French.
English.
ANNOT.
By the Leech is understood the Spaniard. By the Wolf is meant the French, by reason of the multitude of those Creatures in that Kingdom; the meaning therefore of this Prophecy is, that there should be a great famine in Spain, wherein the Spaniard should be constrained to make his application to the French for relief of Corn, which should be granted him. This happened in the year 1665 for you must understand that most of these last Prophecies were to be fulfilled in the Reign of Henry IV.
VIII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
In the year 1608. the year before the Truce was concluded between the Spaniard and the Hollanders, by which all free Commerce was opened through Europe. The King of Persia being then in War with the great Turk, sent an Embassador to all the Christian Princes, and chiefly into France, to move them to make a diversion in so fit a time, but he could prevail nothing, and went back again re infecta, which he thought to be a great injury done to his Prophet Mahomet.
IX.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza being most obscure and difficult, cannot be understood so well by parcels, as by laying down the whole Synopsis of it, which I do the more willingly, because I think it will be delightful to the Reader, and that the whole being known, the meaning of every particular will easily be understood.
Charles the IX. King of France, the last of the House of Valois left only one natural Son, called the Earl of Auvergne, who had a Sister by the Mothers side, that was called Henrietta de Balzac Duchess of Verneuil, once Mistriss to Henry the IV. by whom she had upon promiss of marriage one Son, at this time Duke of Verneuil, and Governour of Languedoc; but this promiss being made void by Act of Parliament, Henry IV. married Mary of Medicis, by which he had issue Lewis the XIII. and other children: now upon the discontent of the Marshal of Biron, the Dutchess of Verneuil, the Earl of Auvergne her Brother, and their party joyned with him for the promoting of the Duke of Verneuil’s interest to the Crown, whereupon the King sent for the Earl of Auvergne, who was then in his County a hundred Leagues from Paris; but the Earl trusting more the good will of the Citizens of Clermont in Auvergne who loved him, then to the Kings Clemency, neglected to come, whereupon the King sent again the Lord d’Escures, with a pardon for what was past; he promised to come when he should see his pardon Signed and Sealed in good form; the King was offended at his proceeding, and took it very ill that a Subject of his would capitulate with him, who intended to deal plainly and sincerely; the King nevertheless past that over for many considerations, one of them was that the Earl was of the blood of France, and brother by the Mother to one that had been his Mistress, besides that he was a Prince endowed with many good qualities, most of which did Sympathise with those of the King, thus the King sent him his Pardon as well for what was past, as for the present, but with this proviso that he should come; for all this, he did not stir out of Clermont; the King seeing that, did resolve to have him at any rate: there was several propositions made for to take him: at Hunting, at running of the Ring, at some Banquet, in the Fields, in the City; all these ways might be suspected by the Earl, but a new one was found out, of which he himself was the Author; the Troop of the Duke of Vendosme was preparing for to Muster, the Earl intreated d’Eurre Lieutenant of the said company, that it might be in the Fields by Clermont towards Nonnain, because he intended to take revenge in the behalf of a Lady, upon the Inhabitants of that place. The King sent directions and orders to d’Eurre, how he should govern himself in that action, and gave him for Associates, la Boulaye, Lieutenant of the Marquess of Verneuil’s Troop, and Nerestan Colonel of a Foot Regiment. By the Kings advice they imparted the business to the Viscount of Pont du Chasteau, to the Baron of Canillac and some others, that had authority in that Province, and were devoted to the Kings service, and all keeping religiously the Laws of silence. The 12 of November the Troop met at the Rendezvous; the Earl came thither by times with two only of his followers, thinking that the Troop should not be ready so soon, and so he should have pretext either to go back to Clermont, or to go on further to visit his Mistress. The prudence and diligence of those that managed the business did prevent him, and begot a suspition in him, for he was seen to truss up his Cloak and to try whither his sword did not stick to the Scabbard. D’Eurre went to him, and having complemented him rode on his left hand, while the Troop was setting in order; Nerestan came to salute him on the other side, and rode on his right hand, being followed by three stout Souldiers, habited like Lackeys, and appointed for this action. The Viscount of du Pont du Chasteau and his brother rode out of the Troop and encompassed him on all sides. One of the Souldiers laid hold on the Horses Bridle; d’Eurre at the same time laid hold on his Swords Hilt, saying, my Lord, we are commanded by the King to give him an account of your person, and we intreat you to submit unto his Majesties good pleasure, that we may have no occasion to use you otherways then we desire. Maison-ville and Liverne who were his two followers drew their Swords, thinking to make him way to escape, but some shot spent upon them, made them presently retire and run away. He was put upon a Trumpeters Nag as far as Briare, and thence conducted to Montargis in a Coach, and afterwards by water to Paris and put in the Bastille.
