He + is, moreover, an admirer of men of honour and gallantry, and accordingly + is followed by the bravest and best men France has to boast of. I am in + hopes that a peace will soon be reestablished with the Huguenots, and + expect to find it so on my return to France. If the Count your husband + think as you do, and will permit me to speak to him on the subject, I will + engage to bring my brother over to the proposal, and, in that case, your + country in general, and your house in particular, will be well satisfied + with him. If, through your means, my brother should establish himself + here, you may depend on seeing me often, there being no brother or sister + who has a stronger affection for each other.” + </p> + <p> + The Countess appeared to listen to what I said with great pleasure, and + acknowledged that she had not entered upon this discourse without design. + She observed that, having perceived I did her the honour to have some + regard for her, she had resolved within herself not to let me depart out + of the country without explaining to me the situation of it, and begging + me to procure the aid of France to relieve them from the apprehensions of + living in a state of perpetual war or of submitting to Spanish tyranny. + She thereupon entreated me to allow her to relate our present conversation + to her husband, and permit them both to confer with me on the subject the + next day. To this I readily gave my consent. + </p> + <p> + Thus we passed the evening in discourse upon the object of my mission, and + I observed that she took a singular pleasure in talking upon it in all our + succeeding conferences when I thought proper to introduce it. The ball + being ended, we went to hear vespers at the church of the Canonesses, an + order of nuns of which we have none in France. These are young ladies who + are entered in these communities at a tender age, in order to improve + their fortunes till they are of an age to be married. They do not all + sleep under the same roof, but in detached houses within an enclosure. In + each of these houses are three, four, or perhaps six young girls, under + the care of an old woman. These governesses, together with the abbess, are + of the number of such as have never been married. These girls never wear + the habit of the order but in church; and the service there ended, they + dress like others, pay visits, frequent balls, and go where they please. + They were constant visitors at the Count’s entertainments, and + danced at his balls. + </p> + <p> + The Countess thought the time long until the night, when she had an + opportunity of relating to the Count the conversation she had with me, and + the opening of the business. The next morning she came to me, and brought + her husband with her. He entered into a detail of the grievances the + country laboured under, and the just reasons he had for ridding it of the + tyranny of Spain. In doing this, he said, he should not consider himself + as acting against his natural sovereign, because he well knew he ought to + look for him in the person of the King of France. He explained to me the + means whereby my brother might establish himself in Flanders, having + possession of Hainault, which extended as far as Brussels. He said the + difficulty lay in securing the Cambresis, which is situated betwixt + Hainault and Flanders. It would, therefore, be necessary to engage M. d’Ainsi + in the business. To this I replied that, as he was his neighbour and + friend, it might be better that he should open the matter to him; and I + begged he would do so. I next assured him that he might have the most + perfect reliance on the gratitude and friendship of my brother, and be + certain of receiving as large a share of power and authority as such a + service done by a person of his rank merited. Lastly, we agreed upon an + interview betwixt my brother and M. de Montigny, the brother of the Count, + which was to take place at La Fere, upon my return, when this business + should be arranged. During the time I stayed at Mons, I said all I could + to confirm the Count in this resolution, in which I found myself seconded + by the Countess. + </p> + <p> + The day of my departure was now arrived, to the great regret of the ladies + of Mons, as well as myself. The Countess expressed herself in terms which + showed she had conceived the warmest friendship for me, and made me + promise to return by way of that city. I presented the Countess with a + diamond bracelet, and to the Count I gave a riband and diamond star of + considerable value. But these presents, valuable as they were, became more + so, in their estimation, as I was the donor. + </p> + <p> + Of the ladies, none accompanied me from this place, except Madame d’Aurec. + She went with me to Namur, where I slept that night, and where she + expected to find her husband and the Duc d’Arscot, her + brother-in-law, who had been there since the peace betwixt the King of + Spain and the States of Flanders. For though they were both of the party + of the States, yet the Duc d’Arscot, being an old courtier and + having attended King Philip in Flanders and England, could not withdraw + himself from Court and the society of the great. The Comte de Lalain, with + all his nobles, conducted me two leagues beyond his government, and until + he saw Don John’s company in the distance advancing to meet me. He + then took his leave of me, being unwilling to meet Don John; but M. d’Ainsi + stayed with me, as his master, the Bishop of Cambray, was in the Spanish + interest. + </p> + <p> + This gallant company having left me, I was soon after met by Don John of + Austria, preceded by a great number of running footmen, and escorted by + only twenty or thirty horsemen. He was attended by a number of noblemen, + and amongst the rest the Duc d’Arscot, M. d’Aurec, the Marquis + de Varenbon, and the younger Balencon, governor, for the King of Spain, of + the county of Burgundy. These last two, who are brothers, had ridden post + to meet me. Of Don John’s household there was only Louis de Gonzago + of any rank. He called himself a relation of the Duke of Mantua; the + others were mean-looking people, and of no consideration. Don John + alighted from his horse to salute me in my litter, which was opened for + the purpose. I returned the salute after the French fashion to him, the + Duc d’Arscot, and M. d’Aurec. After an exchange of + compliments, he mounted his horse, but continued in discourse with me + until we reached the city, which was not before it grew dark, as I set off + late, the ladies of Mons keeping me as long as they could, amusing + themselves with viewing my litter, and requiring an explanation of the + different mottoes and devices. However, as the Spaniards excel in + preserving good order, Namur appeared with particular advantage, for the + streets were well lighted, every house being illuminated, so that the + blaze exceeded that of daylight. + </p> + <p> + Our supper was served to us in our respective apartments, Don John being + unwilling, after the fatigue of so long a journey, to incommode us with a + banquet. The house in which I was lodged had been newly furnished for the + purpose of receiving me. It consisted of a magnificent large salon, with a + private apartment, consisting of lodging rooms and closets, furnished in + the most costly manner, with furniture of every kind, and hung with the + richest tapestry of velvet and satin, divided into compartments by columns + of silver embroidery, with knobs of gold, all wrought in the most superb + manner. Within these compartments were figures in antique habits, + embroidered in gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Lenoncourt, a man of taste and curiosity, being one day in + these apartments with the Duc d’Arscot, who, as I have before + observed, was an ornament to Don John’s Court, remarked to him that + this furniture seemed more proper for a great king than a young unmarried + prince like Don John. To which the Duc d’Arscot replied that it came + to him as a present, having been sent to him by a bashaw belonging to the + Grand Seignior, whose son she had made prisoners in a signal victory + obtained over the Turks. Don John having sent the bashaw’s sons back + without ransom, the father, in return, made him a present of a large + quantity of gold, silver, and silk stuffs, which he caused to be wrought + into tapestry at Milan, where there are curious workmen in this way; and + he had the Queen’s bedchamber hung with tapestry representing the + battle in which he had so gloriously defeated the Turks. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Don John conducted us to chapel, where we heard mass + celebrated after the Spanish manner, with all kinds of music, after which + we partook of a banquet prepared by Don John. He and I were seated at a + separate table, at a distance of three yards from which stood the great + one, of which the honours were done by Madame d’Aurec. At this table + the ladies and principal lords took their seats. Don John was served with + drink by Louis de Gonzago, kneeling. The tables being removed, the ball + was opened, and the dancing continued the whole afternoon. The evening was + spent in conversation betwixt Don John and me, who told me I greatly + resembled the Queen his mistress, by whom he meant the late Queen my + sister, and for whom he professed to have entertained a very high esteem. + In short, Don John manifested, by every mark of attention and politeness, + as well to me as to my attendants, the very great pleasure he had in + receiving me. + </p> + <p> + The boats which were to convey me upon the Meuse to Liege not all being + ready, I was under the necessity of staying another day. The morning was + passed as that of the day before. After dinner, we embarked on the river + in a very beautiful boat, surrounded by others having on board musicians + playing on hautboys, horns, and violins, and landed at an island where Don + John had caused a collation to be prepared in a large bower formed with + branches of ivy, in which the musicians were placed in small recesses, + playing on their instruments during the time of supper. The tables being + removed, the dances began, and lasted till it was time to return, which I + did in the same boat that conveyed me thither, and which was that provided + for my voyage. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Don John conducted me to the boat, and there took a most + polite and courteous leave, charging M. and Madame d’Aurec to see me + safe to Huy, the first town belonging to the Bishop of Liege, where I was + to sleep. As soon as Don John had gone on shore, M. d’Ainsi, who + remained in the boat, and who had the Bishop of Cambray’s permission + to go to Namur only, took leave of me with many protestations of fidelity + and attachment to my brother and myself. + </p> + <p> + But Fortune, envious of my hitherto prosperous journey, gave me two omens + of the sinister events of my return. + </p> + <p> + The first was the sudden illness which attacked Mademoiselle de Tournon, + the daughter of the lady of my bedchamber, a young person, accomplished, + with every grace and virtue, and for whom I had the most perfect regard. + No sooner had the boat left the shore than this young lady was seized with + an alarming disorder, which, from the great pain attending it, caused her + to scream in the most doleful manner. The physicians attributed the cause + to spasms of the heart, which, notwithstanding the utmost exertions of + their skill, carried her off a few days after my arrival at Liege. As the + history of this young lady is remarkable, I shall relate it in my next + letter. + </p> + <p> + The other omen was what happened to us at Huy, immediately upon our + arrival there. This town is built on the declivity of a mountain, at the + foot of which runs the river Meuse. As we were about to land, there fell a + torrent of rain, which, coming down the steep sides of the mountain, + swelled the river instantly to such a degree that we had only time to leap + out of the boat and run to the top, the flood reaching the very highest + street, next to where I was to lodge. There we were forced to put up with + such accommodation as could be procured in the house, as it was impossible + to remove the smallest article of our baggage from the boats, or even to + stir out of the house we were in, the whole city being under water. + However, the town was as suddenly relieved from this calamity as it had + been afflicted with it, for, on the next morning, the whole inundation had + ceased, the waters having run off, and the river being confined within its + usual channel. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Huy, M. and Madame d’Aurec returned to Don John at Namur, + and I proceeded, in the boat, to sleep that night at Liege. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter15" id="letter15"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XV. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The City of Liege Described.—Affecting Story of Mademoiselle de + Tournon.—Fatal Effects of Suppressed Anguish of Mind. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Liege, who is the sovereign of the city and province, + received me with all the cordiality and respect that could be expected + from a personage of his dignity and great accomplishments. He was, indeed, + a nobleman endowed with singular prudence and virtue, agreeable in his + person and conversation, gracious and magnificent in his carriage and + behaviour, to which I may add that he spoke the French language perfectly. + </p> + <p> + He was constantly attended by his chapter, with several of his canons, who + are all sons of dukes, counts, or great German lords. The bishopric is + itself a sovereign State, which brings in a considerable revenue, and + includes a number of fine cities. The bishop is chosen from amongst the + canons, who must be of noble descent, and resident one year. The city is + larger than Lyons, and much resembles it, having the Meuse running through + it. The houses in which the canons reside have the appearance of noble + palaces. + </p> + <p> + The streets of the city are regular and spacious, the houses of the + citizens well built, the squares large, and ornamented with curious + fountains. The churches appear as if raised entirely of marble, of which + there are considerable quarries in the neighbourhood; they are all of them + ornamented with beautiful clocks, and exhibit a variety of moving figures. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop received me as I landed from the boat, and conducted me to his + magnificent residence, ornamented with delicious fountains and gardens, + set off with galleries, all painted, superbly gilt, and enriched with + marble, beyond description. + </p> + <p> + The spring which affords the waters of Spa being distant no more than + three or four leagues from the city of Liege, and there being only a + village, consisting of three or four small houses, on the spot, the + Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon was advised by her physicians to stay at Liege + and have the waters brought to her, which they assured her would have + equal efficacy, if taken after sunset and before sunrise, as if drunk at + the spring. I was well pleased that she resolved to follow the advice of + the doctors, as we were more comfortably lodged and had an agreeable + society; for, besides his Grace (so the bishop is styled, as a king is + addressed his Majesty, and a prince his Highness), the news of my arrival + being spread about, many lords and ladies came from Germany to visit me. + Amongst these was the Countess d’Aremberg, who had the honour to + accompany Queen Elizabeth to Mezieres, to which place she came to marry + King Charles my brother, a lady very high in the estimation of the + Empress, the Emperor, and all the princes in Christendom. With her came + her sister the Landgravine, Madame d’Aremberg her daughter, M. d’Aremberg + her son, a gallant and accomplished nobleman, the perfect image of his + father, who brought the Spanish succours to King Charles my brother, and + returned with great honour and additional reputation. This meeting, so + honourable to me, and so much to my satisfaction, was damped by the grief + and concern occasioned by the loss of Mademoiselle de Tournon, whose + story, being of a singular nature, I shall now relate to you, agreeably to + the promise I made in my last letter. + </p> + <p> + I must begin with observing to you that Madame de Tournon, at this time + lady of my bedchamber, had several daughters, the eldest of whom married + M. de Balencon, governor, for the King of Spain, in the county of + Burgundy. This daughter, upon her marriage, had solicited her mother to + admit of her taking her sister, the young lady whose story I am now about + to relate, to live with her, as she was going to a country strange to her, + and wherein she had no relations. To this her mother consented; and the + young lady, being universally admired for her modesty and graceful + accomplishments, for which she certainly deserved admiration, attracted + the notice of the Marquis de Varenbon. The Marquis, as I before mentioned, + is the brother of M. de Balencon, and was intended for the Church; but, + being violently enamoured of Mademoiselle de Tournon (whom, as he lived in + the same house, he had frequent opportunities of seeing), he now begged + his brother’s permission to marry her, not having yet taken orders. + The young lady’s family, to whom he had likewise communicated his + wish, readily gave their consent, but his brother refused his, strongly + advising him to change his resolution and put on the gown. + </p> + <p> + Thus were matters situated when her mother, Madame de Tournon, a virtuous + and pious lady, thinking she had cause to be offended, ordered her + daughter to leave the house of her sister, Madame de Balencon, and come to + her. The mother, a woman of a violent spirit, not considering that her + daughter was grown up and merited a mild treatment, was continually + scolding the poor young lady, so that she was for ever with tears in her + eyes. Still, there was nothing to blame in the young girl’s conduct, + but such was the severity of the mother’s disposition. The daughter, + as you may well suppose, wished to be from under the mother’s + tyrannical government, and was accordingly delighted with the thoughts of + attending me in this journey to Flanders, hoping, as it happened, that she + should meet the Marquis de Varenbon somewhere on the road, and that, as he + had now abandoned all thoughts of the Church, he would renew his proposal + of marriage, and take her from her mother. + </p> + <p> + I have before mentioned that the Marquis de Varenbon and the younger + Balencon joined us at Namur. Young Balencon, who was far from being so + agreeable as his brother, addressed himself to the young lady, but the + Marquis, during the whole time we stayed at Namur, paid not the least + attention to her, and seemed as if he had never been acquainted with her. + </p> + <p> + The resentment, grief, and disappointment occasioned by a behaviour so + slighting and unnatural was necessarily stifled in her breast, as decorum + and her sex’s pride obliged her to appear as if she disregarded it; + but when, after taking leave, all of them left the boat, the anguish of + her mind, which she had hitherto suppressed, could no longer be + restrained, and, labouring for vent, it stopped her respiration, and + forced from her those lamentable outcries which I have already spoken of. + Her youth combated for eight days with this uncommon disorder, but at the + expiration of that time she died, to the great grief of her mother, as + well as myself. I say of her mother, for, though she was so rigidly severe + over this daughter, she tenderly loved her. + </p> + <p> + The funeral of this unfortunate young lady was solemnised with all proper + ceremonies, and conducted in the most honourable manner, as she was + descended from a great family, allied to the Queen my mother. When the day + of interment arrived, four of my gentlemen were appointed bearers, one of + whom was named La Boessiere. This man had entertained a secret passion for + her, which he never durst declare on account of the inferiority of his + family and station. He was now destined to bear the remains of her, dead, + for whom he had long been dying, and was now as near dying for her loss as + he had before been for her love. The melancholy procession was marching + slowly, along, when it was met by the Marquis de Varenbon, who had been + the sole occasion of it. We had not left Namur long when the Marquis + reflected upon his cruel behaviour towards this unhappy young lady; and + his passion (wonderful to relate) being revived by the absence of her who + inspired it, though scarcely alive while she was present, he had resolved + to come and ask her of her mother in marriage. He made no doubt, perhaps, + of success, as he seldom failed in enterprises of love; witness the great + lady he has since obtained for a wife, in opposition to the will of her + family. He might, besides, have flattered himself that he should easily + have gained a pardon from her by whom he was beloved, according to the + Italian proverb, “Che la forza d’amore non riguarda al delitto” + (Lovers are not criminal in the estimation of one another). Accordingly, + the Marquis solicited Don John to be despatched to me on some errand, and + arrived, as I said before, at the very instant the corpse of this + ill-fated young lady was being borne to the grave. He was stopped by the + crowd occasioned by this solemn procession. He contemplates it for some + time. He observes a long train of persons in mourning, and remarks the + coffin to be covered with a white pall, and that there are chaplets of + flowers laid upon the coffin. He inquires whose funeral it is. The answer + he receives is, that it is the funeral of a young lady. Unfortunately for + him, this reply fails to satisfy his curiosity. He makes up to one who led + the procession, and eagerly asks the name of the young lady they are + proceeding to bury. When, oh, fatal answer! Love, willing to avenge the + victim of his ingratitude and neglect, suggests a reply which had nearly + deprived him of life. He no sooner hears the name of Mademoiselle de + Tournon pronounced than he falls from his horse in a swoon. He is taken up + for dead, and conveyed to the nearest house, where he lies for a time + insensible; his soul, no doubt, leaving his body to obtain pardon from her + whom he had hastened to a premature grave, to return to taste the + bitterness of death a second time. + </p> + <p> + Having performed the last offices to the remains of this poor young lady, + I was unwilling to discompose the gaiety of the society assembled here on + my account by any show of grief. Accordingly, I joined the Bishop, or, as + he is called, his Grace, and his canons, in their entertainments at + different houses, and in gardens, of which the city and its neighbourhood + afforded a variety. I was every morning attended by a numerous company to + the garden, in which I drank the waters, the exercise of walking being + recommended to be used with them. As the physician who advised me to take + them was my own brother, they did not fail of their effect with me; and + for these six or seven years which are gone over my head since I drank + them, I have been free from any complaint of erysipelas on my arm. From + this garden we usually proceeded to the place where we were invited to + dinner. After dinner we were amused with a ball; from the ball we went to + some convent, where we heard vespers; from vespers to supper, and that + over, we had another ball, or music on the river. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p160j" id="p160j"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p160j.jpg (92K)" src="images/p160j.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter16" id="letter16"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVI. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Queen Marguerite, on Her Return from Liege, Is in Danger of Being Made a + Prisoner.—She Arrives, after Some Narrow Escapes, at La Fere. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + In this manner we passed the six weeks, which is the usual time for taking + these waters, at the expiration of which the Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon + was desirous to return to France; but Madame d’Aurec, who just then + returned to us from Namur, on her way to rejoin her husband in Lorraine, + brought us news of an extraordinary change of affairs in that town and + province since we had passed through it. + </p> + <p> + It appeared from this lady’s account that, on the very day we left + Namur, Don John, after quitting the boat, mounted his horse under pretence + of taking the diversion of hunting, and, as he passed the gate of the + castle of Namur, expressed a desire of seeing it; that, having entered, he + took possession of it, notwithstanding he held it for the States, + agreeably to a convention. Don John, moreover, arrested the persons of the + Duc d’Arscot and M. d’Aurec, and also made Madame d’Aurec + a prisoner. After some remonstrances and entreaties, he had set her + husband and brother-in-law at liberty, but detained her as a hostage for + them. In consequence of these measures, the whole country was in arms. The + province of Namur was divided into three parties: the first whereof was + that of the States, or the Catholic party of Flanders; the second that of + the Prince of Orange and the Huguenots; the third, the Spanish party, of + which Don John was the head. + </p> + <p> + By letters which I received just at this time from my brother, through the + hands of a gentleman named Lescar, I found I was in great danger of + falling into the hands of one or other of these parties. + </p> + <p> + These letters informed me that, since my departure from Court, God had + dealt favourably with my brother, and enabled him to acquit himself of the + command of the army confided to him, greatly to the benefit of the King’s + service; so that he had taken all the towns and driven the Huguenots out + of the provinces, agreeably to the design for which the army was raised; + that he had returned to the Court at Poitiers, where the King stayed + during the siege of Brouage, to be near to M. de Mayenne, in order to + afford him whatever succours he stood in need of; that, as the Court is a + Proteus, forever putting on a new face, he had found it entirely changed, + so that he had been no more considered than if he had done the King no + service whatever; and that Bussi, who had been so graciously looked upon + before and during this last war, had done great personal service, and had + lost a brother at the storming of Issoire, was very coolly received, and + even as maliciously persecuted as in the time of Le Guast; in consequence + of which either he or Bussi experienced some indignity or other. He + further mentioned that the King’s favourites had been practising + with his most faithful servants, Maugiron, La Valette, Mauldon, and + Hivarrot, and several other good and trusty men, to desert him, and enter + into the King’s service; and, lastly, that the King had repented of + giving me leave to go to Flanders, and that, to counteract my brother, a + plan was laid to intercept me on my return, either by the Spaniards, for + which purpose they had been told that I had treated for delivering up the + country to him, or by the Huguenots, in revenge of the war my brother had + carried on against them, after having formerly assisted them. + </p> + <p> + This intelligence required to be well considered, as there seemed to be an + utter impossibility of avoiding both parties. I had, however, the pleasure + to think that two of the principal persons of my company stood well with + either one or another party. The Cardinal de Lenoncourt had been thought + to favour the Huguenot party, and M. Descarts, brother to the Bishop of + Lisieux, was supposed to have the Spanish interest at heart. I + communicated our difficult situation to the Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon and + Madame de Tournon, who, considering that we could not reach La Fere in + less than five or six days, answered me, with tears in their eyes, that + God only had it in his power to preserve us, that I should recommend + myself to his protection, and then follow such measures as should seem + advisable. They observed that, as one of them was in a weak state of + health, and the other advanced in years, I might affect to make short + journeys on their account, and they would put up with every inconvenience + to extricate me from the danger I was in. + </p> + <p> + I next consulted with the Bishop of Liege, who most certainly acted + towards me like a father, and gave directions to the grand master of his + household to attend me with his horses as far as I should think proper. As + it was necessary that we should have a passport from the Prince of Orange, + I sent Mondoucet to him to obtain one, as he was acquainted with the + Prince and was known to favour his religion. Mondoucet did not return, and + I believe I might have waited for him until this time to no purpose. I was + advised by the Cardinal de Lenoncourt and my first esquire, the Chevalier + Salviati, who were of the same party, not to stir without a passport; but, + as I suspected a plan was laid to entrap me, I resolved to set out the + next morning. + </p> + <p> + They now saw that this pretence was insufficient to detain me; + accordingly, the Chevalier Salviati prevailed with my treasurer, who was + secretly a Huguenot, to declare he had not money enough in his hands to + discharge the expenses we had incurred at Liege, and that, in consequence, + my horses were detained. I afterwards discovered that this was false, for, + on my arrival at La Fere, I called for his accounts, and found he had then + a balance in his hands which would have enabled him to pay, the expenses + of my family for six or seven weeks. The Princesse de Roche-sur-Yon, + incensed at the affront put upon me, and seeing the danger I incurred by + staying, advanced the money that was required, to their great confusion; + and I took my leave of his Grace the Bishop, presenting him with a diamond + worth three thousand crowns, and giving his domestics gold chains and + rings. Having thus taken our leave, we proceeded to Huy, without any other + passport than God’s good providence. + </p> + <p> + This town, as I observed before, belongs to the Bishop of Liege, but was + now in a state of tumult and confusion, on account of the general revolt + of the Low Countries, the townsmen taking part with the Netherlanders, + notwithstanding the bishopric was a neutral State. On this account they + paid no respect to the grand master of the Bishop’s household, who + accompanied us, but, knowing Don John had taken the castle of Namur in + order, as they supposed, to intercept me on my return, these brutal + people, as soon as I had got into my quarters, rang the alarm-bell, drew + up their artillery, placed chains across the streets, and kept us thus + confined and separated the whole night, giving us no opportunity to + expostulate with them on such conduct. In the morning we were suffered to + leave the town without further molestation, and the streets we passed + through were lined with armed men. + </p> + <p> + From there we proceeded to Dinant, where we intended to sleep; but, + unfortunately for us, the townspeople had on that day chosen their + burghermasters, a kind of officers like the consuls in Gascony and France. + In consequence of this election, it was a day of tumult, riot, and + debauchery; every one in the town was drunk, no magistrate was + acknowledged. In a word, all was in confusion. To render our situation + still worse, the grand master of the Bishop’s household had formerly + done the town some ill office, and was considered as its enemy. The people + of the town, when in their sober senses, were inclined to favour the party + of the States, but under the influence of Bacchus they paid no regard to + any party, not even to themselves. