Chapter VI: French (1)

Quand de _Robin_ la traistreuse entreprise,
Mettra Seigneurs & en peine un grand Prince,
Sceu par _la Fin_, chef on luy tranchera,
La Plume au vent, amye dans _Espagne_,
Poste attrapé estant en la Campagne,
Et l’Escrivain dans l’eau se jettera.

English.

When the treacherous plot of _Robin_,
Shall put many Lords and a great Prince in trouble,
Being known by _la Fin_, his head shall be cut off,
The Feather in the Wind, friend to _Spain_,
Post overtaken in the Countrey,
And the Scrivener shall cast himself into the Water.

ANNOT.

Two notable Histories are contained in this Stanza, the first is of the Marshal of _Biron_; the second is of _Nicolas_, High Secretary to the Lord _Villeroy_, who himself was chief Secretary of State to _Henry_ the IV. and because they are curious ones, and not to be met every where, we shall set them down:

The first four Verses are concerning the Duke of _Biron_, who by transposition of letters is called here _Robin_; this man by his Military Valour and experience, had from a private Gentleman ascended to the highest degrees of honour and preferment, that his condition was capable of, for though he were not forty years old, he had attained unto the greatest dignities of the Kingdom; being fourteen years old, he was made Colonel of the _Switzers_ in _Flanders_; a little while after he was made Marshal of Camp, and after Marshal General: he was admitted Admiral of _France_ in the Parliament of _Tours_, and then Mareshal of _France_ in that of _Paris_; at the Siege of _Amiens_ he was sole Lieutenant of his Majesty, though there were many Princes of the Blood in the Army, and to compleat his greatness, he was made Peer of _France_, and the Barony of _Biron_ erected into a Dukedom, not contented with all that, he said, he would not go to the retaking of the rest of the Towns in _Picardy_, unless his Statue were erected in Brass before the _Louvre_; and in conclusion, that he had rather die upon a Scaffold, undertaking some great matters, then to live idle in his own House, and always among these Bravadoes, he did mix some bold and dangerous words, which he would have every body to approve of.

When he saw that after the Siege of _Amiens_ the War was at an end, that _Britany_ was reduced, and that all the Swords were sheathed for a good while, he thought that having no more occasion to exercise his valour, he should grow out of credit, and that he should have no more that power, by which he plaised the King and do without fear all what he did without Justice. The fire of that great courage finding no work without, began to work within, that burning desire of being always the first, did fill his head with flames and smoak of a great design, he complained of the King, and of the unequal reward of his deserts and services, did publish his discontents, adding threatnings to his complaints, and spoke of the King with little respect, that his most intimate friends did judge his words insolent and dangerous.

It is true it was the vice of his nature, but there were also some of Fortune, for finding himself filled with all the prosperities, that a moderate man might wish for in his condition, he found that men loose themselves by too much happiness. He began then to lend his Ears unto flatterers, and when they told him that he was the greatest Captain in _France_, he answered that he would die upon a scaffold, or he would go beyond the condition of a single Gentleman, that the goodness of his sword should give him what Fortune had denied; and the Astrologers to whom he gave great credit, had foretold him in ambiguous terms, that nothing could hinder him from being a Sovereign, but the blow of a sword given by a _Burgundian_, and though all his life time he had shewed but little Devotion and Zeal to Religion, yet from that time that he prepared his soul to the motion of his ambition, he fained himself very devout and zealous, and began to wear Beads, that the Baron of _Lux_ had given him in a Tennis-Court, and to declare himself an irreconcilsable enemy to the Protestants, seeking every where some discontented Spirits, whom he did encourage with the hopes of a profitable change.

