OTHER PROPHECIES OF Michael Nostradamus. For the Years of this Age 1600. (continued 2)

They went out, and he with a quiet mind and free from passion, did dictate his Will in what form he would, with the same Garbe, as if he had been making a Speech at the head of an Army; he remembred his friends and servants, and did not forget the Baron of Lux, whom he loved above all the rest. He lest eight hundred Livers a year to a Bastard of his, whom he begot of a woman that he left with Child of another, to which child he left a Mannor near Dijon that had cost him six thousand Crowns, he disposed all the rest of his Debts, and answered modestly, and without confusion to all the Notes and Bills that were brought him about his affairs. Took three Rings off his fingers, and intreated Baranton to give them to his Sisters, two to the Countess of Roussy, and the other to that of Saint Blancard, desiring they would wear them for his sake; he distributed in Alms about 200. Crowns that he had in his Pocket, fifty to the Capuchines, fifty to the Fueillants, fifty to the Minimes, and the rest to several poor people.

The Will being made, the Recorder put him in mind how my Lord Chancellor had told him he was condemned to death, and that according to the ordinary forms of the Law, he must have his Sentence read to him; that this action required humility, therefore willed him to kneel before the Altar, leaving off hence forth all thoughts of this World, to think upon the Father of Mercies; he kneeled with the right knee upon the first step of the Altar, and heard it read as followeth:

Seen by the Court, the Chambers being assembled together, the Process extraordinarily made by the Presidents and Councellors, appointed by the King under his Letters Patents, dated the 18 and 19 of June, at the request of the Kings Sollicitor General, against the Lord Charles of Gontault of Biron, Knight of both Orders, Duke of Biron, Peer and Marshal of France, Governour of Burgundy, Prisoner in the Castle of Bastille, accused of high Treason, Informations, Interrogations, Confessions and denials, Confrontations, and Witnesses, Letters, Advices, and Instructions given to the Enemies, and acknowledged by him, and all what the Solliciter General hath produced. Sentence of the 22 of this Month, by which it was ordered, that in the absence of the Peers of France summoned, it should be further proceeded to Judgment Conclusions of the Kings Sollicitor, the accuser being heard and interrogated, all things being duly considered, hath been concluded, that the said Court hath declared, and declareth the said Duke of Biron, attainted and convicted of high Treason, for the conspiracies by him made against the Kings Person and Estates, Proditions and Treaties with his Enemies, when he was Marshal of the Army of the said King, for reparation of which Crime, the said Court hath deprived and depriveth him of all his Estates, Honours and Dignities, and hath condemned and condemneth him to be beheaded upon a Scaffold, which for that purpose shall be erected in the place of Greve, hath declared, and declareth, all and every one of his Goods, moveable or unmoveable, in whatsoever places scituated and seated, to be acquired and confiscated to the King, the Mannor of Biron, deprived for ever of the Title and Dukedom and Peerage, and altogether all his other Goods, immediately holden from the King, reunited to the Crown again. Done in Parliament the last day of July 1602. Signed in the Original by de Belieure, Chancellor of France, Councillor in the Court, Reporter of the Process.

He was not moved at these words, attainted and convicted of high Treason, but at these, against the Person of the King, he fell into a rage, and Swearing as he had done many times before, and shall do hereafter with great Oaths and Imprecations, there is no such thing, said he to the Recorder, it is false, blot out that; he was also very angry, hearing that he was to be executed in the place of Greve, thinking that for several respects he was to be distinguished from the common sort of people, and Swore again, that he would not go thither, and that he had rather to be torn in pieces by wild Horses, and that it was not in the power of all those that stood by to carry him thither, then he was a little appeased, when Voisin told him, that the King had done him that favour to change the place of Execution, and that it was to be done in the Bastille. The confiscation of his Goods, and the revenues of the Dukedom of Biron to the Crown, was the last point of the Sentence that vexed him. What? said he, doth the King intend to grow rich out of my poverty? The Lordship of Biron cannot be confiscated, I only possessed it by substitution of my Brethren, what shall my Brethren do, the King ought to have been satisfied with the loss of my life.

