I.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
By New Age is meant the Age 1600. to the end of the Century, each age containing a hundred years.
The new Alliance was the match between Henry the IV. and Catherine of Medicis, made and celebrated that year.
A Markdom put into a Boat, was the Markdom of Saluces in Italy, which the Duke of Savoy had surrepticiously taken from the Crown of France, in the time of the Civil Wars, and would not restore it, for which there was great Wars between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, till at last they agreed that the Duke of Savoy should give in exchange of it the Countrey of Brescia; and this is the sense of the second, third, and half the fourth Verse.
Galley of Florence in the Port of Marseilles, a Maid in France, signifieth the arrival of Mary of Medicis in the Galleys of France, and her Landing in the Port of Marseilles.
Of the Fort Catherine the head shall be demolished; the Duke of Savoy to plague and bridle those of Geneva, upon whom he hath had always pretentions, had built a strong Fort two leagues from Geneva, called the Fort St Catherine, which did so annoy the Town, that they made their addresses to Henry the IV. who was then in War with the Duke of Savoy, representing to him that they were not able to relieve his Army with Victuals, because of the said Fort, whereupon Henry the IV. took it, and demolished it to the ground.
II.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza and the next are concerning the Town of Ostend, which was Besieged by the Arch-duke, and defended by the States of Holland, under the conduct of Earl Maurice of Nassaw.
In a stronger he shall put his foot on ground, signifieth that Earl Maurice during the said Siege, took the Sluys another Town of the Spaniards, thought stronger then Ostend. A Pygmie helped by the Censuarts, signifieth that Prince Maurice whom he calleth here a Pygmie in comparison of the Arch-duke, was helped by the French and English, whom he calleth here Censuarts, to rime with the word Soldats in the foregoing Verse.
III.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is as well as the former concerning the Town of Ostend, which after three years Siege instead of five (which is falsly printed here) was surrendred to the Arch-Duke, and presently after like to be drowned by the Sea.
IV.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Prophecy was concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, son of Henry the IV. who was born under the Sign of Libra, and therefore called the Just; the rest is easie.
V.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This is concerning a Governour of the Principality of Orenge, under the authority of a Prince, which Governour having been long in possession of that Government, and the Prince being busie in the Wars of the Netherlands, the said Governour plaid Rex in his absence, so that the Prince was forced to have him made away privately.
VI.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
Two notable Histories are contained in this Stanza, the first is of the Marshal of Biron; the second is of Nicolas, High Secretary to the Lord Villeroy, who himself was chief Secretary of State to Henry the IV. and because they are curious ones, and not to be met every where, we shall set them down:
The first four Verses are concerning the Duke of Biron, who by transposition of letters is called here Robin; this man by his Military Valour and experience, had from a private Gentleman ascended to the highest degrees of honour and preferment, that his condition was capable of, for though he were not forty years old, he had attained unto the greatest dignities of the Kingdom; being fourteen years old, he was made Colonel of the Switzers in Flanders; a little while after he was made Marshal of Camp, and after Marshal General: he was admitted Admiral of France in the Parliament of Tours, and then Mareshal of France in that of Paris; at the Siege of Amiens he was sole Lieutenant of his Majesty, though there were many Princes of the Blood in the Army, and to compleat his greatness, he was made Peer of France, and the Barony of Biron erected into a Dukedom, not contented with all that, he said, he would not go to the retaking of the rest of the Towns in Picardy, unless his Statue were erected in Brass before the Louvre; and in conclusion, that he had rather die upon a Scaffold, undertaking some great matters, then to live idle in his own House, and always among these Bravadoes, he did mix some bold and dangerous words, which he would have every body to approve of.
When he saw that after the Siege of Amiens the War was at an end, that Britany was reduced, and that all the Swords were sheathed for a good while, he thought that having no more occasion to exercise his valour, he should grow out of credit, and that he should have no more that power, by which he plaised the King and do without fear all what he did without Justice. The fire of that great courage finding no work without, began to work within, that burning desire of being always the first, did fill his head with flames and smoak of a great design, he complained of the King, and of the unequal reward of his deserts and services, did publish his discontents, adding threatnings to his complaints, and spoke of the King with little respect, that his most intimate friends did judge his words insolent and dangerous.
It is true it was the vice of his nature, but there were also some of Fortune, for finding himself filled with all the prosperities, that a moderate man might wish for in his condition, he found that men loose themselves by too much happiness. He began then to lend his Ears unto flatterers, and when they told him that he was the greatest Captain in France, he answered that he would die upon a scaffold, or he would go beyond the condition of a single Gentleman, that the goodness of his sword should give him what Fortune had denied; and the Astrologers to whom he gave great credit, had foretold him in ambiguous terms, that nothing could hinder him from being a Sovereign, but the blow of a sword given by a Burgundian, and though all his life time he had shewed but little Devotion and Zeal to Religion, yet from that time that he prepared his soul to the motion of his ambition, he fained himself very devout and zealous, and began to wear Beads, that the Baron of Lux had given him in a Tennis-Court, and to declare himself an irreconcilsable enemy to the Protestants, seeking every where some discontented Spirits, whom he did encourage with the hopes of a profitable change.
La Nocle Lord of la Fin was then for the troubles of Provence, and for the quarrel he had with l’Esdigvieres, retired into his House, threatened of ill usage by the King, enemy to some great ones, loaded with debts and Sutes in Law. The discontented meet always, either by design or by chance. The Duke of Biron who knew that he had been deeply engaged in the business of the late Duke of Alecon, that he had Negotiated with the Ministers of the King of Spain, and of the Duke of Savoy, during the Siege of Amiens, that he was full of discontents, thought that such a one was seeking for a Master. They spoke together and mixed their grievances, propounding to seek out of the Kingdom what they could not find within, and to contract an intelligence with the Duke of Savoy; thus after so many examples of unavoidable dangers, the Duke of Biron did venture upon a Journey full of Rocks and Shelves, under the conduct of one who was yet wet with the Shipwrack he had lately made.
