part I think he meaneth _Italy_, for some times the _Italians_ use by way

of admiration to say _Capoli_, or _Capadillo_. _Sagunce_ is a Town in _Spain_, which for the love of the _Carthaginians_ withstood the _Romans_ a great while, till they were brought to an extremity of famine, and then set fire in their Town.

LI.

French.

Le _Bizantin_ faisant oblation, Apres avoir _Cordube_ a soy reprinse, Son chemin long, repos, pamplation, Mer passant proye par la _Cologne_ a prinse.

English.

The _Bizantin_, making an offering, After he hath taken _Cordua_ to himself again, His way long, rest, contemplation, Crossing the Sea hath taken a prey by _Cologne_.

ANNOT.

This is an express delineation of _Charles_ the V. Empire, who at the latter end of his days retired into a Monastery, reserving unto himself for his subsistance the revenue of the Kingdom of _Castille_, expressed here by _Cordua_, which is a City of _Spain_.

LII.

French.

Le Roy de _Blois_ dans _Avignon_ Regner, D’_Amboise_ & _Seme_ viendra le long de _Lindre_. Ongle a _Poitiers_ Saintes aisles ruiner, Devant _Bony_.

English.

The King of _Blois_ shall Reign in _Avignon_, He shall come from _Amboise_ and _Seme_, along the _Linder_, A Nail at _Poitiers_ shall ruine the Holy Wings, Before _Bony_.

ANNOT.

The first Verse and the interpretation is easie.

_Amboise_ is a Town in _France_ upon the River of _Loire_.

The two last Verses being inperfect, admits of no interpretation, onely to let the Reader know that _Poitiers_ is a very great City in _France_, and Capital of the Province of _Poitou_.

LIII.

French.

Dedans _Boulogne_ voudra laver ses fautes, Il ne poura au Temple du Soleil, Il volera faisant choses si hautes, En _Hierarchie_ n’en fut onc un pareil.

English.

He shall desire to wash his faultes in _Bulloin_, In the Church of the Sun, but he shall not be able, He shall fly doing so high things, That the like was never in _Hierarchy_.

ANNOT.

There is two Towns called _Bolloin_, one is in _Italy_, the other in _France_, the last is that which is meant here; for Cardinal _Richelieu_ who is the man that did so high things, and the like of which was never in _Hierarchy_ (that is in the Clergy) a little afore his death had vowed if he recovered his health to go in Pilgrimage to _Bulloin_, where there is a famous Temple for Miracles, (as they say) dedicated to our Lady, which is called here the Sun, by an allusion to that passage of the Revelation: _And there appeared a Woman cloathed with the Sun_; but the said Cardinal was prevented by death.

LIV.

French.

Soubs la couleur du traité mariage, Fait magnanime par grand _Chiren Selin_, _Quintin_, _Arras_, recouvrez au voiage, D’_Espagnols_ fait second banc _Macelin_.

English.

Under pretence of a Treaty of Marriage, A Magnanimous act shall be done by the great _Cheiren Selin_, _Quintin_, _Arras_ recovered in the journey, Of _Spaniards_ shall be made a second _Macelin_ Bench.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognostication concerning a King of _France_, meant here by the great _Cheiren Selin_, who under pretence of a Treaty of Marriage, shall recover in his journey these two Towns Saint _Quintin_ and _Arras_, for the Shambles are called in Latine _Macellum_. _Quod ibi mactentur pectora quæ mercatoribus venundantur._

LV.

French.

Entre deux Fleuves se verra enserré, Tonneaux & caques unis a passer outre, Huit Pont rompus chef a tant enferré, Enfans parfaits sont jugulez en coultre.

English.

Between two Rivers he shall find himself shut up, Tuns and Barrels put together to pass over, Eight Bridges broken, the chief at last in Prison, Compleat children shall have their throat cut.

ANNOT.

It is an accident that hath often happened to a Commander of an Army, to find himself either by his own oversight, or by the policy of his enemies, shut up between two Rivers, having upon neither of them a Bridge at his command; as it did happen once to the Prince of _Condé_, the Grandfather of this, in the time of the Civil war for Religion, who was forced by it to dissolve his Army, and bid every one shift for himself, so that they almost all escaped by several small parties, some going one way some another, at such time it is an ordinary shift to make use of empty Vessels and Caskes to make a Bridge, as our Author doth mention here.

LVI.

French.

La bande foible la Terre occupera, Ceux du haut lieu feront horribles cris, Le gros troupeau d’estre coin troublera, Tombe pres _D. nebro_ descouvert les escrits.

English.

The weak party shall occupy the ground, Those of the high places shall make fearful cries, It shall trouble the great flock in the right corner, He falleth near _D. nebro_ discovereth the writings.

ANNOT.

I dare not comment upon this, for fear it should be said of me, what was said of the Glose of _Accurtius_; _obscura per obscurius_.

LVII.

French.

De Soldat simple parviendra en Empire, De Robe courte parviendra a la longue, Vaillant aux Armes, en Eglise ou plus pire, Vexer les Prestres comme l’eau fait l’esponge.

English.

From a simple Souldier he shall come to have the supreme command, From a short Gown he shall come to the long one, Vaillant in Arms, no worse man in the Church, He shall vex the Priests, as water doth a Spunge.

ANNOT.

I never knew nor heard of any body to whom this Stanza might be better applied, then to the late Usurper _Cromwel_, for from a simple Souldier, he became to be Lord Protector, and from a Student in the University he became a graduate in _Oxford_, he was valliant in Arms, and the worse Churchman that could be found; as for vexing the Priests, I mean the Prelatical Clergy, I believe none went beyond him.

LVIII.

French.

Regne en querelle aux freres divisé, Prendre les Armes & les nom _Britannique_, Tiltre _Anglican_ sera tard advisé, Surprins de nuit, mener a l’air _Gallique_.

English.

A Kingdom in dispute, and divided between the Brothers, To take the Arms and the _Britannick_ name, And the _English_ title, he shall advise himself late, Surprised in the night and carried into the _French_ air.

ANNOT.

This prognosticateth a great division in _England_ between Brothers, about the Title and Kingdom of _England_, insomuch, that in conclusion one shall be surprised by night, and carried away into _France_.

LIX.

French.

Par deux fois haut, par deux fois mis a bas, L’Orient aussi l’Occident foiblira, Son adversaire apres plusieurs combats, Par Mer chassé au besoin faillira.

English.

Twice set up high, and twice brought down, The East also the West shall weaken, His adversary after many fights, Expelled by Sea, shall fail in need.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of some considerable person, who shall be twice set up, and brought down again. The second Verse is pronounced after the manner of the old Oracles, as

_Aio te Æacida Romanos vincere posse_,

For no body can tell here whither the East shall weaken the West, or otherways. The last two Verses are easie.

LX.

French.

Premier en _Gaule_, premier en _Romanie_, Par Mer & Terre aux _Anglois_ & _Paris_, Merveilleux faits par cette grand mesgnie, Violant, _Terax_ perdra le _Norlaris_.

English.

The first in _France_, the first in _Romania_, By Sea and Land to the _English_ and _Paris_, Wonderful deeds by that great company, By ravishing, _Terax_ shall spoil the _Norlaris_.

ANNOT.

The first in _France_ is the King, the first in _Romania_ is the _Pope_, who it seemeth shall joyn together by Sea and Land, and come against _Paris_, who shall call the _English_ to its help, insomuch, that strange deeds shall be done by that great company. As for _Terax_, it seemeth to be the proper name of some man, who by ravishing a woman called here the _Norlaris_, shall spoil her and cause sad consequences. _Norlaris_ by transposition of Letters is _Lorrain_.

LXI.

French.

Jamais par le decouvrement du jour, Ne parviendra au signe Sceptrifere, Que tous Sieges ne soient en sejour, Portant au Coq don du _Tag_ a misere.

English.

Never by the discovering of the day, He shall attain to the Sceptriferous sign, Till all his seats be settled, Carrying to the Cock a gift from the _Tag_ to misery.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that one pretending to a Kingdom, shall never attain to it by often removing his place, until all his seats be settled, that is, untill his wandring be ceased. And a gift brought by him to the King of _France_ from _Portugal_, signified here by the _Tag_, which is the River of _Lisbon_ the Capital City of it, from which gift shall proceed misery.

LXII.

French.

Lors qu’on verra expiler le Saint Temple, Plus grand du _Rhosne_, & sacres prophaner: Par eux naistra pestilence si grande, Roy fait injuste ne sera condamner.

English.

When one shall see spoiled the Holy Temple, The greatest of the _Rhosne_, and sacred things prophaned, from them shall come so great a pestilence, That the King being unjust shall not condemn them.

ANNOT.

The greatest Temple of the _Rhosne_, is that of the City of _Lion_, which is seated upon that River of _Rhosne_, which when it shall be robbed and spoiled, then shall come a horrid Pestilence, which our Author attributeth to the injustice of the King then Reigning, who shall neglect to punish those Sacriledges.

LXIII.

French.

Quand l’adultere blessé sans coup aura, Meurdry la femme & le fils par depit, Femme assomée l’Enfant estranglera, Huit captifs prins sestoufer sans respit.

English.

When the Adulterer wounded without a blow, Shall have murdered the wife and son by spight, The woman knocked down, shall strangle the child, Eight taken prisoners, and stifled without tarrying.

ANNOT.

This is the description of a sad Tragedy, which to understand, you must joyn all the Verses together, and make it one sense. The Adulterer wounded without a blow, is one that shall get a disease, (suppose the _Pox_) his wife finding fault with it, he shall murder her, and her Son; she not being quite dead shall strangle another Child (which it seemeth she had by this Adulterer) and for this fact eight shall be taken prisoners and immediately hanged, by which you must suppose the fact to be done in _France_, for there they Judge and Hang immediately, whereby in _England_ they must stay till Sessions-time.

LXIV.

French.

Dedans les Isles les enfans transportez, Les deux de sept seront en desespoir, Ceux de terrouer en seront supportez, _Nompelle_ prins, des ligues fuy l’espoir.

English.

In the Islands the Children shall be transported, The two of seven shall be in despair, Those of the Countrey shall be supported by, _Nompelle_ taken, avoid the hope of the League.

ANNOT.

This seemeth to have a great relation to our late unhappy troubles in _England_, when the Princess _Elizabeth_ and the Duke of _Glocester_ were transported into the Isle of _Wight_, which are the two of the seven, (for the Queen hath had seven children) and the Kings Majesty and his Highness the Duke of _York_, were driven into the _Low-Countreis_, being in a manner in dispair of ever coming again, and those Countreys were much the better for the harbouring of them; in the last Verse by _Nompelle_ I understand Anagrammatically _Monpelier_, which being taken, there is no more hope in the League, as it did happen in the time of _Henry_ the IV. King of _France_, who never saw the League or Covenant quite routed, till that Town was taken; for it is familiar enough to those kind of Prophets to make an ὕστερον πρώτερον, and joyn things past, to those that are to come, to darken the Readers understanding, and as the Scripture saith, _Ut videntes non videant_.

LXV.

French.

Le vieux frustré du principal espoir, Il parviendra au chef de son Empire, Vingt mois tiendra le Regne a grand pouvoir, Tyran, cruel en delaissant un pire.

English.

The old man frustrated of his chief hope, He shall attain to the head of his Empire, Twenty months he shall keep the Kingdom with great power, Tyrant, cruel, and having a worse one.

ANNOT.

The words of this Prophecy are plain enough, and because I cannot learn in History that such things have come to pass yet, therefore I reckon it among those _de futuro_.

LXVI.

French.

Quand l’Escriture D. M. trouvée, Et Cave antique a Lampe descouverte, Loy, Roy, & Prince _Vlpian_ esprouvée, Pavillon, Royne & Duc soubs la couverte.

English.

When the writing D. M. shall be found, And an ancient Cave discovered with a Lamp, Law, King, and Prince _Ulpian_ tried, Tent, Queen and Duke under the rugge.

ANNOT.

In the year 1555. _Ferdinand Alvaro_ of _Toledo_ Duke of _Alba_, being sent by _Charles_ the V. into _Italy_ to resist the _French_, arrived in _June_ at _Milan_, and having gathered together, all his Forces, Besieged the Town St. _Jago_, but _Henry_ II. King of _France_ sending some succours by the Duke of _Aumale_, he raised up his siege, and put his Army into Garrisons. The Duke of _Alba_ leaving the Field in this manner, the Duke of _Aumale_ besieged _Vulpian_, wherein were 1000. souldiers in Garrison, under the command of _Cæsar_ of _Naples_, besides the Inhabitants. Never was a place so furiously assaulted, and so manfully defended, so that the _French_ were many times beaten back; but at last after 24. days siege the Duke of _Aumale_ did gloriously take it.

The Author foretelling the time of this victory, said it was when the writing D. M. in big letters was found, that is to say, about the 11. of _September_ after the Equinox, because in the Ephemerides, the Meridional descension of the Planets, and chiefly of _Sol_, _Venus_, and _Mercury_ is marked with these two Letters D. M. which descension cometh to pass after the Equinox of _Autumn_ towards the end of _September_. At the same time was discovered an ancient Cave, wherein was found one of those Lamps, that cannot be put out, and burns continually without any addition of Oil, by an invention that is lost. Such another was found in the time of _Alexander_ the VI. and _Adrian_ the VI.

The Town of _Vulpian_ was at that time tried by a King and a Prince, _viz._ _Henry_ the II. and the Duke of _Aumale_ Prince of _Lorrain_, and Brother to the Cardinal of _Lorrain_, and to the Duke of _Guise_.

The Author addeth, that besides these three things, _viz._ the finding of the letters D. M. The Cave discovered the siege of _Vulpian_; there happened a fourth one, _viz._ that a Queen and a Duke should consult together in a Summer-house, about the important affairs of the Kingdom. To understand this, we must suppose that Pope _Paul_ the IV. willing to secure his own person and the Ecclesiastical State against the _Spanish_ faction, and that of the _Colonese_, did seize upon many places belonging to the said _Colonese_, and knowing besides that the _Spaniards_ being of the _Coloneses_ party, would not fail to come upon him, he disposed the King of _France_ to come to his succours, so that the Queen having a particular confidence in the Duke of _Guise_, did consult with him about this business in some Summer-house, which the _French_ call a _Pavillon_.

LXVII.

French.

_Par._ _Car._ _nersaf_, a ruine grand discorde, Ne l’un ne l’autre n’aura election, _Nersaf_ du peuple aura amour & concorde, _Ferrare_, _Collonne_ grande protection.

English.

_Par._ _Car._ _Nersaf_, to ruine great discord, Neither one nor the other shall be Elected, _Nersaf_, shall have of the people love and concord, _Ferrare_, _Colonna_, great protection.

ANNOT.

It is very hard to say what the Author meaneth by these disjunctives _Par._ _Car._ _Nersaf_, all what can be gathered by what follows, is, that there shall be a great variance and strife about an Election, (I suppose of a Pope as it useth to be) and that _Nersaf_ shall have the good will of the people, and yet none of them shall be Elected.

As for the fourth Verse, it is to be noted first that _Ferrara_ is a strong Town in _Italy_ belonging to the Pope, and _Colonna_ is the name of the chief Family in _Rome_, now whether _Ferrara_ shall be a protection to _Colonna_, or _Colonna_ to _Ferrara_, we leave it to the Reader to judge, because the Verse hath a double sense.

LXVIII.

French.

Vieux Cardinal par le jeune deceu, Hors de sa charge se verra desarmé, _Arles_ ne monstres double fort apperceu, Et l’_Aqueduct_ & le Prince embaumé.

English.

An old Cardinal shall be cheated by a young one, And shall see himself out of his imployment, _Arles_ do not show, a double fort perceived, And the _Aqueduct_, and the embalmed Prince.

ANNOT.

The two first Verses are very plain, the two last not so; therefore observe that _Arles_ is a City in _France_, in the Countrey of _Dauphine_ or _Provence_, famous for antiquity, which is forwarned here not to shew its Fords, nor its Aqueducts, (which are buildings to convey water), nor its embalmed Prince, which it seemeth lyeth thereabout buried. The Author hath deprived here the Author of the reasons for why.

LXIX.

French.

Aupres du jeune se vieux Ange baiser, Et le viendra surmonter a la fin, Dix ans esgaux aux plus vieux rabaisser, De trois deux l’un huitiesme _Seraphin_.

English.

Near the young one the old Angel shall bowe, And shall at last overcome him, Ten years equal, to make the old one stoop, Of three, two, one, the eighth a _Seraphin_.

ANNOT.

This is the description of a grand Cheat, when an old man called here Angel, shall stoop before a young one, whom he shall overcome at last, after they have been ten years equal. The last Verse is Mistical, for there is four numbers, three, two, one, which make six; and eight, which he calleth _Seraphin_, whether by allusion to that Quire of Angels, which some call the eight, or whether to the Order of St. _Francis_, who calleth it self _Seraphical_, is not easie to determine.

LXX.

French.

Il entrera vilain, meschant, infame, Tyrannisant la _Mesopotamie_, Tous amis fait d’Adulterine Dame, Tetre horrible noir de _Physiognomie_.

English.

He shall come in villaen, wicked, infamous, To tyranise _Mesopotamia_, He maketh all friends by an adulteress Lady, Foul, horrid, black in his _Physiognomie_.

ANNOT.

_Mesopotamia_ is a Greek word, signifying a Countrey between two Rivers; and though there be many Countreys so seated, yet to this day, it properly belongeth to that Countrey, that lyeth between the two famous Rivers _Tigris_ and _Euphrates_ near _Babylon_; the rest is easie.

LXXI.

French.

Croistra le nombre si grand des Astronomes, Chassez bannis & livres censureq, L’An mil six cens & sept par sacrez glomes, Que nul au sacres ne seront asseurez.

English.

The number of Astronomers shall grow so great, Driven away, bannished, Books censured, The year one thousand six hundred and seven by sacred glomes, That none shall be secure in the sacred places.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is clear, _viz._ that about the year 1607. the number of Astronomers shall grow very great, of which some shall be expelled and banished, and their Books censured and suppressed: the rest is insignificant to me.

LXXII.

French.

Champ _Perusin_ O l’Enorme deffaite, Et le conflict tout aupres de _Ravenne_, Passage sacra lors qu’on fera la feste, Vaincueur vaincu, Cheval mange L’avenne.

English.

_Perugian_ Field, O the excessive rout, And the fight about _Ravenna_, Sacred passage when the Feast shall be celebrated, The victorious vanquished, the Horse to eat up his Oats.

ANNOT.

_Perugia_ is a City in _Italy_, and so is _Ravenna_, by which it seemeth there shall be a notable Battle fought, as was once before in the time at _Lewis_ the XII. King of _France_ between _Gaston de Foix_ his Nephew, and _Don Raimond de Cardonne_ Vice-roy of _Naples_, for there the _French_ got the Battle; in conclusion of which, the said _Gaston de Foix_ pursuing a Troop of _Spaniards_ that were retiring, was unfortunately kill’d, and so the victorious were vanquished.

LXXIII.

French.

Soldat Barbare le grand Roy frapera, Injustement non esloigné de mort, L’Avare Mere du fait cause sera, Conjurateur & Regne en grand remort.

English.

A Barbarous Souldier shall strike the King, Unjustly, not far from death, The covetous Mother shall be the cause of it, The Conspirator and Kingdom in great remorse.

ANNOT.

These words are so plain that they need no interpretation.

LXXIV.

French.

En Terre neuve bien avant Roy entré, Pendant subjects luy viendront faire accueil, Sa parfidie aura tel rencontré, Qu’aux Citadins lieu de feste & recueil.

English.

A King being entered far into a new Countrey, Whilst his Subjects shall come to welcom him, His perfidiousness shall find such an encounter, That to the Citizens it shall be instead of feast and welcom.

ANNOT.

The sense of this seemeth to be, that a certain King being far got into a new conquered Countrey, where he shall deal perfidiously with his Subjects, that then he shall meet with such an accident, as to his Citizens shall be instead of feast & welcom.

LXXV.

French.

Le Pere & fils seront meurtris ensemble, Le Prefecteur dedans son Pavillon, La Mere a _Tours_ du fils ventre aura enfle, Cache verdure de fueilles papillon.

English.

The Father and Son shall be murdered together, The Governour shall be so in his Tent, At _Tours_ the Mother shall be got with child by her son, Hide the greenness with leaves Butter-flye.

ANNOT.

There is nothing hard here but the last Verse, whereby it is signified, that after such an incest of the Mother with the Son in the City of _Tours_ (which is a Town in _France_) the fruit of it shall be secretly buryed, and green Turfs laid upon the place, and Leaves upon them, to take away the knowledge of it.

LXXVI.

French.

Plus _Macelin_ que Roy en _Angleterre_, Lieu obscur ne par force aura l’Empire, Lasche, sans foy, sans loy, seignera Terre, Son temps s’aproche si presque je souspire.

English.

More _Macelin_ then King in _England_, Born in obscure place, by force shall reign, Of loose disposition, without faith, without Law, the ground shall bleed, His time is drawing so near that I sigh for it.

ANNOT.

_Macelin_, is a Butcher or cruel man, from the Latine word _Macellum_, which signifieth the Shambles, it is without contradiction that by this Prophecy is plain concerning the late tyrant _Cromwel_, and his unlawful Government.

LXXVII.

French.

L’Antechrist bien tost trois annichilez, Vingt & sept ans durera sa guerre, Les Heretiques morts; captifs exilez, Sang corps humain eau rougie, gresler Terre.

English.

By Antichrist three shall shortly be brought to nothing, His War shall last seven and twenty years, The Hereticks dead, Prisoners banished, Blood, humane body, water made red, Earth hailed.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth here by Antichrist is not easie to determine, for he cannot mean the Pope, himself being a Papist, nor the great Antichrist, whose Reign, according to the Scripture, shall last but three years and a half, it is more likely then that this Stanza hath coherence with the precedent, and that by it he meaneth _Henry_ the VIII. who for the space of about 27 years before he dyed, did handle something roughly the Clergy and Clergy-men.

LXXVIII.

French.

Un _Bragamas_ avec la langue torte, Viendra des dieux rompre le Sanctuaire, Aux Heretiques il ouvrira la porte, En suscitant l’Eglise Militaire.

English.

A _Bragamas_ with his crooked Tongue, Shall come and break the Gods Sanctuary, He shall open the Gates unto Hereticks, By raising the Militant Church.

ANNOT.

_Bragamas_ is the same thing that we call now _Bragadocio_. By the Gods Sanctuary, he meaneth the Temples of the _Romish_ Religion, who are reputed Sanctuaries, and are full of Images, which they worship as Gods, praying and offering Incense to them.

LXXIX.

French.

Qui par fer pere perdra, nay de _Nonnaire_, De _Gorgon_ sur la fin sera sang perferant, En Terre estrange fera si tout de taire, Qu’il bruslera luy mesme & son entant.

English.

He that by Iron shall destroy his Father, born in _Nonnaire_, Shall in the end carry the blood of _Gorgon_, Shall in a strange Countrey make all so silent, That he shall burn himself and his intent.

ANNOT.

_Nonnaire_ and _Gorgon_ are two barbarous words, as for the sense of that and the rest, he that shall be able to read the words, shall be as wise as my self.

LXXX.

French.

Des innocens le sang de Vefue & Vierge, Tant de maux faits par moiens ce grand Roge, Saints simulachres trempez en ardant cierge, De frayeur crainte ne verra nul que boge.

English.

The blood of the innocent Widow and Virgin, So many evils committed by the means of that great Rogue, Holy Images, dipt in burning wax Candles, For fear no body shall be seen to stir.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth by the great Rogue is not obvious, but the main drift of this Stanza seemeth to be, to foretel the abuses that should be offered to the Popish Images by the Protestant party, as it was done in the time of the Civil Wars of _France_, and a little while after our Author had written his Prophecies.

By the great Rogue, he meaneth some chief Commander of the Protestant party, that were in those days, as the Prince of _Condé_, the Admiral of _Castilon_, or his Brother _Dandelot_.

LXXXI.

French.

Le neuf Empire en desolation, Sera changé du Pole Aquilonaire, De la _Sicile_ viendra l’emotion, Troubler l’Emprise a _Philip_ tributaire.

English.

The new Empire in desolation, Shall be changed from the Northern Pole, The commotion shall come from _Sicily_, To trouble the undertaking, tributary to _Philip_.

ANNOT.

This threatneth the Empire that now is in _Germany_, of a great desolation, and to be removed from its place, and threatneth also the Island of _Sicily_ of a fearful commotion, which shall trouble the undertakings of _Philip_, that is, King of _Spain_, because they usually are called by that name.

LXXXII.

French.

Ronge long, sec, faisant du bon valet, A la par fin n’aura que son congie, Poignant poison & Lettres au colet, Sera saisy, eschapé, en dangié.

English.

Long gnawer, dry, cringing and fawning, In conclusion shall have nothing but leave to be gone, Piercing poison and Letters in his Collar, Shall be seised, escape, and in danger.

ANNOT.

The words of this are easie to be understood, but not who should be that man to whom he giveth these four famous Epithetes of _Long-gnawer_, _dry_, _cringing_ and _fawning_.

LXXXIII.

French.

Le plus grand voile hors du port de _Zara_, Pres de _Bizance_ fera son entreprise, D’Ennemy perte & l’amy ne séra, Le tiers a deux fera grand pille & prise.

English.

The greatest Sail out of the Port of _Zara_, Near _Bizance_ shall make his undertaking, There shall be no loss of foes or friends, The third shall make a great pillage upon the two.

ANNOT.

By _Zara_ I suppose that the _Venetians_ are meant, who have a very strong Town of that name, situated in _Dalmatia_. _Bizance_ is _Constantinople_, as we have said before; now whether this Prophecy was fulfilled when the _Venetians_ took the Island of _Tenedos_, some 20 years ago, which is not far from _Constantinople_, or whether it is to come, I dare not assert.

LXXXIV.

French.

_Paterne_ aura de la _Sicile_ crie, Tous les aprests du Gouphre de _Trieste_, Qui s’entendra jusques a la _Trinacrie_, De tant de voiles, fuy, fuy, l’horrible peste.

English.

_Paterne_ shall have out of _Sicily_ a cry, All the preparations of the Gulph of _Trieste_, That shall be heard as far as _Trinacry_, Of so many Sails, fly, fly, the horrid plague.

ANNOT.

It hath been impossible for me to make any sense of this, and therefore I believe that it is falsely printed, and that instead of _Paterne_, it should be _Palerme_, which is the chief Town in _Sicily_. _Trinacry_ is _Sicily_ it self, so called, _quod tria habeat, άκρα seu promontoria_.

LXXXV.

French.

Entre _Bayonne_ & a Sainct _Jean de Lux_, Sera posé de _Mars_ la promottoire, Aux _Hanix_ d’Aquilon, _Nanar_ hostera _Lux_, Puis suffoque au lit sans adjoutoire.

English.

Between _Bayonne_ and Saint _John de Lux_, Shall be put down the promoting of _Mars_, From the _Hunix_ of the North, _Nanar_ shall take away _Lux_, Then shall be suffocated in his bed without help.

ANNOT.

_Bayonne_ is a Town in _France_, upon the frontiers of _Spain_, and Saint _John de Lux_ is the utmost frontiere of _France_, that way, (that being supposed) he saith, that about Saint _John de Lux_, the promoting of the war shall be set down; that is, that peace shall be made, as it was about seven or eight years ago between _France_ and _Spain_, and the Marriage concluded between the King and the _Infanta_. The two last Verses are nonsensical, and only set down to make up the rhime.

LXXXVI.

French.

Par _Arnani_, _Tholose_, & _Villefranque_, Bande infinie par le Mont _Adrian_, Passe Riviere, hutin par pont la planque, _Bayonne_ entrer tous _Bichoro_ criant.

English.

By _Arnani_, _Tholose_, and _Villefranche_, An infinite deal of people by the _Aprian_, Cross Rivers, noise upon the Bridge and plank, Come all into _Bayonne_ crying _Bichoro_.

ANNOT.

_Arnani_, _Tholose_, and _Villefranche_ are Towns of a Province in _France_ called _Languedoc_. Mont _Adrian_ is a Mountain thereabout, and _Hutin_ is an old _French_ word, signifying noise and strife, the sense then of this Prophecy is, that by those Towns and Mountains, shall pass an infinite multitude of people, with a great noise and strife, and shall come and enter into _Bayonne_, every one crying in that Countrey Language _Bichoro_, which is as much as to say, _Victory_.

LXXXVII.

French.

Mort conspirée viendra en plein effet, Charge donnée & voyage de mort, Esleu, crée, receus, par siens desfait, Sang d’innocence devant soy par remort.

English.

A conspired death shall come to an effect, Charge given, and a journey of death, Elected, created, received, by his own defeated, Blood of Innocency before him by remorse.

ANNOT.

There is no mistical sense in this, and the words are plain, although of a crabbid construction.

LXXXVIII.

French.

Dans la _Sardaigne_ un noble Roy viendra, Qui ne tiendra que trois ans le Royaume, Plusieurs couleurs avec soy conjoindra, Luy mesme apres soin sommeil Matrirscome.

English.

A noble King shall come into _Sardinia_, Who shall hold the Kingdom only three years, He shall joyn many Colours to his own, Himself afterwards, care, sleep matrirscome.

ANNOT.

_Sardinia_ is an Island in the _Mediterranean_ Sea, now in the possession of the _Spaniard_, since he took the Kingdom of _Naples_, the three first Verses are something intelligible, the last is altogether impossible and barbarous.

LXXXIX.

French.

Pour ne tomber entre mains de son oncle, Qui ses enfans par regner trucidez, Orant au peuple mettant pied sur _Peloncle_, Mort & traisné entre Chevaux bardez.

English.

That he might not fall into the hands of his Uncle, That had murdered his Children for to rule, Taking away from the people, and putting his foot upon _Peloncle_, Dead and drawn among armed Horses.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that an Uncle shall murder his Nephews Children, that he may Reign, and that the said Nephew shall withdraw, and save himself from the said Uncle. The rest is altogether obscure, if not absurd.

XC.

French.

Quand des croisez un trouvé de sens trouble, En lieu du sacre verra un Bœuf cornu, Par vierge porc son lieu lors sera double, Par Roy plus ordre ne sera soustenu.

English.

When of the crossed, one of a troubled mind, In a sacred place shall see a horny Oxe, By Virgin Pork then shall his place be double, By King no henceforth, order shall be maintained.

ANNOT.

By the crossed is understood some order of Knight-hood, who for the most part wear that Badge, one of which being mad, and seeing in a Church a Horny Oxe come, by a Virgin Hog shall be kept from harm, or rescued by a Hog or Sow that was a Virgin, and it seems crossed the said Oxe, that he should not gore the Knight, that then such order of Knighthood shall be no more maintained nor upheld by the King of that Countrey, wherein such thing shall happen.

XCI.

French.

Parmy les Champs des _Rhodanes_ entrées, Ou les croisez seront presques unis, Les deux _Brassiers_ en _Pisces_ rencontrées, Et un grand nombre par Deluge punis.

English.

Through the Fields of the _Rhodanes_ comings in, Where the crossed shall be almost united, The two _Brassiers_ met in _Pisces_, And a great number punished by a Flood.

ANNOT.

_Rhodanus_ in Latine is the River of _Rhosne_, which cometh from _Switzerland_, and passing through the Lake of _Geneva_, runneth to _Lyon_, it seemeth then that in those Fields that are about that River there, will be a fearful inundation, when the _Brassiers_ (or rather _Croziers_, which is a constellation so called) shall meet in _Pisces_, which is one of the twelve Signs of the _Zodiack_.

XCII.

French.

Loin hors du Regne mis en hazard voiage, Grand Ost duyra, pour soy l’occupera, Le Roy tiendra les siens captif, ostage, A son retour tout Pais pillera.

English.

Far from the Kingdom a hazardous journey undertaken, He shall lead a great Army, which he shall make his own, The King shall keep his prisoners, and pledges, At his return he shall plunder all the Countrey.

ANNOT.

These obscure words signifie no more but that a King shall send a great Army far from his Kingdom, the Commander of which Army shall make the Army his own, which the King hearing, shall seize upon the Commanders Relations, and keep them Prisoners and Hostages, for which the said General being angry, shall at his return spoil the Countrey.

XCIII.

French.

Sept mois sans plus obtiendra prelature, Par son decez grand schisme fera naistre, Sept mois tiendra un autre la Preture, Pres de _Venise_ paix union renaistre.

English.

Seven months and no more, he shall obtain the Prelacy, By his decease he shall cause a great Schisme, Another shall be seven months chief Justice, Near _Venice_ peace and union shall grow again.

ANNOT.

By this Prophecy three things are foretold, the first is of a Pope that shall sit but seven months, at whose death there will be a great Schisme; the second is of a great Governour or Chief Justice, such as were called by the ancient _Romans Prætores_, shall be in authority also but seven months; and the third, that hard by _Venice_ all these differences shall be composed, and peace made again.

XCIV.

French.

Devant la Lac ou plus cher fut getté, De sept mois & son Ost desconfit, Seront _Hispans_ par _Albanois_ gastez, Par delay perte en donnant le conflict.

English.

Before the Lake wherein most dear was thrown, Of seven months, and his Army overthrown, _Spaniards_ shall be spoiled by _Albaneses_, By delaying; loss in giving the Battle.

ANNOT.

It is very difficult, if not impossible to tell what our Author meaneth by the Lake, wherein the most dear was thrown, and lost his Army. The _Albaneses_ are a Nation between the _Venetians_ and _Greece_, now for the most part subject to the said _Venetians_.

XCV.

French.

Le Seducteur sera mis dans la Fosse, Et estaché jusques a quelque temps, Le Clerc uny, le Chef avec sa Crosse, Pycante droite attraira les contems.

English.

The Deceiver shall be put into the Dungeon, And bound fast for a while, The Clerk united, the head with his Crosierstaf, Pricking upright, shall draw in the contented.

ANNOT.

The two first Verses are plain, the two last Verses not so, which seemeth to foretell of a great union among the Clergy, which shall draw to them those that were peaceably affected.

XCVI.

French.

La Synagogue sterile sans nul fruit, Sera receue entre les Infideles, De _Babylon_ la fille du poursuit, Misere & triste luy trenchera les Aisles.

English.

The Synagogue barren, without fruit, Shall be received among the Infidels, In _Babylon_, the daughter of the persecuted, Miserable and sad shall cut her wings.

ANNOT.

A Synagogue is a place where the Jews assemble for Divine Worship, as the Christians do in Churches or Temples, the said Jews Synagogue is threatned here to be unfruitful and barren, and chiefly in _Babylon_, by the means of a woman, daughter of one persecuted; belike of some of their own tribe, whom the rest did persecute.

XCVII.

French.

Au fins du _Var_ changer le _Pompotans_, Pres du Rivage, les trois beaux enfans naistre, Ruine au peuple par Aage competans, Regne au Pais changer plus voir croistre.

English.

At the ends of the _Var_ to change the _Pompotans_, Near the Shore shall three fair Children be born, Ruine to the people by competent Age, To change that Countreys Kingdom, and see it grow no more.

ANNOT.

The first Verse being made of insignificant words, as _Var_ and _Pompotans_ cannot be understood; the other three doth foretel of three handsom Children, that shall be born near the Shore, which when they have attained a competent Age, shall change the Kingdom of that Countrey, and suppress it.

XCVIII.

French.

Des gens d’Eglise sang sera espanché, Comme de l’eau en si grande abundance, Et de long temps ne sera retranché, Veüe au Clerc ruine & doleance.

English.

The blood of Churchmen shall be spilt, As water in such abundance, And for a good while shall not be stayed, Ruine and grievance shall be seen to the Clerk.

ANNOT.

This is easie to be understood, which foretelleth a very great persecution to the Clergy-men, _viz._ Papists, of which Religion our Author was, if this be not already past in the Civil Wars of _France_, that were made for Religion, in the beginning of Reformation, where abundance of Clergy-men did perish on both sides.

XCIX.

French.

Par la puissance des trois Rois temporels, En autre lieu sera mis la Saint Siege, Ou la substance de l’Esprit corporel, Sera remis & receu pour vray Siege.

English.

By the power of three Temporal Kings, The Holy See shall be put in another place, Where the substance of the Corporeal Spirit, Shall be restored and admitted for a true seat.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is very remarkable, for the thing it foretelleth, _viz._ a translation of the See of _Rome_, that is, the Popedom into another place by three Temporal Kings, and not onely that, but it seemeth by the sense of the last two Verses, that these will keep the Ecclesiastical authority to themselves.

C.

French.

Pour l’abundance de l’Armée respandue, Du haut en bas, par le bas au plus haut, Trop grande foy par jeu vie perdue, De soif mourir par abondant defaut.

English.

Through the abundance of the Army scattered, High and low, low and high, Too great a belief a life lost in jesting, To die by thirst, through abundance of want.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is, that by reason of a great Army that shall be much scattered, and occupy a great deal of room, water will be so scarce, that some shall die for thirst, it is that he calleth here, _To die by thirst, through abundance of want_.

Other Stanza’s heretofore Printed, under the VIII. CENTURY.

I.

French.

Seront confus plusieurs de leur attente, Aux habitans ne sera pardonné, Qui bien pensoint perseverer l’attente, Mais grand loisir ne leur sera donné.

English.

Many shall be confounded in their expectation, The Citizens shall not be forgiven, Who thought to persevere in their resolution, But there shall not be given them a great leisure for it.

ANNOT.

This is plain, and needeth no interpretation.

II.

French.

Plusieurs viendront & parleront de Paix, Entre Monarques & Seigneurs bien puissans, Mais ne sera accordé de si pres, Que ne se rendent plus qu’autres obeissans.

English.

Many shall come and shall talk of Peace, Between Monarchs and Lords very powerful, But it shall not be agreed to it so soon, If they do not shew themselves more obedient then others.

ANNOT.

We are just now at the Eve of this Prophecy, when so many Princes and Potentates do busie themselves about a Mediation between the two Crowns of _France_ and _Spain_, &c.

III.

French.

Las quelle fureur, helas quelle pitie, Il y aura entre beaucoup de gens, On ne vit onc une tell amitié, Qu’auront les Loups a courir diligens.

English.

Ha! what fury, alas what pitty, There shall be betwixt many people, There was never seen such a friendship, As the Wolfs shall have in being diligent to run.

ANNOT.

It is indeed a great fury and pity to see how wicked people, and chiefly Usurers and false dealers, (understood here by the name of Wolfs) are diligent in doing mischief, and to make good the old Proverb, _Homo homini Lupus_, there being no other Creature but the Wolf that devours those of his own kind.

IV.

French.

Beaucoup de gens viendront parlementer, Aux grand Seigneurs qui leur feront la guerre, On ne voudra en rien les escouter, Helas! si Dieu n’envoie Paix en Terre.

English.

Many folks shall come to speak, To great Lords that shall make War against them, They shall not be admitted to a hearing, Alas! if God doth not send Peace upon Earth.

ANNOT.

This carrieth its sense with it, and is plain.

V.

French.

Plusieurs secours viendront de tous costez, De gens lointains qui voudront resister, Ils seront tout a coup bien hastez, Mais ne pourront pour cette heure assister.

English.

Many helps shall come on all sides, Of people far off, that would fain to resist, They shall be upon a sudden all very hasty, But for the present they shall not be able to assist.

ANNOT.

This seemeth to point at this present conjuncture of affairs, where there is so many buisying themselves about the relief of _Flanders_, of which I see no great likelihood.

VI.

French.

Las quel plaisir ont Princes estrangers, Garde toy bien qu’en ton Pais ne _Vienne_, Il y auroit de terribles dangers, Et en maintes Contrées, mesme en la _Vienne_.

English.