_La Nocle_ Lord of _la Fin_ was then for the troubles of _Provence_, and for the quarrel he had with l’_Esdigvieres_, retired into his House, threatened of ill usage by the King, enemy to some great ones, loaded with debts and Sutes in Law. The discontented meet always, either by design or by chance. The Duke of _Biron_ who knew that he had been deeply engaged in the business of the late Duke of _Alecon_, that he had Negotiated with the Ministers of the King of _Spain_, and of the Duke of _Savoy_, during the Siege of _Amiens_, that he was full of discontents, thought that such a one was seeking for a Master. They spoke together and mixed their grievances, propounding to seek out of the Kingdom what they could not find within, and to contract an intelligence with the Duke of _Savoy_; thus after so many examples of unavoidable dangers, the Duke of _Biron_ did venture upon a Journey full of Rocks and Shelves, under the conduct of one who was yet wet with the Shipwrack he had lately made.

The Duke went into _Flanders_, for the execution of the Treaty of _Vervins_, where one _Picoté_ of _Orleans_ spoke to him, and inspired into him strange desires of raising his Fortune, with those that knew and admired his defects. The Duke of _Biron_ did hearken to him, and told him he would be glad to hear him some other time upon that subject. From that time forwards the _Spaniards_ thought themselves sure of him, and grew confident, either to have him, or to destroy him: a _French_ Gentleman, who because of the Civil Wars was retired into _Flanders_, and had some imployment in the Arch-Dukes Court, gave the first intelligence of it to the King, who took it kindly, but sent him word, that the Duke of _Biron_ had too much courage and honesty to harbour such a wickedness; being come back again from _Flanders_ the King wished him to Marry, but he shewed that his inclinations tended to some other party, then that which was offered unto him, and though he made shew to court the Daughter of my Lady _Lucé_, he nevertheless intended to have the natural Sister of the Duke of _Savoy_, of which the Knight _Breton_ had spoken to him. _La Fin_ had in charge from the Duke of _Biron_, to do all what he could for his satisfaction. _Picoté_ had made a Journey into _Spain_, only to know and receive the propositions. _Farges_ a Monk of the Order of _Fisteaux_, went into _Savoy_, and from thence to _Milan_ to receive Orders how to pluck of this Plant out of _France_. Things went very slowly; for the _Spaniards_ do not easily believe the words of the _French_, unless they be with great effects of rebellion and change; but the Duke of _Savoy_ being at _Paris_, did wholly put out the Flower de Luces he had in his Heart, and did dispose him to disturb the King so much at home, that he should have but little time to dispute him the Markdom of _Suluces_, upon that hope the Duke of _Savoy_ neglected the Execution of the treaty of Peace made at _Paris_, the War was proclaimed, and the Duke of _Biron_ took the chief places in _Bresse_. Being at _Pierre Chastet_ in the beginning of _September_, _La Fin_ came to him, and by his order made two Journeys to St. _Claude_, where _Roncas_ was. The King had notice of it, but thought it better to dissemble it than to surprise a man he loved in his infidelity, he thought enough to bid him come into _Savoy_, and to rid himself of _La Fin_. He did believe that what the King said to him out of his affection, proceeded from fear, and kept company still with _La Fin_, and never went to see the King, but with great many attendants, refusing to take his lodging near his, that he might have more liberty; he perswaded the King being at _Annessy_, that he did desire to discover some passages, and therefore desired to have some guides of the Countrey, but it was to send safely _Renazé_, _La Fin_’s Secretary to the Duke of _Savoy_, to give him intelligence in what state the Kings Army was, and to bid d’_Albigny_ retreat, who otherwise had been defeated. This was about the time that the Duke of _Biron_ did intreat the King to bestow the Government of the Citadel of _Bourg_ on him, whom he should name. It is the Nature of the great ones that serve Princes to believe they deserve all, and to become more dangerous than Enemies if they are refused what they ask for. The King did declare, that he would bestow the place upon _de Boisses_. This denial did so trouble the mind of the Duke of _Biron_, and put him upon such a strange and diabolical resolutions, that he resolved one Morning, being yet in his Bed at _Chamont_, to kill the King, as it is expressed in the depositions of _La Fin_ and _Renazé_, but this took no effect, himself afterwards did abhor the thought of it. _La Fin_ also went from the Army to conclude the Bargain with the Duke of _Savoy_, and the Earl of _Fuentes_, he treated first with the Duke of the _Spanish_ Embassador at _Yurée_, afterwards at _Thurin_ with _Roncas_, where also came _Picoté_, bringing the answers of the Councel of _Spain_, upon the propositions of the Duke of _Biron_, with order to confer with _La Fin_, and to perswade him to make a Journey into _Spain_. He said plainly, that the King of _Spain_ was resolved to have the Duke of _Biron_ at any rate. The Duke of _Savoy_ and the Earl of _Fuentes_ appointed a day to be at _Some_ with _La Fin_ and _Picoté_; there the minds of every one were clearly expressed and understood.