The Duke went into Flanders, for the execution of the Treaty of Vervins, where one Picoté of Orleans spoke to him, and inspired into him strange desires of raising his Fortune, with those that knew and admired his defects. The Duke of Biron did hearken to him, and told him he would be glad to hear him some other time upon that subject. From that time forwards the Spaniards thought themselves sure of him, and grew confident, either to have him, or to destroy him: a French Gentleman, who because of the Civil Wars was retired into Flanders, and had some imployment in the Arch-Dukes Court, gave the first intelligence of it to the King, who took it kindly, but sent him word, that the Duke of Biron had too much courage and honesty to harbour such a wickedness; being come back again from Flanders the King wished him to Marry, but he shewed that his inclinations tended to some other party, then that which was offered unto him, and though he made shew to court the Daughter of my Lady Lucé, he nevertheless intended to have the natural Sister of the Duke of Savoy, of which the Knight Breton had spoken to him. La Fin had in charge from the Duke of Biron, to do all what he could for his satisfaction. Picoté had made a Journey into Spain, only to know and receive the propositions. Farges a Monk of the Order of Fisteaux, went into Savoy, and from thence to Milan to receive Orders how to pluck of this Plant out of France. Things went very slowly; for the Spaniards do not easily believe the words of the French, unless they be with great effects of rebellion and change; but the Duke of Savoy being at Paris, did wholly put out the Flower de Luces he had in his Heart, and did dispose him to disturb the King so much at home, that he should have but little time to dispute him the Markdom of Suluces, upon that hope the Duke of Savoy neglected the Execution of the treaty of Peace made at Paris, the War was proclaimed, and the Duke of Biron took the chief places in Bresse. Being at Pierre Chastet in the beginning of September, La Fin came to him, and by his order made two Journeys to St. Claude, where Roncas was. The King had notice of it, but thought it better to dissemble it than to surprise a man he loved in his infidelity, he thought enough to bid him come into Savoy, and to rid himself of La Fin. He did believe that what the King said to him out of his affection, proceeded from fear, and kept company still with La Fin, and never went to see the King, but with great many attendants, refusing to take his lodging near his, that he might have more liberty; he perswaded the King being at Annessy, that he did desire to discover some passages, and therefore desired to have some guides of the Countrey, but it was to send safely Renazé, La Fin’s Secretary to the Duke of Savoy, to give him intelligence in what state the Kings Army was, and to bid d’Albigny retreat, who otherwise had been defeated. This was about the time that the Duke of Biron did intreat the King to bestow the Government of the Citadel of Bourg on him, whom he should name. It is the Nature of the great ones that serve Princes to believe they deserve all, and to become more dangerous than Enemies if they are refused what they ask for. The King did declare, that he would bestow the place upon de Boisses. This denial did so trouble the mind of the Duke of Biron, and put him upon such a strange and diabolical resolutions, that he resolved one Morning, being yet in his Bed at Chamont, to kill the King, as it is expressed in the depositions of La Fin and Renazé, but this took no effect, himself afterwards did abhor the thought of it. La Fin also went from the Army to conclude the Bargain with the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes, he treated first with the Duke of the Spanish Embassador at Yurée, afterwards at Thurin with Roncas, where also came Picoté, bringing the answers of the Councel of Spain, upon the propositions of the Duke of Biron, with order to confer with La Fin, and to perswade him to make a Journey into Spain. He said plainly, that the King of Spain was resolved to have the Duke of Biron at any rate. The Duke of Savoy and the Earl of Fuentes appointed a day to be at Some with La Fin and Picoté; there the minds of every one were clearly expressed and understood.
La Fin, who was acquainted with all his secret Councels, told the King, that the Marriage of the third Daughter of the Duke of Savoy, was the fodder and cement of all the treaty, with a promise of five hundred thousand Crowns, and all the rights of Soveraignty in Burgundy.
While La Fin treated in Italy the capitulation of the Duke of Biron, the treaty of Peace was concluded at Lyons.
The Duke of Biron had been always against this Peace; when he saw that it was concluded, and that the King had heard something of his dealings with La Fin, he fained to be very penitent of it, and asked the King forgiveness in the Cloister of the Franciscan Friers at Lyons, and intreated him most humbly to forgive the evil intentions that the denial of the Citadel of Bourg had put into his mind. The King did forgive him, and told him, that he was glad he had trusted to his clemency, and in the affection he bore to him, of which he would always give him such tokens, that he should never have occasion to doubt of it. Leaving the King, he met with the Duke of Espernon, and told him, that he would impart unto him as unto his best friend, the best fortune that ever he had in his life, which was, that he had discharged his Conscience to the King, and that he had forgiven him all what was past. The Duke of Espernon told him, that he was glad of it, but that it was necessary he should have his pardon in writing; for such faults could not be so easily blotted out. What, said he, upon what can I rely better than upon the Kings word; if the Duke of Biron wanteth an abolition, what shall others do? So they parted, one thinking that his Lyons Courage ought not to be used so meanly; the other wiser, remembring that a Lyon is never so well tamed, but one time or another he will prove still a Lyon, and at last biteth the hand of him that hath wronged him so fiercely, that he is for ever avenged of him. The Duke of Espernon had reason to advise him to take an abolition in writing, and the Duke of Biron was not too blame to trust to the Kings Word, who certainly would have forgiven that fault, if he had done nothing since to renew the Memory of it. But here is once more to be observed a passage that containeth all the signs of an implacable Spirit. The Duke of Biron being sent for by the King to receive his commands, and the effects of his clemency, went from Bourg, and came to lie at Vimy. From thence he wrote a Letter to La Fin that was at Milan, and then went to Lyons, where he was received by the King as the prodigal Son, he stayed some time at Lyons, and went to Vimy again, from whence he wrote another Letter to La Fin by Farges. As soon as he came to Bourg, he sent to Bosco, cousin of Roncas to advance the business. This negotiation did continue at Some between the Duke of Savoy, the Earl of Fuentes, and La Fin. The Earl of Fuentes carryed La Fin to Milan, and being desirous to be better informed, upon some points, and finding La Fin not so firm in his answers, he thought it not good to trust him wholly with the secret, and resolved to rid himself of him, therefore he sent him back, and intreated him to see the Duke of Savoy in his way. He had the good fortune to go by the way of the Grisons, and so through Basle, Porentru, and Besancon, for Renazé his Secretary, that went through Savoy, was there Arrested and made Prisoner. The work nevertheless went on; Alphonsus, Casal, and Roncas, did continue it with the Baron of Lux, and in the mean time the Duke of Biron plaid his part, having sent an express into Spain, though he were then with the King, who loth to loose him, kept him near, carryed him to see the Frontier Towns, and sent him Embassador into England, where he saw the head of the Earl of Essex, a late example of justice upon those who will be feared by their Masters, and abuse their favour. At his return he made a Journey into Gascony, where he was visited and honoured by the Nobility of the Countrey, as a Prince; and being come to Dijon, he went into Switzerland, to make an end of the renewing of the Alliance between the King and the Switzers, where he continued still his practises with the Earl of Fuentes, to whom he sent his secretary, under pretence to send his Pages into the Garrisons of Palma, for the Venetians. Being come back from Switzerland, he came not to the King to give an account of his negotiation, excusing himself upon the convocation of the Estates in the Province. The King, that had some notice of these broils by Combelles, was infinitely desirous to speak with La Fin to know the truth of it. La Fin, who was highly incensed, that the Baron of Lux would have all the fruit of this negotiation, and that Renazée is kept Prisoner in Savoy, sent Cerezat to the Duke of Biron to let him know that he could be no longer his Servant, if his Secretary was not set at liberty, and that he could no longer defer to go to the King, desiring also to know what he should say upon the things that were past. He slighted the first of these propositions, and spoke of Renazée as of one that was not to be reckoned among the living; concerning the other, he told Cerezat that he was of opinion he might go to the Court with a small train, and that he should prepare himself at the first to receive ill language and contempt from the King, which he should sweeten by intreating him to believe, that the Journey he had made into Italy had no other design than to visit our Lady of Loretta: And that passing through Milan and Thurin he had been chared to propound the Marriage between him and the third Daughter of Savoy, to which he would not hearken, because the King would take care to provide for him. He did intreat and adjure Cerezat to tell La Fin, that he should rid himself of all those that travailed with him, and chiefly of a Curate, and that he should secure his Papers, if he had not rather to burn them. In a word, to consider, his life, his fortune, his honour, were in his Hands.