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had reached the suburbs, they were alarmed at the number of + my company, quitted the bottle and glass to take up their arms, and + immediately shut the gates against me. I had sent a gentleman before me, + with my harbinger and quartermasters, to beg the magistrates to admit me + to stay one night in the town, but I found my officers had been put under + an arrest. They bawled out to us from within, to tell us their situation, + but could not make themselves heard. At length I raised myself up in my + litter, and, taking off my mask, made a sign to a townsman nearest me, of + the best appearance, that I was desirous to speak with him. As soon as he + drew near me, I begged him to call out for silence, which being with some + difficulty obtained, I represented to him who I was, and the occasion of + my journey; that it was far from my intention to do them harm; but, to + prevent any suspicions of the kind, I only begged to be admitted to go + into their city with my women, and as few others of my attendants as they + thought proper, and that we might be permitted to stay there for one + night, whilst the rest of my company remained within the suburbs. + </p> + <p> + They agreed to this proposal, and opened their gates for my admission. I + then entered the city with the principal persons of my company, and the + grand master of the Bishop’s household. This reverend personage, who + was eighty years of age, and wore a beard as white as snow, which reached + down to his girdle, this venerable old man, I say, was no sooner + recognised by the drunken and armed rabble than he was accosted with the + grossest abuse, and it was with difficulty they were restrained from + laying violent hands upon him. At length I got him into my lodgings, but + the mob fired at the house, the walls of which were only of plaster. Upon + being thus attacked, I inquired for the master of the house, who, + fortunately, was within. I entreated him to speak from the window, to some + one without, to obtain permission for my being heard. I had some + difficulty to get him to venture doing so. At length, after much bawling + from the window, the burghermasters came to speak to me, but were so drunk + that they scarcely knew what they said. I explained to them that I was + entirely ignorant that the grand master of the Bishop’s household + was a person to whom they had a dislike, and I begged them to consider the + consequences of giving offence to a person like me, who was a friend of + the principal lords of the States, and I assured them that the Comte de + Lalain, in particular, would be greatly displeased when he should hear how + I had been received there. + </p> + <p> + The name of the Comte de Lalain produced an instant effect, much more than + if I had mentioned all the sovereign princes I was related to. The + principal person amongst them asked me, with some hesitation and + stammering, if I was really a particular friend of the Count’s. + Perceiving that to claim kindred with the Count would do me more service + than being related to all the Powers in Christendom, I answered that I was + both a friend and a relation. They then made me many apologies and conges, + stretching forth their hands in token of friendship; in short, they now + behaved with as much civility as before with rudeness. + </p> + <p> + They begged my pardon for what had happened, and promised that the good + old man, the grand master of the Bishop’s household, should be no + more insulted, but be suffered to leave the city quietly, the next + morning, with me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as morning came, and while I was preparing to go to hear mass, + there arrived the King’s agent to Don John, named Du Bois, a man + much attached to the Spanish interest. He informed me that he had received + orders from the King my brother to conduct me in safety on my return. He + said that he had prevailed on Don John to permit Barlemont to escort me to + Namur with a troop of cavalry, and begged me to obtain leave of the + citizens to admit Barlemont and his troop to enter the town that; they + might receive my orders. + </p> + <p> + Thus had they concerted a double plot; the one to get possession of the + town, the other of my person. I saw through the whole design, and + consulted with the Cardinal de Lenoncourt, communicating to him my + suspicions. The Cardinal was as unwilling to fall into the hands of the + Spaniards as I could be; he therefore thought it advisable to acquaint the + townspeople with the plot, and make our escape from the city by another + road, in order to avoid meeting Barlemont’s troop. It was agreed + betwixt us that the Cardinal should keep Du Bois in discourse, whilst I + consulted the principal citizens in another apartment. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, I assembled as many as I could, to whom I represented that if + they admitted Barlemont and his troop within the town, he would most + certainly take possession of it for Don John. I gave it as my advice to + make a show of defence, to declare they would not be taken by surprise, + and to offer to admit Barlemont, and no one else, within their gates. They + resolved to act according to my counsel, and offered to serve me at the + hazard of their lives. They promised to procure me a guide, who should + conduct me by a road by following which I should put the river betwixt me + and Don John’s forces, whereby I should be out of his reach, and + could be lodged in houses and towns which were in the interest of the + States only. + </p> + <p> + This point being settled, I despatched them to give admission to M. de + Barlemont, who, as soon as he entered within the gates, begged hard that + his troop might come in likewise. Hereupon, the citizens flew into a + violent rage, and were near putting him to death. They told him that if he + did not order his men out of sight of the town, they would fire upon them + with their great guns. This was done with design to give me time to leave + the town before they could follow in pursuit of me. M. de Barlemont and + the agent, Du Bois, used every argument they could devise to persuade me + to go to Namur, where they said Don John waited to receive me. + </p> + <p> + I appeared to give way to their persuasions, and, after hearing mass and + taking a hasty dinner, I left my lodgings, escorted by two or three + hundred armed citizens, some of them engaging Barlemont and Du Bois in + conversation. We all took the way to the gate which opens to the river, + and directly opposite to that leading to Namur. Du Bois and his colleague + told me I was not going the right way, but I continued talking, and as if + I did not hear them. But when we reached the gate I hastened into the + boat, and my people after me. M. de Barlemont and the agent Du Bois, + calling out to me from the bank, told me I was doing very wrong and acting + directly contrary to the King’s intention, who had directed that I + should return by way of Namur. + </p> + <p> + In spite of all their remonstrances we crossed the river with all possible + expedition, and, during the two or three crossings which were necessary to + convey over the litters and horses, the citizens, to give me the more time + to escape, were debating with Barlemont and Du Bois concerning a number of + grievances and complaints, telling them, in their coarse language, that + Don John had broken the peace and falsified his engagements with the + States; and they even rehearsed the old quarrel of the death of Egmont, + and, lastly, declared that if the troop made its appearance before their + walls again, they would fire upon it with their artillery. + </p> + <p> + I had by this means sufficient time to reach a secure distance, and was, + by the help of God and the assistance of my guide, out of all + apprehensions of danger from Barlemont and his troop. + </p> + <p> + I intended to lodge that night in a strong castle, called Fleurines, which + belonged to a gentleman of the party of the States, whom I had seen with + the Comte de Lalain. Unfortunately for me, the gentleman was absent, and + his lady only was in the castle. The courtyard being open, we entered it, + which put the lady into such a fright that she ordered the bridge to be + drawn up, and fled to the strong tower.—[In the old French original, + ‘dongeon’, whence we have ‘duugeon’.]—Nothing + we could say would induce her to give us entrance. In the meantime, three + hundred gentlemen, whom Don John had sent off to intercept our passage, + and take possession of the castle of Fleurines; judging that I should take + up my quarters there, made their appearance upon an eminence, at the + distance of about a thousand yards. They, seeing our carriages in the + courtyard, and supposing that we ourselves had taken to the strong tower, + resolved to stay where they were that night, hoping to intercept me the + next morning. + </p> + <p> + In this cruel situation were we placed, in a courtyard surrounded by a + wall by no means strong, and shut up by a gate equally as weak and as + capable of being forced, remonstrating from time to time with the lady, + who was deaf to all our prayers and entreaties. + </p> + <p> + Through God’s mercy, her husband, M. de Fleurines, himself appeared + just as night approached. We then gained instant admission, and the lady + was greatly reprimanded by her husband for her incivility and indiscreet + behaviour. This gentleman had been sent by the Comte de Lalain, with + directions to conduct me through the several towns belonging to the + States, the Count himself not being able to leave the army of the States, + of which he had the chief command, to accompany me. + </p> + <p> + This was as favourable a circumstance for me as I could wish; for, M. de + Fleurines offering to accompany me into France, the towns we had to pass + through being of the party of the States, we were everywhere quietly and + honourably received. I had only the mortification of not being able to + visit Mons, agreeably to my promise made to the Comtesse de Lalain, not + passing nearer to it than Nivelle, seven long leagues distant from it. The + Count being at Antwerp, and the war being hottest in the neighbourhood of + Mons, I thus was prevented seeing either of them on my return. I could + only write to the Countess by a servant of the gentleman who was now my + conductor. As soon as she learned I was at Nivelle, she sent some + gentlemen, natives of the part of Flanders I was in, with a strong + injunction to see me safe on the frontier of France. + </p> + <p> + I had to pass through the Cambresis, partly in favour of Spain and partly + of the States. Accordingly, I set out with these gentlemen, to lodge at + Cateau Cambresis. There they took leave of me, in order to return to Mons, + and by them I sent the Countess a gown of mine, which had been greatly + admired by her when I wore it at Mons; it was of black satin, curiously + embroidered, and cost nine hundred crowns. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at Cateau-Cambresis, I had intelligence sent me that a + party of the Huguenot troops had a design to attack me on the frontiers of + Flanders and France. This intelligence I communicated to a few only of my + company, and prepared to set off an hour before daybreak. When I sent for + my litters and horses, I found much such a kind of delay from the + Chevalier Salviati as I had before experienced at Liege, and suspecting it + was done designedly, I left my litter behind, and mounted on horseback, + with such of my attendants as were ready to follow me. By this means, with + God’s assistance, I escaped being waylaid by my enemies, and reached + Catelet at ten in the morning. From there I went to my house at La Fere, + where I intended to reside until I learned that peace was concluded upon. + </p> + <p> + At La Fere I found a messenger in waiting from my brother, who had orders + to return with all expedition, as soon as I arrived, and inform him of it. + My brother wrote me word, by that messenger, that peace was concluded, and + the King returned to Paris; that, as to himself, his situation was rather + worse than better; that he and his people were daily receiving some + affront or other, and continual quarrels were excited betwixt the King’s + favourites and Bussi and my brother’s principal attendants. This, he + added, had made him impatient for my return, that he might come and visit + me. + </p> + <p> + I sent his messenger back, and, immediately after, my brother sent Bussi + and all his household to Angers, and, taking with him fifteen or twenty + attendants, he rode post to me at La Fere. It was a great satisfaction to + me to see one whom I so tenderly loved and greatly honoured, once more. I + consider it amongst the greatest felicities I ever enjoyed, and, + accordingly, it became my chief study to make his residence here agreeable + to him. He himself seemed delighted with this change of situation, and + would willingly have continued in it longer had not the noble generosity + of his mind called him forth to great achievements. The quiet of our + Court, when compared with that he had just left, affected him so + powerfully that he could not but express the satisfaction he felt by + frequently exclaiming, “Oh, Queen! how happy I am with you. My God! + your society is a paradise wherein I enjoy every delight, and I seem to + have lately escaped from hell, with all its furies and tortures!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter17" id="letter17"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Good Effects of Queen Marguerite’s Negotiations in Flanders.—She + Obtains Leave to Go to the King of Navarre Her Husband, but Her Journey + Is Delayed.—Court Intrigues and Plots.—The Duc d’Alencon + Again Put under Arrest. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + We passed nearly two months together, which appeared to us only as so many + days. I gave him an account of what I had done for him in Flanders, and + the state in which I had left the business. He approved of the interview + with the Comte de Lalain’s brother in order to settle the plan of + operations and exchange assurances. Accordingly, the Comte de Montigny + arrived, with four or five other leading men of the county of Hainault. + One of these was charged with a letter from M. d’Ainsi, offering his + services to my brother, and assuring him of the citadel of Cambray. M. de + Montigny delivered his brother’s declaration and engagement to give + up the counties of Hainault and Artois, which included a number of fine + cities. These offers made and accepted, my brother dismissed them with + presents of gold medals, bearing his and my effigies, and every assurance + of his future favour; and they returned to prepare everything for his + coming. In the meanwhile my brother considered on the necessary measures + to be used for raising a sufficient force, for which purpose he returned + to the King, to prevail with him to assist him in this enterprise. + </p> + <p> + As I was anxious to go to Gascony, I made ready for the journey, and set + off for Paris, my brother meeting me at the distance of one day’s + journey. + </p> + <p> + At St. Denis I was met by the King, the Queen my mother, Queen Louise, and + the whole Court. It was at St. Denis that I was to stop and dine, and + there it was that I had the honour of the meeting I have just mentioned. + </p> + <p> + I was received very graciously, and most sumptuously entertained. I was + made to recount the particulars of my triumphant journey to Liege, and + perilous return. The magnificent entertainments I had received excited + their admiration, and they rejoiced at my narrow escapes. With such + conversation I amused the Queen my mother and the rest of the company in + her coach, on our way to Paris, where, supper and the ball being ended, I + took an opportunity, when I saw the King and the Queen my mother together, + to address them. + </p> + <p> + I expressed my hopes that they would not now oppose my going to the King + my husband; that now, by the peace, the chief objection to it was removed, + and if I delayed going, in the present situation of affairs, it might be + prejudicial and discreditable to me. Both of them approved of my request, + and commended my resolution. The Queen my mother added that she would + accompany me on my journey, as it would be for the King’s service + that she did so. She said the King must furnish me with the necessary + means for the journey, to which he readily assented. I thought this a + proper time to settle everything, and prevent another journey to Court, + which would be no longer pleasing after my brother left it, who was now + pressing his expedition to Flanders with all haste. I therefore begged the + Queen my mother to recollect the promise she had made my brother and me as + soon as peace was agreed upon, which was that, before my departure for + Gascony, I should have my marriage portion assigned to me in lands. She + said that she recollected it well, and the King thought it very + reasonable, and promised that it should be done. I entreated that it might + be concluded speedily, as I wished to set off, with their permission, at + the beginning of the next month. This, too, was granted me, but granted + after the mode of the Court; that is to say, notwithstanding my constant + solicitations, instead of despatch, I experienced only delay; and thus it + continued for five or six months in negotiation. + </p> + <p> + My brother met with the like treatment, though he was continually urging + the necessity for his setting out for Flanders, and representing that his + expedition was for the glory and advantage of France,—for its glory, + as such an enterprise would, like Piedmont, prove a school of war for the + young nobility, wherein future Montlucs, Brissacs, Termes, and Bellegardes + would be bred, all of them instructed in these wars, and afterwards, as + field-marshals, of the greatest service to their country; and it would be + for the advantage of France, as it would prevent civil wars; for Flanders + would then be no longer a country wherein such discontented spirits as + aimed at novelty could assemble to brood over their malice and hatch plots + for the disturbance of their native land. + </p> + <p> + These representations, which were both reasonable and consonant with + truth, had no weight when put into the scale against the envy excited by + this advancement of my brother’s fortune. Accordingly, every delay + was used to hinder him from collecting his forces together, and stop his + expedition to Flanders. Bussi and his other dependents were offered a + thousand indignities. Every stratagem was tried, by day as well as by + night, to pick quarrels with Bussi,—now by Quelus, at another time + by Grammont, with the hope that my brother would engage in them. This was + unknown to the King; but Maugiron, who had engrossed the King’s + favour, and who had quitted my brother’s service, sought every means + to ruin him, as it is usual for those who have given offence to hate the + offended party. + </p> + <p> + Thus did this man take every occasion to brave and insult my brother; and + relying upon the countenance and blind affection shown him by the King, + had leagued himself with Quelus, Saint-Luc, Saint-Maigrin, Grammont, + Mauleon, Hivarrot, and other young men who enjoyed the King’s + favour. As those who are favourites find a number of followers at Court, + these licentious young courtiers thought they might do whatever they + pleased. Some new dispute betwixt them and Bussi was constantly starting. + Bussi had a degree of courage which knew not how to give way to any one; + and my brother, unwilling to give umbrage to the King, and foreseeing that + such proceedings would not forward his expedition, to avoid quarrels and, + at the same time, to promote his plans, resolved to despatch Bussi to his + duchy of Alencon, in order to discipline such troops as he should find + there. My brother’s amiable qualities excited the jealousy of + Maugiron and the rest of his cabal about the King’s person, and + their dislike for Bussi was not so much on his own account as because he + was strongly attached to my brother. The slights and disrespect shown to + my brother were remarked by every one at Court; but his prudence, and the + patience natural to his disposition, enabled him to put up with their + insults, in hopes of finishing the business of his Flemish expedition, + which would remove him to a distance from them and their machinations. + This persecution was the more mortifying and discreditable as it even + extended to his servants, whom they strove to injure by every means they + could employ. M. de la Chastre at this time had a lawsuit of considerable + consequence decided against him, because he had lately attached himself to + my brother. At the instance of Maugiron and Saint-Luc, the King was + induced to solicit the cause in favour of Madame de Senetaire, their + friend. M. de la Chastre, being greatly injured by it, complained to my + brother of the injustice done him, with all the concern such a proceeding + may be supposed to have occasioned. + </p> + <p> + About this time Saint-Luc’s marriage was celebrated. My brother + resolved not to be present at it, and begged of me to join him in the same + resolution. The Queen my mother was greatly uneasy on account of the + behaviour of these young men, fearing that, if my brother did not join + them in this festivity, it might be attended with some bad consequence, + especially as the day was likely to produce scenes of revelry and debauch; + she, therefore, prevailed on the King to permit her to dine on the + wedding-day at St. Maur, and take my brother and me with her. This was the + day before Shrove Tuesday; and we returned in the evening, the Queen my + mother having well lectured my brother, and made him consent to appear at + the ball, in order not to displease the King. + </p> + <p> + But this rather served to make matters worse than better, for Maugiron and + his party began to attack him with such violent speeches as would have + offended any one of far less consequence. They said he needed not to have + given himself the trouble of dressing, for he was not missed in the + afternoon; but now, they supposed, he came at night as the most suitable + time; with other allusions to the meanness of his figure and smallness of + stature. All this was addressed to the bride, who sat near him, but spoken + out on purpose that he might hear it. My brother, perceiving this was + purposely said to provoke an answer and occasion his giving offence to the + King, removed from his seat full of resentment; and, consulting with M. de + la Chastre, he came to the resolution of leaving the Court in a few days + on a hunting party. He still thought his absence might stay their malice, + and afford him an opportunity the more easily of settling his preparations + for the Flemish expedition with the King. He went immediately to the Queen + my mother, who was present at the ball, and was extremely sorry to learn + what had happened, and imparted her resolution, in his absence, to solicit + the King to hasten his expedition to Flanders. M. de Villequier being + present, she bade him acquaint the King with my brother’s intention + of taking the diversion of hunting a few days; which she thought very + proper herself, as it would put a stop to the disputes which had arisen + betwixt him and the young men, Maugiron, Saint-Luc, Quelus, and the rest. + </p> + <p> + My brother retired to his apartment, and, considering his leave as + granted, gave orders to his domestics to prepare to set off the next + morning for St. Germain, where he should hunt the stag for a few days. He + directed the grand huntsman to be ready with the hounds, and retired to + rest, thinking to withdraw awhile from the intrigues of the Court, and + amuse himself with the sports of the field. M. de Villequier, agreeably to + the command he had received from the Queen my mother, asked for leave, and + obtained it. The King, however, staying in his closet, like Rehoboam, with + his council of five or six young men, they suggested suspicions in his + mind respecting my brother’s departure from Court. In short, they + worked upon his fears and apprehensions so greatly, that he took one of + the most rash and inconsiderate steps that was ever decided upon in our + time; which was to put my brother and all his principal servants under an + arrest. This measure was executed with as much indiscretion as it had been + resolved upon. The King, under this agitation of mind, late as it was, + hastened to the Queen my mother, and seemed as if there was a general + alarm and the enemy at the gates, for he exclaimed on seeing her: “How + could you, Madame, think of asking me to let my brother go hence? Do you + not perceive how dangerous his going will prove to my kingdom? Depend upon + it that this hunting is merely a pretence to cover some treacherous + design. I am going to put him and his people under an arrest, and have his + papers examined. I am sure we shall make some great discoveries.” + </p> + <p> + At the time he said this he had with him the Sieur de Cosse, captain of + the guard, and a number of Scottish archers. The Queen my mother, fearing, + from the King’s haste and trepidation, that some mischief might + happen to my brother, begged to go with him. Accordingly, undressed as she + was, wrapping herself up in a night-gown, she followed the King to my + brother’s bedchamber. The King knocked at the door with great + violence, ordering it to be immediately opened, for that he was there + himself. My brother started up in his bed, awakened by the noise, and, + knowing that he had done nothing that he need fear, ordered Cange, his + valet de chambre, to open the door. The King entered in a great rage, and + asked him when he would have done plotting against him. “But I will + show you,” said he, “what it is to plot against your + sovereign.” Hereupon he ordered the archers to take away all the + trunks, and turn the valets de chambre out of the room. He searched my + brother’s bed himself, to see if he could find any papers concealed + in it. My brother had that evening received a letter from Madame de + Sauves, which he kept in his hand, unwilling that it should be seen. The + King endeavoured to force it from him. He refused to part with it, and + earnestly entreated the King would not insist upon seeing it. This only + excited the King’s anxiety the more to have it in his possession, as + he now supposed it to be the key to the whole plot, and the very document + which would at once bring conviction home to him. At length, the King + having got it into his hands, he opened it in the presence of the Queen my + mother, and they were both as much confounded, when they read the + contents, as Cato was when he obtained a letter from Caesar, in the + Senate, which the latter was unwilling to give up; and which Cato, + supposing it to contain a conspiracy against the Republic, found to be no + other than a love-letter from his own sister. + </p> + <p> + But the shame of this disappointment served only to increase the King’s + anger, who, without condescending to make a reply to my brother, when + repeatedly asked what he had been accused of, gave him in charge of M. de + Cosse and his Scots, commanding them not to admit a single person to speak + with him. + </p> + <p> + It was one o’clock in the morning when my brother was made a + prisoner in the manner I have now related. He feared some fatal event + might succeed these violent proceedings, and he was under the greatest + concern on my account, supposing me to be under a like arrest. He observed + M. de Cosse to be much affected by the scene he had been witness to, even + to shedding tears. As the archers were in the room he would not venture to + enter into discourse with him, but only asked what was become of me. M. de + Cosse answered that I remained at full liberty. My brother then said it + was a great comfort to him to hear that news; “but,” added he, + “as I know she loves me so entirely that she would rather be + confined with me than have her liberty whilst I was in confinement, I beg + you will go to the Queen my mother, and desire her to obtain leave for my + sister to be with me.” He did so, and it was granted. + </p> + <p> + The reliance which my brother displayed upon this occasion in the + sincerity of my friendship and regard for him conferred so great an + obligation in my mind that, though I have received many particular favours + since from him, this has always held the foremost place in my grateful + remembrance. + </p> + <p> + By the time he had received permission for my being with him, daylight + made its appearance. Seeing this, my brother begged M. de Cosse to send + one of his archers to acquaint me with his situation, and beg me to come + to him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter18" id="letter18"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVIII. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The Brothers Reconciled.—Alencon Restored to His Liberty. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I was ignorant of what had happened to my brother, and when the Scottish + archer came into my bedchamber, I was still asleep. He drew the curtains + of the bed, and told me, in his broken French, that my brother wished to + see me. I stared at the man, half awake as I was, and thought it a dream. + After a short pause, and being thoroughly awakened, I asked him if he was + not a Scottish archer. He answered me in the affirmative. “What!” + cried I, “has my brother no one else to send a message by?” He + replied he had not, for all his domestics had been put under an arrest. He + then proceeded to relate, as well as he could explain himself, the events + of the preceding night, and the leave granted my brother for my being with + him during his imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow, observing me to be much affected by this intelligence, + drew near, and whispered me to this purport: “Do not grieve yourself + about this matter; I know a way of setting your brother at liberty, and + you may depend upon it, that I will do it; but, in that case, I must go + off with him.” I assured him that he might rely upon being as amply + rewarded as he could wish for such assistance, and, huddling on my + clothes, I followed him alone to my brother’s apartments. In going + thither, I had occasion to traverse the whole gallery, which was filled + with people, who, at another time, would have pressed forward to pay their + respects to me; but, now that Fortune seemed to frown upon me, they all + avoided me, or appeared as if they did not see me. + </p> + <p> + Coming into my brother’s apartments, I found him not at all affected + by what had happened; for such was the constancy of his mind, that his + arrest had wrought no change, and he received me with his usual + cheerfulness. He ran to meet me, and taking me in his arms, he said, + “Queen! I beg you to dry up your tears; in my present situation, + nothing can grieve me so much as to find you under any concern; for my own + part, I am so conscious of my innocence and the integrity of my conduct, + that I can defy the utmost malice of my enemies. If I should chance to + fall the victim of their injustice, my death would prove a more cruel + punishment to them than to me, who have courage sufficient to meet it in a + just cause. It is not death I fear, because I have tasted sufficiently of + the calamities and evils of life, and am ready to leave this world, which + I have found only the abode of sorrow; but the circumstance I dread most + is, that, not finding me sufficiently guilty to doom me to death, I shall + be condemned to a long, solitary imprisonment; though I should even + despise their tyranny in that respect, could I but have the assurance of + being comforted by your presence.” + </p> + <p> + These words, instead of stopping my tears, only served to make them stream + afresh. I answered, sobbing, that my life and fortune were at his + devotion; that the power of God alone could prevent me from affording him + my assistance under every extremity; that, if he should be transported + from that place, and I should be withheld from following him, I would kill + myself on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Changing our discourse, we framed a number of conjectures on what might be + the probable cause of the King’s angry proceedings against him, but + found ourselves at a loss what to assign them to. