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.