Volume 2 / Book 2 — BOOK II.
Reading edition
CHAPTER XIII.
1562-1563.
Page
The First Civil War3
Unsatisfactory Character of the Edict of January3
Huguenot Leaders urge its Observance3
Seditious Sermons5
Opposition of Parliaments6
New Conference at St. Germain7
Defection of Antoine of Navarre, and its Effects9
He is cheated with Vain Hopes10
Jeanne d'Albret constant10
Immense Crowds at Huguenot Preaching11
The Canons of Sainte-Croix12
The Guises meet Christopher of Würtemberg at Saverne13
Their Lying Assurances15
The Guises deceive Nobody17
Throkmorton's Account of the French Court17
The Massacre of Vassy19
The Huguenots call for the Punishment of the Murderers23
The Pretence of Want of Premeditation24
Louis of Condé appeals to the King26
Beza's Remonstrance27
An Anvil that had worn out many Hammers28
Guise enters Paris28
The Queen Mother takes Charles to Melun30
Her Letters imploring Condé's Aid31
Revolutionary Measures of the Triumvirs32
Condé retires to Meaux33
La Noue justifies his Prudence33
The Huguenot Summons34
Admiral Coligny's Reluctance to take up Arms34
Guise and Navarre seize the King and bring him to Paris36
Montmorency's Exploit at the "Temples"37
He earns the Title of "Le Capitaine Brûlebanc"37
Condé throws himself into Orleans38
His "Justification"39
Stringent Articles of Association40
The Huguenot Nobles and Cities41
Can Iconoclasm be repressed?42
An Uncontrollable Impulse43
It bursts out at Caen44
The "Idol" of the Church of Sainte-Croix45
Massacre of Huguenots at Sens46
Disorders and War in Provence and Dauphiny47
William of Orange and his Principality48
Massacre by Papal Troops from Avignon49
Merciless Revenge of the Baron des Adrets50
His Grim Pleasantry at Mornas51
Atrocities of Blaise de Montluc51
The Massacre at Toulouse52
The Centenary celebrated53
Foreign Alliances sought54
Queen Elizabeth's Aid invoked55
Cecil's Urgency and Schemes56
Divided Sympathies of the English56
Diplomatic Manœuvres57
Condé's Reply to the Pretended "Petition"59
Third National Synod of the Protestants61
Interview of Catharine and Condé at Toury62
The "Loan" of Beaugency63
Futile Negotiations64
Spasmodic Efforts in Warfare65
Huguenot Discipline66
Severities of the Parisian Parliament68
Military Successes of the "Triumvirs" at Poitiers and Bourges71
Help from Queen Elizabeth73
Siege of Rouen76
Ferocity of the Norman Parliament80
Death of Antoine, King of Navarre81
The English in Havre84
Condé takes the Field and appears before Paris85
Dilatory Diplomacy90
The Battle of Dreux93
Montmorency and Condé Prisoners94
Riotous Conduct of the Parisians96
Orleans Invested98
Coligny again in Normandy99
Huguenot Reverses101
Assassination of Duke François de Guise103
Execution of Poltrot105
Beza and Coligny accused106
They vindicate Themselves106
Estimates of Guise's Character109
Renée de France at Montargis110
Deliberations for Peace113
The "Noblesse" in favor of the Terms—the Ministers against them114
The Edict of Pacification115
Remonstrance of the English Ambassador116
Coligny's Disappointment116
Results of the First Civil War118
It prevents France from becoming Huguenot119
Huguenot Ballads and Songs120
CHAPTER XIV.
1563-1567.