Ha! what pleasure take Forrain Princes? Take heed least any should come into thy Countrey, There should be terrible dangers, In several Countreys, and chiefly in _Vienna_.

ANNOT.

There is two Towns called _Vienna_’s, one is in _Germany_, in the Province of _Austria_, and is the Emperours Seat, the other in _France_, a metter of twenty miles beyond _Lion_, the rest is easie.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Nostradamus.

_CENTURY_ IX.

I.

French.

Dans la maison du Traducteur de _Boure_, Seront les lettres trouvées sur la Table, Borgne, roux blanc, chenu, tiendra de cours, Qui changera au nouveau Connestable.

English.

In the house of the Translator of _Boure_, The Letters shall be found upon the Table, Blind of one eye, red, white, hoary, shall keep its course, Which shall change at the coming of the new Constable.

ANNOT.

It is not easie to understand what he meaneth by the Translator of _Boure_, unless it be some mean and pittiful fellow, that lived by Translating things from one language into another, because the _French_ use to call a man that is inconsiderable, _un homme du boure_, that is a man of Flocks; and so much the more I am of this opinion, because of the scurvy Epithetes, he attributeth to the same person, by which he might easily be known as _blind of one eye, red, white, hoary_, &c.

II.

French.

Du haut du Mont _Aventin_ voix ouye, Vuidez, vuidez de tous les deux costez, Du sang des rouges sera l’Ire assouvie, D’_Arimin_, _Prato_, Columna debotez.

English.

From the top of Mount _Aventin_, a voice was heard, Get you gone, get you gone on all sides, The Choler shall be fed with the blood of the red ones, From _Arimini_ and _Prato_, the Colonnas shall be driven away.

ANNOT.

Mount _Aventine_ is one of the seven Mountains of _Rome_, from the top of which our Author saith that a voice was heard crying and repeating, _get you gone_, and the reason is, because choler and anger shall feed upon the blood of the Cardinals, understood here by the name of _red ones_.

_Arimini_ and _Prato_ are two cities in _Italy_.

The _Colonna_ is the chiefest and ancientest family of _Rome_.

III.

French.

Le _magna vaqua_ a _Ravenne_ grand trouble, Conduits par quinze enserrez a _Fornase_, A _Rome_ naistra deux Monstres a teste double, Sang, feu, deluge, les plus grands a l’espase.

English.

The _Magna vaqua_ great trouble at _Ravenna_, Conducted by fifteen, shut up at _Fornase_, At _Rome_ shall be born two Monsters with a double head, Blood, fire, Flood, the greater ones astonished.

ANNOT.

This word of _Magna vaqua_ is either falsly printed, or altogether barbarous and insignificant, and so is that of _Fornase_, which maketh the two first Verses incapable of translation; the other are easie.

IV.

French.

L’An ensuivant descouverts par Deluge, Deux chefs esleus, le premier ne tiendra, De fuyr ombre a l’un deux le refuge, Saccagée case qui premier maintiendra.

English.

The year following being discovered by a Flood, Two Chiefs elected, the first shall not hold, To fly from shade, to one shall be a refuge, That house shall be plundered which shall maintain the first.

ANNOT.

Our Author meaneth, that the year after the former Prophecy is come to pass, this shall also be fulfilled, whereby two Chief Commanders shall be chosen, the first of which shall not stand, but shall be compelled to run away, and to seek his security in the open Fields, and that house that did uphold the first shall be plundered.

V.

French.

Tiers doigt du pied au premier semblera, A un nouveau Monarque de bas haut, Qui _Pise_ & _Luiques_ tyran occupera, Du precedent corriger le defaut.

English.

The third toe of the foot shall be like the first, To a new high Monarch come from low estate, Who being a Tyrant shall cease upon _Pise_ and _Luica_, To correct the faults of him that preceded him.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that some body pretending to mend the Government of those two places that are in Italy, shall tyrannically make himself Master of them.

VI.

French.

Par la _Guyenne_ infinité d’_Anglois_, Occuperont par nom d’_Angle Aquitaine_, Du _Languedoc_. _I._ palme _Bourdelois_, Quils nommeront apres _Barboxitaine_.

English.

There shall be in _Guyenna_ an infinite number of _English_, Who shall occupy it by the name of _Angle Aquitaine_, Of _Languedoc_, _I_ by the Land of _Bourdeaux_, Which afterwards they shall call _Barboxitaine_.

ANNOT.

Here is foretold a famous invasion, that shall be made by the _English_ upon that part of _France_ called _Guyenne_, and in Latine _Aquitania_, of which _Bourdeaux_ is the chief City, insomuch, that the _English_ afterwards shall call that Countrey _Angl’ Aquitaine_.

VII.

French.

Qui ouvrira le Monument trouvé, Et ne viendra le serrer promptement, Mal luy viendra & ne poura prouvé, Si mieux doibt estre Roy _Breton_ ou _Normand_.

English.

He that shall open the Sepulchre found, And shall not close it up again presently, Evil will befall him, and he shall not be able to prove Whether is best a _Britain_ or _Norman_ King.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is perspicuous.

VIII.

French.

Puisnay Roy fait son pere mettre a mort, Apres conflict de mort tres in honeste, Escrit trouvé soupcon, donra, remort, Quand loup chassé pose sur la couchete.

English.

A younger King causeth his father to be put To a dishonest death, after a Battle, Writing shall be found, that shall give suspicion and remorse, When a hunted Wolf shall rest upon a truckle bed.

ANNOT.

The words and sense are plain.

IX.

French.

Quand Lampe ardente de feu inextinguible, Sera trouvée au Temple des Vestales, Enfant trouvée, feu, eau passant par crible, _Nismes_ eau perir, _Tholouse_ cheoir les Halles.

English.

When a Lamp burning with unquenchable fire, Shall be found in the Temple of the Vestals, A Child shall be found, Water running through a Sieve, _Nismes_ to perish by Water, the Market-hall shall fall at _Tholouse_.

ANNOT.

The ancient _Vestals_, were a Kind of Religious Virgins in the ancient _Romans_ time, who if they did forfeit their honour, were buried alive in a Cave, with a little Bread and Water, and a Lamp burning, our Author would have, that when a Lamp shall be found lighted with an unquenchable fire, in that place where then their Temple was, that then _Nismes_ (which is a City of _Languedoc_), shall perish by Water, and the Market-hall of _Tholouse_ shall fall, whether such a Lamp may be contrived as to burn with an unquenchable fire, is too long and tedious a discourse to be disputed here.

X.

French.

Moine, Moinesse d’Enfant mort exposé, Mourir par Ourse & ravy par verrier, Par _Foix_ & _Panniers_ le Camp sera posé, Contre _Tholose_, _Carcas_, dresser forrier.

English.

Monk and Nun having exposed a dead Child, To be killed by a she Bear, and snatcht away by a Glazier, The Camp shall be set by _Foix_ and _Panniers_, And against _Tholouse_, _Carcas_ shall raise a Harbinger.

ANNOT.

_Foix_ and _Panniers_ are two Towns in _Languedoc_, and so are _Tholouse_ and _Carcassonne_, called here _Carcas_, for the abbreviation of the Verse, the sense then of this prophecy is, that when the two first Verses shall come to pass, that then an Army shall lie about those Towns, and _Carcassonne_ shall be against _Thoulouse_.

XI.

French.

Le juste a tort a mort l’on viendra mettre, Publiquement, & du milieu estaint, Si grande Peste en ce lieu viendra naistre, Que les Jugeans fouyr seront contraints.

English.

The just shall be put to death wrongfully, Publickly, and being taken out of the midst, So great a Plague shall break into that place, That the Judges shall be compelled to run away.

ANNOT.

Many understand this of the late King, and last Plague.

XII.

French.

Le tant d’argent de _Diane_ & _Mercure_, Les simulachres au Lac seront trouvez, Le Figulier cherchant argille neuve, Luy & les siens, d’or seront abreuvez.

English.

The so much Silver of _Diana_ and _Mercury_, The Statues shall be found in the Lake, The Potter seeking for new clay, He and his shall be filled with Gold.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning a _Potter_, who seeking and digging for new Clay, shall find in a drained Lake the Statues of _Diana_ and _Mercury_ all of silver, besides other great riches; seeing this Prophecy is not come to pass yet (that I know) it will not be amiss, for the divertisement of the Reader, to relate here a notable and authentical History of a Potter that hath much ressemblance with this, and will be a convincing Argument, that Mines grow in the Earth as Turfs do, and as _Virgil_ sayeth of the golden branch:

_Uno avulso non deficit alter._

It is written by Doctor _de Rochas_, Physitian to the present Chancellor or _France_, who was upon the place, and an eye witness of the circumstances of it, having also an interest in it, in the behalf of his Father, who was overseer of the Mines in that Province, therefore I shall relate it in his own words, as they are in his Book of _Mineral Waters_.

[Sidenote: _A notable History._]

In _Provence_ near _Thoulon_, is a Mountain called _Carquairené_, at the foot of which and near the brim of the Sea, there dwelled a Potter with all his tools about him; It chanced that on a day as he went to fetch Wood in that Mountain, to bake his wares, he heard a voice of a little Kid, which some Shepherd had left behind them unawares, and was fallen in a little hole that answered to natural, great and deep Caves; this man seeing no Shepherds about him, thought presently it was a strayed Kid, therefore he followed the cry with his ear so directly, that he came by the orifice of that hole, where he heard and saw the Kid, which he resolved to carry away with his Wood, therefore he took the Cords that were at his Mules Saddle, and that he used to bind his Load with, and with the help of them, and of some big pieces of Wood he got down, where, he did observe round about him many other Caves, contiguous and separated from this, which his curiosity caused him to view, and found in the chief of these Caves a great quantity of stones heaped upon one another, & of a substance and colour of Brass, and among the rest there was one that came forth out of the Rock, about the bigness, shape, and length of a mans arm, when it is stretched out; he did apparently judge that the weight and brittleness of that matter had caused those stones to fall down, and that the same that he saw come out of the Rock in this manner, was already loose and like to fall; this man finding himself among such an abundance of rich Lingots, which fortune did offer him, did not know the value of them, but did like the Cock of _Æsop_ which left the precious Pearl to take the Corn of Wheat; thus this _Jason_ took very little of this Golden Fleece, and only a small piece, which he broke from a bigger with one of his Tools, and imployed all his industry to carry away his Kid, which at last with much ado he got out, and carried upon his Mule, believing certainly that this provision would be more profitable to him and his Family, then the yellow stone which he had in his pocket, weighing about five pounds, and which he intended to give to a Tinker of _Thoulon_, his Gossip and good friend, in hope that for the same he might be presented with a bottle of Wine, to keep company to his Kid; and accordingly the next morning by break of day he went to _Thoulon_ and stayed in the Shop of his friend, who did look with admiration upon so resplendent Brass; a Gold-smith who lodged over the way, and observed the splendor of that Divine mettal, drew near, and presently would have bargained for it, with a great deal of transportation and alteration. The Potter asked him only twenty pence, which the Gold-Smith would have given him presently, but the Tinker making sign to him to retract his words, he put his lingot in his pocket again, with protestation that he would not part with it, unless he had something that were worth the pains of going where he had it; in conclusion, after many contestations and disputes, the Potter who did suspect that it might be gold, would not sell nor deliver it under the sum of thirty Crowns, which the Gold-Smith paid him presently, and which he carried away with more joy, then if he had been possessor of greater riches; the Gold-smith on the other side, who thought that his profit would be above a hundred pounds sterlings, did refine this stone, that was about five pound weight, out of which he drew four pound weight, of very good and pure gold, the rest was a kind of dross, that made it thus brittle; one ought not to think that the Mine is all of the same perfection, but it purifieth it self, according as nature thrusteth it out of the Rock, as we see that Rubies and Emeralds are purer, then the Rock from whence they come. This Gold-Smith having found such fortune, and being resolved to make the best use of it, went to the Lord _Scaravaque_, then Governour of the Town, and imparted unto him this new discovery, that he might have his assistance and favour in it, and that under his power and authority he might follow and wait upon this precious business without being disturbed by any body, to which the Governour did so much the easier consent, that this Tradesman did oblidge himself to give him the best part of the profit that should arise from thence, and that should exceed any Travels into the _Indies_ or _Peru_.

In the mean time the Potter was not asleep, the Gold-smiths money had stirred his appetite, and the charm of this witchcraft that worketh generally upon all spirits, did put him upon new hopes. He went into the Mountain with his wife, and with the help of a rope Ladder, which he had provided, and some Iron tools, wherewith he had loaded his Mule, he went down into the Caves, and with much endeavour did at last break that piece, that came out of the Rock like a mans arm, because all the other that were tumbled upon the ground, were so big and heavy that he could not remove them, when he had broken it down, though it were about fourscore and two pounds weight, nevertheless with the help of his wife and of his Ropes and Ladder he got out again, and stopt the hole with a large stone, and some Earth, upon which he planted some small Bushes so ingeniously, that this hole could never be found out again.

The Lord _Scaravaque_ who was most impatient, to conquer like another _Jason_ this Golden Fleece, and who was set on by the persuasions of the Gold-smith, sent for the Potter, under pretence to employ him in the making and furnishing of some Tiles and other small commodities that depended on his art. The Potter obeyed presently, drawn by the hopes to sell his wares well, and mistrusting nothing at all what they would ask him. As soon as he came, the Governour asked him and perswaded him with the best and most flattering words he could, to tell where he had the yellow stone that he sold to the Gold-smith. The Potter who more and more began to know the value of this rare Treasure, invented presently a lie, to free himself of the importunity of them that would have deceived him; therefore with an ingenuity, as simple as artificial he answered, he had found it upon the brim of the Sea, where may be some Ship had been cast away, or the Waves had cast it upon the shore.

The Governour answered that this could not be, and therefore threatned him of violence, and to send for all that he had in his House, which put the fellow into a great perplexity, because of the other stone that should be found there, therefore he chose rather to give it them out of his good will, then to put himself in danger of loosing all, and perchance of being abused to boot, without any more ado, he ingenuously confessed he had another piece of the same stuff as the former in his House, which he had likewise found in the same place, which he was ready to put into their hands, provided he might have his share of it, and be suffered to get his livelihood peaceably. The Lord _Scaravaque_ did promise him all what he desired, and gave him some men to keep him company, with command to bring him back again, and to take special care he should not make an escape. At last this poor man came back again with that piece, which did more inflame the passion that the Governour had to know the place whence came that rich treasure; but neither for prayers, promises, or threats he would never reveal it, which did oblige the Governour to shut him up close in a Chamber, where nevertheless they gave him Victuals and made ready a Bed, but he refused both, and by an extraordinary sadness, gave shew that some notorious mischance was waiting on him, which proved true, for he was found dead in the Morning; which did put the Lord _Scaravaque_ in a grief unexpressible, to see himself deprived by this accident, of the fruit that his hopes had made him conceive. He had recourse to the Potters wife for this discovery, but she could never attain to it, whatsoever exact searches she could make: yea, and after she was married again with a young man, who had spent in that search most of his time. The Lord _Scaravaque_ and other persons of quality have employed all their skills and endeavours, but all their industry and charges have been without effect, as well as of many others, who attempted the same; about that time my Father who was overseer of the Mines in _Provence_, having received the news of a business of such consequence, that did concern his place, went presently unto that Mountain, to see if he could discover those wonders, I was then in his company, as also that woman, _viz._ the Potters wife, who carried us in several places for many days, without any success at all, although she gave notice that she could here the Waves of the Sea, when she was in the Cave with her first Husband, so that all our endeavours proved fruitless and unprofitable, because my Father fell sick, which made us forsake our quest, which is of such a consequence as not to be neglected.

During the time of our painful visiting that Mountain, I did consider the particularities of that rich Mountain, and observed that the top of it was almost all Azur, which tokens are the beams of that golden Sun and are the hairs of that fair goodness, under whose feet all things submit; in a word, are the true and infallible signs that underneath are Mines of Gold and Silver. And as I have directed all my thoughts many times to find out the means to compass so excellent a work, whose profit would surpass all what the _Indies_ furnish unto strangers, and that with so much less charges and danger, that there is no heed of Ships or Fleet to cross over the Sea, from one Pole to the other, nor fight against any enemies: at last I have attained to a certain knowledge, which putteth me in hope, and makes me promise and engage my word, that at least I shall find a thred of that golden Mine, which may chance to lead us to the Centre of all these Treasures, but the Royal Authority being necessary to prop up this design, it belongeth to his Majesty to take what course he thinketh best for this, and to me to obey, execute his will. This digression which is an assured experiment, (that is a certain truth), is not come into this discourse, but only to prove that Mines grow by augmentation, in converting into their own nature the more subtle parts of the Neighbouring Earth. Thus far Doctor _de Rochas_.

XIII.

French.

Les Exilez autour de la _Sologne_, Conduits de nuict pour marcher en l’_Auxois_, Deux de _Modene_ truculent de _Bologne_, Mis discouverts par feu de _Burancois_.

English.

The banished about _Sologne_, Being conducted by night to go into _Auxois_, Two of _Modena_, the cruel of _Bolonia_, Shall be discovered by the fire of _Burancois_.

ANNOT.

_Sologne_ is a Province in _France_, between the _Perche_ and the _Main_. _Auxois_ is a Countrey in the South of _France_, so called of its chief Town called _Auch_, the seat of an Archbishop. _Modena_ is a Town in _Italy_, and _Bolonia_ another not far from it. _Burancois_ is a part of the Province of _Dauphiné_. The meaning then of this Prophecy is, this being known, the Reader may easily find out the rest of the sense.

XIV.

French.

Mis en planure chauderon d’Infecteurs, Vin miel en huile & bastis sur Fourneaux, Seront plongez sans mal dit malfacteurs, Sept. fum. extaint au Canon des _Borneaux_.

English.

A Dyers Kettle being put an a Plein, With Wine, Honey and Oil, and built upon Furnace, Shall be dipt, without evil, called Malefactors, Seven. fum. put out at the Canon of _Borneaux_.

ANNOT.

This hath a relation to the punishment, which in some parts of _France_ and _Flanders_ is inflicted upon false Coiners, which are commonly boiled in Oil, in a great Kettle, such as our Author here saith belong to Dyers. The Author then will have that the time shall come, when seven of that gang shall be so punished together in a Plain, where a great Kettle shall be set for that purpose upon a Furnace.

XV.

French.

Pres de _Parpan_ les rouges detenus, Ceux du milieu parfondrez menez loing, Trois mis en pieces, & cinq mal soustenus, Pour le Seigneur & Prelat de _Bourgoing_.

English.

Near unto _Parpan_ the red ones detained, Those of the middle sunk and carried far off, Three cut in pieces, and five ill backed, For the Lord and Prelate of _Burgoing_.

ANNOT.

_Parpan_ is either a barbarous or fained name, by the _red ones_, he hath hitherto understood some Cardinals, the Reader may expound the rest according to his fancy.

XVI.

French.

De _Castel Franco_ sortira l’assemblée, L’Ambassadeur non plaisant fera Schisme, Ceux de _Riviere_ seront en la meslée, Et au grand Goulphre desnieront l’entrée.

English.

Out of _Castel Franco_ shall come the Assembly, The Embassador not pleased, shall make a Schisme, Those of _Riviere_ shall be in the medley, And shall deny the entry of the great Gulf.

ANNOT.

_Castel Franco_ is a Town in _Piemont_; _Riviere_ is a strong Castle in _Burgundy_, but what he meaneth by the great Gulfe, is more then I can tell.

XVII.

French.

Le tiers premier, pis que ne fit _Neron_, Vuidez vaillant que sang humain respandre, Redifier fera le Forneron, Siecle d’or mort, nouveau Roy grand esclandre.

English.

The third first, worse than ever did _Nero_, Go out valliant, he shall spill much humane blood, He shall cause the Forneron to be builded again, Golden Age dead, new King great troubles.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy pointeth directly at our Authors Master _Charles_ the IX. King of _France_, whom he calleth he _the third first_, because he was the third son to _Henry_ II. and came to be King, using more cruelties then ever _Nero_ did, for he was the cause of the Massacre of the Protestants in _France_ in the year 1572. where above a hundred thousand people were murdered. _Forneron_ is a barbarous word, put here to make a Verse, and to rhime with _Neron_. At that time he saith the _Golden Age was dead_, and upon the coming of a new King, who was _Henry_ III. great tumults did happen, and great Wars, as is to be seen in the _French_ History.

XVIII.

French.

Le Lys _Dauffois_ portera dans _Nancy_, Jusques en _Flanders_ Electeur de l’Empire, Neusve obturée au grand _Montmorency_, Hors lieux pronez delivre a clere peyne.

English.

_Dauffois_ shall carry the Lillie into _Nancy_, As far as _Flanders_ the Elector of the Empire, New hinderance to great _Montmorency_, Out of proved places, delivered to a clear pain.

ANNOT.

Although the words and sense of this Prophecy be most obscure, nevertheless we shall endeavour as much as we can to render them something intelligible to the Reader.

By the first Verse is to be understood that _Dauffois_, or rather _Dauphinois_, which is the Title of the Kings of _France_ eldest Son shall carry the Lillie, which is the Arms of _France_ into _Nancy_, the chief Town in _Lorrain_, which came to pass in the time of the last King _Lewis_ the XIII.

By the second Verse is understood the Elector of _Triers_, who was taken by the _Spaniards_ in his own Town, and carried prisoner to _Bruxelles_.

By the third and fourth is expressed the ill luck of the Duke of _Montmorency_, who having taken part with the Duke of _Lorrain_, and the Duke of _Orleans_ the Kings Brother, was routed in a Battle, taken prisoner, and afterwards beheaded at _Thoulouse_.

XIX.

French.

Dans le milieu de la Forest _Mayenne_, _Sol_ au _Lion_ la Foudre tombera, Le grand Bastard issu du grand _du Maine_, Ce jour _Fougeres_ pointe en sang entrera.

English.

In the middle of the Forrest of _Mayenne_, _Sol_ being in _Leo_ the Lightning shall fall, The great Bastard begot by the great _du Main_, That day _Fougeres_ shall enter its point into blood.

ANNOT.

_Fougeres_ is either the name of a Town in little _Britanny_, or that of a Noble House, the words are very plain, therefore I leave the sense to every ones capacity.

XX.

French.

De nuit viendra par la Forest de _Rennes_, Deux parts _Voltorte Herne_, la pierre blanche, Le Moine noir en gris dedans _Varennes_, Esleu Cap. cause tempeste, feu, sang tranche.

English.

By night shall come through the Forrest of _Rennis_, Two parts _Voltorte Herne_, the white stone, The black Monk in gray within _Varennes_, Elected Cap. causeth tempest, fire, blood cutteth.

ANNOT.

_Rennes_ is the chief Town of little _Britanny_; the second Verse being made of barbarous words, is impossible to be understood. The third and fourth Verse signifieth, that when a black Monk in that Town of _Varennes_ shall put on a gray sute, he shall be elected Captain, and cause a great tempest or broils by fire and blood.

XXI.

French.

Au Temple hault de _Blois_ sacre _Salonne_, Nuict Pont de _Loire_, Prelat, Roy pernicant, Cuiseur victoire aux marests de la _Lone_, D’ou Prelature de blancs abormeant?

English.

At the high Temple of _Blois_ sacred _Salonne_, In the night the Bridge of _Loire_, Prelat, King mischievous, A smarting Victory in the Marsh of _Lone_, Whence Prelature of white ones shall be abortive.

ANNOT.

There is a mistake in the first Verse, for instead of _Salonne_, it must be written _Soulaire_, which is a _Priory_ and Church at the top of _Blois_, all the rest signifieth that in one night these shall happen, _viz._ that the Bridge, the Prelat, and a pernicious King with a smart victory shall perish, whence the Prelature, that is the place of Command upon the white ones, _viz._ Canons and Prebends in their Surplices, shall be void and empty.

XXII.

French.

Roy & sa Cour au lieu de la _langue halbe_, Dedans le Temple vis a vis du Palais, Dans le Jardin Duc de _Montor_ & d’_Albe_, _Albe_ & _Mantor_, poignard, langue, en Palais.

English.

King and his Court in the place of _langue halbe_, Within the Church over against the _Pallace_, In the Garden Duke of _Montor_ and _Albe_, _Albe_ and _Mantor_, dagger, tongue and Pallate.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is very obscure, for, first no body can tell what he meaneth by _langue halbe_, which is the foundation of all the rest of the sense; Secondly, what this Duke of _Montor_ and _Mantor_ should be, which has been unknown in the Histories hitherto; and thirdly, what construction and sense can be made of these disjunctives: _Albe_, _Mantor_, _Dagger_, _Tongue_, _Palate_. Therefore i’le leave it free to every bodies opinion to make his construction.

XXIII.

French.

Puisnay jouant au fresch dessous la tonne, Le haut du toit du milieu sur la teste, Le Pere Roy au Temple Saint _Solonne_, Sacrifiant sacrera sum de feste.

English.

The youngest Son playing under the tun, The top of the House shall fall upon his head, The King his Father in the Temple of Saint _Soulaine_, Sacrificing shall make festival smoak.

ANNOT.

By this is meant, that the youngest Son of a King, shall be knocked in the head, while he is a playing under a tun; his Father being at the same time in the Temple of Saint _Soulaine_ at Mass.

XXIV.

French.

Sur le Palais au Rocher des Fenestres, Seront ravis les deux petits Roiaux, Passer _Aurelle_, _Lutece_, _Denis_ cloistres, _Nonnain_, _Mollods_ avaler verts noiaux.

English.

Upon the Pallace at the Rock of the Windows; Shall be carried the two little Royal ones, To pass _Aurele_, _Lutece_, _Denis_ Cloisters, _Nonnain_, _Mollods_ to swallow green stones of fruit.

ANNOT.

These two or three last Stanzas have been concerning the City of _Blois_, to which it seemeth that this hath also relation, for he saith that two little Royal Children shall be carried at the top of the Castle, and shall be conveyed beyond _Aurelle_ (which is _Orleans_ in Latine _Aurelianum_) _Lutece_, which is _Paris_; S. _Denis_ Cloisters, which is beyond _Paris_, and a Nunnery besides, where it is like they shall be left to eat green stones of fruit, which is not easie to be understood, no more then the word _Mollods_.

XXV.

French.

Passant les Ponts, venir prez de Roziers, Tard arrivé plustost quil cuidera, Viendront les noves _Espagnols_ a _Beziers_, Qui icelle chasse emprinse cassera.

English.

Going over the Bridge to come near the Rose-trees, Come late, and sooner then he thought, The new _Spaniards_ shall come to _Beziers_, Who shall cashiere this new undertaken hunting.

ANNOT.

_Beziers_ is a City in _Languedoc_; the rest may be construed by the meanest capacity.

XXVI.

French.

Nise sortie sur nom des Lettres aspres, La grande Cappe fera present non sien, Proche de _Vultry_ aux murs des vertes capres, Apres _Plombin_ le vent a bon escient.

English.

A silly going out, caused by sharp Letters The great Cap shall give what is not his, Near _Vultry_ by the Walls of green Capers, About _Piombino_ the wind shall be in good earnest.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that there shall be a silly surrendring of a Town, caused by sharp and threatning Letters that shall be sent into it. By the great _Cap_ he useth to understand the _Pope_, who he saith shall give what is not it, as he hath done many times; _Vultry_, in Latine _Velitrum_, and _Piombino_ are two Cities in _Italy_, which are threatned here with mighty winds.

XXVII.

French.

De bois la garde vent clos ront Pont sera, Haut le receu frappera le _Dauphin_, Le vieux _Teccon_ bois unis passera, Passant plus outre du Duc le droit confin.

English.

The Fence being of Wood, close Wind, Bridge shall be broken, He that’s received high, shall strike at the _Dolphin_, The old _Teccon_ shall pass over smooth Wood, Going over the right confines of the Duke.

ANNOT.

The first Verse signifieth that a woodden Bridge shall be broken by a close wind, as did happen to the Millers Bridge, and the Birds Bridge in _Paris_.

The second Verse seemeth to foretel the conspiracy of the Mareshal of _Biron_, against _Henry_ IV. his Dolphin and Estate.

The third and fourth, the Wars and Conquest which the said King (whom he called old _Teccon_), made upon the Duke of _Savoy_, who had corrupted the said Marshal of _Biron_.

XXVIII.

French.

Voile _Symacle_, Port _Massiliolique_, Dans _Venise_ Port marcher aux _Pannons_, Partir du Goulfre & sinus _Illirique_, Vast a _Sicile_, _Ligurs_ coups de Canon.

English.

_Symaclian_ Sail, _Massilian_ Port, In _Venice_ to march towards the _Hungarians_, To go away from the Gulf and _Illirick_ Sea, Toward _Sicily_, the _Genoeses_ with Cannon shots.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth by _Symaclian Sail_, is not easie to determine; _Massilian Port_ is that of _Marseilles_ in _France_, called in Latine _Massilia_, the sense of this Prophecy then if any be, is, that a great Fleet shall go from thence to _Venice_, to carry succours to the _Hungarians_, who it seemeth shall be much distressed at that time by the _Turks_, and that _Sicily_ and _Genoa_ shall add to this Fleet a considerable succour of Men, and Warlike Munition.

XXIX.

French.

Lors que celuy qu’a nul ne donne lieu, Abandonner voudra lieu prins non pris, Feu, Nef, par faignes, bitument a _Charlieu_, Seront _Quintin_, _Bales_ repris.

English.

When he that giveth place to no body, Shall forsake the place taken, and not taken, Fire, Ship, by bleeding bituminous at _Charlieu_, Then _Quintin_ and _Bales_ shall be taken again.

ANNOT.

_He that giveth place to no body_ is the Pope; as for the last Verse, I had rather read St. _Quintin_ and _Gales_, which are two considerable Towns in _France_, then otherwise.

That place taken, not taken was the City of _Noyon_ in _Picardy_, which was taken by the _Spanish_ Cavalry, cloathed after the _French_ Mode, which stratagem deceived the Citizens and Soldiers that defended it: so he saith taken, because it fell into the hands of the _Spaniards_, and _not taken_, because it was by a stratagem or deceit.

XXX.

French.

Au Port de _Puola_ & de St. _Nicolas_, Perir _Normande_ au Gouffre _Phanatique_, Cap de _Bizance_ rues crier Helas! Secours de _Gaddes_ & du grand _Philippique_.

English.

At the Harbour of _Puola_ and of St. _Nicolas_, A _Norman_ Ship shall perish in the Phanatick Gulf, At the Cape of _Byzantium_ the streets shall cry Alas! Succours from _Cadis_ and from the great _Philippe_.

ANNOT.

_Puola_ is for _Paulo_ here, and by it is understood the port of _Malta_, which being Besieged by the _Turks_, _Philip_ the II. King of _Spain_, sent an Army to relieve it, which made those of _Byzantium_ (which is _Constantinople_) cry alas, _&c._

XXXI.

French.

Le tremblement de Terre a _Mortara_, _Cassich_, St. _George_ a demy perfondrez, Paix assoupie la guerre esuaillera, Dans Temple a Pasques abysmes enfondrez.

English.

There shall be an Earthquake at _Mortara_, _Cassich_, St. _George_ shall be half swallowed up, The War shall awake the sleeping pace, Upon Easterday shall be a great hole sunk in the Church.

ANNOT.

_Mortara_ is a Town in _Italy_, by _Cassich_ and St. _George_ he meaneth two other places.

XXXII.

French.

De fin _Porphire_ profond Collon trouvée Dessoubs la laze escrits Capitolin, Os, poil retors, _Romain_ force prouvée, Classe agiter au Port de _Methelin_.

English.

A deep Column of fine _Porphyry_ shall be found, Under whose Basis shall be _Roman_ writings, Bones, haires twisted, _Roman_ force tried, A Fleet a gathering about the Port of _Methelin_.

ANNOT.

_Porphiry_ is a kind of hard red Marble speckled with white spots, which is very scarce, and chiefly in great pieces; our Author then saieth that a great Colomn of that stuff shall be found, and about the Basis of it some words in Roman Characters, and that about that time a great Fleet shall be a gathering at the Port of _Methelin_, which is an Island in the _Archipelago_, belonging now to the _Turks_, as for the third Verse, I cannot tell what to make of it.

XXXIII.

French.

_Hercules_ Roy de _Rome_ & _Dannemark_, De _Gaule_ trois _Gayon_ surnommé, Trembler l’_Itale_ & l’un de Saint _Marc_, Premier sur tous Monarque renommée.

English.

_Hercules_ King of _Rome_, and _Denmark_, Of _France_ three _Guyon_ surnamed, Shall cause _Italy_ to quake and one of St. _Marck_, He shall be above all a famous Monarch.

ANNOT.

All these intricated words and sense foretell that, when a King of _Danmarck_ named _Hercules_ shall be made King of the _Romans_, that then _Italy_ and _Venice_ it self shall stand in great fear of him; and that he shall be as great a Prince or Monarch as ever was in _Europe_; and that very likely, for by his dignity of King of the _Romans_ he consequently shall attain to the Empire.

XXXIV.

French.

Le part solus Mary sera Mitré; Retour conflict passera sur la tuille, Par cinq cens un trahir sera tultré, _Narbon_ & _Saulce_ par coutaux avons d’huile.

English.

The separated Husband shall wear a Miter, Returning, Battle he shall go over the Tyle, By five hundred one dignified shall be betrayed, _Narbon_ and _Salces_ shall have Oil by the Quintal.

ANNOT.

The first Verse signifieth, that some certain man who was married, shall be parted from his wife, and shall attain to some great Ecclesiastical Dignity.

The second Verse is, that in coming back from some place or entreprise, he shall be met and fought with, and compelled to escape over the Tyles of a House.

The third Verse is, that a man of great account shall be betrayed by five hundred of his men.

And the last, that when these things shall come te pass, _Narbon_ and _Salces_, which are two Cities of _Languedoc_, shall reap and make a great deal of Oil.

XXXV.

French.

Et _Ferdinand_ blonde sera descorte, Quitter la fleur suivre le _Macedon_, Au grand besoing defaillira sa routte, Et marchera contre le _Myrmidon_.

English.

And _Ferdinand_, having a Troop of faire men, Shall leave the flower to follow the _Macedonian_, At his great need his way shall fail him, And he shall go against the _Myrmidon_.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy ought to be understood of an Emperour of _Germany_, whose name shall be _Ferdinand_, who being accompanied with many _Germans_, that for the most part are faire haired people shall come and War against _Græcia_, which is expressed here by the names of _Macedon_ and _Myrmidon_, the first of which is a Countrey, and the last a Nation, both in _Græcia_.

XXXVI.

French.

Un grand Roy prins entre les mains d’un jeune, Non loin de Palques confusion, coup cultre: Perpet. cattif temps que foudre en la Hune, Trois Freres lors se blesseront & meurtre.

English.

A great King taken in the hands of a young one, Not far from Easter, confusion, stroke of a knife, Shall commit, pittiful time, the fire at the top of the Mast, Three Brothers then shall wound one another, and murder done.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1560. when _Antony_ of _Bourbon_ King of _Navarre_, and his Brother _Lewis_ of _Bourbon_ Prince of _Condé_, coming to King _Francis_ II. at _Orleans_, upon the 29. of _October_, the Prince of _Condé_ was put in prison, and the King of _Navarre_ arrested. The Lord _Andrew Fauyn_ in his History of _Navarre_, saith, that the opinion of the Councel was, that the Prince of _Condé_ should be beheaded, for having been the chief of the conspiracy at _Amboise_, and the King of _Navarre_ should be stabbed in the Kings Chamber by the King himself, assisted by others for that purpose. The Lady of _Montpensier_ gave notice of it to the King of _Navarre_, who being sent for by the King, charged expresly _Cattin_ his waiting man and an old servant of his Father take a care and preserve his bloody shirt after his death till his son came to Age, to revenge it upon the murderers. God be thanked this came not to pass, for the King having called him, and going about to provoke him with foul words, he answered so meekly and humbly, that the Kings anger was appeased, where upon the Duke of _Guise_ going out of the room said, _O what a cowardly Prince is this_. These things are expressed in the first and second Verse, when he saith that a great King should be put in Prison by a young one, because _Antony_ of _Bourbon_, though he was not a great King in Lands, yet he was a great one in courage and prudence. And it was _not far from Easter_, sith it was but five months before, _viz._ from the beginning of _November_, to the sixth of _April_ 1591 which was Easterday; the Author putteth in this circumstance, because the next Easter after, the King of _Navarre_ was made General of _France_ under the Queen Regent.

He addeth _the blow of a Knife_, as we have shewed; he also saith _a lasting bad time_, which proved very true; moreover, he saith, _what lightning in the Hunt_ or Topmast, because King _Francis_ died presently after. In the fourth Verse he saith, _that three Brothers shall be hurt and killed_, those three Brothers were _Antony_ of _Bourbon_ King of _Navarre_, killed at the Siege at _Rouen_, the Cardinal of _Bourbon_, and _Lewis_ of _Bourbon_ Prince of _Condé_, killed at the Battle of _Jarnac_.

XXXVII.

French.

Pont & Molins en _December_ versez, En si haut lieu montera la _Garonne_: Murs, Edifice, _Thoulouse_ renversez, Qu’on ne scaura son lieu coutant matrone.

English.

Bridges and Mills in _December_ overturned, In so high a place the _Garonne_ shall come, Walls, Building, _Thoulose_ overturned, So that none shall know its place, so much Matrone.

ANNOT.

Here is foretold a prodigious inundation of the River _Garonne_, in the month of _December_, by which the Walls, Building, and the City of _Thoulouse_ is threatned to be overturned. The last word of all is barbarous, and added to make up the rhime.

XXXVIII.

French.

L’Entrée de _Blaye_ par _Rochelle_ & l’_Anglios_, Passera outre le grand _Æmathien_: Non loing d’_Agen_ attendra le _Gaulois_, Secours _Narbonne_ deceu par entretien.

English.

The coming in at _Blaye_ by _Rochel_ and the _English_, Shall go beyond the great _Æmathien_, Not far from _Agen_ shall expect the _French_, Help from _Narbonne_ deceived by entertainment.

ANNOT.

For the better understanding of this, the hard words must first be made plain; _Blaye_ is a City upon the River _Garonne_, and the Port-Town to _Bourdeaux_; _Rochel_ is a City upon the same Coast; _Agen_ is a City in _Gascony_ not far from _Bourdeaux_, and _Narbonne_ is a City in _Languedoc_, by the Mediterranean Sea; _Æmathian_ was formerly the Countrey of _Macedonia_, wherein _Julius Cæsar_ and _C. Pompeius_ fought their last Battle in the _Pharsalian_ Fields, and therefore saith the Latine Poet _Lucanus_:

_Bella per Æmathios plusquam civilia campos._

These things being considered the sense is, that there shall be an Invasion made by the _English_, to whom those of _Rochel_ shall joyn, upon the Town of _Blaye_, which shall proceed as far as _Agen_, and that thereabout will be a bloody Encounter between the _English_ and _French_, beyond that which was fought in the _Æmathian_ Fields, and that the succours that should come from _Narbonne_ to the _French_, shall be deluded and hindered by the speech and discourse of some.

XXXIX.

French.

En _Arbissella_, _Vezema_ & _Crevari_, De nuit conduits pour _Savonne_ atraper, Le vif _Gascon_, _Giury_, & la _Charry_, Derrier Mur vieux & neuf Palais grapper.

English.

In _Arbissella_, _Vezema_ and _Crevari_, Being conducted by night to take _Savona_, The quick _Gascon_, _Giury_ and the _Charry_, Behind old Walls and new Pallace to graple.

ANNOT.