The Sentence being pronounced, Voisin did exhort him again to renounce all the vanities of the world, to take no other care but of the Salvation of his Soul, which was to be first by reconciling himself to God Almighty, and that there was two Divines for that purpose, and that according to the usual forms of Executions, he would be pleased to suffer himself to be bound. That word of Execution did seem so horrid to him, that he fell into a new rage, Swearing, that he would never permit so infamous a person to touch him, otherwise than with the Sword, and that he had rather be hewen in pieces. To keep him from falling into a further despair, Voisin left him, with his Divines, viz. Garnier Almonec, and Confessor to the King, and after that Bishop of Montpelier, and Magnan, Curate of St. Nicolas in the fields at Paris, who began to talk boldly to him of his death, and to disvest himself of all his thoughts, as he had done of his Goods, and to take no other care than that of his Soul, whereupon he fell into a passion again, Let me alone (said he) it is I that must think upon my Soul, you have nothing to do with it, I had no need of you, you shall not be troubled to hear my confession; what I speak aloud is my confession, I have been these eight days a confessing my self, and the last night, me thought I saw the Heavens opened, and that God lent me his Hand; my Keepers heard me laugh for joy in my sleep. The Divines did not loose Courage for all that, but more and more intreated him to consider, that he was no more what he had been before, that within one or two hours he should be no more, that he must change to be for evermore, that his Soul was ready to appear before the fearfull Throne of the living God, to be rewarded with a more happy life than that he had hitherto passed; or be condemned to an Eternal pain and that in comparison of that which he was to suffer now, it was no more than the slight pricking of a Pin, and having in some measure appeased him, they left him to examine his Conscience, while Voisin went to give notice of his refusing to be bound; the Chancellor doubted whether he should be compelled to it; the first President said, that it was dangerous to let him loose; Sillery having learned of Voisin that the Prisoner was at that time very quiet, said, that if they went about to bind him, he would break all the bonds of Patience, and should never be brought to Execution but in a rage and dispair; according to that opinion he was left free in his body, that he might be the more free in his thoughts.

Which were more to the World, and to the setling of his affairs, than to the saving of his Soul, which he had neglected all his life time, and shewed himself utterly ignorant of the principles of his Religion, for which he said a little before, he was put to death, and those that were present related, that his Prayers made him appear more a Souldier than a Christian; he prayed in commanding, and commanded in praying.

His Confession being ended, he walked in the Chappel with one hand upon his side, and with the other holding the strings of his Shirt, did unbutton and button again his Doublet. Voisin being come back told him, that the Chancellor and the first President were very glad to hear of his Patience, and of his constant resolution to die. He talked much of the Money he had at Dijon, of the worth of his Jewels, and of what was owing to him, and what himself did owe, he desired that some Sums of Money should be paid to certain Gentlemen, that had no Obligation for it: But still he broke forth into exclamations concerning his Innocency, and execrations against la Fin, asking if it should not be lawfull for his Brothers to prosecute him, and to cause him to be burnt.

Upon this, those that kept him during his Imprisonment, came to take their leave of him, every one having his left hand upon the handle of his Sword, and Tears in his Eyes, he moved them to compassion by the sight of his present condition, and exhorted them to serve the King faithfully, against whom he had said he had done nothing amiss, and complained that he could find no Mercy at his Hands, intreated them to pray to God for him, and to oblige them to that, distributed among them all his Cloaths and linnen, and Watches; he desired also the Knight of the Watch to tell the King, that his Servants knew nothing of his Affairs, that the Earl of Auvergne was not to be questioned upon that account: He intreated much one exempt of the Guards to go to the said Earl, and tell him he had laid nothing to his charge, and that he went to die without any grief, but of the loss of his friendship, and that the shortness of his life would not give him leave to shew in effect how much he was his servant. The Earl sent him word, that he did accept of his farewell, as of an intimate friend; and that he remained behind to lament all the days of his life the loss he suffered in him, intreated him to leave him his Bastard Son, to have him brought up with his own Children. After this the Prisoner saw a Gentleman belonging to the Duke of Mayene, and entreated him to tell his Master, that if ever in his life he had given him some occasion not to love him, that he prayed to believe that he would die his servant, as also of the Duke of Aiguillon, and Earl of Sommerive his Children; he likewise intreated Arnaut, Secretary to the Marquess of Rhosny, to remember his last commendations to his Master, and desire him to remember not so much him that went to die, as his Brethren whom he left behind, that he had him in opinion of a good and usefull servant to the King, and repented much he had not believed his Councel.

About three of the Clock the Chancellor and the first President went up again into the Chappel, and finding him in a good disposition, did fortifie his resolution by their discourses, and desiring to know more particularities from his own mouth, sent all the standers by away, except the Divines and the Recorder: They did exhort him to consider, that the days of man are limited, that the end of his days depended from the Providence of the Almighty, who would take him out of this world before some great and long misery should make him weary of it. He answered, no, no my Lords, do not trouble you about comforting me and strengthning me against the fear of death, I have not been afraid of it these 20 years; you have given me 40 days to study it, but I could not believe that having not been in the power of my Enemies to take away my life, I should be so miserable as to loose it by the consent of my friends; having said this they left him, and took their leaves of him with Tears in their Eyes, he would not suffer them to depart till they had received a new Protestation of his, that he never had attempted any thing against the King, Swearing, that if he would have done it, the King should not have been alive three years ago.

As they were going out of the Bastille with Sillery, he sent the Knight of the Watch to intreat the Chancellor, that his Body might be buried at Biron, in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors, and that he would desire the King to give to his younger Brother some Office in the house of the Dolphin, and shewing by his Countenance, Carryage, and Words, to care as little for death as one that is a great way from it gave cause to suspect, that he was not out of hope to obtain his pardon from the King, or to escape by some extraordinary means.

