Chapter III: Reign of Francis II

[1559–1560.]

Catherine de Medicis--The Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of
Lorraine--St. André--Anthony of Navarre and Condé--Coligny
and Andelot--Disgrace of Montmorency--Persecuting
Edicts--Execution of Du Bourg--Discontent in France--Edict
of Chambord--La Renaudie--The Meeting at Nantes--Tumult
of Amboise--Bloody Reprisals--Castelnau’s Trial
and Execution--The Duke’s Viands--Aubigné and his
Son--Grace of Amboise--Regnier de la Planche--Renewal
of Persecutions--L’Hopital made Chancellor--Edict of
Romorantin--Religious and Political Malcontents--Abuse
of the Pulpit--The Tiger--General Lawlessness--Huguenot
Violence--Demand for a Council--Montbrun and
Mouvans--L’Hopital’s Inaugural Address--Les Politiques--The
Notables at Fontainebleau--Montluc and Marillac--Meeting
at Nerac--Address presented to Anthony--The Court at
Orleans--Arrest and Trial of Condé--Death of Francis II. 61

CHAPTER IV.

FRANCE AT THE ACCESSION OF CHARLES IX.

[1560.]

Contrast--Power of King and Nobles--The
Provinces--Roads--Rate of Traveling--Forests--Wild
Animals--Brigandage--Inns--League of the
Loire--Agriculture--Condition of the
Peasantry--Rent--Serfage--Wages--Cost of
Provisions--Food--Sumptuary Laws--Social
Changes--Ignorance of the People--Population
of France--Taxation--Army and Navy--The
Clergy--Superstitions--Justice--Punishments--Brutality of
Manners--Domestic Architecture--Paris--Cities of France:
Orleans, Rouen, Bordeaux, Dieppe, Lyons, Boulogne, Dijon,
Moulins, St. Etienne, and Toulouse 112