The Peace of Amboise and the Bayonne Conference126
Charles demands Havre of the English126
The Siege127
How the Peace was received128
Vexatious Delays in Normandy129
The Norman Parliament protests and threatens130
A Rude Rebuff131
Commissioners to enforce the Edict132
A Profligate Court alienated from Protestantism132
Profanity a Test of Catholicity134
Admiral Coligny accused of Guise's Murder135
His Defence espoused by the Montmorencies135
Petition of the Guises136
The King adjourns the Decision137
Embarrassment of Catharine137
Charles's Majority proclaimed138
The King and the Refractory Parisian Parliament139
The Pope's Bull against Princely Heretics141
Proceedings against Cardinal Châtillon141
The Queen of Navarre cited to Rome141
Spirited Reply of the French Council142
Catharine seeks to seduce the Huguenot Leaders144
Weakness of Condé145
Recent Growth of Protestantism146
Milhau-en-Rouergue147
Montpellier—Béarn148
Jeanne d'Albret's Reformation148
Attempt to kidnap her150
Close of the Council of Trent152
Cardinal Lorraine's Attempt to secure the Acceptance of its Decrees154
His Altercation with L'Hospital155
General Plan for suppressing Heresy156
"Progress" of Charles and his Court157
Calumnies against the Huguenots159
Their Numbers159
Catharine's New Zeal—Citadels in Protestant Towns160
Interpretative Declarations infringing upon the Edict160
Assaults upon Unoffending Huguenots—No Redress162
Condé appeals to the King163
Conciliatory Answers to Huguenot Inhabitants of Bordeaux and Nantes164
Protestants excluded from Judicial Posts165
Marshal Montmorency checks the Parisian Mob166
His Encounter with Cardinal Lorraine166
The Conference at Bayonne167
What were its Secret Objects?168
No Plan of Massacre adopted169
History of the Interview170
Catharine and Alva172
Catharine rejects all Plans of Violence175
Cardinal Granvelle's Testimony176
Festivities and Pageantry176
Henry of Béarn an Actor177
Roman Catholic Confraternities179
Hints of the Future Plot of the "League"180
The Siege of Malta and French Civilities to the Sultan181
Constable Montmorency defends Cardinal Châtillon182
The Court at Moulins183
Feigned Reconciliation of the Guises and Coligny184
L'Hospital's Measure for the Relief of the Protestants185
Another Altercation between Cardinal Lorraine and the Chancellor186
Progress of the Reformation at Cateau-Cambrésis187
Insults and Violence192
Huguenot Pleasantries192
Alarm of the Protestants193
Attempts to murder Coligny and Porcien194
Alva sent to the Netherlands195
The Swiss Levy196
Condé and Coligny remonstrate197
Discredited Assurances of Catharine198
"The very Name of the Edict employed to destroy the Edict itself"199
The Huguenot Attempts at Colonization in Florida199
The First and Second Expeditions (1562, 1564)199
Third Expedition (1565)200
Massacre by Menendez200
Indignation of the French Court201
Sincere Remonstrances201
Sanguinary Revenge of De Gourgues202
CHAPTER XV.
1567-1568.
The Second Civil War and the Short Peace203
Coligny's Pacific Counsels203
Rumors of Plots to destroy the Huguenots203
D'Andelot's Warlike Counsels prevail204
Cardinal Lorraine to be seized and King Charles liberated205
The Secret slowly leaks out206
Flight of the Court to Paris207
Cardinal Lorraine invites Alva to France208
Condé at Saint Denis209
The Huguenot Movement alienates the King210
Negotiations opened210
The Huguenots abate their Demands211
Montmorency the Mouthpiece of Intolerance211
Insincerity of Alva's Offer of Aid212
The Battle of St. Denis (Nov. 10, 1567)213
Constable Montmorency mortally wounded215
His Character216
The Protestant Princes of Germany determine to send Aid217
The Huguenots go to meet it219
Treacherous Diplomacy220
Catharine implores Alva's Assistance221
Condé and John Casimir meet in Lorraine222
Generosity of the Huguenot Troops223
The March toward Orleans223
The "Michelade" at Nismes224
Huguenot Successes in the South and West226
La Rochelle secured for Condé226
Spain and Rome oppose the Negotiations for Peace228
Santa Croce demands Cardinal Châtillon's Surrender229
A Rebuff from Marshal Montmorency229
March of the "Viscounts" to meet Condé230
Siege of Chartres231
Chancellor L'Hospital's Memorial232
Edict of Pacification (Longjumeau, March 23, 1568)234
Condé for and Coligny against the Peace235
Condé's Infatuation235
Was the Court sincere?236
Catharine short-sighted238
Imprudence of the Huguenots238
Judicial Murder of Rapin at Toulouse239
Seditious Preachers and Mobs240
Treatment of the Returning Huguenots241
Expedition and Fate of De Cocqueville242
Garrisons and Interpretative Ordinances244
Oppression of Royal Governors245
"The Christian and Royal League"246
Insubordination to Royal Authority247
Admirable Organization of the Huguenots247
Murder runs Riot throughout France248
La Rochelle, etc., refuse Royal Garrisons250
Coligny retires for Safety to Tanlay, Condé to Noyers251
D'Andelot's Remonstrance252
Catharine sides with L'Hospital's Enemies254
Remonstrance of the three Marshals255
Catharine's Intrigues255
The Court seeks to ruin Condé and Coligny256
Téligny sent to remonstrate256
The Oath exacted of the Huguenots257
The Plot Disclosed259
Intercepted Letter from Spain259
Isabella of Spain her Husband's Mouthpiece261
Charles begs his Mother to avoid War262
Her Animosity against L'Hospital263
Another Quarrel between Lorraine and the Chancellor263
Fall of Chancellor L'Hospital264
The Plot265
Marshal Tavannes its Author266
Condé's Last Appeal to the King267
Flight of the Prince and Admiral268
Its Wonderful Success269
The Third Civil War opens270
The City of La Rochelle and its Privileges270
CHAPTER XVI.
