Gallica quem genuit retinetque Britannica tellus
Calluit Hermetis quicquid in arte fuit
THE TRUE
PROPHECIES
OR
PROGNOSTICATIONS
OF
Michael Nostradamus,
PHYSICIAN
TO
Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX.
KINGS of FRANCE,
And one of the best
ASTRONOMERS that ever were.
A
WORK full of Curiosity and Learning.
Translated and Commented by THEOPHILUS de
GARENCIERES, Doctor in Physick Colleg. Lond.
LONDON,
Printed by Thomas Ratcliffe, and Nathaniel Thompson, and are to be sold by John Martin, at the Bell in St. Pauls Church-yard, Henry Mortlack at the White Hart in Westminster-Hall, Thomas Collins, at the Middle-Temple Gate, Edward Thomas, at the Adam and Eve in Little Britain, Samuel Lowndes over against Exeter-house in the Strand, Rob. Bolter, against the South door of the Exchange, Jon. Edwin, at the Three Roses in Ludgate-street, Moses Pits at the White Hart in Little Britain, 1672.
To his most Honoured Friend
NATHANIEL PARKER
OF
Grayes-Inne, Esq;
THEOPHILUS de GARENCIERES,
D. Med. Colleg. Lond.
Humbly Dedicateth this Book.
Reader,
Before thou goest on further to the perusing of this Work, thou art humbly intreated by the Authour, to forgive him his Anglicisme; for being born a Forreigner, and having had no body to help him to the polishing of it, for several reasons, it cannot be expected he should please thine Ears, so much as he may perhaps do thy Fancy. Every Exotick Plant can hardly become Domestical under one or two Generations: Besides that, the Crabbedness of the Original in his own Idiome, can scarce admit a Polite Eloquency in another. The very Antient English Language in this refined Age, is become both obsolete and unintelligible, as we may see in Chaucer, Gower, and others. If you adde to this, that the Authours Nation hath been alwayes famous for its Civility to those that were Strangers to their Language, as not onely to abstain from laughing at them when they spoke amiss, but also in redressing them charitably to the best of their power. I may probably expect you will measure me with the same measure, as you would be if you were in my case.
As for the Errataes of the Press, I could not help them, being out of Town most part of the time that the Book was a Printing; when you meet with any, I hope your Charitable Pen will either mend or obliterate them, and not lay another mans fault upon me, who neither for pride nor ostentation undertook this laborious Work, but that I might give some Satisfaction and Recreation to the Learned and Curious, who have had a longing for it ever since its Birth.
Farewell.
Mystically.
READER,
Before I speak any thing of the Author, or of his Works, I think it convenient to speak somthing of my self, and of my intention in setting out this Translation, with my Annotations.
The Reputation that this Book hath amongst all the Europeans, since its first coming out, which was in the year 1555. and the curiosity that from time to time the learned have had to see the Mysteries contained in it, unfolded: is a sufficient warrant for my undertaking.
Many better Pens (I confess) could have performed this work with better success, but not with greater facility than I, having from my youth been conversant with those that pretended or endeavered to know somthing in it. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for a man of my profession to wade through it. This Book was the first after my Primmer, wherein I did learn to read, it being then the Custom in France, about the year 1618. to initiate Children by that Book; First, because of the crabbidness of the words; Secondly, that they might be acquainted with the old and absolete French, such as is now used in the English Law; and Thirdly, for the delightfulness and variety of the matter, so that this Book in those days was printed every year like an Almanack, or a Primer for Children. From that time, without any other Study than reading of History, and observing the events of the world, and conversing with those that made it their Study, (some of which were like to run mad about it) I have attained to so much Knowledge, as to bring it into a Volume.
The Book is written in the Nature of Prophecies, digested into old French Verses, most of which are very hard to be understood, and others impossible at all, whether the Author did affect obscurity, or else wanted the faculty to express himself, which is the cause that it could not be rendred into English Verses, it being troublesome enough to be understood in Prose, as the Reader will find. That’s the reason that I have translated it almost word for word, to make it as plain as I could; as also because the Reader (if curious of it) may benefit himself in the knowledge of the French Tongue, by comparing the English and French together. The rest that can be said upon this subject, you shall find either in the Authors Life, or in the Appology made for him.
And because I have told you before, that many have been like to run mad by over-studying these, and other Prophecies, give me leave to give you this advice, that in vain, or at least without any great profit, thou shalt bestow thy time, care, and study upon it: for which I will give thee the chief reasons, that have disswaded me from it.
The first is, that the thing it self, which you may think to understand, is not certain in it self; because the Author disguiseth it in several manners, sometimes speaking a double sense, as that of the ancient Oracle.
Which is to be understood two ways, and cannot be determinated, till the event of it be past.
It is true, that the Author doth mark so many particular Circumstances, that when the thing is come to pass, every one may clearly see that he pretended to Prophecie that particular thing. And besides he doth sometimes deliver the thing in so obscure terms, that without a peculiar Genius, it is almost impossible to understand it.