_Arbissella_ is a Town situated by the Sea-side above _Savona_, going towards _Genoa_. _Vezema_ and _Crevari_ are in the Inland Countrey, and a little further remoted from the Sea then _Arbissella_. _The quick Gascon_ was _Blasius_ of _Monluc_, one of the Valliantest men of his time, who came from a single Souldier to be Marshal of _France_. _Guiry_ and _la Charry_ were two of his Companions. This Stanza doth Prophetically foretell two things, one is, the design that the Marshal of _Brissac_, then Governour of _Piemont_ had upon _Savona_: the other, the taking of _Pianca_ by _Blasius_ of _Monluc_, as to the first, the Lord of _Villars_ writeth in his Memorials, that the Lord _Damzay_ sent advice to the King, that the taking of _Savona_ was more probable then any other design, which signifieth that the Marshal of _Brissac_ had of a long time eyed that Town, and therefore he sent by night some Troops into those three little Towns, to see if they could surprise _Savona_, but the design did not succeed. The Histories only mention that the Marshal of _Brissac_ went from Court in the year 1557. with a design to take _Savona_; but this stanza speaketh of the same design 1556.

At the same time in the year 1556. the 29. of _June Blasius_ of _Monluc_, as he relateth in his Commentaries, did surprise the Town and Fort of _Piance_, called in Latine _Corsinianum_, he had with him the Captain _la Charry_, the Captain _Bartholomew_ of _Pezero_, and the son of Captain _Luzzan_. At first the _French_ were beaten back, but the valliant _Monluc_ did encourage them again by his example, going the first in, and saying only, _follow your Captain_.

Which having said, he thrust himself under the Gate, where three or four men might stand sheltered by the planks of the Fort, and having his Sword in the left hand, and his dagger in the right, he began to break and cut the Brick and made a hole, which opening by degrees, he thrust his arm through, and pulled the gap so strongly, that he caused all the Wall to fall down upon himself, without being hurt by it. This is the meaning of the Author in the fourth Verse; when he saith, _the quick Gascon was behind the Wall_; In prosecution of this, the Switzers did beat down the rest of the Wall, and all came into the Town crying, _France, France_. _Monluc_ ran presently to the Fort, and with the help of his men took it, that is the meaning of the Author, when he saith, _old and new Pallace to graple_. The old Pallace was adjoining to the Market-place of the Town, in which the _French_ were prisoners with the Captain _Gourgues_, to the number of fifty or sixty tied two and two, and so kept by twenty Souldiers, whom they did kill as we have said. The new Pallace was the Fort. The Author used that ancient word _grapper_, which in the _Provencal_ languague signifieth, to pull down with ones hands, and in the contrary sense, to shut and plaister so well some thing, that there will be a necessity of the help of the hands to open what was shut up.

XL.

French.

Pres de _Quentin_ dans la Forest _Bourlis_, Dans l’Abbaye seront _Flamands_ tranchez, Les deux puisnez de coups my estourdis, Suitte appressée & gardes tous hachez.

English.

Near _Quentin_ in the Forrest _Bourlis_, In the Abby the _Flemmings_ shall be slashed, The two younger sons half a stonished with blows, The followers oppressed, and the Guards all cut in pieces.

ANNOT.

This is a peculiar accident that happened before the taking of the Town of Saint _Quentin_ by the _Spaniard_ in the year 1557. and fell out thus. News being come to the King of _France_, that the powerful Army of the _Spaniard_ was gone to Besiege St. _Quentin_, he made all imaginable diligence to succour it; the _Spaniards_ to hinder the relief had seized upon an ancient Abby of the _Vermandois_, which is in the next Forrest, that was anciently called the Forrest _Bourlis_, and is at present called the Forrest of the _Abbay Vermandois_, called in Latine _Augusta Veromanduorum_, builded by an ancient _Hungarian_ Captain called _Vermandig_. In process of time it was all ruinated, and only one Abby left, wherein was the Episcopal See, which afterwards was transferred into the City of _Noyon_. After the ruine of this Town, that of St. _Quentin_ next to it became the chief City of _Vermandois_; It was named St. _Quentin_, because the Emperor _Dioclesian_ having sent St. _Quentin_ a _Roman_ Senator to be Governour of it, he did convert the Inhabitants to the Christian Faith, and after he himself did suffer there Martyrdom.

In that Abby a great many _Flemmings_ had intranched themselves, but the _French_ going to relieve the Town, did force their Trenches and Fortifications, and in the heat of the fight the two younger Sons of the Captain being armed _Cap a pée_, though they were not killed, yet were astonished with blows they did receive upon their heads, their followers and Guards being all cut in pieces.

XLI.

French.

Le grand _Chyren_ soy saisir d’_Avignon_, De _Rome_ Lettres en miel plein d’amertume, Lettre, Ambassade partir de _Chanignon_, _Carpentras_ pris par Duke noir, rouge plume.

English.

The great _Cheyren_ shall seize upon _Avignon_, Letters from _Rome_ shall come full of bitterness, Letters and Embassies shall go from _Chanignon_, _Carpentras_ taken by a black Duke with a red Feather.

ANNOT.

This did happen lately, _viz._ some five or six years ago, when the Duke of _Crequy_ Embassadour at _Rome_ was affronted by the _Corses_, which are the Popes Guard: for which the King of _France_ demanded reparation, and seized upon _Avignon_, till the Pope granted him that all the said _Corses_ should be banished, and a Pyramis erected in _Rome_ to the perpetual infamy of that Nation.

XLII.

French.

De _Barcelonne_, de _Gennes_ & _Venise_, De la _Sicile_ pres _Monaco_ unis, Contre Barbare classe prendront la vise, Barbar poulsé bien loing jusqu’a _Thunis_.

English.

From _Barcelona_, from _Genoa_ and _Venice_, From _Sicily_ near _Manaco_ united, Against the Barbarian the fleet shall take her aim, The Barbarian shall be driven back as far as _Thunis_.

ANNOT.

The sense of these words is very plain and signifieth onely, that there will be an union and League between these Towns, _viz._ _Barcelona_, _Genoa_, _Vinice_, and the Kingdom of _Sicily_ against the Turks, whom they shall encounter near _Monaco_, and put them to flight, and follow them as far as _Tunis_.

XLIII.

French.

Proche a descendre l’Armée _Crucigere_, Sera guettée par les _Ismaelites_, De tous costez battus par nef _Raviere_, Prompt assailies de dix Galeres d’eslite.

English.

The _Crucigere_ Army being about to Land, Shall be watched by the _Ismaelites_, Being beaten on all sides by the Ship _Raviere_, Presently assaulted by ten chosen Galleys.

ANNOT.

By the _Crucigere_ Army is understood the Christian Army, because the word _Crucigere_ signifieth one that beareth a Cross, from the two Latine words _Crux_ and _gero_; the _Ismaelites_ are the _Turks_, who boast themselves to be descended from _Ismael_, the son of _Abraham_ and _Agar_, the meaning of this is, that the Christians going about to attempt some landing place, the Turks shall watch them, and set upon them by Land and Sea, in which Sea fight he mentioneth only ten choice Galleys, and a notable Ship called _Raviere_, (if it be not false printed) I am much of an opinion that this came to pass when _Philip_ the II. King of _Spain_ made an attempt upon _Algiers_, by his Admiral _André d’Oria_, who had to do with the _Moores_ upon the Land, ready to receive him, and some part of their fleet that watched him, but cross and contrary winds caused him to return _re infecta_.

XLIV.

French.

Migrez, migrez de _Geneve_ tretous, _Saturne_ d’Or en Fer se changera, Le contre _Raypoz_ exterminera tous, Avant l’advent le Ciel signes sera.

English.

Go forth, go forth out of _Geneva_ all, _Saturn_ of gold, shall be changed into Iron, They against _Raypos_ shall extermine them all, Before it happeneth, the Heavens will shew signs.

ANNOT.

[Sidenote: _Called here against Raypos._]

This is a Prophecy concerning _Geneva_, out of which he warneth every one to come; his reason is, that the golden Age of that Town shall be changed into an Iron one; and that there shall be one against _Raypos_, that shall extermine them all, before which there shall appear some signs in Heaven. Now the Author being a rank Papist, it is to be supposed that he warneth out of _Geneva_ all those of his Faith, because of the coming of _Calvin_, whom he foresaw was to come into that Town, and to change the Government thereof, and to _extermine them all_, which is to be understood, in point of Religion, as for what prodigies did precede that change; I had no time to consult Authors upon it, the judicious Reader may chance to find them in those that have written of this matter.

XLV.

French.

Ne sera soul jamais de demander, Grand _Mendosus_ obtiendra son Empire, Loing de la Cour fera contremander, _Piemont_, _Picard_, _Paris_, _Tyrhen_ le pire.

English.

He shall never be weary of asking, Great _Mendosus_ shall obtain his dominion, Far from the Court he shall cause him to be countermanded, _Piemont_, _Picardy_, _Paris_, _Tyrhen_ the worse.

ANNOT.

By _Mendosus_, is Anagrammatically to be understood _Vendosme_; but who is that shall never be weary of asking, or whose Dominion _Vendosme_ shall have, or what is meant by the last two Verses, passeth my understanding.

XLVI.

French.

Vuidez fuyez de _Thoulouse_ les rouges, Du Sacrifice faire expiation, Le Chef du mal dessoubs l’ombre des courges, Mort estrangler carne omination.

English.

Get you gone, run away from _Thoulouse_ ye red ones, There shall expiation be made of the Sacrifice, The chief cause of the evil under the shade of gourdes, Shall be strangled, a presage of the destruction of much flesh.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy doth onely and properly belong to the City of _Thoulouse_; and by it are warned all the red ones, that is, all those that usually wear Red or Scarlet Gowns, as those of the Parliament and the Capitols to come out of it, because saith he, _There shall an expiation be made of the Sacrifice_, meaning that there shall be a great slaughter among the Citizens, as it did happen at several times, the first _Anno_ 1563. another time when the first President _Durauti_, and several other of the red Gowns were put to death, _&c._ The two last Verses signifie, that the chief contriver of this uproar shall be strangled, and many others besides him.

XLVII.

French.

Les soubsignez d’indigne deliverance, Et de la multe auront contre advis, Change Monarque mis en perrille pence, Serrez en cage se verront vis a vis.

English.

The underwritten to an unworthy deliverance, Shall have from the multitude a contrary advice, They shall change their Monarch and put him in peril, They shall see themselves shut up in a Cage over against.

ANNOT.

This is plainly to be understood of those Traytors, the delivered and signed the death of King _Charles_ the I. of blessed Memory, against the sense and advise of at least three parts of four of the Nation, and who afterward saw themselves for the most part shut in Prison for this fact and brought to a shameful end.

XLVIII.

French.

La grand Cité d’Occean Maritime, Environnée de Marests en Crystal, Dans le _Solstice_ hyemal & la prime, Sera tentée de vent espouvental.

English.

The great Maritime City of the Ocean, Encompassed with Chrystaline Fens, In the Winter _Solstice_ and in the spring, Shall be tempted with fearful wind.

ANNOT.

By _the great Maritime City of the Ocean, Encompassed with Crystaline Fens_, is to be understood the City of _London_, for as for that of _Venice_, it is situated upon the _Mediterranean_ or rather _Adriatick_ Sea: _London_ then is threatned here of a fearful wind, which whether the Author meaneth for the time that is past now, and that shall come hereafter I know not, sure I am, that I have within this fifteen years seen two such winds in _London_, as I never saw the like any where else; the first was that day that _Olivier_ the Usurpator died, the other was about six or seven years ago, caused by the lightning that fell in _Hereford-shire_, and did mix with a Western wind and came as far as _London_, carrying the tops of houses, and doing then for above 10000. pounds dammage.

XLIX.

French.

_Gand_ & _Bruxelles_ marcheront contre _Anvers_, Senat de _Londres_ mettront a mort leur Roy, Le Sel & Vin luy seront a l’envers, Pour eux avoir le Regne or desarroy.

English.

_Gand_ and _Bruxelles_ shall go against _Antwerp_, The Senat of _London_ shall put their King to death, The Salt and Wine shall not be able to do him good, That they may have the Kingdom into ruine.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy taken with all its circumstances, and the subject it treateth of, is the most remarkable of all those that ever _Nostradamus_ was Author of, for here we see a concatenation of circumstances linked together, to make it true to any bodies eyes, for first the number of this Stanza being 49, signifieth the year wherein the King died, for although by the _English_ account, who begin their year at the 25. of _March_, it may be said it was in 48, because it did happen upon the 30_th._ of _January_, yet according to the general account of the most part of the World, the year begin upon the first day of _January_, so that the King dying on the 30_th._ of _January_, it may be said it was in the year 1649.

The first Verse signifieth, that at that time there was no good intelligence between the Cities of _Flanders_ and _Brabant_, as I remember very well that there was not, but upon what score, I have forgotten.

The second Verse is plain to any body that can either read or hear it.

The third Verse by _the Salt and Wine_, understandeth _France_, who was then in War with the _Spaniard_, and in some divisions among themselves, so that they could not take the Kings part as to relieve and free him by force, but sent Embassadours to mediate a composure of the difference.

The fourth Verse intimateth that by reason of the said Wars that were in _France_, the said murdering Parliament had liberty to do what they listed for the bringing the Kingdom into ruine.

L.

French.

_Mensodus_ tost viendra a son haut Regne, Mettant arriere un peu le _Norlaris_, Le rouge blesme, le masle a l’interregne, Le jeune crainte & frayeur Barbaris.

English.

_Mensodus_ shall soon come to his high Government, Putting a little aside the _Norlaris_, The red, pale, the Male at the interreigne, The young fear, and dread barbarisme.

ANNOT.

_Mensodus_ is the Anagramme of _Vendosme_, by which is meant _Antony_ of _Bourbon_ Duke of _Vendosme_, brother to the then Prince of _Condé_, and father to _Henry_ IV. _Norlaris_ is the Anagram of _Lorrain_; now any body that understandeth any thing in History, knoweth what dissention and feud there was between the House of _Bourbon_, and that of _Lorrain_ in the time of _Francis_ the II. for the House of _Bourbon_, though next to the Royal blood, was the least in favour, and those of the House of _Lorrain_ did Govern all, and had so far prevailed as to have got the Prince of _Condé_ into their hands, and had him condemned to have his head cut of, which would have been executed, had not the King that very day fallen sick of the disease he died of. Now this being understood our Author will have that _Mensodus_, which is _Vendosme_ shall lay aside the _Norlaris_, that is _Lorrein_. By _the red pale_ is meant the Cardinal of _Lorrain_, brother to the Duke of _Guise_, who grew pale at this. By _the male at the interreigne_ is so obscure, that we leave it to the judgement of the Reader.

LI.

French.

Contre les rouges Sectes se banderont, Feu, eau, fer, corde, par paix se minera, Au point mourir ceux qui machineront, Fors un que monde sur tout ruinera.

English.

Against the red, Sects shall gather themselves, Fire, water, iron, rope, by peace it shall de destroyed, Those that shall conspire shall not be put to death, Except one, who above all shall undo the World.

ANNOT.

The name of _red Sects_, may very well be applied to the Protestants of _France_, against whom in those days it seemed that fire, Water, Iron and Rope had conspired, for they were put to death by each one of those fatal instruments for their Religion sake. This is a lively expression of the unhappy Massacre of the Protestants in _France_ upon St. _Bartholomews_ day 1572.

The two last Verses signifie, that all the Contrivers of that Councel, were of opinion at first to proceed some other way, but only the Duke of _Guise_, who was the principal actor in it, and whom our Author saith, did undo the world; for he was the cause of mischief, not only then but ofterwards.

LII.

French.

La paix sapproche d’un cosié & la guerre, Oncques ne fut la poursuite fi grande, Plaindre homme & femmene sang Innocent par Terre, Et ce sera de _France_ a toute bande.

English.

Peace is coming on one side and War on the other, There was never so great a pursuing, Man, Woman shall bemoan, Innocent blood shall be spilt, It shall be in _France_ on all sides.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the Reign of _Charles_ the IX. in the year 1558. when the peace was treated of, and concluded the year after 1559. the War on the other side begun to appear by the raising of the Protestants, who begun publickly their opinion in the time of _Francis_ the II. and _Charles_ the IX.

There was never seen such a prosecution of War and of Peace together; for there was never an estate more embroiled in Wars than that of _Charles_ the IX. was, nor where Peace was more sought after; for there was nothing but Wars and treaties of Peace, Men and Women did complain on all sides, for the wrong and dammages they received from both parties, the Protestants believing to do God a good service in destroying Images, and killing Priests and Monks. And the Papists on the other side thinking to make a sweet Sacrifice unto God, in practising the same cruelties upon the Protestants, and so in all corners of _France_ every one did set himself to do evil.

LIII.

French.

Le _Neron_ jeune dans les trois Cheminées, Sera de Pages vifs pour ardoir ietter, Heureux qui loin sera de tels menées, Trois de son sang le feront mort guetter.

English.

The young _Nero_ in the three Chimneys. Shall cause Pages to be thrown to be burnt alive, Happy shall he be who shall be far from this doing, Three of his own blood shall cause him to be put to death.

ANNOT.

A young Tyrant called here _Nero_, shall cause some Pages to be burnt alive in three Chimneys, and afterwards himself shall be put to death by three of his own blood, this fact savoureth so much of bestial cruelty, that I cannot belive any Christian Prince can ever be guilty of it.

LIV.

French.

Arrivera au port de _Corsibonne_, Pres de _Ravenne_, qui pillera la Dame, En Mer profonde legat de _Ulisbone_, Soubs Roc cachez raviront septante ames.

English.

There shall come into the Port of _Corsibonne_, Near _Ravenna_, those that shall plunder the Lady, In the deep Sea shall be the Embassador of _Lisbonne_, The hidden under the Rock, shall carry away seventy Souls.

ANNOT.

The Port of _Corsibonne_, must of necessity be that of _Ancona_; first because there is no Port of the former name near the City of _Ravenna_. Secondly, because _Ancona_ is near _Ravenna_.

By the Lady is meant the Chappel or Church of our Lady of _Loretto_, which is threatned here to be plundred by some _Turks_ or Pyrates, inticed thereunto by the manifold riches that are said to be therein.

The third Verse speaketh of a _Portugues_ Embassador, who it seemeth shall be drowned or buried in the main Sea.

The fourth Verse giveth warning of some Robbers and Pyrates, very like to be _Turks_, who being in Ambuscado, and shrouded among the Rocks by the Sea side, shall carry away seventy Souls.

LV.

French.

L’Horrible guerre qu’en Occident s’appreste, L’An ensuivant viendra la Pestilence, Si fort terrible, que jeune, viel, ne beste, Sang, feu, _Mercu._ _Mars_, _Jupiter_ en _France_.

English.

An horrid War is a preparing in the West, The next year shall come the Plague, So strangly terrible, that neither young nor old, nor beast shall escape Blood, fire, _Mercu._ _Mars_, _Jupiter_ in _France_.

ANNOT.

That word _a preparing_ in the first Verse, signifieth that he speaketh of a time, wherein War was a making ready, when he was a writing.

The _West_, of which our Author speaketh, is not formerly the West which is _Spain_, but is the West respectively to his Countrey of _Provence_, which is _Picardy_, _Lorrain_, and the Countrey of _Mets_, in all these Places that are Westerly from _Provence_, there was great Wars in the year 1557 in _Picardy_ in the year 1558. at _Calais_ and _Thionville_, and at last from the middle of that year to the end of it, were seen two great Armies of both Kings, which threatned a horrid slaughter, had not God Almighty provided against it by the treaty of Peace of the _3d._ of _April_ 1559 the year following, which was 1559. there did happen what he foretelleth, _viz._, the Plague so strangely terrible to Young, Old, and Beasts _&c._

And in those quarters there was nothing but Fire and Blood; that is, Massacres and ruines of all sorts, then did Rule in _France_, the three Planets of _Jupiter_, _Mars_ and _Mercury_, _Jupiter_ and _Mercury_, for the peace that was then concluded, and _Mars_ for the War that was then on foot.

The History of _Provence_ mentioneth, that that Pestilence was called by the Physitians, _Febris erratica_, by which within the space of five or six Months, died almost an infinite number of people.

LVI.

French.

Camp prés de _Noudam_ pasiera _Goussanville_, Et a _Maiotes_ laissera son enseigne, Convertira en instant plus de mille, Cherchant le deux remettre en chaine & legne.

English.

A Camp shall by _Noudam_ go beyond _Goussanville_, And shall leave its Ensign at _Maiotes_, And shall in an instant convert above a thousand, Seeking to put the two parties in good understanding together.

ANNOT.

These three words of _Noudam_, _Goussanville_, and _Maiotes_ are three little inconsiderable Countrey Towns, situated near one another; the meaning then of it is, that an Army near _Noudam_, shall go through _Goussanville_, and shall in an instant convert, that is, draw to his party above a thousand of the contrary party, the business being about the procuring of a good understanding and amity between two great ones.

LVII.

French.

Au lieu de _Drux_ un Roy reposera, Et cherchera Loy changeant d’Anatheme, Pendant le Ciel si tresfort Tonnera, Portée neufve Roy tuera soy mesme.

English.

In the place of _Drux_ a King shall rest himself, And shall seek Law changing Anatheme, In the mean while the Heaven shall Thunder so strongly, That a new gate shall kill the King him self.

ANNOT.

_Drux_ is a City in _Normandy_, near which _Henry_ the IV. got a memorable victory.

It is said that in that place a King shall rest himself, and shall endeavour to change Religion, but at that time it shall Thunder and Lighten so much, that by the fall of a new gate, the King himself shall be killed.

LVIII.

French.

Au costé gauche a lendroit de _Vitry_, Seront guettez les trois rouges de _France_, Tous assommez rouge, noir non meurdry, Par les _Bretons_ remis en asseurance.

English.

On the left hand over against _Vitry_, The three red ones of _France_ shall be watched for, All the red shall be knockt dead, the black not murdered, By the _Britains_ set up again in security.

ANNOT.

What is meant here by the three red ones of _France_ is hard to decide, whether they be Cardinals or Judges; because both wear commonly Scarlet Gowns, or some Noblemen cloathed in Scarlet, but it seemeth by this that there shall be a lying in wait for four men, three of which shall be cloathed in Red, and one in Black, those in Red shall be knockt down dead, but he in Black shall not, and this is to be done on the left hand, over against _Vitry_, which is a City in _Champagne_.

LIX.

French.

A la _Ferté_ prendra la _Vidame_, _Nicol_ tenu rouge quavoit produit la vie, La grand _Loyse_ naistra qui fera clame, Donnant _Bourgongne_ a _Bretons_ par envie.

English.

In the _Ferté_ the _Vidame_ shall take _Nicol_, reputed red, whom life hath produced, The great _Lewis_ shall be born, who shall lay claim, Giving _Burgundy_ to the _Britains_, through envy.

ANNOT.

This Stanza wanting both quantity in the Cadence of the Verse, and Connexion in the sense, sheweth that it is either falsly printed, or else the Author had no mind it should be understood; we shall only say, the _Ferté_ is a Town in _Champagne_. _Vidame_ is a Lords Title in _France_, of which there are but four of that sort, and are called in Civil Law _Vicedominus_, who by his first Institution, was temporal Judge of the Bishop; the first of those _Vidames_ or _Vicedomini_ in _France_, is that of _Amiens_, the second of _Chartres_, the third of _Rhemes_, and the fourth of _Gerberon_.

LX.

French.

Conflict _Barbare_ en la Cornere noire, Sang espandu trembler la _Dalmatie_, Grand _Ismael_ mettra son promontoire, Ranes trembler, secours _Lusitanie_.

English.

A _Barbarian_ fight in the black Corner, Blood shall be spilt, _Dalmatia_ shall tremble for fear, Great _Ismael_ shall set up his promontory, Frogs shall tremble, _Portugal_ shall bring succour.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie foretelleth divers accidents in several places, without determination of any precise time; as for example, I understand by that _Barbarian conflict, near the black Corner_, to be some famous Battle among the Infidels themselves, some where about the Black Sea; then he saith, _that abundance of Blood shall be spilt, and ~Dalmatia~ shall tremble_, which is a Province belonging to the _Venetians_, and bordering upon _Græcia_; by great _Ismael_ he understandeth the great Sophy of _Persia_, whose name hath been often so. By the Frogs it is not easie to know whether he meaneth _France_ or _Spain_, for both abound in that kind of Insects.

LXI.

French.

La pille faite a la Coste Marine, _Incita nova_ & parens amenez, Plusieurs de _Malthe_ par le fait de _Messine_, Estroit serrez seront mal guerdonnez.

English.

The plunder made upon the Sea Coast, _Incita nova_ and friends brought up, Many of _Maltha_, for the fact of _Messina_, Being close kept, shall be ill rewarded.

ANNOT.

It seemeth that this Plunder made upon the Sea Coast, shall be about _Messina_, by the _Maltheses_, who afterwards shall rue for it, being taken Prisoners, and severely punished.

As for the expression _Incita nova_, it is a barbarous derivation of the Latine, to signifie the stirring of new troubles.

LXII.

French.

Au grand de _Cheramonagora_, Seront croisez par rangs tous attachez, Le _Pertinax Oppi_, & _Mandragora_, _Raugon_ d’_Octobre_ le tiers seront laschez.

English.

To the great one of _Cheramonagora_, Shall be crossed by Ranges, all tyed up, the _Pertinax Oppi_, and _Mandragora_, _Raugon_ the third of _October_ shall be set loose.

ANNOT.

The word _Cheramonagora_, is either altogether barbarous and insignificant, or must be derived from these three Greek words, χεὶρ, _manus_, μόνος, _folus_, and ἄγω, _duco_, and so it may signifie one than leadeth along by the hand, in which sense may be understood the King of _France_, who alone leadeth his people by the hand, without any help of Councel.

The second Verse signifieth the Oppositions he shall meet with among his Neighbours, combined together to hinder him.

By _Oppi_, he meaneth here _Opium_, the Juice of Poppies, which he calleth here _Pertinax_; because of its pertinacious quality in procuring sleep, as also _Mandragora_.

By _Raugon_, he meaneth some other soporiferous Herb; so that it seemeth that those three things shall be given upon the third of _October_ to some body, it seemeth to that _Cheramonagora_, by whom some understand the King of _France_, others _Oliver_ the last usurpator.

LXIII.

French.

Plaintes, & pleurs, cris, & grands hurlemens, Pres de _Narbonne_, a _Bayonne_ & en _Foix_, O quels horribles, calamitez, changemens, Avant que _Mars_ revolu quelquefois.

English.

Complaints and tears, cries, and great howlings, Near _Narbonne_, _Bayonne_ and in _Foix_, O what horrid calamities and changes, Before _Mars_ hath made sometimes his revolution.

ANNOT.

_Narbonne_, _Bayonne_, and _Foix_ are Towns of _Languedoc_, a Province in _France_; the rest is easie.

LXIV.

French.

L’_Æmathian_ passer Monts _Pyrenées_, En _Mars Narbon_ ne fera resistance, Par Mer & Terre sera si grand menée, Cap. n’ayant Terre seure pour demeurance.

English.

The _Æmathian_ shall pass by the _Pyrenean_ Mountains, In _March Narbon_ shall make no resistance, By Sea and Land he shall make so much ado, Cap. shall not have safe ground to live in.

ANNOT.

The _Æmathian_ properly should be the _Macedonian_, but by it is understood here the _Spaniard_, whose Countrey is on one side fenced by the _Pyrenean_ Mountains; the rest is plain.

LXV.

French.

Dedans le coing de _Luna_ viendra rendre, Ou sera prins & mis en Terre estrange, Les fruits immeurs seront a grand esclandre, Grand vitupere, a l’un grande loüange.

English.

He shall come into the corner of _Luna_, Where he shall be taken and put in a strange Land, The green fruits shall be in great disorder, A great shame, to one shall be great praise.

ANNOT.

This Stanza hath relation and connexion to the precedent, and by it ought to be understood, that the said _Æmathian_ or _Spaniard_ shall come as far as the corner of _Luna_, wherein he shall be taken and sent into a strange Countrey, at which time the green Fruits and Grass shall be much damaged, for which one of the parties shall receive great shame, and the other great praise. But what he meaneth by the Corner of _Luna_, I must leave the judgement of it to the Reader, for I do ingeniously confess that I neither know City nor Countrey of that name.

XLVI.

French.

Paix, union, sera & changement, Estats, Offices, bas hault, & hault bien bas, Dresser voiages, le fruit premier, torment, Guerre cesser, civils proces, debats.

English.

Peace, union, shall be, and mutation, States, and Offices, low high, and high low, A journey shall be prepared for, the first fruit, pains, War shall cease, as also, civil suits, and strifes.

ANNOT.

This is easie to be understood, many interpret it of the downfall of _Rome_, at which time all quarrels both of Religion and States would be laid aside, if the world were all of one mind.

LXVII.

French.

Du haut des Monts a lentour de _Dizere_, Port a la Roche _Valent_, cent assemblez, De _Chasteau-Neuf_, _Pierrelate_, en _Douzere_, Contre le _Crest_, _Romans_ soy assemblez.

English.

From the top of the Mountains about _Dizere_ Gate at the Rock _Valence_, a hundred gathered together, From _Chasteau-Neuf_, _Pierrelate_, in _Douzere_ Against the _Crest_, _Romans_, shall be gathered.

ANNOT.

This is a peculiar Prophecy for the Provinces of _Dauphiné_ and _Languedoc_, in which all the Towns and Rivers here mentioned are situated.

LXVIII.

French.

Du Mont _Aymar_ sera noble obscurcie, Le mal viendra au joint de _Saone_ & _Rhosne_, Dans bois cachez Soldats jour de _Lucie_, Qui ne fut onc un si horrible Throsne.

English.

From Mount _Aymar_ shall proceed a Noble obscurity, The evil shall come to the joyning of the _Saone_ and _Rhosne_, Soldiers shall be hid in the Wood on St. _Lucy_’s day, So that there was never such an horrid Throne.

ANNOT.

There is a notable fault in the impression of the first Verse of this Stanza, for instead of Mount _Aymar_, it must be _Montlimar_, which is a Town in _Provence_ or _Languedoc_, situated by the River _Rhosne_, the sense therefore of this, is, that from _Montlimar_ shall proceed some notable and obscure design, and that shall reach as far as _Lyons_, which is the City where the _Saone_ and _Rhosne_ meet, and that for that purpose, there shall be hidden a great many Souldiers in a Wood on St. _Lucy_’s day, which is the _13th._ of _December_.

LXIX.

French.

Sur le Mont de _Bailly_ & la _Bresse_, Seront cachez de _Grenoble_ les fiers, Outre _Lyon_, _Vien._ cula si grand gresle, Langoult en Terre n’en cessara un tiers.

English.

Upon the Mount of _Bailly_, and the Countrey of _Bresse_, Shall be hidden the fierce ones of _Grenoble_, Beyond _Lyons_, _Vienna_, upon them shall fall such a hail, That languishing upon the ground, the third part shall not be left.

ANNOT.

The Mount _Bailly_, and the Countrey of _Bressia_, are by _Savoy_, in which place (our Author saith) the fierce ones; that is, the stout men of _Grenoble_, the chief Town of _Dauphiné_, shall be hidden, and that such a Hail shall fall upon them, as not one third part shall be left.

LXX.

French.

Harnois trenchans dans les flambeaux cachez, Dedans _Lyon_ le jour du Sacrement, Ceux de _Vienne_ seront tretous hachez, Par les _Cantons_ Latins, _Mascon_ eront.

English.

Sharp Weapons shall be hidden in burning Torches, In _Lyons_ the day of the Sacrament, Those of _Vienna_ shall be all cut to pieces, By the Latin _Cantons_, after the example of _Mascon_.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a notable Treason that shall be acted at _Lyons_, upon the Sacraments day, otherwise called _Corpus Christi_ day, upon which the _Roman_ Catholicks are wont to make a Procession with the Sacrament about the Town, with abundance of burning Torches, of fearful bigness, insomuch that some (as at _Angeirs_) require 20 or 24 men to carry them, in those Torches (our Author saith) shall Weapons be hidden, by means of which the fact shall be committed. The rest is easie.

LXXI.

French.

Au lieux Sacrés, animaux veus a _Trixe_, Avec celuy qui nosera le jour, A _Carcassonne_ pour disgrace propice, Sera posé pour plus ample sejonr.

English.

In the Sacred places, Animals shall be seen at _Trixe_, With him that shall not dare in the day, In _Carcassonne_ for a favourable disgrace, He shall be set to make a longer stay.

ANNOT.

Whether the Author did understand himself here I know not, I am sure I do not; _Carcassonne_ is a City of _Languedoc_, and _Trixe_ is a barbarous word.

LXXII.

French.

Encor seront les Saints Temples pollus, Et expilez par Senat _Tholosain_, _Saturne_ deux trois Siecles revolus, Dans _Auril_, _May_, gens de nouveau Levain.

English.

Once more shall the Holy Temples be polluted, And depredated by the Senate of _Thoulouze_, _Saturn_ two three Ages finished, In _April_, _May_, people of a new Leaven.

ANNOT.

This is, when the Planet _Saturn_ hath finished twice three Ages; that is, 600 years from the time that this Prophecy was written, then the Senates of _Thoulouze_, being men of a new Leaven (meaning being Protestants) shall cause the _Romish_ Churches to be polluted and depredated in the Months of _April_ and _May_.

LXXIII.

French.

Dans _Foix_ entrez Roy Cerulée Turban, Et regnera moins evolu _Saturne_, Roy Turban Blanc, _Bizance_ cœur ban, _Sol_, _Mars_, _Mercure_, pres la Hurne.

English.

In _Foix_ shall come a King with a Blew Turbant, And shall Reign before _Saturn_ is revolved, Then a King with a White Turbant shall make _Bizance_ to quake, _Sol_, _Mars_, _Mercury_, being near the top of the Mast.

ANNOT.

_Foix_ is a Countrey of _France_, near _Gascony_, where the Author saith, a King with a Blew Turbant shall come, and shall govern less then an Age, that is 100 years, after which another King with a White Turbant shall come, and shall Conquer _Bizance_ (which in Latine is _Constantinople_) the Blew or Green Turbant is attributed to the great _Turk_, and the White one to the King of _France_, by whom the _Turks_ have a Prophecie, their Monarchy shall be subverted.

LXXIV.

French.

Dans la Cité de _Fertsod_ homicide, Fait & fait multe Bœuf arant ne macter, Retour encore aux honneurs d’_Artemide_, Et a _Vulcan_ corps morts sepulturer.

English.

In the City of _Fertsod_ one murdered, Causeth a Fine to be laid for killing a plowing Oxe, There shall be a return of the honours due to _Artemide_, And _Vulcan_ shall bury dead bodies.

ANNOT.

What is that City of _Fertsod_, is hard to guess, there being none of this name in _Europe_ that I know. The rest of the words are plain, though the sense be abstruce enough, therefore we shall leave them to the liberty of the Reader.

LXXV.

French.

De l’_Ambraxie_ & du pais de _Thrace_, Peuple par Mer, Mal, & secours _Gaulois_, Perpetuelle en _Provence_ la Trace, Avec vestiges de leur Coustumes & Loix.

English.

From _Ambraxia_, and from the Countrey of _Thracia_, People by Sea, Evil, and _French_ succours, The Trace of it shall be perpetual in _Provence_, The footsteps of their Customs and Laws remaining.

ANNOT.

What Countrey this _Ambraxia_ should be, is yet unknown, for my part I take it to be a forged word, as for _Thracia_ it is a Countrey between _Hungary_ and _Greece_.

Observe here that Evil is not an Epithete, to either People or Sea, but a word of admiration by it self, as _malum_ in Latine, which is called _vox admirantis_.

LXXVI.

French.

Avec le noir _Rapax_ & sanguinaire, Yssu du peaultre de l’inhumain _Neron_, Emmy deux Fleuves main gauche Militaire, Sera meurtry par _Joyn Chaulveron_.

English.

With the Black and bloody _Rapax_, Descended from the paultry of the inhumane _Nero_, Between two Rivers, on the left Military hand, He shall be murdered by _Joyne Caulveron_.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie portendeth the death of a black, bloody, and ravenous man (which in Latine is _Rapax_) who shall be murdered between two Rivers, by one whose proper name shall be _Joyne Chaulveron_.

LXXVII.

French.

Le Regne prins le Roy conviera, La Dame prinse a mort jurez a sort, La vie a Royne Fils on desniera, Et la pellix au fort de la consort.

English.

The Kingdom being taken, the King shall invite, The Lady taken to death, The Life shall be denyed unto the Queens Son, And the Pellix shall be at the height of the Consort.

ANNOT.

You must observe, that there is a word false printed, which is _Pellix_, instead of which should be _Pellex_, which in Latine signifieth a Whore or Concubine.

The sense therefore of this is, that a certain King having taken another Kingdom, shall put the Queen of it to death, as also her own Son, after which, he shall make his Concubine Queen.

LXXVIII.

French.

La Dame _Grecque_ de Beauté laydique, Heureuse faite de proces innumerable, Hors translatée au Regne _Hispanique_, Captive prinse mourir mort miserable.

English.

The _Græcian_ Lady of exquisite Beauty, Made happy from innumerable quarrels, Being translated into the _Spanish_ Kingdom, Shall be made a Prisoner, and die a miserable death.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is concerning the Lady _Elizabeth_ of _France_, Daughter to _Henry_ the II. and Sister to _Charles_ the IX. who being promised first to _Don Carlo Infante_ of _Spain_, was afterwards Married to his Father _Philip_ the II. at which the young man being vexed and discontented, began to raise combustions in the State, for which, and his too much familiarity with his Mother in Law, he was strangled by his Fathers command, and she poisoned.

LXXIX.

French.

Le Chef de Classe par fraude, stratageme, Fera timides sortir de leurs Galeres, Sortis meurdris chef renieux de Cresme, Puis par l’Embusche luy rendront les salaires.

English.

The Commander of a Fleet by fraud and stratagem, Shall cause the fearful ones to come forth of their Galleys, Come out murdered, chief renouncer of Baptism, After that by an Ambuscado they’l give him again his salary.

ANNOT.

The two first Verses are plain, the third signifieth, that these fearful ones being come out of their Galleys, part of them shall be murdered, and among them the Captain, a renouncer of his Baptism, or Renegado, and the rest afterwards by an Ambuscado, shall requite in the same Coin those that had used them so.

LXXX.

French.

Le Duc voudra les siens exterminer, Envoyera les plus forts, lieux estranges, Par tyrannie _Bize_ & _Luc_ ruiner, Puis les _Barbares_ sans Vin feront Vendanges.

English.

The Duke shall endeavour to exterminate his own, And shall send away the strongest of them into remote places, He shall also ruinate _Bize_ and _Luc_, The _Barbarians_ shall make Vintage without Wine.

ANNOT.

There is a great fault in the impression of the _French_ Copy in this Stanza, which maketh the sense altogether inexplicable, it must then in stead of _Bize_ and _Luc_, be written _Pise_ and _Lucques_, which are two Towns in _Italy_, near the Duke of _Florence_’s Dominions; one of these Towns, _viz._ _Pisa_ he hath taken already, and from a Common-Wealth made it subject to himself; the other though several times attempted by him, hath preserved its liberty to this day. The last Verse signifieth, that after this is come to pass, the _Barbarians_, that is, the _Florentins shall make Vintage without Wine_; that is, shall plunder and spoil at their pleasure.

LXXXI.

French.

LeRoy rusé entendra ses Embusches, De trois quartiers Ennemis assaillir, Un nombre estrange Larmes de coqueluches, Viendra _Lamprin_ du traducteur faillir.

English.

The crafty King shall hear of his Ambuscadoes, And shall assail his Enemies on three sides, A strange number of Friers, mens Tears, Shall cause _Lamprin_ to desert the Traitor.

ANNOT.

The only difficulty here is to know who that _Lamprin_ should be, who shall be diverted from following a Traitor (which he meaneth here by the _French_ word _Traducteur_) and shall be diverted from it by the Tears of Fryers, which are meant here by the ancient _French_ word _Coqueluches_, which signifieth a Fryers Cool or Capuchon.

