I cannot sufficiently wonder, when I consider the extraordinary
mutability of fortune in this transitory life, nor hinder the tears
from filling my eyes. I had determined to write a chronicle of the
life of that most illustrious king, prince Charles VIII. of France, in
the expectation that it might have been of great length; but although
he was a magnanimous prince, full of prowess and victorious, the
fickleness of Dame Fortune having allowed him several praiseworthy and
triumphant conquests, resigned him into the hands of Atropos in the
thirty-eighth year of his age, and in the prime of manhood.
As a commencement to this chronicle, I must say, that king Louis XI.
departed this life in the month of August, in the year 1483, and that
his only son, king Charles, VIII. succeeded him; who, in his youth, was
somewhat tender and of delicate health,--but, as he grew up, he gave
signs of a good understanding, that could distinguish between vice and
virtue,--and, in the course of a few years, he became a man of greater
ability by putting a check to his voluptuousness. From this, it may
easily be foreseen how worthy he would probably have become if death
had not carried him off so early.
His father, the late king, would not allow him to learn the latin
tongue, as he thought polite literature would prove an hinderance to
his attending to the well governing of his kingdom,--more especially
as the father perceived that his son had quick parts, and being well
informed in some things, he thought applying to letters would also
prove dangerous in his delicate state of health; for, in his early
years, he would have been unable to have gone through any laborious
course of study.
However, not long after the death of his father, he willingly began to
read books in the french language, and also made an attempt to learn
the latin. He commenced his reign, like a pious prince, by paying his
devotions toward his God, and by listening to the counsels of wise men,
that he might be instructed how to govern his kingdom with uprightness.
He was naturally affectionate to all his kindred, and earnest that they
might unite with him for the general welfare of his people and kingdom.
[A.D. 1484.]