La Fin came to Court at the end of Lent, and saw the King at the Wine-press of Fountainbleau, and after that at the mid way. He spake first to the King, after to Villeroy, and after to the Chancellor in his house at Fontainbleau, and with Rhosny in the Forrest, and with Sillery in the Wine-press; all with horror saw the writings, and heard his designs. The King could hardly believe such a wickedness; for who could have believed that he, who had driven the Spaniard from the Frontiers of Picardy, would let him in again by that of Burgundy? that he who had a hundred times beaten and defeated them, could contract a friendship with them, and conspire with them against the service of his Prince, and the love of his Countrey? that he who hated them to death, would have trusted his life in their Hands? He had shewed himself so much their Enemy, that seeing his Father would not charge the Prince of Parma in an advantagious place, said aloud, that if he were King for 24 hours, he would cause the head of the Marshall of Biron to be cut off. He pronounced against his Father the Sentence that was to be executed once upon him.
La Fin shewed the King so many true and undeniable tokens of this conspiracy, that he was fained to believe more that he desired. He told him all what did pass in his Journeys to the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes concerning the Duke of Biron, saying, that for his part he would have been glad that the War had continued, that he might have benifitted himself therein; but finding that his sacred person was not excepted, and that there were cruel designs made against it, either to kill him, or to carry him prisoner into Spain, he was resolved to give him notice of it, choosing rather to disoblige the Servant than the Master. The King full of clemency and goodness, was extreamly sorry to see such an unnatural conspiracy: Nevertheless he said, that if the Conspirators did their duty, and gave him means to prevent the designs of his Enemies, he would forgive them. If they remember what they owe me, I will not forget what I owe them; they shall find me as full of clemency, as they are void of affection: I would not have the Duke of Biron to be the first example of my Justice, and to be the cause that my Reign, which hitherto hath been like an Air, calm and pure, should upon a sudden be disturbed with Clouds and Lightning, and so made a resolution, that if the Duke of Biron should tell him the truth, he would forgive him, his Councel was of the same advice, provided he would shew himself thenceforth as forward for his service against his Enemies, as he had been earnest to do mischief.
Out of many Papers that la Fin put into the Kings hands, there were seven and twenty pickt out, which onely spoke of him; the King being unwilling to discover the rest of the Conspirators, and intending that the punishment of one should serve for example to all the rest.
The Chancellor kept those Papers with such care, that he caused them to be sowed in his Doublet, that no body might have a sight of them till it was time. The Baron of Lux was yet at Fountainbleau, when la Fin came thither.
The King told him that he was very well pleased, that la Fin had spoken to him so honourably and wisely of the Duke of Biron, and that he was confident now, that the intentions of the Duke of Biron were righteous and sincere. The Baron of Lux did not perceive the Kings anger, so much the more dangerous that it was hidden; he went back again to Dijon very well pleased, that the things were always in the same state. La Fin did write to the Duke of Biron that he had satisfied the King concerning his actions, and had told him onely what might serve for his justification. The King did manage this business so prudently, that the success of it was fortunate, he was well informed of all the Dukes designs, and desired to hear them out of his own mouth, that he might have occasion to forgive him, for that purpose he sent to him the Lord d’Escures, bidding him to come, because he had a mind to trust him with the Army that he was raising upon the Frontiers, he excused himself, and said that the enemy being so near, it would be a shame to him to turn his back, and that the States of the Province were convented at Dijon, and therefore could not forsake neither the Frontiers nor the States. The Vidame of Chartres made a Journey to him, and assured him that his Uncle la Fin had said nothing to his prejudice.
The persuasions of the President Janin were more powerful for flattering the Duke in his humour, he also made him sensible of the Kings power and anger in case of refusal; his friends gave him contrary advices, and desired him not to stir, and to make his peace afar off; the Bastille is a repairing said they, and the common talk is, that it is for such one as less thinketh upon it: the King hath been heard say, that they cut heads in England, and that some shall compel him upon that example to change his wonted Clemency into a just severity: in conclusion, they advise him to mistrust all things, and to beware of those that persuaded him to come; others did assure him of the contrary, and that his coming should dissipate all mistrusts, suspicions and jealousies.
The Duke of Biron holdeth here the Wolf by the ears, for let him come or not, there is danger; by not coming he accuseth himself, and the King swore he would fetch him himself; and in coming, his conscience was a witness against him, that the same fault can hardly be forgiven twice. He seeth la Fin retired into his House and living in peace, and hath so good an opinion of his own Valour, that he thinketh no body so bold as to seize upon him. The discourses of reason, the discerning of the truth, serve no more to a wicked and passionate man, then the Wings serve to a Bird, when they are clogged with Bird-lime. But now we talk of Birds, there were several ill Omens of his journey, one Bird of Prey called a Duck was found in his Closet, no body knowing which way it was come in; he commanded it to be carefully kept and lookt to, but as soon as the Duke was upon his journey the Bird died. Presently after the Horse that the Arch-Duke had given him, called the Pastrave, became mad, and killed himself, so did another that was given him by the Duke of Florence, another that the Duke of Lorrain had given him, fell into a consumption. He came to Fountainbleau when he was no more expected, and the King was resolved to get on Horseback and to fetch him. As his Majesty went about six of the Clock into the great Garden, he was heard to say unto the Lord of Souvray, he will not come, he had no sooner ended the words, but the Duke appeared among seven or eight, he drew near, and being yet a pretty way off, he made three great Congies, the King did embrace him, and the first words he spoke to the King, were about the delaying of his coming. The King heard but few words of it, and took him by the hand to walk, and to shew him his buildings; as he passed from one Garden into another, the Duke of Espernon took occasion to salute him, and to whisper him in the ear, that in his coming he had believed his courage more, then the Councel of his friends.