LXXXII.

French.

Par le Deluge & pestilence forte, La Cité grande de long temps Assiegée, La Sentinelle & Garde de main morte, Subite prinse mais de nul outragée.

English.

The great City having been long Besieged, By an Innundation and violent Plague, The Sentinal and Watch being surprised, Shall be taken on a sudden, but hurt by no body.

ANNOT.

This is very plain, if by the great City you understand _Paris_, who is subject to frequent Innundations and Plagues.

LXXXIII.

French.

Sol Vingt de _Taurus_, si fort terre tremblera, Le grand Theatre remply ruinera, L’Air, Ciel, & Terre, obscurcir & troubler, Lors l’Infidele Dieu, & Saints voguera.

English.

The Sun being in the _20th_ of _Taurus_, the Earth shall so quake, That it shall fill and ruinate the great Theater The Air, the Heaven, & the Earth shall be so darkened, and troubled, That the unbelievers shall call upon God, and his Saints.

ANNOT.

This famous Earth-quake having not yet happened in _Europe_, it is like to happen within few years, for our Authors Prophecies (by his own confession) do not extend further than the year 1700.

LXXXIV.

French.

Roy exposé parfaira l’Hecatombe, Apres avoir trouve son Origine, Torrent ouvrir de Marbre & Plomb la Tombe, D’un grand _Romain_ d’Enseigne _Medusin_.

English.

The King exposed shall fulfill the Hecatombe, After he hath found out his Offspring, A Torrent shall open the Sepulcher, made of Marble and Lead, Of a great _Roman_, with a _Medusean_ Ensign.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is divided into two parts, The first two Verses are concerning a King, who shall perform the Funeral Rites and Ceremonies to his Parents, when he is come to the knowledge of them, having been exposed for lost before.

The two last Verses are concerning an ancient Sepulcher of a _Roman_, that shall be digged up and found out by a Torrent, and the Arms of the said _Roman_ shall be something like the head of _Medusa_, whose Hairs were Serpents, and was so fearful to behold, that by seeing of it, the beholders were turned into stones.

LXXXV.

French.

Passer _Guenne_, _Languedoc_, & le _Rhosne_, D’_Agen_ tenants, de _Marmande_ & la _Reole_, D’Ouvrir par foy parroy, _Phocen_ tiendra son Throne, Conflict aupres Saint _Pol_ de _Manseole_.

English.

They shall pass over _Gascony_, _Languedoc_, and the _Rhosne_, From _Agen_ keeping _Marmande_, and the _Reole_, To open the Wall by Faith, _Phocen_ shall keep his Throne, A Battle shall be by St. _Paul_ of _Manseole_.

ANNOT.

The whole of this Prophecie signifieth no more, but that an Army shall pass through all these places, and that at last there will be a Battle fought by that place, called St. _Paul de Manseole_.

LXXXVI.

French.

Du _Bourg la Reyne_ parviendront droit a _Chartres_, Et feront pres du _Pont Antony_ pose, Sept pour la paix cauteleux comme _Martres_, Feront entrée d’Armée a _Paris_ clause.

English.

From _Bourg la Reyne_ they shall come straight to _Chartres_, And shall make a stand near _Pont Antony_, Seven for Peace as crafty as _Martres_, They shall enter in _Paris_ besieged with an Army.

ANNOT.

_Bourg la Reyne_ is a little town within six Miles of _Paris_, _Chartres_ is the chief City of the Province _Beausse_, _Pont Antony_ is a little Town between them both, so that the sense of the whole is this, that seven men, crafty like _Martres_ (which are those _Russia_ Foxes that afford the richest Furres, called _Martres Zibellines_) shall go from _Bourg la Reyne_ to _Chartres_, making a little stay at _Pont Antony_, and then shall come with an Army into _Paris_, which shall be besieged at that time, I believe this Prophecy is come to pass already in the time of the Civil Wars of _France_; but for want of the History I could not quote the time.

LXXXVII.

French.

Par la Forest du _Touphon_ essartée Par Hermitage sera posé le Temple, Le Duc d’_Estampes_ par sa ruse inventée, Du _Montlehery_ Prelat donra exemple.

English.

By the Forrest _Touphon_ cut off, By the Hermitage shall the Temple be set, The Duke of _Estampes_ by his invented trick, Shall give example to the Prelat of _Montlehery_.

ANNOT.

Here is a fault in the Impression, for instead of _Touphon_, it must be written _Torfou_, which is a Forrest some 30 Miles from _Paris_ towards _Beausse_, near which is seated the Town of _Montlehery_, in the said Forrest is seated an Hermitage, and not far from thence the City of _Estampes_, which carryeth the Title of Dutchy; so that the sense of it is this, that this Forrest being cut off (as it is now for the most part) in the place where that Hermitage was, shall be built a Church or Convent, as it is now _Cælestins friars_, called _Marcoussy_, and that the said Hermitage shall be taken from the jurisdiction of the Town of _Montlehery_, under which it was before.

LXXXVIII.

French.

_Calais_, _Arras_, secours a _Theroanne_, Paix & semblant simulera l’escoute, Soulde d’_Allobrox_ descendra par _Roane_, Destornay peuple qui defera la routte.

English.

_Calais_, _Arras_, shall give succours to _Theroanne_, Peace or the like, shall dissemble the hearing, Souldiers of _Allobrox_ shall descend by _Roane_, People perswaded, shall spoil the March.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy did happen in the time of _Henry_ the II. King of _France_, about the year 1559.

The last Verse saith, that those two Towns _Calais_ and _Arras_ gave succours to _Theroanne_, that is to the Countrey where _Therouenne_ was seated, which was destroyed by _Charles_ the V. Emperour. This Countrey was called _Ponthieu_, of which _Therouenne_ was the chief Town.

The second Verse doth determine the time whereabout this came to pass, when he saith, _peace or the like shall dissemble the hearing_; because in the year 1556. in the beginning of _February_ there was a Truce for five years between the two Crowns of _France_ and _Spain_, concerning the Low Countreys, and this Truce signified not much, nor was well cemented, so that the Author saith, _Peace or the like shall dissemble the hearing_; that is, shall fain not to hear that the Cardinal _Caraffa_ did endeavour in _France_ to have the Truce broken.

The third Verse is obscure, because of a fault in the Impression, wherein they have put _Ronane_ instead of _Noanne_, that is _Hannone_ by transposition of letters, but that being corrected, the Verse is clear, supposing that _Philibertus Emanuel_ Duke of _Savoy_ was General of the Army, against _France_ in the _Low-Countreis_, and wandering about to do some notable exploit, he came down through the Province of _Hainault_, called in Latine _Hannonia_, and came to _Mariembourg_, as if he would have Besieged it, but after some light skirmishes he laid Siege to _Rocroy_, and this is the meaning of the third Verse, when he saith, _Souldiers of ~Allobrox~ shall descend by ~Noanne~_, that is, Souldiers in the Army of the Duke of _Savoy_, which in Latine is _Allobrox_, came down to _Mariembourg_, and turned back again to _Rocroy_.

The fourth Verse mentioneth what did happen at the Siege of _Rocroy_; that place being not yet very well fortified; the King was unwilling to put any of his best Souldiers therein, but the Duke of _Nevers_ undertook the defence of it, which he did really and gloriously perform, in so much, that the Duke of _Savoy_ was compelled to raise up the Siege, and going back towards St. _Quentin_, he took _Vervins_ by storm, and gave the booty of it to his Souldiers, who took heart upon it, having been much discouraged before by the resistance of the Duke of _Nevers_. This is the sense of the fourth Verse, _People persuaded shall spoil the march_; that is, the people of _Rocroy_ persuaded to hold out by the courage and presence of the Duke of _Nevers_, spoiled the march that the Duke of _Savoy_ had propounded to himself, insomuch, that raising the Siege he went to _Vervins_, and from thence to St. _Quentin_.

LXXXIX.

French.

Sept ans _Philip_ fortune prospere, Rabaissera des _Barbares_ l’effort, Puis son midy perplex rebours affaire, Jeune _Ogmion_ abysmera son fort.

English.

_Philip_ shall have seven years of prosperous fortune, Shall beat down the attempt of the _Barbarians_, Then in his Noon he shall be perplexed and have untoward business, Young _Ogmion_ shall pull down his strength.

ANNOT.

This Stanza was made concerning _Philip_ the II. King of _Spain_, who for the first seven years that he came to his Crown, had prosperous fortune, did brave exploits against the _Barbarians_, and chiefly in the person of his Brother _Don Juan_ of _Austria_, who got the memorable Battle of _Lapantho_ against the _Turks_, but in the middle of _his Noon_, that is of his Age, fell into great perplexities and cross businesses, being constrained to put his onely son _Don Carla_ to death, and to poison his wife and after that never prospered, when young _Ogmion_ (that is _Henry_ IV. King of _France_) came to the Crown.

XC.

French.

Un Capitaine de la grand _Germanie_, Se viendra rendre par simulé secours, Au Roy des Roys, aide de _Pannonie_, Que sa revoke fera de sang grand cours.

English.

A Captain of the great _Germany_, Shall come to yield himself with a fained help, Unto the King of Kings, help of _Hungary_, So that his revolt shall cause a great bloodshed.

ANNOT.

_Pannonia_ in Latine is _Hungary_, there is nothing hard in this, unless it be what he meaneth by the King of Kings, whether it be the great Turk or the Emperour.

XCI.

French.

L’Horrible peste _Perynthe_ & _Nicopole_, Le _Chersonese_ tiendra & _Marceloine_, La _Thessalie_ naistera l’_Amphipole_, Mal incogneu & le refus d’_Antoine_.

English.

The horrid pestilence shall seize upon _Perynthe_ and _Nicopolis_, The _Chersonese_ and _Marceloine_, It shall waste _Thessalia_ and _Amphipolis_, An unknown evil and the refusal of _Antony_.

ANNOT.

There is several faults in the impression here, for instead of _Perynthe_, it must be _Corinth_. For _Marceloine_, it must be _Macedoine_: the substance of the whole is, that there shall be a great plague in all these Countries of _Asia_. The refusal of _Antony_ is foisted here to make up the rime with _Macedony_.

XCII.

French.

Le Roy voudra dans Cité neufve entrer, Par ennemis expugner l’on viendra, Captif libere, faulx dire & perpetrer, Roy dehors estre, loin d’ennemis tiendra.

English.

The King shall desire to enter into the new City, With foes they shall come to overcome it, The Prisoner being free, shall speak and act falsly, The King being gotten out, shall keep far from enemies.

ANNOT.

The sense of all these words so ill jointed, is no more but that a certain King shall desire to enter into a new City, and there they shall come and Besiege him, where he shall both act and speak deceitfully to get his liberty, which having obtained, shall keep far from his foes.

XCIII.

French.

Les ennemis du Fort bien esloignez, Par Chariots conduits le Bastion, Par sur les Murs de _Bourges_ esgrongnez, Quand _Hercules_ battra l’_Hæmathion_.

English.

The enemies being a good way from the Fort, Shall upon Wagons be conducted to the Bulwark, From the top of _Bourges_ Walls they shall be cut less, When _Hercules_ shall beat the _Hæmathion_.

ANNOT.

_Bourges_ is the chief City of a Province in _France_ called _Berry_.

There is nothing difficult in this, but onely what he meaneth by _Hercules beating the Æmathion_, unless by _Hercules_ he meaneth the _French_, and by _Æmathion_ the _Spaniard_.

XCIV.

French.

Foibles Galeres seront unis ensemble, Ennemis faux, le plus fort en rempart, Foible assailies _Wratislavie_ tremble; _Lubeck_ & _Mysne_ tiendront _Barbare_ part.

English.

Weak Galleys shall be united together, False enemies, the strongest shall be fortified, Weak assaults, and yet _Breslaw_ quaketh for fear, _Lubeck_ and _Misne_ shall take the part of the _Barbarians_.

ANNOT.

_Breslaw_, _Lubeck_ and _Misne_, are three Cities of _Germany_; the rest is plain.

XCV.

French.

Le nouveau fait conduira l’exercite, Proche apamé jusque aupres du Rivage, Tendant secours de _Melanoise_ eslite, Duc yeux privé, a _Milan_ fer de Cage.

English.

The new man shall lead up the Army, Near _Apamé_, till near the Bank, Carrying succours of choice Forces from _Milan_, The Duke deprived of his eyes, and an Iron Cage at _Milan_.

ANNOT.

_Apamé_ is a barbarous word, at least I cannot tell what language it is, the rest is plain enough, and signifieth that a Duke shall be deprived of his eyes, and shall be put in an Iron Cage at _Milan_.

XCVI.

French.

Dans Cité entrer exercite desniée, Duc entrera par persuasion, Aux foibles portes clam Armée amenée, Mettront feu, mort, de sang effusion.

English.

The Army being denied the entrance of the City, The Duke shall enter by persuasion, To the weak Gates, _clam_ the Army being brought, Shall put all to fire and sword.

ANNOT.

_Clam_ here is in Latine _præposition_, signifying secretly; the rest is easie.

XCVII.

French.

De Mer Copies en trois parts divisées, A la seconde les Vivres failliront, Desesperez cherchant Champs _Elisées_, Premiers en breche entrez victoire auront.

English.

A Fleet being divided into three parts, The victuals will fail the second part, Being in despaire they’l seek the _Elysian_ Fields, And entring the breach first, shall obtain victory.

ANNOT.

A Fleet being divided into three parts, the second division shall fall into want of victuals, for which being desperate, they shall attempt the Town of the enemy, and shall enter it by the breach, and get the victory.

XCVIII.

French.

Les affligez par faute d’un seul taint, Contremenant a partie opposite, Aux _Lygonois_ mandera que contraint, Seront de rendre le grand chef de _Molite_.

English.

The afflicted want of one only died, Carrying against the opposite part, Shall send word to those of _Lyon_, they shall be compelled, To surrender the great chief of _Molite_.

ANNOT.

This is the most nonsensical thing that is in all the Book, for neither the words nor the connexion is intelligible, therefore it being so much out of the common road of our Author, I am apt to believe that it was at first very falsly printed, and that those that came after, were loth to alter it for the respect of antiquity.

XCIX.

French.

Vent _Aquilon_ fera partir le Siege, Par murs jetter cendres, chaulx, & poussiere, Par pluye apres qui leur sera bien piege, Dernier secours encontre leur Frontiere.

English.

The North wind shall cause the Siege to be raised, They shall throw ashes, lime, and dust, By a rain after that shall be a trap to them, It shall be the last succours against their Frontiere.

ANNOT.

Here is described a notable stratagem of a Besieged Town, who against rainy weather cast so much ashes, lime and dust, that the rain coming thereupon, it made such a mire, as the Besiegers were not able to assault it.

C.

French.

Navale pugne nuict sera superée, Le feu, aux Naves a l’Occident ruine, Rubriche neuve, la grand néf colorée, Ire a vaincu, & victoire en bruine.

English.

In a Sea-fight, night shall be overcome, By fire, to the Ships of the West ruine shall happen, A new stratagem, the great Ship coloured, Anger to the vanquished, and victory in a Mist.

ANNOT.

He foretelleth of a Sea-fight in the night, wherein by the light of the burning Ships night shall be overcome, the Ships that came from the West shall be worsted, and by a stratagem of a great Ship painted in colours, anger shall remain to the vanquished, and the victory shall be got in a Mist.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Nostradamus.

_CENTURY_ X.

I.

French.

A l’Ennemy, l’ennemy foy promise, Ne se tiendra, les captifs retenus, Prins preme mort & le reste en chemise, Donnant le reste pour estre secourus.

English.

To the enemy, the enemy faith promised, Shall not be kept, the prisoners shall be detained, The first taken, put to death, and the rest stripped, Giving the remnant that they may be succoured.

ANNOT.

These words are plain, though the sense be a little intricated, and the contents being of small concernments, deserve no further explanation.

II.

French.

Voile Gallere Voile nef Cachera, La grand Classe viendra sortir la moindre, Dix Naves proches le tourneront poulser, Grand vaincüe, unies a soy joindre.

English.

The Galley and the Ship shall hide their Sails, The great Fleet shall make the little one to come out, Ten Ships near hand, shall turn and push at it, The great being vanquished, they shall unite together.

ANNOT.

These are some particularities of a Sea fight between a great Fleet and a small one, wherein he saith, that some had hid their Sails, belike they were unwilling to come out of the Harbour and to fight; but he saith, that the great Fleet will compel the little one to come out; but ten great Ships will come to help the little Fleet, and after the great one hath been overcome, will joyn themselves to the little Fleet.

III.

French.

En apres cinq troupeau ne mettra hors, Un fuitif pour _Penelon_ laschera, Faux murmurer secours venir par lors, Le Chef le Siege lors abandonnera.

English.

After that, five shall not put out his flock, He’l let loose a runnaway for _Penelon_, There shall be a false rumour, succours shall come then, The Commander shall forsake the Siege.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is either nonsensical or falsely printed, and what he meaneth by _Penelon_, is utterly unknown.

IV.

French.

Sur la minuit conducteur de l’Armée, Se sauvera subit esvanovy, Sept ans apres la fame non blasmée, A son retour ne dira oncq ouy.

English.

About midnight the leader of the Army, Shall save himself, vanishing suddenly, Seven years after his fame shall not be blamed And at his return he shall never say yea.

ANNOT.

This is plain of a General of an Army, who shall forsake his Army, and save himself, and yet seven years after when he cometh back, his reputation shall be as clear, as if he never had committed such an errour.

V.

French.

_Albi_ & _Castres_ feront nouvelle ligue, Neuf _Arriens_, _Lisbonne_, & _Portuguez_, _Carcas._ _Thoulouze_, consumeront leur brigue Quand chef neuf monstre de _Lauraguez_.

English.

_Albi_ and _Castres_ shall make a new league, Nine _Arriens_, _Lisbonne_, and _Portuguez_, _Carcas._ _Thoulouse_, shall make an end of their confederacy; When the new chief shall come from _Lauragais_.

ANNOT.

_Albi_, _Castres_, _Carcassonne_, and _Thoulouse_, are Cities of _Languedock_, which our Author saith, will enter into a confederacy among themselves, and joyn with _Lisbon_ and the _Portuguez_, and this shall happen when the general of the Army, shall be one born in _Lauragais_, which is another of the same Province.

VI.

French.

_Gardon_ a _Nismes_ eaux si haut desborderont, Qu’on cuidera _Deucalion_ renaistre, Dans le _Colosse_ la pluspart fuiront, Vesta Sepulchre feu esteint apparoistre.

English.

_Gardon_ at _Nismes_, waters shall overflow so high, That they’l think that _Deucalion_ is born again, Most of them will run into the _Colossus_, And a Sepulchre, and fire extinguished, shall appear.

ANNOT.

Near _Nismes_ there is the River called _Gardon_, which cometh from St. _Romans_, and dischargeth it self into the _Rhosne_ at _Beaucaire_, there is to be seen in that City abundance of _Antiquitez_, which the _Goths_ had built 1150. years before; there is also many _Roman_ Antiquities, as an _Amphitheater_, so well builded that neither the _Goths_ nor the _Saracens_, nor _Attila_, nor _Charles Martel_, with all their power, could not utterly demolish it. The Author nameth it _Colossus_, because its building appeared like a _Colossus_ for solidity.

There is also an ancient Temple which is called the _Fountain_, builded as a Quadrangle, and supported by two rows of great Pillars, which at present is a Church of Nuns.

This being supposed, the River of _Gardon_ did overflow so much, that its Waters joyning with that of a Flood that happened there the ninth of _September_ 1557. every one thought that _Deucalion_ had been born again. The Author saith this; because in the fables of the ancients. _Deucalion_ is thought to be the Author of the Flood which _Ovid_ mentioneth. During this Flood which was like to overflow the Town, as well as the Countrey, many did retire themselves into that Amphitheater.

And in that ancient Temple of the _Fountain_, the Waters overthrowing a great many old buildings did discover abundance of Antiquities, and amongst the rest one of those Lamps that burneth always, in the Sepulchre of a _Vestal_, which went out as soon as it felt the fresh Air.

In confirmation of this, the History of _Provence_ saith, that the storm began about five of the Clock in the Morning, and lasted till Eight of the Clock at night, and that these waters did uncover abundance of Antiquities that were hidden 1100. years before, as Pillars, Portico’s, Medals, Jasper-stones, and serpentine-stones, pieces of broken Vessels, Epitaphs, lodging Rooms, and Caves, and all other things that use to be found in the ruines of a Palace.

There was also heard in the Air Dogs barking, Pillars of fire, Armed men fighting, and were seen two Suns in the Clouds of the Colour of Blood, all which were the sad presages of the Civil Wars of _France_ presently after, and chiefly that of _Provence_.

The ninth Century in the ninth Stanza, speaketh almost the same, and sheweth that _Nismes_ shall perish by Water.

VII.

French.

Le grand conflict qu’on appreste a _Nancy_, L’_Æmathien_ dira tout je soubmets, L’Isle _Britane_ par Vin Sel en solcy, _Hem. mi._ deux _Phi._ long temps ne tiendra _Mets_.

English.

A great War is preparing at _Nancy_, The _Æmathien_ shall say I submit to all, The _British_ Island shall be put in care by Salt and Wine, _Hem. mi._ two _Phi._ shall not keep _Mets_ long.

ANNOT.

_Nancy_ is the chief City of _Lorrain_, and by the _Æmathien_ is understood the _French_, the _British_ Isle is _England_, which is said here, shall come into great distress by Salt and Wine, because the Countrey aboundeth in those two Commodities. The last Verse I do not understand, save that _Mets_ is a great City in _Lorrain_.

VIII.

French.

_Index_ & _Poulse_ parfondera le front De _Senegalia_ le Comte a son Fils propre, La _Myrnamée_ par plusieurs de plain front, Trois dans sept jours blessez mort.

English.

_Index_ and _Poulse_ shall break the forehead, Of the Son of the Earl of _Senegalia_, The _Myrnamée_ by many at a full bout, Three within seven days shall be wounded to death.

ANNOT.

_Senegalia_ is a Town in _Italy_, all what can be gathered out of the obscurity of this Stanza, is, that the son of the Earl of that Town shall have his forehead broken, and within seven days after, three more shall be wounded to death.

IX.

French.

De _Castilon figuieres_ jour de brune, De femme infame naistra Souverain Prince, Surnum de chausses per hume luy posthume, Onc Roy ne fut si pire en sa Province.

English.

Out of _Castilon figuieres_ upon a misty day, From an infamous woman shall be born a Soveraign Prince, His surname shall be from _Breeches_, himself a posthume, Never a King was worse in his Province.

ANNOT.

_Castilon figuieres_ is a petty Town in _Provence_, in which he saith that a Soveraign Prince shall be born of an infamous Woman, and shall be a posthume, which in Latine signifieth one that is born after his Fathers death; he saith also that his name shall be derived from _Breeches_ and that never a King was worse in his Countrey, whether by worse, he meaneth in manners or fortune, I know not.

X.

French.

Tasche de murdre, enormes Adulteres, Grand ennemy de tout le genre humain, Que sera pire qu’ayeulx, Oncles ne Pere, En fer, feu, eau, sanguin & inhumain.

English.

Endeavour of Murder, enormous Adulteries, A great enemy of all mankind, That shall be worse then Grand-father, Uncle, or Father, In Iron, fire, water, bloody and inhumane.

ANNOT.

This Stanza as well as the next hath relation to the precedent, making mention what a wicked person shall that Posthume be of which he spoke before.

XI.

French.

Dessoubs _Jonchere_ du dangereux passage, Fera passer le posthume sa bande, Les Monts _Pyrens_ passer hors son bagage, De _Parpignan_ courira Duc a _Tende_.

English.

Below _Joncheres_ dangerous passage, The posthume shall cause his Army to go over, And his Baggage to go over the _Pyrenean_ Mountains, A Duke shalt run from _Perpignan_ to _Tende_.

ANNOT.

This is still concerning the same posthume or Bastard, who shall cause his Army to pass at _Jonchere_, and his Bagage to go over the _Pyrenean_ Mountains, which parts _Spain_ from _France_, and that upon the fear of him a Duke shall run from _Perpignan_, which is the chief City of _Roussillon_ to _Tende_, which is a little Town in _Provence_.

XII.

French.

Esleu en Pape, d’Esleu sera mocqué, Subit soudain, esmeu prompt & timide, Par trop bon doux a mourir provoqué, Crainte estainte la nuit de sa mort guide.

English.

Elected for a Pope, from Elected shall be baffled, Upon a sudden, moved quick and fearful, By too much sweetness provooked to die, His fear being out in the night shall be Leader to his death.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the person of the Cardinal _Santa Severina_, who in the Conclave of Cardinals after the death of Pope _Innocent_ IX. was Elected Pope, and presently after was baffled by the same Cardinals, and _Clement_ the VIII. chosen in his place, for which the other a little while after died for grief.

XIII.

French.

Soubs la pasture d’animaux ruminans, Par eux conduits au ventre _Herbi-polique_, Soldats cachez, les armes bruit menants, Non loin tentez de Cité _Antipolique_.

English.

Under the pasture of Beasts chewing the cud, Conducted by them to the _Herbi-polique_ belly, Souldiers hidden, the Weapons making a noise, Shall be attempted not far from _Antipolick_ City.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is, that some Souldiers disguised like Herds-men, shall lead Oxen into a place where were hidden before Weapons in the Grass, but the Weapons making a noise by their clashing they shall be discovered, not far from a place that he calleth here _Antipolique_, purposely to rime with _Herbipolique_ in _French_, which word _Herbipolique_ signifieth a Town of Pasture.

XIV.

French.

_Urnel_, _Vaucile_, sans conseil de soy mesmes, Hardy, timide par crainte prins vaincu, Accompagné de plusieurs putains, blesme, A _Barcelonne_ aux Chartreux convaincu.

English.

_Urnel_, _Vaucile_, without advice of his own, Stout and fearful, by fear taken and overcome, Pale, and in company of many Whores, Shall be convicted at _Barcelone_ by the Charterhouse.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is an Horoscope, which the Author made upon that Gentleman named _Urnel Vaucille_, and signifieth that the said man should find himself in such perplexity that he could not be able to take advice what to do, and that fear should make him hide himself, to be apprehended, in a place where he should be taken.

When he was taken, he was presently convicted of those crimes that he was accused of: therefore the Officers of Justice did conduct him to the Charter-house of _Barcelone_, which is four miles from the said Town, in a place called _Campo alegre_, for the beauty and situation of it, to that place many Whores did accompany him to receive the punishment they had deserved, therefore the Author saith that he went thither pale, as foreseeing the terrour of the punishment he was to undergo.

XV.

French.

Pere Duc vieux d’ans & de soif chargé, Au jour extreme fils desniant l’esguiere, Dedans le puis vif, mort viendra plongé, Senat au fils la mort longue & legere.

English.

A Father Duke, aged and very thirsty, In his extremity, his son denying him the Ewer, Alive into a Well, where he shall be drowned, For which the Senate shall give the son a long and easie death.

ANNOT.

It is a Duke very aged who shall die of a Dropsie, or of some other burning disease, which will make him very thirsty, the Physitians shall forbid any water to be given him, therefore this Duke shall press his son very much to give him the Ewer, that he may drink his fill, but his son refusing, the Father shall fall into such a rage, that being alone he will go and throw himself into a Well, where he shall be drowned.

This unhappy death will be the cause of much murmuring, and the Senate or Parliament of that place will make enquiry after it, by which enquiry the son will be found guilty, therefore for his punishment, he shall be condemned to a long and easie death, as to live all his days in some Monastery.

XVI.

French.

Heureux au Regne de _France_ heureux de vie, Ignorant sang, mort, fureur, rapine, Par non flatteurs seras mis en envie, Roy desrobé, trop de foy en cuisine.

English.

Happy in the Kingdom of _France_, happy in his Life, Ignorant of blood, death, fury, of taking by force, By no flatterers shall be envied, King robbed, too much faith in Kitchin.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognostication of a King of _France_, who though happy in his Reign and Life, and being given to no great vices, as blood, fury, or taking by force, yet shall be much envied and robbed by his Subjects, and chiefly by those he trusteth about his Kitchin.

XVII.

French.

La Reyne _Ergaste_ voiant sa fille blesme, Par un regret dans l’estomach enclos, Cris lamentables seront lors d’_Angolesme_, Et au germain mariage forclos.

English.

Queen _Ergaste_ seeing her Daughter pale, By a regret contained in her Breast, Then shall great cries come out of _Angolesme_, And the Marriage shall be denyed to the Cousin German.

ANNOT.

It is unknown what Queen he meaneth by the name of _Ergaste_; the rest is easie. _Angolesme_ is a City of _Gascony_ or _Languedoc_.

XVIII.

French.

Le rang _Lorrain_ fera place a _Vendosme_, Le haut mis bas, & le bas mis en haut, Le fils d’_Hamon_ sera esleu dans _Rome_, Et les deux grands seront mis en defaut.

English.

The House of _Lorrain_ shall give place to _Vendosme_ The high pulled down, the low raised up, The son of _Hamon_ shall be Elected into _Rome_, And the two great ones shall not appear.

ANNOT.

The two first Verses of this Prophecy were fulfilled in the time of _Henry_ the third King of _France_, in whose time the Duke of _Guise_, and House of _Lorrain_ were grown so powerful in _France_, that they drove the King from _Paris_, and assumed themselves a rank and authority over the Princes of the Blood, so that the King was forced to cause them to be slain, after which _Henry_ IV. who was King of _Navarre_ and Duke of _Vendosme_ took his place again as first Prince of the Blood.

The two last Verses are too obscure to be interpreted, and I believe were onely forced by our Author to make up his Rime, as he hath done in several other places.

XIX.

French.

Jour que sera pour Roine saluée, Le jour apres le salut, la Priere, Le compte fait raison & valbuée, Par avant humble oncques ne fut si fiere.

English.

The day that she shall be saluted Queen, The next day after the Evening Prayer, All accompts being summoned and cast up, She that was humble before, never was one so proud.

ANNOT.

It is a woman (be like of a small Fortune) who coming to be a Queen by her humility, the next day after Evening Prayer she shall appear so proud, as the like was never seen.

XX.

French.

Tous les amis qu’auront tenu party, Pour rude en lettres mis mort & saccage, Biens publiez par fixe, grand neanty, Onc _Romain_ peuple ne fut tant outrage.

English.

All the friends that shall have taken the part Of the Unlearned, put to death and robbed, Goods sold publickly by proclamation, a great man seized of them, Never _Roman_ people was so much abused.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is, that a great man that took part with all those that were unlearned shall be put to death, and their goods praised and sold publickly, upon which goods another great man shall seize, and this is to be done in _Rome_.

There is fault in the Impression of the third _French_ Verse, for instead of _fixe_ it must be _fisc_ and instead of _Neanty_ it must be _Nancy_.

XXI.

French.

Par le despit du Roy soustenant moindre, Sera meurdry luy presentant les bagues, Le Pere & Fils voulant Noblesse poindre, Fait comme a _Perse_ jadis firent les _Magues_.

English.

To spite the King, who took the part of the weaker, He shall be murdered, presenting to him Jewels, The Father and the Son going to vex the Nobility, It shall be done to them as the _Magi_ did in _Persia_.

ANNOT.

This is a King who with his son taking the peoples part against the Nobility shall be killed, in presenting to him Jewels, and he and his son shall be dealt with all as the _Magi_, that is the Grandees of _Persia_ used to do with their Kings, whom they were wont to murder, or depose.

XXII.

French.

Pour ne vouloir consentir au divorce, Qui puis apres sera cogneu indigne, Le Roy des Isles sera chassé par force, Mis a son lien qui de Roy n’aura signe.

English.

For not consenting to the divorce, Which afterwards shall be acknowledged unworthy, The King of the Island shall be expelled by force, And another subrogated, who shall have no mark of a King.

ANNOT.

This is plain concerning _England_ and the late calamities thereof, when our gracious King for not consenting to the wicked factions of the Parliament then, and that have been acknowledged so since, was expelled by force, and an Usurpator that had not the least sign of a King sat in his place.

XXIII.

French.

Au peuple ingrat faites les remonstrances, Par lors l’Armée se saisira d’_Antibe_, Dans larc _Monech_ feront les doleances, Et a _Freius_ l’un l’autre prendra ribe.

English.

The remonstrances being made to the ungrateful people, At that time the Army shall seize upon _Antibe_, In the River of _Monaco_ they shall make their complaints, And at _Freius_ both of them shall take their share.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that at the same time that the remonstrances shall be made to an ungrateful people; the Army shall seize upon the Town of _Antibe_, which is a Sea Town between _France_ and _Italy_, and that there shall be great complaints at _Monaco_, which is another Sea Town near it, and at the place called _Freius_, both parties shall either agree, or divide their shares.

XXIV.

French.

Le captif Prince aux _Itales_ vaincu, Passera _Gennes_ par Mer jusque a _Marseille_, Par grand effort des forens survaincu, Sauf coup de feu, barril liqueur d’Abeille.

English.

The captive Prince vanquished in _Italy_, Shall pass by Sea through _Genoa_ to _Marseilles_, By great endeavours of forrain forces overcome, But that a Barrel of Honey shall save him from the fire.

ANNOT.

A Prince vanquished in _Italy_, and taken Prisoner shall come through _Genoa_ to _Marseilles_, where he shall be once more overcome by strangers, but that a Barrel of Honey shall save him from being burnt. This is the sense of the words as near as I can judge, the judicious Reader may make what construction he pleaseth upon them.

XXV.

French.

Par _Nebro_ ouvrir de _Brisanne_ passage, Bien esloignez _el tago fara muestra_, Dans _Pelligouxe_ sera commis l’outrage, De la grand Dame assise sur l’_Orchestra_.

English.

By _Nebro_ to open the passage of _Brisanne_, A great way off, _el tago fara muestra_, In _Pelligouxe_ the wrong shall be done Of the great Lady sitting in the _Orchestra_.

ANNOT.

Here once more I lost my Spectacles, and could not see through, therefore I had rather be silent then coin lies, I shall only tell you, that _orchestra_ in Latine is the seat wherein noble Personages sit at the beholding of Stage-plays.

XXVI.

French.

Le successeur vengera son Beau frere, Occuper Regne soubs ombre de vengeance, Occis obstacle son sang mort vitupere, Long temps _Bretagne_ tiendra avec la _France_.

English.

The Successour shall avenge his Brother in Law, Shall hold by force the Kingdom, upon pretence of revenge, That hinderance shall be killed, his dead blood ashamed, A long time shall _Brittany_ hold with _France_.

ANNOT.

This is plain enough of it self, without any interpretation.

XXVII.

French.

_Charle_ cinquiesme & un grand _Hercules_, Viendront le Temple ouvrir de main bellique, Une Colonne, _Jules_ & _Ascan_ reculez, L’_E’pagne_, clef, Aigle neurent onc si grand pique.

English.

_Charles_ the Fifth, and one great _Hercules_, Shall open the Temple with a Warlike hand, One Colonne, _Julius_ and _Ascan_ put back, _Spain_, the Key, Eagle were never at such variance.

ANNOT.

_Charles_ the V. was the Emperour, and that great _Hercules_ was _Henry_ the II. King of _France_, whom he calleth _Hercules_, because he was King of _France_, and the Author nameth often in his Stanzas the Kings of _France Hercules_ or _Ogmions_, because that great Captain of the Antiquity left his name glorious in the _Gaules_, whence the ancient Historians have given him the name of _Hercules Gallicus_. _Henry_ the II. also was not only an _Hercules_ by being King of _France_, but also a great _Hercules_, because of his Warlike humour, and for his great feats in Arms.

_To open the Temple_, signifieth to make War, because the _Romans_ in ancient time were wont to shut the Temple of _Janus_ in time of Peace, and kept it open during the War. _Cæsar Augustus_ did shut that Temple once in his time, which was never done before but twice, the first under _Numa Pompilius_, the second after the overcoming of _Charthage_.

XXVIII.

French.

Second & tiers qui font prime Musique, Sera par Roy en honneur sublimée, Par grasse & maigre presque a deny etique; Rapport de _Venus_ faux rendra deprimée.

English.

Second and third that make prime Musick, Shall by the King be exalted to honour, By a fat one, and a lean one, one in consumption, A false report of _Venus_ shall pull her down.

ANNOT.

Notwithstanding the obscurity of this sense, and the bad connexion of the words, we may perceive that by this Stanza is meant, that a King having two Mistresses shall exalt them in great honour, till by a report made by a fat woman and a lean one, that is in a consumption, that the said Ladies prove unfaithful to the King, he will depress them as low as they were before.

XXIX.

French.

De _Pol Mansol_ dans Caverne caprine, Caché & pris extrait hors par la barbe, Captif mené comme beste mastine, Par _Begourdans_ amenée pres de _Tarbe_.

English.

From _Pol Mansol_ in a Goats Den, Hidden and taken, drawn out by the beard Prisoner, led as a Mastiff, By _Begourdans_ shall be brought near to _Tarbe_.

ANNOT.

Here and in some other places of this work is to be observed, that the Author doth sometimes put two Towns instead of one, that he may distinguish it from others of the same name, as here he calleth _Pol Mansol_ to distinguish the Town of St. _Paul_, which is three Leagues from the _Rhosne_, over against the Town of _Pont St. Esprit_, from that which is in the lower parts of _Provence_.

The sense therefore of this Stanza is, that this _Begourdans_ (a proper name of a man) shall pull out another by the beard, that was hidden in a Goats Den, and shall lead him captive as far as _Tarbe_, which is another Town of _Provence_.

XXX.

French.

Nepveu & sang du St. nouveau venu, Par le surnom soustient arcs & couvert, Seront chassez mis a mort chassez nu, En rouge & noir convertiront leur vert.

English.

Nephew and blood of the Saint newly come, By the surname upholdeth Vaults and Covering, They shall be driven, put to death, and driven out naked. They shall change their red and black into green.

ANNOT.

Here I confess to be at a loss, as may be a wiser man then I.

XXXI.

French.

Le Sainct Empire viendra en _Germanie_, _Ismaelites_ trouveront lieux ouverts, Asnes viendront aussy de la _Caramanie_, Les soustenans de Terre tous couverts.

English.

The Holy Empire shall come into _Germany_, The _Ismaelites_ shall find open places, Asses shall also come out of _Caramania_, Taking their part, and covering the Earth.

ANNOT.

By the _Ismaelites_ he meaneth the _Turks_, who brag to be descended from _Ismael_.

_Caramania_ is a Province of _Turky_, so that the sense of this Stanza is, that there shall be a great Invasion of the _Turks_ into _Germany_, and that those of _Caramania_ with their Asses shall come to their help, and shall be in such numbers, as that the Earth shall be covered with them.

XXXII.

French.

Le grand Empire chascun en devoit estre, Un sur les autres le viendra obtenir, Mais peu de temps sera son Regne & estre, Deux ans aux Naves se pourra soustenir.

English.

The great Empire, every one would be of it, One above the rest shall obtain it, But his time and his Reign shall last little, He may maintain himself two years in his Shipping.

ANNOT.

This is plain enough without interpretation.

XXXIII.

French.

La faction cruelle a Robe longue, Viendra cacher soubs les pointus Poignards, Saisir _Florence_, le Duc & le _Diphlongue_, Sa discouverte par Immeurs & Flagnards.

English.

The cruel faction of long Robe, Shall come and hide under the sharp Daggers, Seize upon _Florence_, the Duke and the _Diphlongue_, The discovery of it shall be by Countrey fellows.

ANNOT.

This is the Prognostication of a conspiracy against the Duke and City of _Florence_, by those of the long Gown, which shall be discovered by Countrey fellows, that live in places without Walls.

XXXIV.