1568-1570.
The Third Civil War274
Relative Advantages of Huguenots and Roman Catholics274
Enthusiasm of Huguenot Youth274
Enlistment of Agrippa d'Aubigné275
The Court proscribes the Reformed Religion275
Impolicy of this Course277
A "Crusade" published at Toulouse278
Fanaticism of the Roman Catholic Preachers279
Huguenot Places of Refuge280
Jeanne d'Albret and D'Andelot reach La Rochelle281
Successes in Poitou, Angoumois, etc.282
Powerful Huguenot Army in the South284
Effects a Junction with Condé's Forces284
Huguenot Reprisals and Negotiations287
William of Orange tries to aid the Huguenots288
His Declaration in their behalf290
Aid sought from England291
Generously accorded by Clergy and Laity292
Misgivings of Queen Elizabeth294
Her Double Dealing and Effrontery295
Fruitless Sieges and Plots297
Growing Superiority of Anjou's Forces298
The Armies meet on the Charente299
Battle of Jarnac (March 13, 1569)301
Murder of Louis, Prince of Condé302
The Prince of Navarre remonstrates against the Perfidy shown305
Exaggerated Bulletins307
The Pope's Sanguinary Injunctions308
Sanguinary Action of the Parliament of Bordeaux310
Queen Elizabeth colder310
The Queen of Navarre's Spirit311
The Huguenots recover Strength312
Death of D'Andelot312
New Responsibility resting on Coligny314
The Duke of Deux Ponts comes with German Auxiliaries315
They overcome all Obstacles and join Coligny317
Death of Deux Ponts318
Huguenot Success at La Roche Abeille319
Furlough of Anjou's Troops320
Huguenot Petition to the King320
Coligny's Plans overruled324
Disastrous Siege of Poitiers324
Cruelties to Huguenots in the Prisons of Orleans326
Montargis a Safe Refuge327
Flight of the Refugees to Sancerre328
The "Croix de Gastines"329
Ferocity of Parliament against Coligny and Others330
A Price set on Coligny's Head330
The Huguenots weaker332
Battle of Moncontour (Oct. 3, 1569)333
Coligny wounded334
Heavy Losses of the Huguenots335
The Roman Catholics exultant336
Mouy murdered by Maurevel337
The Assassin rewarded with the Collar of the Order338
Fatal Error committed by the Court338
Siege of St. Jean d'Angely340
Huguenot Successes at Vézelay and Nismes344
Coligny encouraged347
Withdrawal of the Troops of Dauphiny and Provence348
The Admiral's Bold Plan348
He Sweeps through Guyenne349
"Vengeance de Rapin"351
Coligny pushes on to the Rhône351
His Singular Success and its Causes351
He turns toward Paris353
His Illness interrupts Negotiations353
Engagement of Arnay-le-Duc354
Coligny approaches Paris356
Progress of Negotiations356
The English Rebellion affects the Terms offered358
Better Conditions proposed360
Charles and his Mother for Peace360
The War fruitless for its Authors361
Anxiety of Cardinal Châtillon363
The Royal Edict of St. Germain (Aug. 8, 1570)363
Dissatisfaction of the Clergy365
"The Limping and Unsettled Peace"366
CHAPTER XVII.
1570-1572.