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were discussing this matter the hour came for opening the palace + gates, when a simple young man belonging to Bussi presented himself for + entrance. Being stopped by the guard and questioned as to whither he was + going, he, panic-struck, replied he was going to M. de Bussi, his master. + This answer was carried to the King, and gave fresh grounds for suspicion. + It seems my brother, supposing he should not be able to go to Flanders for + some time, and resolving to send Bussi to his duchy of Alencon as I have + already mentioned, had lodged him in the Louvre, that he might be near him + to take instructions at every opportunity. + </p> + <p> + L’Archant, the general of the guard, had received the King’s + commands to make a search in the Louvre for him and Simier, and put them + both under arrest. He entered upon this business with great unwillingness, + as he was intimate with Bussi, who was accustomed to call him “father.” + L’Archant, going to Simier’s apartment, arrested him; and + though he judged Bussi was there too, yet, being unwilling to find him, he + was going away. Bussi, however, who had concealed himself under the bed, + as not knowing to whom the orders for his arrest might be given, finding + he was to be left there, and sensible that he should be well treated by L’Archant, + called out to him, as he was leaving the room, in his droll manner: + “What, papa, are you going without me? Don’t you think I am as + great a rogue as that Simier?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, son,” replied L’Archant, “I would much rather + have lost my arm than have met with you!” + </p> + <p> + Bussi, being a man devoid of all fear, observed that it was a sign that + things went well with him; then, turning to Simier, who stood trembling + with fear, he jeered him upon his pusillanimity. L’Archant removed + them both, and set a guard over them; and, in the next place, proceeded to + arrest M. de la Chastre, whom he took to the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile M. de l’Oste was appointed to the command of the guard + which was set over my brother. This was a good sort of old man, who had + been appointed governor to the King my husband, and loved me as if I had + been his own child. Sensible of the injustice done to my brother and me, + and lamenting the bad counsel by which the King was guided, and being, + moreover, willing to serve us, he resolved to deliver my brother from + arrest. In order to make his intention known to us he ordered the Scottish + archers to wait on the stairs without, keeping only, two whom he could + trust in the room. Then taking me aside, he said: + </p> + <p> + “There is not a good Frenchman living who does not bleed at his + heart to see what we see. I have served the King your father, and I am + ready to lay down my life to serve his children. I expect to have the + guard of the Prince your brother, wherever he shall chance to be confined; + and, depend upon it, at the hazard of my life, I will restore him to his + liberty. But,” added he, “that no suspicions may arise that + such is my design, it will be proper that we be not seen together in + conversation; however, you may, rely upon my word.” + </p> + <p> + This afforded me great consolation; and, assuming a degree of courage + hereupon, I observed to my brother that we ought not to remain there + without knowing for what reason we were detained, as if we were in the + Inquisition; and that to treat us in such a manner was to consider us as + persons of no account. I then begged M. de l’Oste to entreat the + King, in our name, if the Queen our mother was not permitted to come to + us, to send some one to acquaint us with the crime for which we were kept + in confinement. + </p> + <p> + M. de Combaut, who was at the head of the young counsellors, was + accordingly sent to us; and he, with a great deal of gravity, informed us + that he came from the King to inquire what it was we wished to communicate + to his Majesty. We answered that we wished to speak to some one near the + King’s person, in order to our being informed what we were kept in + confinement for, as we were unable to assign any reason for it ourselves. + He answered, with great solemnity, that we ought not to ask of God or the + King reasons for what they did; as all their actions emanated from wisdom + and justice. We replied that we were not persons to be treated like those + shut up in the Inquisition, who are left to guess at the cause of their + being there. + </p> + <p> + We could obtain from him, after all we said, no other satisfaction than + his promise to interest himself in our behalf, and to do us all the + service in his power. At this my brother broke out into a fit of laughter; + but I confess I was too much alarmed to treat his message with such + indifference, and could scarcely, refrain from talking to this messenger + as he deserved. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was making his report to the King, the Queen my mother kept her + chamber, being under great concern, as may well be supposed, to witness + such proceedings. She plainly foresaw, in her prudence, that these + excesses would end fatally, should the mildness of my brother’s + disposition, and his regard for the welfare of the State, be once wearied + out with submitting to such repeated acts of injustice. She therefore sent + for the senior members of the Council, the chancellor, princes, nobles, + and marshals of France, who all were greatly scandalised at the bad + counsel which had been given to the King, and told the Queen my mother + that she ought to remonstrate with the King upon the injustice of his + proceedings. They observed that what had been done could not now be + recalled, but matters might yet be set upon a right footing. The Queen my + mother hereupon went to the King, followed by these counsellors, and + represented to him the ill consequences which might proceed from the steps + he had taken. + </p> + <p> + The King’s eyes were by this time opened, and he saw that he had + been ill advised. He therefore begged the Queen my mother to set things to + rights, and to prevail on my brother to forget all that had happened, and + to bear no resentment against these young men, but to make up the breach + betwixt Bussi and Quelus. + </p> + <p> + Things being thus set to rights again, the guard which had been placed + over my brother was dismissed, and the Queen my mother, coming to his + apartment, told him he ought to return thanks to God for his deliverance, + for that there had been a moment when even she herself despaired of saving + his life; that since he must now have discovered that the King’s + temper of mind was such that he took the alarm at the very imagination of + danger, and that, when once he was resolved upon a measure, no advice that + she or any other could give would prevent him from putting it into + execution, she would recommend it to him to submit himself to the King’s + pleasure in everything, in order to prevent the like in future; and, for + the present, to take the earliest opportunity of seeing the King, and to + appear as if he thought no more about the past. + </p> + <p> + We replied that we were both of us sensible of God’s great mercy in + delivering us from the injustice of our enemies, and that, next to God, + our greatest obligation was to her; but that my brother’s rank did + not admit of his being put in confinement without cause, and released from + it again without the formality of an acknowledgment. Upon this, the Queen + observed that it was not in the power even of God himself to undo what had + been done; that what could be effected to save his honour, and give him + satisfaction for the irregularity of the arrest, should have place. My + brother, therefore, she observed, ought to strive to mollify the King by + addressing him with expressions of regard to his person and attachment to + his service; and, in the meantime, use his influence over Bussi to + reconcile him to Quelus, and to end all disputes betwixt them. She then + declared that the principal motive for putting my brother and his servants + under arrest was to prevent the combat for which old Bussi, the brave + father of a brave son, had solicited the King’s leave, wherein he + proposed to be his son’s second, whilst the father of Quelus was to + be his. These four had agreed in this way to determine the matter in + dispute, and give the Court no further disturbance. + </p> + <p> + My brother now engaged himself to the Queen that, as Bussi would see he + could not be permitted to decide his quarrel by combat, he should, in + order to deliver himself from his arrest, do as she had commanded. + </p> + <p> + The Queen my mother, going down to the King, prevailed with him to restore + my brother to liberty with every honour. In order to which the King came + to her apartment, followed by the princes, noblemen, and other members of + the Council, and sent for us by M. de Villequier. As we went along we + found all the rooms crowded with people, who, with tears in their eyes, + blessed God for our deliverance. Coming into the apartments of the Queen + my mother, we found the King attended as I before related. The King + desired my brother not to take anything ill that had been done, as the + motive for it was his concern for the good of his kingdom, and not any bad + intention towards himself. My brother replied that he had, as he ought, + devoted his life to his service, and, therefore, was governed by his + pleasure; but that he most humbly begged him to consider that his fidelity + and attachment did not merit the return he had met with; that, + notwithstanding, he should impute it entirely to his own ill-fortune, and + should be perfectly satisfied if the King acknowledged his innocence. + Hereupon the King said that he entertained not the least doubt of his + innocence, and only desired him to believe he held the same place in his + esteem he ever had. The Queen my mother then, taking both of them by the + hand, made them embrace each other. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards the King commanded Bussi to be brought forth, to make a + reconciliation betwixt him and Quelus, giving orders, at the same time, + for the release of Simier and M. de la Chastre. Bussi coming into the room + with his usual grace, the King told him he must be reconciled with Quelus, + and forbade him to say a word more concerning their quarrel. He then + commanded them to embrace. “Sire,” said Bussi, “if it is + your pleasure that we kiss and are friends again, I am ready to obey your + command;” then, putting himself in the attitude of Pantaloon, he + went up to Queus and gave him a hug, which set all present in a titter, + notwithstanding they had been seriously affected by the scene which had + passed just before. + </p> + <p> + Many persons of discretion thought what had been done was too slight a + reparation for the injuries my brother had received. When all was over, + the King and the Queen my mother, coming up to me, said it would be + incumbent on me to use my utmost endeavours to prevent my brother from + calling to mind anything past which should make him swerve from the duty + and affection he owed the King. I replied that my brother was so prudent, + and so strongly attached to the King’s service, that he needed no + admonition on that head from me or any one else; and that, with respect to + myself, I had never given him any other advice than to conform himself to + the King’s pleasure and the duty he owed him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter19" id="letter19"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIX. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + The Duc d’Alencon Makes His Escape from Court.—Queen + Marguerite’s Fidelity Put to a Severe Trial. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + It was now three o’clock in the afternoon, and no one present had + yet dined. The Queen my mother was desirous that we should eat together, + and, after dinner, she ordered my brother and me to change our dress (as + the clothes we had on were suitable only to our late melancholy situation) + and come to the King’s supper and ball. We complied with her orders + as far as a change of dress, but our countenances still retained the + impressions of grief and resentment which we inwardly felt. + </p> + <p> + I must inform you that when the tragi-comedy I have given you an account + of was over, the Queen my mother turned round to the Chevalier de Seurre, + whom she recommended to my brother to sleep in his bedchamber, and in + whose conversation she sometimes took delight because he was a man of some + humour, but rather inclined to be cynical. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said she, “M. de Seurre, what do you think of + all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I think there is too much of it for earnest, and not enough + for jest.” + </p> + <p> + Then addressing himself to me, he said, but not loud enough for the Queen + to hear him: “I do not believe all is over yet; I am very much + mistaken if this young man” (meaning my brother) “rests + satisfied with this.” This day having passed in the manner before + related, the wound being only skinned over and far from healed, the young + men about the King’s person set themselves to operate in order to + break it out afresh. + </p> + <p> + These persons, judging of my brother by themselves, and not having + sufficient experience to know the power of duty over the minds of + personages of exalted rank and high birth, persuaded the King, still + connecting his case with their own, that it was impossible my brother + should ever forgive the affront he had received, and not seek to avenge + himself with the first opportunity. The King, forgetting the ill-judged + steps these young men had so lately induced him to take, hereupon receives + this new impression, and gives orders to the officers of the guard to keep + strict watch at the gates that his brother go not out, and that his people + be made to leave the Louvre every evening, except such of them as usually + slept in his bedchamber or wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + My brother, seeing himself thus exposed to the caprices of these + headstrong young fellows, who led the King according to their own fancies, + and fearing something worse might happen than what he had yet experienced, + at the end of three days, during which time he laboured under + apprehensions of this kind, came to a determination to leave the Court, + and never more return to it, but retire to his principality and make + preparations with all haste for his expedition to Flanders. He + communicated his design to me, and I approved of it, as I considered he + had no other view in it than providing for his own safety, and that + neither the King nor his government were likely to sustain any injury by + it. + </p> + <p> + When we consulted upon the means of its accomplishment, we could find no + other than his descending from my window, which was on the second story + and opened to the ditch, for the gates were so closely watched that it was + impossible to pass them, the face of every one going out of the Louvre + being curiously examined. He begged of me, therefore, to procure for him a + rope of sufficient strength and long enough for the purpose. This I set + about immediately, for, having the sacking of a bed that wanted mending, I + sent it out of the palace by a lad whom I could trust, with orders to + bring it back repaired, and to wrap up the proper length of rope inside. + </p> + <p> + When all was prepared, one evening, at supper-time, I went to the Queen my + mother, who supped alone in her own apartment, it being fast-day and the + King eating no supper. My brother, who on most occasions was patient and + discreet, spurred on by the indignities he had received, and anxious to + extricate himself from danger and regain his liberty, came to me as I was + rising from table, and whispered to me to make haste and come to him in my + own apartment. M. de Matignon, at that time a marshal, a sly, cunning + Norman, and one who had no love for my brother, whether he had some + knowledge of his design from some one who could not keep a secret, or only + guessed at it, observed to the Queen my mother as she left the room (which + I overheard, being near her, and circumspectly watching every word and + motion, as may well be imagined, situated as I was betwixt fear and hope, + and involved in perplexity) that my brother had undoubtedly an intention + of withdrawing himself, and would not be there the next day; adding that + he was assured of it, and she might take her measures accordingly. + </p> + <p> + I observed that she was much disconcerted by this observation, and I had + my fears lest we should be discovered. When we came into her closet, she + drew me aside and asked if I heard what Matignon had said. + </p> + <p> + I replied: “I did not hear it, Madame, but I observe that it has + given you uneasiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, “a great deal of uneasiness, for you + know I have pledged myself to the King that your brother shall not depart + hence, and Matignon has declared that he knows very well he will not be + here to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I now found myself under a great embarrassment; I was in danger either of + proving unfaithful to my brother, and thereby bringing his life into + jeopardy, or of being obliged to declare that to be truth which I knew to + be false, and this I would have died rather than be guilty of. + </p> + <p> + In this extremity, if I had not been aided by God, my countenance, without + speaking, would plainly have discovered what I wished to conceal. But God, + who assists those who mean well, and whose divine goodness was + discoverable in my brother’s escape, enabled me to compose my looks + and suggested to me such a reply as gave her to understand no more than I + wished her to know, and cleared my conscience from making any declaration + contrary to the truth. I answered her in these words: + </p> + <p> + “You cannot, Madame, but be sensible that M. de Matignon is not one + of my brother’s friends, and that he is, besides, a busy, meddling + kind of man, who is sorry to find a reconciliation has taken place with + us; and, as to my brother, I will answer for him with my life in case he + goes hence, of which, if he had any design, I should, as I am well + assured, not be ignorant, he never having yet concealed anything he meant + to do from me.” + </p> + <p> + All this was said by me with the assurance that, after my brother’s + escape, they would not dare to do me any injury; and in case of the worst, + and when we should be discovered, I had much rather pledge my life than + hazard my soul by a false declaration, and endanger my brother’s + life. Without scrutinising the import of my speech, she replied: “Remember + what you now say,—you will be bound for him on the penalty of your + life.” + </p> + <p> + I smiled and answered that such was my intention. Then, wishing her a good + night, I retired to my own bedchamber, where, undressing myself in haste + and getting into bed, in order to dismiss the ladies and maids of honour, + and there then remaining only my chamber-women, my brother came in, + accompanied by Simier and Cange. Rising from my bed, we made the cord + fast, and having looked out, at the window to discover if any one was in + the ditch, with the assistance of three of my women, who slept in my room, + and the lad who had brought in the rope, we let down my brother, who + laughed and joked upon the occasion without the least apprehension, + notwithstanding the height was considerable. We next lowered Simier into + the ditch, who was in such a fright that he had scarcely strength to hold + the rope fast; and lastly descended my brother’s valet de chambre, + Cange. + </p> + <p> + Through God’s providence my brother got off undiscovered, and going + to Ste. Genevieve, he found Bussi waiting there for him. By consent of the + abbot, a hole had been made in the city wall, through which they passed, + and horses being provided and in waiting, they mounted, and reached Angers + without the least accident. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were lowering down Cange, who, as I mentioned before, was the + last, we observed a man rising out of the ditch, who ran towards the lodge + adjoining to the tennis-court, in the direct way leading to the + guard-house. I had no apprehensions on my own account, all my fears being + absorbed by those I entertained for my brother; and now I was almost dead + with alarm, supposing this might be a spy placed there by M. de Matignon, + and that my brother would be taken. Whilst I was in this cruel state of + anxiety, which can be judged of only by those who have experienced a + similar situation, my women took a precaution for my safety and their own, + which did not suggest itself to me. This was to burn the rope, that it + might not appear to our conviction in case the man in question had been + placed there to watch us. This rope occasioned so great a flame in + burning, that it set fire to the chimney, which, being seen from without, + alarmed the guard, who ran to us, knocking violently at the door, calling + for it to be opened. + </p> + <p> + I now concluded that my brother was stopped, and that we were both undone. + However, as, by the blessing of God and through his divine mercy alone, I + have, amidst every danger with which I have been repeatedly surrounded, + constantly preserved a presence of mind which directed what was best to be + done, and observing that the rope was not more than half consumed, I told + my women to go to the door, and speaking softly, as if I was asleep, to + ask the men what they wanted. They did so, and the archers replied that + the chimney was on fire, and they came to extinguish it. My women answered + it was of no consequence, and they could put it out themselves, begging + them not to awake me. This alarm thus passed off quietly, and they went + away; but, in two hours afterward, M. de Cosse came for me to go to the + King and the Queen, my mother, to give an account of my brother’s + escape, of which they had received intelligence by the Abbot of Ste. + Genevieve. + </p> + <p> + It seems it had been concerted betwixt my brother and the abbot, in order + to prevent the latter from falling under disgrace, that, when my brother + might be supposed to have reached a sufficient distance, the abbot should + go to Court, and say that he had been put into confinement whilst the hole + was being made, and that he came to inform the King as soon as he had + released himself. + </p> + <p> + I was in bed, for it was yet night; and rising hastily, I put on my + night-clothes. One of my women was indiscreet enough to hold me round the + waist, and exclaim aloud, shedding a flood of tears, that she should never + see me more. M. de Cosse, pushing her away, said to me: “If I were + not a person thoroughly devoted to your service, this woman has said + enough to bring you into trouble. But,” continued he, “fear + nothing. God be praised, by this time the Prince your brother is out of + danger.” + </p> + <p> + These words were very necessary, in the present state of my mind, to + fortify it against the reproaches and threats I had reason to expect from + the King. I found him sitting at the foot of the Queen my mother’s + bed, in such a violent rage that I am inclined to believe I should have + felt the effects of it, had he not been restrained by the absence of my + brother and my mother’s presence. They both told me that I had + assured them my brother would not leave the Court, and that I pledged + myself for his stay. I replied that it was true that he had deceived me, + as he had them; however, I was ready still to pledge my life that his + departure would not operate to the prejudice of the King’s service, + and that it would appear he was only gone to his own principality to give + orders and forward his expedition to Flanders. + </p> + <p> + The King appeared to be somewhat mollified by this declaration, and now + gave me permission to return to my own apartments. Soon afterwards he + received letters from my brother, containing assurances of his attachment, + in the terms I had before expressed. This caused a cessation of + complaints, but by no means removed the King’s dissatisfaction, who + made a show of affording assistance to his expedition, but was secretly + using every means to frustrate and defeat it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter20" id="letter20"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XX. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Queen Marguerite Permitted to Go to the King Her Husband.—Is + Accompanied by the Queenmother.—Marguerite Insulted by Her Husband’s + Secretary.—She Harbours Jealousy.—Her Attention to the King + Her Husband during an Indisposition.—Their Reconciliation.—The + War Breaks Out Afresh.—Affront Received from Marechal de Biron. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I now renewed my application for leave to go to the King my husband, which + I continued to press on every opportunity. The King, perceiving that he + could not refuse my leave any longer, was willing I should depart + satisfied. He had this further view in complying with my wishes, that by + this means he should withdraw me from my attachment to my brother. He + therefore strove to oblige me in every way he could think of, and, to + fulfil the promise made by the Queen my mother at the Peace of Sens, he + gave me an assignment of my portion in territory, with the power of + nomination to all vacant benefices and all offices; and, over and above + the customary pension to the daughters of France, he gave another out of + his privy purse. + </p> + <p> + He daily paid me a visit in my apartment, in which he took occasion to + represent to me how useful his friendship would be to me; whereas that of + my brother could be only injurious,—with arguments of the like kind. + </p> + <p> + However, all he could say was insufficient to prevail on me to swerve from + the fidelity I had vowed to observe to my brother. The King was able to + draw from me no other declaration than this: that it ever was, and should + be, my earnest wish to see my brother firmly established in his gracious + favour, which he had never appeared to me to have forfeited; that I was + well assured he would exert himself to the utmost to regain it by every + act of duty and meritorious service; that, with respect to myself, I + thought I was so much obliged to him for the great honour he did me by + repeated acts of generosity, that he might be assured, when I was with the + King my husband I should consider myself bound in duty to obey all such + commands as he should be pleased to give me; and that it would be my whole + study to maintain the King my husband in a submission to his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + My brother was now on the point of leaving Alencon to go to Flanders; the + Queen my mother was desirous to see him before his departure. I begged the + King to permit me to take the opportunity of accompanying her to take + leave of my brother, which he granted; but, as it seemed, with great + unwillingness. When we returned from Alencon, I solicited the King to + permit me to take leave of himself, as I had everything prepared for my + journey. The Queen my mother being desirous to go to Gascony, where her + presence was necessary for the King’s service, was unwilling that I + should depart without her. When we left Paris, the King accompanied us on + the way as far as his palace of Dolinville. There we stayed with him a few + days, and there we took our leave, and in a little time reached Guienne, + which belonging to, and being under the government of the King my husband, + I was everywhere received as Queen. My husband gave the Queen my mother a + meeting at Wolle, which was held by the Huguenots as a cautionary town; + and the country not being sufficiently quieted, she was permitted to go no + further. + </p> + <p> + It was the intention of the Queen my mother to make but a short stay; but + so many accidents arose from disputes betwixt the Huguenots and Catholics, + that she was under the necessity of stopping there eighteen months. As + this was very much against her inclination, she was sometimes inclined to + think there was a design to keep her, in order to have the company of her + maids of honour. For my husband had been greatly smitten with Dayelle, and + M. de Thurene was in love with La Vergne. However, I received every mark + of honour and attention from the King that I could expect or desire. He + related to me, as soon as we met, the artifices which had been put in + practice whilst he remained at Court to create a misunderstanding betwixt + him and me; all this, he said, he knew was with a design to cause a + rupture betwixt my brother and him, and thereby ruin us all three, as + there was an exceeding great jealousy entertained of the friendship which + existed betwixt us. + </p> + <p> + We remained in the disagreeable situation I have before described all the + time the Queen my mother stayed in Gascony; but, as soon as she could + reestablish peace, she, by desire of the King my husband, removed the King’s + lieutenant, the Marquis de Villars, putting in his place the Marechal de + Biron. She then departed for Languedoc, and we conducted her to + Castelnaudary; where, taking our leave, we returned to Pau, in Bearn; in + which place, the Catholic religion not being tolerated, I was only allowed + to have mass celebrated in a chapel of about three or four feet in length, + and so narrow that it could scarcely hold seven or eight persons. During + the celebration of mass, the bridge of the castle was drawn up to prevent + the Catholics of the town and country from coming to assist at it; who + having been, for some years, deprived of the benefit of following their + own mode of worship, would have gladly been present. Actuated by so holy + and laudable a desire, some of the inhabitants of Pau, on Whitsunday, + found means to get into the castle before the bridge was drawn up, and + were present at the celebration of mass, not being discovered until it was + nearly over. At length the Huguenots espied them, and ran to acquaint Le + Pin, secretary to the King my husband, who was greatly in his favour, and + who conducted the whole business relating to the new religion. Upon + receiving this intelligence, Le Pin ordered the guard to arrest these poor + people, who were severely beaten in my presence, and afterwards locked up + in prison, whence they were not released without paying a considerable + fine. + </p> + <p> + This indignity gave me great offence, as I never expected anything of the + kind. Accordingly, I complained of it to the King my husband, begging him + to give orders for the release of these poor Catholics, who did not + deserve to be punished for coming to my chapel to hear mass, a celebration + of which they had been so long deprived of the benefit. Le Pin, with the + greatest disrespect to his master, took upon him to reply, without waiting + to hear what the King had to say. He told me that I ought not to trouble + the King my husband about such matters; that what had been done was very + right and proper; that those people had justly merited the treatment they + met with, and all I could say would go for nothing, for it must be so; and + that I ought to rest satisfied with being permitted to have mass said to + me and my servants. This insolent speech from a person of his inferior + condition incensed me greatly, and I entreated the King my husband, if I + had the least share in his good graces, to do me justice, and avenge the + insult offered me by this low man. + </p> + <p> + The King my husband, perceiving that I was offended, as I had reason to + be, with this gross indignity, ordered Le Pin to quit our presence + immediately; and, expressing his concern at his secretary’s + behaviour, who, he said, was overzealous in the cause of religion, he + promised that he would make an example of him. As to the Catholic + prisoners, he said he would advise with his parliament what ought to be + done for my satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Having