French.

_Gaulois_ qu’Empire par Guerre occupera, Par son Beau-frere mineur sera trahi, Par Cheval rude voltigeant trainera, Du fait le frere long temps sera hay.

English.

A _Frenchman_ who shall occupy an Empire by War, Shall be betrayed by his Brother in Law a Pupil, He shall be drawn by a rude prancing Horse, For which fact his brother shall be long hated.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of a _Frenchman_, who shall by War obtain an Empire or Kingdom, and shall be betrayed by his Brother in Law a Pupil, whom afterwards he shall treacherously cause to mount a fierce prancing Horse, who shall throw him down and drag him, for which the said King shall be hated long after.

XXXV.

French.

Puisné Roial flagrant d’ardant libide, Pour se jouir de cousine _Germaine_, Habit de femme au Temple d’_Artemide_, Allant murdry par incogneu _du Marne_.

English.

The Kingly youngest son heated with burning lust, For to enjoy his Cosen German, Shall in womans apparrel go to the Temple of _Artemis_; Going, shall be murdered by unknown _du Marne_.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the younger son of a King, who being extreamly in love with his Cosen German, shall disguise himself in a womans apparel, and shall go so disguised to the Temple of _Artemide_ (that is of some Church Dedicated to the Virgin _Mary_) to meet her, but in going, shall be murdered by an unknown man named _du Marne_.

XXXVI.

French.

Apres le Roy du Sud guerres parlant, L’Isle _Harmotique_ le tiendra a mespris, Quelques ans bons rongeant un & pillant, Par tyrannie a l’Isle changeant pris.

English.

After that the King of the South shall have talked of Wars, The _Harmotick_ Island shall despise him, Some good years gnawing one and plundering, And by tyranny shall change the price of the Island.

ANNOT.

The two first Verses are concerning _Philip_ the II. King of _Spain_, who is called here the King of the _South_, whom after his vain and frustrated Invasion of 88. the _Harmotique_ Island (that is _England_) shall deride, and he after that shall have some good years, that is of Peace, still pillaging and plundering his Subjects, and shall change the price of _England_, that is, make it of a higher value, and more flourishing then ever it was before, as it did prove in Queen _Elizabeth_’s time.

XXXVII.

French.

Grande assemblée pres du Lac du _Borget_, Se rallieront pres de _Montmelian_, Passants plus outre pensifs feront projet, _Chambray_, _Morienne_, combat Saint _Julian_.

English.

A great assembly of people near the Lake of _Borget_, Will go and gather themselves about _Montmelian_, Going beyond, they shall make an enterprize, Upon _Chambery_, _Moriene_, and shall fight at St. _Julian_.

ANNOT.

This Lake of _Borget_ is in _Savoy_, as also _Montmelian_, _Chambery_, _Moriene_, and St. _Julian_; the meaning of it then is, that a great Army shall be gathered about that Lake, which shall go through _Chambery_, _Moriene_, and _Montmelian_, and shall fight at St. _Julian_.

XXXVIII.

French.

Amour alegre non loin pose le Siege, Au Saint _Barbar_ seront les Garnisons, _Ursins_, _Hadrie_ pour _Gaulois_ feront plaige. Pour peur rendus de l’Armée, aux _Grisons_.

English.

Cheerful love doth lay Siege not far, The Garrisons shall be at Saint _Barbar_, _Ursini_, _Hadria_ shall be sureties for the _French_, And many for fear shall go from the Army to the _Grisons_.

ANNOT.

The first two Verses are inexplicable; the two last signifie that there shall be an Army of _Frens_, with whom _Hadria_ (that is _Venice_) and the _Ursini_ the noblest Family in _Italy_ shall take part, insomuch, that many of the contrary party shall run for fear to the _Grisons_, which is a Nation dwelling in the _Valteline_ and other Countreis there about, between the _Venetians_ and the _Switzers_.

XXXIX.

French.

Premier fils veusve malheureux mariage, Sans nuls enfans deux Isles en discord, Avant dixhuit incompetant Aage, De l’autre pres plus bas sera l’accord.

English.

Of the first son a widow, an unhappy match, Without any Children, two Islands at variance, Before eighteen an incompetant Age, Of the other lower shall be the agreement.

ANNOT.

Although the words be intricate, nevertheless the sense is plain, concerning _Francis_ the II. King of _France_, who being married young, and before he was 18. years of Age, to _Mary Stuart_ Queen of _Scotland_, died presently after, and left her a widow, and also _England_ and _Scotland_ (which he calleth here two Islands) at variance among themselves; of the last Verse the sense is very obscure, and hath relation to what did happen afterwards to the said _Mary_ Queen of _Scots_ and Dowager of _France_.

XL.

French.

Le jeune nay au Regne _Britannique_, Qu’aura le Pere mourant recommandé, Iceluy mort _Londre_ donra topique, Et a son fils le Regne demandé.

English.

The young man born to the Kingdom of _Britanny_, Whom his Father dying shall have recommended, After his death _London_ shall give him a topick, And shall ask the Kingdom from his son.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is plain, concerning his Majesty King _Charles_ II. now Reigning, who having been recommended by his dying Father to his Subjects, presently after his death they turned tail, and took the Kingdom from him for a good while.

XLI.

French.

En la frontiere de _Caussade_ & _Charlus_, Non gueres loing du fond de la valée, De _Ville Franche_ Musique a son de Luths, Environnez Combouls & grand myrtée.

English.

Upon the Frontiere of _Caussade_ and _Charlus_, Not far from the bottom of the Valley, Of _Ville Franche_ there shall be Musick of Lutes, Great dancing and great company of people met together.

ANNOT.

_Caussade_, _Charlus_, and _Villefranche_ are little Towns in _Provence_, not far one from another; the rest is easie.

XLII.

French.

Le Regne humain d’Angelique geniture, Fera son Regne, paix, union tenir, Captive guerre demy de sa closture, Long temps la paix leur fera maintenir.

English.

The humane Reign of an Angelical brood, Shall cause his Reign to be in peace and union, Shall make War, captive shutting it half up, He shall cause them to keep peace a great while.

ANNOT.

This is only a foretelling of some Gallant Prince, who shall maintain his Subjects in great peace and tranquility.

XLIII.

French.

Le trop bon temps, trop de bonté Roiale, Faits & desfaits prompt, subit, negligence, Leger croira faux, despouse loiale, Luy mis a mort par sa benevolence.

English.

The time too good, too much of Royal bounty, Made and unmade, nimble, quick, negligence, Fickle shall believe false o’ his loyal Spouse, He shall be put to death for his good will.

ANNOT.

This is concerning another King, who through his too much goodness, simplicity and negligence, shall make and unmake those about him, and being fickle, shall believe false reports, made concerning his own wife; and at last by his to much goodness, shall be put to death.

XLIV.

French.

Par lors qu’un Roy sera contre les siens; Natif de _Blois_ subjuguera _Ligueres_, _Mammel_, _Cordube_, & les _Dalmatiens_, Des sept puis l’ombre a Roy estrennes & _Lemures_.

English.

At that time that a King shall be against his own, One born at Blois shall subdue the _Ligures_, _Mammel_, _Cordua_ and the _Dalmatians_, After that the shadow of the seven shall be to the King a new-years gift and Hoggoblins.

ANNOT.

_Blois_ is a City in _France_; _Ligures_ are the _Genoeses_, in Latine called _Ligures_; as for _Mammel_ I cannot tell what to make of it; _Cordua_ is a City of _Spain_, and the _Dalmatians_ is a Nation near the _Adriatick_ Sea, and under the _Venetians_; I leave the interpretation of the last Verse to the ingenious Reader.

XLV.

French.

Lombre du Regne de _Navarre_ non vray, Fera la vie de sort illegitime, La vers promis incertain de _Cambray_, Roy d’_Orleans_ donra mur legitime

English.

The shadow of the Reign of _Navarre_ not true, Shall make the life of illegitimate chance, The uncertain allowance from _Cambray_, King of _Orleans_ shall give a lawfull Wall.

ANNOT.

The _Reign_ or Kingdom of _Navarre_ is called _not true_, because the King of _Spain_ doth possess it, and not the King of _France_, who is the lawful King thereof, as also in regard of the Kings of _France_, and before of _Jane_ of _Albret_, and _Antony_ of _Bourbon_.

This Kingdom being _not true_ in regard of the said ones, the title and quality is called here _shadow_. The Author saith that the quality of the King of _Navarre_ _shall make the life of illigitimate chance_, because after the death of _Francis_ the II _Catherine_ of _Medicis_ being not opposed in the Regence by _Antony_ of _Bourbon_ King of _Navarre_, she was willing to gratifie him in what she could.

And because his Brother _Lewis_ Prince of _Condé_ had been condemned to death, and not executed, it was a fair occasion for her to shew the King of _Navarre_ how much she did defer to him. Therefore twelve days after the death of King _Francis_, he was freed out of Prison, and was admitted to justifie himself under the King of _Navarre_’s Bail.

Thus the _shadow of the Kingdom of ~Navarre~ not true_, did cause the life of a Prince to be saved, but that life was illegitimate, _and that Kingdom not true by chance_, that is, by accident, because of the death of King _Francis_.

Leaving off the third Verse to be explained after the fourth; _King_ (saith the Author) _shall give_ Orleans _for legitimate_, because _Charles_ the IX. who during the life of _Francis_ the II. did bear the title of Duke of _Orleans_, did succeed his Brother; thus the Verse saith that _Orleans shall give a King for legitimate_.

Now for the third Verse, you must suppose that by the Treaty at _Madrid_ 1526. and after this by that of _Cambray_, the King _Francis_ the I. did part with the Sovereignty of _Flanders_, and of all the _Low Countreis_ in favour of _Charles_ the V. Emperour, it is of that _uncertain allowance_ of Cambray, of which the Author talketh here, and saith, that in that time _viz._ of the death of _Francis_ the II. that _allowance shall be uncertain_, because _Francis_ the I. having no power of himself to renounce the rights and dependance of the Crown of _France_, the Parliament that was assembled then, would have made void that _allowance_ without breaking the Peace, declaring that the Kings of _France_ ought to preserve the right they had upon the _Low-Countreis_, and to require them again upon any occasion, and upon that _France_ did not refuse the Election which the _Low-Countreis_ made of the Duke of _Alencon_ for their Sovereign Prince and Duke of _Brabant_.

XLVI.

French.

Vif sort mort de l’or vilain indigne, Sera de _Saxe_ non nouveau Electeur, De _Brunswick_ mandra d’amour signe, Faux le rendant au peuple seducteur.

English.

The living receives his death from Gold, infamous slut! Shall be of _Saxony_ not the new Elector, From _Brunswick_ shall come a sign of love, Falsly persuading the people that he is a seductor.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning an old Elector of _Saxony_, who being in health before, shall die suddenly, being poisoned in a golden Cup by a woman, whom he calleth here _infamous slut_.

And that from _Brunswick_ (a Countrey adjacent to _Saxony_) shall come a Messenger, upon pretence of Love, who shall persuade the people that the said Elector was a Seducer.

XLVII.

French.

De _Bourze_ Ville a la Dame _Guyrlande_, L’on mettra sus par la trahison faite, Le grand Prelat de _Leon_ par _Formande_, Faux Pellerins & Rauisseurs deffaite.

English.

From _Bourze_ City belonging to the Lady _Garlant_, They shall impose by a set treason, The great Prelate of _Leon_ by _Formande_, False Pilgrims and Ravishers destroyed.

ANNOT.

I believe that there is a fault here in the impression, and that instead of _Bourze_ it must be _Bourges_, which is a famous City in _France_, and Capitol of the Province of _Berry_, for I do not know any Town in _Europe_ called _Bourze_. What he meaneth by the Lady _Garlant_ is unknown. I believe also that instead of _Leon_ it should be _Lyon_, which is another famous City, and the first Archbishoprick of the said Kingdom. _Formande_ is a barbarous word, and I believe put in only to make up the Rime, as he hath done in several other places, as much then as can be gathered out of the sense is this, that from that City _Bourges_, which usually is a Dowry for a Queen of _France_, which is called here _Garlant_, shall a treason be hatched against the Archbishop of _Lion_, which I suppose came to pass in the time of _Henry_ the III. when _Peter_ of _Pinac_ Archbishop of the said _Lion_, being accused by the Deputies of _Bourges_ for siding with the League, escaped narrowly to be killed, when the Duke of _Guise_ and the Cardinal his brother were. Queen _Catherine_ of _Medicis_ the Kings Mother having then the said Province and Town of _Bourges_ for her jointure.

The last Verse hath no relation to the three foremost, and hath its interpretation by it self, which is plain enough.

XLVIII.

French.

Du plus profond de l’_Espagne_ ancienne, Sortants du bout & des fins de l’_Europe_, Trouble passant aupres du Pont de _Laigne_, Sera deffaits par bande sa grand troppe.

English.

From the utmost part of old _Spain_, Going out of the extremities of _Europe_, He that troubled the travellers by the Bridge of _Laigne_, Shall have his great Troop defeated by another.

ANNOT.

Every Traveller knoweth that _Castille_ (which is taken here for _Spain_) is divided into two parts _viz._ _Castilia la Vecchia_, and _Castilia la Nuova_, our Author then saith that out of _Castilia la Vecchia_, which is situated at the further end of _Europe_ on that side, shall come a band of men, who shall destroy the Thieves that robbed and vexed the Travellers by the Bridge of _Laigne_, which it seemeth was an infamous place for robbing.

XLIX.

French.

Jardin du Monde aupres de Cité neufve, Dans le chemin des Montagnes cavées, Sera saisi & plongé dans la Cuve, Beuvant par force eaux Soulphre envenimées.

English.

Garden of the World, near the new City, In the way of the digged Mountains, Shall be seized on, and thrown into the Tub, Being forced to drink Sulphurous poisoned waters.

ANNOT.

This word _Garden of the World_, doth signifie a particular person, seeing that this _Garden of the World_ was seized on and poisoned in a Tub of Sulphurous water, in which he was thrown.

The History may be this, that _Nostradamus_ passing for a Prophet and a great Astrologer in his time, abundance of people came to him to know their Fortunes, and chiefly the Fathers to know that of their Children, as did Mr. _Lafnier_, and Mr. _Cotton_, Father of that renowned Jesuit of the same name, very like then that Mr. _du Jardin_ having a son did ask _Nostradamus_ what should become of him, and because his son was named _Cosmus_, which in Greek signifieth the World, he answered him with these four Verses.

_Garden of the World_, for _Cosmus of the Garden_, In his travels shall be taken hard by the New City, in a way that hath been digged between the Mountains, and there shall be thrown in to a Tub of poisoned Sulphurous water to cause him to die, being forced to drink that water which those rogues had prepared for him.

Those that have learned the truth of this History, may observe it here. This ought to have come to pass in the last Age, seeing that the party mentioned was then born when this Stanza was written, and this unhappy man being dead of a violent death, there is great likelyhood, that he was not above forty years old.

There is another difficulty, to know which is that new City, there being many of that name in _Europe_, nevertheless the more probable is, that there being many Knights of _Maltha_ born in _Provence_ (the native Countrey of our Author) it may be believed that by the new City he meaneth the new City of _Maltha_ called _la Valete_, hard by which there is paths and ways digged in the Mountains, which Mountains are as if it were a Fence and a Barricado against the Sea, or else this _Cosmus_ might have been taken by Pyrats of _Algiers_, and there in the new City of the _Goulette_ be put to death in the manner aforesaid.

L.

French.

La _Meuse_ au jour Terre de _Luxembourg_, Descouvrira _Saturne_ & trois en _Lurne_, Montaigne & plaine, Ville, Cité & Bourg, _Lorrain_ Deluge, trahison par grand _hurne_.

English.

The _Maes_ by day in the Land of _Luxembourg_, Shall discover _Saturn_, and three in the _Lurne_, Mountain and plain, Town, City, and Countrey Town, A _Lorrain_ flood, treason by a great _hurne_.

ANNOT.

The _Maes_ is a River that runneth through a part of _Lorrain_ and _Luxembourg_; as for the words _Lurne_ and _hurne_ I do not understand them, neither do I think they are to be found in all the _French_ Language, both obsolete and modern; all what I can gather out of this, is, that a great overflowing of the River _Maes_, shall be both in _Luxembourg_ and _Lorrain_, insomuch that three Leaden Mines (which is meant here by _Saturn_) shall be discovered, and after that, a great Treason shall happen in the said _Lorrain_.

LI.

French.

Des lieux plus bas du Pais de _Lorraine_, Seront des basses _Allemagnes_ unis, Par ceux du Siege _Picards_, _Normans_, du _Maine_, Et aux Cantons se seront reunis.

Transcriber’s Note: An English version was omitted from this printing, but the annotation below is an accurate enough (if not very poetic) translation.

ANNOT.

The sense of this is, that the lower _Lorrain_ and _Germany_ being united together, shall have War with the other three Nations, of _Picards_, _Normans_, and _Manceaux_, which having Besieged a Town, shall constrain the _Lorrainers_ and _Low-germans_, to unite themselves with the Cantons of _Switzerland_.

LII.

French.

Au lieu ou _Laye_ & _Scelde_ se marient, Seront les Nopces de long temps mamée, Au lieu d’_Anvers_ ou la grappe charient, Jeune vieillesse conforte intammée.

English.

In the place where _Laye_ and _Scelde_ are united, Shall the Nuptials be, that were long a doing. In the place of _Antwerp_ where they draw the grape, The young unspotted will comfort the old Age.

ANNOT.

There is fault in the Impression, for instead of _Laye_ it must be _Lis_, which is a River that runneth through _Flanders_, and dischargeth it self into the _Scelde_, which is the River that passeth at _Antwerp_, the sense therefore of this Prophecy is, that in the place where the River of _Lis_ joyneth with the _Scelde_, there shall the Nuptials be consummated that were long a doing, and the place of _Antwerp_, where they unload the Wines, there shall a young unspotted Lady Marry, and comfort an old man.

LIII.

French.

Les trois Pellices de loing s’entrebattront, La plus grand moindre demeurera a l’ecoute, Le grand _Selin_ n’en sera plus patron, Le nommera feu, pelte, blanche, route.

English.

The three Concubines shall fight one with another a far off, The greatest less shall remain watching, The great _Selin_ shall be no more their Patron, And shall call it fire, pelte, white, route.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning the _Turkish_ Empire, where three of the great _Turks_ Concubines, which in Latine are called _Pellices_, shall make War one against another, the great _Turk_ himself favouring neither party.

LIV.

French.

Née en ce Monde par Concubine furtive, A deux hault mise par les tristes nouvelles, Entre Ennemis sera prinse Captive, Et amenée a _Malines_ & _Bruxelles_.

English.

Born in this world from a stolen Concubine, Set up at two heights by the sad news, Shall be taken Prisoner among the Enemies, And brought to _Malines_ and _Bruxelles_.

ANNOT.

This is concerning some Lady of quality, born of a Concubine, who shall be set up by reason of some sad news that shall be brought, and afterwards shall be taken Prisoner, and carryed to _Malines_ and _Bruxelles_, two Cities of the Low-Countreys.

LV.

French.

Les malheureuses Nopces celebreront, En grande joye mais la fin malheureuse, Mary & Mere _Nore_ desdaigneront, Le _Phibe_ mort, & _Nore_ plus piteuse.

English.

The unhappy Nuptials shall be celebrated, With great joy, but the end shall be unhappy, Husband and Mother shall scorn _Nore_, The _Phybe_ dead, and _Nore_ more pitifull.

ANNOT.

If by _Phybe_ we understand the Admiral of _Chastillon_, and by _Nore_, Queen _Margaret_ of _Valois_, the rest will be easie. For in the year 1572. a Match was made between _Henry_ the IV. then King of _Navarre_, chief of the Protestant party, and _Margaret_ of _Valois_, Sister to _Charles_ the IX. to this Wedding were the chief of the Protestant party invited, who were there Massacred, and among the rest _Gaspard_ of _Coligny_, Lord of _Chastillon_, and Admiral of _France_, whom he calleth here _Phybe_. And when he saith, that _Husband and Mother shall scorn ~Nore~_, he sheweth the slight Opinion and regard that the Queen Mother had for her Daughter, and _Henry_ the IV. for his Wife, whom he after repudiated.

LVI.

French.

Prelat Roial soy baissant trop tiré, Grand Flux de Sang sortira par sa bouche, Le Regne _Anglicque_ par Regne respiré, Long temps mort vif en _Tunis_ comme souche.

English.

Royal Prelate bowing himself too much, A great flood of Blood shall come out of his mouth, The _English_ Reign by Reign respited, A great while dead, alive in _Tunis_ like a Log.

ANNOT.

A Prelate, is a man of eminent dignity in the Church, the Royal prelate must be a Churchman of the Royal Blood, who bowing himself too much, shall fall into an Hæmorhagie or Flux of Blood at his Mouth. The third Verse signifieth, that the Kingdom of _England_ shall be relieved from some distress by another Kingdom or Prince that had been a Slave a great while at _Tunis_, and lyen there, _dead alive like a Log of Wood_.

LVII.

French.

Le sublevé ne cognoistra son Sceptre, Les enfans jeunes des plus grands honnira, Oncques ne fut un plus ord cruel estre, Pour leur Espouses a mort noir bannera.

English.

The exalted shall not know his Scepter He shall put to shame the young Children of the greatest, Never was one more dirty and cruel, He shall banish to Black death their Spouses.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a great Tyrant, who being exalted to the dignity of a King, shall not know how to govern; but shall slight and put to shame the Children of the greatest Nobility, and shall banish their Wives out of the Land; this hath a relation to the late Tyrant _Cromwell_.

LVIII.

French.

Au temps du dueil que le _Selin_ Monarque, Guerroiera le jeune _Æmathien_, _Gaule_ bransler, pericliter la barque, Tenter _Phocens_ au ponant entretien.

English.

In the time of mourning, when the Monarch _Selin_, Shall make War against the young _Æmathien_, _France_ shall quake, the Ship shall be in danger, _Phocens_ shall be attempted, the business shall be in the West.

ANNOT.

You must observe here, that by _Æmathien_ the Author meaneth the King of _France_, as he doth in many other places; and by _Selin_, he meaneth the great _Turk_, because such was the name of him that lived in his time, this being presupposed the meaning of this is, that the great _Turk_ shall fight against the King of _France_, and shall attempt _Phocens_, which is _Marseilles_, as being a Colony of the old _Phocenses_ in _Græcia_, which shall cause all _France_ to quake, and the Ship to be in danger, which is _Paris_, who beareth a Ship for its Arms.

LIX.

French.

Dedans Lion vingt & cinq d’une haleine, Cinq Citoyens _Germains_, _Bressans_, _Latines_, Par dessous Noble conduiront longue traine, Et descouvers par abboy de Mastins.

English.

In _Lyons_ five and twenty of a breadth Five Citizens _Germans_, _Bressans_, _Latines_, Under Noblemen shall conduct a long Train, And shall be discovered by the barking of Mastiffs.

ANNOT.

The Marshal of St. _André_, Governour of _Lyon_ being absent, the Protestants undertook the taking of it, at the solicitation of some principal Lords at Court, among whom were named the Prince of _Condé_, and the Vidame of _Chartres_, _Francis_ of _Vendosme_, Knight of the Order. The Abbot of _Savigny_, who did supply the place of the Governour, and was named _Antony_ of _Albon_, since that Archbishop of _Arles_, having discovered this Conspiracy, went to surprise the undertakers, but as he was going upon the night of the 5 of _September_, he met with some of the confederates upon the Bridge of _Saone_, which made him retreat with some loss.

The next day having gathered more Forces, he took three of them that were strangers and young, the rest escaping, those three were hanged the next _Saturday_, which was the 7 of that Month.

The Marshal being come to Town, there was Execution made upon some of the Inhabitants, to the number of 4 that were hanged.

After that there were informations made concerning the Authors and Abettors of the said conspiracy, and many other Citizens and strangers were put to Prison, and besides them the Vidame of _Chartres_, who was carryed to _Paris_, and put into the _Bastille_, and after that in the _Tournelles_, where he died before his process was ended, the _23 December 1560_.

It is what our Author saith in this stanza; in the first Verse he saith, that there were _five and twenty of a breadth_, of whose five and twenty there was _five Citizens of the Town_, and the rest were _Germans, Bressans and Italians_, of these Citizens 4 were hanged, and three of the strangers.

Those 25 undertakers, of which the Author saith, that _under Noblemen they shall conduct a long Train_; that is, that under the support and favour of many Noblemen, they would undertake a thing that should not end so soon as it proved afterwards; for although this enterprise did fail, yet was the beginning of horrid combustions that followed afterwards.

This enterprise it seemeth was discovered by barking of Mastiffs.

The Apology for the City of _Lyon_ treateth at large of this, and nameth all those conspirators, who for the most part were of _Germany_ and _Geneva_.

LX.

French.

Je pleure _Nice_, _Monaco_, _Pise_, _Genes_, _Savone_, _Sienne_, _Capoue_, _Modene_, _Malthe_, Le dessus sang & glaive par estrenes, Feu, trembler Terre, eau, malheureuse _nolte_.

English.

I bewail _Nice_, _Monaco_, _Pisa_, _Genoa_, _Savona_, _Sienna_, _Capoua_, _Modena_, _Maltha_, Upon them blood and sword for a new years-gift, Fire, Earth-quake, water, unhappy _nolte_.

ANNOT.

All these Cities are situated by the _Mediterranean_ Sea, and most of them upon that part of it, which is called the River of _Genoa_, and are threatned here by all the plagues above mentioned; as for the word _nolte_ it is a barbarous one, forced here to make up the Rime in _French_.

LXI.

French.

_Betta_, _Vienne_, _Comorre_, _Sacarbance_, Voudront livrer aux Barbares _Pannone_, Par picque et feu, enorme violence, Les conjurez d’escouverts par Matrone.

English.

_Betta_, _Vienna_, _Comorre_, _Sacarbance_, Shall endeavour to deliver _Pannone_ to the Barbarians, By Pike, and fire, extraordinary violence! The conspirators discovered by a Matron.

ANNOT.

It seemeth that there will be a conspiracy of some men out of all the above mentioned Cities, to surrender _Hungary_ (which in Latine is called _Pannonia_) to the great Turk, but that conspiracy shall be discovered by a Matron, that is, a grave ancient Woman.

LXII.

French.

Pres de _Sorbin_ pour assaillir _Hongrie_, L’Heraut de _Bude_ le viendra advertir, Chef _Bizantin_, _Sallon_ de _Sclavonie_, A Loy d’_Arabes_ les viendra convertir.

English.

Near _Sorbin_, to invade _Hungary_, The Herald of _Buda_ shall come to give them notice of it, Chief _Bizantin_, _Sallon_ of _Sclavonia_, Shall come to turn them to the _Arabian_ Religion.

ANNOT.

This seemeth to have a relation to the precedent, and that near that place he calleth _Sorbin_, preparations shall be made to Invade _Hungary_, but they shall have notice of it by some body of _Buda_.

He that is called here _Chief Bizantin_, is the great Turk or his grand Vizir, who hath his abode in _Constantinople_, anciently called _Bizantium_.

LXIII.

French.

_Cydron_, _Ragusa_, la Cité au Sainct _Hieron_, Reverdira le medicant secours, Mort fils de Roy part mort de deux _Heron_, L’_Arabe_, _Hongrie_, feront un mesme cours.

English.

_Cydron_, _Raguse_, the City of Saint _Hieron_, Shall make green again the Physical help, The Kings Son dead, by the death of two _Herons_, _Arabia_ and _Hungary_ shall go the same way.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that when those three Cities named in the first Verse shall have need of succours, and that a Kings Son shall die in flying two _Herons_, then shall _Arabia_ and _Hungary_ be under the same Master.

LXIV.

French.

Pleure _Milan_, pleure _Lucques_, _Florence_, Que ton grand Duc sur le Char montera, Changer le Siege pres de _Venise_ s’advance, Lors que _Colonne_ a _Rome_ changera.

English.

Weep _Milan_, weep _Lucques_, and _Florence_, When the great Duke shall go upon the Chariot, To change the Siege near _Venice_ he goeth about, When _Colonne_ shall change at _Rome_.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy seemeth to portend the change of the See of _Rome_ in some place near to _Venice_, and this is to happen when the great Duke of _Tuscany_ shall ascend upon a Triumphant Chariot, and that the House of _Colonne_ (which is the more powerfull in _Rome_) shall take his part.

LXV.

French.

O vaste _Rome_ ta ruine s’aproche, Non de tes Murs, de ton sang, & substance, L’aspre par lettres fera si horrible coche, Fer pointu mis a tous jusques au manche.

English.

O great _Rome_ thy ruine draweth near, Not of thy Walls, of thy blood and substance, The sharp by Letters shall make so horrid a notch, Sharp Iron thrust in all to the haft.

ANNOT.

This is a confirmation of the foregoing Prophecy, by which it is said that the destruction of _Rome_ shall not be in _her Walls, blood or substance_, but onely by Letters or Doctrine that shall put quite down the _Roman_ Religion.

LXVI.

French.

Le Chef de _Londres_ par Regne l’_Americh_, L’Isle d’_Escosse_ tempiera par gelée, Roy, Reb. auront un si faux Antechrist, Que les mettra tretous dans la meslée.

English.

The Chief of _London_ by Reign of _America_, The Island of _Scotland_ shall catch thee by a frost, King and Reb. shall have so false an Antichrist, As will put them altogether by the ears.

ANNOT.

I conceive this Prophecy can be appropriated to no body better then _Oli. Cromwel_, who is called here _the Chief of ~London~ by Reign of ~America~_, that is, by Reign of confusion, whose projects and treasons were all brought to nought, by the victorious _Mars_ of the ever renowned General _Monck_, who came with his Army from _Scotland_ to _London_ in the Winter time, he is called also a false Antichrist, because he was an enemy to King and Reb. that is _Respublica_ or Common-wealth.

LXVII.

French.

Le tremblement si fort au mois de _May_, _Saturne_, _Caper_, _Jupiter_, _Mercure_ au Bœuf, _Venus_ aussy, _Cancer_, _Mars_ en _Nonnay_, Tombera gresle lors gresse qu’un œuf.

English.

The Earth-quake shall be so great in the month of _May_, _Saturn_, _Caper_, _Jupiter_, _Mercury_ in the Bull, _Venus_ also, _Cancer_, _Mars_ in _Nonnay_, Then shall fall Hail bigger then an Egge.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when all these Cœlestial bodies shall be so disposed, that there will be a fearful Earth-quake and Hail.

LXVIII.

French.

L’Armée de Mer devant Cité tiendra, Puis partira sans faire longue allée, Citoyens grande proye en Terre prendra, Retourner classe reprendre grand emblée.

English.

The Fleet shall stand before the City, Then shall go away for a little while, And then shall take a great troop of Citizens on Land, Fleet shall come back and recover a great deal.

ANNOT.

It seemeth here he speaketh of two Fleets, one of which shall stand a little while before a Town, and carry a great many Citizens away, but that the other Fleet shall come in the mean time, and redeem them.

LXIX.

French.

Le fait luysant de neuf vieux eslevé, Seront si grands par Midy _Aquilon_, De sa sœur propre grandes alles levé, Fuyant meurdry au buisson d’_Ambellon_.

English.

The bright actions of new old exalted, Shall be so great through the South and North, By his own Sister great forces shall be raised, Running away he shall be murdered near the bush of _Ambellon_.

ANNOT.

The question here is, whether this _neuf vieux_ in _French_ or _new old_ in _English_ be the proper name of a man, or be a Metaphor, to express a young man of an ancient Family, when the Reader hath satisfied himself upon that, the rest is easie enough.

LXX.

French.

L’œil par objet fera telle excroissance, Tant & ardente que tombera la Neige, Champ arrousé viendra en decroissance, Que le _Primat_ succombera a _Rhege_.

English.

The eye by the object shall make such an excressency, Because so much, and so burning shall fall the Snow, The Field watered shall come to decay Insomuch that the _Primat_ shall fall down at _Rhege_.

ANNOT.

All this is nothing but an extraordinary great Snow that shall fall about _Rhegio_ a City of _Italy_, whereby the Fields shall be drowned and fall to decay; insomuch, that the chief men, called here _Primate_ shall fall to poverty.

LXXI.

French.

La Terre & l’Air geleront si grand eau, Lors qu’on viendra pour _Jeudy_ venerer, Ce qui sera jamais ne fut si beau, Des quattre parts le viendront honorer.

English.

The Earth and the Air shall freeze with so much water, When they shall come to worship _Thursday_, That which shall be never, was so fair, From the four parts they shall come to honour him.

ANNOT.

This signifieth an exceeding great frost, which shall happen on a Holy _Thursday_, where the ground and sky shall be so clear, that men may come from the four parts (_viz._ of the Earth) without trouble for to worship.

LXXII.

French.

L’an mil neuf cent nonante neuf, sept mois, Du Ciel viendra un grand Roy d’effrayeur, Resusciter le grand Roy d’_Angoumois_, Avant apres, _Mars_ Regner par bonheur.

English.

In the year a thousand nine hundred ninety nine, and seven months, From Heaven a great terrible King, To raise again the great King of _Angoulesme_, Before and after, _Mars_ shall Reign luckily.

ANNOT.

He that is called here King of _Angoulesme_ was _Francis_ the I. as gallant a Prince as ever _France_ had, who before he was King went by the title of Duke of _Angoulesme_; the rest is easie.

LXXIII.

French.

Le temps present avecque le passé, Sera jugé par grand _Jovialiste_, Le Monde tard de luy sera lassé, Et desloial par le Clergé juriste.

English.

The time present, together with the past, Shall be judged by a great _Jovialiste_, The World shall at last be weary of him, And he shall be thought unfaithful by the Canon-Law Clergy.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy concerneth meerly _Francis Rabelais_, who was the greatest _Jovialist_, that is, Merry-man that ever was, and did so lash and censure the abuses of every profession, and chiefly of the Clergy, that to this very day he goeth among them for an Atheist, and a Prophaner of Sacred and Civil things.

LXXIV.

French.

An revolu du grand nombre septiesme, Apparoistra au temps jeux d’_Hecatombe_, Non esloignez du grand age milliesme, Que les entrez sortiront de leur Tombe.

English.

The year of the great number seven being past, Shall be seen at that time the sports of _Hecatombe_, Not far from the great age thousand, That the Buried shall come out of their Graves.

ANNOT.

_Hecatombe_ signifieth a Sacrifice, wherein a hundred beasts were killed.

The sense therefore is this, that when the year a thousand seven hundred is past, that such sport of _Hecatombe_ shall be seen again, not far from the sixth Millenary, when the day shall rise, for it is a common opinion among the Learned, that as God Created the World in six days, and rested the seventh, so when the World hath lasted six thousand years, for a thousand years before God are as one day, there shall be an Eternal Sabbath and a Resurrection, both of the just and unjust.

LXXV.

French.

Tant attendu ne reviendra jamais, Dedans l’_Europe_, en _Asia_ apparoistra, Un de la ligne yssu du grand _Hermes_, Et sur tous Rois de Orient croistra.

English.

So long expected shall never come Into _Europe_, in _Asia_ shall appear, One come forth of the line of the great _Hermes_, And shall grow above all the Kings in the East.

ANNOT.

All is plain, but only this, whether he taketh _Hermes_ as a King of _Ægypt_, or as the Father of the Hermetick Philosophers.

LXXVI.

French.

Le grand Senat decernera la Pompe, A un qu’apres sera vaincu chassé, Des adhærans seront a son de trompe, Biens publiez, ennemy dechassé.

English.

The great Senate will decree a Pomp, To one who after shall be vanquished and expelled, The goods of his partners shall be Publickly sold, and the enemy shall be driven away.

ANNOT.

What Senate and particular man he meaneth, is the only difficulty in this.

LXXVII.

French.

Trente adhærans de l’Ordre des _Quirettes_, Bannis, leurs biens donnez ses adversaires, Tous leurs bienfaits seront pour demerites, Classe espargie, delivrez aux corsaires.

English.

Thirty associated of the Order of _Quirettes_, Banished, their goods shall be given to their adversaries, All their good deeds shall be imputed to them as crimes, The Fleet scattered, they shall fall into the hands of Pyrates.

ANNOT.

I could not find any man or Author that knew what is meant here by _Quirettes_, which is only the difficulty of this Stanza.

LXXVIII.

French.

Subite joye en subite tristesse, Sera a _Rome_ aux graces embrassées, Dueil, cris, pleurs, larm, sang, excellent liesse, Contraires bandes surprises & troulsées.

English.

Sudden joy shall turn into a sudden sadness, At _Rome_ to the embraced graces, Mourning, cries, weeping, tears, blood, excellent joy, Contrary Troops surprized and carryed away.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by _Embraced graces_, for my part I believe them some new married Couples, who in the middle of their jollity shall fall into these disasters.

LXXIX.

French.

Les vieux chemins seront tous embellis, L’on passera a _Memphis_ somentrées, Le grand _Mercure_ d’_Hercule_ fleur de lys, Faisant trembler Terre, Mer, & Contrées.

English.

The old ways shall be made all fair, There shall be a passage to _Memphis_ _Somentrées_, The great _Mercury_ of _Hercules_ Flower de luce, Making the Earth, the Sea, and the Countreys to quake.

ANNOT.

This word _Somentrees_, being altogether barbarous, is the reason that neither sense nor construction can be made of all these words.

LXXX.

French.

Au Regne grand, du grand Regne Regnant, Par force d’armes les grands Portes d’airain, Fera ouvrir le Roy & Duc joignant, Port demoly, nef a fonds jour serain.

English.

In the great Reign, of the great Reign Reigning, By force of Arms the great Brass Gates, He shall cause to be open, the King being joyned with the Duke, Haven demolish’d, Ship sunk on a fair day.

ANNOT.

The words and the sense are plain, though the parties be unknown.

LXXXI.

French.

Mis Tresor Temple, Citadins _Hesperiques_, Dans iceluy retire en secret lieu, Le Temple ouvrir, les liens fameliques, Repris, ravis proye horrible au milieu.

English.

A Treasure put in a Temple by _Hesperian_ Citizens, In the same hid in a secret place, The hungry bonds shall cause the Temple to be open, And take again and ravish, a fearful prey in the middle.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a Treasure hid by _Spaniards_ (called here _Hesperian Citizens_) in a Church, which the people of a Town being poor, and almost starved, caused to be open, and did ransack it, but in the middle of it they found a strange prey, but what it was God knows.

LXXXII.

French.

Cris, pleurs, larmes viendront avec couteaux, Semblant faux donront dernier assaut, L’entour parques planter profons plateaux, Vifs repoussez & meurdris de plain saut.

English.

Cries, weeping, tears, shall come with daggers, With a false seeming they shall give the last assault, Set round about they shall plant deep, Beaten back alive, and murdered upon a sudden.

ANNOT.

This seemeth to have a relation to the Scalado of _Geneva_, of which you shall have a full account in the 69 Stanza, of the twelfth Century.

LXXXIII.

French.

De batailler ne sera donné signe, Du Parc seront contraints de sortir hors, De _Gasp_ l’entour sera cogneu l’enseigne, Qui fera mettre de tous les siens a mort.

English.

There shall no sign of battle be given, They shall be compelled to come out of the Park, Round about _Gasp_ shall be known the Ensign, That shall cause all his own to be put to death.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie was fulfilled in the year 1556. by the Marshal of _Brissac_ in _Piemont_, when he took the Town of _Vignal_ by assault, where 1200. _Neapolitans_ were put to the Sword, who were called the braves of _Naples_; because they were all very gallantly habited, and the Governour being wounded, cast himself desperately into a Well, whence the Marshal caused him to be taken up, and to be cured of his wounds.