_La Fin_, who was acquainted with all his secret Councels, told the King, that the Marriage of the third Daughter of the Duke of _Savoy_, was the fodder and cement of all the treaty, with a promise of five hundred thousand Crowns, and all the rights of Soveraignty in _Burgundy_.

While _La Fin_ treated in _Italy_ the capitulation of the Duke of _Biron_, the treaty of Peace was concluded at _Lyons_.

The Duke of _Biron_ had been always against this Peace; when he saw that it was concluded, and that the King had heard something of his dealings with _La Fin_, he fained to be very penitent of it, and asked the King forgiveness in the Cloister of the _Franciscan_ Friers at _Lyons_, and intreated him most humbly to forgive the evil intentions that the denial of the Citadel of _Bourg_ had put into his mind. The King did forgive him, and told him, that he was glad he had trusted to his clemency, and in the affection he bore to him, of which he would always give him such tokens, that he should never have occasion to doubt of it. Leaving the King, he met with the Duke of _Espernon_, and told him, that he would impart unto him as unto his best friend, the best fortune that ever he had in his life, which was, that he had discharged his Conscience to the King, and that he had forgiven him all what was past. The Duke of _Espernon_ told him, that he was glad of it, but that it was necessary he should have his pardon in writing; for such faults could not be so easily blotted out. What, said he, upon what can I rely better than upon the Kings word; if the Duke of _Biron_ wanteth an abolition, what shall others do? So they parted, one thinking that his Lyons Courage ought not to be used so meanly; the other wiser, remembring that a Lyon is never so well tamed, but one time or another he will prove still a Lyon, and at last biteth the hand of him that hath wronged him so fiercely, that he is for ever avenged of him. The Duke of _Espernon_ had reason to advise him to take an abolition in writing, and the Duke of _Biron_ was not too blame to trust to the Kings Word, who certainly would have forgiven that fault, if he had done nothing since to renew the Memory of it. But here is once more to be observed a passage that containeth all the signs of an implacable Spirit. The Duke of _Biron_ being sent for by the King to receive his commands, and the effects of his clemency, went from _Bourg_, and came to lie at _Vimy_. From thence he wrote a Letter to _La Fin_ that was at _Milan_, and then went to _Lyons_, where he was received by the King as the prodigal Son, he stayed some time at _Lyons_, and went to _Vimy_ again, from whence he wrote another Letter to _La Fin_ by _Farges_. As soon as he came to _Bourg_, he sent to _Bosco_, cousin of _Roncas_ to advance the business. This negotiation did continue at _Some_ between the Duke of _Savoy_, the Earl of _Fuentes_, and _La Fin_. The Earl of _Fuentes_ carryed _La Fin_ to _Milan_, and being desirous to be better informed, upon some points, and finding _La Fin_ not so firm in his answers, he thought it not good to trust him wholly with the secret, and resolved to rid himself of him, therefore he sent him back, and intreated him to see the Duke of _Savoy_ in his way. He had the good fortune to go by the way of the _Grisons_, and so through _Basle_, _Porentru_, and _Besancon_, for _Renazé_ his Secretary, that went through _Savoy_, was there Arrested and made Prisoner. The work nevertheless went on; _Alphonsus_, _Casal_, and _Roncas_, did continue it with the Baron of _Lux_, and in the mean time the Duke of _Biron_ plaid his part, having sent an express into _Spain_, though he were then with the King, who loth to loose him, kept him near, carryed him to see the Frontier Towns, and sent him Embassador into _England_, where he saw the head of the Earl of _Essex_, a late example of justice upon those who will be feared by their Masters, and abuse their favour. At his return he made a Journey into _Gascony_, where he was visited and honoured by the Nobility of the Countrey, as a Prince; and being come to _Dijon_, he went into _Switzerland_, to make an end of the renewing of the Alliance between the King and the _Switzers_, where he continued still his practises with the Earl of _Fuentes_, to whom he sent his secretary, under pretence to send his Pages into the Garrisons of _Palma_, for the _Venetians_. Being come back from _Switzerland_, he came not to the King to give an account of his negotiation, excusing himself upon the convocation of the Estates in the Province. The King, that had some notice of these broils by _Combelles_, was infinitely desirous to speak with _La Fin_ to know the truth of it. _La Fin_, who was highly incensed, that the Baron of _Lux_ would have all the fruit of this negotiation, and that _Renazée_ is kept Prisoner in _Savoy_, sent _Cerezat_ to the Duke of _Biron_ to let him know that he could be no longer his Servant, if his Secretary was not set at liberty, and that he could no longer defer to go to the King, desiring also to know what he should say upon the things that were past. He slighted the first of these propositions, and spoke of _Renazée_ as of one that was not to be reckoned among the living; concerning the other, he told _Cerezat_ that he was of opinion he might go to the Court with a small train, and that he should prepare himself at the first to receive ill language and contempt from the King, which he should sweeten by intreating him to believe, that the Journey he had made into _Italy_ had no other design than to visit our Lady of _Loretta_: And that passing through _Milan_ and _Thurin_ he had been chared to propound the Marriage between him and the third Daughter of _Savoy_, to which he would not hearken, because the King would take care to provide for him. He did intreat and adjure _Cerezat_ to tell _La Fin_, that he should rid himself of all those that travailed with him, and chiefly of a Curate, and that he should secure his Papers, if he had not rather to burn them. In a word, to consider, his life, his fortune, his honour, were in his Hands.