In all the discourse he had with the King, there was observed a great coldness in the Kings face, and a great deal of fire in the Dukes words. The King told him of the evil way which he had taken, the end of which could be nothing but ruine, despair and confusion. The Duke answered that he was not come to ask forgiveness, not to justifie himself, with many other frivolous and impudent words, which the Kings presence and his own duty ought to have restrained. The time of dinner being come, he asked the Duke of Espernon to dine with him, because his Train was not yet come; this was the first fault of his carriage, for he ought to dine at the Table of the great Master, and to harbour in no other House then that of the King, seeing his own was not open.
After dinner they came to see the King, who having walked one turn or two about the dinning-room, entered into his Closet, bidding two or three to go in with him, and saying nothing to the Duke of Biron, who was at the corner of the Bed near the Chair, taking notice that he was not looked upon as formerly.
The Marquess of Rhosny went into the Closet, passing by the Duke of Biron without taking notice of him, and after he had stayed there about half an hour, he came and saluted the Duke of Biron, and told him the King asked for him; there he was exhorted not to conceal what time would ere long discover, and of what he was so well informed, that the desire he had to know it from himself, was meerly because no body else should take notice of it. The Duke of Biron who thought that la Fin had revealed nothing, stood still upon the protestations of his own innocency, beseeching the King to do him justice, of those who went about to oppress him with unsufferable calumnies, or to permit him to do himself reason. The King carried him to the Tennis-court, where the Duke took upon him to order the match, and said that the Duke of Espernon and himself would hold it against the King and the Earl of Soisson, the Duke of Espernon answered presently: you play well, but you do not make your matches well; which was observed by the King and the standers by. Supper time being come, he did sup at the Table of the great Master, to repare the fault he had done in the morning. Every one did perceive that he was not contented, for he eat little or nothing, and no body spoke to him, every one holding him already for a cast-away. The King in the mean while was walking in his Chamber, meditating some great resolution, and he was heard to say these words, he must either bow or break.
That evening past away so quietly, that many thought it would be a Thunder with much noise and little hurt. The King commanded the Earl of Soissons to go to the Duke of Biron, and to do his best to break the hardness of his heart, and to draw the truth out of him; he went and intreated him to satisfie the King in what he desired to know from him, and to be afraid of the Kings displeasure and indignation. The Duke of Biron for answer told him, that the King could not complain but of the good services he had done to him, and that he himself had great occasion to complain of the King who mistrusted him after so many trials and experiments of his faithfulness, and that he should never have more of him then he had at his first coming; the Earl of Soissons, seeing his obstinacy, left him.
The next day early the King walking in the little Garden, sent for the Duke of Biron, and spoke to him a great while, thinking to overcome his obstinacy, and to give him means to escape the danger he was running into; he was seen a great while with his Hat off, his eyes lifted up to Heaven, smiting his breast, and making great protestations to uphold his innocency; there appeared then in the Kings face a great deal of anger, and in that of the Duke of Biron a great deal of fire and violence, all his words were nothing but threatnings, lightnings, ruines, and Hell against those that had spoken ill of him; from thence he went to dinner, and met with a man who brought him a Letter, to advise him to look to himself, he shewed it to the Captain of his Guards, and made slight of it, and said, he would be beholding to his valor for his life, and not to a flight; all the afternoon the King stayed in the Gallery, and spoke four hours to the Lord of la Curée, the Queen being present and speaking never a word; the King was in a great perplexity of mind, before he could resolve himself. The Lords of Vileroy, Sillery and Geure were seen often to go to and fro, which made some suspect, that it was to begin by the execution in so great a crime; but the King was against that, such proceedings had been blamed in his Predecessor, he would have every body to know that he had authority and power enough to exterminate his enemies, according to the Laws.
The resolution was taken to have him arrested, and also the Earl of Auvergne, the King would not have them to be taken in the Castle, but in their own Lodgings; the Duke of Biron, who was in some suspicion of it, and had prepared himself to what he could, neither prevent nor hinder, did imagine that there was no fear of any thing in the Kings Chamber, and that all the danger should be at the going out, and therefore by time had provided himself with a short Sword, with which he promised to make himself room through all dangers. They represented to the King, that if he were Arrested any where but in the Castle, it could not be done without bloodshed, and that it was no matter where the Lyon was taken, so that profit might arise of his prize.
It was perceived that in the same Gallery the King sent for Vitry and Pralin, two Captains of his Guards, and gave them the order he would have to be observed for the execution of his commands, and then called for his Supper. The Duke of Biron was at supper in the Lord Montignys Lodging, where he spoke more highly and bravely then ever of his Deserts, and of the friends he had made lately in Switzerland; then began to fall upon the praises of the late King of Spain, extolling his Piety, Justice and liberality; Montigny stopt him, saying, that the greatest commendation that could be given to his memory, was, that he had put his own Son to death, for endeavouring to trouble his Estate; this word stopt those of the Duke of Biron, who answered only with his eyes, and thought upon it with some amazement. After supper the Earl of Auvergne and the Duke of Biron came to the King, who was walking in the Garden, the King making an end of his walk did invite the Duke of Biron to play at Cards, they went into the Queens Cnamber, the Earl of Auvergne passing by the Duke of Biron told him softly, we are undone; the Game begun at the primara, the Queen was one of the Gamsters, the Duke of Biron another, and two more. The King went into his Closet, divided between two contrary passions; the love he had formerly for the Duke of Biron, the knowledge he had of his valour, and the remembrance of his services, excluded all thoughts of his Justice; on the other side, the fear of troubles in his Estate, the horrid effects of so unnatural a conspiracy did accuse his Clemency of cruelty, if he went about to prefer the particular good to the publick, he prayed to God to assist him with his Holy Spirit, to appease the troubles of his soul, and to strengthen him with a Holy resolution, that he might do what was for the good of his people, upon whom he Reigned by his only Grace; his prayer being ended, all the difficulties that troubled his soul vanished away, there remained only a firm resolution, to put the Duke into the hands of Justice, if he could not draw the truth out of him; the Game went on still, the King took sometimes the Queens Cards, expecting the appointed time. The Earl of Auvergne was gone to his Lodging, the King sent for him, and walked in the Chamber, while the Duke thought upon nothing but his play. De Varennes Lieutenant of his Troop faining to take up his Cloak, whispered him softly that he was undone; this word did trouble him so much, that he neglected his play, and oversaw himself, the Queen gave him notice of it; the King did bid them to give over playing, and commanded every one to retire, he went into his Closet, and took the Dake of Biron with him, whose good and bad fortune depended from an answer pleasing his Majesty, who bid him once for all to tell what he had done with the Duke of Savoy and the Earl of Fuentes, assuring him, that his clemency should be greater than his fault. The Duke of Biron answered the King more proudly than ever, that it was to press an honest man too much, that he never had any other design, but what he had told him already. Would to God it were so, said the King. You will not tell me: Farewell, good night.