The Divines did exhort him to keep nothing back of what might serve for the discharging of his Conscience, and to consider, that they could give him absolution for no more than what he did confess. Although, said he, the King causeth me to die unjustly, nevertheless I have served him with so much affection and obedience, and I have near my death so much good will and affection for him, that if I knew any thing against his Person or State, I would tell it freely, and upon that whispered some things to his Confessors, which Voisin did presently write.

Being about five of the Clock, Baranton was sent to tell him it was time to go; let us go said he, seeing I must die, and desired he would charge his Brothers from him, to remain faithful to the King, and not to go to Court, till time had blotted, or at least lessened the shame of his death. He kneeled before the Altar, and having ended his Prayer, he desired the Company to pray for him.

Coming out of the Chappel, he met the Executioner, who offered to follow him, and he thinking it was to bind him; keep off, (said he) and do not touch me till it be time; I shall go willingly to die without troubling any body; but it shall never be said that I am dead like a Slave, or a Thief, and swore by God that if he came near him he would strangle him. The Divines exhorted him going down the stairs to resist those impaciencies and temptations of the Devil, who striveth most to deviate the Soul from her Salvation, when as he hath most need of the Divine assistance to withstand his assaults, remonstrating also unto him, that all his violences and passions could not hinder the Soul to depart from a place where she was but a Tenant at Will. He hearkened to them, and saying three times ah, ah, ah, raising his voice at every one, he said, is there no Mercy in the world, I see to day, that all the world hath forsaken me.

He came into the Yard, and seeing the Lieutenant of the City, in whose house the King had put la Fin, to secure him from all attempts, My Lord Lieutenant (said he) I am very much your friend, take heed to have any thing to do with that Witch and Magician that lyeth at your house, if you meddle with him he will undo you.

The Scaffold was set up in the corner of the Yard, over against the Garden gate, six foot high, and seven long, without any Ornament or distinction. He kneeled upon the first step, lifted up his Eyes to Heaven and made a short Prayer, like a Souldier, and went up as couragiously as if he had gone to an assault, clad in a Gray Taffety Suit, with a black Hat on his Head, but as soon as he saw the Executioner, he looked furiously upon him, and bid him stand aside till he were ready to receive the last stroke: He threw his Hat, his Handkarchief, and Doublet to the first that would take it, nevertheless one of the Executioners men was nimbler than all the rest, and looking upon the Souldiers that kept the Gate armed, with Musquets and Fire-locks. Ah! said he, must I die? is there no pardon? if at least some of those good fellows would shut me (opening his Breast) he should oblige my very much, what pity is it to die so miserably, and of so shameful a blow, then directing his speech to the Spectators, he said, I have put my Soul into such a state as she ought to be to appear before the face of Almighty God, but I pity that of the King, who causeth me to die unjustly: I have erred I confess, but I never attempted anything against the Kings Person, he should have been dead ten years ago if I would have believed the evil Councel that was given me concerning that the trouble and distress of his Soul was so great, that a little while before he said three years, and now he says ten; the Divines having setled him a little once more, he received their absolution.

The Executioner then presented unto him a Frontlet, but it proved to him a new wound, an increase of grief, and swore if he toucht him any other way than with the Sword he would strangle him, & thereupon he asked again for his own Handkarchief to make use of it, his hollow and gastly Eyes shewed he was not in his right mind. Voisin intreated him to be patient, and to raise his thoughts to the place where his Soul was to go, and to be attentive to the reading of his Sentence. He was unwilling to hear the repetition of his Crimes, and to have occasion to exclaim again against the Iniquitie, of those that had condemned him, against the Kings cruelty, as he called it, that would not grant him his pardon, and that this was to make him feel death before death. Voisin answered, that it could not be done otherwise. He answered that every body knew for what reason he was there and then as if it were by confession, he said, well, read, and thereupon held his Peace till Voisin came to these words, for having attempted against the Kings Person; for then he fell into a passion again, as he had done before, and said, that it was false, that this never came into his mind, that as God was his Judge, he would be for ever deprived of his Grace if it were true, that since two and twenty Months he had done nothing against the Kings service, that it is true he had written some Letters, but that the King had forgiven him, protesting and calling the Spectators to Witness, that it was the truth what he spoke, as he would answer it before God, and spoke so many words, and so fast that neither he nor the Sheriff could be understood.