By this History, and the explication of the word Censuart, which is an ancient word derived from the Latine word Censor; and taken here for the Kingly office, the whole Prophecy is easily understood, and obvious to the meanest capacity.
X.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Prophecy is concerning Mary Stuart Queen of Scots put in Prison by Queen Elizabeth, who is called here the opponant Queen, to the Embassy that the said Queen of Scots sent for relief to the King of France, called here the great Physitian.
XI.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
An Age is the space of one hundred years, the meaning therefore of this is, that within the Age following, his Prophecies namely as he saith after, in the year 1664. there shall be great Inundation in Languedoc, caused by the overflowing of two small Rivers, besides that of Gardon, which Inundation shall drown these following places, Coups, Monfrein, Becoyran and Alais, besides, and Abbey wherein there was 30. Monks, but of this I could find nothing in the History, therefore those that live about those places must make it good.
XII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This (like the former) is a particuler accident, of which the publick History taketh no notice; it seemeth that in the year 1665. in Gevaudan, a Province of France near Languedoc, there was a great quarrel between two Lords who meeting at Church, did about the time of the Offering set one upon another, and one of them was killed, whereupon the Priest being terrified, ran away.
XIII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Prophecie was concerning the Duke of Savoy and Henry the IV. for about that time mentioned by the Author, after the death of Marshal de Biron, who sided with the Duke of Savoy (which death is called here Gall put into an Egg;) the Duke of Savoy refused to perform the treaty concerning the restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces, wherefore Henry the IV. went and subdued most of his Countrey, and compelled him to give the Province of Bresse instead of the said Marquisate.
XIV.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is about the same subject as the precedent. By the great Siege here is meant the Siege of Montpelian, the strongest place in Savoy, which Henry the IV. took, and by it compelled the Duke of Savoy to an agreement. The rest is easie.
XV.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
The three first Verses are concerning Clement the VIII. who was elected Pope about that time, and was Instrumental to make a Peace between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, and was Pope a good while.
By the great Ship is meant the Church, of which he is called Master. The rest is easie.
XVI.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
In the year 1606. the 14 of September, instead of which the printer hath put October, the Dolphin of France, Lewis the XIII. son to Henry the IV. was Christened with his two Sisters at Fountainbleau, and because the Ceremonies were extraordinary, and our Author calleth this a great Baptism, it will not be amiss for the satisfaction of the curious Reader, to give here succinctly a description of it.
In the great quadrangle of the Castles Yard, was erected a great Theatre, all spread and hanged with most rich Carpets and Hangings, in the middle of which Theatre was a square of thirty foot on each side, with rails about it, all covered with Carpets, in the front of it was erected an Altar, adorned with the Ornaments belonging to the Order of the Holy Ghost, behind the Table was a Footstool of three steps, spread with Carpets, and in the middle of the Footstool was a kind of a Stand, covered with a Silver Cloth, upon which were the Fount, covered with a most exquisite Towel, and a Canopy over it, on both sides of the Altars were two Scaffolds for two Quires of Musick, and a little lower on the right hand a Bench covered with Carpets for the Prelates to sit, among which were three Archbishops, nine Bishops and three Abbots, on the left hand were the Lords of the Councel, and before the Altar was the Cardinal of Gondy, encompassed with Almoners and Chaplains, and a great multitude of spectators seated upon Benches, in form of a Theatre, round about the Theatre were the guard of Switzers, having every one a Torch in his hand.
The Dolphin and his Sisters were in their Chambers upon Beds of State, with their Robes lined with Hermines, and were brought to the quadrangle, the waiting Gentlemen going before with Torches in their hands, with the Bed Chamber men, and Gentlemen of the Chamber, five Drums, Waits, and Trumpeters, Heralds, and the Knights of the Holy Ghost, with the three Honours; in the first, for the youngest Daughter, the Ewer, the Bason, the Pillow, the Wax Taper, the Chrisme, the Saltseller, were carryed by the Baron, Son to Marshal de la Chastre, by the Lords Montigny, la Rochepot, Chemerand, Liencourt, Fervacques, and the Lady was carryed by the Marshal of Bois Dauphin, followed by Charles Duke of Lorrain Godfather, and of Don Juan de Medicis, Brother to the great Duke of Tuscany, representing Christian, Daughter to the Duke of Lorrain, and Wife of the great Duke. After that followed the Dutches of Guise, the Countesses of Guiche, of Saulx, the Marchioness Monlaur, and other Ladies.