In this conflict _there was no sign of Battle given_; because it was done by the rashness of a Souldier, Bastard of a Bastard of the house of _Boissy_, who without expecting the command of the General, went alone upon the breche, and after he had [Transcriber’s Note: the text is illegible here with 1-2 words missing] against the Enemies, drew his Sword, and did fight a great while hand to hand without being wounded.

Some of his Companions seeing his valour, did follow him, and others came to their help, and these carryed along with them all those that were appointed to give the assault; insomuch that by a kind of Warlike emulation, all did carry themselves so valliantly, that after a long and stout resistance, they routed the Enemies, and put all the Garrisons to the Sword.

It is what the Author saith in the first and second Verse, seeing that those that were appointed to give Battle, every one in his Regiment or Squadron, were compelled by emulation to come out of their _Park_; that is, from the Precinct of place wherein they were. The third Verse addeth, that _round about the Ensign of ~Gasp.~ shall be known_; that is, in the assault the Captain of that place, named _Gaspar Pagan_, was remarked to fight valliantly every where the _French_ did assault, which the Marshal of _Brissac_ seeing, as also the forwardness of his men commanded the general assault to be given. The Captain seeing the Town taken, though he had above twenty wounds, for marks of his Valour, yet by that despair threw himself into a Well, near which the Marshal passing, heard his voice, and caused him to be drawn out, and cured of his wounds.

This Captain being resolved to perish in this assault, _did cause all his own to be put to death_, as the fourth Verse saith. The History of this Town was famous, for which the Marshal of _Brissac_ did present Gifts to the most Valiant, and among the rest to this Bastard, after he had put him in jeopardy of his life, for having violated the Military Orders in a matter of such concernment. That Town of _Vignal_ is situated upon a Mountain of the Countrey of _Montserrat_, of a difficult access, where no pieces of Ordinance can be brought up, but by the help of Mens Arms; after the taking of it, the Marshal did cause it to be raised even to the ground, because it could not be useful to the _French_, that had many other places to keep, and might have been very beneficial to the _Spaniard_.

LXXXIV.

French.

Le Naturel a si haut, haut non bas, Le tard retour sera marris contens. Le _Recloing_ ne sera sans debats, En emploiant & perdant tout son temps.

English.

The Natural to so high, high not low, The late return shall make the sad contented, The _Recloing_ shall not be without strife, In employing and loosing all his time.

ANNOT.

The _Recloing_, being a forged word, without signification, and being the Key of all this Stanza, no body can tell what to make of it.

LXXXV.

French.

Le vieil _Tribun_ au point de la _Trehemide_, Sera presse Captif ne delivrer, Le vueil non vueil, le mal parlant timide. Par legitime a ses amis livrer.

English.

The old _Tribun_, at the point of the _Trehemide_, Shall be much intreated not to deliver the Captain, They will not will, the ill speaking fearful, By legitimate shall deliver to his friends.

ANNOT.

The old _Treban_ is an old Captain or Governour of a Town, who shall be much entreated not to deliver at the end of the _Trehemede_ (that is, three Months) one that he kept prisoner, but will they or not, he shall lawfully deliver him to his friends.

LXXXVI.

French.

Comme un Gryphon viendra le Roy d’_Europe_, Accompagne de ceux d’Aquilon, De rouges & blancs conduira grande Troupe, Et Iront contre le Roy de _Babylon_.

English.

As a Griffin shall come the King of _Europe_, Accompanied with those of the North, Of red and white shall conduct a great Troop, And they shall go against the King of _Babylon_.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the King of _Swedeland_, _Gustavus Adolphus_, who is called here the King of _Europe_; because he lived in a part of it, and because he was one, if not the most gallant Prince of his time, who with a great Army of his Subjects, named here those of _Aquilon_, invaded _Germany_, and made War against the Emperour, whom he calleth here the King of _Babylon_, either because he is a great favourer of the _Roman_ Church, or because the Empire, by reason of so many sovereign Princes in it is like a _Babel_ and confusion.

_The great Troop of Red and White_, were his own Souldiers, whom he distinguished by their several habits. Clothing them with several Colours, to breed an emulation among them, there being the Red Regiment, the White, the Blew, the Yellow, the Green, _&c._

LXXXVII.

French.

Grand Roy viendra prendre port pres de _Nice_, Le grand Empire de la mort si en fera Aux _Antipodes_ posera son genisse, Par Mer la Pille tout esvanouira.

English.

A great King shall land by _Nice_, The great Empire of death shall interpose with it. He shall put his Mare in the _Antipodes_, By Sea all the Pillage shall vanish.

ANNOT.

A great King shall land hard by _Nice_, which is a Sea Town in _Savoy_, but he shall have a great loss of his men by death, and the Sea shall swallow all his plunder.

LXXXVIII.

French.

Pieds & Cheval a la seconde veille, Feront entrée vastiant tout par Mer, Dedans le Port entrera de _Marseille_, Pleurs, cris & sang, onc nul temps si amer.

English.

Foot and Horse upon the second Watch, Shall come in destroying all by Sea, They shall come into the Harbour of _Marseilles_, Tears, cryes and blood, never was so bitter a time.

ANNOT.

This is so clear that it needeth no interpretation.

LXXXIX.

French.

De Bricque en Marbre seront les Murs reduits, Sept & cinquante années pacifiques, Joye aux humains renevé l’aqueduct, Santé, grands fruits, joye & temps mellifique.

English.

The Walls shall be turned from Brick into Marble, There shall be peace for seven and fifty years, Joy to mankind, the Aqueduct shall be built again, Health, abundance of fruit, joy and mellifluous time.

ANNOT.

After so many calamities Prognosticated by the Author, he promiseth here seven and fifty year of a golden Age, but when? he maketh no mention.

XC.

French.

Cent fois mourra le Tyran inhumain, Mis a son lieu scavant & debonnaire, Tout le Senat sera dessoubs sa main; Fasche sera par malin temeraire.

English.

The inhumane tyrant shall die a hundred times, In his place shall be put a Learned and mild man, All the Senate shall be at his command, He shall be made angry by a rash malicious person.

ANNOT.

This Prognostication is easie to be understood, only it is indeterminate, and specifieth neither time nor persons.

XCI.

French.

Clergé _Romain_ l’an mil six cens & neuf, Au chef de l’an fera Election, D’un gris & noir de la Campagne yssu, Qui oncques ne fut si malin.

English.

The _Roman_ Clergy in the year a thousand six hundred and nine, In the beginning of the year shall make choice Of a gray and black, come out of the Countrey, Such a one as never a worse was.

ANNOT.

Wanting the Chronology of the Popes, I have not set down who that Pope was, then whom our Author saith there never was a worse, but the time being so punctually prefixed, it will be an easie matter for the Reader to find out satisfaction in this point.

XCII.

French.

Devant le Pere l’Enfant sera tué, Le Pere apres entre cordes de jonc, _Genevois_ peuple sera esvertué, Gisant le Chef au milieu comme un tronc.

English.

The Child shall be killed before the Fathers eyes, The Father after shall enter into ropes of rushes, The people of _Geneva_ shall notably stir themselves, The Chief lying in the middle like a log.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is twofold, the two first Verses foretel of a man that shall have his Son killed before his eyes, and himself afterward shall be strangled by a rope made of Rushes.

The two last Verses are concerning the people of _Geneva_, who (as he saith) shall lustily bestir themselves, while their Captain, Chief, or Commander shall carelesly lie like a log.

XCIII.

French.

La Barque neuve recevra les Voiages, La & aupres transfereront l’Empire, _Beaucaire_, _Arles_, retiendront les Hostages, Pres deux Colomnes trouvées de _Porphyre_.

English.

The new Ship shall make journeys Into the place, and thereby where they shall translate the Empire, _Beaucaire_, _Arles_, shall keep the Hostages, Near them shall be found two Columns of _Porphyry_.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning three things, the first is of a considerable new Ship, that shall sail several times into a place where the Empire shall be translated.

The second is concerning two Towns of _Languedoc_, _Beaucaire_, and _Arles_, who shall not surrender the Hostages that they had.

The third is concerning two Columns of _Porphiry_ that shall be found there about.

XCIV.

French.

De _Nismes_, d’_Arles_, & _Vienne_ contemner, Nobeyront a ledict _Hesperique_, Au _Labouriez_ pour le grand condamner, Six eschapez en habit _Seraphique_.

English.

From _Nismes_, d’_Arles_ and _Vienna_ contempt, They shall not obey the _Spanish_ Proclamation, To the _Labouriez_ for to condemn the great one, Six escaped in a _Seraphical_ habit.

ANNOT.

It seemeth that those three aforenamed Towns will refuse to obey a _Spanish_ Proclamation, that would compel them to condemn a great man; as for _Labouriez_ it is a barbarous and non-sensical word.

The last Verse signifieth, that six shall escape, cloathed in _Franciscan_ habits, called here _Seraphical_, because the Franciscans believe that a _Seraphin_ did appear to St. _Francis_ their Patron, from whence their Order is called by many the _Seraphical_ Order.

XCV.

French.

Dans les _Espagnes_ viendra Roy trespuissant, Par Mer & Terre subjugant au Midy, Ce mal sera rabaissant le croissant, Baisser les aisles a ceux de _Vendredy_.

English.

A most potent King shall come into _Spain_, Who by Sea and Land shall make great Conquests towards the South, This evil shall beat down the horns of the new Moon, And slack the Wings of those of _Friday_.

ANNOT.

_A great and potent King shall come out of ~Spain~, who by Sea and Land shall make great Conquest towards the South_, that is _Barbary_, which shall be a great prejudice to the _Turkish_ Empire, who hath for his Arms a new Moon; _And slack the wings of those of ~Friday~_, that is, of the Turks, because they keep the _Friday_ for their _Sabbath_. This Prophecy was fulfilled by _Philip_ the II. King of _Spain_, who drove away all the _Moores_ out of the South part of it, and took a great many places in the Coasts of _Barbary_.

XCVI.

French.

Religion du nom des Mers viendra, Contre la Secte fils _Adaluncatif_, Secte obstinée deplorée craindra, Des deux blessez par _Aleph_ & _Aleph_.

English.

Religion of the name of the Seas shall come, Against the Sect son _Adaluncatif_, Obstinate Sect deplorate shall be afraid, Of the two wounded by _Aleph_ and _Aleph_.

ANNOT.

I confess my ignorance in the intelligence of this Stanza.

XCVII.

French.

_Triremes_ pleines tout aage captifs, Temps bon a mal, le doux pour amertume, Proye a _Barbare_ trop tost seront hastifs, Cupide de voir plaindre au vent la plume.

English.

_Triremes_ full of Captives of all Age. Time good for evil, the sweet for bitter, Pray to the _Barbarian_, they shall be too hasty, Desirous to see the feather complain in the wind.

ANNOT.

Triremes are Galleys with three benches of Oares, the rest is much of the nature of the former.

XCVIII.

French.

La splendeur clairëa Pucelle joieuse, Ne luira plus, long temps sera sans Sel, Avec Marchans, Ruffiens, Loups, odieuse, Tous pesle mesle monstre universel.

English.

The clear splendour of the merry Maid, Shall shine no more, she shall be a great while without Salt, With Merchants, Ruffans, Wolves, odious, All promiscuously, she shall be an universal Monster.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a famous beauty, who in her latter age shall prostitute her self to all comers.

XCIX.

French.

A la fin le Loup, le Lion, Bœuf & l’Asne, Timide dama seront avec Mastins, Plus ne cherra a eux la douce Manne, Plus vigilance & custode aux Mastins.

English.

At last the Wolf, the Lion, Oxe and Asse, Fearful Doe, shall be with the Mastiffs, The sweet Manna shall no more fall to them, There shall be no more watching and keeping of Mastiffs.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognostication of a general peace all _Europe_ over.

_The sweet Manna shall no more fall to them_, signifieth that the _Europeans_ shall be fed no more with Manna, as the Jews were in the Desert, but shall pass to the Land of Promise, that is of peace and quietness.

C.

French.

Le grand Empire sera par l’_Angleterre_, Le _Pempotan_ des ans plus de trois cens, Grandes Copies passer par Mer & Terre, Les _Lusitains_ n’en seront pas contens.

English.

The great Empire shall be in _England_, The _Pempotan_ for more then three hundred years, Great Armies shall pass through Sea and Land, The _Portugueses_ shall not be contented therewith.

ANNOT.

This is a favourable one for _England_, for by it the Empire, or the greatest Dominion of _Europe_ is promised to it, for the space of above three hundred years, at which the _Portugueses_ or _Spaniards_ shall much repine.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Nostradamus.

_CENTURY_ XI.

IX.

French.

_Meysinier_, _Manthi_, & le tiers qui viendra, Peste & nouveau insult, enclos troubler. _Aix_ & les lieux fureur dedans mordra, Puis les _Phocens_ viendront leur mal doubler.

English.

_Meysinier_, _Manthi_, and the third that shall come, Plague and new attempt shall trouble them enclosed, The fury of it shall bite in _Aix_ and the places there about, Then they of _Phocens_ shall come and double their misery.

ANNOT.

These are names of particular persons that are here threatned of the Plague, as also the City of _Aix_ Capital of _Provence_, and the Countrey about it, and after that the City of _Marseilles_ named here _Phocens_, because they are a Colony of the old _Phocenses_ in _Greece_.

XCVII.

French.

Par _Ville Franche_, _Mascon_ en desarroy, Dans les Fagots seront Soldats cachez, Changer de temps en prime pour le Roy, Par de _Chalon_ & _Moulins_ tous hachez.

English.

By _Ville Franche_, _Mascon_ shall be put in disorder, In the Faggots shall Souldiers be hidden, The time shall change in prime for the King, By _Chalon_ and _Moulins_ they shall be all hewed to pieces.

ANNOT.

_Ville Franche_ is a Town five Leagues from _Lion_; and _Mascon_ another about the same distance from _Ville Franche_, and _Chalon_ from _Mascon_, and _Moulins_ from _Chalon_.

The meaning of it is this, that there shall be an attempt from _Ville Franche_ upon _Mascon_, by Souldiers hidden in Faggots, that shall be cut off by the succours of those _Chalons_ and _Moulins_; which like did happen in the time of the Civil Wars in _France_, between the King and the League, when the Towns stood one against another, but because I can find nothing of it in the History, I suspend my further judgement therein.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Nostradamus.

_CENTURY_ XII.

V.

French.

Feu, flamme, faim, furt, farouche fumée, Fera faillir, froissant fort, soy faucher, Fils de Deité! toute _Provence_ humée, Chasse de Regne, enragé sans crocher.

English.

Fire, flame, hunger, theft, wild smoak, Shall cause to fail, brusing hard, to move Faith, Son of God! all _Provence_ swallowed up? Driven from the Kingdom, raging mad without spitting.

ANNOT.

The curiosity of the Author in striving to begin all his words, in the two first Verses hath made the tense of this Stanza so obscure, that I believe no body ever did or shall truely understand it, all what can be gathered out of it, is great threatning of several calamities, that were to happen upon _Provence_ his native Countrey, as it did a little while after his death, by the Civil Wars for Religion.

XXIV.

French.

Le grand secours venu de la _Guyenne_, S’arrestera tout aupres de _Poitiers_, _Lion_ rendu par _Montluel_ en _Vienne_, Et saccagez par tous gens de Mestiers.

English.

The great succours that came from _Gascony_, Shall stop hard by _Poitiers_, _Lion_ surrendred by _Montluel_ and _Vienna_, And ransacked by all kinds of Tradesmen.

ANNOT.

The words and sense of this are plain.

XXXVI.

French.

Assault farouche en _Cypre_ se prepare, La larme a l’œil de ta ruine proche, _Bizance_ Classe _Morisque_ si grand tare, Deux differens le grand vast par la Roche.

English.

A cruel assault is preparing in _Cyprus_, Tears in my eye, thou art near thy ruine, The Fleet of _Constantinople_ and the _Morick_ so great damage. Two differents the great wast shall be by the Rock.

ANNOT.

_A cruel assault is preparing_, signifies the shortness of the time in which it was to happen, for our Author Prophecied 1555. and _Cyprus_ was taken by the _Turks_ in the Month of _August_ 1571. _Selymus_ the II. fifth Emperour of the _Turks_, where the perfidiousness of the Bassa _Mustapha_ that Besieged it is remarkable, for having the Town delivered him upon Articles; First, that the Inhabitants of the City yet alive should enjoy their lives, liberty, and goods, with free exercise of Christian Religion, that the Governour _Bragadinus_ with the rest of the Captains and Souldiers might in safty depart with Bag and Baggage, and at their departure take with them five pieces of Ordinance, and three Horses, which soever it should please them to make choise of, and that the _Turks_ should safely conduct them into _Crete_, finding them both Victual and Shipping; yet all these matters agreed upon, and commenced into Writting, as also by solemn Oaths on both side confirmed; the perfidious Bassa nevertheless caused _Bragadinus_ to have his Ears cut off, then caused him to be set in a Chair, and his skin to be flain off from him quick, his head to be cut from his dead body, and upon the point of a Spear to be set upon a high place, his skin also stuffed with Chaff, he caused to be hanged up at the Yards Arm, and so to be carried about.

IV.

French.

Deux corps un chef, champs divisez en deux, Et puis respondre a quattre non ouys, Petits pour grands a pertius mal pour eux, Tour d’_Aigues_ foudre, pire pour _Eussovis_.

English.

Two bodies, one head, fields divided into two, And then answer to four unheard ones, Small for great ones, open evil for them, The Tower of _Aigues_ beaten by Lightning, worse for _Eussovis_.

ANNOT.

Out of this crabbid Stanza we shall pick what we can, and leave the rest to the judgment of the judicious Reader. First,

_The two bodies, one head_ may be understood either a Monster that was so, as it did happen once in _Italy_, as _Pareus_ witnesseth; or of the union of the two Kingdoms of _France_ and _Navarre_, under _Henry_ the IV. or of _England_ and _Scotland_ under King _James_.

The Tower of _Aiguemortes_ was strucken with the Lightning, a while after our Author had put out his Prophecies.

V.

French.

Tristes Conseils, desloiaux, cauteleux, Aduis meschant, la loy sera trahie, Le peuple esmeu, farouche, querelleux, Tant Bourg que Ville toute le paix haie.

English.

Sad Councels, unfaithful, malicious, Ill advice the Law shall be betrayed, The people shall be moved, wild & quarrelsome, Both in Countrey and City the peace shall be hated.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

VI.

French.

Roy contre Roy, & le Duc contre Prince, Haine entre iceux dissension, horrible, Rage & fureur sera toute Province, _France_ grand guerre & changement terrible.

English.

King against King, and Duke against a Prince, Hatred between them, horrid dissension, Rage and fury shall be in every Province, Great War in _France_, and horrid changes.

ANNOT.

This is a true picture of the miseries of the Civil Wars in _France_, when _Charles_ the IX. King of _France_, was against _Henry_ King of _Navarre_, and the Duke of _Guise_ against the Prince of _Condé_.

VII.

French.

L’accord & pache sera du tout rompue, Les amitiez pollues par discorde, L’haine euvieille, toute foy corrompue, Et l’esperance, _Marseilles_ sans concorde.

English.

The agreement and contract shall be broken in pieces, The friendships polluted by discord, The hatred shall be old, all faith corrupted, And hope also, _Marseilles_ without concord.

ANNOT.

This is a second part of the foregoing.

VIII.

French.

Guerre & debats, a _Blois_ guerre & tumulte, Divers aguets, adveux inopinables, Entrer dedans _Chasteau Trompette_, insulte, _Chasteau du Ha_ qui en seront coulpables.

English.

War and strifes, at _Blois_ war and tumult, Several lying in wait, acknowledgment unexpected, They shall get into the _Chasteau Trompette_ by assault, And into the _Chasteau du Ha_, who shall be guilty of it.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning the Civil Wars of _France_ between the King and the League.

He saith, _at ~Blois~ war and tumult_; because the Duke of _Guise_, and the Cardinal his Brother were both killed there, at the convention of Estates by the Kings command, which he calleth here _acknowledgment unexpected_, because the Kingdom did own the fact.

The last two Verses are concerning the two Castles or Fortresses of _Bourdeaux_, who in those days were sometimes by one party, and sometimes by another.

LXV.

French.

A tenir fort par fureur contraindra, Tout cœur trembler, _Langon_ advent terrible, Le coup de pied mille pieds te rendra, _Girond._ _Garon._ ne furent plus horribles.

English.

He shall by fury compel them to hold out, Every heart shall tremble, _Langon_ shall have a terrible event, The kick shall return to thee a thousand kicks, _Girond._ _Garon._ are no more horrid.

ANNOT.

The two last Verses seem to have a relation to the foregoing Stanza, and to import, that the Governour of _Bourdeaux_ shall compel them to hold out, and because _Langon_, a Town 20 or 30 Miles distant from _Bourdeaux_, was of the contrary party, and did annoy sometimes those of _Bourdeaux_, it is threatned here to have a thousand kicks for one.

_Gironde_ and _Garonne_ are the two Rivers of _Bourdeaux_.

LXIX.

French.

_Eiovas_ proche, esloigner Lac _Leman_, Fort grand apprests, retour confusion, Loin des _Nepueux_, du feu grand _Supelman_, Tous de leur suyte.

English.

_Eiovas_ near, yet seemeth to be far from the Lake _Leman_, Very great preparatives, return confusion, Far from the _Neveux_ of the late great _Supelman_, All of their train.

ANNOT.

This is a notable one, directly foretelling the Enterprise or Scalado made by the Duke of _Savoy_, upon _Geneva_: for the better Intelligence of which, we shall first give the sense word for word, and then set down the whole History as a piece of Cabinet, that the Reader after so much tedious and crabbid reading, may have some field to spatiate and recruit it self.

_Eiovas near_, _Eiovas_ by Anagram is _Savoy_, or the Duke of it, who at that time was near _Geneva_; _yet seemeth far from the Lake ~Leman~_, which is the Lake that passeth through _Geneva_, called in Latine _Lacus Lemannus_. _Very great preparatives_; because at that time he made great preparations to Scale the Walls of _Geneva_. _Return_; because he was forced to retire. _Confusion_; because he was confounded in his undertaking. _Far from the ~Neveux~ of the great ~Supelman~_; that is, an action much unworthy the Kindred of _Henry_ the IV. called here great _Supelman_, to whom he was Allied. _All of their Train_; that is, all that were with him in that undertaking, did partake of his return and confusion. Now the History is thus.

About the latter end of the year 1600. the Duke of _Savoy_ having done before all his endeavours to take the City of _Geneva_ by force, did resolve at last to have it by craft, and stratagem. He did frame a design full of Courage, Understanding, and Conduct, as well as of misfortune; it was long a hatching without being discovered, and although it was known that he caused Ladders to be made, and that he bought every where men of courage and resolution, and had a great number of them already at _Chambery_, well payed and maintained, waiting for the ripeness of the design, though Ignorant of it. No body could believe that it was against those of _Geneva_; because at that time he did treat with them of the manner of living friendly, and of the liberty of Trade, having sent to them for this purpose a few days before the President _Rochette_, to treat and advise of a manner of living friendly together, for the ease of the people. They did so much hearten and relish his propositions and promises, that although Cities of such condition, do not lightly believe them that have been their Enemies, nevertheless they trusted to that, and grew careless of their own preservation, thinking that there was nothing more powerfull for their security than the treaties of peace between _France_, _Spain_, and _Savoy_, in which they thought themselves included, under the name of the confederate with the Cantons of _Switzerland_; insomuch that the Dukes subjects went thither so familiarly, that the day before this Execution some Gentlemen that knew something of the design, being come into the Town to buy some Horses, said they would come again the next day to conclude the Bargain, and others had kept she same Language for other Wares, so fully perswaded were they of a success, though Heaven, who laugheth at the thoughts of the proud, had resolved to humble and abase them.

The Governour of _Lion_ had presently notice that the Duke of _Savoy_ was coming on the side of the Mountain, and carryed with him scaling Ladders, of which he sent notice to the King, and provided what was necessary for the defence of _Lion_, although the same Advice said it was not for _France_; yet all this could not hinder the Execution which was in the mean time a doing. D’_Albigny_ Lieutenant General of the Duke in those Countreys he had on this side of the Mountains, had made the Troops to pass, and for that purpose had assigned them of their Quarters in the Towns of _Geneva_, in several places, that they might not be so soon discovered. The Randezvous was at a place called _Chambery_, the time of the Execution was reserved to the prudence of the Leader. The time was not according to the precept of the _Parthians_, who ever fought by night, nor of the _Lacedemonians_, who undertook nothing but in the time of the full Moon; for it was one of the darkest and longest nights of all the year, the Troops began their March about six of the Clock. _Brignoles_ Governour of _Bonnes_, a small Town in _Fossigny_, distant three Leagues from _Geneva_, was the man that had contributed most of his own for the performance of this design, whom he thought so certain, that he said he would die to the world, if he did not live in _Geneva_. D’_Albigny_ had set up Watches upon all the passes, to stop all Travellers, for fear notice should be given of their coming; and of that of the Duke of _Savoy_, to whom the Execution had been represented so sure and certain, in that he should be there himself to reap the Honour and profit of it, and to end the Triumph that his Grandfather had begun. He came over the Mountains with five Gentlemen only in his Company, and the same day came to _Tremblures_, a Village distant from _Geneva_ about three Miles; and for all that they could not hinder, but an unknown Trooper did ride as far as the New-gate, and asked to speak to him that commanded there, bidding him look to themselves, because the duke of _Savoy_, wished them no good, and so retreated galloping. This News was brought to _Blondel_, the fourth Syndic of the Town, and who had the charge of the Guard that year; he answerd, he would provide for that. Another came afterwards, and told him that the Dukes Forces were about the Town, but knew not upon what design, and that himself was at _Bonne_; he answered, that they were not Birds, and could not fly. Mistrust is not always be commended; but too much confidence in such business, is exceedingly dangerous.

Those that were to do the Execution, and to get up first upon the Ladders, went along by the River of _Albe_, that the noise of the Waters might hinder the Sentinals to hear them. Two things did happen, that were an ill Omen for them, they saw in the Skies unusual fires, a Hare did many times cross their way, and gave them a false Alarm, and as many things being considered in the night time, do trouble the imagination, and that fear maketh one think that Bushes are Squadrons, and Thistles Pikes, as it did happen once at the Siege of _Paris_ by the _Burgundians_. They did discover about Eleven of the Clock some Posts, to whom the Cloth-workers of _Geneva_ use to nail their Stuffs to dry them. Those that went formost would have Charged them, thinking they had been an Ambuscado; from thence they went all along the _Rhosne_ to the Meadow of _Plain Palais_. _Brignolet_, and those that were ordained for the Scalado followed d’_Albigny_, who led them down into the Town-Ditch, on the side of the _Corraterie_, without being discovered by the Sentinals, although the Ducks that were in the Ditch, did (for to awake those of _Geneva_) what the Geese did at _Rome_ against the _French_. They went over the Ditch upon Hurdles for fear to sink in the Mire, and did set up three Ladders of a wonderful invention; because they could be easily carryed upon Mules, and they could be folded into so many pieces, that they could reach the highest wall that is; and besides that, so strong and firm, that no Ladder of one piece could be more; they had besides that provided Hatchets, Hammers, Pincers, and other such Tools, to cut Iron Chains, break Locks, draw Nails and Bars, they had besides several Petardoes and Petardo-Masters. Fortune, who hath a great power in such undertakings, did fail them in their need, after she had brought them to the middle of the City, and made them masters of the streets for above two hours.

By one of those Ladders went up about two hundred men, _Brignolet_ was the first, followed by d’_Attignac_ and _Sonas_, and did carry himself more valliantly and prudently; having got over the Wall, he surprized the Sentinal, and drew from him the Watch-word, and his Life, then threw him over into the Ditch, and stood in his place to stay for the Round, that he might do as much to him, as he did when it came near him to give him the Watch-word. D’_Albigny_, and one Father _Alexander_ a _Scotchman_, and a Jesuite, were at the Ladders foot, incouraging those that went up. The Boy that carryed the Lanthorn saved himself, and gave notice to the _Court de Garde_ of what had befallen his Master, at which the _Court de Garde_ was not much moved. This was a doing between One and Two of the Clock, expecting that of four, at the which they had proposed to make their greater attempt, and in the mean while to give time to the succour to draw near, and to the day to break, because all Warlike Executions done by night, carry always some confusion with them. No body had gone to bed in the Town with a thought to be awakened so soon, they rested upon the assurance of the Peace. The undertakers had a whole hours time to get up, and as much before they met with any opposition. If d’_Albigny_ had been Within to husband that time better than did _Sonas_, _Brignolet_, and d’_Attignac_, they might have cried, the Town is won. About half an hour past two of the Clock, a Sentinal that was in the Mints Tower, having heard some noise in the Ditch, shot off his Gun to give the Alarm, which compelled _Brignolet_ to discover himself, charging all that was in the _Court de Garde_ of the New-gate, that he might Plant the Petard, and make way for the main Body that was in _Plain Palais_. They got very well the _Court de Garde_, but against the Rule of War, which commandeth to kill all, they let one escape that had so much wit as to get up, and to let down the Port-Cullis, to frustrate the effect of the Petard. The Town was at that time full of Cries and horrid Houlings, of which the _Savoiards_ should have made their profit, and increased their courage, as it did weaken that of the Townsmen, that knew not where to run, some crying one way, some another. The undertakers lost themselves in the appearance of so happy a success, those that were without should have given the Alarm at some other Gate, to divide the Forces of the Town, those that were within made no use of their Hatchets, Hammers and Pincers, they forgot to set some Houses on fire; the spirit of astonishment seized upon them, having in their thoughts the Sack and Plunder of the Town, more than the perfection of their Conquest; they made only use of a certain croaking like Frogs, as the _Turks_ use the _Bret, Bret_, to animate and rally themselves. _Brignolet_ being compelled to discover himself, marched towards the New Gate, distant from that place about 200. Paces, and there was wounded, and died a little after; the Fight began in the dark, and the _Court de Garde_ was dispersed, one Souldier hearing them call for the Petard, got upon the Gate, and cut the Rope that held the Port-Culis, and shut up the Petard between the Port-Culis, and the Gate which they went about to break open, with their Hatchets and Hammers, at the first resistance the Petards Master was killed. The Order is such at _Geneva_, that in all extraordinary accidents, every Citizen knoweth the place of his Randezvous, and there goeth with his Arms, and the Town House is never destitute of Souldiers.

In the mean time the Magistrate cryeth, He that loveth me let him follow me. Some Countrey Fellows of the Neighbouring Towns, who kept their watch by turns, being led by some Captains and Citizens, did present themselves at the New Gate, where they were stoutly received, and beaten back, and yet the first shot of theirs killed the Petard-Master, who was much troubled with his Tools. This first Charge would not have driven them back, if the body of the Citizens had not come, and Charged them so furiously, that they lost all their Courage; Necessity which strengthens even those that want Courage, did so animate the Citizens to their defence, that the undertakers were fained to give back. The more nimble went again to their Ladders, which proved useless; because the Canon that was Planted in the Fort of _Loye_, near the Ditch, had broken them; so that they left four and fifty dead upon the place, and upon the Curtain of the _Corraterie_, and thirteen that were taken alive. If the Town had had Souldiers in readiness to make a Sally in that Andabatism, the night being sometimes favourable to such expeditions, those that were at _Plain Palais_, would not have retreated in so good an Order.

There were thirteen taken alive, among whom were the Baron of _Attignac_, the Lord _Sonas_, the Lord _Chaffardon_, upon promise of their Lives, and to be Prisoners of War, or else they had preserved an Honourable death to all the promises, to be spared in laying down their Arms; among them was d’_Attignac_, who fought valiantly, and gave his order of St. _Maurice_ to his man, bidding him save himself, being resolved to die with his Sword in his hand.

The Lords of _Geneva_ would not use them as Prisoners of War; but as Thieves and Robbers come into the City over the Walls. They said that the Duke was too generous a Prince for so wicked and perfidious an action: there was several Opinions concerning their Sentence of Death, the more moderate would have them be put to Ransom, others would have them be kept Prisoners, that they might serve for exchange, if some of the Town were taken in the continuation of the War; but the more violent did stir the people, in representing unto them the loss of their Religion, the ravishing of their Wives and Maids, the Massacre, the Sack and Plunder of the Town, and their perpetual slavery, and the complaints of the Widows and Children of those that had been killed, were so much considered, that the more moderate Opinions did not appear injust, but in how much they tended to Death. They were Condemned to be Hanged, which is thought the most Ignominious Death: they desired to have their Heads cut off as Gentlemen, which was granted, but it was after they were Hanged. Fifty nine were found killed and wounded, who had all their Heads cut off. In the Ditch there were some Arms found, thirty dead, and four wounded, all their Heads were cut off, and set with the rest upon the Gallows. Of the Citizens of the Town there were seventeen found dead, most of them killed by their Companions in the dark. Their Names were _John Canal_, one of the Lords of the Councel, _Lewis Baudiere_, _John Vandel_, _Lewis Galatin_, _Peter Cabriol_, _Mark Cambiagua_, _Nicolas Baugueret_, _James Mercier_, _Abraham de Baptista_, _Daniel Humbert_, _Martin de Bolo_, _Michael Monard_, _Philip Potter_, _Francis Bouzesel_, _John Buignet_, _James Petit_, _Gerrard Muzy_, and about twenty wounded. The Sunday after Dinner, about two of the Clock, 67 Heads, as well of those that were killed, as of those that were Hanged, were fastened upon the Gallows, and the Bodies thrown into the _Rhosne_. The next _Tuesday_ there was a solemn Fasting day kept, and they began to publish every where the wonders of this Deliverance.

Here followeth the Copy of their Letter, to the Governour of _Lion_.

My Lord,

_You have known before this by many of your Letters, how his Highness of ~Savoy~, notwithstanding he knew, and had confessed that we were included in the Peace made in the year 1600. between his Royal Majesty of ~France~, and him; hath nevertheless divers times oppressed us, by detaining our Rents, prohibiting of Trade, other violences and extortions, refusing to hearken to the just and pressing remonstrances, which his Majesty hath made him several times in our behalf; but hath also contrived many designs to surprise us in time of Peace. Now it is so, that for the encompassing his pernicious design, the Lord ~d’Albigny~, ~Saturday~ last, the Eleventh of this Month, did bring before our Town, on the side of ~Plain Palais~, about two Thousand men, Horse and Foot, all choice men, and hath caused to pass about 200. of them over our Ditch, by the ~Corraterie~, and having set up Ladders one within another, hath caused them to come into our Town, about three of the Clock in the Morning, upon ~Sunday~ the Twelfth of this Month, encouraging them himself, being in the Ditch; so that being come down into the Town, some went towards our New Gate to force it open, and give entrance to their Companions, who were in the plain of ~Plain Palais~, others went towards the Mint Gate, that they might by this means come into the middle of the Town. But it hath pleased God to look upon us with his favourable Eye, and to give such a Heart to the Citizens, that they beat them back, and killed the best part of them taken upon the place, the rest hath been taken, and since that Hanged by our Order, the rest threw themselves down from the wall; so that we hear, many of them are either dead or grievously wounded. It is a wonderfull deliverance of our God, for which we are particularly bound to Praise him. But as it is probable, that the said Lord ~d’Albigny~ will continue his ill designs, by so much the more that we hear his Highness is not far from us, we do intreat and request by all our affection, that you would be pleased to consider what prejudice the taking of this place would be to his Majesty, and to continue us your favour, and assist us with your wise and prudent advise, ~&c.~_

_Many did judge of the success of this enterprise by the beginning, and were more forward to write, than to perform well. The King had notice that the Duke was Master of the Town, and the manner of doing was represented with so much felicity and facility, that there was less reason to doubt of it, than believe it. The Truth was not known, but by the advise of the Governour of ~Lion~, which came before any discourse that the Town did publish after its deliverance_:

_The Duke went Post back again over the Mountains, and left his Troops within three miles of ~Geneva~ in three places, at ~Tournon~, ~Fossigny~, and ~Ternier~, he caused his Embassadours to say to the Lord of ~Berne~, that he had not made that enterprise to trouble the Peace of the Cantons; but to prevent ~l’Esdiguieres~ to seize upon it for the King of of ~France~, who should have been so powerfull a Neighbour, as would have given them great occasion of fears and jealousies_.

_The success of this undertaking made it appear, that God will not have those Treaties to the assurance of which his name hath been called for a Witness, to be violated, whatsoever appearance or pretext of Religion there be._

_Thus Gentle Reader thou seest by all these Circumstances the Truth of our Authors Prognostication._

LXXI.

French.

Fleuves, Rivieres, de mal seront obstacles, La vielle flame d’ire non appaisée, Courir en _France_, cecy come d’Oracles, Maisons, Manoirs, Palais, secte rasée.

English.

Brooks and Rivers shall be a stopping to evil, The old flame of anger being not yet ceased, Shall run through _France_, take this as an Oracle, Houses, Mannors, Palaces, Sect shall be raced.

ANNOT.

This hath a perfect relation to the miseries that followed the general Massacre of the Protestants in _France_ in the year 1572. when the Rivers were a stop to the cruelty of the Persecutors, and when so many Houses, Mannors and Palaces belonging to those of the reformed Religion were demolished, and to signifie the certainty thereof, he saith in the third Verse, _take this as an Oracle_.

To the Curious

READER

Gentle Reader,

_Thou shalt take notice, that in this place the covetousness of Booksellers and Printers, hath in the modern Copies vented new Prophecies, which they call Prognostications, drawn out of those of ~Michael Nostradamus~, which are so absurd and nonsensical, that they have been rejected, both by his Son, and the best Wits of this age; therefore I would not soil the Paper with them, for fear to put such a course List upon so fine a Cloth, but shall proceed on to give you the rest of those Prophecies, which truly and undoubtedly belong to our Author._

Wonderful Prognostications for the Age 1600.

Gathered out of the Notes of _Mr._

Michael Nostradamus,

Physitian to King CHARLES the IX. and one of the most excellent Astronomers that ever were.

PRESENTED

To the Most Victorious and Merciful PRINCE HENRY the IV.

King of FRANCE and NAVARRE, at _Chantilly_ the Constable of _Montmorency_’s House the _19th_. of _March_ 1605.

By _Vincent Seve_ of the Town of _Beaucaire_ in _Languedoc_.

To the King.

Sir,

_Having some years ago recovered certain Prophecies, or Prognostications, made by the lately Deceased ~Michael Nostradamus~, from the hands of ~Henry Nostradamus~ his Nephew, which he gave me before his death, and which I have kept secret till now, that I saw they treated of the affairs of your Estate, and particularly of your Person and Successors, as your self may see if you please to take the pains to look upon, and wherein you shall find things worthy of admiration. I have taken the boldness (though unworthy) to present them to you, transcribed in this little Book, no less wonderful then the other two which he made, for in it he hath treated of what shall happen in this Age 1600. not so obscurely as he hath done formerly but by ~ænigmes~, specifying so clearly the things he speaketh of, that one may certainly judge of them, as of things that are already come to pass. Being therefore desirous that your Majesty should have the first notice thereof, I thought to discharge my duty in this as one of your most obedient and faithful Subjects, which I intreat your Majesty would be pleased to agree, obliging so not onely the body of one of your faithful Subjects already yours, but also the Soul who shall continue to pray for the health and prosperity of your Majesty, and of all those that have relation to it, as one that is, and shall ever be_,

SIR,

Your most humble, most obedient and faithful Servant and Subject,

SEVE.

_From your Town of ~Beaucaire~ in ~Languedoc~._

OTHER

PROPHECIES

OF

Michael Nostradamus.

For the Years of this Age 1600.

I.

French.

Siecle nouveau, alliance nouvelle, Un Marquisat mis dedans la Nacelle, A qui plus fort des deux l’emportera, D’un Duc, d’un Roy, Gallere de _Florence_, Port de _Marseille_, Pucelle dans la _France_, De _Catherine_ Fort Chef on rasera.