The Sentence being read, the Divines did admonish him to leave all Earthly thoughts, to implore the assistance of Heaven, and to resign his Soul to the Eternal providence of the Almighty, and his Body to what the Law had ordained of it, he made some Prayer to God, and bound his Eyes with his own Handkarchief, and asked the Executioner in what place he was to put himself, the Executioner pointing with his finger, said, there my Lord; he pulled off his Handkarchief in a rage, and where is that there, said he? thou seest I am blind fold, and thou shewest me as if I could see; he bound himself again, and bid the Executioner to dispatch quickly: The Executioner told him he ought to kneel, for fear he should do something amiss. No, no, said he, I shall not stir, if thou canst not do it at one blow do it at thirty, he was intreated again to kneel, which he did, and spoke these Imperious words, dispatch, dispatch, then rose up again, and untied his Handkarchief, and by casting his Eyes upon the Executioner, made the people believe, that either he had a mind to seize upon the Sword, or that he was terribly afrighted by the approaches of Death, and began again his former complaints, is there no pardon? must I die so miserably? after so many services. The Executioner intreated him to suffer his hairs behind to be cut off; he began to swear again fearfully, that if he toucht him otherwise than with the Sword, he would strangle him. The Divines told him that he was too carefull of his Body, he would hear no more of that, but fell into a rage, and swore, that he would not be toucht by so Infamous a Person as long as he was alive, that if they did provoke him too much, he would strangle half the Company, and oblige the other half to kill him, those that were upon the Scaffold went down and left him with the Executioner, who repented himself heartily that he had taken the care of him unbound.

The Divines went up again upon the Scaffold, and desired him for the love of God to resolve to step over that pass, which was necessary for every man to do, and with some few other words, whispered into his ears, did calm him a little, and made him resolve to undergo the Execution, after he had made many complaints, and shewed great fears of dying. A strange thing that as stout and valiant a man as ever was born, who had so many times cast himself amongst the greatest dangers, without any fear or apprehension, as if there was no death for him, should shew himself now so fearful at the coming of it; we may judge by this, that the apprehension of death is incomparably greater when it cometh upon a cold blood, and those that know what his Chirurgion was wont to say, shall less wonder at it; for he said, that the Duke of Biron used to wonder at himself, that being not afraid of the thrust of a Sword, nevertheless he was very timerous at the pricking of a Launcet, when he had occasion to be let blood: Whereupon we must confess, that the greatest courage, and most undaunted stoutness of a man, is nothing in comparison of human Natures weakness.

The Divines judging him to be out of fear, gave him his last absolution, he kneeled again, and cried aloud three times, My God, my God, my God, have Mercy upon me, then turning to the Executioner, he took the headband that he had in his hand, and intreated Baranton to do him that last curtesie as to lift up his hairs behind, which Baranton did, and the Duke himself did tie the Handkarchief about his Eyes. The Divines seeing him in that good disposition, did assure him, that he was ready to go to Heaven, and to see God, and to enjoy his Glory. Yes, said he, Heaven is open to receive my Soul, and so stooped his neck for the Executioner to do his office. The Executioner considering, that he had untied himself three times before, and might do so again for the fourth, thought fitting to entertain him with fair words, to desire his forgiveness, and to put him in mind of saying his last Prayer, in the mean time he beckened to his man, who was at the foot of the Scaffold, to reach him the Sword, which no sooner was in his hand, but the Duke of Birons Head was off his Shoulders, it fell from the Scaffold to the ground, and was thrown again by the Executioners man upon the Scaffold, the Body was stript to its Shirt, and wraped in a Sheet, and the same day buried, about nine of the Clock at night, in St. Pauls Church, without any shew or Ceremony. Thus ended the Tragical History of the Duke of Biron.

Now follows the two last Verses of this Prophecie.

Which as we have said before, were concerning Nicolas L’oste, Secretary to the Lord Villeroy, chief Secretary of State. The History therefore is thus.

The French Embassador at Madrid, complained once to Henry the IV. he was so ill informed, and so late of Affairs, that the King of Spain’s Ministers knew them before him: The King was a great while troubled before he could discover the spring of that infidelity, at last it came out in this manner. Villeroy that great Oracle of France, and the most confident Secretary to the King, had among his servants one Nicolas l’Oste, born at Orleans, in whom he did confide so much the more, because his Father had been the most part of his life in his service.

The Lord Rochepot going Embassador into Spain, Oste desired to be admitted into his Family, to serve him as his secretary, that he might the better fit himself for publick employment. Villeroy’s commendation got him easily that employment, by which in a few Months he became so capable of the Spanish Tongue and manners, that no body could have distinguished him from a natural Spaniard. The Embassador having sworn in the name of the most Christian King the treaty of Peace made at Veruins, the King of Spain presented him with a rich Chain of Jewels, and with six other of Gold, valued at 150. Crowns apiece, to bestow upon as many of his own servants as he should think fit.

The pride and presumption of this young man was such as to perswade him he deserved one of them, and chiefly because one of his fellows was thought worthy of it, but his Master did not think so, and thus he was neglected.

