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.