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.