Thus envy and jealousie were the Windows by which the Devil crept into his soul; the vanity, lying, pride, and debauchery gave him a full admittance, he had spent all his Money to buy the love of a Courtisane, and wanted means to follow that course which he had no mind to leave off. His Masters neglecting of him, had extraordinarily vexed him, but he comforted himself that he knew his secrets, and that in revealing them to the King of Spains Ministers he shot two Birds with one shot; for he should avenge himself of that contempt he had received, and should have a way to continue his amorous expences. With that intention he made himself known to Don Franchese one of the Secretaries of State, and told him what means he had to serve the King of Spain, and to shew him proofs of that service and affection he had vowed to him long before, by imparting to him all the Letters that the Embassador did both send and receive from the King his Master.

Don Franchese heard this proposition as from a young man, whose Brains were not well settled, or perhaps did abhor such infidelity, therefore told him coldly, that the Catholick King was in so good amity with the most Christian one, that he desired to know no more of his business, than what his Embassador should tell him.

L’Oste did not despond for all this, but went to Don Ydiaques another Secretary of State, who knowing how important it is for a Prince to know the secrets of his Neighbours, and that the slighting of such an offer would be prejudicial to the King his Masters Service, did hearken unto this Traitor, approved of his design, and exhorted him to persevere in the good affection he shewed to the King of Spains service, promised to acquaint the King with it, and to procure him such a reward, as he should have reason to be satisfied with.

The Councel agreed that L’Oste should be incouraged, and Don Ydiaques, presented him to the Duke of Lerma, to whom he shewed the Alphabet of Cyphers, with which his Master writ his Letters into France, and for a further proof unciphered the last Letter that the King of France had sent. The Duke exhorted him to continue his good Will, gave him 1200. Crowns for an earnest of the Bargain, with a promise of as much for a yearly pension, besides a considerable gratification he was to expect from the King.

Since that time the French Embassador received no Letters but they were presently imparted to the Spanish Councel: But the Lord la Rochepot being called back into France, L’Oste lost the conveniency of prosecuting his Treasons, and consequently the hopes of his promised reward, therefore sought means to come again into his first Masters, that is, Villeroy’s service, but he was a while kept back from it by reason of a difference between his Mother and Villeroy, about some rest of Accounts; but L’Oste had rather take that loss upon him than to be deprived of that occasion. The Embassador himself gave him a large Testimony Of his ability and faithfulness, and was Instrumental for his re-admission into that service.

Thus being re-established, he became more diligent and sedulous than ever before, and not only writ more Letters than any of his fellows, but also offered them his service to help them, that he might have a more perfect knowledge of all transactions, and so impart them to the Spaniard, and so visited and conferred with Taxis the Spanish Embassador at Paris, and after that with his successor, Don Baltazar de Cuniga, with so much cunning and secrecy, that the Councel of Spain received his Letters, before des Barreaux the French Embassador at Madrid, could receive those of the King.

Des Barreaux sent word to the King, that when he propounded any thing, according to his Majesties command, to the Councel of Spain, he found them always preadvised, and could not find out by what means; certainly said the King, there must be some in my Councel that keep a strict intelligence with the Spaniard, and I can not tell whom to suspect. Providence doth often draw good effects out of the worse causes, and permitteth that the wicked should disclose one anothers wickedness, as a Nail driveth out another. Loste had revealed himself familiarly to one Raffis, formerly Secretary to the Lord Lansac, a fugitive into Spain, for many Treasons, and exempted from pardon; but the Spaniard had begun to cut him short of his former Pensions, since the Treason of the Baron of Fontanelles, Governour of Dornavenest in Brittanny, in which the said Raffis had been a principal Actor, though in vain, so that since, the Councel of Spain looked upon him as an unprofitable servant, and withdrew their Pension.

Raffis finding himself near a great want and misery, thought this occasion might be a means to prevent it, and to procure his return into his native Countrey, by doing so great a service to his Prince; therefore he went to one of the French Embassadors most faithful servants, and told him his grief, for having had a share in so many Treasons and Rebellions in France, which he acknowledged God had into his particular protection, that he was resolved to blot out the memory of them by a notable service done to the King and Kingdom, but that could not be, unless he had first obtained pardon for all his former misdemeanors.

This being told to the Embassadour, he heard Raffis, who told him in general that the King was betrayed, and his most secret Councel bewrayed, but that he could not name the Traitor, no not to his Majesty himself, before he had his pardon: that being done, he would wholly withdraw himself from those whom he knew certainly to be enemies to the Kingdom. The Embassadour sent an express to the King to give him notice of it. The King sent him full power to treat with Raffis, with promiss to ratifie whatsoever he should promiss to Raffis; Raffis could not make good his accusation, but by two Letters written by Loste, to a great friend of his, named Blas, which Letters he knew to be in a Box of Blas, who lodged with him; therefore upon some pretext or another, they found means to send Blas as far as l’Escurial. In his absence Raffis and Descardes Secretary to the Embassadour, broke open the Box, and took out the Letters, by which Loste did much magnifie the liberalities of Spain, as being above his desert and expectation; with this proofs and the Embassadors Letters, Raffis fained to go to a Monastery near Madrid, and there make his devotions upon Palm-Sunday, as he was wont to do, but he went directly to Bayone, where he met with Discardes upon a set day. Blas came back after Palm-Sunday, and finding his Box open, and his companion run away, he suspected the matter, and gave notice of it to the Spanish Ministers, who presently dispatched two Courriers to the Spanish Embassador at Paris, to give him notice that a man was gone from Madrid; who would discover Loste and his practises, therefore he should give him notice of it, and bid him look to himself, and that in case he should be taken, to keep secresie.