As he went out of the Closet, and had passed the Chamber door, he met Vitry, who with his right hand seized upon the Hilt of his Sword, and with his left upon his right Arm, saying, The King hath commanded me to give him an account of your Person, give up your Sword. You jeer, said the Duke. No my Lord, he hath so commanded me. The Duke of Biron answered, I pray thee let me speak to the King. No my Lord, the King is gone to Bed. He saw the Duke of Monbazon, and desired him to intreat the King, that he might surrender it into his own Hands. The King sent word to Vitry to obey his commands. The Duke was fained to suffer his Sword to be taken from him; saying, My Sword that hath done so many good services! Yes my Lord, give me your Sword, said Vitry. To me, said the Duke, that have served the King so well, that my Sword should be taken from me, my Sword that hath made an end of the War, and given Peace to France, that my Sword, which could not be taken by my Enemies, should be taken away by my Friends. All these complaints availed nothing; he ungirted his Sword with his left hand, and gave it to Vitry, looking about if he could seize upon any other, but care was taken for that.
When he saw all the Guards in order in the Gallery, he thought he should have been Massacred upon the place, and cryed to them, fellow Souldiers give me a little time to pray to God, and let me have some Firebrand or Candlestick in my hand, that I may have the Honour to die defending my self. He was answered, that no Body would offend him, that his best defence was to obey the King, who commanded to lead him to Bed, you see said he, how the good Catholicks are used. He was carryed into the Arms Closet, where he neither slept nor lay down, but past the night in blasphemies against God, and reviling words against the King.
Pralin was staying for the Earl of Auvergne at the Castle Gate, and when he offered to go out to his lodging; stay my Lord, you are the Kings Prisoner. The Earl astonished, answered I, I? and Pralin answered, yes my Lord, you, I Arrest you by the King, and make you his Prisoner, give up your Sword, take it said the Earl it never killed any thing but Boars, if you had given me notice of this, I should have been in Bed and asleep two hours ago.
The next day about dinner time the Duke of Biron sent word to the King, that if he did not take care of the Province of Burgundy, it would be lost, because the Baron of Lux would let in the Spaniards as soon as he should have notice of his detention. The King was very much offended at this message, and said, see the impudence and boldness of the Duke of Biron, who sendeth me word that Burgundy is lost, if I do not look to it. His obstinacy hath undone him, if he would have confessed the truth of a thing that I have under his hand, he should not be where he is. I wish I had paid 200000. Crowns, and he had given me the means to forgive him. I never loved any man so much, I would have trusted him with my Son and my Kingdom. ’Tis true, he hath served me well, but he cannot deny but that I have saved his life three times; I rescued him once from the hands of the Enemy at Fontain Francoise, so wounded and astonished with blows, that as I plaid the part of a Souldier to save him, I was also fained to make that of a Captain to make the retreat; for he told me he was not in a case to do it.
The Saturday next the prisoners were carryed to Paris by water, and put into the Bastille in several Chambers. The Duke of Biron was put into that, called of the Saints famous, for the Prison of the Constable of Saint Paul, executed in the time of Lewis the XI. and the Earl in the Chamber above him.
The care, the order and vigilancy, with which he was guarded, did put him in some amazement; for his Guards waited on him without Arms, and served him with a Knife without a point, which made him say, that it was the way to the Grave (the place of Execution.) But when he knew that the Hangman of Paris was a Burgundian, he remembred that La Brosse an Astrologer had foretold him sometimes, seeing his Horoscope, which he fained to be that of one of his friends, that he should be beheaded, and Cæsar a Magician, that a blow of a Burgundian given behind; should hinder him to attain the Kingdom.
The Arch-Bishop of Bourges went to see him, and endeavoured to settle his Conscience, and to disswade him from some Atheistical opinions that he had: Villeroy and Sillery went also to see him, and by the Kings Command, and at his request.
Few days after, the King being at St. Mourder, Fossez, the Lords la Force, the Earl of Roussy, Brother in Law to the Duke of Biron, Saint Blancard his Brother, Chasteau-neuf, Themines, Salignac, St. Angel, Longuac, Friends and Kinsmen of the Duke of Biron, went and cast themselves at the Kings feet, to implore his Mercy, and that he would be pleased to moderate the severity of his Justice, requesting that the same clemency which he had shewed to many others that had as grievously offended him, would at least save his life, and confine him into such a place, where he might do no harm, that their whole Kindred might not be branded with Infamy, and have a regard to his Fathers service and his, which though they were not equal to his offence, yet at least to consider, that he was only guilty for his intention.
The King bid them rise, and told them, that their requests were not displeasing to him. That he would not be like his Predecessors, who would not suffer any body to intercede for those that were guilty of high Treason. The King Francis II. would never give a hearing to the Wife of the Prince of Condé my Uncle. Concerning the clemency you would have me shew to the Duke of Biron; it should not be clemency but cruelty, if it were only my particular Interest, I would forgive him, as I do now with all my heart; but my Kingdom and my Children, to whom I owe much, are concerned in it; or they might reproach me hence forwards, that I have tollerated an evil which I might have prevented; my Life, that of my Children, and the preservation of my Kingdom, are concerned in it. I will leave it to the course of Justice, you shall see what Judgement shall be given: I will contribute what I can to his Innocency, I give you leave to do the same till he be found guilty of high Treason; for then the Father cannot intercede for the Son, nor the Son for the Father; the Wife for the Husband, nor the Brother for the Brother. Do not become odious to me for the love you bear him: As for the note of Infamy, there is none but himself. Have the Constable of St. Paul, from whom I derive my Pedigree, and the Duke of Nemours, of who I am Heir (both beheaded) left any note of Infamy upon their Posterity, should not the Prince of Condé my Uncle have been beheaded the next day, if King Francis the II. had not dyed? Therefore ye that are Kinsmen to the Duke of Biron, cannot be noted with Infamy, if you continue in your faithfulness, as (I assure my self) you will. And I am so far from depriving you of your Offices, that if any new one should fall, I would bestow them upon you: I am more sorry for his fault than you can be; but to conspire against me that am his King and Benefactor, is a crime that I cannot forgive, without losing my self, my Wife, my Son, and my Estate, I know you to be so good French men, that you would not have the last, and shall take Patience for the first. Thus the King dismissed him, and sent his Commission to the Court of Parliament, to decide the business. The Process was framed in the Bastille, by the Lords of Achilles de Harlay, first President in the Court of Parliament of Paris, Nicolas Potier second President, Stephen Fleury, and Philibert of Thurin, Councellors in the same Court. They asked him if he did not write in Cyphers, he denyed it, then were shewed unto him several Letters, written and sealed with his own hand, which did witness his Intelligences with the Spaniard and the Duke of Savoy, and contained advices that he gave of the wants that were in the Kings Army; How little Money he had to maintain the War, and to satisfie the Suitzers of the discontent of the French Nobility, and how several French Troops might easily be defeated, and that to divert the Kings forces it was necessary to invade Provence, and did much press upon the 50000. Crowns, and the 4000 men promised or else said, all is lost. Some of these things he confessed, and did so intangle and contradict himself, that the Commissioners had pity on his indiscretion.