English.

New Age, new Alliance, A Markdom put into a Boat, Who shall be the strongest of the two to carry it, Of a Duke or of a King, Galley of _Florence_, In the Port of _Marseilles_, a Maid in _France_, Of the Fort _Catherine_ the Head shall be demolished.

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.

Que d’or, d’argent sera de pendre, Quand Comte voudra Ville prendre, Tant de mille & mille Soldats, Tuez, noiez, sans y rien faire, Dans plus forte mettra pied terre, Pigmée aidé des _Censuarts_.

English.

How much Gold and Silver shall be spent, When Earl shall go about to take a Town, So many thousands and thousands of Soldiers, Killed, drowned, without doing any thing, In a stronger he shall put his foot on ground, A Pygmie helped by the _Censuarts_.

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.

La Ville sans dessus dessoubs, Renversée de mille coups, De Canons, & forts dessous Terre, Cinq ans tiendra, le tout remis, Et lasché a ses ennemis, L’eau leur fera apres la guerre.

English.

The Town shall be upside down, Overthrown by a thousands shot, Of Canons, and Forts under ground, Shall hold five years, all shall be returned, And surrendred to the enemies, Water after that shall make War against them.

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.

Du rond d’un Lis naistra un si grand Prince, Bien tost & tard venu dans sa Province, _Saturne_ en _Libra_ en exaltation, Maison de _Venus_ en descroissante force, Dame en apres masculin soubs l’Escorce, Pour maintenir l’heureux sang de _Bourbon_.

English.

From the round of a Lilly shall be born a great Prince, Soon and late come into his Province, _Saturn_ in _Libra_ being in exaltation, The House of _Venus_ in a decreasing strength, A Woman afterwards and a Male under the Bark, To maintain the happy blood of _Bourbon_.

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.

Celuy qui la Principauté, Tiendra par grande cruauté, A la fin verra grand _Phalange_, Par coup de feu tres dangereux, Par accord pourroit faire mieux, Autrement boira suc d’Orenge.

English.

He that the Principality, Shall keep by great cruelty, At last shall see a great Army, By a fire blow most dangerous, He should do better by agreement. Otherways he shall drink juyce of Orenge.

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.

Quand de _Robin_ la traistreuse entreprise, Mettra Seigneurs & en peine un grand Prince, Sceu par _la Fin_, chef on luy tranchera, La Plume au vent, amye dans _Espagne_, Poste attrapé estant en la Campagne, Et l’Escrivain dans l’eau se jettera.

English.

When the treacherous plot of _Robin_, Shall put many Lords and a great Prince in trouble, Being known by _la Fin_, his head shall be cut off, The Feather in the Wind, friend to _Spain_, Post overtaken in the Countrey, And the Scrivener shall cast himself into the Water.

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.

Besides, the Court hath not seen that Pardon, he oughted to have produced it in writing under the Kings Hand and Seal, and to forgive him once more, would put him into such a condition, as to contrive always Treasons against the State; the remedy of a present evil is not to be neglected upon the hope of an uncertain good; he is in a case to be no more useful; nothing can be expected from his courage but revenge; he that can bring no profit by his virtue and faithfulness, must do it by being made an exemple.

Such were for the most part the reasons of the Court, according to which, and to the conclusions of the Attorney General, the Chancellor did pronounce Sentence of death against the Prisoner; some were of opinion that _la Fin_ should be arrested, as one that could not justifie himself, for having concealed such a damnable Conspiracy, till he saw that the _Spanish_ affairs went to wrack. The Chancellor did moderate these opinions, representing that the Conspiracy was not yet wholly discovered, and that such things would hinder the rest of those that knew some thing of it to reveal it; that a man that saveth the Kings Person and his Estate, ought rather to be rewarded then punished. And in confirmation of this, the King sent Letters to _la Fin_, by which he assured him, that such a service done to him and his Kingdom, should never prove his ruine.

The Court stayed onely for the Kings intention upon the execution of the Sentence, which _Sillery_ had carried to St. _Germain_. The Scaffold was ready to be set up in the place of _Greve_, but the execution might have proved dangerous, in the middle of so much people of different humors and tempers; and already there was a rumour, as if some body should throw him a Sword, with which he should make himself a passage, or else have died with a blow less shameful then that of the Hangman; upon his friends intreaty the execution was ordered to be done in the _Bastille_.

The next day about noon, the people knowing that the Sentence was past, went some to the _Greve_, thinking that the execution should be done there, others to St. _Antony_ street, to see the Prisoner pass by; he saw from his Chamber that multitude, and guessed that he was to be the Spectacle of those Spectators; here the anguish of the Grave began to beset him, and drawing a consequence from the shadow of death, that the body was not far of; he sent _Baranton_ a _Scotish_ Gentleman to intreat the Marquess of _Rhosny_ to come to see him, or if he could not come, to sue for his Pardon to the King. He sent him answer, he could do neither, and that he was extreamly sorry for his misfortune, that if he had believed him at his coming to Court, he should have confessed what the King did desire to know of him, for by concealing of it, he did hinder the King to give him his life, and all his friends to sue for it.

The next day last of _July_ 1602. the Chancellor, the first President, _Sillery_, three Masters of Requests, some Officers of the Chancery, _Rapin_ Lieutenant of the short Gown, his Lieutenant, _Daniel Voisin_ Register of the Court of Parliament, six Sergeants, and seven or eight more went to the Bastille, about ten of the Clock in the morning, as soon as they were come in the Chancellor commanded that the Prisoners Dinner should be carryed, without giving him notice of his coming, and in the mean time he and the first President made a List of those whom they would have to be present in that action: Some Presidents, three Masters of Requests, three Auditors, six Serjeants of the Parliament, the Lieutenant Civil, the Kings Attorney at the _Chastelet_, _Rapin_ and his Lieutenant, the Knight of the Watch, the Prevost of the Merchants, four Aldermen, four Councellors of the City, and some few others, to the number of fifty.

About noon the Prisoner looking through the Grates of his Chamber Windows, perceived the Wife of _Rumigny_, Captain of the Castle, weeping with her hands up and guessed that those Tears were drawn by the compassion of his Fortune. He was confirmed in his opinion, when he saw the Chancellor followed by the Serjeants, _Rapin_ and his Lieutenant, and some others go through the _Bastilles_ Yard into the Chappel, then he began to cry aloud, O my God I am a dead man, ah, what injustice it is to put an Innocent Person to death, thereupon he intreated _Rumigny_ to tell his Brothers, Sisters and Kindred, that they should not be ashamed of his death, because he was Innocent of that he was accused.

The Chancellor commanded he should be brought down into the Chappel, where as soon as he saw the Chancellor, are you come, said he, to pronounce me my death: The Chancellor saluted him, then put on his Hat, the Prisoner stood bare headed, and began to speak first. Ah my Lord Chancellor, is there no pardon? is there no Mercy? such and such (whom he did name one after another) have committed such offences and yet have been pardoned. What? you that look like an honest man, have you suffered that I should be so miserably condemned? ah! my Lord, if you had not told the Court that the King would have me to die, they would not have condemned me so. My Lord, my Lord, you could have hindred that evil, and you have not done it, you shall answer for that injustice before all the rest of the Judges that have condemned me, and saying so, he stroke the Chancellor upon the Arm. Ah! what a great service the King doth this day to the King of _Spain_, to rid him of such an Enemy as I was, might I not have been kept within four Walls, till some occasion had offered where I might have been useful? Ah my Lord, have you forgot my fathers love to you so much, as not to give notice to the King of what I say, and what dammage he suffereth in loosing me: I am yet as willing as ever to do Service to the Kingdom, you could let him know so much, he hath so good an opinion of you, I am sure he would believe you: A Messenger could quickly go thither and back again; what shall a thousand Gentlemen my Kinsmen say? doth he think that after my death they can do him any service? and what if I had been guilty, would I have come upon those false assurances that President _Janin_ that great Cheat gave me, when he told me, that businesses were so ill mannaged in _France_, that it was fit I should see the King and tell him of it, who at my perswasion would settle them in better order: I have neglected all the advices of my friends to hearken unto his perswasions. I have trusted to that cursed Traitor _la Fin_, who writ to me that I could come in all safety, and that he had told the King nothing but of the Marriage that was propounded to me with a daughter of _Savoy_, that the King would receive me with all kindness. What then? the goings to and fro of many, the reasons of those who advised me to come, and the Kings Letters, were they all baits to catch me: I am well served to have trusted to much upon his Word, I could have sought and got other securities, if I had not trusted to my Innocency; I am come upon the confidence of my integrity since his pardon. Ah! doth he not know that he hath forgiven me; I have lied some evil designs, I have hearkened, I have written, I have spoken, I confessed them all at _Lyon_, he did assure me never to remember it, and did exhort me that from hence forwards I should commit nothing that might compel me to have recourse to his clemency: Nevertheless I am now accused of things that are blotted out by his pardon; I have not offended him since, unless it be in that I desired War rather than Peace, because my humour is not peaceable, had not the King at that time reason to approve of it? if this Crime deserveth death I fly to his clemency, I implore his Mercy. The Queen of _England_ told me, that if the Earl of _Essex_ would have humbled himself, and asked forgiveness, he should have obtained it: I do, being Innocent, what he would not do being guilty. Ah! Shall all Mercy be put out for me; those that have done worse have found Grace and Mercy: I perceive what it is, I am not the more guilty but the most unhappy, and the King, who hath been so sparing of his Subjects lives, hath a mind to be prodigal of mine.

To conclude, he forgot nothing of what might be said by a soul pierced with grief spite, anger, and violent threatning, in exclamations and revilings against the King and his Parliament, in reproaches against the Chancellor, that he had more contributed to his condemnation than to his absolution, in words that are not fit to be spoken nor related.

His words ran so fast that the Chancellor could not stop them: Nevertheless he took occasion to tell him, his passion suggested him many things without appearance of reason, and against his own judgment, that no body had known his defects better than he, and that he could have wished his faults had been as unknown as dissembled, that the knowledge of them had been so visible and apparent, that his Judges had more ado to moderate his punishment than to inflict it. That Sentence was given upon the proofs of several attemps he had made against the Kings Person and his Estate, and for having kept intelligence and correspondency with the Enemies of the Kingdom, of which he had been found guilty, that if he had concealed the truth in the answers to his accusations, he should now reveal it being so near to his end, and that for these causes the King did ask his Order of Knighthood, and his staff of Marshal of _France_, with which he had formerly honoured him: He pulled the Order out of his Pocket and put it into the Chancellors hands, Protesting and Swearing upon the Salvation of his Soul, that he never had broken the Oath he made in receiving it, that (it is true) he had desired War more than Peace; because he could not preserve in Peace, the reputation he had got in War, as for the Staff, he never carryed it: Nevertheless by the Oath that the Knights of the Holy Ghost take, they are bound to take no Pension, Wages nor Money from forrain Princes, and to engage themselves in no bodies service but the Kings, and faithfully to reveal what they shall know to be for or against the Kings service.

After that the Chancellor exhorted him to lift up his thoughts from Earth to Heaven, to call upon God, and to hear patiently his Sentence.

My Lord (said he) I beseech you do not use me as other men; I know what my Sentence beareth, my accusations are false, I wonder the Court would Condemn me upon the Evidence of the most wicked and detestable man that is alive; he never came near me without Witchcraft, nor never went from me till he had bewitched me, he did bite my left ear off, and made me drink inchanted waters, and when he said, that the King had a mind to rid himself of me, he called me his King, his Benefactor, his Prince, his Lord, he hath communication with the Devils, and hath shewed me a Wax Image, speaking these words in Latine, _Rex impie morieris_, ungodly King thou shalt die. If he hath had so much power by his Magick, as to make an inanimate body to speak, it is no wonder that he should make my Will conformable to his.

Here the Chancellor stopt him, and told him, that the Court had well considered his answers, and his Letters, that he ought not to find fault with his Sentence, that it had done him the same justice as a Father should do to his son, if he had offended in the like manner. He had scarce spoken these words when the other answered, what Judgment? I have been heard but once, and had no time to tell the fiftieth part of my justification; if I had been heard at large, I could have made it clearly appear that _la Fin_ is such a one as I say; what Judgment upon the Evidence of a Bougerer? of a Rogue that hath forsaken his Wife, of a treacherous and perfidious man, that had Sworn so many times upon the Holy Sacrament, never to reveal what was between us, of a Knave that hath so often counterfeited my Hand and Seal: It is true, I have written some of those Letters that were shewed me, but I never intended to put them in Execution: and the rest are falsified: Is there not many that can counterfeit so well the Hand and Seal of others, that themselves can scarce distinguish them. It is well known that the Lady _Marchioness_ of _Vernevil_ hath lately acknowledged that to be her own hand, which she had never written. My Heart and my Actions have sufficiently countervailed the faults of my Hand, and of my Tongue. Besides, the King hath forgiven me, I do implore his Memory for a Witness. You say I have been found guilty to have attempted upon the Kings Person; that is false, that never came into my mind, and I knew nothing of it till that _la Fin_ did propose it to me before St. _Katherines_ Fort, six or seven days after the Siege, if I had been thus minded, I could have easily brought it to pass; I was the only man that hindred the King to go before the Fort: If my services had been taken into consideration, I should not have been thus condemned: I believe that if you had not been present, the Parliament would not have judged me so rigorously; I wonder that you, whom I thought to be prudent and wise, have used me so cruelly; it would have been more honourable for your quality and old age to implore for me the Kings Mercy, than his Justice. There is Dungeons here where I might have been kept bound hand and foot; I should have at last that comfort to pray for those who should have got me that favour from the King. If I had been but a single Souldier, I should have been sent to the Galleys; but because I am a Marshal of _France_, I am thought to be as dangerous a man to the State, as I have been useful heretofore. My life is sought after, I see there is no Mercy for me; the King hath often forgiven those, who not only intended to do evil, but had done it; this Vertue is now forgotten, he giveth occasion now to the World to believe, that he never used clemency or forgiveness, but when he was afraid. I was of opinion, that if I had killed one of his Children he would have forgiven me. Is it not pity that my Father should have run so many dangers, and at last died in the field to keep the Crown upon his Head, and that now he should take my head off my Shoulders, is it possible he should forget the services I have done him? doth he not remember the conspiracy of _Mantes_, and the dangers he should have been in if I had taken the Conspirators part? Hath he forgotten the Siege of _Amiens_, where I have been so often among the fire and Bullets, neglecting my own life to preserve his, I have not a Vein but hath been open to preserve his own Blood, I have received five and thirty wounds to save his life; he sheweth now that he never loved me but when he had need of me, he taketh away my head, but let him beware that the Justice of God doth not fall upon his. My Blood shall cry for revenge for the wrong that is done me to day, I call the King of _Spain_ and the Duke of _Savoy_ to Witness, if I know any thing what is laid to my charge. _La Fin_ himself did shew me sometimes a Catholick List of about fourscore Gentlemen, who received Pension from the King of _Spain_, I had never so much curiosity as to read it; let him be put to the rack he shall tell many particularities of it; the King within a little while shall perceive what he getteth by my death; I shall at last die a good Catholick, and constant in my Religion, I believe that’s the cause of my death.

The Chancellor seeing that all his discourses were full of passion, vanity and repetitions, and void of reason, and were like an impetuous Torrent that cannot be stopt, and that all his words were nothing but reproaches against the King and the Court of Parliament, blasphemies against God, and execrations against his Accusers; said that his business called him away, and that in his absence he would leave him two Divines to comfort him, and to dispose his soul to leave quietly this World, for the enjoying of a better.

As the Chancellor was going out, the Prisoner begged of him that he might have the liberty to make his Will, because he did owe much, and much was owing to him, and he desired to satisfie every body. The Chancellor answered, that the Recorder _Voisin_ should stay with him to write his Will under the Kings good pleasure. And as the Chancellor spoke to _Voisin_, the Prisoner turning to _Roissy_, Master of Requests, asked him if he were, one of those that had condemned him: my Father hath loved you so much, that though you were one, yet should I forgive you. _Roissy_ answered, my Lord, I pray God Almighty to comfort you.

They went out, and he with a quiet mind and free from passion, did dictate his Will in what form he would, with the same _Garbe_, as if he had been making a Speech at the head of an Army; he remembred his friends and servants, and did not forget the Baron of _Lux_, whom he loved above all the rest. He lest eight hundred Livers a year to a Bastard of his, whom he begot of a woman that he left with Child of another, to which child he left a Mannor near _Dijon_ that had cost him six thousand Crowns, he disposed all the rest of his Debts, and answered modestly, and without confusion to all the Notes and Bills that were brought him about his affairs. Took three Rings off his fingers, and intreated _Baranton_ to give them to his Sisters, two to the Countess of _Roussy_, and the other to that of Saint _Blancard_, desiring they would wear them for his sake; he distributed in Alms about 200. Crowns that he had in his Pocket, fifty to the _Capuchines_, fifty to the _Fueillants_, fifty to the _Minimes_, and the rest to several poor people.

The Will being made, the Recorder put him in mind how my Lord Chancellor had told him he was condemned to death, and that according to the ordinary forms of the Law, he must have his Sentence read to him; that this action required humility, therefore willed him to kneel before the Altar, leaving off hence forth all thoughts of this World, to think upon the Father of Mercies; he kneeled with the right knee upon the first step of the Altar, and heard it read as followeth:

_Seen by the Court, the Chambers being assembled together, the Process extraordinarily made by the Presidents and Councellors, appointed by the King under his Letters Patents, dated the 18 and 19 of ~June~, at the request of the Kings Sollicitor General, against the Lord ~Charles~ of ~Gontault~ of ~Biron~, Knight of both Orders, Duke of ~Biron~, Peer and Marshal of ~France~, Governour of ~Burgundy~, Prisoner in the Castle of ~Bastille~, accused of high Treason, Informations, Interrogations, Confessions and denials, Confrontations, and Witnesses, Letters, Advices, and Instructions given to the Enemies, and acknowledged by him, and all what the Solliciter General hath produced. Sentence of the 22 of this Month, by which it was ordered, that in the absence of the Peers of ~France~ summoned, it should be further proceeded to Judgment Conclusions of the Kings Sollicitor, the accuser being heard and interrogated, all things being duly considered, hath been concluded, that the said Court hath declared, and declareth the said Duke of ~Biron~, attainted and convicted of high Treason, for the conspiracies by him made against the Kings Person and Estates, Proditions and Treaties with his Enemies, when he was Marshal of the Army of the said King, for reparation of which Crime, the said Court hath deprived and depriveth him of all his Estates, Honours and Dignities, and hath condemned and condemneth him to be beheaded upon a Scaffold, which for that purpose shall be erected in the place of ~Greve~, hath declared, and declareth, all and every one of his Goods, moveable or unmoveable, in whatsoever places scituated and seated, to be acquired and confiscated to the King, the Mannor of ~Biron~, deprived for ever of the Title and Dukedom and Peerage, and altogether all his other Goods, immediately holden from the King, reunited to the Crown again. Done in Parliament the last day of ~July 1602~. Signed in the Original by ~de Belieure~, Chancellor of ~France~, Councillor in the Court, Reporter of the Process._

He was not moved at these words, _attainted and convicted of high Treason_, but at these, _against the Person of the King_, he fell into a rage, and Swearing as he had done many times before, and shall do hereafter with great Oaths and Imprecations, there is no such thing, said he to the Recorder, it is false, blot out that; he was also very angry, hearing that he was to be executed in the place of _Greve_, thinking that for several respects he was to be distinguished from the common sort of people, and Swore again, that he would not go thither, and that he had rather to be torn in pieces by wild Horses, and that it was not in the power of all those that stood by to carry him thither, then he was a little appeased, when _Voisin_ told him, that the King had done him that favour to change the place of Execution, and that it was to be done in the _Bastille_. The confiscation of his Goods, and the revenues of the Dukedom of _Biron_ to the Crown, was the last point of the Sentence that vexed him. What? said he, doth the King intend to grow rich out of my poverty? The Lordship of _Biron_ cannot be confiscated, I only possessed it by substitution of my Brethren, what shall my Brethren do, the King ought to have been satisfied with the loss of my life.

The Sentence being pronounced, _Voisin_ did exhort him again to renounce all the vanities of the world, to take no other care but of the Salvation of his Soul, which was to be first by reconciling himself to God Almighty, and that there was two Divines for that purpose, and that according to the usual forms of Executions, he would be pleased to suffer himself to be bound. That word of Execution did seem so horrid to him, that he fell into a new rage, Swearing, that he would never permit so infamous a person to touch him, otherwise than with the Sword, and that he had rather be hewen in pieces. To keep him from falling into a further despair, _Voisin_ left him, with his Divines, _viz._ _Garnier Almonec_, and Confessor to the King, and after that Bishop of _Montpelier_, and _Magnan_, Curate of St. _Nicolas_ in the fields at _Paris_, who began to talk boldly to him of his death, and to disvest himself of all his thoughts, as he had done of his Goods, and to take no other care than that of his Soul, whereupon he fell into a passion again, Let me alone (said he) it is I that must think upon my Soul, you have nothing to do with it, I had no need of you, you shall not be troubled to hear my confession; what I speak aloud is my confession, I have been these eight days a confessing my self, and the last night, me thought I saw the Heavens opened, and that God lent me his Hand; my Keepers heard me laugh for joy in my sleep. The Divines did not loose Courage for all that, but more and more intreated him to consider, that he was no more what he had been before, that within one or two hours he should be no more, that he must change to be for evermore, that his Soul was ready to appear before the fearfull Throne of the living God, to be rewarded with a more happy life than that he had hitherto passed; or be condemned to an Eternal pain and that in comparison of that which he was to suffer now, it was no more than the slight pricking of a Pin, and having in some measure appeased him, they left him to examine his Conscience, while _Voisin_ went to give notice of his refusing to be bound; the Chancellor doubted whether he should be compelled to it; the first President said, that it was dangerous to let him loose; _Sillery_ having learned of _Voisin_ that the Prisoner was at that time very quiet, said, that if they went about to bind him, he would break all the bonds of Patience, and should never be brought to Execution but in a rage and dispair; according to that opinion he was left free in his body, that he might be the more free in his thoughts.

Which were more to the World, and to the setling of his affairs, than to the saving of his Soul, which he had neglected all his life time, and shewed himself utterly ignorant of the principles of his Religion, for which he said a little before, he was put to death, and those that were present related, that his Prayers made him appear more a Souldier than a Christian; he prayed in commanding, and commanded in praying.

His Confession being ended, he walked in the Chappel with one hand upon his side, and with the other holding the strings of his Shirt, did unbutton and button again his Doublet. _Voisin_ being come back told him, that the Chancellor and the first President were very glad to hear of his Patience, and of his constant resolution to die. He talked much of the Money he had at _Dijon_, of the worth of his Jewels, and of what was owing to him, and what himself did owe, he desired that some Sums of Money should be paid to certain Gentlemen, that had no Obligation for it: But still he broke forth into exclamations concerning his Innocency, and execrations against _la Fin_, asking if it should not be lawfull for his Brothers to prosecute him, and to cause him to be burnt.

Upon this, those that kept him during his Imprisonment, came to take their leave of him, every one having his left hand upon the handle of his Sword, and Tears in his Eyes, he moved them to compassion by the sight of his present condition, and exhorted them to serve the King faithfully, against whom he had said he had done nothing amiss, and complained that he could find no Mercy at his Hands, intreated them to pray to God for him, and to oblige them to that, distributed among them all his Cloaths and linnen, and Watches; he desired also the Knight of the Watch to tell the King, that his Servants knew nothing of his Affairs, that the Earl of _Auvergne_ was not to be questioned upon that account: He intreated much one exempt of the Guards to go to the said Earl, and tell him he had laid nothing to his charge, and that he went to die without any grief, but of the loss of his friendship, and that the shortness of his life would not give him leave to shew in effect how much he was his servant. The Earl sent him word, that he did accept of his farewell, as of an intimate friend; and that he remained behind to lament all the days of his life the loss he suffered in him, intreated him to leave him his Bastard Son, to have him brought up with his own Children. After this the Prisoner saw a Gentleman belonging to the Duke of _Mayene_, and entreated him to tell his Master, that if ever in his life he had given him some occasion not to love him, that he prayed to believe that he would die his servant, as also of the Duke of _Aiguillon_, and Earl of _Sommerive_ his Children; he likewise intreated _Arnaut_, Secretary to the Marquess of _Rhosny_, to remember his last commendations to his Master, and desire him to remember not so much him that went to die, as his Brethren whom he left behind, that he had him in opinion of a good and usefull servant to the King, and repented much he had not believed his Councel.

About three of the Clock the Chancellor and the first President went up again into the Chappel, and finding him in a good disposition, did fortifie his resolution by their discourses, and desiring to know more particularities from his own mouth, sent all the standers by away, except the Divines and the Recorder: They did exhort him to consider, that the days of man are limited, that the end of his days depended from the Providence of the Almighty, who would take him out of this world before some great and long misery should make him weary of it. He answered, no, no my Lords, do not trouble you about comforting me and strengthning me against the fear of death, I have not been afraid of it these 20 years; you have given me 40 days to study it, but I could not believe that having not been in the power of my Enemies to take away my life, I should be so miserable as to loose it by the consent of my friends; having said this they left him, and took their leaves of him with Tears in their Eyes, he would not suffer them to depart till they had received a new Protestation of his, that he never had attempted any thing against the King, Swearing, that if he would have done it, the King should not have been alive three years ago.

As they were going out of the _Bastille_ with _Sillery_, he sent the Knight of the Watch to intreat the Chancellor, that his Body might be buried at _Biron_, in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors, and that he would desire the King to give to his younger Brother some Office in the house of the _Dolphin_, and shewing by his Countenance, Carryage, and Words, to care as little for death as one that is a great way from it gave cause to suspect, that he was not out of hope to obtain his pardon from the King, or to escape by some extraordinary means.

The Divines did exhort him to keep nothing back of what might serve for the discharging of his Conscience, and to consider, that they could give him absolution for no more than what he did confess. Although, said he, the King causeth me to die unjustly, nevertheless I have served him with so much affection and obedience, and I have near my death so much good will and affection for him, that if I knew any thing against his Person or State, I would tell it freely, and upon that whispered some things to his Confessors, which _Voisin_ did presently write.

Being about five of the Clock, _Baranton_ was sent to tell him it was time to go; let us go said he, seeing I must die, and desired he would charge his Brothers from him, to remain faithful to the King, and not to go to Court, till time had blotted, or at least lessened the shame of his death. He kneeled before the Altar, and having ended his Prayer, he desired the Company to pray for him.

Coming out of the Chappel, he met the Executioner, who offered to follow him, and he thinking it was to bind him; keep off, (said he) and do not touch me till it be time; I shall go willingly to die without troubling any body; but it shall never be said that I am dead like a Slave, or a Thief, and swore by God that if he came near him he would strangle him. The Divines exhorted him going down the stairs to resist those impaciencies and temptations of the Devil, who striveth most to deviate the Soul from her Salvation, when as he hath most need of the Divine assistance to withstand his assaults, remonstrating also unto him, that all his violences and passions could not hinder the Soul to depart from a place where she was but a Tenant at Will. He hearkened to them, and saying three times ah, ah, ah, raising his voice at every one, he said, is there no Mercy in the world, I see to day, that all the world hath forsaken me.

He came into the Yard, and seeing the Lieutenant of the City, in whose house the King had put _la Fin_, to secure him from all attempts, My Lord Lieutenant (said he) I am very much your friend, take heed to have any thing to do with that Witch and Magician that lyeth at your house, if you meddle with him he will undo you.

The Scaffold was set up in the corner of the Yard, over against the Garden gate, six foot high, and seven long, without any Ornament or distinction. He kneeled upon the first step, lifted up his Eyes to Heaven and made a short Prayer, like a Souldier, and went up as couragiously as if he had gone to an assault, clad in a Gray Taffety Suit, with a black Hat on his Head, but as soon as he saw the Executioner, he looked furiously upon him, and bid him stand aside till he were ready to receive the last stroke: He threw his Hat, his Handkarchief, and Doublet to the first that would take it, nevertheless one of the Executioners men was nimbler than all the rest, and looking upon the Souldiers that kept the Gate armed, with Musquets and Fire-locks. Ah! said he, must I die? is there no pardon? if at least some of those good fellows would shut me (opening his Breast) he should oblige my very much, what pity is it to die so miserably, and of so shameful a blow, then directing his speech to the Spectators, he said, I have put my Soul into such a state as she ought to be to appear before the face of Almighty God, but I pity that of the King, who causeth me to die unjustly: I have erred I confess, but I never attempted anything against the Kings Person, he should have been dead ten years ago if I would have believed the evil Councel that was given me concerning that the trouble and distress of his Soul was so great, that a little while before he said three years, and now he says ten; the Divines having setled him a little once more, he received their absolution.

The Executioner then presented unto him a Frontlet, but it proved to him a new wound, an increase of grief, and swore if he toucht him any other way than with the Sword he would strangle him, & thereupon he asked again for his own Handkarchief to make use of it, his hollow and gastly Eyes shewed he was not in his right mind. _Voisin_ intreated him to be patient, and to raise his thoughts to the place where his Soul was to go, and to be attentive to the reading of his Sentence. He was unwilling to hear the repetition of his Crimes, and to have occasion to exclaim again against the Iniquitie, of those that had condemned him, against the Kings cruelty, as he called it, that would not grant him his pardon, and that this was to make him feel death before death. _Voisin_ answered, that it could not be done otherwise. He answered that every body knew for what reason he was there and then as if it were by confession, he said, _well, read_, and thereupon held his Peace till _Voisin_ came to these words, _for having attempted against the Kings Person_; for then he fell into a passion again, as he had done before, and said, that it was false, that this never came into his mind, that as God was his Judge, he would be for ever deprived of his Grace if it were true, that since two and twenty Months he had done nothing against the Kings service, that it is true he had written some Letters, but that the King had forgiven him, protesting and calling the Spectators to Witness, that it was the truth what he spoke, as he would answer it before God, and spoke so many words, and so fast that neither he nor the Sheriff could be understood.

The Sentence being read, the Divines did admonish him to leave all Earthly thoughts, to implore the assistance of Heaven, and to resign his Soul to the Eternal providence of the Almighty, and his Body to what the Law had ordained of it, he made some Prayer to God, and bound his Eyes with his own Handkarchief, and asked the Executioner in what place he was to put himself, the Executioner pointing with his finger, said, there my Lord; he pulled off his Handkarchief in a rage, and where is that there, said he? thou seest I am blind fold, and thou shewest me as if I could see; he bound himself again, and bid the Executioner to dispatch quickly: The Executioner told him he ought to kneel, for fear he should do something amiss. No, no, said he, I shall not stir, if thou canst not do it at one blow do it at thirty, he was intreated again to kneel, which he did, and spoke these Imperious words, dispatch, dispatch, then rose up again, and untied his Handkarchief, and by casting his Eyes upon the Executioner, made the people believe, that either he had a mind to seize upon the Sword, or that he was terribly afrighted by the approaches of Death, and began again his former complaints, is there no pardon? must I die so miserably? after so many services. The Executioner intreated him to suffer his hairs behind to be cut off; he began to swear again fearfully, that if he toucht him otherwise than with the Sword, he would strangle him. The Divines told him that he was too carefull of his Body, he would hear no more of that, but fell into a rage, and swore, that he would not be toucht by so Infamous a Person as long as he was alive, that if they did provoke him too much, he would strangle half the Company, and oblige the other half to kill him, those that were upon the Scaffold went down and left him with the Executioner, who repented himself heartily that he had taken the care of him unbound.

The Divines went up again upon the Scaffold, and desired him for the love of God to resolve to step over that pass, which was necessary for every man to do, and with some few other words, whispered into his ears, did calm him a little, and made him resolve to undergo the Execution, after he had made many complaints, and shewed great fears of dying. A strange thing that as stout and valiant a man as ever was born, who had so many times cast himself amongst the greatest dangers, without any fear or apprehension, as if there was no death for him, should shew himself now so fearful at the coming of it; we may judge by this, that the apprehension of death is incomparably greater when it cometh upon a cold blood, and those that know what his Chirurgion was wont to say, shall less wonder at it; for he said, that the Duke of _Biron_ used to wonder at himself, that being not afraid of the thrust of a Sword, nevertheless he was very timerous at the pricking of a Launcet, when he had occasion to be let blood: Whereupon we must confess, that the greatest courage, and most undaunted stoutness of a man, is nothing in comparison of human Natures weakness.

The Divines judging him to be out of fear, gave him his last absolution, he kneeled again, and cried aloud three times, _My God, my God, my God, have Mercy upon me_, then turning to the Executioner, he took the headband that he had in his hand, and intreated _Baranton_ to do him that last curtesie as to lift up his hairs behind, which _Baranton_ did, and the Duke himself did tie the Handkarchief about his Eyes. The Divines seeing him in that good disposition, did assure him, that he was ready to go to Heaven, and to see God, and to enjoy his Glory. Yes, said he, Heaven is open to receive my Soul, and so stooped his neck for the Executioner to do his office. The Executioner considering, that he had untied himself three times before, and might do so again for the fourth, thought fitting to entertain him with fair words, to desire his forgiveness, and to put him in mind of saying his last Prayer, in the mean time he beckened to his man, who was at the foot of the Scaffold, to reach him the Sword, which no sooner was in his hand, but the Duke of _Birons_ Head was off his Shoulders, it fell from the Scaffold to the ground, and was thrown again by the Executioners man upon the Scaffold, the Body was stript to its Shirt, and wraped in a Sheet, and the same day buried, about nine of the Clock at night, in St. _Pauls_ Church, without any shew or Ceremony. Thus ended the Tragical History of the Duke of _Biron_.

Now follows the two last Verses of this Prophecie.

_A Post overtaken in the Countrey,_ _And the Scrivener shall cast himself into the Water._

Which as we have said before, were concerning _Nicolas L’oste_, Secretary to the Lord _Villeroy_, chief Secretary of State. The History therefore is thus.

The _French_ Embassador at _Madrid_, complained once to _Henry_ the IV. he was so ill informed, and so late of Affairs, that the King of _Spain_’s Ministers knew them before him: The King was a great while troubled before he could discover the spring of that infidelity, at last it came out in this manner. _Villeroy_ that great Oracle of _France_, and the most confident Secretary to the King, had among his servants one _Nicolas l’Oste_, born at _Orleans_, in whom he did confide so much the more, because his Father had been the most part of his life in his service.

The Lord _Rochepot_ going Embassador into _Spain_, _Oste_ desired to be admitted into his Family, to serve him as his secretary, that he might the better fit himself for publick employment. _Villeroy_’s commendation got him easily that employment, by which in a few Months he became so capable of the _Spanish_ Tongue and manners, that no body could have distinguished him from a natural _Spaniard_. The Embassador having sworn in the name of the most Christian King the treaty of Peace made at _Veruins_, the King of _Spain_ presented him with a rich Chain of Jewels, and with six other of Gold, valued at 150. Crowns apiece, to bestow upon as many of his own servants as he should think fit.

The pride and presumption of this young man was such as to perswade him he deserved one of them, and chiefly because one of his fellows was thought worthy of it, but his Master did not think so, and thus he was neglected.

Thus envy and jealousie were the Windows by which the Devil crept into his soul; the vanity, lying, pride, and debauchery gave him a full admittance, he had spent all his Money to buy the love of a Courtisane, and wanted means to follow that course which he had no mind to leave off. His Masters neglecting of him, had extraordinarily vexed him, but he comforted himself that he knew his secrets, and that in revealing them to the King of _Spains_ Ministers he shot two Birds with one shot; for he should avenge himself of that contempt he had received, and should have a way to continue his amorous expences. With that intention he made himself known to _Don Franchese_ one of the Secretaries of State, and told him what means he had to serve the King of _Spain_, and to shew him proofs of that service and affection he had vowed to him long before, by imparting to him all the Letters that the Embassador did both send and receive from the King his Master.

_Don Franchese_ heard this proposition as from a young man, whose Brains were not well settled, or perhaps did abhor such infidelity, therefore told him coldly, that the Catholick King was in so good amity with the most Christian one, that he desired to know no more of his business, than what his Embassador should tell him.

L’_Oste_ did not despond for all this, but went to _Don Ydiaques_ another Secretary of State, who knowing how important it is for a Prince to know the secrets of his Neighbours, and that the slighting of such an offer would be prejudicial to the King his Masters Service, did hearken unto this Traitor, approved of his design, and exhorted him to persevere in the good affection he shewed to the King of _Spains_ service, promised to acquaint the King with it, and to procure him such a reward, as he should have reason to be satisfied with.

The Councel agreed that L’_Oste_ should be incouraged, and _Don Ydiaques_, presented him to the Duke of _Lerma_, to whom he shewed the Alphabet of Cyphers, with which his Master writ his Letters into _France_, and for a further proof unciphered the last Letter that the King of _France_ had sent. The Duke exhorted him to continue his good Will, gave him 1200. Crowns for an earnest of the Bargain, with a promise of as much for a yearly pension, besides a considerable gratification he was to expect from the King.

Since that time the _French_ Embassador received no Letters but they were presently imparted to the _Spanish_ Councel: But the Lord _la Rochepot_ being called back into _France_, L’_Oste_ lost the conveniency of prosecuting his Treasons, and consequently the hopes of his promised reward, therefore sought means to come again into his first Masters, that is, _Villeroy_’s service, but he was a while kept back from it by reason of a difference between his Mother and _Villeroy_, about some rest of Accounts; but L’_Oste_ had rather take that loss upon him than to be deprived of that occasion. The Embassador himself gave him a large Testimony Of his ability and faithfulness, and was Instrumental for his re-admission into that service.

Thus being re-established, he became more diligent and sedulous than ever before, and not only writ more Letters than any of his fellows, but also offered them his service to help them, that he might have a more perfect knowledge of all transactions, and so impart them to the _Spaniard_, and so visited and conferred with _Taxis_ the _Spanish_ Embassador at _Paris_, and after that with his successor, _Don Baltazar de Cuniga_, with so much cunning and secrecy, that the Councel of _Spain_ received his Letters, before _des Barreaux_ the _French_ Embassador at _Madrid_, could receive those of the King.

_Des Barreaux_ sent word to the King, that when he propounded any thing, according to his Majesties command, to the Councel of _Spain_, he found them always preadvised, and could not find out by what means; certainly said the King, there must be some in my Councel that keep a strict intelligence with the _Spaniard_, and I can not tell whom to suspect. Providence doth often draw good effects out of the worse causes, and permitteth that the wicked should disclose one anothers wickedness, as a Nail driveth out another. _Loste_ had revealed himself familiarly to one _Raffis_, formerly Secretary to the Lord _Lansac_, a fugitive into _Spain_, for many Treasons, and exempted from pardon; but the _Spaniard_ had begun to cut him short of his former Pensions, since the Treason of the Baron of _Fontanelles_, Governour of _Dornavenest_ in _Brittanny_, in which the said _Raffis_ had been a principal Actor, though in vain, so that since, the Councel of _Spain_ looked upon him as an unprofitable servant, and withdrew their Pension.

_Raffis_ finding himself near a great want and misery, thought this occasion might be a means to prevent it, and to procure his return into his native Countrey, by doing so great a service to his Prince; therefore he went to one of the _French_ Embassadors most faithful servants, and told him his grief, for having had a share in so many Treasons and Rebellions in _France_, which he acknowledged God had into his particular protection, that he was resolved to blot out the memory of them by a notable service done to the King and Kingdom, but that could not be, unless he had first obtained pardon for all his former misdemeanors.