Descardes and Raffis came to Paris the Wensday after Easter, and carried themselves with all faithfulness in this occasion, but not with all the prudence that could have been desired. Villeroy was going the same day to lie at his own House, between Paris and Fountain-bleau, where the Court was then; they met with him at Juvisy, and waited on him as far as Villeroy, but told him nothing of the occasion of their coming by the way, till they presented him with the Embassadors Letters, which was a notable fault, for he would certainly have neglected all other business to secure his man, who was then doing his devotions at the Charter-house of Paris.

The next day Villeroy was the first that told the King of the coming of Raffis, and of the perfidiousness of his own servant. As he was going back to his Lodging, notice was given him that two Spanish Courtiers were arrived at the Post-house; he commanded one of the Commissioners of the Post-house, that he should cause them to withdraw into a Room, and that no body should speak with them; he charged also Descardes, that he should spy the coming of Loste, that he should keep him close company, and send him presently notice of his arrival. The Commissioner and Descardes did commit here another great fault, for Loste being come to the Post-house about noon, this silly Commissioner told him that there were arrived two Spanish Courtiers who asked for him, that they had Letters for him, and more then that, suffered him to go into their Chamber and see them, he saluted them, and one of them whispered him in the ear that he was undone if he did not save himself presently, and that Raffis had discovered him; fear and astonishment with his guilty conscience, persuaded him easily to look to himself.

Nevertheless, he settled his countenance the best he could, he went out with an intention to take his Horse again, which he had sent before, and so save himself; Descardes and Raffis perceived him, Descardes came and saluted him, and thinking perhaps that he was strong enough to give an account of him, neglected to send word to Villeroy, who was then in his Closet with the Bishop of Chartres; Descardes presence was a great thorn in Loste’s foot, to be rid of him, he said he was going to his Master, who stayed for him; Descardes offered to accompany him: he answered, he had not dined, and that believing it was past Dinner time at home, he would go into some Cabaret to look for a Dinner, the other answered I have not dinned neither, we shall dine together. Loste found another excuse, and said my Boots hurt me, I pray give me leave that I may go and pull them off; Descardes answered, he must needs drink with him. Thus arguing together, they came to Villeroy’s Lodging, where Descardes thinking to have him sure, left him in the Room, not knowing that the Spanish Courtiers had talked with him, and came near the Closet to give notice of it to Villeroy; but as soon as he saw himself rid of Descardes, he went down into the Stable, and finding his Horse yet Sadled he Mounted, and with all speed rid to Paris; Villeroy in the mean time having notice that his man was come, he commanded they should bring them in; but he was not to be found, nor his Horse neither, no body knowing which way he was gone. Villeroy told the King that his man was escaped, they sent after him on all sides, and Villeroy particularly sent all his Servants after into all the ways. Loste coming to Paris about nine of the Clock at night, went to take counsel of the Spanish Embassadour, and before day, went out habited like a Spaniard, with the Embassadors Steward, and took his way towards Meaux, with an intent to get into Luxembourg by Poste.

That every one might endeavour the apprehending of that Traitor, it was spread abroad that one of Villeroy’s Secretaries had attempted upon the Kings Person, and notice was given of his Stature, Age, Cloaths and Horse. The Sheriffs of every Countrey were in quest, and all Post-Masters were forbidden to let out any Horses, but that of Meaux had notice of it too late; Loste was got on Horseback already, but assoon as he began to gallop, his Horse fell to the ground, and was an ill Omen to the Rider; he got up again, and shewed so much fearfulness in his Countenance, that the Postillion himself thought he had committed some notorious villany, which he did run for. Being come home, he gave notice of it to his Master, who suspecting him to be the man enquired off, he gave notice of it to the Sheriff, who presently made after him at the second Ferry of la Ferte soubs Jouare, where he was Crossing the River; the Sheriff cried after the Ferry man to come back, but the fear of his life, which the two run aways put him into, prevailed upon him, above the Sheriffs commands, being got over, and judging that their Post-Horses should be quickly overtaken by those of the Sheriff, they forsook them and the Postillion; and trusted to their heels in the darkness of the night among the Bushes and Brambles that are upon the River Marne. The Sheriff scattered his men all about, caused fires to be made, and raised up all the Countrey people thereabout; the Spaniard ran over the Champion Countrey, and Loste went from Bush to Bush, and whether accidentally or wilfully he fell into the River Marne, where he was drowned; the next day his Hat was found between two posts, and his body two days after not far from that place.

