About 1605, Henry IV. of France attempting to enforce some regulations
respecting the annuities upon the Hotel de Ville, of Paris, several
assemblies of the citizens were held, in which Francis Miron, the prévôt
des marchands, addressed the king’s commissioners against the measures
with fervour and firmness. It was rumoured amongst the people of Paris,
that their magistrate was threatened, for having exerted himself too
warmly in their behalf; they crowded about his house, in order to defend
him, but Miron requested them to retire, and not to render him really
criminal. He represented that nothing injurious was to be apprehended,
for they had a king as great and wise, as he was beneficent and just,
who would not suffer himself to be hurried away by the instigations of
evil counsellors. Yet those whose conduct Miron had arraigned,
endeavoured to persuade Henry to punish him, and deprive him of his
office, for disobedient actions, and seditious discourse. The king’s
answer contained memorable expressions:--“Authority does not always
consist in carrying things with a high hand: regard must be paid to
times, persons, and the subject-matter. I have been ten years in
extinguishing civil discord, I dread its revival, and Paris has cost me
too much for me to risk its loss; in my opinion, it would unquestionably
be the case, were I to follow your advice; for I should be obliged to
make terrible examples, which, in a few days, would deprive me of the
glory of clemency, and the affection of my people; and these I prize as
much, and even more than my crown. I have experienced, on many
occasions, the fidelity and probity of Miron, who harbours no ill
intentions, but undoubtedly deemed himself bound, by the duties of his
office, to act as he has acted. If unguarded expressions have escaped
him, I pardon them, on account of his past services; and, should he even
desire a martyrdom in the public cause, I will disappoint him of the
glory, by avoiding to become a persecutor and a tyrant.”
Henry ended the affair by receiving the apology and submission of Miron,
and revoking the orders concerning the annuities, which had occasioned
the popular alarm.[93]
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