_La Fin_ came to Court at the end of Lent, and saw the King at the Wine-press of _Fountainbleau_, and after that at the mid way. He spake first to the King, after to _Villeroy_, and after to the Chancellor in his house at _Fontainbleau_, and with _Rhosny_ in the Forrest, and with _Sillery_ in the Wine-press; all with horror saw the writings, and heard his designs. The King could hardly believe such a wickedness; for who could have believed that he, who had driven the _Spaniard_ from the Frontiers of _Picardy_, would let him in again by that of _Burgundy_? that he who had a hundred times beaten and defeated them, could contract a friendship with them, and conspire with them against the service of his Prince, and the love of his Countrey? that he who hated them to death, would have trusted his life in their Hands? He had shewed himself so much their Enemy, that seeing his Father would not charge the Prince of _Parma_ in an advantagious place, said aloud, that if he were King for 24 hours, he would cause the head of the Marshall of _Biron_ to be cut off. He pronounced against his Father the Sentence that was to be executed once upon him.

_La Fin_ shewed the King so many true and undeniable tokens of this conspiracy, that he was fained to believe more that he desired. He told him all what did pass in his Journeys to the Duke of _Savoy_, and the Earl of _Fuentes_ concerning the Duke of _Biron_, saying, that for his part he would have been glad that the War had continued, that he might have benifitted himself therein; but finding that his sacred person was not excepted, and that there were cruel designs made against it, either to kill him, or to carry him prisoner into _Spain_, he was resolved to give him notice of it, choosing rather to disoblige the Servant than the Master. The King full of clemency and goodness, was extreamly sorry to see such an unnatural conspiracy: Nevertheless he said, that if the Conspirators did their duty, and gave him means to prevent the designs of his Enemies, he would forgive them. If they remember what they owe me, I will not forget what I owe them; they shall find me as full of clemency, as they are void of affection: I would not have the Duke of _Biron_ to be the first example of my Justice, and to be the cause that my Reign, which hitherto hath been like an Air, calm and pure, should upon a sudden be disturbed with Clouds and Lightning, and so made a resolution, that if the Duke of _Biron_ should tell him the truth, he would forgive him, his Councel was of the same advice, provided he would shew himself thenceforth as forward for his service against his Enemies, as he had been earnest to do mischief.