Thus you may plainly see the full event of those two famous Prophecies, contained in this sixth Stanza.

VII.

ANNOT.

By the Leech is understood the Spaniard. By the Wolf is meant the French, by reason of the multitude of those Creatures in that Kingdom; the meaning therefore of this Prophecy is, that there should be a great famine in Spain, wherein the Spaniard should be constrained to make his application to the French for relief of Corn, which should be granted him. This happened in the year 1665 for you must understand that most of these last Prophecies were to be fulfilled in the Reign of Henry IV.

VIII.

ANNOT.

In the year 1608. the year before the Truce was concluded between the Spaniard and the Hollanders, by which all free Commerce was opened through Europe. The King of Persia being then in War with the great Turk, sent an Embassador to all the Christian Princes, and chiefly into France, to move them to make a diversion in so fit a time, but he could prevail nothing, and went back again re infecta, which he thought to be a great injury done to his Prophet Mahomet.

IX.

ANNOT.

This Stanza being most obscure and difficult, cannot be understood so well by parcels, as by laying down the whole Synopsis of it, which I do the more willingly, because I think it will be delightful to the Reader, and that the whole being known, the meaning of every particular will easily be understood.

Charles the IX. King of France, the last of the House of Valois 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This death was the cause of great alteration, in the publick Government. The body of the said Marshal was buried at St. Germain de l’Auxerrois, but the people digged it out, and dragged it to the new Bridge, where they hanged it by the feet upon a Gibbet, having cut off his Nose, his Ears and his privy parts, then they took him down, and dragged him through the Town, and afterwards burnt it. Thus did perish he that was worth about two Millions of Pounds Sterling, and pretended to make his house perpetual and Sovereign. The new Officers that had governed the State from the 24 of November to the 24 of April 1617. were arrested in their houses, and the old ones put in again, and the Princes called back again to the Court.

XXIV.

ANNOT.

This is concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, who fell dangerously sick of the Plague at Lions, about the year 1628. after that went with his Army into Savoy, where he escaped many dangers of fire and water. As for the Verse it must not be understood, as if he had been killed, but that the cares he took about his Armies should shorten his days. The fourth Verse is to be understood of the Lord Bellingham, then favorite to the King, who forsook him in his sickness, for which he was afterwards disgraced, and could never come into favour again.

XXV.

ANNOT.

Six and nine joyned together makes 15. the meaning of this therefore is, that about the year 1615. should die the Chancellor of France, who was then Nicolas Brulart Lord of Sillery a very corpulent man.

XXVI.

ANNOT.

In the year 1606. there was two Brothers of the House of Joyeuse, one called Francis Cardinal of Joyeuse, and the other a Capuchin Frier, the rest of the Brothers being dead without issue; Father Angel got a dispensation from the Pope to go out of his Covent, and to Marry, that the Family might not be extinguished, and so turned Courtier and Souldier again, till he had got a Daughter, who was afterwards married to the Duke of Guise; after that, remembring his Vows, he turned Capuchin again, and a little while after died, coming from Rome to Paris.

XXVII.

ANNOT.

This signifies nothing but the troubles that were all France over, from the year 1620. to the year 1628. when Rochel was taken, and the great famine that was in the year 1626.

XXVIII.

ANNOT.

This signifieth that about the time mentioned by the Author, some great one should be very sick in Lent, and should eat flesh, which is called here to Celebrate Easter in Lent; and that his Physician wondering at it should fall sick himself, and that without fail, one of them two should die.

XXIX.

ANNOT.

By the Griffin was meant the Hollanders, who were warned here to beware of the Elephant, that is, the Spaniard, and to strengthen their Army for fear of being surprised.

The last Verse signifieth, that in the year 1608. there should be a notable Sea-fight, which was then frequent enough between the said Hollanders and Spaniard.

XXX.

ANNOT.

By the Physitian of the great disease, is meant the King of France; and the Leech the King of Spain, so that it is foretold here, how they shall set fire to the branch of Olive, that is, shall break the Peace and fall to War, which in the year 1636. when upon the imprisoning of the Archbishop of Triers by the King of Spain, because he had put himself under the French Protection, the King of France sent an Armv of 40000. men in the Low-Countreys, to come with the Prince of Orange at Mastricht, which quarrel hath continued till the Marriage of the King of France with the Infanta of Spain, Daughter to Philip the IV. The last Verse is forced in, only to make up the rime.

XXXI.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy may admit of two Interpretations; the first, that Henry the IV. who was born in the Province of Bearn, not far from Thoulouze, the chief City of Languedoc, wherein there is a place upon the River called Basacle, where the Mills are, who was stobbed with a knife by Francis Ravillac in the year 1610.