This being told to the Embassadour, he heard _Raffis_, who told him in general that the King was betrayed, and his most secret Councel bewrayed, but that he could not name the Traitor, no not to his Majesty himself, before he had his pardon: that being done, he would wholly withdraw himself from those whom he knew certainly to be enemies to the Kingdom. The Embassadour sent an express to the King to give him notice of it. The King sent him full power to treat with _Raffis_, with promiss to ratifie whatsoever he should promiss to _Raffis_; _Raffis_ could not make good his accusation, but by two Letters written by _Loste_, to a great friend of his, named _Blas_, which Letters he knew to be in a Box of _Blas_, who lodged with him; therefore upon some pretext or another, they found means to send _Blas_ as far as l’_Escurial_. In his absence _Raffis_ and _Descardes_ Secretary to the Embassadour, broke open the Box, and took out the Letters, by which _Loste_ did much magnifie the liberalities of _Spain_, as being above his desert and expectation; with this proofs and the Embassadors Letters, _Raffis_ fained to go to a Monastery near _Madrid_, and there make his devotions upon Palm-Sunday, as he was wont to do, but he went directly to _Bayone_, where he met with _Discardes_ upon a set day. _Blas_ came back after Palm-Sunday, and finding his Box open, and his companion run away, he suspected the matter, and gave notice of it to the _Spanish_ Ministers, who presently dispatched two Courriers to the _Spanish_ Embassador at _Paris_, to give him notice that a man was gone from _Madrid_; who would discover _Loste_ and his practises, therefore he should give him notice of it, and bid him look to himself, and that in case he should be taken, to keep secresie.

_Descardes_ and _Raffis_ came to _Paris_ the _Wensday_ after Easter, and carried themselves with all faithfulness in this occasion, but not with all the prudence that could have been desired. _Villeroy_ was going the same day to lie at his own House, between _Paris_ and _Fountain-bleau_, where the Court was then; they met with him at _Juvisy_, and waited on him as far as _Villeroy_, but told him nothing of the occasion of their coming by the way, till they presented him with the Embassadors Letters, which was a notable fault, for he would certainly have neglected all other business to secure his man, who was then doing his devotions at the Charter-house of _Paris_.

The next day _Villeroy_ was the first that told the King of the coming of _Raffis_, and of the perfidiousness of his own servant. As he was going back to his Lodging, notice was given him that two _Spanish_ Courtiers were arrived at the Post-house; he commanded one of the Commissioners of the Post-house, that he should cause them to withdraw into a Room, and that no body should speak with them; he charged also _Descardes_, that he should spy the coming of _Loste_, that he should keep him close company, and send him presently notice of his arrival. The Commissioner and _Descardes_ did commit here another great fault, for _Loste_ being come to the Post-house about noon, this silly Commissioner told him that there were arrived two _Spanish_ Courtiers who asked for him, that they had Letters for him, and more then that, suffered him to go into their Chamber and see them, he saluted them, and one of them whispered him in the ear that he was undone if he did not save himself presently, and that _Raffis_ had discovered him; fear and astonishment with his guilty conscience, persuaded him easily to look to himself.

Nevertheless, he settled his countenance the best he could, he went out with an intention to take his Horse again, which he had sent before, and so save himself; _Descardes_ and _Raffis_ perceived him, _Descardes_ came and saluted him, and thinking perhaps that he was strong enough to give an account of him, neglected to send word to _Villeroy_, who was then in his Closet with the Bishop of _Chartres_; _Descardes_ presence was a great thorn in _Loste_’s foot, to be rid of him, he said he was going to his Master, who stayed for him; _Descardes_ offered to accompany him: he answered, he had not dined, and that believing it was past Dinner time at home, he would go into some Cabaret to look for a Dinner, the other answered I have not dinned neither, we shall dine together. _Loste_ found another excuse, and said my Boots hurt me, I pray give me leave that I may go and pull them off; _Descardes_ answered, he must needs drink with him. Thus arguing together, they came to _Villeroy_’s Lodging, where _Descardes_ thinking to have him sure, left him in the Room, not knowing that the _Spanish_ Courtiers had talked with him, and came near the Closet to give notice of it to _Villeroy_; but as soon as he saw himself rid of _Descardes_, he went down into the Stable, and finding his Horse yet Sadled he Mounted, and with all speed rid to _Paris_; _Villeroy_ in the mean time having notice that his man was come, he commanded they should bring them in; but he was not to be found, nor his Horse neither, no body knowing which way he was gone. _Villeroy_ told the King that his man was escaped, they sent after him on all sides, and _Villeroy_ particularly sent all his Servants after into all the ways. _Loste_ coming to _Paris_ about nine of the Clock at night, went to take counsel of the _Spanish_ Embassadour, and before day, went out habited like a _Spaniard_, with the Embassadors Steward, and took his way towards _Meaux_, with an intent to get into _Luxembourg_ by Poste.

That every one might endeavour the apprehending of that Traitor, it was spread abroad that one of _Villeroy_’s Secretaries had attempted upon the Kings Person, and notice was given of his Stature, Age, Cloaths and Horse. The Sheriffs of every Countrey were in quest, and all Post-Masters were forbidden to let out any Horses, but that of _Meaux_ had notice of it too late; _Loste_ was got on Horseback already, but assoon as he began to gallop, his Horse fell to the ground, and was an ill _Omen_ to the Rider; he got up again, and shewed so much fearfulness in his Countenance, that the Postillion himself thought he had committed some notorious villany, which he did run for. Being come home, he gave notice of it to his Master, who suspecting him to be the man enquired off, he gave notice of it to the Sheriff, who presently made after him at the second Ferry of _la Ferte soubs Jouare_, where he was Crossing the River; the Sheriff cried after the Ferry man to come back, but the fear of his life, which the two run aways put him into, prevailed upon him, above the Sheriffs commands, being got over, and judging that their Post-Horses should be quickly overtaken by those of the Sheriff, they forsook them and the Postillion; and trusted to their heels in the darkness of the night among the Bushes and Brambles that are upon the River _Marne_. The Sheriff scattered his men all about, caused fires to be made, and raised up all the Countrey people thereabout; the _Spaniard_ ran over the Champion Countrey, and _Loste_ went from Bush to Bush, and whether accidentally or wilfully he fell into the River _Marne_, where he was drowned; the next day his Hat was found between two posts, and his body two days after not far from that place.

Thus you may plainly see the full event of those two famous Prophecies, contained in this sixth Stanza.

VII.

French.

La Sangsue au Loup se joindra, Lors qu’en Mer le bled defaudra, Mais le grand Prince sans envie, Par Ambassade luy donra, De son bled pour luy donner vie, Pour un besoing s’en pourvoira.

English.

The Leech will joyn it self to the Wolf, When in the Sea Corn shall be wanting, But the great Prince without envy, By Embassy shall give him, Of his Corn to give him life, Of which in his need he shall make provision.

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.

Un peu devant l’ouvert commerce, Ambassadeur viendra de _Perse_, Nouvelle au Franc Pais porter, Mais non receu vaine esperance, A son grand Dieu sera l’offense, Feignant de le vouloir quitter.

English.

A little before that Trade shall be open, An Embassador shall come from _Persia_, To bring news into _France_, But he shall not be received, O vain hope! To his great God shall the offence be, Faining that he would leave him.

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.

Deux Estendars du costé de l’_Auvergne_, Senestre pris, pour un temps prison regne, Et un Dame enfant voudra mener, An Censuart, mais discouvert l’affaire, Danger de mort, murmure sur la Terre, Germain, _Bastille_, Frere & Sœur prisonier.

English.

Two Standards in the County of _Auvergne_, The left one taken, for a while Prison shall reign, And a Lady shall endeavour to carry a child To the Censuart, but the plot being discovered, Danger of Death, murmur upon Earth, Own Brother, _Bastille_, Brother and Sister prisoners.

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.

Embassadeur pour une Dame, A son Vaissau mettra la rame, Pour prier le grand Medecin, Que de l’Oster de telle peine, Mais a ce s’opposera Roine, Grand peine avant qu’en voir la fin.

English.

An Embassador for a Lady, Shall set Oares to his Ship, To intreat the great Physition, To take her out of such pain, But a Queen shall oppose it, A great deal of trouble before the end of it.

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.

Durant le Siecle on verra deux ruisseaux, Tout un terrouer inonder de leurs eaux, Et submerger par Ruisseaux & Fontaines, _Coups_, & _Monfrein_, _Beccoyran_ & _Alais_, Par le _Gardon_ bien souvent travaillez, Six cens & quattre, _Ales_ & trente Moines.

English.

In this Age two Rivolets shall be seen, To overflow a whole Countrey with their waters, And to drown by Rivolets and Fountains, _Coups_, and _Monfrein_, _Beccoiran_ and _Alais_, By the _Gardon_ often troubled, Six hundred and four _Alais_, and thirty Monks.

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.

Six cens & cinq tres grand nouvelle, De deux Seigneurs la grand querelle, Proche de _Gevaudan_ sera, En une Eglise apres l’offrande, Meuttre commis, prestre de mande, Tremblant de peur se sauvera.

English.

In six hundred and five shall be great news; The quarrel of two great Lords, Shall be near _Gevaudan_, In a Church after the Offering, A murder committed, the Priest shall ask, And quaking for fear, shall save himself.

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.

L’aventurier, six cens, & six ou neuf, Sera surpris par fiel mis dans un Oeuf, Et peu apres sera hors de puissance, Par le puissant Empereur General, Qu’ou Monde nest an pereil ny esgal, Dont un chascun luy rend obeissance.

English.

The adventurer, six hundred, six or nine, Shall be surprised by Gall put into an Egge, And a little while after shall be out of power, By the potent Emperour General, To whom in the world there is not his like or equal, Wherefore every one yieldeth obedience to him.

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.

Au grand Siege encor grand forfaits, Recommenceant plus que jamais, Six cens & cinq sur la verdure, La prise & reprise sera, Soldats es Champs jusqu’ en froidure, Puis apres recommencera.

English.

At the great Siege yet great misdemeanors, Beginning again more than ever, Six hundred and five about the Spring, The taking and retaking shall be, Souldiers in the fields till Winter, And after that shall begin again.

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.

Nouveau esleu Patron du grand Vaisseau, Verra long temps briller le grand flambeau, Qui sert de Lampe a ce grand territoire, Et auquel temps Armées soubs son nom, Jointes a celles de l’heureux de _Bourbon_, Levant, Ponant, & Couchant sa memoire.

English.

The new elected Master of the great Ship, Shall a great while see the great light shine, Which serveth for a Lamp to this great Territory, And at which time Armies under his name, Joyned with those of happy of _Bourbon_, East, West, and North his memory shall be.

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.

En _Octobre_ Six cens & cinq, Pour voieur du Monstre Marin, Prendra du Souverain le cresme, Ou en six cens & six en _Juin_, Grand joye aux Grands & au Commun, Grand faits apres ce grand Baptesme.

English.

In _October_ six hundred and five, The Purveyor of the Sea Monster, Shall take the unction of the Sovereign, Or in six hundred and six in _June_, Great joy shall be to the Great ones, and to the Commons, Great feats shall be after this great Baptism.

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.

Au mesme temps un grand endurera, Joyeux, malsain, l’an complet ne verra, Et quelques uns qui Seront de la feste, Feste pour un feulement, a ce jour, Mais peuapres sans faire long sejour, Deux se donront l’un l’autre de la teste.

English.

At the same time a great one shall suffer, Joyful, sickly, shall not see the year compleat, And some others who shall be of the feast, A feast for one only at that day, But a little while after without long delay, Two shall knock one another in the head.

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.

Considerant la triste _Philomele_, Qu’en pleurs & cris sa plainte renouvelle, Racourcissant par tel moyen ses jours, Six cens & cinq elle en verra l’yssue, De son tourment, ia la toile tissue, Por son moien senestre aura secours.

English.

Considering the sad _Philomela_, Who in tears and cries reneweth her complaint, Shortning by such means her days, Six hundred and five shall see the end, Of her torment, then the Cloath Woven, By her sinister means shall have help.

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.

Six cens & cinq, six cens & six & sept. Nous monstrera jusques l’an dixsept, Du boutefeu l’Ire, haine & envie, Soubs l’Olivier d’assez long temps caché, Le Crocodil sur la Terre a caché, Ce qui estoit mort sera pour lors en vie.

English.

Six hundred and five, six hundred and six and seven, Will shew us unto the year seventeen, The anger of the bontefeu, his hatred and envy, Under the Olive-Tree a great while hidden, The Crocodile upon the ground hath hidden, What was dead, shall then be alive.

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.

Celuy qui a par plusieurs fois, Tenu la Cage & puis les bois, Rentre a son premier estre, Vie sauve pen apres sortir, Ne se scachant encor cognoistre, Cherchera subject pour mourir.

English.

He that hath many times, Been in the Cage and in the Woods, Cometh again to his first being, And shall go out a little after with his life safe, And not able yet to know himself, Shall seek a subject to be put to death.

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.

L’Autheur des maux commencera Regner, En l’an fix cens & sept sans espargner, Tous les subjects qui sont a la Sangsüe, Et puis apres s’en viendra peu a peu, Au franc Païs rallumer son feu, S’en retournant d’ou elle est issue.

English.

The Author of evils shall begin to Reign, In the year six hundred and seven, without sparing, All the subjects that belong to the Leech, And afterwards shall come by little and little, To the free Countrey to kindle again his fire, Going back again from whence it came.

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.

Cil qui dira descouvrisant l’affaire, Comme du mort, la mort pourra bien faire, Coups de Poniards par un qu’auront induits, Sa fin sera pis qu’il n’aura fait faire, La fin conduit les homines sur la Terre, Gueté par tout, tant le jour que la nuit.

English.

He that shall say discovering the business, How of the dead, can make a death well, Strokes of a Dagger by one that hath been induced to it, His end shall be worse then he hath caused to be done, The end leadeth all men upon the Earth, Espied every where, as well by day as by night.

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.

Quand la grand Nef, la prove & Gouvernail, Du franc Pais, & son Esprit vital, Descueils & slots par la Mer Secovée, Six cens & sept & dix cœur assiegé, Et des reflux de son corps afflegé, Sa vie estant sur ce mal renovée.

English.

When the great Ship, the Prow, and Rudder, Of the _French_ Countrey, and her vital Spirit, Being tossed by Baks and Waves, Six hundred and seven, and ten, a heart beset, And by the ebbing of his body afflicted, Her life being upon this, evil knotted again.

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.

Le _Mercurial_ non de trop longue vie, Six cens & huit & vingt, grand maladie, Et encor pis danger de feu & d’eau, Son grand amy lors luy sera contraire, De tels hazards se pourroit bien distraire, Mais bref, le ser luy sera son Tombeau.

English.

The _Mercurial_ not too long lived, Six hundred and eight and twenty, a great sickness, And what is worse a danger of fire and water, His great friend then shall be against him, He might well avoid those dangers, But a little after, the Iron shall make his Sepulcher.

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.

Six cens & six, six cens & neuf, Un Chancelier gros comme un Bœuf Vieux comme le _Phœnix_ du Monde, En ce Terroir plus ne luira, De la Nef doubly passera, Au Champs _Elysiens_ faire ronde.

English.

Six hundred and six, six hundred and nine, A Chancellor big as an Oxe, Old as the _Phœnix_ of the World, Shall shine no more in this Countrey, Shall pass from the Ship of forgetfulness, Into the _Elysian_ Fields to go the round.

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.

Deux freres sont de l’ordre Ecclesiastique, Dont l’un prendra pour la _France_ la pique, Encor un coup si l’an six cens & six, N’est afflige d’une grand maladie, Les Armes en main jusques six cens & dix, Gueres plus loing ne s’estendant sa vie.

English.

Two Brothers are of the Ecclesiastical Order, One of which shall take up the Pike for _France_, Once more, is in the year six hundred and six, He be not afflicted with a great sickness, The Weapons in his hands till six hundred and ten, His Life shall reach not much further.

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.

Celeste seu du costé d’Occident, Et du Midy courir jusqu’au Levant, Vers demy morts sans point trouver racine, Troisiesme Age a _Mars_ le Belliqueux, Des _Escarboucles_ on verra briller feux, Age _Escarboucle_, & a la fin famine.

English.

A Cœlestial fire on the West side, And from the South shall run to the East, Warm, half dead, and incapable to find Roots, The third Age to _Mars_ the Warriour, Out of _Carbuncles_ fires shall be seen to shine, The Age shall be a _Carbuncle_, but in the end famine.

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.

XXVIII.

French.

L’An mil six cens & neuf ou quatorziesme Le vieux _Charon_ sera Pasques en Caresme, Six cens & six par escrit le mettra, Le Medecin de tout cecy s’estonne, A mesme temps assigné en personne, Mais pour certain l’un deux comparoistra.

English.

In the year a thousand six hundred and nine or fourteen, The old _Charon_ shall Celebrate _Easter_ in Lent, Six hundred and six shall put it in writing, The Physician wondereth at all this. At the same time being Cited in person, But for certain, one of them shall appear.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that about the time mentioned by the Author, some great one should be very sick in Lent, and should eat flesh, which is called here to _Celebrate Easter in Lent_; and that his Physician wondering at it should fall sick himself, and that without fail, one of them two should die.

XXIX.

French.

Le Griffon Se peut apprester, Pour a l’ennemy resister, Er renforcer bien son Armée, Autrement l’Elephant viendra, Qui d’un abord le surprendra, Six cens & huit, Mer enflammée.

English.

The Griffin may prepare himself, To resist the Enemy, And to strengthen his Army, Otherways the Elephant shall come, Who on a sudden shall surprise him. Six hundred and eight, the Sea shall be inflamed.

ANNOT.

By the Griffin was meant the _Hollanders_, who were warned here to beware of the Elephant, that is, the _Spaniard_, and to strengthen their Army for fear of being surprised.

The last Verse signifieth, that in the year 1608. there should be a notable Sea-fight, which was then frequent enough between the said _Hollanders_ and _Spaniard_.

XXX.

French.

Dans peu de temps Medicin du grand mal, Et la Sangsue d’ordre & rang inegal, Mettront le feu a la branche d’Olive, Poste courir d’un & d’autre costé, Et par tel feu leur Empire accosté, Se rallumant du franc finy salive.

English.

Within a little while the Physician of the great disease, And the Leech, of order and rank unequal, Shall set fire to the branch of Olive, Posts shall run to and fro, And with such fire their Empire acquainted, Shall kindle again with the _French_ finished spittle.

ANNOT.

By the Physitian of the great disease, is meant the King of _France_; and the Leech the King of _Spain_, so that it is foretold here, how they shall set fire to the branch of Olive, that is, shall break the Peace and fall to War, which in the year 1636. when upon the imprisoning of the Archbishop of _Triers_ by the King of _Spain_, because he had put himself under the _French_ Protection, the King of _France_ sent an Armv of 40000. men in the _Low-Countreys_, to come with the Prince of _Orange_ at _Mastricht_, which quarrel hath continued till the Marriage of the King of _France_ with the Infanta of _Spain_, Daughter to _Philip_ the IV. The last Verse is forced in, only to make up the rime.

XXXI.

French.

Celuy qui a les hazards surmouté, Qui fer, feu, eau, na jamais redouté, Et du Pais bien proche du _Basacle_, D’un coup de fer tout le Monde eftonné, Par Crocodil estrangement donné, Peuple ravy de voir un tel spectacle.

English.

He that hath overcome the dangers, That hath never feared Iron, Fire nor Water, And of the Countrey near the _Basacle_, By a stroke of Iron (all the World being astonished), By a Crocodile strangely given, People will wonder to see such a spectacle.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy may admit of two Interpretations; the first, that _Henry_ the IV. who was born in the Province of _Bearn_, not far from _Thoulouze_, the chief City of _Languedoc_, wherein there is a place upon the River called _Basacle_, where the Mills are, who was stobbed with a knife by _Francis Ravillac_ in the year 1610.

The other is of the last Duke of _Montmorency_, who being Governour of _Languedoc_, took up Arms against the King, in the behalf of the Duke of _Orleans_, for which he was beheaded at _Thoulouse_ at the solicitation of Cardinal _Richelieu_, which happened about the year 1632.

XXXII.

French.

Vin a foison tres-bon pour les Gendarmes, Pleurs & soupirs plaintes, cris, & alarmes, Le Ciel fer ses Tonnerres pleuvoir, Feu, eau, & sang le tout meslé ensemble, Le Ciel de Sol en fremit & en tremble, Vivant na veu ce quil pourra bien voir.

English.

Plenty of Wine, very good for Troopers, Tears, and sighs, complaints, cries, and alarums, Heaven shall cause its Thunders to rain, Fire, water and blood, all mixed together, The Suns Heaven, quaketh and shaketh for it, No living man hath seen what he may see then.

ANNOT.

This great plenty of Wine happened in the year 1634. at which time there was in _France_ such plenty of Grapes, that half of them perished for want of Vessels to put them in, and I remember very well, that then whosoever would bring a Poinchon Vessel, which is the third part of a Tun, might have it filled with Grapes for half a Crown, and that being my self at that time at a Town of _Burgundy_, called _Beaune_, where the best Wine of _France_ groweth, four of us had one Pottle of Wine _English_ measure for one half penny. The rest signifieth no more but the miseries that happened in _Germany_, by the Wars that the King of _Sweden_ brought in about the same time.

XXXIII.

French.

Bien peu apres sera tres-grand misere, De pou de Bled qui sera sur la Terre, De _Dauphiné_, _Provence_ & _Vivarois_, Au _Vivarois_ est un pauvre presage, Pere du fils sera _Antrophophage_, Et mangeront Racine & gland du Bois.

English.

A little after shall be a great misery, Of the scarcity of Corn that shall be upon the ground Of _Dauphine_, _Provence_, and _Vivarois_, In _Vivarois_ is a poor presage, Father of son shall be Antropophage, And shall eat Roots and Acorns of the Wood.

ANNOT.

This came to pass when the Duke of _Rohan_ headed the Protestant party, and made those Provinces the seat of the Civil Wars in _France_, about the year 1640. or 1642.

XXXIV.

French.

Princes & Seigneurs tous se feront la guerre, Cousin Germain, le Frere avec le Frere, Finy l’Arby de l’heureux de _Bourbon_, De _Hierusalem_ les Princes aimables, Du fait commis enorme & execrable, Se ressentiront sur la bourse sans fond.

English.

Princes and Lords shall war one against another Cousin German, the Brother against the Brother, The Arby finished of the happy _Bourbon_, The Princes of _Hierusalem_ so lovely, Of the enormous and execrable fact committed Shall ressent upon the bottomless Purse.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of the Wars that were to be between the Princes and Lords a little after the death of _Henry_ the IV. when the Marshal d’_Ancre_ took upon him the administration of affairs by the favour of the Queen Regent _Mary_ of _Medicis_.

XXXV.

French.

Dame par mort grandement atristée, Mere & tutrice au lang qui la quittée, Dame & Seigneurs faits enfants Orphelins, Par les Aspics & par les Crocodiles, Seront surpris forts bourgs, Chasteaux & Villes, Dieu tout puissant les garde des malins.

English.

A Lady by death greatly afflicted, Mother and Tutor to the Blood that hath left her, Ladies and Lords made Orphans, By Asps and by Crocodiles, Shall strong holds, Castles and Towns be surprised, God Almighty keep them from the wicked.

ANNOT.

That great Lady afflicted by death, and Mother and Tutor to the Blood that left her was _Mary_ of _Medicis_, Wife to _Henry_ the IV. who after the death of her Husband was much troubled in her regency by her own Son _Lewis_ the XIII. and several great Lords of his party whence did follow the Battle of _Pont de Cé_.

XXXVI.

French.

La grand rumeur qui sera par la _France_, Les impuissans voudront avoir puissance, Langue emmiellée & vrais Cameleons, De boutefeus, allumeurs de chandelles, Pyes & Geais, rapporteurs de nouvelles, Dont la morsure semblera Scorpions.

English.

The great rumor that shall be through _France_, The impuissants would fain have power, Honey Tongues, and true Camelions, Bourefeux, and lighters of Candles, Magpies and Jays, carriers of news, Whose biting shall be like that of Scorpions.

ANNOT.

This hath a relation to the precedent, and expresseth further the misery of those times.

XXXVII.

French.

Foible & puissant seront en grand discord, Plusieurs mourront avant faire l’accord, Foible ou puissant vainqueur se fera dire, Le plus puissant au jeune cedera, Et le plus vieux des deux decedera, Lors que l’un d’eux envahira l’Empire.

English.

The Weak and powerfull shall be at great variance, Many shall die before they agree, The weak shall cause the powerful to call him Victor, The most potent shall yield to the younger, And the older of the two shall die, When one of the two shall invade the Empire.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is not come to pass yet (for all I know) therefore I leave the interpretation to every ones liberty.

XXXVIII.

French.

Par Eau, & par fer & par grand maladie, Le Pourvoieur a l’hazard de sa vie, Scaura combien vaut le Quintal de Bois, Six cens & quinze ou le dixneufiesme, On gravera d’un grand Prince cinquiesme, L’Immortel nom sur le pied de la Croix.

English.

By Water, by Fire, and by great sickness, The Purveyor to the hazard of his life, Shall know how much is worth the Quintal of Wood, Six hundred and fifteen, or the nineteen, There shall be graven of a great Prince the fifth, The immortal name upon the foot of the Cross.

ANNOT.

By the Purveyor is meant the King of _France_, as we have said before.

The great Prince the V. was _Paul_ the V. who was foretold he should die about the year 1615. 1619.

XXXIX.

French.

Le Pourvoieur de Monstre sans pareil, Se sera voir ainsy que le Soleil, Montant le long la ligne Meridienne, En poursuivant l’Elephant & le Loup, Nul Empereur ne fit jamais tel coup, Et rien plus pis a ce Prince n’avienne.

English.

The Purveyor of the Monster without equal, Shall shew himself like the Sun, Ascending in the Meridional line, In persecuting the Elephant and the Wolf, No Emperour did ever such an act, I wish nothing worse may happen to that Prince.

ANNOT.

This is a Prophecie of the glorious success that _Lewis_ the XIII. was to have against the _Spaniard_ in _Italy_, and the Protestant party at home.

XL.

French.

Ce qu’en vivant le Pere n’avoit sceu, Il acquerra ou par guerre ou par feu, Et Combatra la sangsue irritée, Ou jouira de son bien paternel, Et savory du grand Dieu Eternel, Aura bien tost sa Province heritée.

English.

That which while he lived the father did not know, He shall get it either by Water or by Fire, And shall fight with the angry Leech, Or shall enjoy his Paternal goods, And be favorised by the great Eternal God, Shall quickly become Heir of his Province.

ANNOT.

This concerneth the present King of _France_ _Lewis_ the XIV. who hath lately got by Fire and Sword those Provinces in the _Low Countreys_, to which he laid claim by his Wives Title, which his father never knew nor attempted.

XLI.

French.

Vaisseaux Galeres avec leur Estendar, Sentrebattront pres du Mont _Gilbatar_, Et lors sera forfait a _Pampelonne_, Qui pour son bien souffrira mille maux, Par plusieurs fois soustiendra les assaux, Mais a la fin unie a la Coronne.

English.

Ships and Galleys with their Standard, Shall fight near the Mountain _Gilbatar_, And then shall be endeavoured against _Pampelonne_, Which for her good shall suffer a thousand evils, And many times shall resist the assaults; But at last shall be united to the Crown.

ANNOT.

This Prophecieth the reduction of the City of _Pampelona_, the chief City of the Kingdom of _Navarre_, under the obedience of the King of _France_ and _Navarre_.

XLII.

French.

La grand Cité ou est le premier homme, Bien amplement la ville ie vous nomme, Tout en alarme, & le Soldat es Champs, Par Fer & Eau grandement affligée, Et a la fin des _Francois_ soulagée, Mais ce sera des six cens & dix ans.

English.

The great City where the first man is, Fully I name the Town to you, Shall be alarmed and the Souldier in the field, Shall be by Fire and Water greatly afflicted, And at last shall be helped by the _French_, But it shall be from six hundred and ten years.

ANNOT.

That great City where the first man is, is _Amsterdam_, because the first Letter and the last Sylable of it maketh _Adam_: But of her affliction by Fire and Water, and of her being relieved by the _French_ in the year 1610. I can find nothing in the History; those that are better furnished with Books than I am, may chance to satisfie themselves and others, better than I can do.

XLIII.

French.

Le petit coin Provinces mutinées, Par forts Chasteaux se verront dominées, Encor un coup par la gent Militaire, Dans bref seront fortement assiegez, Mais il seront d’un tres grand soulagez, Qui aura fait entrée dans Beaucaire.

English.

The little corner, Provinces revolted, By strong Castles, shall see themselves commanded, Once more by the Military Troops, Within a little while shall be strongly Besieged, But shall be helped by a great one, That hath made his entry in _Beaucaire_.

ANNOT.

This little Corner and Provinces revolted are _Holland_, and the rest of the United Provinces, who are threatned here with many troubles, as they did suffer till the Peace of _Munster_.

That great man that helped them, was the King of _France_.

XLIV.

French.

La belle Rose en la _France_ admirée, D’un tres-grand Prince a la fin desirée, Six cens & dix lors naistront ses amours, Cinq ans apres sera d’un grand blessée, Du tract d’Amour elle sera enlassée, Si a quinze ans du Ciel recoit secours.

English.

The faire Rose admired in _France_, Shall at last be desired by a great Prince, Six hundred and ten, then shall her love begin, Five years after she shall be wounded, With the love of a great one she shall be intangled, If at five years she receiveth help from Heaven.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was concerning the Match between _Lewis_ the XIII. and _Ann_ of _Austria_ Infanta of _Spain_, who were both Married very young.

XLV.

French.

De coup de fer tout le Monde estonné, Par Crocodil estrangement donné, A un bien grand, parent de la Sangsue, Et peu apres sera un autre coup, De guet a pens commis contre le Loup, Et de tels faits on en verra l’yssue.

English.

All the World being astonished at a blow of Iron, Strangely given by a Crocodile, To a great one, kin to the _Leech_, And a little while after another blow, On purpose given against the Wolf, And of such deeds the end shall be seen.

ANNOT.

I think this needeth no further explication, then that I have given upon the 31. Stanza.

XLVI.

French.

Les Pourvoieux mettra tout en desroute, Sangsue & Loup, en mon dire escoute, Quand _Mars_ sera au Signe du _Mouton_, Joint a _Saturne_, _Saturne_ a la Lune, Alors sera ta plus grande infortune, Le Soleil lors en exaltation.

English.

The Purveyor shall put all in disorder, Leech and Wolf, do ye hearken to me, When _Mars_ shall be in the Sign of _Aries_, Joyned with _Saturn_, and _Saturn_ with the Moon, Then shall be thy greatest misfortune, The Sun being then in its exaltation.

ANNOT.

This is plain, if you remember that by the Purveyor is meant the King of _France_, by the Leech the King of _Spain_, and by the Wolf the Duke of _Savoy_.

XLVII.

French.

Le grand d’_Hongrie_ ira dans la Nacelle, Le nouveau né sera guerre nouvelle, A son voisin, qu’il tiendra assiegé, Et le noireau avec son Altesse, Ne souffrira que par trop on le presse, Durant trois ans ses gens tiendra rangé.

English.

The great one of _Hungary_ shall go in the Boat, The new born shall make a new War, To his Neighbour, whom he shall Besiege, And the black one with his Highness, Shall not suffer to be overpressed, During three years he shall keep his Men in order.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the King of _Bohemia_, and his War with the Emperour, who is called here the _great one of Hungary_, because he is King of it; _the black one with his Highness_, is the Pals-grave, who after three years broils was defeated at the Battle of _Prage_.

XLVIII.

French.

Du vieux _Charon_ on verra le Phœnix, Estre premier & dernier des fils, Reluire en _France_, & d’un chascun aimable, Regner long temps, avec tous les honneurs, Qu’auront jamais eu ses Predecesseurs, Dont il rendra sa gloire memorable.

English.

The Phœnix of the old _Charon_ shall be seen, To be the first and last of the Sons, To shine in _France_, beloved of every one, To Reign a great while with all the honours, That ever his Predecessors had, By which he shall make his glory memorable.

ANNOT.

No doubt but this is meant of some King of _France_, which is to come.

XLIX.

French.

_Venus_ & _Sol_, _Jupiter_ & _Mercure_, Augmenteront le genre de nature, Grande Alliance en _France_ se fera, Et du Midy la Sangsue de mesme, Le feu esteint par ce remede extreme; En Terre ferme Olivier plantera.

English.

_Venus_ and _Sol_, _Jupiter_ and _Mercury_, Shall augment humane kind, A great Alliance shall be made in _France_, And on the South the Leech shall do the same, The fire extinguished by this extreme remedy, Shall plant the Olive-Tree in a firm ground.

ANNOT.

By the consent of all Astronomers, those four benigne Planets augment generation.

That great Alliance mentioned here, by which the fire was extinguished, and the Olive-Tree planted in a firm ground, is the Marriage of the present King of _France_, _Lewis_, the XIV. with the Infanta of _Spain_, by which all differences were composed, and the Peace firmly settled.

L.

French.

Un peu devant ou apres l’_Angleterre_, Par mort de Loup mise aussy bas que terre, Verra le feu resister contre l’eau, Le rallumant avecque telle force, Du sang humain, dessus l’humaine escorce, Faute de pain, bondance de cousteau.

English.

A little while before or after, _England_, By the death of the Wolf being put as low as the ground, Shall see the fire resist against the water, Kindling it again with such force, Of humane blood, upon the humane bark, That want of bread and abundance of knives shall be.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that a little while after or before the said match mentioned in the foregoing: _England_ was or should be brought as low as the ground, and that there should be abundance of humane blood spilled, and a great decay of Trade, with Wars, which is that he calleth, Want of Bread and abundance of knives.

LI.

French.

La Ville qu’avoit en ses ans, Combatu l’Injure du temps, Qui de son Vainqueur tient la vie, Celuy qui premier la surprit, Que peu apres _Francois_ reprit, Par Combats encore affoible.

English.

The City that had in her years, Resisted the injury of the times, And oweth her life to him that overcame her, Being the first that surprised it, Which a little while after _Francis_ took again, Being yet weakened with fightings.

LII.

French.

La grand Cité qui n’a Pain a demy, Encor un coup la saint _Barthelemy_, Engravera au profond de son Ame, _Nismes_, _Rochelle_, _Geneve_ & _Montpelier_, _Castres_, _Lion_, _Mars_ entrant au _Belier_, S’entrebattront le tout pour une Dame.

English.

The great City that hath not bread half enough, Shall once more engrave In the bottom of her soul St. _Bartholomew_’s day, _Nismes_, _Rochel_, _Geneva_ and _Montpelier_, _Castres_, _Lion_, _Mars_ coming into _Aries_, Shall fight one against another, and all for a Lady.

ANNOT.

That great City mentioned here, is _Paris_, which is threatned of another St. _Bartholomew_’s day, which was fatal to the Protestants in _France_, for upon that day in the year 1572. there was a general Massacre made of them through all _France_, insomuch, that in _Paris_ alone there was above ten thousand slain.

As for those Towns here named that are to fight about a Lady, I cannot guess what Lady it should be, unless he meaneth the _Roman_ Church.

LIII.

French.

Plusieurs mourront avant que Phœnix meure, Jusques six cens septante est sa demeure, Passé quinze ans, vingt & un, trente neuf, Le premier est Subjet a maladie, Et le second au fer, danger de vie, Au feu a l’eau est subjet a trenteneuf.

English.

Many shall die before that Phœnix dieth, Till six hundred and seventy he shall remain, Above fifteen years, one and twenty, thirty nine, The first shall be subject to sickness, And the second to Iron, a danger of life, Thirty nine shall be subject to fire and water.

ANNOT.

By the Phœnix is meant a Pope, because there is but one of that kind at once, the meaning of the rest is unknown to me.

LIV.

French.

Six cens & quinze vingt, grand Dame mourra, Et peu apres un fort long temps pleuvra, Plusieurs Pais _Flandres_ & l’_Angleterre_, Seront par seu & par fer affligez, De leurs Voisins longuement assiegez, Contraints seront de leur faire la Guerre.

English.

Six hundred and fifteen, and twenty, a great Lady shall die, And a little after it shall rain for a great while, Many Countreys as _Flanders_ and _England_, Shall by fire and Iron be afflicted, And a good while Besieged by their Neighbours, So that they shall be constrained to make War against them.

ANNOT.

What that great Lady was, that should die in the year 653. is not easie to guess, there being many in every Countrey that died that year. The rest is easie, and we have seen the truth of it in our days, and may see it hereafter.

LV.

French.

Un peu devant ou apres tres grand’ Dame, Son ame au Ciel, & son corps soubs la lame, De plusieurs gens regretée sera, Tous ses parens seront en grand tristesse, Pleurs & souspirs d’une Dame en jeunesse, Et a deux grands le dueil delaissera.

English.

A little while before, or after, a very great Lady, Her soul in Heaven, and her body in the Grave, Shall be lamented by many, All her kindred shall be in great mourning, Tears and sighs of a Lady in her youth, And shall leave the mourning to two great ones.

ANNOT.

This may be understood of the death of _Anna_ of _Austria_, Queen of _France_, who left in mourning two great ones, _viz._ her two Sons _Lewis_ the XIV. King of _France_, and _Philip_ of _Bourbon_ Duke of _Orleans_.

Or of the death of the Queen Dowager of _England_, _Henrietta Maria_, who also was much lamented, and left in mourning two great ones, _viz._ _Charles_ the II. King of _England_, and _James_ Duke of _York_ his Brother.

LVI.

French.

Tost l’Elephant de toutes parts verra, Quand Pourvoyeur au Griffon se joindra, Sa ruine proche, & _Mars_ qui tousiour gronde, Fera grands faits aupres de _Terre Sainte_, Grands Estendars sur la Terre & sur l’Onde, Si la Nef a esté, de deux frere enceinte.

English.

Shortly the Elephant on all sides shall see, When the Purveyor shall joyn with the Griffin, His ruine at hand, and _Mars_ which always grumbleth, Shall do great feats near the _Holy Land_, Great Standarts upon the Earth and the Sea, If the Ship hath been with Child of two Brothers.

ANNOT.

The Elephant is the Emperor, the Purveyor the King of _France_, the Griffin the _Hollanders_; the meaning then is that the Emperor shall go to ruine, when the _French_ and the _Hollanders_ shall joyn together.

And that there shall be great Wars and Fightings in the Holy Lands, both by Sea and Land, when two Brothers of great quality shall go in one Ship.

LVII.

French.

Peu apres l’Alliance faite, Avant solemnises la Feste, L’Empereur le tout troublera, Et la nouvelle Mariée, Au _Franc_ Païs par sort liée, Dans peu de temps apres mourra.

English.

A little after the Alliance made, Before the Feast be Solemnized, The Emperor shall trouble all, And the new Bride, Being by fate tied to the _French_ Countrey, A little while after shall die.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a match that shall be made between the _French_ King, and some Lady of another Countrey, which Match shall be disturbed by the Emperour, and the Bride shall die a little while after her Marriage.

LVIII.

French.

Sangsue en peu de temps mourra, Sa mort bon signe nous donra, Pour l’accroissement de la _France_, Alliances se trouveront, Deux grands Roiaumes se joindront, _Francois_ aura sur eux puissance.

English.

The Leech within a little while shall die, His death shall be a good sign to us, For the augmentation of _France_, Alliances shall be found, Two great Kingdoms shall joyn together, The _French_ shall have power over them.

ANNOT.

The _Leech_ was _Philip_ the IV. the last King of _Spain_, who died a little while after he had Married his Daughter to _Lewis_ the XIV. now King of _France_, by which Marriage the Peace was made between the two Kingdoms, in the Island of the _Conference_, upon the Borders of _France_ and _Spain_. By his death and that Match is foretold the encrease and happy condition of the Kingdom of _France_.

_FINIS._