The second is, that though the Prophecie be true in it self, yet no body knoweth, neither the time, nor how: For example, he plainly foretelleth, that the Parliament of England should put their King to death; nevertheless no body could tell, nor when, nor how, till the thing was come to pass, nor what King it should be, till we had seen it.
The third is, that he marketh the times with Astrological terms, viz. when such and such Planets, shall be in such and such Signs; but as those Planets are often here, and go out of it, and come there again, no certain judgement can be made of it.
The fourth is, that many times he giveth some peculiar Circumstances to those he speaketh of, which may be found in others. Thus the Royal first born might have been applied to Lewis the XIII. to Lewis the XIV. to the first born of Philip the II. and Philip the III. King of Spain, and to Kings of England, Father and Son. Nevertheless we find that this word Royal first born, was intended for Henry IV. Grandfather on his Mothers side, as we shall shew hereafter. This being so, it cannot be expounded, but after the event.
The fifth is, that the knowledge of future things, belongeth to God alone, and no body can pretend by any study, to have a certain acquisition of it in all its Circumstances.
The sixth is, that the orders of Gods providence, which cause the several events in all States, will not permit that men should have a publick notion of his designs, sometimes he revealeth them to his Servants, or to some particular man as he pleaseth, but he will not have them to be known among the common sort of men.
The seventh, is the experience we have had of many, who pretending to understand the Author, have made a quantity of false Prophecies, expounding the Stanza’s according to their fancy, as if God had given them the same understanding that he gave the Author, and what ought to confirm us more in this point, is, that they have expounded some Prophecies, as if they were to come to pass, which were past already, by which we see the darkness of humane wit, who without authority pretendeth to bite into the forbidden fruit of knowledge.
The eighth is, that this knowledge is no way profitable for the Vulgar; because those things being decreed by God, they shall come to pass without forceing our liberty, nor hindering the contingency of sublunary things, where we must observe that the Prophecies which were revealed to men, are many times conditional, as we see in that of Jonas against Ninive, but those that they have left in writing for the times that should come after them, are absolutely true, and shall infallibly come to pass, as they have foretold them. This no ways hindereth, but God may reveal some secrets of his to private men, for their benefit, and that of their friends, without imparting it to the Vulgar, who may be, should laugh at them.
The ninth is, that God hath peculiarly reserved to himself the knowledge of times. Daniel, by a special favour, knew the end of the Babylonian Captivity, and the time of the Messiah’s birth, and yet the interpreters can scarce yet expound clearly the meaning of the seventy weeks of Daniel, and we see, that since 1600 years ago, holy men, from age to age, have foretold the proximity of Dooms-day, and the coming of Antichrist.
The tenth is, that the foretelling of future things in this Author, is for the most part included in business of State, and one might be guilty of a criminal temerity, if he would discover things that concern us not, and the concealing of which, is commended by all prudent persons, seeing that we owe respect, love, and submission to those that bear rule over us.
For these reasons (dear Reader) I would not have thee intangle thy self in the pretentions of knowing future things. If you have light concerning them, keep thine own secret, and make use of it for thy self: Preserve peace, and let the Almighty govern the World: for he can turn all things to his Glory, and may when he pleaseth, raise up some Wits that will make known unto us, what we desire, without any further trouble to our selves. Before I make an end, I cannot but acquaint thee for gratitude sake, of my Obligation to several persons, which have lent me Books, to help me towards the finishing of this work, as namely that worthy Gentleman, and the Honour of his profession Mr. Francis Bernard, Apothecary to St. Bartholemews Hospital, and Mr. Philip Auberton Gentleman, belonging to the Right Honourable the Earl of Bridgwater. Farewell.
Michael Nostradamus, the most renowned and famous Astrologer, that hath been these many Ages, was born in St. Remy, a Town of Provence, in the year 1503. upon a Thursday, the 14th of December, about noon. His father was James Nostradamus, a Notary of the said Town, his Mother was Renata of St. Remy, whose Grandfathers by the Fathers and Mothers side, were men very skilfull, in Mathematick and Physick, one having been Physitian to Renatus, King of Jerusalem, and Sicily, and Earl of Provence, and the other Physition to John, Duke of Calabria, Son to the said Renatus, whence cometh that our Author saith in his Commentaries, that he hath received from hand to hand the Knowledge of Mathematicks, from his ancient Progenitors. After the death of his great Grandfather by the Mothers side, who first gave him a slight tincture, and made him in love with the Mathematicks, he was sent to School to Avignon. After that he went to Mount Pelier, to study Philosophy and Physick, till a great Plague coming, he was compelled to go to Narbonne, Thoulouse, and Bourdeaux, where he first began to practise, being then about 22 years of age. Having lived four years in those parts, he went back again to Monpelier, to get his degrees, which he did with a great deal of applause. Going to Thoulouse, he past through Agen, where Julius Cæsar Scaliger stayed him, with whom he was very familiar and intimately acquainted, though they fell out afterward; there he took to wife a very honourable Gentlewoman, by whom he had two Children, a Son and a Daughter, all which being dead, and seeing himself alone, he resolved to retire himself into Provence his Native Countrey. After he had gone to Marseille, he went to Aix, where the Parliament of Provence sitteth, and was there kept three years at the City Charges; because of the violent Plague that raged then in the year 1546. as you may read in the Lord of Launay’s Book, called the Theater of the World, who describeth that Plague according to the informations our Author gave him. Thence he went to Salon de Craux, a City distant from Aix one dayes Journey, and in the middle way between Avignon and Marseille; there he Married his second Wife Anna Ponce Genelle, by whom he had three Sons and one Daughter, the eldest was Michael Nostradamus, who hath written some pieces of Astrology, Printed at Paris in the year 1563.