said this, he went to his closet, where he found Le Pin, who, by + dint of persuasion, made him change his resolution; insomuch that, fearing + I should insist upon his dismissing his secretary, he avoided meeting me. + At last, finding that I was firmly resolved to leave him, unless he + dismissed Le Pin, he took advice of some persons, who, having themselves a + dislike to the secretary, represented that he ought not to give me cause + of displeasure for the sake of a man of his small importance,—especially + one who, like him, had given me just reason to be offended; that, when it + became known to the King my brother and the Queen my mother, they would + certainly take it ill that he had not only not resented it, but, on the + contrary, still kept him near his person. + </p> + <p> + This counsel prevailed with him, and he at length discarded his secretary. + The King, however, continued to behave to me with great coolness, being + influenced, as he afterwards confessed, by the counsel of M. de Pibrac, + who acted the part of a double dealer, telling me that I ought not to + pardon an affront offered by such a mean fellow, but insist upon his being + dismissed; whilst he persuaded the King my husband that there was no + reason for parting with a man so useful to him, for such a trivial cause. + This was done by M. de Pibrac, thinking I might be induced, from such + mortifications, to return to France, where he enjoyed the offices of + president and King’s counsellor. + </p> + <p> + I now met with a fresh cause for disquietude in my present situation, for, + Dayelle being gone, the King my husband placed his affections on Rebours. + She was an artful young person, and had no regard for me; accordingly, she + did me all the ill offices in her power with him. In the midst of these + trials, I put my trust in God, and he, moved with pity by my tears, gave + permission for our leaving Pau, that “little Geneva;” and, + fortunately for me, Rebours was taken ill and stayed behind. The King my + husband no sooner lost sight of her than he forgot her; he now turned his + eyes and attention towards Fosseuse. She was much handsomer than the + other, and was at that time young, and really a very amiable person. + </p> + <p> + Pursuing the road to Montauban, we stopped at a little town called Eause, + where, in the night, the King my husband was attacked with a high fever, + accompanied with most violent pains in his head. This fever lasted for + seventeen days, during which time he had no rest night or day, but was + continually removed from one bed to another. I nursed him the whole time, + never stirring from his bedside, and never putting off my clothes. He took + notice of my extraordinary tenderness, and spoke of it to several persons, + and particularly to my cousin M——-, who, acting the part of an + affectionate relation, restored me to his favour, insomuch that I never + stood so highly in it before. This happiness I had the good fortune to + enjoy during the four or five years that I remained with him in Gascony. + </p> + <p> + Our residence, for the most part of the time I have mentioned, was at + Nerac, where our Court was so brilliant that we had no cause to regret our + absence from the Court of France. We had with us the Princesse de Navarre, + my husband’s sister, since married to the Duc de Bar; there were + besides a number of ladies belonging to myself. The King my husband was + attended by a numerous body of lords and gentlemen, all as gallant persons + as I have seen in any Court; and we had only to lament that they were + Huguenots. This difference of religion, however, caused no dispute among + us; the King my husband and the Princess his sister heard a sermon, whilst + I and my servants heard mass. I had a chapel in the park for the purpose, + and, as soon as the service of both religions was over, we joined company + in a beautiful garden, ornamented with long walks shaded with laurel and + cypress trees. Sometimes we took a walk in the park on the banks of the + river, bordered by an avenue of trees three thousand yards in length. The + rest of the day was passed in innocent amusements; and in the afternoon, + or at night, we commonly had a ball. + </p> + <p> + The King was very assiduous with Fosseuse, who, being dependent on me, + kept herself within the strict bounds of honour and virtue. Had she always + done so, she had not brought upon herself a misfortune which has proved of + such fatal consequence to myself as well as to her. + </p> + <p> + But our happiness was too great to be of long continuance, and fresh + troubles broke out betwixt the King my husband and the Catholics, and gave + rise to a new war. The King my husband and the Marechal de Biron, who was + the King’s lieutenant in Guienne, had a difference, which was + aggravated by the Huguenots. This breach became in a short time so wide + that all my efforts to close it were useless. They made their separate + complaints to the King. The King my husband insisted on the removal of the + Marechal de Biron, and the Marshal charged the King my husband, and the + rest of those who were of the pretended reformed religion, with designs + contrary to peace. I saw, with great concern, that affairs were likely + soon to come to an open rupture; and I had no power to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + The Marshal advised the King to come to Guienne himself, saying that in + his presence matters might be settled. The Huguenots, hearing of this + proposal, supposed the King would take possession of their towns, and, + thereupon, came to a resolution to take up arms. This was what I feared; I + was become a sharer in the King my husband’s fortune, and was now to + be in opposition to the King my brother and the religion I had been bred + up in. I gave my opinion upon this war to the King my husband and his + Council, and strove to dissuade them from engaging in it. I represented to + them the hazards of carrying on a war when they were to be opposed against + so able a general as the Marechal de Biron, who would not spare them, as + other generals had done, he being their private enemy. I begged them to + consider that, if the King brought his whole force against them, with + intention to exterminate their religion, it would not be in their power to + oppose or prevent it. But they were so headstrong, and so blinded with the + hope of succeeding in the surprise of certain towns in Languedoc and + Gascony, that, though the King did me the honour, upon all occasions, to + listen to my advice, as did most of the Huguenots, yet I could not prevail + on them to follow it in the present situation of affairs, until it was too + late, and after they had found, to their cost, that my counsel was good. + The torrent was now burst forth, and there was no possibility of stopping + its course until it had spent its utmost strength. + </p> + <p> + Before that period arrived, foreseeing the consequences, I had often + written to the King and the Queen my mother, to offer something to the + King my husband by way of accommodating matters. But they were bent + against it, and seemed to be pleased that matters had taken such a turn, + being assured by Marechal de Biron that he had it in his power to crush + the Huguenots whenever he pleased. In this crisis my advice was not + attended to, the dissensions increased, and recourse was had to arms. + </p> + <p> + The Huguenots had reckoned upon a force more considerable than they were + able to collect together, and the King my husband found himself + outnumbered by Marechal de Biron. In consequence, those of the pretended + reformed religion failed in all their plans, except their attack upon + Cahors, which they took with petards, after having lost a great number of + men, M. de Vezins, who commanded in the town, disputing their entrance for + two or three days, from street to street, and even from house to house. + The King my husband displayed great valour and conduct upon the occasion, + and showed himself to be a gallant and brave general. Though the Huguenots + succeeded in this attempt, their loss was so great that they gained + nothing from it. Marechal de Biron kept the field, and took every place + that declared for the Huguenots, putting all that opposed him to the + sword. + </p> + <p> + From the commencement of this war, the King my husband doing me the honour + to love me, and commanding me not to leave him, I had resolved to share + his fortune, not without extreme regret, in observing that this war was of + such a nature that I could not, in conscience, wish success to either + side; for if the Huguenots got the upper hand, the religion which I + cherished as much as my life was lost, and if the Catholics prevailed, the + King my husband was undone. But, being thus attached to my husband, by the + duty I owed him, and obliged by the attentions he was pleased to show me, + I could only acquaint the King and the Queen my mother with the situation + to which I was reduced, occasioned by my advice to them not having been + attended to. I, therefore, prayed them, if they could not extinguish the + flames of war in the midst of which I was placed, at least to give orders + to Marechal de Biron to consider the town I resided in, and three leagues + round it, as neutral ground, and that I would get the King my husband to + do the same. This the King granted me for Nerac, provided my husband was + not there; but if he should enter it, the neutrality was to cease, and so + to remain as long as he continued there. This convention was observed, on + both sides, with all the exactness I could desire. However, the King my + husband was not to be prevented from often visiting Nerac, which was the + residence of his sister and me. He was fond of the society of ladies, and, + moreover, was at that time greatly enamoured with Fosseuse, who held the + place in his affections which Rebours had lately occupied. Fosseuse did me + no ill offices, so that the King my husband and I continued to live on + very good terms, especially as he perceived me unwilling to oppose his + inclinations. + </p> + <p> + Led by such inducements, he came to Nerac, once, with a body of troops, + and stayed three days, not being able to leave the agreeable company he + found there. Marechal de Biron, who wished for nothing so much as such an + opportunity, was apprised of it, and, under pretence of joining M. de + Cornusson, the seneschal of Toulouse, who was expected with a + reinforcement for his army, he began his march; but, instead of pursuing + the road, according to the orders he had issued, he suddenly ordered his + troops to file off towards Nerac, and, before nine in the morning, his + whole force was drawn up within sight of the town, and within cannon-shot + of it. + </p> + <p> + The King my husband had received intelligence, the evening before, of the + expected arrival of M. de Cornusson, and was desirous of preventing the + junction, for which purpose he resolved to attack him and the Marshal + separately. As he had been lately joined by M. de La Rochefoucauld, with a + corps of cavalry consisting of eight hundred men, formed from the nobility + of Saintonge, he found himself sufficiently strong to undertake such a + plan. He, therefore, set out before break of day to make his attack as + they crossed the river. But his intelligence did not prove to be correct, + for De Cornusson passed it the evening before. My husband, being thus + disappointed in his design, returned to Nerac, and entered at one gate + just as Marechal de Biron drew up his troops before the other. There fell + so heavy a rain at that moment that the musketry was of no use. The King + my husband, however, threw a body of his troops into a vineyard to stop + the Marshal’s progress, not being able to do more on account of the + unfavourableness of the weather. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the Marshal continued with his troops drawn up in order + of battle, permitting only two or three of his men to advance, who + challenged a like number to break lances in honour of their mistresses. + The rest of the army kept their ground, to mask their artillery, which, + being ready to play, they opened to the right and left, and fired seven or + eight shots upon the town, one of which struck the palace. The Marshal, + having done this, marched off, despatching a trumpeter to me with his + excuse. He acquainted me that, had I been alone, he would on no account + have fired on the town; but the terms of neutrality for the town, agreed + upon by the King, were, as I well knew, in case the King my husband should + not be found in it, and, if otherwise, they were void. Besides which, his + orders were to attack the King my husband wherever he should find him. + </p> + <p> + I must acknowledge on every other occasion the Marshal showed me the + greatest respect, and appeared to be much my friend. During the war my + letters have frequently fallen into his hands, when he as constantly + forwarded them to me unopened. And whenever my people have happened to be + taken prisoners by his army, they were always well treated as soon as they + mentioned to whom they belonged. + </p> + <p> + I answered his message by the trumpeter, saying that I well knew what he + had done was strictly agreeable to the convention made and the orders he + had received, but that a gallant officer like him would know how to do his + duty without giving his friends cause of offence; that he might have + permitted me the enjoyment of the King my husband’s company in Nerac + for three days, adding, that he could not attack him, in my presence, + without attacking me; and concluding that, certainly, I was greatly + offended by his conduct, and would take the first opportunity of making my + complaint to the King my brother. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="letter21" id="letter21"></a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXI. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Situation of Affairs in Flanders.—Peace Brought About by Duc d’Alencon’s + Negotiation.—Marechal de Biron Apologises for Firing on Nerac.—Henri + Desperately in Love with Fosseuse.—Queen Marguerite Discovers + Fosseuse to Be Pregnant, Which She Denies.—Fosseuse in Labour. + Marguerite’s Generous Behaviour to Her.—Marguerite’s + Return to Paris. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The war lasted some time longer, but with disadvantage to the Huguenots. + The King my husband at length became desirous to make a peace. I wrote on + the subject to the King and the Queen my mother; but so elated were they + both with Marechal de Biron’s success that they would not agree to + any terms. + </p> + <p> + About the time this war broke out, Cambray, which had been delivered up to + my brother by M. d’Ainsi, according to his engagement with me, as I + have before related, was besieged by the forces of Spain. My brother + received the news of this siege at his castle of Plessis-les-Tours, + whither he had retired after his return from Flanders, where, by the + assistance of the Comte de Lalain, he had been invested with the + government of Mons, Valenciennes, and their dependencies. + </p> + <p> + My brother, being anxious to relieve Cambray, set about raising an army, + with all the expedition possible; but, finding it could not be + accomplished very speedily, he sent forward a reinforcement under the + command of M. de Balagny, to succour the place until he arrived himself + with a sufficient force to raise the siege. Whilst he was in the midst of + these preparations this Huguenot war broke out, and the men he had raised + left him to incorporate themselves with the King’s army, which had + reached Gascony. + </p> + <p> + My brother was now without hope of raising the siege, and to lose Cambray + would be attended with the loss of the other countries he had just + obtained. Besides, what he should regret more, such losses would reduce to + great straits M. de Balagny and the gallant troops so nobly defending the + place. + </p> + <p> + His grief on this occasion was poignant, and, as his excellent judgment + furnished him with expedients under all his difficulties, he resolved to + endeavour to bring about a peace. Accordingly he despatched a gentleman to + the King with his advice to accede to terms, offering to undertake the + treaty himself. His design in offering himself as negotiator was to + prevent the treaty being drawn out to too great a length, as might be the + case if confided to others. It was necessary that he should speedily + relieve Cambray, for M. de Balagny, who had thrown himself into the city + as I have before mentioned, had written to him that he should be able to + defend the place for six months; but, if he received no succours within + that time, his provisions would be all expended, and he should be obliged + to give way to the clamours of the inhabitants, and surrender the town. + </p> + <p> + By God’s favour, the King was induced to listen to my brother’s + proposal of undertaking a negotiation for a peace. The King hoped thereby + to disappoint him in his expectations in Flanders, which he never had + approved. Accordingly he sent word back to my brother that he should + accept his proffer of negotiating a peace, and would send him for his + coadjutors, M. de Villeroy and M. de Bellievre. The commission my brother + was charged with succeeded, and, after a stay of seven months in Gascony, + he settled a peace and left us, his thoughts being employed during the + whole time on the means of relieving Cambray, which the satisfaction he + found in being with us could not altogether abate. + </p> + <p> + The peace my brother, made, as I have just mentioned, was so judiciously + framed that it gave equal satisfaction to the King and the Catholics, and + to the King my husband and the Huguenots, and obtained him the affections + of both parties. He likewise acquired from it the assistance of that able + general, Marechal de Biron, who undertook the command of the army destined + to raise the siege of Cambray. The King my husband was equally gratified + in the Marshal’s removal from Gascony and having Marechal de + Matignon in his place. + </p> + <p> + Before my brother set off he was desirous to bring about a reconciliation + betwixt the King my husband and Mareohal de Biron, provided the latter + should make his apologies to me for his conduct at Nerac. My brother had + desired me to treat him with all disdain, but I used this hasty advice + with discretion, considering that my brother might one day or other repent + having given it, as he had everything to hope, in his present situation, + from the bravery of this officer. + </p> + <p> + My brother returned to France accompanied by Marechal de Biron. By his + negotiation of a peace he had acquired to himself great credit with both + parties, and secured a powerful force for the purpose of raising the siege + of Cambray. But honours and success are followed by envy. The King beheld + this accession of glory to his brother with great dissatisfaction. He had + been for seven months, while my brother and I were together in Gascony, + brooding over his malice, and produced the strangest invention that can be + imagined. He pretended to believe (what the King my husband can easily + prove to be false) that I instigated him to go to war that I might procure + for my brother the credit of making peace. This is not at all probable + when it is considered the prejudice my brother’s affairs in, + Flanders sustained by the war. + </p> + <p> + But envy and malice are self-deceivers, and pretend to discover what no + one else can perceive. On this frail foundation the King raised an altar + of hatred, on which he swore never to cease till he had accomplished my + brother’s ruin and mine. He had never forgiven me for the attachment + I had discovered for my brother’s interest during the time he was in + Poland and since. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p224j" id="p224j"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p224j.jpg (72K)" src="images/p224j.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Fortune chose to favour the King’s animosity; for, during the seven + months that my brother stayed in Gascony, he conceived a passion for + Fosseuse, who was become the doting piece of the King my husband, as I + have already mentioned, since he had quitted Rebours. This new passion in + my brother had induced the King my husband to treat me with coldness, + supposing that I countenanced my brother’s addresses. I no sooner + discovered this than I remonstrated with my brother, as I knew he would + make every sacrifice for my repose. I begged him to give over his pursuit, + and not to speak to her again. I succeeded this way to defeat the malice + of my ill-fortune; but there was still behind another secret ambush, and + that of a more fatal nature; for Fosseuse, who was passionately fond of + the King my husband, but had hitherto granted no favours inconsistent with + prudence and modesty, piqued by his jealousy of my brother, gave herself + up suddenly to his will, and unfortunately became pregnant. She no sooner + made this discovery, than she altered her conduct towards me entirely from + what it was before. She now shunned my presence as much as she had been + accustomed to seek it, and whereas before she strove to do me every good + office with the King my husband, she now endeavoured to make all the + mischief she was able betwixt us. For his part, he avoided me; he grew + cold and indifferent, and since Fosseuse ceased to conduct herself with + discretion, the happy moments that we experienced during the four or five + years we were together in Gascony were no more. + </p> + <p> + Peace being restored, and my brother departed for France, as I have + already related, the King my husband and I returned to Nerac. We were no + sooner there than Fosseuse persuaded the King my husband to make a journey + to the waters of Aigues-Caudes, in Bearn, perhaps with a design to rid + herself of her burden there. I begged the King my husband to excuse my + accompanying him, as, since the affront that I had received at Pau, I had + made a vow never to set foot in Bearn until the Catholic religion was + reestablished there. He pressed me much to go with him, and grew angry at + my persisting to refuse his request. He told me that his little girl (for + so he affected to call Fosseuse) was desirous to go there on account of a + colic, which she felt frequent returns of. I answered that I had no + objection to his taking her with him. He then said that she could not go + unless I went; that it would occasion scandal, which might as well be + avoided. He continued to press me to accompany him, but at length I + prevailed with him to consent to go without me, and to take her with him, + and, with her, two of her companions, Rebours and Ville-Savin, together + with the governess. They set out accordingly, and I waited their return at + Baviere. + </p> + <p> + I had every day news from Rebours, informing me how matters went. This + Rebours I have mentioned before to have been the object of my husband’s + passion, but she was now cast off, and, consequently, was no friend to + Fosseuse, who had gained that place in his affection she had before held. + She, therefore, strove all she could to circumvent her; and, indeed, she + was fully qualified for such a purpose, as she was a cunning, deceitful + young person. She gave me to understand that Fosseuse laboured to do me + every ill office in her power; that she spoke of me with the greatest + disrespect on all occasions, and expressed her expectations of marrying + the King herself, in case she should be delivered of a son, when I was to + be divorced. She had said, further, that when the King my husband returned + to Baviere, he had resolved to go to Pau, and that I should go with him, + whether I would or not. + </p> + <p> + This intelligence was far from being agreeable to me, and I knew not what + to think of it. I trusted in the goodness of God, and I had a reliance on + the generosity of the King my husband; yet I passed the time I waited for + his return but uncomfortably, and often thought I shed more tears than + they drank water. The Catholic nobility of the neighbourhood of Baviere + used their utmost endeavours to divert my chagrin, for the month or five + weeks that the King my husband and Fosseuse stayed at Aigues-Caudes. + </p> + <p> + On his return, a certain nobleman acquainted the King my husband with the + concern I was under lest he should go to Pau, whereupon he did not press + me on the subject, but only said he should have been glad if I had + consented to go with him. Perceiving, by my tears and the expressions I + made use of, that I should prefer even death to such a journey, he altered + his intentions and we returned to Nerac. + </p> + <p> + The pregnancy of Fosseuse was now no longer a secret. The whole Court + talked of it, and not only the Court, but all the country. I was willing + to prevent the scandal from spreading, and accordingly resolved to talk to + her on the subject. With this resolution, I took her into my closet, and + spoke to her thus: “Though you have for some time estranged yourself + from me, and, as it has been reported to me, striven to do me many ill + offices with the King my husband, yet the regard I once had for you, and + the esteem which I still entertain for those honourable persons to whose + family you belong, do not admit of my neglecting to afford you all the + assistance in my power in pour present unhappy situation. I beg you, + therefore, not to conceal the truth, it being both for your interest and + mine, under whose protection you are, to declare it. Tell me the truth, + and I will act towards you as a mother. You know that a contagious + disorder has broken out in the place, and, under pretence of avoiding it, + I will go to Mas-d’Agenois, which is a house belonging to the King + my husband, in a very retired situation. I will take you with me, and such + other persons as you shall name. Whilst we are there, the King will take + the diversion of hunting in some other part of the country, and I shall + not stir thence before your delivery. By this means we shall put a stop to + the scandalous reports which are now current, and which concern you more + than myself.” + </p> + <p> + So far from showing any contrition, or returning thanks for my kindness, + she replied, with the utmost arrogance, that she would prove all those to + be liars who had reported such things of her; that, for my part, I had + ceased for a long time to show her any marks of regard, and she saw that I + was determined upon her ruin. These words she delivered in as loud a tone + as mine had been mildly expressed; and, leaving me abruptly, she flew in a + rage to the King my husband, to relate to him what I had said to her. He + was very angry upon the occasion, and declared he would make them all + liars who had laid such things to her charge. From that moment until the + hour of her delivery, which was a few months after, he never spoke to me. + </p> + <p> + She found the pains of labour come upon her about daybreak, whilst she was + in bed in the chamber where the maids of honour slept. She sent for my + physician, and begged him to go and acquaint the King my husband that she + was taken ill. We slept in separate beds in the same chamber, and had done + so for some time. + </p> + <p> + The physician delivered the message as he was directed, which greatly + embarrassed my husband. What to do he did not know. On the one hand, he + was fearful of a discovery; on the other, he foresaw that, without proper + assistance, there was danger of losing one he so much loved. In this + dilemma, he resolved to apply to me, confess all, and implore my aid and + advice, well knowing that, notwithstanding what had passed, I should be + ready to do him a pleasure. Having come to this resolution, he withdrew my + curtains, and spoke to me thus: “My dear, I have concealed a matter + from you which I now confess. I beg you to forgive me, and to think no + more about what I have said to you on the subject. Will you oblige me so + far as to rise and go to Fosseuse, who is taken very ill? I am well + assured that, in her present situation, you will forget everything and + resent nothing. You know how dearly I love her, and I hope you will comply + with my request.” I answered that I had too great a respect for him + to be offended at anything he should do, and that I would go to her + immediately, and do as much for her as if she were a child of my own. I + advised him, in the meantime, to go out and hunt, by which means he would + draw away all his people, and prevent tattling. + </p> + <p> + I removed Fosseuse, with all convenient haste, from the chamber in which + the maids of honour were, to one in a more retired part of the palace, got + a physician and some women about her, and saw that she wanted for nothing + that was proper in her situation. It pleased God that she should bring + forth a daughter, since dead. As soon as she was delivered I ordered her + to be taken back to the chamber from which she had been brought. + Notwithstanding these precautions, it was not possible to prevent the + story from circulating through the palace. When the King my husband + returned from hunting he paid her a visit, according to custom. She begged + that I might come and see her, as was usual with me when any one of my + maids of honour was taken ill. By this means she expected to put a stop to + stories to her prejudice. The King my husband came from her into my + bedchamber, and found me in bed, as I was fatigued and required rest, + after having been called up so early. + </p> + <p> + He begged me to get up and pay her a visit. I told him I went according to + his desire before, when she stood in need of assistance, but now she + wanted no help; that to visit her at this time would be only exposing her + more, and cause myself to be pointed at by all the world. He seemed to be + greatly displeased at what I said, which vexed me the more as I thought I + did not deserve such treatment after what I had done at his request in the + morning; she likewise contributed all in her power to aggravate matters + betwixt him and me. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the King my brother, always well informed of what is + passing in the families of the nobility of his kingdom, was not ignorant + of the transactions of our Court. He was particularly curious to learn + everything that happened with us, and knew every minute circumstance that + I have now related. Thinking this a favourable occasion to wreak his + vengeance on me for having been the means of my brother acquiring so much + reputation by the peace he had brought about, he made use of the accident + that happened in our Court to withdraw me from the King my husband, and + thereby reduce me to the state of misery he wished to plunge me in. To + this purpose he prevailed on the Queen my mother to write to me, and + express her anxious desire to see me after an absence of five or six + years. She added that a journey of this sort to Court would be serviceable + to the affairs of the King my husband as well as my own; that the King my + brother himself was desirous of seeing me, and that if I wanted money for + the journey he would send it me. The King wrote to the same purpose, and + despatched Manique, the steward of his household, with instructions to use + every persuasion with me to undertake the journey. The length of time I + had been absent in Gascony, and the unkind usage I received on account of + Fosseuse, contributed to induce me to listen to the proposal made me. + </p> + <p> + The King and the Queen both wrote to me. I received three letters, in + quick succession; and, that I might have no pretence for staying, I had + the sum of fifteen hundred crowns paid me to defray the expenses of my + journey. The Queen my mother wrote that she would give me the meeting in + Saintonge, and that, if the King my husband would accompany me so far, she + would treat with him there, and give him every satisfaction with respect + to the King. But the King and she were desirous to have him at their + Court, as he had been before with my brother; and the Marechal de Matignon + had pressed the matter with the King, that he might have no one to + interfere with him in Gascony. I had had too long experience of what was + to be expected at their Court to hope much from all the fine promises that + were made to me. I had resolved, however, to avail myself of the + opportunity of an absence of a few months, thinking it might prove the + means of setting matters to rights. Besides which, I thought that, as I + should take Fosseuse with me, it was possible that the King’s + passion for her might cool when she was no longer in his sight, or he + might attach himself to some other that was less inclined to do me + mischief. + </p> + <p> + It was with some difficulty that the King my husband would consent to a + removal, so unwilling was he to leave his Fosseuse. He paid more attention + to me, in hopes that I should refuse to set out on this journey to France; + but, as I had given my word in my letters to the King and the Queen my + mother that I would go, and as I had even received money for the purpose, + I could not do otherwise. + </p> + <p> + And herein my ill-fortune prevailed over the reluctance I had to leave the + King my husband, after the instances of renewed love and regard which he + had begun to show me. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="history" id="history"></a> + </p> + <h1> + HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF VALOIS. + </h1> + <h3> + [Author unknown] + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + CHARLES, COMTE DE VALOIS, was the younger brother of Philip the Fair, and + therefore uncle of the three sovereigns lately dead. His eldest son Philip + had been appointed guardian to the Queen of Charles IV.; and when it + appeared that she had given birth to a daughter, and not a son, the + barons, joining with the notables of Paris and the good towns, met to + decide who was by right the heir to the throne, “for the twelve + peers of France said and say that the Crown of France is of such noble + estate that by no succession can it come to a woman nor to a woman’s + son,” as Froissart tells us. This being their view, the baby + daughter of Charles IV. was at once set aside; and the claim of Edward + III. of England, if, indeed, he ever made it, rested on Isabella of + France, his mother, sister of the three sovereigns. And if succession + through a female had been possible, then the daughters of those three + kings had rights to be reserved. It was, however, clear that the throne + must go to a man, and the crown was given to Philip of Valois, founder of + a new house of sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + The new monarch was a very formidable person. He had been a great feudal + lord, hot and vehement, after feudal fashion; but he was now to show that + he could be a severe master, a terrible king. He began his reign by + subduing the revolted Flemings on behalf of his cousin Louis of Flanders, + and having replaced him in his dignities, returned to Paris and there held + high state as King. And he clearly was a great sovereign; the weakness of + the late King had not seriously injured France; the new King was the elect + of the great lords, and they believed that his would be a new feudal + monarchy; they were in the glow of their revenge over the Flemings for the + days of Courtrai; his cousins reigned in Hungary and Naples, his sisters + were married to the greatest of the lords; the Queen of Navarre was his + cousin; even the youthful King of England did him homage for Guienne and + Ponthieu. The barons soon found out their mistake. Philip VI., supported + by the lawyers, struck them whenever he gave them opening; he also dealt + harshly with the traders, hampering them and all but ruining them, till + the country was alarmed and discontented. On the other hand, young Edward + of England had succeeded to a troubled inheritance, and at the beginning + was far weaker than his rival; his own sagacity, and the advance of + constitutional rights in England, soon enabled him to repair the breaches + in his kingdom, and to gather fresh strength from the prosperity and + good-will of a united people. While France followed a more restricted + policy, England threw open her ports to all comers; trade grew in London + as it waned in Paris; by his marriage with Philippa of Hainault, Edward + secured a noble queen, and with her the happiness of his subjects and the + all-important friendship of the Low Countries. In 1336 the followers of + Philip VI. persuaded Louis of Flanders to arrest the English merchants + then in Flanders; whereupon Edward retaliated by stopping the export of + wool, and Jacquemart van Arteveldt of Ghent, then at the beginning of his + power, persuaded the Flemish cities to throw off all allegiance to their + French-loving Count, and to place themselves under the protection of + Edward. In return Philip VI. put himself in communication with the Scots, + the hereditary foes of England, and the great wars which were destined to + last 116 years, and to exhaust the strength of two strong nations, were + now about to begin. They brought brilliant and barren triumphs to England, + and, like most wars, were a wasteful and terrible mistake, which, if + crowned with ultimate success, might, by removing the centre of the + kingdom into France, have marred the future welfare of England, for the + happy constitutional development of the country could never have taken + place with a sovereign living at Paris, and French interests becoming ever + more powerful. Fortunately, therefore, while the war evoked by its + brilliant successes the national pride of Englishmen, by its eventual + failure it was prevented from inflicting permanent damage on England. + </p> + <p> + The war began in 1337 and ended in 1453; the epochs in it are the Treaty + of Bretigny in 1360, the Treaty of Troyes in 1422, the final expulsion of + the English in 1453. + </p> + <p> + The French King seems to have believed himself equal to the burdens of a + great war, and able to carry out the most far-reaching plans. The Pope was + entirely in his hands, and useful as a humble instrument to curb and + harass the Emperor. Philip had proved himself master of the Flemish, and, + with help of the King of Scotland, hoped so to embarrass Edward III. as to + have no difficulty in eventually driving him to cede all his French + possessions. While he thought it his interest to wear out his antagonist + without any open fighting, it was Edward’s interest to make vigorous + and striking war. France therefore stood on the defensive; England was + always the attacking party. On two sides, in Flanders and in Brittany, + France had outposts which, if well defended, might long keep the English + power away from her vitals. Unluckily for his side, Philip was harsh and + raw, and threw these advantages away. In Flanders the repressive + commercial policy of the Count, dictated from Paris, gave Edward the + opportunity, in the end of 1337, of sending the Earl of Derby, with a + strong fleet, to raise the blockade of Cadsand, and to open the Flemish + markets by a brilliant action, in which the French chivalry was found + powerless against the English yeoman-archers; and in 1338 Edward crossed + over to Antwerp to see what forward movement could be made. The other + frontier war was that of Brittany, which began a little later (1341). The + openings of the war were gloomy and wasteful, without glory. Edward did + not actually send defiance to Philip till 1339, when he proclaimed himself + King of France, and quartered the lilies of France on the royal shield. + The Flemish proved a very reed; and though the French army came up to meet + the English in the Vermando country, no fighting took place, and the + campaign of 1339 ended obscurely. Norman and Genoese ships threatened the + southern shores of England, landing at Southampton and in the Isle of + Wight unopposed. In 1340 Edward returned to Flanders; on his way he + attacked the French fleet which lay at Sluys, and utterly destroyed it. + The great victory of Sluys gave England for centuries the mastery of the + British channel. But, important as it was, it gave no success to the land + campaign. Edward wasted his strength on an unsuccessful siege of Tournia, + and, ill-supported by his Flemish allies, could achieve nothing. The + French King in this year seized on Guienne; and from Scotland tidings came + that Edinburgh castle, the strongest place held by the English, had fallen + into the hands of Douglas. Neither from Flanders nor from Guienne could + Edward hope to reach the heart of the French power; a third inlet now + presented itself in Brittany. On the death of John III. of Brittany, in + 1341, Jean de Montfort, his youngest brother, claimed the great fief, + against his niece Jeanne, daughter of his elder brother Guy, Comte de + Penthievre. He urged that the Salic law, which had been recognised in the + case of the crown, should also apply to this great duchy, so nearly an + independent sovereignty. Jeanne had been married to Charles de Blois, whom + John III. of Brittany had chosen as his heir; Charles was also nephew of + King Philip, who gladly espoused his cause. Thereon Jean de Montfort + appealed to Edward, and the two Kings met in border strife in Brittany. + The Bretons sided with John against the influence of France. Both the + claimants were made prisoners; the ladies carried on a chivalric warfare, + Jeanne de Montfort against Jeanne de Blois, and all went favourably with + the French party till Philip, with a barbarity as foolish as it was + scandalous, tempted the chief Breton lords to Paris and beheaded them + without trial. The war, suspended by a truce, broke out again, and the + English raised large forces and supplies, meaning to attack on three sides + at once,—from Flanders, Brittany, and Guienne. The Flemish + expedition came to nothing; for the people of Ghent in 1345 murdered + Jacques van Arteveldt as he was endeavouring to persuade them to receive + the Prince of Wales as their count, and Edward, on learning this adverse + news, returned to England. Thence, in July, 1346, he sailed for Normandy, + and, landing at La Hogue, overran with ease the country up to Paris. He + was not, however, strong enough to attack the capital, for Philip lay with + a large army watching him at St. Denis. After a short hesitation Edward + crossed the Seine at Poissy, and struck northwards, closely followed by + Philip. He got across the Somme safely, and at Crecy in Ponthieu stood at + bay to await the French. Though his numbers were far less than theirs, he + had a good position, and his men were of good stuff; and when it came to + battle, the defeat of the French was crushing. Philip had to fall back + with his shattered army; Edward withdrew unmolested to Calais, which he + took after a long siege in 1347. Philip had been obliged to call up his + son John from the south, where he was observing the English under the Earl + of Derby; thereupon the English overran all the south, taking Poitiers and + finding no opposition. Queen Philippa of Hainault had also defeated and + taken David of Scotland at Neville’s Cross. + </p> + <p> + The campaign of 1346-1347 was on all hands disastrous to King Philip. He + sued for and obtained a truce for ten months. These were the days of the + “black death,” which raged in France from 1347 to 1349, and + completed the gloom of the country, vexed by an arbitrary and grasping + monarch, by unsuccessful war, and now by the black cloud of pestilence. In + 1350 King Philip died, leaving his crown to John of Normandy. He had added + two districts and a title to France: he bought Montpellier from James of + Aragon, and in 1349 also bought the territories of Humbert, Dauphin of + Vienne, who resigned the world under influence of the revived religion of + the time, a consequence of the plague, and became a Carmelite friar. The + fief and the title of Dauphin were granted to Charles, the King’s + grandson, who was the first person who attached that title to the heir to + the French throne. Apart from these small advantages, the kingdom of + France had suffered terribly from the reign of the false and heartless + Philip VI. Nor was France destined to enjoy better things under John + “the Good,” one of the worst sovereigns with whom she has been + cursed. He took as his model and example the chivalric John of Bohemia, + who had been one of the most extravagant and worthless of the princes of + his time, and had perished in his old age at Crecy. The first act of the + new King was to take from his kinsman, Charles “the Bad” of + Navarre, Champagne and other lands; and Charles went over to the English + King. King John was keen to fight; the States General gave him the means + for carrying on war, by establishing the odious “gabelle” on + salt, and other imposts. John hoped with his new army to drive the English + completely out of the country. Petty war began again on all the frontiers,—an + abortive attack on Calais, a guerilla warfare in Brittany, slight fighting + also in Guienne. Edward in 1335 landed at Calais, but was recalled to + pacify Scotland; Charles of Navarre and the Duke of Lancaster were on the + Breton border; the Black Prince sailed for Bordeaux. In 1356 he rode + northward with a small army to the Loire, and King John, hastily summoning + all his nobles and fief-holders, set out to meet him. Hereon the Black + Prince, whose forces were weak, began to retreat; but the French King + outmarched and intercepted him near Poitiers. He had the English + completely in his power, and with a little patience could have starved + them into submission; instead, he deemed it his chivalric duty to avenge + Crecy in arms, and the great battle of Poitiers was the result (19th + September, 1356). The carnage and utter ruin of the French feudal army was + quite incredible; the dead seemed more than the whole army of the Black + Prince; the prisoners were too many to be held. The French army, bereft of + leaders, melted away, and the Black Prince rode triumphantly back to + Bordeaux with the captive King John and his brave little son in his train. + A two years’ truce ensued; King John was carried over to London, + where he found a fellow in misfortune in David of Scotland, who had been + for eleven years a captive in English hands. The utter degradation of the + nobles, and the misery of the country, gave to the cities of France an + opportunity which one great man, Etienne Marcel, provost of the traders at + Paris, was not slow to grasp. He fortified the capital and armed the + citizens; the civic clergy made common cause with him; and when the + Dauphin Charles convoked the three Estates at Paris, it was soon seen that + the nobles had become completely discredited and powerless. It was a + moment in which a new life might have begun for France; in vain did the + noble order clamour for war and taxes,—they to do the war, with what + skill and success all men now knew, and the others to pay the taxes. + Clergy, however, and burghers resisted. The Estates parted, leaving what + power there was still in France in the hands of Etienne Marcel. He strove + in vain to reconcile Charles the Dauphin with Charles of Navarre, who + stood forward as a champion of the towns. Very reluctantly did Marcel + entrust his fortunes to such hands. With help of Lecocq, Bishop of Laon, + he called the Estates again together, and endeavoured to lay down sound + principles of government, which Charles the Dauphin was compelled to + accept. Paris, however, stood alone, and even there all were not agreed. + Marcel and Bishop Lecocq, seeing the critical state of things, obtained + the release of Charles of Navarre, then a prisoner. The result was that + ere long the Dauphin-regent was at open war with Navarre and with Paris. + The outbreak of the miserable peasantry, the Jacquerie, who fought partly + for revenge against the nobles, partly to help Paris, darkened the time; + they were repressed with savage bloodshed, and in 1358 the Dauphin’s + party in Paris assassinated the only great man France had seen for long. + With Etienne Marcel’s death all hope of a constitutional life died + out from France; the Dauphin entered Paris and set his foot on the + conquered liberties of his country. Paris had stood almost alone; civic + strength is wanting in France; the towns but feebly supported Marcel; they + compelled the movement to lose its popular and general character, and to + become a first attempt to govern France from Paris alone. After some + insincere negotiations, and a fear of desultory warfare, in which Edward + III. traversed France without meeting with a single foe to fight, peace + was at last agreed to, at Bretigny, in May, 1360. By this act Edward III. + renounced the French throne and gave up all he claimed or held north of + the Loire, while he was secured in the lordship of the south and west, as + well as that part of Northern Picardy which included Calais, Guines, and + Ponthieu. The treaty also fixed the ransom to be paid by King John. + </p> + <p> + France was left smaller than she had been under Philip Augustus, yet she + received this treaty with infinite thankfulness; worn out with war and + weakness, any diminution of territory seemed better to her than a + continuance of her unbearable misfortunes. Under Charles, first as Regent, + then as King, she enjoyed an uneasy rest and peace for twenty years. + </p> + <p> + King John, after returning for a brief space to France, went back into his + pleasant captivity in England, leaving his country to be ruled by the + Regent the Dauphin. In 1364 he died, and Charles V., “the Wise,” + became King in name, as he had now been for some years in fact. This cold, + prudent, sickly prince, a scholar who laid the foundations of the great + library in Paris by placing 900 MSS. in three chambers in the Louvre, had + nothing to dazzle the ordinary eye; to the timid spirits of that age he + seemed to be a malevolent wizard, and his name of “Wise” had + in it more of fear than of love. He also is notable for two things: he + reformed the current coin, and recognised the real worth of Du Guesclin, + the first great leader of mercenaries in France, a grim fighting-man, + hostile to the show of feudal warfare, and herald of a new age of + contests, in which the feudal levies would fall into the background. The + invention of gunpowder in this century, the incapacity of the great lords, + the rise of free lances and mercenary troops, all told that a new era had + arrived. It was by the hand of Du Guesclin that Charles overcame his + cousin and namesake, Charles of Navarre, and compelled him to peace. On + the other hand, in the Breton war which followed just after, he was + defeated by Sir John Chandos and the partisans of Jean de Montfort, who + made him prisoner; the Treaty of Guerande, which followed, gave them the + dukedom of Brittany; and Charles V., unable to resist, was fair to receive + the new duke’s homage, and to confirm him in the duchy. The King did + not rest till he had ransomed Du Guesclin from the hands of Chandos; he + then gave him commission to raise a paid army of freebooters, the scourge + of France, and to march with them to support, against the Black Prince, + the claims of Henry of Trastamare to the Crown of Castile. Successful at + first by help of the King of Aragon, he was made Constable of Spain at the + coronation of Henry at Burgos. Edward the Black Prince, however, + intervened, and at the battle of Najara (1367) Du Guesclin was again a + prisoner in English hands, and Henry lost his throne. Fever destroyed the + victorious host, and the Black Prince, withdrawing into Gascony, carried + with him the seeds of the disorder which shortened his days. Du Guesclin + soon got his liberty again; and Charles V., seeing how much his great + rival of England was weakened, determined at last on open war. He allied + himself with Henry of Trastamare, listened to the grievances of the + Aquitanians, summoned the Black Prince to appear and answer the + complaints. In 1369, Henry defeated Pedro, took him prisoner, and murdered + him in a brawl; thus perished the hopes of the English party in the south. + About the same time Charles V. sent open defiance and declaration of war + to England. Without delay, he surprised the English in the north, + recovering all Ponthieu at once; the national pride was aroused; Philip, + Duke of Burgundy, who had, through the prudent help of Charles, lately won + as a bride the heiress of Flanders, was stationed at Rouen, to cover the + western approach to Paris, with strict orders not to fight; the + Aquitanians were more than half French at heart. The record of the war is + as the smoke of a furnace. We see the reek of burnt and plundered towns; + there were no brilliant feats of arms; the Black Prince, gloomy and sick, + abandoned the struggle, and returned to England to die; the new governor, + the Earl of Pembroke, did not even succeed in landing: he was attacked and + defeated off Rochelle by Henry of Castile, his whole fleet, with all its + treasure and stores, taken or sunk, and he himself was a prisoner in Henry’s + hands. Du Guesclin had already driven the English out of the west into + Brittany; he now overran Poitou, which received him gladly; all the south + seemed to be at his feet. The attempt of Edward III. to relieve the little + that remained to him in France failed utterly, and by 1372 Poitou was + finally lost to England. Charles set himself to reduce Brittany with + considerable success; a diversion from Calais caused plentiful misery in + the open country; but, as the French again refused to fight, it did + nothing to restore the English cause. By 1375 England held nothing in + France except Calais, Cherbourg, Bayonne, and Bordeaux. Edward III., + utterly worn out with war, agreed to a truce, through intervention of the + Pope; it was signed in 1375. In 1377, on its expiring, Charles, who in two + years had sedulously improved the state of France, renewed the war. By sea + and land the English were utterly overmatched, and by 1378 Charles was + master of the situation on all hands. Now, however, he pushed his + advantages too far; and the cold skill which had overthrown the English, + was used in vain against the Bretons, whose duchy he desired to absorb. + Languedoc and Flanders also revolted against him. France was heavily + burdened with taxes, and the future was dark and threatening. In the midst + of these things, death overtook the coldly calculating monarch in + September, 1380. + </p> + <p> + Little had France to hope from the boy who was now called on to fill the + throne. Charles VI. was not twelve years old, a light-wined, handsome boy, + under the guardianship of the royal Dukes his uncles, who had no + principles except that of their own interest to guide them in bringing up + the King and ruling the people. Before Charles VI. had reached years of + discretion, he was involved by the French nobles in war against the + Flemish cities, which, under guidance of the great Philip van Arteveldt, + had overthrown the authority of the Count of Flanders. The French cities + showed ominous signs of being inclined to ally themselves with the civic + movement in the north. The men of Ghent came out to meet their French + foes, and at the battle of Roosebek (1382) were utterly defeated and + crushed. Philip van Arteveldt himself was slain. It was a great triumph of + the nobles over the cities; and Paris felt it when the King returned. All + movement there and in the other northern cities of France was ruthlessly + repressed; the noble reaction also overthrew the “new men” and + the lawyers, by whose means the late King had chiefly governed. Two years + later, the royal Dukes signed a truce with England, including Ghent in it; + and Louis de Male, Count of Flanders, having perished at the same time, + Marguerite his daughter, wife of Philip of Burgundy, succeeded to his + inheritance (1384.) Thus began the high fortunes of the House of Burgundy, + which at one time seemed to overshadow Emperor and King of France. In + 1385, another of the brothers, Louis, Duc d’Anjou, died, with all + his Italian ambitions unfulfilled. In 1386, Charles VI., under guidance of + his uncles, declared war on England, and exhausted all France in + preparations; the attempt proved the sorriest failure. The regency of the + Dukes became daily more unpopular, until in 1388 Charles dismissed his two + uncles, the Dukes of Burgundy and Berri, and began to rule. For a while + all went much better; he recalled his father’s friends and advisers, + lightened the burdens of the people, allowed the new ministers free hand + in making prudent government; and learning how bad had been the state of + the south under the Duc de Berri, deprived him of that command in 1390. + Men thought that the young King, if not good himself, was well content to + allow good men to govern in his name; at any, rate, the rule of the + selfish Dukes seemed to be over. Their bad influences, however, still + surrounded him; an attempt to assassinate Olivier de Clisson, the + Constable, was connected with their intrigues and those of the Duke of + Brittany; and in setting forth to punish the attempt on his favourite the + Constable, the unlucky young King, who had sapped his health by + debauchery, suddenly became mad. The Dukes of Burgundy and Berri at once + seized the reins and put aside his brother the young Duc d’Orleans. + It was the beginning of that great civil discord between Burgundy and + Orleans, the Burgundians and Armagnacs, which worked so much ill for + France in the earlier part of the next century. The rule of the uncles was + disastrous for France; no good government seemed even possible for that + unhappy land. + </p> + <p> + An obscure strife went on until 1404, when Duke Philip of Burgundy died, + leaving his vast inheritance to John the Fearless, the deadly foe of Louis + d’Orleans. Paris was with him, as with his father before him; the + Duke entered the capital in 1405, and issued a popular proclamation + against the ill-government of the Queen-regent and Orleans. Much + profession of a desire for better things was made, with small results. So + things went on until 1407, when, after the Duc de Berri, who tried to play + the part of a mediator, had brought the two Princes together, the Duc d’Orleans + was foully assassinated by a Burgundian partisan. The Duke of Burgundy, + though he at first withdrew from Paris, speedily returned, avowed the act, + and was received with plaudits by the mob. For a few years the strife + continued, obscure and bad; a great league of French princes and nobles + was made to stem the success of the Burgundians; and it was about this + time that the Armagnac name became common. Paris, however, dominated by + the “Cabochians,” the butchers’ party, the party of the + “marrowbones and cleavers,” and entirely devoted to the + Burgundians, enabled John the Fearless to hold his own in France; the King + himself seemed favourable to the same party. In 1412 the princes were + obliged to come to terms, and the Burgundian triumph seemed complete. In + 1413 the wheel went round, and we find the Armagnacs in Paris, rudely + sweeping away all the Cabochians with their professions of good civic + rule. The Duc de Berri was made captain of Paris, and for a while all went + against the Burgundians, until, in 1414, Duke John was fain to make the + first Peace of Arras, and to confess himself worsted in the strife. The + young Dauphin Louis took the nominal lead of the national party, and ruled + supreme in Paris in great ease and self-indulgence. + </p> + <p> + The year before, Henry V. had succeeded to the throne of England,—a + bright and vigorous young man, eager to be stirring in the world, brave + and fearless, with a stern grasp of things beneath all,—a very + sheet-anchor of firmness and determined character. Almost at the very + opening of his reign, the moment he had secured his throne, he began a + negotiation with France which boded no good. He offered to marry + Catharine, the King’s third daughter, and therewith to renew the old + Treaty of Bretigny, if her dower were Normandy, Maine, Anjou, not without + a good sum of money. The French Court, on the other hand, offered him her + hand with Aquitaine and the money, an offer rejected instantly; and Henry + made ready for a rough wooing in arms. In 1415 he crossed to Harfleur, and + while parties still fought in France, after a long and exhausting siege, + took the place; thence he rode northward for Calais, feeling his army too + much reduced to attempt more. The Armagnacs, who had gathered at Rouen, + also pushed fast to the north, and having choice of passage over the + Somme, Amiens being in their hands, got before King Henry, while he had to + make a long round before he could get across that stream. Consequently, + when, on his way, he reached Azincourt, he found the whole chivalry of + France arrayed against him in his path. The great battle of Azincourt + followed, with frightful ruin and carnage of the French. With a huge crowd + of prisoners the young King passed on to Calais, and thence to England. + The Armagnacs’ party lay buried in the hasty graves of Azincourt; + never had there been such slaughter of nobles. Still, for three years they + made head against their foes; till in 1418 the Duke of Burgundy’s + friends opened Paris’s gates to his soldiers, and for the time the + Armagnacs seemed to be completely defeated; only the Dauphin Charles made + feeble war from Poitiers. Henry V. with a fresh army had already made + another descent on the Normandy coast; the Dukes of Anjou, Brittany, and + Burgundy made several and independent treaties with him; and it seemed as + though France had completely fallen in pieces. Henry took Rouen, and + although the common peril had somewhat silenced the strife of faction, no + steps were taken to meet him or check his course; on the contrary, matters + were made even more hopeless by the murder of John, Duke of Burgundy, in + 1419, even as he was kneeling and offering reconciliation at the young + Dauphin’s feet. The young Duke, Philip, now drew at once towards + Henry, whom his father had apparently wished with sincerity to check; + Paris, too, was weary of the Armagnac struggle, and desired to welcome + Henry of England; the Queen of France also went over to the + Anglo-Burgundian side. The end of it was that on May 21,1420, was signed + the famous Treaty of Troyes, which secured the Crown of France to Henry, + by the exclusion of the Dauphin Charles, whenever poor mad Charles VI., + should cease to live. Meanwhile, Henry was made Regent of France, + promising to maintain all rights and privileges of the Parliament and + nobles, and to crush the Dauphin with his Armagnac friends, in token + whereof he was at once wedded to Catharine of France, and set forth to + quell the opposition of the provinces. By Christmas all France north of + the Loire was in English hands. All the lands to the south of the river + remained firmly fixed in their allegiance to the Dauphin and the + Armagnacs, and these began to feel themselves to be the true French party, + as opposed to the foreign rule of the English. For barely two years that + rule was carried on by Henry V. with inflexible justice, and Northern + France saw with amazement the presence of a real king, and an orderly + government. In 1422 King Henry died; a few weeks later Charles VI. died + also, and the face of affairs began to change, although, at the first, + Charles VII. the “Well-served,” the lazy, listless prince, + seemed to have little heart for the perils and efforts of his position. He + was proclaimed King at Mehun, in Berri, for the true France for the time + lay on that side of the Loire, and the Regent Bedford, who took the reins + at Paris, was a vigorous and powerful prince, who was not likely to give + way to an idle dreamer. At the outset Charles suffered two defeats, at + Crevant in 1423, and at Verneuil in 1424, and things seemed to be come to + their worst. Yet he was prudent, conciliatory, and willing to wait; and as + the English power in France—that triangle of which the base was the + sea-line from Harfleur to Calais, and the apex Paris—was unnatural + and far from being really strong; and as the relations between Bedford and + Burgundy might not always be friendly, the man who could wait had many + chances in his favour. Before long, things began to mend; Charles wedded + Marie d’Anjou, and won over that great house to the French side; + more and more was he regarded as the nation’s King; symptoms