The Marshals of Laverdin, and of la Chastre, the Dukes of Silly, of Monbazon, of Espernon, of Esguillon did the same office for the elder Lady. The Lord of Ragny carryed her for Diana Dutchess of Angoulesme, who did represent the Infanta, Clara, Eugenia, Eusabella, Archidutchess of Austria, followed by the Dutchess of Rohan, Montmorency, Mayenne.
The third Honour for the Dolphin was carried by the Earl of Vaudemont, the Knight of Vendosme his elder Brother, the Duke of Mensier, the Earl of Soissons, and the Prince of County, all three Princes of the Blood, and the Dolphin was carryed by the Lord Souvray his Governour, in the room of the Prince of Condé, first Prince of the Blood, who because of his sickness could do him no other service then to hold him by the hand. The Duke of Guise carryed his Train, and the Cardinal of Joyouse followed him, representing the Pope Paul the V. then followed Eleonor Wife to Vincent Duke of Mantua, and the Princess of the Blood, all richly attired.
The Dolphin being brought upon the Table of the quadrangle, the Cardinal of Gondy appointed for this Ceremony, came near him; and having heard him answer pertinently to the questions asked by the Almoner according to the usual forms, and to say the Lords Prayer and the Creed in Latine, he was exercised, appointed, and by the Cardinal of Joyouse Legat, named Lewis.
The Ladies were afterwards brought upon the Table, and the eldest, named Elizabeth by the Dutchess of Angoulesme, representing the Archidutchess her Godmother, without any Godfather.
The youngest was named by Don Juan of Medicis (representing the great Dutchess) Christierne.
At Supper the King was waited upon by the Princess of his Blood; the Prince of Condé served for Pantler, the Prince of Compty for Cupbearer, the Duke of Monpensier for Squire Carver, the Earl of Soissons for high Steward, the Duke of Guise and the Earl of Vondemont waited upon the Queen, and the Duke of Sully waited upon the Legat. The Godfathers sat, and after them the Princesses, Ladies and Lords of high quality, at the great Ball the Duke of Lorrain did precede by the Kings order, for the only consideration that he was Godfather.
The next day there was a runing at the Ring, and at night the Duke of Sully caused an artificial Castle to be assaulted with an innumerable quantity of Squibs, Chambers, Canon shots, and other Fire Works, but never any thing was seen more incredible or wonderful, then the beauty, ornament and lustre of the Princesses and Ladies of the Court; The Eyes could not stedfastly behold the splendor of the Gold, nor the brightness of the Silver, nor the glittering of Jewels; the Princes and Lords did out vie one another who should be most richly attired, among the rest the Duke of Espernon had a Sword valued at 30000. Crowns, and upon the Queens Gown were 32000. Pearls, and 3000. Diamonds.
XVII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza hath relation to the precedent, for about the time of, or a little before that famous Christning died Pope Leo the IX. formerly called Cardinal of Florence, who did not live a whole year in the papacy; and is called here Joyful, Sickly, because though infirm, he did much rejoyce in the obtaining of it; those others that were of the Feast, were some Cardinals of his party, who died also within the same year.
The two last Verses signifie the differences that happened, between Paul V. his Successor, and the Common-wealth of Venice presently after his death.
XVIII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This sad Philomela was Henrietta of Balzac Daughter to Francis of Balzac, Marquess of Entragues, and Mistress to Henry the IV. who being found guilty of a Conspiracy against the State, was confined to the Abbey of the Nuns of Beaumont lez Tours, where she was seven Months, after which the King taking pitty of her, passed a Declaration, wherein in respect of his former Love, and of the Children that he had by her, he forgave her all what was past, did abolish and suppress for ever the Memory of the Crime that she was accused off, and did dispense her from appearing before the Parliament, who in her absence did Register her Letters of Pardon the 6. of September 1605. Thus Reader you may see how punctual was our Author in his Prognostications.
XIX.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is so difficult, signifieth nothing but the confusions that have happened in France from the year 1605. to the year 1617. which would be too tedious and prolix here to relate, the Reader may see them in the French History.
XX.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This is yet concerning the Earl of Auvergne half Brother to the Dutchess of Verneuil, who for his misdemeanours having been put several times in the Bastille, and set free again, nevertheless was attempting still some new thing, which might have endangered his life.