The other is of the last Duke of Montmorency, who being Governour of Languedoc, took up Arms against the King, in the behalf of the Duke of Orleans, for which he was beheaded at Thoulouse at the solicitation of Cardinal Richelieu, which happened about the year 1632.

XXXII.

ANNOT.

This great plenty of Wine happened in the year 1634. at which time there was in France such plenty of Grapes, that half of them perished for want of Vessels to put them in, and I remember very well, that then whosoever would bring a Poinchon Vessel, which is the third part of a Tun, might have it filled with Grapes for half a Crown, and that being my self at that time at a Town of Burgundy, called Beaune, where the best Wine of France groweth, four of us had one Pottle of Wine English measure for one half penny. The rest signifieth no more but the miseries that happened in Germany, by the Wars that the King of Sweden brought in about the same time.

XXXIII.

ANNOT.

This came to pass when the Duke of Rohan headed the Protestant party, and made those Provinces the seat of the Civil Wars in France, about the year 1640. or 1642.

XXXIV.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of the Wars that were to be between the Princes and Lords a little after the death of Henry the IV. when the Marshal d’Ancre took upon him the administration of affairs by the favour of the Queen Regent Mary of Medicis.

XXXV.

ANNOT.

That great Lady afflicted by death, and Mother and Tutor to the Blood that left her was Mary of Medicis, Wife to Henry the IV. who after the death of her Husband was much troubled in her regency by her own Son Lewis the XIII. and several great Lords of his party whence did follow the Battle of Pont de Cé.

XXXVI.

ANNOT.

This hath a relation to the precedent, and expresseth further the misery of those times.

XXXVII.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is not come to pass yet (for all I know) therefore I leave the interpretation to every ones liberty.

XXXVIII.

ANNOT.

By the Purveyor is meant the King of France, as we have said before.

The great Prince the V. was Paul the V. who was foretold he should die about the year 1615. 1619.

XXXIX.

ANNOT.

This is a Prophecie of the glorious success that Lewis the XIII. was to have against the Spaniard in Italy, and the Protestant party at home.

XL.

ANNOT.

This concerneth the present King of France Lewis the XIV. who hath lately got by Fire and Sword those Provinces in the Low Countreys, to which he laid claim by his Wives Title, which his father never knew nor attempted.

XLI.

ANNOT.

This Prophecieth the reduction of the City of Pampelona, the chief City of the Kingdom of Navarre, under the obedience of the King of France and Navarre.

XLII.

ANNOT.

That great City where the first man is, is Amsterdam, because the first Letter and the last Sylable of it maketh Adam: But of her affliction by Fire and Water, and of her being relieved by the French in the year 1610. I can find nothing in the History; those that are better furnished with Books than I am, may chance to satisfie themselves and others, better than I can do.

XLIII.

ANNOT.

This little Corner and Provinces revolted are Holland, and the rest of the United Provinces, who are threatned here with many troubles, as they did suffer till the Peace of Munster.

That great man that helped them, was the King of France.

XLIV.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was concerning the Match between Lewis the XIII. and Ann of Austria Infanta of Spain, who were both Married very young.

XLV.

ANNOT.

I think this needeth no further explication, then that I have given upon the 31. Stanza.

XLVI.

ANNOT.

This is plain, if you remember that by the Purveyor is meant the King of France, by the Leech the King of Spain, and by the Wolf the Duke of Savoy.

XLVII.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the King of Bohemia, and his War with the Emperour, who is called here the great one of Hungary, because he is King of it; the black one with his Highness, is the Pals-grave, who after three years broils was defeated at the Battle of Prage.

XLVIII.

ANNOT.

No doubt but this is meant of some King of France, which is to come.

XLIX.

ANNOT.

By the consent of all Astronomers, those four benigne Planets augment generation.

That great Alliance mentioned here, by which the fire was extinguished, and the Olive-Tree planted in a firm ground, is the Marriage of the present King of France, Lewis, the XIV. with the Infanta of Spain, by which all differences were composed, and the Peace firmly settled.

L.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that a little while after or before the said match mentioned in the foregoing: England was or should be brought as low as the ground, and that there should be abundance of humane blood spilled, and a great decay of Trade, with Wars, which is that he calleth, Want of Bread and abundance of knives.

LI.

LII.

ANNOT.

That great City mentioned here, is Paris, which is threatned of another St. Bartholomew’s day, which was fatal to the Protestants in France, for upon that day in the year 1572. there was a general Massacre made of them through all France, insomuch, that in Paris alone there was above ten thousand slain.

As for those Towns here named that are to fight about a Lady, I cannot guess what Lady it should be, unless he meaneth the Roman Church.

LIII.

ANNOT.

By the Phœnix is meant a Pope, because there is but one of that kind at once, the meaning of the rest is unknown to me.

LIV.

ANNOT.

What that great Lady was, that should die in the year 653. is not easie to guess, there being many in every Countrey that died that year. The rest is easie, and we have seen the truth of it in our days, and may see it hereafter.

LV.