He was asked what opinion he had of La Fin, he said he took him for an honest Gentleman, his Friend and Kinsman, his Evidences being read to him, and himself brought face to face, he did with the most horrid Imprecations and Blasphemies in the World deny them, and charged La Fin with the most horrid Crimes that can be Imagined, calling still God for a Witness of his Innocency; La Fin stood firm in the confirming of his Evidence, and did more particularly declare the whole conspiracy. The Duke answered, that if Renazé were there he would tell the contrary, Renazé, who had a little while before escaped his Prison in Piemont, was brought before him, and confirmed all what La Fin had said.
Next to that was brought one of the Kings waiting men, who witnessed, that having lyen in his Chamber by the Kings command, the first night of his Imprisonment he had adjured him, by several offers and promises of rewards, to give notice to his Secretaries to be out of the way for some days, and to tell the Earl of Roussy his Brother in Law, that he should send presently to Dijon, to give the same advice to those that were left there, and above all that if they were examined; they should all constantly deny that ever he did write in Cyphers.
Thus the business having been thorowly examined, it remained only to proceed unto Judgment; but the Prisoner being a Peer of France, (the King having erected the Barony of Biron into a Dukedom) by the Laws the Prisoner could not be judged, but by his Peers, which being summoned, and not appearing, the Court of Parliament being authorised by the Kings Commission, proceeded to Judgement.
The 23 of July 1602. the Chancellor, with the Maisses and Pontcarré, Privy Councellors, went to the Parliament, where all the Chambers were assembled together. There he made known the Kings intention, in a business, wherein the good of the Kingdom was so much concerned, and represented on one part the quality of a Person, commendable for his services; but on the other, the foulness of the Crime, for the Judgement of which the King did rely upon the integrity and prudence of the Court. The Kings Attorney, and Soliciter, having represented to the Court, that the Peers summoned, gave no appearance, and that the Prisoners petition (who asked for Councel), was not to be received. The Court proceeded to examine the Evidences, whereupon they sat three times, after which the Prisoner was brought from the Bastille, by Montigny Governour of Paris, and Vitry, Captain of the Kings Guards, in a close Barge, covered with Tapistry, and followed by two other Barges full of Souldiers, and Switzers. He entred into the Palace, through the Garden of the first President, and rested himself in one of the Chambers, where he was offered a Breakfast.
The time being come, he was to be heard, the Recorder went and called him into the Guild-hall, where when he saw one Hundred and twelve Judges before his face, he was some thing daunted, and was made to sit within the Bar upon a joint stool; where he sat in such a posture, as stretching forth his right foot, and having his Cloak under his arm, and his left hand upon his side, he kept the right one free, either to stretch it forth to Heaven, or to smite his brest, when occasion served. The Chancellor did so frame his discourse, that he never named him by his name, nor that of his qualities.
Of many evidences there was five chiefly urged against him.
The first to have been conversant with one Picotée, born in Orleans, and refugied in Flanders, to keep intelligence with the Arch-duke, and to have give him 150. Crowns for two journeys to that end.
The second to have treated with the Duke of Savoy, three days after his arrival to Paris without the Kings leave, and to have offered him all assistance and service against any person whatsoever, upon the hope or promiss of marrying his third daughter.
The third to have kept intelligence with the said Duke in taking of the City of Bourg and other places, giving him advice how he might defeat the Kings Army, and destroy his person, with many other circumstances to that purpose.
The fourth to have sent by Renazée a note to the Governour of the Fort of Saint Catherine, promising to bring the King before the said Fort, so near that he might be either killed or taken, telling what cloths he himself would wear, and what Horse he would ride, that he might be distinguished.
To have sent several times la Fin to treat with the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes against the Kings service.
These are the first confessions and acknowledgements that the Prisoner made before the Commissioners in the Bastille, but now he thinketh, he may as lightly deny them, as he had unadvisedly before confessed them.
Upon the first Article he answered, that Picoté being once his Prisoner, had offered his service for the reduction of the Town of Seurre in Burgundy, and that the King had approved of it, that it is true he had given him the said sum, but it was as a reward for his pains and charges in this negotiation, which sum he hath charged upon the Kings account, with some other small ones, laid out by him for the King; that since the reduction of the said Town he had not seen Picoté but in Flanders, when he went thither Embassadour for the confirmation of the Peace, where the said Picotée came to him with many others, intreating him he would be pleased to mediate with the King, for the liberty of returning into their Countrey, and enjoying their Estates, and that he did wish them to go to the Lords Belieure and Sillery, who would prescribe them what orders they were to follow in this business, and never had any other conversation with Picoté.
Upon the second, That he could not have treated with the Duke of Savoy three days after his arrival at Paris, seeing that himself did not come there but a fortnigh-after, and that la Fin came but after him, that all his discourses with him were in publick and before witnesses, and therefore could not be suspected; that Roncas had sometimes mentioned to him the Marriage of the third daughter of the Duke, and that he did impart it to the King; that his Majesty having sent him word by la Force his Brother in Law, that he did not approve of it, he never thought of it since; that the intelligence he is accused to have kept with the Duke of Savoy, is confuted enough by what he did, for when the King had commanded him to wait and keep company to the Duke in his return from France, and to shew him the strongest places upon the Frontiers of Burgundy, he did humbly excuse himself to the King of it, saying, that he foresaw well enough that the Duke would not keep the Treaty of Peace, and that it would be a great grief to him to make War against a Prince, with whom he should have kept company, and made good cheer; and that he did advise the Baron of Lux to let him see only the weaker places, that he might not know the strength of the Countrey.