The Peace of St. Germain367
Sincerity of the Peace367
The Designs of Catharine de' Medici369
Charles the Ninth in Earnest370
Tears out the Parliament Record against Cardinal Châtillon371
His Assurances to Walsingham371
Gracious Answer to German Electors372
Infringement on Edict at Orange373
Protestants of Rouen attacked374
The "Croix de Gastines" pulled down375
Projected Marriage of Anjou to Queen Elizabeth of England377
Machinations to dissuade Anjou379
Charles indignant at Interference379
Alençon to be substituted as Suitor380
Anjou's new Ardor380
Elizabeth interposes Obstacles381
Papal and Spanish Efforts382
Vexation of Catharine at Anjou's fresh Scruples383
Louis of Nassau confers with the King384
Admiral Coligny consulted386
Invited to Court387
His Honorable Reception389
Disgust of the Guises and Alva390
Charles gratified391
Proposed Marriage of Henry of Navarre to the King's Sister392
The Anjou Match falls through396
The Praise of Alençon398
Pius the Fifth Alarmed400
Cardinal of Alessandria sent to Paris400
The King's Assurances400
Jeanne d'Albret becomes more favorable to her Son's Marriage403
Her Solicitude403
She is treated with Tantalizing Insincerity404
She is shocked at the Morals of the Court405
Her Sudden Death407
Coligny and the Boy-King408
The Dispensation delayed410
The King's Earnestness411
Mons and Valenciennes captured412
Catharine's Indecision413
Queen Elizabeth inspires no Confidence414
Rout of Genlis415
Determines Catharine to take the Spanish Side416
Loss of the Golden Opportunity416
The Admiral does not lose Courage417
Charles and Catharine at Montpipeau418
Rumors of Elizabeth's Desertion of her Allies419
Charles thoroughly cast down420
Coligny partially succeeds in reassuring him421
Elizabeth toys with Dishonorable Proposals from the Netherlands422
Fatal Results423
The Mémoires inédits de Michel de la Huguerye423
His View of a long Premeditation423
Studied Misrepresentation of Jeanne d'Albret424
CHAPTER XVIII.
1572.
The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day426
The Huguenot Nobles reach Paris426
The Betrothal of Henry of Navarre to Margaret of Valois427
Entertainment in the Louvre429
Coligny's Letter to his Wife430
Festivities and Mock Combats431
Huguenot Grievances to be redressed432
Catharine and Anjou jealous of Coligny's Influence over the King433
The Duchess of Nemours and Guise434
Was the Massacre long premeditated?435
Salviati's Testimony435
Charles' Cordiality to Coligny436
Coligny wounded437
Agitation of the King439
Coligny courageous440
Visited by the King and his Mother441
Catharine attempts to break up the Conference443
Charles writes Letters expressing his Displeasure444
The Vidame de Chartres advises the Huguenots to leave Paris445
Catharine and Anjou come to a Final Decision446
They ply Charles with Arguments447
The King consents reluctantly449
Few Victims first selected450
Religious Hatred452
Precautionary Measures452
Orders issued to the Prévôt des Marchands454
The First Shot and the Bell of St. Germain l'Auxerrois455
Murder of Admiral Coligny456
His Character and Work460
Murder of Huguenot Nobles in the Louvre465
Navarre and Condé spared468
The Massacre becomes general470
La Rochefoucauld and Téligny fall470
Self-defence of a few Nobles471
Victims of Personal Hatred472
Adventures of young La Force472
Pitiless Butchery474
Shamelessness of the Court Ladies476
Anjou, Montpensier, and others encourage the Assassins476
Wonderful Escapes477
Death of the Philosopher Ramus478
President Pierre de la Place479
Regnier and Vezins480
Escape of Chartres and Montgomery481
Charles himself fires on them482
The Massacre continues484
Pillage of the Rich485
Orders issued to lay down Arms487
Little heeded487
Miracle of the "Cimetière des Innocents"488
The King's First Letter to Mandelot490
Guise throws the Responsibility on the King491
Charles accepts it on Tuesday morning492
The "Lit de Justice"492
Servile Reply of Parliament493
Christopher De Thou493
Ineffectual Effort to inculpate Coligny495
His Memory declared Infamous496
Petty Indignities496
A Jubilee Procession498
Charles declares he will maintain his Edict of Pacification498
Forced Conversion of Navarre and Condé499
CHAPTER XIX.
1572.