of a + wish for reconciliation with Burgundy appeared; the most vehement + Armagnacs were sent away from Court. Causes of disagreement also shook the + friendship between Burgundy and England. + </p> + <p> + Feeling the evils of inaction most, Bedford in 1428 decided on a forward + movement, and sent the Earl of Salisbury to the south. He first secured + his position on the north of the Loire, then, crossing that river, laid + siege to Orleans, the key to the south, and the last bulwark of the + national party. All efforts to vex or dislodge him failed; and the attempt + early in 1429 to stop the English supplies was completely defeated at + Bouvray; from the salt fish captured, the battle has taken the name of + “the Day of the Herrings.” Dunois, Bastard of Orleans, was, + wounded; the Scots, the King’s body-guard, on whom fell ever the + grimmest of the fighting, suffered terribly, and their leader was killed. + All went well for Bedford till it suited the Duke of Burgundy to withdraw + from his side, carrying with him a large part of the fighting power of the + besiegers. Things were already looking rather gloomy in the English camp, + when a new and unexpected rumour struck all hearts cold with fear. A + virgin, an Amazon, had been raised up as a deliverer for France, and would + soon be on them, armed with mysterious powers. + </p> + <p> + A young peasant girl, one Jeanne d’Arc, had been brought up in the + village of Domremy, hard by the Lorraine border. The district, always + French in feeling, had lately suffered much from Burgundian raids; and + this young damsel, brooding over the treatment of her village and her + country, and filled with that strange vision-power which is no rare + phenomenon in itself with young girls, came at last to believe with warm + and active faith in heavenly appearances and messages, all urging her to + deliver France and her King. From faith to action the bridge is short; and + ere long the young dreamer of seventeen set forth to work her miracle. Her + history is quite unique in the world; and though probably France would ere + many years have shaken off the English yoke, for its strength was rapidly + going, still to her is the credit of having proved its weakness, and of + having asserted the triumphant power of a great belief. All gave way + before her; Charles VII., persuaded doubtless by his mother-in-law, + Yolande of Aragon, who warmly espoused her cause, listened readily to the + maiden’s voice; and as that voice urged only what was noble and + pure, she carried conviction as she went. In the end she received the King’s + commission to undertake the relief of Orleans. Her coming was fresh blood + to the defence; a new spirit seemed to be poured out on all her followers, + and in like manner a deep dejection settled down on the English. The + blockade was forced, and, in eight days the besiegers raised the siege and + marched away. They withdrew to Jargeau, where they were attacked and + routed with great loss. A little later Talbot himself, who had marched to + help them, was also defeated and taken. Then, compelling Charles to come + out from his in glorious ease, she carried him triumphantly with her to + Rheims, where he was duly crowned King, the Maid of Orldans standing by, + and holding aloft the royal standard. She would gladly have gone home to + Domremy now, her mission being accomplished; for she was entirely free + from all ambitious or secondary aims. But she was too great a power to be + spared. Northern France was still in English hands, and till the English + were cast out her work was not complete; so they made her stay, sweet + child, to do the work which, had there been any manliness in them, they + ought to have found it easy to achieve for themselves. The dread of her + went before her,—a pillar of cloud and darkness to the English, but + light and hope to her countrymen. Men believed that she was called of God + to regenerate the world, to destroy the Saracen at last, to bring in the + millennial age. Her statue was set up in the churches, and crowds prayed + before her image as before a popular saint. + </p> + <p> + The incapacity and ill-faith of those round the King gave the English some + time to recover themselves; Bedford and Burgundy drew together again, and + steps were taken to secure Paris. When, however, Jeanne, weary of courtly + delays, marched, contemptuous of the King, as far as St. Denis, friends + sprang up on every side. In Normandy, on the English line of + communications, four strong places were surprised; and Bedford, made timid + as to his supplies, fell back to Rouen, leaving only a small garrison in + Paris. Jeanne, ill-supported by the royal troops, failed in her attack on + the city walls, and was made prisoner by the Burgundians; they handed her + over to the English, and she was, after previous indignities, and such + treatment as chivalry alone could have dealt her, condemned as a witch, + and burnt as a relapsed heretic at Rouen in 1431. Betrayed by the French + Court, sold by the Burgundians, murdered by the English, unrescued by the + people of France which she so much loved, Jeanne d’Arc died the + martyr’s death, a pious, simple soul, a heroine of the purest metal. + She saved her country, for the English power never recovered from the + shock. The churchmen who burnt her, the Frenchmen of the unpatriotic + party, would have been amazed could they have foreseen that nearly 450 + years afterwards, churchmen again would glorify her name as the saint of + the Church, in opposition to both the religious liberties and the national + feelings of her country. + </p> + <p> + The war, after having greatly weakened the noblesse, and having caused + infinite sufferings to France, now drew towards a close; the Duke of + Burgundy at last agreed to abandon his English allies, and at a great + congress at Arras, in 1435, signed a treaty with Charles VII. by which he + solemnly came over to the French side. On condition that he should get + Auxerre and Macon, as well as the towns on and near the river Somme, he + was willing to recognise Charles as King of France. His price was high, + yet it was worth all that was given; for, after all, he was of the French + blood royal, and not a foreigner. The death of Bedford, which took place + about the same time, was almost a more terrible blow to the fortunes of + the English. Paris opened her gates to her King in April, 1436; the long + war kept on with slight movements now and then for several years. + </p> + <p> + The next year was marked by the meeting of the States General, and the + establishment, in principle at least, of a standing army. The Estates + petitioned the willing King that the system of finance in the realm should + be remodelled, and a permanent tax established for the support of an army. + Thus, it was thought, solidity would be given to the royal power, and the + long-standing curse of the freebooters and brigands cleared away. No + sooner was this done than the nobles began to chafe under it; they scented + in the air the coming troubles; they, took as their head, poor innocents, + the young Dauphin Louis, who was willing enough to resist the + concentration of power in royal hands. Their champion of 1439, the leader + of the “Praguerie,” as this new league was called, in + imitation, it is said, of the Hussite movement at Prague, the enthusiastic + defender of noble privilege against the royal power, was the man who + afterwards, as Louis XI., was the destroyer of the noblesse on behalf of + royalty. Some of the nobles stood firmly by the King, and, aided by them + and by an army of paid soldiers serving under the new conditions, Charles + VII., no contemptible antagonist when once aroused, attacked and overthrew + the Praguerie; the cities and the country people would have none of it; + they preferred peace under a king’s strong hand. Louis was sent down + to the east to govern Dauphiny; the lessons of the civil war were not lost + on Charles; he crushed the freebooters of Champagne, drove the English out + of Pontois in 1441, moved actively up and down France, reducing anarchy, + restoring order, resisting English attacks. In the last he was loyally + supported by the Dauphin, who was glad to find a field for his restless + temper. He repulsed the English at Dieppe, and put down the Comte d’Armagnac + in the south. During the two years’ truce with England which now + followed, Charles VII. and Louis drew off their free-lances eastward, and + the Dauphin came into rude collision with the Swiss not far from Basel, in + 1444. Some sixteen hundred mountaineers long and heroically withstood at + St. Jacob the attack of several thousand Frenchmen, fighting stubbornly + till they all perished. + </p> + <p> + The King and Dauphin returned to Paris, having defended their border-lands + with credit, and having much reduced the numbers of the lawless + free-lances. The Dauphin, discontented again, was obliged once more to + withdraw into Dauphiny, where he governed prudently and with activity. In + 1449, the last scene of the Anglo-French war began. In that year English + adventurers landed on the Breton coast; the Duke called the French King to + his aid. Charles did not tarry this time; he broke the truce with England; + he sent Dunois into Normandy, and himself soon followed. In both duchies, + Brittany and Normandy, the French were welcomed with delight: no love for + England lingered in the west. Somerset and Talbot failed to defend Rouen, + and were driven from point to point, till every stronghold was lost to + them. Dunois then passed into Guienne, and in a few-months Bayonne, the + last stronghold of the English, fell into his hands (1451). When Talbot + was sent over to Bordeaux with five thousand men to recover the south, the + old English feeling revived, for England was their best customer, and they + had little in common with France. It was, however, but a last flicker of + the flame; in July, 1453, at the siege of Castillon, the aged Talbot was + slain and the war at once came to an end; the south passed finally into + the kingdom of France. Normandy and Guienne were assimilated to France in + taxation and army organisation; and all that remained to England across + the Channel was Calais, with Havre and Guines Castle. Her foreign + ambitions and struggles over, England was left to consume herself in civil + strife, while France might rest and recover from the terrible sufferings + she had undergone. The state of the country had become utterly wretched. + </p> + <p> + With the end of the English wars new life began to gleam out on France; + the people grew more tranquil, finding that toil and thrift bore again + their wholesome fruits; Charles VII. did not fail in his duty, and took + his part in restoring quiet, order, and justice in the land. + </p> + <p> + The French Crown, though it had beaten back the English, was still closely + girt in with rival neighbours, the great dukes on every frontier. All + round the east and north lay the lands of Philip of Burgundy; to the west + was the Duke of Brittany, cherishing a jealous independence; the royal + Dukes, Berri, Bourbon, Anjou, are all so many potential sources of danger + and difficulty to the Crown. The conditions of the nobility are altogether + changed; the old barons have sunk into insignificance; the struggle of the + future will lie between the King’s cousins and himself, rather than + with the older lords. A few non-royal princes, such as Armagnac, or + Saint-Pol, or Brittany, remain and will go down with the others; the + “new men” of the day, the bastard Dunois or the Constables Du + Guesclin and Clisson, grow to greater prominence; it is clear that the old + feudalism is giving place to a newer order, in which the aristocracy, from + the King’s brothers downwards, will group themselves around the + throne, and begin the process which reaches its unhappy perfection under + Louis XIV. + </p> + <p> + Directly after the expulsion of the English, troubles began between King + Charles VII. and the Dauphin Louis; the latter could not brook a quiet + life in Dauphiny, and the King refused him that larger sphere in the + government of Normandy which he coveted. Against his father’s will, + Louis married Charlotte of Savoy, daughter of his strongest neighbour in + Dauphiny; suspicion and bad feeling grew strong between father and son; + Louis was specially afraid of his father’s counsellors; the King was + specially afraid of his son’s craftiness and ambition. It came to an + open rupture, and Louis, in 1456, fled to the Court of Duke Philip of + Burgundy. There he lived at refuge at Geneppe, meddling a good deal in + Burgundian politics, and already opposing himself to his great rival, + Charles of Charolais, afterwards Charles the Bold, the last Duke of + Burgundy. Bickerings, under his bad influence, took place between King and + Duke; they never burst out into flame. So things went on uncomfortably + enough, till Charles VII. died in 1461 and the reign of Louis XI. began. + </p> + <p> + Between father and son what contrast could be greater? Charles VII., + “the Well-served,” so easygoing, so open and free from guile; + Louis XI., so shy of counsellors, so energetic and untiring, so close and + guileful. History does but apologise for Charles, and even when she fears + and dislikes Louis, she cannot forbear to wonder and admire. And yet Louis + enslaved his country, while Charles had seen it rescued from foreign rule; + Charles restored something of its prosperity, while Louis spent his life + in crushing its institutions and in destroying its elements of + independence. A great and terrible prince, Louis XI. failed in having + little or no constructive power; he was strong to throw down the older + society, he built little in its room. Most serious of all was his action + with respect to the district of the River Somme, at that time the northern + frontier of France. The towns there had been handed over to Philip of + Burgundy by the Treaty of Arras, with a stipulation that the Crown might + ransom them at any time, and this Louis succeeded in doing in 1463. The + act was quite blameless and patriotic in itself, yet it was exceedingly + unwise, for it thoroughly alienated Charles the Bold, and led to the wars + of the earlier period of the reign. Lastly, as if he had not done enough + to offend the nobles, Louis in 1464 attacked their hunting rights, + touching them in their tenderest part. No wonder that this year saw the + formation of a great league against him, and the outbreak of a dangerous + civil war. The “League of the Public Weal” was nominally + headed by his own brother Charles, heir to the throne; it was joined by + Charles of Charolais, who had completely taken the command of affairs in + the Burgundian territories, his father the old duke being too feeble to + withstand him; the Dukes of Brittany, Nemours, Bourbon, John of Anjou, + Duke of Calabria, the Comte d’Armagnac, the aged Dunois, and a host + of other princes and nobles flocked in; and the King had scarcely any + forces at his back with which to withstand them. His plans for the + campaign against the league were admirable, though they were frustrated by + the bad faith of his captains, who mostly sympathised with this outbreak + of the feudal nobility. Louis himself marched southward to quell the Duc + de Bourbon and his friends, and returning from that task, only half done + for lack of time, he found that Charles of Charolais had passed by Paris, + which was faithful to the King, and was coming down southwards, intending + to join the Dukes of Berri and Brittany, who were on their way towards the + capital. The hostile armies met at Montleheri on the Orleans road; and + after a strange battle—minutely described by Commines—a battle + in which both sides ran away, and neither ventured at first to claim a + victory, the King withdrew to Corbeil, and then marched into Paris (1465). + There the armies of the league closed in on him; and after a siege of + several weeks, Louis, feeling disaffection all around him, and doubtful + how long Paris herself would bear for him the burdens of blockade, signed + the Peace of Conflans, which, to all appearances, secured the complete + victory to the noblesse, “each man carrying off his piece.” + Instantly the contented princes broke up their half-starved armies and + went home, leaving Louis behind to plot and contrive against them, a far + wiser man, thanks to the lesson they had taught him. They did not let him + wait long for a chance. The Treaty of Conflans had given the duchy of + Normandy to the King’s brother Charles; he speedily quarrelled with + his neighbour, the Duke of Brittany, and Louis came down at once into + Normandy, which threw itself into his arms, and the whole work of the + league was broken up. The Comte de Charolais, occupied with revolts at + Dinan and Liege, could not interfere, and presently his father, the old + Duke Philip, died (1467), leaving to him the vast lordships of the House + of Burgundy. + </p> + <p> + And now the “imperial dreamer,” Charles the Bold, was brought + into immediate rivalry with that royal trickster, the “universal + spider,” Louis XI. Charles was by far the nobler spirit of the two: + his vigour and intelligence, his industry and wish to raise all around him + to a higher cultivation, his wise reforms at home, and attempts to render + his father’s dissolute and careless rule into a well-ordered + lordship, all these things marked him out as the leading spirit of the + time. His territories were partly held under France, partly under the + empire: the Artois district, which also may be taken to include the Somme + towns, the county of Rhetel, the duchy of Bar, the duchy of Burgundy, with + Auxerre and Nevers, were feudally in France; the rest of his lands under + the empire. He had, therefore, interests and means of interference on + either hand; and it is clear that Charles set before himself two different + lines of policy, according as he looked one way or the other. + </p> + <p> + At the time of Duke Philip’s death a new league had been formed + against Louis, embracing the King of England, Edward IV., the Dukes of + Burgundy and Brittany, and the Kings of Aragon and Castile. Louis strained + every nerve, he conciliated Paris, struck hard at disaffected partisans, + and in 1468 convoked the States General at Tours. The three Estates were + asked to give an opinion as to the power of the Crown to alienate + Normandy, the step insisted upon by the Duke of Burgundy. Their reply was + to the effect that the nation forbids the Crown to dismember the realm; + they supported their opinion by liberal promises of help. Thus fortified + by the sympathy of his people, Louis began to break up the coalition. He + made terms with the Duc de Bourbon and the House of Anjou; his brother + Charles was a cipher; the King of England was paralysed by the antagonism + of Warwick; he attacked and reduced Brittany; Burgundy, the most + formidable, alone remained to be dealt with. How should he meet him?—by + war or by negotiation? His Court was divided in opinion; the King decided + for himself in favour of the way of negotiation, and came to the + astonishing conclusion that he would go and meet the Duke and win him over + to friendship. He miscalculated both his own powers of persuasion and the + force of his antagonist’s temper. The interview of Peronne followed; + Charles held his visitor as a captive, and in the end compelled him to + sign a treaty, of peace, on the basis of that of Conflans, which had + closed the War of the Public Weal. And as if this were not sufficient + humiliation, Charles made the King accompany him on his expedition to + punish the men of Liege, who, trusting to the help of Louis, had again + revolted (1469). This done, he allowed the degraded monarch to return home + to Paris. An assembly of notables of Tours speedily declared the Treaty of + Perrone null, and the King made some small frontier war on the Duke, which + was ended by a truce at Amiens, in 1471. The truce was spent in + preparation for a fresh struggle, which Louis, to whom time was + everything, succeeded in deferring from point to point, till the death of + his brother Charles, now Duc de Guienne, in 1472, broke up the formidable + combination. Charles the Bold at once broke truce and made war on the + King, marching into northern France, sacking towns and ravaging the + country, till he reached Beauvais. There the despair of the citizens and + the bravery of the women saved the town. Charles raised the siege and + marched on Rouen, hoping to meet the Duke of Brittany; but that Prince had + his hands full, for Louis had overrun his territories, and had reduced him + to terms. The Duke of Burgundy saw that the coalition had completely + failed; he too made fresh truce with Louis at Senlis (1472), and only, + deferred, he no doubt thought, the direct attack on his dangerous rival. + Henceforth Charles the Bold turned his attention mainly to the east, and + Louis gladly saw him go forth to spend his strength on distant ventures; + saw the interview at Treves with the Emperor Frederick III., at which the + Duke’s plans were foiled by the suspicions of the Germans and the + King’s intrigues; saw the long siege of the Neusz wearing out his + power; bought off the hostility of Edward IV. of England, who had + undertaken to march on Paris; saw Charles embark on his Swiss enterprise; + saw the subjugation of Lorraine and capture of Nancy (1475), the battle of + Granson, the still more fatal defeat of Morat (1476), and lastly the final + struggle of Nancy, and the Duke’s death on the field (January, + 1477). + </p> + <p> + While Duke Charles had thus been running on his fate, Louis XI. had + actively attacked the larger nobles of France, and had either reduced them + to submission or had destroyed them. + </p> + <p> + As Duke Charles had left no male heir, the King at once resumed the duchy + of Burgundy, as a male fief of the kingdom; he also took possession of + Franche Comte at the same time; the King’s armies recovered all + Picardy, and even entered Flanders. Then Mary of Burgundy, hoping to raise + up a barrier against this dangerous neighbour, offered her hand, with all + her great territories, to young Maximilian of Austria, and married him + within six months after her father’s death. To this wedding is due + the rise to real greatness of the House of Austria; it begins the era of + the larger politics of modern times. + </p> + <p> + After a little hesitation Louis determined to continue the struggle + against the Burgundian power. He secured Franche Comte, and on his + northern frontier retook Arras, that troublesome border city, the “bonny + Carlisle” of those days; and advancing to relieve Therouenne, then + besieged by Maximilian, fought and lost the battle of Guinegate (1479). + The war was languid after this; a truce followed in 1480, and a time of + quiet for France. Charles the Dauphin was engaged to marry the little + Margaret, Maximilian’s daughter, and as her dower she was to bring + Franche Comte and sundry places on the border line disputed between the + two princes. In these last days Louis XI. shut himself up in gloomy + seclusion in his castle of Plessis near Tours, and there he died in 1483. + A great king and a terrible one, he has left an indellible mark on the + history of France, for he was the founder of France in its later form, as + an absolute monarchy ruled with little regard to its own true welfare. He + had crushed all resistance; he had enlarged the borders of France, till + the kingdom took nearly its modern dimensions; he had organised its army + and administration. The danger was lest in the hands of a feeble boy these + great results should be squandered away, and the old anarchy once more + raise its head. + </p> + <p> + For Charles VIII., who now succeeded, was but thirteen years old, a weak + boy whom his father had entirely neglected, the training of his son not + appearing to be an essential part of his work in life. The young Prince + had amused himself with romances, but had learnt nothing useful. A head, + however, was found for him in the person of his eldest sister Anne, whom + Louis XI. had married to Peter II., Lord of Beaujeu and Duc de Bourbon. To + her the dying King entrusted the guardianship of his son; and for more + than nine years Anne of France was virtual King. For those years all went + well. + </p> + <p> + With her disappearance from the scene, the controlling hand is lost, and + France begins the age of her Italian expeditions. + </p> + <p> + When the House of Anjou came to an end in 1481, and Anjou and Maine fell + in to the Crown, there fell in also a far less valuable piece of property, + the claim of that house descended from Charles, the youngest brother of + Saint Louis, on the kingdom of Naples and Sicily. There was much to tempt + an ambitious prince in the state of Italy. Savoy, which held the passage + into the peninsula, was then thoroughly French in sympathy; Milan, under + Lodovico Sforza, “il Moro,” was in alliance with Charles; + Genoa preferred the French to the Aragonese claimants for influence over + Italy; the popular feeling in the cities, especially in Florence, was + opposed to the despotism of the Medici, and turned to France for + deliverance; the misrule of the Spanish Kings of Naples had made Naples + thoroughly discontented; Venice was, as of old, the friend of France. + Tempted by these reasons, in 1494 Charles VIII. set forth for Italy with a + splendid host. He displayed before the eyes of Europe the first example of + a modern army, in its three well-balanced branches of infantry, cavalry, + and artillery. There was nothing in Italy to withstand his onslaught; he + swept through the land in triumph; Charles believed himself to be a great + conqueror giving law to admiring subject-lands; he entered Pisa, Florence, + Rome itself. Wherever he went his heedless ignorance, and the gross + misconduct of his followers, left behind implacable hostility, and turned + all friendship into bitterness. At last he entered Naples, and seemed to + have asserted to the full the French claim to be supreme in Italy, whereas + at that very time his position had become completely untenable. A league + of Italian States was formed behind his back; Lodovico il Moro, Ferdinand + of Naples, the Emperor, Pope Alexander VI., Ferdinand and Isabella, who + were now welding Spain into a great and united monarchy, all combined + against France; and in presence of this formidable confederacy Charles + VIII. had to cut his way home as promptly as he could. At Fornovo, north + of the Apennines, he defeated the allies in July, 1495; and by November + the main French army had got safely out of Italy. The forces left behind + in Naples were worn out by war and pestilence, and the poor remnant of + these, too, bringing with them the seeds of horrible contagious diseases, + forced their way back to France in 1496. It was the last effort of the + King. His health was ruined by debauchery in Italy, repeated in France; + and yet, towards the end of his reign, he not merely introduced Italian + arts, but attempted to reform the State, to rule prudently, to solace the + poor; wherefore, when he died in 1498, the people lamented him greatly, + for he had been kindly and affable, brave also on the battle-field; and + much is forgiven to a king. + </p> + <p> + His children died before him, so that Louis d’Orleans, his cousin, + was nearest heir to the throne, and succeeded as Louis XII. By his + accession in 1498 he reunited the fief of Orleans County to the Crown; by + marrying Anne of Brittany, his predecessor’s widow, he secured also + the great duchy of Brittany. The dispensation of Pope Alexander VI., which + enabled him to put away his wife Jeanne, second daughter of Louis XI., was + brought into France by Caesar Borgia, who gained thereby his title of Duke + of Valentinois, a large sum of money, a French bride, and promises of + support in his great schemes in Italy. + </p> + <p> + His ministers were men of real ability. Georges d’Amboise, + Archbishop of Rouen, the chief of them, was a prudent and a sagacious + ruler, who, however, unfortunately wanted to be Pope, and urged the King + in the direction of Italian politics, which he would have done much better + to have left alone. Louis XII. was lazy and of small intelligence; Georges + d’Amboise and Caesar Borgia, with their Italian ambitions, easily + made him take up a spirited foreign policy which was disastrous at home. + </p> + <p> + Utterly as the last Italian expedition had failed, the French people were + not yet weary of the adventure, and preparations for a new war began at + once. In 1499 the King crossed the Alps into the Milanese, and carried all + before him for a while. The duchy at first accepted him with enthusiasm; + but in 1500 it had had enough of the French and recalled Lodovico, who + returned in triumph to Milan. The Swiss mercenaries, however, betrayed him + at Novara into the hands of Louis XII., who carried him off to France. The + triumph of the French in 1500 was also the highest point of the fortunes + of their ally, Caesar Borgia, who seemed for a while to be completely + successful. In this year Louis made a treaty at Granada, by which he and + Ferdinand the Catholic agreed to despoil Frederick of Naples; and in 1501 + Louis made a second expedition into Italy. Again all seemed easy at the + outset, and he seized the kingdom of Naples without difficulty; falling + out, however, with his partner in the bad bargain, Ferdinand the Catholic, + he was speedily swept completely out of the peninsula, with terrible loss + of honour, men, and wealth. + </p> + <p> + It now became necessary to arrange for the future of France. Louis XII. + had only a daughter, Claude, and it was proposed that she should be + affianced to Charles of Austria, the future statesman and emperor. This + scheme formed the basis of the three treaties of Blois (1504). In 1500, by + the Treaty of Granada, Louis had in fact handed Naples over to Spain; now + by the three treaties he alienated his best friends, the Venetians and the + papacy, while he in fact also handed Milan over to the Austrian House, + together with territories considered to be integral parts of France. The + marriage with Charles came to nothing; the good sense of some, the popular + feeling in the country, the open expressions of the States General of + Tours, in 1506, worked against the marriage, which had no strong advocate + except Queen Anne. Claude, on intercession of the Estates, was affianced + to Frangois d’Angouleme, her distant cousin, the heir presumptive to + the throne. + </p> + <p> + In 1507 Louis made war on Venice; and in the following year the famous + Treaty of Cambrai was signed by Georges d’Amboise and Margaret of + Austria. It was an agreement for a partition of the Venetian territories,—one + of the most shameless public deeds in history. The Pope, the King of + Aragon, Maximilian, Louis XII., were each to have a share. The war was + pushed on with great vigour: the battle of Agnadello (14th May, 1509) + cleared the King’s way towards Venice; Louis was received with open + arms by the North Italian towns, and pushed forward to within eight of + Venice. The other Princes came up on every side; the proud “Queen of + the Adriatic” was compelled to shrink within her walls, and wait + till time dissolved the league. This was not long. The Pope, Julius II., + had no wish to hand Northern Italy over to France; he had joined in the + shameless league of Cambrai because he wanted to wrest the Romagna cities + from Venice, and because he hoped to entirely destroy the ancient + friendship between Venice and France. Successful in both aims, he now + withdrew from the league, made peace with the Venetians, and stood forward + as the head of a new Italian combination, with the Swiss for his fighting + men. The strife was close and hot between Pope and King; Louis XII. lost + his chief adviser and friend, Georges d’Amboise, the splendid + churchman of the age, the French Wolsey; he thought no weapon better than + the dangerous one of a council, with claims opposed to those of the + papacy; first a National Council at Tours, then an attempted General + Council at Pisa, were called on to resist the papal claims. In reply + Julius II. created the Holy League of 1511, with Ferdinand of Aragon, + Henry VIII. of England, and the Venetians as its chief members, against + the French. Louis XII. showed vigour; he sent his nephew Gaston de Foix to + subdue the Romagna and threaten the Venetian territories. At the battle of + Ravenna, in 1512, Gaston won a brilliant victory and lost his life. From + that moment disaster dogged the footsteps of the French in Italy, and + before winter they had been driven completely out of the peninsula; the + succession of the Medicean Pope, Leo X., to Julius II., seemed to promise + the continuance of a policy hostile to France in Italy. Another attempt on + Northern Italy proved but another failure, although now Louis XII., taught + by his mishaps, had secured the alliance of Venice; the disastrous defeat + of La Tremoille, near Novara (1513), compelled the French once more to + withdraw beyond the Alps. In this same year an army under the Duc de + Longueville, endeavouring to relieve Therouenne, besieged by the English + and Maximilian, the Emperor-elect, was caught and crushed at Guinegate. A + diversion in favour of Louis XII., made by James IV. of Scotland, failed + completely; the Scottish King was defeated and slain at Flodden Field. + While his northern frontier was thus exposed, Louis found equal danger + threatening him on the east; on this aide, however, he managed to buy off + the Swiss, who had attacked the duchy of Burgundy. He was also reconciled + with the papacy and the House of Austria. Early in 1514 the death of Anne + of Brittany, his spouse, a lady of high ambitions, strong artistic tastes, + and humane feelings towards her Bretons, but a bad Queen for France, + cleared the way for changes. Claude, the King’s eldest daughter, was + now definitely married to Francois d’Angouleme, and invested with + the duchy of Brittany; and the King himself, still hoping for a male heir + to succeed him, married again, wedding Mary Tudor, the lovely young sister + of Henry VIII. This marriage was probably the chief cause of his death, + which followed on New Year’s day, 1515. His was, in foreign policy, + an inglorious and disastrous reign; at home, a time of comfort and + material prosperity. Agriculture flourished, the arts of Italy came in, + though (save in architecture) France could claim little artistic glory of + her own; the organisation of justice and administration was carried out; + in letters and learning France still lagged behind her neighbours. + </p> + <p> + The heir to the crown was Francois d’Angouleme, great-grandson of + that Louis d’Orleans who had been assassinated in the bad days of + the strife between Burgundians and Armagnacs, in 1407, and + great-great-grandson of Charles V. of France. He was still very young, + very eager to be king, very full of far-reaching schemes. Few things in + history are more striking than the sudden change, at this moment, from the + rule of middle-aged men or (as men of fifty were then often called) old + men, to the rule of youths,—from sagacious, worldly-prudent monarchs—to + impulsive boys,—from Henry VII. to Henry VIII., from Louis XII. to + Frangois I, from Ferdinand to Charles. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, Frangois I. was the least worthy of the three. He was + brilliant, “the king of culture,” apt scholar in Renaissance + art and immorality; brave, also, and chivalrous, so long as the chivalry + involved no self-denial, for he was also thoroughly selfish, and his + personal aims and ideas were mean. His reign was to be a reaction from + that of Louis XII. + </p> + <p> + From the beginning, Francois chose his chief officers unwisely. In Antoine + du Prat, his new chancellor, he had a violent and lawless adviser; in + Charles de Bourbon, his new constable, an untrustworthy commander. + Forthwith he plunged into Italian politics, being determined to make good + his claim both to Naples and to Milan; he made most friendly arrangements + with the Archduke Charles, his future rival, promising to help him in + securing, when the time came, the vast inheritances of his two + grandfathers, Maximilian, the Emperor-elect, and Ferdinand of Aragon; + never was a less wise agreement entered upon. This done, the Italian war + began; Francois descended into Italy, and won the brilliant battle of + Marignano, in which the French chivalry crushed the Swiss burghers and + peasant mercenaries. The French then overran the north of Italy, and, in + conjunction with the Venetians, carried all before them. But the triumphs + of the sword were speedily wrested from him by the adroitness of the + politician; in an interview with Leo X. at Bologna, Francois bartered the + liberties of the Gallican Church for shadowy advantages in Italy. The + ‘Pragmatic Sanction of Bourgea’, which now for nearly a + century had secured to the Church of France independence in the choice of + her chief officers, was replaced by a concordat, whereby the King allowed + the papacy once more to drain the wealth of the Church of France, while + the Pope allowed the King almost autocratic power over it. He was to + appoint to all benefices, with exception of a few privileged offices; the + Pope was no longer to be threatened with general councils, while he should + receive again the annates of the Church. + </p> + <p> + The years which followed this brilliantly disastrous opening brought + little good to France. In 1516 the death of Ferdinand the Catholic placed + Charles on the throne of Spain; in 1519 the death of Maximilian threw open + to the young Princes the most dazzling prize of human ambition,—the + headship of the Holy Roman Empire. Francois I., Charles, and Henry VIII. + were all candidates for the votes of the seven electors, though the last + never seriously entered the lists. The struggle lay between Francois, the + brilliant young Prince, who seemed to represent the new opinions in + literature and art, and Charles of Austria and Spain, who was as yet + unknown and despised, and, from his education under the virtuous and + scholastic Adrian of Utrecht, was thought likely to represent the older + and reactionary opinions of the clergy. After a long and sharp + competition, the great prize fell to Charles, henceforth known to history + as that great monarch and emperor, Charles V. + </p> + <p> + The rivalry between the Princes could not cease there. Charles, as + representative of the House of Burgundy, claimed all that had been lost + when Charles the Bold fell; and in 1521 the war broke out between him and + Francois, the first of a series of struggles between the two rivals. While + the King wasted the resources of his country on these wars, his proud and + unwise mother, Louise of Savoy, guided by Antoine du Prat, ruled, to the + sorrow of all, at home. The war brought no glory with it: on the Flemish + frontier a place or two was taken; in Biscay Fontarabia fell before the + arms of France; in Italy Francois had to meet a new league of Pope and + Emperor, and his troops were swept completely out of the Milanese. In the + midst of all came the defection of that great prince, the Constable de + Bourbon, head of the younger branch of the Bourbon House, the most + powerful feudal lord in France. Louise of Savoy had enraged and offended + him, or he her; the King slighted him, and in 1523 the Constable made a + secret treaty with Charles V. and Henry VIII., and, taking flight into + Italy, joined the Spaniards under Lannoy. The French, who had again + invaded the Milanese, were again driven out in 1524; on the other hand, + the incursions of the imperialists into Picardy, Provence, and the + southeast were all complete failures. Encouraged by the repulse of Bourbon + from Marseilles, Francois I. once more crossed the Alps, and overran a + great part of the valley of the Po; at the siege of Pavia he was attacked + by Pescara and Bourbon, utterly defeated and taken prisoner (24th + February, 1525); the broken remnants of the French were swept out of Italy + at once, and Francois I. was carried into Spain, a captive at Madrid. His + mother, best in adversity, behaved with high pride and spirit; she + overawed disaffection, made preparations for resistance, looked out for + friends on every side. Had Francois been in truth a hero, he might, even + as a prisoner, have held his own; but he was unable to bear the monotony + of confinement, and longed for the pleasures of France. On this mean + nature Charles V. easily worked, and made the captive monarch sign the + Treaty of Madrid (January 14, 1526), a compact which Francois meant to + break as soon as he could, for he knew neither heroism nor good faith. The + treaty stipulated that Francois should give up the duchy of Burgundy to + Charles, and marry Eleanor of Portugal, Charles’s sister; that + Francois should also abandon his claims on Flanders, Milan, and Naples, + and should place two sons in the Emperor’s hands as hostages. + Following the precedent of Louis XI. in the case of Normandy, he summoned + an assembly of nobles and the Parliament of Paris to Cognac, where they + declared the cession of Burgundy to be impossible. He refused to return to + Spain, and made alliances wherever he could, with the Pope, with Venice, + Milan, and England. The next year saw the ruin of this league in the + discomfiture of Clement VII., and the sack of Rome by the German + mercenaries under Bourbon, who was killed in the assault. The war went on + till 1529, when Francois, having lost two armies in it, and gained nothing + but loss and harm, was willing for peace; Charles V., alarmed at the + progress of the Turks, was not less willing; and in August, 1529, the + famous Treaty, of Cambrai, “the Ladies’ Peace,” was + agreed to by Margaret of Austria and Louise of Savoy. Though Charles V. + gave up all claim on the duchy of Burgundy, he had secured to himself + Flanders and Artois, and had entirely cleared French influences out of + Italy, which now became firmly fixed under the imperial hand, as a + connecting link between his Spanish and German possessions. Francois lost + ground and credit by these successive treaties, conceived in bad faith, + and not honestly carried out. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the Treaty of Cambrai been effectual in bringing his sons + back to France, than Francois began to look out for new pretexts and means + for war. Affairs were not unpromising. His mother’s death in 1531 + left him in possession of a huge fortune, which she had wrung from + defenceless France; the powers which were jealous of Austria, the Turk, + the English King, the members of the Smalkald league, all looked to + Francois as their leader; Clement VII., though his misfortunes had thrown + him into the Emperor’s hands, was not unwilling to treat with + France; and in 1533 by the compact of Marseilles the Pope broke up the + friendship between Francois and Henry VIII., while he married his niece + Catherine de’ Medici to Henri, the second son of Francois. This + compact was a real disaster to France; the promised dowry of Catherine—certain + Italian cities—was never paid, and the death of Clement VII. in 1534 + made the political alliance with the papacy a failure. The influence of + Catherine affected and corrupted French history for half a century. + Preparations for war went on; Francois made a new scheme for a national + army, though in practice he preferred the tyrant’s arm, the foreign + mercenary. From his day till the Revolution the French army was largely + composed of bodies of men tempted out of other countries, chiefly from + Switzerland or Germany. + </p> + <p> + While the Emperor strove to appease the Protestant Princes of Germany by + the Peace of Kadan (1534), Francois strengthened himself with a definite + alliance with Soliman; and when, on the death of Francesco Sforza, Duke of + Milan, who left no heirs, Charles seized the duchy as its overlord, + Francois, after some bootless negotiation, declared war on his great rival + (1536). His usual fortunes prevailed so long as he was the attacking + party: his forces were soon swept out of Piedmont, and the Emperor carried + the war over the frontier into Provence. That also failed, and Charles was + fain to withdraw after great losses into Italy. The defence of Provence—a + defence which took the form of a ruthless destruction of all its resources—had + been entrusted to Anne de Montmorency, who henceforward became Constable + of France, and exerted great influence over Francois I. Though these two + campaigns, the French in Italy and the imperialist in Provence, had + equally failed in 1536, peace did not follow till 1538, when, after the + terrible defeat of Ferdinand of Austria by the Turks, Charles was anxious + to have free hand in Germany. Under the mediation of Paul III. the + agreement of Nice was come to, which included a ten years’ truce and + the abandonment by Francois of all his foreign allies and aims. He seemed + a while to have fallen completely under the influence of the sagacious + Emperor. He gave way entirely to the Church party of the time, a party + headed by gloomy Henri, now Dauphin, who never lost the impress of his + Spanish captivity, and by the Constable Anne de Montmorency; for a time + the artistic or Renaissance party, represented by Anne, Duchesse d’Etampes, + and Catherine de’ Medici, fell into disfavour. The Emperor even + ventured to pass through France, on his way from Spain to the Netherlands. + All this friendship, however, fell to dust, when it was found that Charles + refused to invest the Duc d’Orleans, the second son of Francois, + with the duchy of Milan, and when the Emperor’s second expedition + against the sea-power of the Turks had proved a complete failure, and + Charles had returned to Spain with loss of all his fleet and army. Then + Francois hesitated no longer, and declared war against him (1541). The + shock the Emperor had suffered inspirited all his foes; the Sultan and the + Protestant German Princes were all eager for war; the influence of Anne de + Montmorency had to give way before that of the House of Guise, that + frontier family, half French, half German, which was destined to play a + large part in the troubled history of the coming half-century. Claude, Duc + de Guise, a veteran of the earliest days of Francois, was vehemently + opposed to Charles and the Austro-Spanish power, and ruled in the King’s + councils. This last war was as mischievous as its predecessors no great + battles were fought; in the frontier affairs the combatants were about + equally fortunate; the battle of Cerisolles, won by the French under + Enghien (1544), was the only considerable success they had, and even that + was almost barren of results, for the danger to Northern France was + imminent; there a combined invasion had been planned and partly executed + by Charles and Henry VIII., and the country, almost undefended, was at + their mercy. The two monarchs, however, distrusted one another; and + Charles V., anxious about Germany, sent to Francois proposals for peace + from Crespy Couvrant, near Laon, where he had halted his army; Francois, + almost in despair, gladly made terms with him. The King gave up his claims + on Flanders and Artois, the Emperor his on the duchy of Burgundy; the King + abandoned his old Neapolitan ambition, and Charles promised one of the + Princesses of the House of Austria, with Milan as her dower, to the Duc d’Orleans, + second son of Francois. The Duke dying next year, this portion of the + agreement was not carried out. The Peace of Crespy, which ended the wars + between the two great rivals, was signed in autumn, 1544, and, like the + wars which led to it, was indecisive and lame. + </p> + <p> + Charles learnt that with all his great power he could not strike a fatal + blow at France; France ought to have learnt that she was very weak for + foreign conquest, and that her true business was to consolidate and + develop her power at home. Henry VIII. deemed himself wronged by this + independent action on the part of Charles, who also had his grievances + with the English monarch; he stood out till 1546, and then made peace with + Francois, with the aim of forming a fresh combination against Charles. In + the midst of new projects and much activity, the marrer of man’s + plots came on the scene, and carried off in the same year, 1547, the + English King and Francois I., leaving Charles V. undisputed arbiter of the + affairs of Europe. In this same year he also crushed the Protestant + Princes at the battle of Muhlberg. + </p> + <p> + In the reign of Francois I. the Court looked not unkindly on the + Reformers, more particularly in the earlier years. + </p> + <p> + Henri II., who succeeded in 1547, “had all the faults of his father, + with a weaker mind;” and as strength of mind was not one of the + characteristics of Francois I., we may imagine how little firmness there + was in the gloomy King who now reigned. Party spirit ruled at Court. Henri + II., with his ancient mistress, Diane de Poitiers, were at the head of one + party, that of the strict Catholics, and were supported by old Anne de + Montmorency, most unlucky of soldiers, most fanatical of Catholics, and by + the Guises, who chafed a good deal under the stern rule of the Constable. + This party had almost extinguished its antagonists; in the struggle of the + mistresses, the pious and learned Anne d’Etampes had to give place + to imperious Diane, Catherine, the Queen, was content to bide her time, + watching with Italian coolness the game as it went on; of no account + beside her rival, and yet quite sure to have her day, and ready to play + parties against one another. Meanwhile, she brought to her royal husband + ten sickly children, most of whom died young, and three wore the crown. Of + the many bad things she did for France, that was perhaps among the worst. + </p> + <p> + On the accession of Henri II. the duchy of Brittany finally lost even + nominal independence; he next got the hand of Mary, Queen of Scots, then + but five years old, for the Dauphin Francois; she was carried over to + France; and being by birth half a Guise, by education and interests of her + married life she became entirely French. It was a great triumph for Henri, + for the Protector Somerset had laid his plans to secure her for young + Edward VI.; it was even more a triumph for the Guises, who saw opened out + a broad and clear field for their ambition. + </p> + <p> + At first Henri II. showed no desire for war, and seemed to shrink from + rivalry or collision with Charles V. He would not listen to Paul III., + who, in his anxiety after the fall of the Protestant power in Germany in + 1547, urged him to resist the Emperor’s triumphant advance; he + seemed to show a dread of war, even among his neighbours. After he had won + his advantage over Edward VI., he escaped the war which seemed almost + inevitable, recovered Boulogne from the English by a money payment, and + smoothed the way for peace between England and Scotland. He took much + interest in the religious question, and treated the Calvinists with great + severity; he was also occupied by troubles in the south and west of + France. Meanwhile, a new Pope, Julius III., was the weak dependent of the + Emperor, and there seemed to be no head left for any movement against the + universal domination of Charles V. His career from 1547 to 1552 was, to + all appearance, a triumphal march of unbroken success. Yet Germany was far + from acquiescence; the Princes were still discontented and watchful; even + Ferdinand of Austria, his brother, was offended by the Emperor’s + anxiety to secure everything, even the imperial crown for his son Philip; + Maurice of Saxony, that great problem of the age, was preparing for a + second treachery, or, it may be, for a patriotic effort. These German + malcontents now appealed to Henri for aid; and at last Henri seemed + inclined to come. He had lately made alliance with England, and in 1552 + formed a league at Chambord with the German Princes; the old connection + with the Turk was also talked of. The Germans agreed to allow’ him + to hold (as imperial vicar, not as King of France) the “three + bishoprics,” Metz, Verdun, and Toul; he also assumed a protectorate + over the spiritual princes, those great bishops and electors of the Rhine, + whose stake in the Empire was so important. The general lines of French + foreign politics are all here clearly marked; in this Henri II. is the + forerunner of Henri IV. and of Louis XIV.; the imperial politics of + Napoleon start from much the same lines; the proclamations of Napoleon + III. before the Franco-German war seemed like thin echoes of the same. + </p> + <p> + Early in 1552 Maurice of Saxony struck his great blow at his master in the + Tyrol, destroying in an instant all the Emperor’s plans for the + suppression of Lutheran opinions, and the reunion of Germany in a Catholic + empire; and while Charles V. fled for his life, Henri II. with a splendid + army crossed the frontiers of Lorraine. Anne de Montmorency, whose + opposition to the war had been overborne by the Guises, who warmly desired + to see a French predominance in Lorraine, was sent forward to reduce Metz, + and quickly got that important city into his hands; Toul and Verdun soon + opened their gates, and were secured in reality, if not in name, to + France. Eager to undertake a protectorate of the Rhine, Henri II. tried + also to lay hands on Strasburg; the citizens, however, resisted, and he + had to withdraw; the same fate befell his troops in an attempt on Spires. + Still, Metz and the line of the Vosges mountains formed a splendid + acquisition for France. The French army, leaving strong garrisons in + Lorraine, withdrew through Luxemburg and the northern frontier; its + remaining exploits were few and mean, for the one gleam of good fortune + enjoyed by Anne de Montmorency, who was unwise and arrogant, and a most + inefficient commander, soon deserted him. Charles V., as soon as he could + gather forces, laid siege to Metz, but, after nearly three months of late + autumnal operations, was fain to break up and withdraw, baffled and with + loss of half his army, across the Rhine. Though some success attended his + arms on the northern frontier, it was of no permanent value; the loss of + Metz, and the failure in the attempt to take it, proved to the worn-out + Emperor that the day of his power and opportunity was past. The + conclusions of the Diet of Augsburg in 1555 settled for half a century the + struggle between Lutheran and Catholic, but settled it in a way not at all + to his mind; for it was the safeguard of princely interests against his + plans for an imperial unity. Weary of the losing strife, yearning for + ease, ordered by his physicians to withdraw from active life, Charles in + the course of 1555 and 1556 resigned all his great lordships and titles, + leaving Philip his son to succeed him in Italy, the Netherlands, and + Spain, and his brother Ferdinand of Austria to wear in his stead the + imperial diadem. These great changes sundered awhile the interests of + Austria from those of Spain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p292j" id="p292j"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p292j.jpg (61K)" src="images/p292j.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Henri endeavoured to take advantage of the check in the fortunes of his + antagonists; he sent Anne de Montmorency to support Gaspard de Coligny, + the Admiral of France, in Picardy, and in harmony with Paul IV., + instructed Francois, Duc de Guise, to enter Italy to oppose the Duke of + Alva. As of old, the French arms at first carried all before them, and + Guise, deeming himself heir to the crown of Naples (for he was the eldest + great-grandson of Rene II., titular King of Naples), pushed eagerly + forward as far as the Abruzzi. There he was met and outgeneraled by Alva, + who drove him back to Rome, whence he was now recalled by urgent summons + to France; for the great disaster of St. Quentin had laid Paris itself + open to the assault of an enterprising enemy. With the departure of Guise + from Italy the age of the Italian expeditions comes to an end. On the + northern side of the realm things had gone just as badly. Philibert of + Savoy, commanding for Philip with Spanish and English troops, marched into + France as far as to the Somme, and laid siege to St. Quentin, which was + bravely defended by Amiral de Coligny. Anne de Montmorency, coming up to + relieve the place, managed his movements so clumsily that he was caught by + Count Egmont and the Flemish horse, and, with incredibly small loss to the + conquerors, was utterly routed (1557). Montmorency himself and a crowd of + nobles and soldiers were taken; the slaughter was great. Coligny made a + gallant and tenacious stand in the town itself, but at last was + overwhelmed, and the place fell. Terrible as these mishaps were to France, + Philip II. was not of a temper to push an advantage vigorously; and while + his army lingered, Francois de Guise came swiftly back from Italy; and + instead of wasting strength in a doubtful attack on the allies in Picardy, + by a sudden stroke of genius he assaulted and took Calais (January, 1558), + and swept the English finally off the soil of France. This unexpected and + brilliant blow cheered and solaced the afflicted country, while it finally + secured the ascendency of the House of Guise. The Duke’s brother, + the Cardinal de Lorraine, carried all before him in the King’s + councils; the Dauphin, betrothed long before, was now married to Mary of + Scots; a secret treaty bound the young Queen to bring her kingdom over + with her; it was thought that France with Scotland would be at least a + match for England joined with Spain. In the same year, 1558, the French + advance along the coast, after they had taken Dunkirk and Nieuport, was + finally checked by the brilliant genius of Count Egmont, who defeated them + at Gravelinea. All now began to wish for peace, especially Montmorency, + weary of being a prisoner, and anxious to get back to Court, that he might + check the fortunes of the Guises; Philip desired it that he might have + free hand against heresy. And so, at Cateau-Cambresis, a peace was made in + April, 1559, by which France retained the three bishoprics and Calais, + surrendering Thionville, Montmedy, and one or two other frontier towns, + while she recovered Ham and St. Quentin; the House of Savoy was reinstated + by Philip, as a reward to Philibert for his services, and formed a solid + barrier for a time between France and Italy; cross-marriages between + Spain, France, and Savoy were arranged;—and finally, the treaty + contained secret articles by which the Guises for France and Granvella for + the Netherlands agreed to crush heresy with a strong hand. As a sequel to + this peace, Henri II. held a great tournament at Paris, at which he was + accidentally slain by a Scottish knight in the lists. + </p> + <p> + The Guises now shot up into abounded power. On the Guise side the Cardinal + de Lorraine was the cleverest man, the true head, while Francois, the + Duke, was the arm; he showed leanings towards the Lutherans. On the other + side, the head was the dull and obstinate Anne de Montmorency, the + Constable, an unwavering Catholic, supported by the three Coligny + brothers, who all were or became Huguenots. The Queen-mother Catherine + fluctuated uneasily between the parties, and though Catholic herself, or + rather not a Protestant, did not hesitate to befriend the Huguenots, if + the political arena seemed to need their gallant swords. Their noblest + leader was Coligny, the admiral; their recognised head was Antoine, King + of Navarre, a man as foolish as fearless. He was heir presumptive to the + throne after the Valois boys, and claimed to have charge of the young + King. Though the Guises had the lead at first, the Huguenots seemed, from + their strong aristocratic connections, to have the fairer prospects before + them. + </p> + <p> + Thirty years of desolate civil strife are before us, and we must set it + all down briefly and drily. The prelude to the troubles was played by the + Huguenots, who in 1560, guided by La Renaudie, a Perigord gentleman, + formed a plot to carry off the young King; for Francois II. had already + treated them with considerable severity, and had dismissed from his + councils both the princes of the blood royal and the Constable de + Montmorency. The plot failed miserably and La Renaudie lost his life; it + only secured more firmly the authority of the Guises. As a counterpoise to + their influence, the Queen-mother now conferred the vacant chancellorship + on one of the wisest men France has ever seen, her Lord Bacon, Michel de L’Hopital, + a man of the utmost prudence and moderation, who, had the times been + better, might have won constitutional liberties for his country, and + appeased her civil strife. As it was, he saved her from the Inquisition; + his hand drew the edicts which aimed at enforcing toleration on France; he + guided the assembly of notables which gathered at Fontainebleau, and + induced them to attempt a compromise which moderate Catholics and + Calvinists might accept, and which might lessen the power of the Guises. + This assembly was followed by a meeting of the States General at Orleans, + at which the Prince de Conde and the King of Navarre were seized by the + Guises on a charge of having had to do with La Renaudie’s plot. It + would have gone hard with them had not the sickly King at this very time + fallen ill and died (1560). + </p> + <p> + This was a grievous blow to the Guises. Now, as in a moment, all was + shattered; Catherine de Medici rose at once to the command of affairs; the + new King, Charles IX., was only, ten years old, and her position as Regent + was assured. The Guises would gladly have ruled with her, but she had no + fancy for that; she and Chancellor de L’Hopital were not likely to + ally themselves with all that was severe and repressive. It must not be + forgotten that the best part of her policy was inspired by the Chancellor + de L’Hopital. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that Mary Stuart, the Queen-dowager, was compelled to leave + France for Scotland; her departure clearly marks the fall of the Guises; + and it also showed Philip of Spain that it was no longer necessary for him + to refuse aid and counsel to the Guises; their claims were no longer + formidable to him on the larger sphere of European politics; no longer + could Mary Stuart dream of wearing the triple crown of Scotland, France, + and England. + </p> + <p> + The tolerant language of L’Hopital at the States General of Orleans + in 1561 satisfied neither side. The Huguenots were restless; the Bourbon + Princes tried to crush the Guises, in return for their own imprisonment + the year before; the Constable was offended by the encouragement shown to + the Huguenots; it was plain that new changes impended. Montmorency began + them by going over to the Guises; and the fatal triumvirate of Francois, + Duc de Guise, Montmorency, and St. Andre the marshal, was formed. We find + the King of Spain forthwith entering the field of French intrigues and + politics, as the support and stay of this triumvirate. Parties take a + simpler format once, one party of Catholics and another of Huguenots, with + the Queen-mother and the moderates left powerless between them. These + last, guided still by L’Hopital, once more convoked the States + General at Pontoise: the nobles and the Third Estate seemed to side + completely with the Queen and the moderates; a controversy between + Huguenots and Jesuits at Poissy only added to the discontent of the + Catholics, who were now joined by foolish Antoine, King of Navarre. The + edict of January, 1562, is the most remarkable of the attempts made by the + Queen-mother to satisfy the Huguenots; but party-passion was already too + strong for it to succeed; civil war had become inevitable. + </p> + <p> + The period may be divided into four parts: (1) the wars before the + establishment of the League (1562-1570); (2) the period of the St. + Bartholomew (1570-1573); (3) the struggle of the new Politique party + against the Leaguers (1573-1559); (4) the efforts of Henri IV. to crush + the League and reduce the country to peace (1589-1595). The period can + also be divided by that series of agreements, or peaces, which break it up + into eight wars: + </p> + <p> + 1. The war of 1562, on the skirts of which Philip of Spain interfered on + one side, and Queen Elizabeth with the Calvinistic German Princes on the + other, showed at once that the Huguenots were by far the weaker party. The + English troops at Havre enabled them at first to command the lower Seine + up to Rouen; but the other party, after a long siege which cost poor + Antoine of Navarre his life, took that place, and relieved Paris of + anxiety. The Huguenots had also spread far and wide over the south and + west, occupying Orleans; the bridge of Orleans was their point of junction + between Poitou and Germany. While the strength of the Catholics lay to the + east, in Picardy, and at Paris, the Huguenot power was mostly concentrated + in the south and west of France. Conde, who commanded at Orleans, + supported by German allies, made an attempt on Paris, but finding the + capital too strong for him, turned to the west, intending to join the + English troops from Havre. Montmorency, however, caught him at Dreux; and + in the battle that ensued, the Marshal of France, Saint-Andre, perished; + Conde was captured by the Catholics, Montmorency by the Huguenots. + Coligny, the admiral, drew off his defeated troops with great skill, and + fell back to beyond the Loire; the Duc de Guise remained as sole head of + the Catholics. Pushing on his advantage, the Duke immediately laid siege + to Orleans, and there he fell by the hand of a Huguenot assassin. Both + parties had suffered so much that the Queen-mother thought she might + interpose with terms of peace; the Edict of Amboise (March, 1563) closed + the war, allowing the Calvinists freedom of worship in the towns they + held, and some other scanty privileges. A three years’ quiet + followed, though all men suspected their neighbours, and the high Catholic + party tried hard to make Catherine sacrifice L’Hopital and take + sharp measures with the Huguenots. They on their side were restless and + suspicious, and it was felt that another war could not be far off. + Intrigues were incessant, all men thinking to make their profit out of the + weakness of France. The struggle between Calvinists and Catholics in the + Netherlands roused much feeling, though Catherine refused to favour either + party. She collected an army of her own; it was rumoured that she intended + to take the Huguenots by surprise and annihilate them. In autumn, 1567, + their patience gave way, and they raised the standard of revolt, in + harmony with the heroic Netherlanders. Conde and the Chatillons + beleaguered Paris from the north, and fought the battle of St. Denis, in + which the old Constable, Anne de Montmorency, was killed. The Huguenots, + however, were defeated and forced to withdraw, Conde marching eastward to + join the German troops now coming up to his aid. No more serious fighting + followed; the Peace of Longjumeau (March, 1568), closed the second war, + leaving matters much as they were. The aristocratic resistance against the + Catholic sovereigns, against what is often called the “Catholic + Reaction,” had proved itself hollow; in Germany and the Netherlands, + as well as in France, the Protestant cause seemed to fail; it was not + until the religious question became mixed up with questions as to + political rights and freedom, as in the Low Countries, that a new spirit + of hope began to spring up. + </p> + <p> + The Peace of Longjumeau gave no security to the Huguenot nobles; they felt + that the assassin might catch them any day. An attempt to seize Condo and + Coligny failed, and served only to irritate their party; Cardinal + Chatillon escaped to England; Jeanne of Navarre and her young son Henri + took refuge at La Rochelle; L’Hopital was dismissed the Court. The + Queen-mother seemed to have thrown off her cloak of moderation, and to be + ready to relieve herself of the Huguenots by any means, fair or foul. War + accordingly could not fail to break out again before the end of the year. + Conde had never been so strong; with his friends in England and the Low + Countries, and the enthusiastic support of a great party of nobles and + religious adherents at home, his hopes rose; he even talked of deposing + the Valois and reigning in their stead. He lost his life, however, early + in 1569, at the battle of Jarnac. Coligny once more with difficulty, as at + Dreux, saved the broken remnants of the defeated Huguenots. Conde’s + death, regarded at the time by the Huguenots as an irreparable calamity, + proved in the end to be no serious loss; for it made room for the true + head of the party, Henri of Navarre. No sooner had Jeanne of Navarre heard + of the mishap of Jarnac than she came into the Huguenot camp and presented + to the soldiers her young son Henri and the young Prince de Conde, a mere + child. Her gallant bearing and the true soldier-spirit of Coligny, who + shone most brightly in adversity, restored their temper; they even won + some small advantages. Before long, however, the Duc d’Anjou, the + King’s youngest brother, caught and punished them severely at + Moncontour. Both parties thenceforward wore themselves out with desultory + warfare. In August, 1570, the Peace of St. Germain-en-Laye closed the + third war and ended the first period. + </p> + <p> + 2. It was the most favourable Peace the Huguenots had won as yet; it + secured them, besides previous rights, four strongholds. The Catholics + were dissatisfied; they could not sympathise with the Queen-mother in her + alarm at the growing strength of Philip II., head of the Catholics in + Europe; they dreaded the existence and growing influence of a party now + beginning to receive a definite name, and honourable nickname, the + Politiques. These were that large body of French gentlemen who loved the + honour of their country rather than their religious party, and who, though + Catholics, were yet moderate and tolerant. A pair of marriages now + proposed by the Court amazed them still more. It was suggested that the + Duc d’Anjou should marry Queen Elizabeth of England, and Henri of + Navarre, Marguerite de Valois, the King’s sister. Charles II. hoped + thus to be rid of his brother, whom he disliked, and to win powerful + support against Spain, by the one match, and by the other to bring the + civil wars to a close. The sketch of a far-reaching resistance to Philip + II. was drawn out; so convinced of his good faith was the prudent and + sagacious William of Orange, that, on the strength of these plans, he + refused good terms now offered him by Spain. The Duc d’Alencon, the + remaining son of Catherine, the brother who did not come to the throne, + was deeply interested in the plans for a war in the Netherlands; Anjou, + who had withdrawn from the scheme of marriage with Queen Elizabeth, was at + this moment a candidate for the throne of Poland; while negotiations + respecting it were going on, Marguerite de Valois was married to Henri of + Navarre, the worst of wives [?? D.W.] to a husband none too good. Coligny, + who had strongly opposed the candidature of Anjou for the throne of + Poland, was set on by an assassin, employed by the Queen-mother and her + favourite son, and badly wounded; the Huguenots were in utmost alarm, + filling the air with cries and menaces. Charles showed great concern for + his friend’s recovery, and threatened vengeance on the assassins. + What was his astonishment to learn that those assassins were his mother + and brother! Catherine worked on his fears, and the plot for the great + massacre was combined in an instant. The very next day after the King’s + consent was wrung from him, 24th August, 1572, the massacre of St. + Bartholomew’s day took place. The murder of Coligny was completed; + his son-in-law Teligny perished; all the chief Huguenots were slain; the + slaughter spread to country towns; the Church and the civil power were at + one, and the victims, taken at unawares, could make no resistance. The two + Bourbons, Henri and the Prince de Conde, were spared; they bought their + lives by a sudden conversion to Catholicism. The chief guilt of this great + crime lies with Catherine de’ Medici; for, though it is certain that + she did not plan it long before, assassination was a recognised part of + her way of dealing with Huguenots. + </p> + <p> + A short war followed, a revolt of the southern cities rather than a war. + They made tenacious and heroic resistance; a large part of the royal + forces sympathised rather with them than with the League; and in July, + 1573, the Edict of Boulogne granted them even more than they, had been + promised by the Peace of St. Germain. + </p> + <p> + 3. We have reached the period of the “Wan of the League,” as + the four later civil wars are often called. The last of the four is alone + of any real importance. + </p> + <p> + Just as the Peace of La Rochelle was concluded, the Duc d’Anjou, + having been elected King of Poland, left France; it was not long before + troubles began again. The Duc d’Alencon was vexed by his mother’s + neglect; as heir presumptive to the crown he thought he deserved better + treatment, and sought to give himself consideration by drawing towards the + middle party; Catherine seemed to be intriguing for the ruin of that party—nothing + was safe while she was moving. The King had never held up his head since + the St. Bartholomew; it was seen that he now was dying, and the + Queen-mother took the opportunity of laying hands on the middle party. She + arrested Alencon, Montmorency, and Henri of Navarre, together with some + lesser chiefs; in the midst of it all Charles IX. died (1574), in misery, + leaving the ill-omened crown to Henri of Anjou, King of Poland, his next + brother, his mother’s favourite, the worst of a bad breed. At the + same time the fifth civil war broke out, interesting chiefly because it + was during its continuance that the famous League was actually formed. + </p> + <p> + Henri III., when he heard of his brother’s death, was only too eager + to slip away like a culprit from Poland, though he showed no alacrity in + returning to France, and dallied with the pleasures of Italy for months. + An attempt to draw him over to the side of the Politiques failed + completely; he attached himself on the contrary to the Guises, and plunged + into the grossest dissipation, while he posed himself before men as a good + and zealous Catholic. The Politiques and Huguenots therefore made a + compact in 1575, at Milhaud on the Tarn, and chose the Prince de Conde as + their head; Henri of Navarre escaped from Paris, threw off his forced + Catholicism, and joined them. Against them the strict Catholics seemed + powerless; the Queen-mother closed this war with the Peace of Chastenoy + (May, 1576), with terms unusually favourable for both Politiques and + Huguenots: for the latter, free worship throughout France, except at + Paris; for the chiefs of the former, great governments, for Alencon a + large central district, for Conde, Picardy, for Henri of Navarre, Guienne. + </p> + <p> + To resist all this the high Catholic party framed the League they had long + been meditating; it is said that the Cardinal de Lorraine had sketched it + years before, at the time of the later sittings of the Council of Trent. + Lesser compacts had already been made from time to time; now it was + proposed to form one great League, towards which all should gravitate. The + head of the League was Henri, Duc de Guise the second, “Balafre,” + who had won that title in fighting against the German reiters the year + before, when they entered France under Condo. He certainly hoped at this + time to succeed to the throne of France, either by deposing the corrupt + and feeble Henri III., “as Pippin dealt with Hilderik,” or by + seizing the throne, when the King’s debaucheries should have brought + him to the grave. The Catholics of the more advanced type, and specially + the Jesuits, now in the first flush of credit and success, supported him + warmly. The headquarters of the movement were in Picardy; its first + object, opposition to the establishment of Conde as governor of that + province. The League was also very popular with the common folk, + especially in the towns of the north. It soon found that Paris was its + natural centre; thence it spread swiftly across the whole natural France; + it was warmly supported by Philip of Spain. The States General, convoked + at Blois in 1576, could bring no rest to France; opinion was just as much + divided there as in the country; and the year 1577 saw another petty war, + counted as the sixth, which was closed by the Peace of Bergerac, another + ineffectual truce which settled nothing. It was a peace made with the + Politiques and Huguenots by the Court; it is significant of the new state + of affairs that the League openly refused to be bound by it, and continued + a harassing, objectless warfare. The Duc d’Anjou (he had taken that + title on his brother Henri’s accession to the throne) in 1578 + deserted the Court party, towards which his mother had drawn him, and made + friends with the Calvinists in the Netherlands. The southern provinces + named him “Defender of their liberties;” they had hopes he + might wed Elizabeth of England; they quite mistook their man. In 1579 + “the Gallants’ War” broke out; the Leaguers had it all + their own way; but Henri III., not too friendly to them, and urged by his + brother Anjou, to whom had been offered sovereignty over the seven united + provinces in 1580, offered the insurgents easy terms, and the Treaty of + Fleix closed the seventh war. Anjou in the Netherlands could but show his + weakness; nothing went well with him; and at last, having utterly wearied + out his friends, he fled, after the failure of his attempt to secure + Antwerp, into France. There he fell ill of consumption and died in 1584. + </p> + <p> + This changed at once the complexion of the succession question. Hitherto, + though no children seemed likely to be born to him, Henri III. was young + and might live long, and his brother was there as his heir. Now, Henri + III. was the last Prince of the Valois, and Henri of Navarre in hereditary + succession was heir presumptive to the throne, unless the Salic law were + to be set aside. The fourth son of Saint Louis, Robert, Comte de Clermont, + who married Beatrix, heiress of Bourbon, was the founder of the House of + Bourbon. Of this family the two elder branches had died out: John, who had + been a central figure in the War of the Public Weal, in 1488; Peter, + husband of Anne of France, in 1503; neither of them leaving heirs male. Of + the younger branch Francois died in 1525, and the famous Constable de + Bourbon in 1527. This left as the only representatives of the family, the + Comtes de La Marche; of these the elder had died out in 1438, and the + junior alone survived in the Comtes de Vendome. The head of this branch, + Charles, was made Duc de Vendome by Francois I. in 1515; he was father of + Antoine, Duc de Vendome, who, by marrying the heroic Jeanne d’Albret, + became King of Navarre, and of Louis, who founded the House of Conde; + lastly, Antoine was the father of Henri IV. He was, therefore, a very + distant cousin to Henri III; the Houses of Capet, of Alencon, of Orleans, + of Angouleme, of Maine, and of Burgundy, as well as the elder Bourbons, + had to fall extinct before Henri of Navarre could become heir to the + crown. All this, however, had now happened; and the Huguenots greatly + rejoiced in the prospect of a Calvinist King. The Politique party showed + no ill-will towards him; both they and the Court party declared that if he + would become once more a Catholic they would rally to him; the Guises and + the League were naturally all the more firmly set against him; and Henri + of Navarre saw that he could not as yet safely endanger his influence with + the Huguenots, while his conversion would not disarm the hostility of the + League. They had before, this put forward as heir to the throne Henri’s + uncle, the wretched old Cardinal de Bourbon, who had all the faults and + none of the good qualities of his brother Antoine. Under cover of his name + the Duc de Guise hoped to secure the succession for himself; he also sold + himself and his party to Philip of Spain, who was now in fullest + expectation of a final triumph over his foes. He had assassinated William + the Silent; any day Elizabeth or Henri of Navarre might be found murdered; + the domination of Spain over Europe seemed almost secured. The pact of + Joinville, signed between Philip, Guise, and Mayenne, gives us the measure + of the aims of the high Catholic party. Paris warmly sided with them; the + new development of the League, the “Sixteen of Paris,” one + representative for each of the districts of the capital, formed a vigorous + organisation and called for the King’s deposition; they invited + Henri, Duc de Guise, to Paris. Soon after this Henri III. humbled himself, + and signed the Treaty of Nemours (1585) with the Leaguers. He hereby + became nominal head of the League and its real slave. + </p> + <p> + The eighth war, the “War of the Three Henries,” that is, of + Henri III. and Henri de Guise against Henri of Navarre, now broke out. The + Pope made his voice heard; Sixtus excommunicated the Bourbons, Henri and + Conde, and blessed the Leaguers. + </p> + <p> + For the first time there was some real life in one of these civil ware, + for Henri of Navarre rose nobly to the level of his troubles. At first the + balance of successes was somewhat in favour of the Leaguers; the political + atmosphere grew even more threatening, and terrible things, like lightning + flashes, gleamed out now and again. Such, for example, was the execution + of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, in 1586. It was known that Philip II. was + preparing to crush England. Elizabeth did what she could to support Henri + of Navarre; he had the good fortune to win the battle of Contras, in which + the Duc de Joyeuse, one of the favourites of Henri III., was defeated and + killed. The Duc de Guise, on the other hand, was too strong for the + Germans, who had marched into France to join the Huguenots, and defeated + them at Vimroy and Auneau, after which he marched in triumph to Paris, in + spite of the orders and opposition of. the King, who, finding himself + powerless, withdrew to Chartres. Once more Henri III. was obliged to + accept such terms as the Leaguers chose to impose; and with rage in his + heart he signed the “Edict of Union” (1588), in which he named + the Duc de Guise lieutenant-general of the kingdom, and declared that no + heretic could succeed to the throne. Unable to endure the humiliation, + Henri III. that same winter, assassinated the Duc and the Cardinal de + Guise, and seized many leaders of the League, though he missed the Duc de + Mayenne. This scandalous murder of the “King of Paris,” as the + capital fondly called the Duke, brought the wretched King no solace or + power. His mother did not live to see the end of her son; she died in this + the darkest period of his career, and must have been aware that her + cunning and her immoral life had brought nothing but misery to herself and + all her race. The power of the League party seemed as great as ever; the + Duc de Mayenne entered Paris, and declared open war on Henri III., who, + after some hesitation, threw himself into the hands of his cousin Henri of + Navarre in the spring of 1589. The old Politique party now rallied to the + King; the Huguenots were stanch for their old leader; things looked less + dark for them since the destruction of the Spanish Armada in the previous + summer. The Swiss, aroused by the threats of the Duke of Savoy at Geneva, + joined the Germans, who once more entered northeastern France; the + leaguers were unable to make head either against them or against the + armies of the two Kings; they fell back on Paris, and the allies hemmed + them in. The defence of the capital was but languid; the populace missed + their idol, the Duc de Guise, and the moderate party, never extinguished, + recovered strength. All looked as if the royalists would soon reduce the + last stronghold of the League, when Henri III. was suddenly slain by the + dagger of a fanatical half-wined priest. + </p> + <p> + The King had only time to commend Henri of Navarre to his courtiers as his + heir, and to exhort him to become a Catholic, before he closed his eyes, + and ended the long roll of his vices and crimes. And thus in crime and + shame the House of Valois went down. For a few years, the throne remained + practically vacant: the heroism of Henri of Navarre, the loss of strength + in the Catholic powers, the want of a vigorous head to the League,—these + things all sustained the Bourbon in his arduous struggle; the middle party + grew in strength daily, and when once Henri had allowed himself to be + converted, he became the national sovereign, the national favourite, and + the high Catholics fell to the fatal position of an unpatriotic faction + depending on the arm of the foreigner. + </p> + <p> + 4. The civil wars were not over, for the heat of party raged as yet + unslaked; the Politiques could not all at once adopt a Huguenot King, the + League party had pledged itself to resist the heretic, and Henri at first + had little more than the Huguenots at his back. There were also formidable + claimants for the throne. Charles II. Duc de Lorraine, who had married + Claude, younger daughter of Henri IL, and who was therefore brother-in-law + to Henri III., set up a vague claim; the King of Spain, Philip II., + thought that the Salic law had prevailed long enough in France, and that + his own wife, the elder daughter of Henri III. had the best claim to the + throne; the Guises, though their head was gone, still hoping for the + crown, proclaimed their sham-king, the Cardinal de Bourbon, as Charles X., + and intrigued behind the shadow of his name. The Duc de Mayenne, their + present chief, was the most formidable of Henri’s opponents; his + party called for a convocation of States General, which should choose a + King to succeed, or to replace, their feeble Charles X. During this + struggle the high Catholic party, inspired by Jesuit advice, stood forward + as the admirers of constitutional principles; they called on the nation to + decide the question as to the succession; their Jesuit friends wrote books + on the sovereignty of the people. They summoned up troops from every side; + the Duc de Lorraine sent his son to resist Henri and support his own + claim; the King of Spain sent a body of men; the League princes brought + what force they could. Henri of Navarre at the same moment found himself + weakened by the silent withdrawal from his camp of the army of Henri III.; + the Politique nobles did not care at first to throw in their lot with the + Huguenot chieftain; they offered to confer on Henri the post of + commander-in-chief, and to reserve the question as to the succession; they + let him know that they recognised his hereditary rights, and were hindered + only by his heretical opinions; if he would but be converted they were + his. Henri temporised; his true strength, for the time, lay in his + Huguenot followers, rugged and faithful fighting men, whose belief was the + motive power of their allegiance and of their courage. If he joined the + Politiques at their price, the price of declaring himself Catholic, the + Huguenots would be offended if not alienated. So he neither absolutely + refused nor said yes; and the chief Catholic nobles in the main stood + aloof, watching the struggle between Huguenot and Leaguer, as it worked + out its course. + </p> + <p> + Henri, thus weakened, abandoned the siege of Paris, and fell back; with + the bulk of his forces he marched into Normandy, so as to be within reach + of English succour; a considerable army went into Champagne, to be ready + to join any Swiss or German help that might come. These were the great + days in the life of Henri of Navarre. Henri showed himself a hero, who + strove for a great cause—the cause of European freedom—as well + as for his own crown. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Mayenne followed the Huguenots down into the west, and found + Henri awaiting him in a strong position at Arques, near Dieppe; here at + bay, the “Bearnais” inflicted a heavy blow on his assailants; + Mayenne fell back into Picardy; the Prince of Lorraine drew off + altogether; and Henri marched triumphantly back to Paris, ravaged the + suburbs and then withdrew to Tours, where he was recognised as King by the + Parliament. His campaign of 1589 had been most successful; he had defeated + the League in a great battle, thanks to his skilful use of his position at + Arques, and the gallantry of his troops, which more than counterbalanced + the great disparity in numbers. He had seen dissension break out among his + enemies; even the Pope, Sixtus, had shown him some favour, and the + Politique nobles were certainly not going against him. Early in 1590 Henri + had secured Anjou, Maine, and Normandy, and in March defeated Mayenne, in + a great pitched battle at Ivry, not far from Dreux. The Leaguers fell back + in consternation to Paris. Henri reduced all the country round the + capital, and sat down before it for a stubborn siege. The Duke of Parma + had at that time his hands full in the Low Countries; young Prince Maurice + was beginning to show his great abilities as a soldier, and had got + possession of Breda; all, however, had to be suspended by the Spaniards on + that side, rather than let Henri of Navarre take Paris. Parma with great + skill relieved the capital without striking a blow, and the campaign of + 1590 ended in a failure for Henri. The success of Parma, however, made + Frenchmen feel that Henri’s was the national cause, and that the + League flourished only by interference of the foreigner. Were the King of + Navarre but a Catholic, he should be a King of France of whom they might + all be proud. This feeling was strengthened by the death of the old + Cardinal de Bourbon, which reopened at once the succession question, and + compelled Philip of Spain to show his hand. He now claimed the throne for + his daughter Elisabeth, as eldest daughter of the eldest daughter of Henri + II. All the neighbours of France claimed something; Frenchmen felt that it + was either Henri IV. or dismemberment. The “Bearnais” grew in + men’s minds to be the champion of the Salic law, of the hereditary + principle of royalty against feudal weakness, of unity against + dismemberment, of the nation against the foreigner. + </p> + <p> + The middle party, the Politiques of Europe,—the English, that is, + and the Germans,—sent help to Henri, by means of which he was able + to hold his own in the northwest and southwest throughout 1591. Late in + the year the violence of the Sixteen of Paris drew on them severe + punishment from the Duc de Mayenne; and consequently the Duke ceased to be + the recognised head of the League, which now looked entirely to Philip II. + and Parma, while Paris ceased to be its headquarters; and more moderate + counsels having taken the place of its fierce fanaticism, the capital came + under the authority of the lawyers and citizens, instead of the priesthood + and the bloodthirsty mob. Henri, meanwhile, who was closely beleaguering + Rouen, was again outgeneralled by Parma, and had to raise the siege. + Parma, following him westward, was wounded at Caudebec; and though he + carried his army triumphantly back to the Netherlands, his career was + ended by this trifling wound. He did no more, and died in 1592. + </p> + <p> + In 1593, Mayenne, having sold his own claims to Philip of Spain, the + opposition to Henri looked more solid and dangerous than ever; he + therefore thought the time was come for the great step which should rally + to him all the moderate Catholics. After a decent period of negotiation + and conferences, he declared himself convinced, and heard mass at St. + Denis. The conversion had immediate effect; it took the heart out of the + opposition; city after city came in; the longing for peace was strong in + every breast, and the conversion seemed to remove the last obstacle. The + Huguenots, little as they liked it, could not oppose the step, and hoped + to profit by their champion’s improved position. Their ablest man, + Sully, had even advised Henri to make the plunge. In 1594, Paris opened + her gates to Henri, who had been solemnly crowned, just before, at + Chartres. He was welcomed with immense enthusiasm, and from that day + onwards has ever been the favourite hero of the capital. By 1595 only one + foe remained,—the Spanish Court. The League was now completely + broken up; the Parliament of Paris gladly aided the King to expel the + Jesuits from France. In November, 1595, Henri declared war against Spain, + for anything was better than the existing state of things, in which Philip’s + hand secretly supported all opposition: The war in 1596 was far from being + successful for Henri; he was comforted, however, by receiving at last the + papal absolution, which swept away the last scruples of France. + </p> + <p> + By rewards and kindliness,—for Henri was always willing to give and + had a pleasant word for all, most of the reluctant nobles, headed by the + Duc de Mayenne himself, came in in the course of 1596. Still the war + pressed very heavily, and early in 1597 the capture of Amiens by the + Spaniards alarmed Paris, and roused the King to fresh energies. With help + of Sully (who had not yet received the title by which he is known in + history) Henri recovered Amiens, and checked the Spanish advance. It was + noticed that while the old Leaguers came very heartily to the King’s + help, the Huguenots hung back in a discontented and suspicious spirit. + After the fall of Amiens the war languished; the Pope offered to mediate, + and Henri had time to breathe. He felt that his old comrades, the offended + Huguenots, had good cause for complaint; and in April, 1598, he issued the + famous Edict of Nantes, which secured their position for nearly a century. + They got toleration for their opinions; might worship openly in all + places, with the exception of a few towns in which the League had been + strong; were qualified to hold office in financial posts and in the law; + had a Protestant chamber in the Parliaments. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after the publication of the Edict of Nantes, the Treaty of + Vervins was signed. Though Henri by it broke faith with Queen Elizabeth, + he secured an honourable peace for his country, an undisputed kingship for + himself. It was the last act of Philip II., the confession that his great + schemes were unfulfilled, his policy a failure. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +THE ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + +Adversity is solitary, while prosperity dwells in a crowd +Comeliness of his person, which at all times pleads powerfully +Envy and malice are self-deceivers +Everything in the world bore a double aspect +From faith to action the bridge is short +Hearsay liable to be influenced by ignorance or malice +Honours and success are followed by envy +Hopes they (enemies) should hereafter become our friends +I should praise you more had you praised me less +It is the usual frailty of our sex to be fond of flattery +Lovers are not criminal in the estimation of one another +Mistrust is the sure forerunner of hatred +Much is forgiven to a king +Necessity is said to be the mother of invention +Never approached any other man near enough to know a difference +Not to repose too much confidence in our friends +Parliament aided the King to expel the Jesuits from France +Prefer truth to embellishment +Rather out of contempt, and because it was good policy +Situated as I was betwixt fear and hope +The pretended reformed religion +The Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day +The record of the war is as the smoke of a furnace +There is too much of it for earnest, and not enough for jest +Those who have given offence to hate the offended party +To embellish my story I have neither leisure nor ability +Troubles might not be lasting +Young girls seldom take much notice of children + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of Marguerite de Valois, +Complete, by Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUEEN OF NAVARRE *** + +***** This file should be named 3841-h.htm or 3841-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/4/3841/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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