Upon the third, That if he had kept correspondence with the Duke of Savoy, he would not have undertaken the taking of Bourg, almost against the Kings will, without any other help then of those that were ordinarily with him; that of fourty Convoys that were brought to relieve the Town, he had routed thirty seven, and the other three entered in his absence; that the King knoweth very well he was offered 200000. Crowns to let the succours enter into the Citadel of Bourg; that although his Majesty had commanded him in the time of a Truce made with the Duke of Savoy, to let those of the Citadel of Bourg have every day 400. Loafs of Bread, 50. bottles of Wine, half an Oxe, and six Sheep, he did only let them have fifty bottles of Wine and one Sheep, by which means the Town was surrendred within the time promised; that if he had had any evil design against the King and Kingdom, he would not so freely and willingly put the Town into the hands of him that is now Governour of it; that the Governours of Places that were in the Duke’s service, and are now in that of the King, can witness whether he shewed them any favour; that for his giving advice to the Duke to defeat the Regiment of Chambauld, he will prove that Chambauld did not come into the Army, but one Month after the time mentioned in his Calumny; besides that, this advice was without appearance of reason, for from Chambauld’s quarters to his, there was at least six days journey, and as much to go to the Duke, and as much to come back, besides the time required for the marching of the Forces; therefore all that was a meer invention of la Fin.
Upon the fourth, That he intreated his Majesty to call to memory, that he was the onely man who dissuaded him to go and view the Fort, representing unto him that there was in it extraordinary good Gunners, and that he could not view it without great danger, and upon that he offered the King to bring him the next day the Plat-form of it, and to take it with 500. Musquettiers, and that himself would be in the Head of them.
Upon the fifth, That it was true all the evil he had done was in two Months time that la Fin had been with him, during which, he did hearken and write more then he ought: but that with the same he had written, he had so long served the King, that it was enough to prove the sincerity of his intentions; that the refusal of the Citadel of Bourg, which he thought the King had promised him, had put him into such a discontent, that he found himself in a capacity to hearken to any thing, and to do any thing, that if he had been a Protestant, it may be the place should have been refused him no more then it was to de Boaisse, who was such an one, as he told the King himself at Lyon; that la Fin had also once told him, that the King speaking of him, and of his Father, said, that God had done well for to take him out of this world when he was killed, for he was a very chargeable and unprofitable servant; and for the Son, it was not all Gold that shined; that these words had so much incensed him, that he could have found in his heart to be all covered with blood. Upon that the Chancellor asked him of what blood he meaned? he answered, of my own: desiring not to live any longer, after he had heard such reproches, as blemished the services of his Father and his own; that nevertheless his anger and discontent went never so far, as to attempt upon the King; that his fault was only in words, and it may be little in Writting; that his Majesty seeing with how much ingenuity he did acknowledge his fault, had forgiven him all what was past, in the presence of the Lords Villeroy and Sillery, and that if since that time he was found to have done any thing amiss, he would blame his Judges of Injustice, if they did not condemn him to death, that if he had done nothing amiss since, he thought the Kings pardon to be sufficient for what was, and if there was need to ask for it again, his knees were as supple and plyable as ever.
But a Letter, which he had written to la Fin since the pardon of Lyon, and the Birth of the Dolphin, did spoil all, for it was a manifest evidence of the continuation of his ill designs, and the Chancellor having produced it, he answered, he would never deny his hand, but that Imbert and Renazée Domestick Servants to la Fin could counterfeit it; that though he might have some ill thoughts, he had always well done; that although the King would not forgive him this fault, it was not in the power of men to condemn him justly for single words, which were contradicted by the effects; that his consolation was in his misfortune, his Judges were not ignorant of the services he had done to the Kingdom, which he had Sealed with five and thirty wounds; that his body whose life and death was in the disposition of their Justice, had not a vain but had bleeded for their service, and to restore them into their places, from whence the League had driven them; that the hand which had written the Letters produced against him, was the same that had done contrary to what it did write; that he had written and spoke more then he ought, but that it could not be proved he had ever ill done; that there was no Law that punished with death the lightness of a single word or motion of the thoughts; that anger and discontent had made him capable of saying and doing any thing, but that his reason had not given leave to say or to do, ought but what deserveth to be commended; which words were as carefully considered, as he repeated them often with several Oaths and Imprecations.
Upon that the Chancellor having asked him why then he did not open himself more to the King, who desired him with great affection to do it at Fountain-bleau, seeing he knew in his conscience to have done nothing against his duty since his pardon. There he cut himself in his answer, and said he thought la Fin had revealed nothing of what was between them, and that he had lately assured him so with Oaths and fearful imprecations, that he would never have thought la Fin had been such a damnable man, as to reveal that which with so many deep Oaths and Imprecations they had promised to keep secret between themselves; that having propounded the question to a Monk of the Order of Minimes at Lyon, whether he might with a safe conscience reveal what was between them, and what he had promised with Oath to la Fin to keep secret, because he suspected that la Fin would deceive him, and tell all to the King, and so ruine him. The Minime had answered, that seeing they had no more intention to put in execution the things they had projected, he was not to reveal them, and if la Fin did it, he should go to Hell, and himself to Heaven; that he did so firmly believe this, that although the Archbishop of Bourges had visited him in Prison, and alledged many reasons to the contrary, yet his soul was so settled in that belief, that he thought it was only the part of an Atheist to swear with intention to deceive.
Upon this he begin to accuse la Fin of the most execrable crimes that a man is capable of, saying that he made use of Renazée for Sodomy that he was a Witch, and had ordinary communication with the Devils, that he had so be witched him with enchanted Waters and Wax Images, that spoke, that he was constrained to submit himself to all his will; that he never spoke to him but whispering, and in unknown words, and after he had kissed him in the left eye, and he could not deny but he had shewed him a Wax Image, speaking and saying, Rex impie morieris, thou shalt die ungodly King, and called him continually his Master, Lord, Prince and King; that he was a false Coiner, and had persuaded him many times to attempt upon the King, but that he would never hearken to it, that the quality of the Accusators was to be considered, who not only were partners, but instigators of the Fact; that certainly the Duke of Savoy was his mortal enemy, for having since his pardon left of all his intelligences with him, and seeing that after a long detention he had released Renazée, to come and to be a witness against him; that the King had forgiven him at Lyon and that upon his acknowledging many times to the King, that the refusal of the Citadel of Bourg had very much incensed him, his Majesty did comfort him with these words. Marshal never remember Bourg, and I will never remember what is past, that in 22 Months after he had not offended, that if he had continued his ill designs, he might have done it easily in England and Switzerland. That above 100. Gentlemen shall be Witnesses of his first Embassy, and for the second, he desireth no other Witnesses than the Kings Embassadors themselves, that if they would be pleased to consider how he was come, and in what case he had left the Province of Burgundy, it was impossible to have an ill opinion of his designs; for there was not one Souldier in all the Countrey, and at his going away he gave no other charge to the Commanders and Captains, than to serve the King faithfully, that every one disswaded him to come to Court, and in the way he received many Letters to that purpose, that he was come upon the Kings word, trusting upon his own Conscience and Innocency. If the King be not pleased to consider my services (said he to the Court) and those assurances he hath given me of his Mercy, I acknowledge my self guilty of Death, and do not expect my life from his Justice, but from yours, (my Lords) who will remember better than he what dangers I have undergone for his service. I confess I had a mind to do ill, but I never proceeded to effects: It would be a hard matter if I should be the first in whom thoughts should be punished; Great offences require great clemency. I do implore that of the King, and nevertheless I am the onely one in France, that is made an example of his severity, and that can have no hope in his clemency, which he never denyed to those that had done worse: However I trust more in you my Lords, than I do in the King, who having heretofore looked upon me with his Eyes of love, looketh upon me now with those of his anger, and thinketh it a Vertue to be cruel unto me, and a Vice to excercise upon me the act of clemency.