XXI.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
The Author being a zealous Roman Catholick, calls here the Hollanders the Authors of evils, who in the year 1607 and 1608. made a grievous War, and had several successes against the Spaniard, with the help of the French and English, till the year 1609. when by the mediation of the French and English Embassadors, the Truce was concluded at Antwerp, between the Arch-duke and the States of the United Provinces, the Articles of it to the number of 38. were solemnly proclaimed and published the ninth of April, and ratified by the King of Spain in the Month of July next ensuing.
XXII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is wholly abstruse and Enigmatical, therefore I will not pretend to expound it, but leave the interpretation to those that have more time and leasure then I.
XXIII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This Stanza signifieth the great troubles that were in France from the year 1610 in which Henry the IV. died, to the year 1617. in which the Marshal d’Ancre was killed.
This man was named Concino Concini a Florentine born, who in a little time was grown very great, and from a base extraction had ascended to the dignity of Marshal of France, by the favour of the Queen Regent Mary of Medicis, and grew so rich, that he offered to the King to maintain at his own charge 6000. foot, and 800. Horses for four Months together; he had made himself Master of many strong Places in Picardy and Normandy, went about to buy the Government of several Provinces, did dispose of the Kings Exchequer at his pleasure, and spent vast sums of money at his Masters charge. His insolencies were the cause of his ruine, when he thought least of it; for he threatned every one with words and deeds, so far as to say, that he would cause them to eat up their fingers, that should oppose his Will, and so caused many Officers and Souldiers of the contrary party to be put to death. The King Lewis the XIII. was particularly informed of the unsufferable pride and misdemeanors of this Marshal, and that his design was to keep up the War in France, to continue his Authority and Power; therefore the King commanded Vitry, the Captain of his Guards, to apprehend him. This was a difficult thing, because that the Marshal (besides his Menial servants) had always twelve Guards wearing his Livery, that were desperate fellows; there was also another difficulty, because no body could tell, when or at what time he would come to the Louvre; nevertheless at last he came to it, upon the 24. of April 1617. attended with a great Train and his Guards; the great Gate was opened to him, and presently shut again, Vitry drew near to him, and holding his staff to him, said, I arrest you in the Kings name, upon these words the Marshal stept back, as if it were to make resistance, saying, Me? whereupon those that were with Vitry shot three Pistols at him, one did hit him in the Heart, the other in the Head, and the third in the Belly, so that he fell down dead immediately upon his left side, a certain Lord that was on his right hand speaking with him, fell down also without any hurt, but his followers seeing him dead run away.
This death was the cause of great alteration, in the publick Government. The body of the said Marshal was buried at St. Germain de l’Auxerrois, but the people digged it out, and dragged it to the new Bridge, where they hanged it by the feet upon a Gibbet, having cut off his Nose, his Ears and his privy parts, then they took him down, and dragged him through the Town, and afterwards burnt it. Thus did perish he that was worth about two Millions of Pounds Sterling, and pretended to make his house perpetual and Sovereign. The new Officers that had governed the State from the 24 of November to the 24 of April 1617. were arrested in their houses, and the old ones put in again, and the Princes called back again to the Court.
XXIV.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This is concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, who fell dangerously sick of the Plague at Lions, about the year 1628. after that went with his Army into Savoy, where he escaped many dangers of fire and water. As for the Verse it must not be understood, as if he had been killed, but that the cares he took about his Armies should shorten his days. The fourth Verse is to be understood of the Lord Bellingham, then favorite to the King, who forsook him in his sickness, for which he was afterwards disgraced, and could never come into favour again.
XXV.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
Six and nine joyned together makes 15. the meaning of this therefore is, that about the year 1615. should die the Chancellor of France, who was then Nicolas Brulart Lord of Sillery a very corpulent man.
XXVI.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
In the year 1606. there was two Brothers of the House of Joyeuse, one called Francis Cardinal of Joyeuse, and the other a Capuchin Frier, the rest of the Brothers being dead without issue; Father Angel got a dispensation from the Pope to go out of his Covent, and to Marry, that the Family might not be extinguished, and so turned Courtier and Souldier again, till he had got a Daughter, who was afterwards married to the Duke of Guise; after that, remembring his Vows, he turned Capuchin again, and a little while after died, coming from Rome to Paris.
XXVII.
French.
English.
ANNOT.
This signifies nothing but the troubles that were all France over, from the year 1620. to the year 1628. when Rochel was taken, and the great famine that was in the year 1626.