The Massacre in the Provinces, and the Reception of the Tidings Abroad501
The Massacre in the Provinces501
The Verbal Orders502
Instructions to Montsoreau at Saumur503
Two Kinds of Letters504
Massacre at Meaux505
At Troyes507
The Great Bloodshed at Orleans508
At Bourges511
At Angers512
Butchery at Lyons513
Responsibility of Mandelot517
Rouen519
Toulouse521
Bordeaux522
Why the Massacre was not Universal524
Policy of the Guises525
Spurious Accounts of Clemency525
Bishop Le Hennuyer, of Lisieux525
Kind Offices of Matignon at Caen and Alençon526
Of Longueville and Gordes526
Of Tende in Provence527
Viscount D'Orthez at Bayonne528
The Municipality of Nantes529
Uncertain Number of Victims530
News of the Massacre received at Rome530
Public Thanksgivings532
Vasari's Paintings in the Vatican533
French Boasts count for Nothing535
Catharine writes to Philip, her son-in-law536
The Delight of Philip of Spain537
Charles instigates the Murder of French Prisoners539
Alva jubilant, but wary540
England's Horror541
Perplexity of La Mothe Fénélon541
His Cold Reception by Queen Elizabeth543
The Ambassador disheartened546
Sir Thomas Smith's Letter546
Catharine's Unsuccessful Representations547
Briquemault and Cavaignes hung for alleged Conspiracy548
The News in Scotland550
In Germany550
In Poland552
Sympathy of the Genevese554
Their Generosity and Danger557
The Impression at Baden558
Medals and Vindications559
Disastrous Personal Effect on King Charles560
How far was the Roman Church Responsible?562
Gregory probably not aware of the intended Massacre564
Paul the Fifth instigates the French Court564
He counsels exterminating the Huguenots565
A New Account of the Massacre at Orleans569
CHAPTER XX.
1572-1574.
The Sequel of the Massacre, to the Death of Charles the Ninth572
Widespread Terror572
La Rochelle and other Cities in Huguenot Hands573
Nismes and Montauban573
La Rochelle the Centre of Interest576
A Spurious Letter of Catharine577
Designs on the City577
Mission of La Noue579
He is badly received580
The Royal Proposals rejected581
Marshal Biron appears before La Rochelle582
Beginning of the Fourth Religious War582
Description of La Rochelle582
Resoluteness of the Defenders583
Their Military Strength584
Henry, Duke of Anjou, appointed to conduct the Siege585
The Besieged pray and fight585
Bravery of the Women586
La Noue retires—Failure of Diplomacy587
English Aid miscarries588
Huguenot Successes in the South589
Sommières and Villeneuve589
Beginning of the Siege of Sancerre589
The Incipient Famine590
Losses of the Army before La Rochelle591
Roman Catholic Processions592
Election of Henry of Anjou to the Crown of Poland593
Edict of Pacification (Boulogne, July, 1573)593
Meagre Results of the War594
The Siege and Famine of Sancerre continue595
The City capitulates597
Reception of the Polish Ambassadors598
Discontent of the South with the Terms of Peace599
Assembly of Milhau and Montauban600
Military Organization of the Huguenots600
Petition to the King601
"Les Fronts d'Airain"603
Catharine's Bitter Reply604
The Huguenots firm604
Decline of Charles's Health605
Project of an English Match renewed606
Intrigues with the German Princes608
Death of Louis of Nassau610
Anjou's Reception at Heidelberg610
Frankness of the Elector Palatine611
Last Days of Chancellor L'Hospital613
The Party of the "Politiques"615
Hotman's "Franco-Gallia"615
Treacherous Attempt on La Rochelle616
Huguenots reassemble at Milhau617
They complete their Organization618
The Duke of Alençon619
Glandage Plunders the City of Orange620
Montbrun's Exploits in Dauphiny621
La Rochelle resumes Arms (Beginning of the Fifth Religious War)622
Diplomacy tried in Vain623
The "Politiques" make an Unsuccessful Rising625
Flight of the Court from St. Germain626
Alençon and Navarre examined627
Execution of La Mole and Coconnas628
Condé retires to Germany629
Reasons for the Success of the Huguenots630
Montgomery lands in Normandy631
He is forced to Surrender632
Delight of Catharine632
Execution of Montgomery633
Last Days of Charles the Ninth635
Distress of his Young Queen636
Death and Funeral Rites of Charles638
Had Persecution, War and Treachery Succeeded?639