Thus pleaded the Prisoner, with so much eloquency and boldness, that if his Judges had not seen evidently the truth of the fact, under his own Hand and Seal, the respect of his first condition might have perswaded them to believe his Innocency, and to take compassion of his ruined fortune.
The Court did hear him as long as he would speak, with so much patience, that never a man had the like audience. The Prisoner spoke so much, that his last reasons were found contrary to his first, his allegations did not shew his Innocency; for the Embassadors themselves which he took for Witnesses of his carryage in Switzerland, did report many words of his, which shewed his anger and passion. Besides the King had not given his word, that he might come in Safety, and those Letters which he alleadged for his justification, did prove the continuation of his treacherous designs, seeing that he had sent la Fin and Hebert, to Turin and Milan, since the pardon, He could not then expect but Justice, in a case where neither passion nor favour could alter Judgment: Nevertheless he shewed himself much satisfied with his answers, and therefore being come back again to the Bastille, he passed the rest of that day, and the two next, to relate unto his Guards the questions of the Court and his answers therereunto, counterfeiting the gesture and the words which he Imagined the Chancellor had spoken after his going away, though that grave and venerable old man neither said nor did any thing, but what was becoming to his Age and quality, having shewed himself as full of compassion, as the prisoner was of his vanity; for when he was nearer to death he thought less upon it, and thinking himself the only man capable of commanding an Army, he found some fault in those that were thought capable of it, saying, that one was unhappy in his undertakings, the other was not respected by the Souldiers, such a one was a brave man, but he wanted experience, and another that hath both was a Protestant. To conclude, he did so please himself with his own praise and deserts, that he thought no body could come near him, and that he was so useful to the Kingdom, that it would be a great Crime to think to undo him.
He had spoken so long the 27 of the Month, that there was no time left to gather the Voices: The Chancellor therefore went into the Palace the 29 following to gather the Voices of the Judges. Fleury the reporter of the Proces, did conform his opinion to the conclusions of the Kings Attorney, all the rest agreed to it, either by Words or by Signs, and all the proofs necessary for the verification of a Crime meeting in this case, as his Answers, Confessions, Writings, Letters, Instructions, and Evidence of Witnesses not reproached; It was found, that the unnatural Conspiracy against the State, the detestable attempt upon the Kings Person, makes him guilty of high Treason in the first and second degree.
He confesseth he had evil intentions, it is enough, the Laws do punish the Councels, the resolutions, and the effects; for if the Traitor be not prevented, time may give him the opportunity to accomplish his Design and Will, and the Will of a Subject in point of State, doth depend immediately upon that of the Prince. He sayeth moreover, that without the Kings Mercy he is undone, and that if he would have put in Execution the ill designs that were propounded to him against his Majesty, he should have been gone long ago: Did he ever give notice of them to the King or to any body else. If the Prisoner had brought to pass his intent, we might have said, farewell State, farewell Justice, it is too late to believe the Conspiracy against Princes, when they are murdered by the Conspirators.
He hath well Served the King, it is true; but his Offices and Dignities did call him to that Duty, he hath had notable rewards for it, and from the time that he hath shewed himself so unfaithfull, he hath diminished the lustre of his deserts. His deserts had made him capable of the first dignities of the Kingdom, but the merit of them is vanished away, by the greatness of his Crime.
And what is the State beholding to him, if after he hath contributed so much for its restauration, he goeth about to turn up side down the Foundation of it, and to betray it to the Enemies. It is nothing to begin well unless you end well, the actions are judged by the end: Those that have deserved best of the States, are the most severely punished when they fall into Sedition and Rebellion. There is many sheets of Paper in the Hands of the Court, containing in them one hundred advices given to the Enemy, the least of which is capable to make him guilty.
The Prisoners quality is not considerable in this case; Justice is blind to all distinctions, and rather considereth the offence according to the quality of the offender; Crimes of high Treason are not considered by things past, but by things present and that are to come; we must not put in an account what he hath done, but what he had a mind to do. The quality of a Duke and Peer of France, of Knight of the Kings Order, of Marshal, doth not exempt him from the Law, and from being judged as an Enemy to the State, and to the Majesty of the Prince, seeing he would have troubled the State, and attempted upon the Kings person. Who in France besides is more obliged to the King? the greater then is the Obligation, the greater the ingratitude. God forbid that the respect of the quality should stop the course of Justice: a Limb must be cut off to save all the body.
But his offence hath been forgiven: The pardon cannot extend but to the things that are confessed; but he acknowledgeth himself that he hath not told all, therefore he hath confessed as little as he could, his own confessions Witness, he only asked forgiveness, that he might continue his Crimes with more security: Besides, he would not acknowledge his fault to the King, for all the King promised to forgive him, and lately he told the Court, he did not believe that la Fin had revealed what was secret between them; and thought he would have kept his word, which he had confirmed with so many Oaths, and that if he had doubted of it, he would have cast himself at his Majesties Feet as readily as he, and asked him forgiveness. It followeth then that there was some thing left behind that was not confessed: Thus he accuseth himself, thinking to excuse his fault; besides, he mistaketh himself thinking to persuade the Court, that since the pardon he hath done nothing amiss, for the Pardon was in January 1600. and here be Letters of September last, by which he recalleth la Fin, telleth him, he will think no more upon the Vanities that were past since, God was pleased to have given the King a Dolphin. It is apparent then that he hath employed la Fin at least since the Pardon, till the birth of the Dolphin, and la Fin maintaineth that there was a note quite to the contrary, and that they did continue their intelligences and practises unknown to the King. That the Duke did recal him, fearing he should discover the Conspiracy, when a man continues in his faults and abuseth his Pardon, the last fault payeth for all.