Out of many Papers that _la Fin_ put into the Kings hands, there were seven and twenty pickt out, which onely spoke of him; the King being unwilling to discover the rest of the Conspirators, and intending that the punishment of one should serve for example to all the rest.

The Chancellor kept those Papers with such care, that he caused them to be sowed in his Doublet, that no body might have a sight of them till it was time. The Baron of _Lux_ was yet at _Fountainbleau_, when _la Fin_ came thither.

The King told him that he was very well pleased, that _la Fin_ had spoken to him so honourably and wisely of the Duke of _Biron_, and that he was confident now, that the intentions of the Duke of _Biron_ were righteous and sincere. The Baron of _Lux_ did not perceive the Kings anger, so much the more dangerous that it was hidden; he went back again to _Dijon_ very well pleased, that the things were always in the same state. _La Fin_ did write to the Duke of _Biron_ that he had satisfied the King concerning his actions, and had told him onely what might serve for his justification. The King did manage this business so prudently, that the success of it was fortunate, he was well informed of all the Dukes designs, and desired to hear them out of his own mouth, that he might have occasion to forgive him, for that purpose he sent to him the Lord d’_Escures_, bidding him to come, because he had a mind to trust him with the Army that he was raising upon the Frontiers, he excused himself, and said that the enemy being so near, it would be a shame to him to turn his back, and that the States of the Province were convented at _Dijon_, and therefore could not forsake neither the Frontiers nor the States. The _Vidame_ of _Chartres_ made a Journey to him, and assured him that his Uncle _la Fin_ had said nothing to his prejudice.

The persuasions of the President _Janin_ were more powerful for flattering the Duke in his humour, he also made him sensible of the Kings power and anger in case of refusal; his friends gave him contrary advices, and desired him not to stir, and to make his peace afar off; the _Bastille_ is a repairing said they, and the common talk is, that it is for such one as less thinketh upon it: the King hath been heard say, that they cut heads in _England_, and that some shall compel him upon that example to change his wonted Clemency into a just severity: in conclusion, they advise him to mistrust all things, and to beware of those that persuaded him to come; others did assure him of the contrary, and that his coming should dissipate all mistrusts, suspicions and jealousies.

The Duke of _Biron_ holdeth here the Wolf by the ears, for let him come or not, there is danger; by not coming he accuseth himself, and the King swore he would fetch him himself; and in coming, his conscience was a witness against him, that the same fault can hardly be forgiven twice. He seeth _la Fin_ retired into his House and living in peace, and hath so good an opinion of his own Valour, that he thinketh no body so bold as to seize upon him. The discourses of reason, the discerning of the truth, serve no more to a wicked and passionate man, then the Wings serve to a Bird, when they are clogged with Bird-lime. But now we talk of Birds, there were several ill _Omens_ of his journey, one Bird of Prey called a Duck was found in his Closet, no body knowing which way it was come in; he commanded it to be carefully kept and lookt to, but as soon as the Duke was upon his journey the Bird died. Presently after the Horse that the Arch-Duke had given him, called the _Pastrave_, became mad, and killed himself, so did another that was given him by the Duke of _Florence_, another that the Duke of _Lorrain_ had given him, fell into a consumption. He came to _Fountainbleau_ when he was no more expected, and the King was resolved to get on Horseback and to fetch him. As his Majesty went about six of the Clock into the great Garden, he was heard to say unto the Lord of _Souvray_, _he will not come_, he had no sooner ended the words, but the Duke appeared among seven or eight, he drew near, and being yet a pretty way off, he made three great Congies, the King did embrace him, and the first words he spoke to the King, were about the delaying of his coming. The King heard but few words of it, and took him by the hand to walk, and to shew him his buildings; as he passed from one Garden into another, the Duke of _Espernon_ took occasion to salute him, and to whisper him in the ear, that in his coming he had believed his courage more, then the Councel of his friends.

In all the discourse he had with the King, there was observed a great 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.