The second was Cæsar Nostradamus, who hath deserved to be numbred among the French Historians, by reason of the great Volume he hath written of Provence.
The third was a Capuchine Frier. Cæsar did insert in his History the propagation of that Order in Provence. The fourth was a Daughter.
Nostradamus having found by experience that the perfect knowledge of Physick dependeth from that of Astrology, he addicted himself to it, and as this Science wanteth no allurement, and that besides his Genius he had a peculiar disposition and inclination to it; he made such a progress in it, that he hath deserved the Title of the most illustrious one in France, insomuch that making some Almanacks for recreation sake, he did so admirably hit the conjuncture of events, that he was sought for far and near.
This success was the cause of an extraordinary diminution of his fame; for the Printers and Booksellers seeing his fame, did print and vent abundance of false Almanacks under his name for lucre sake, whence it came that his reputation suffered by it, and was the cause that the Lord Pavillon wrote against him, and that the Poet Jodele made this bitter Distichon.
To which may be answered.
Or thus
Nevertheless the Beams of Truth did shine through the Clouds of Calumny; for he was singularly esteemed of by the Grandees, Queen Katharine of Medicis, who had a natural inclination to know future things.
And Henry the II. King of France, who sent for him to come to the Court in the year 1556. and having had private conference with him about things of great concernment, sent him honourably back again with many gifts. He went from Salon to the Court upon the 14 of July in the year 1555. and came to Paris upon the 15 of August. As soon as he was come to Town, the Lord Constable of Montmorency went to see him at his Inn, and presented him to the King, who received him with much satisfaction, and commanded that his lodging should be at the Palace of the Cardinal of Bourbon Archbishop of Sens.
There he was taken with the Gout for ten or twelve days, after which his Majesty sent him one hundred Crowns in Gold in a Velvet Purse, and the Queen as much. Their Majesties desired him to go to Blois to see the Princes their Children, and to tell them his opinion of them. It is certain that he did not tell them what he thought, considering the Tragical end of those three Princes, viz. Francis the II. Charles the IX. and Henry the III.
Having been so much honoured at Court, he went back again to Salon, where he made an end of his last Centuries, two years after he dedicated them to the King Henry the II. in the year 1557. and in his Luminary Epistle discovereth unto him the future events that shall happen from the Birth of Lewis the XIV. now Reigning, till the coming of Antichrist.
While he was at Salon he received there the Duke of Savoy, and the Lady Margaret of France, Sister to Henry the II. who was to Marry the said Duke according to the treaty of the general Peace made at Cambresis, both entertained him very familiarly, and honoured him often with their presence. The Duke came in October and the Lady in December.
When Charles the IX. went a progress through his Kingdom, he came into Provence, and did fail not to go to Salon to visit our Author, who in the name of the Town went to salute him, and make a Speech, this was in the year 1564. the 17 of November.
The extraordinary satisfaction that the King and the Queen Mother received from him was such, that being both at Lion, they sent for him again, and the King gave him 200 Crowns in Gold, and the Queen almost as much, with the quality of Physician in Ordinary to the King, with the Salaries and profits thereunto appertaining. Being come back to Salon he lived about 16 Months longer, and died upon the 2 of July 1566. in his Climacterical year of 63. having all his senses about him: His Disease was a Gout at first, which turned into a Dropsie; the time of his death it seemeth was known to him; for a friend of his witnesseth, that at the end of June in the said year he had writen with his own hand upon the Ephemerides of John Stavius these Latine words, Hic prope mors est; that is, near here is my death, and the day before his death that friend of his having waited on him till very late took his leave, saying, I shall see you again to morrow morning, you shall not see me alive when the Sun riseth, which proved true. He died a Roman Catholick, having received all his Sacraments, and was solemnly buried in the Church of the Franciscan Friers at Salon, on the left hand of the Church door, where his Widow erected him a Marble Table fastened in the Wall with this Epitaph, with his Figure to the Life, and his Arms above it.
The Inscription of his EPITAPH is in imitation of that of Titus Livius, and is thus.
D. M.
Ossa clarissimi Michaelis Nostradami, unius omnium pene mortalium digni, cujus Divino calamo totius Orbis ex astrorum influxu futuri eventus conscriberentur. Vixit annos LXII. menses VI. dies X. Obiit. Salonæ CIↃ IↃLXVI. Anna Pontia Gemella, conjugi optimo. V. E.
Which may be rendred thus:
Here lies the Bones of the most famous Nostradamus, one who among Men hath deserved by the opinion of all, to set down in writting with a Quill almost Divine, the future Events of all the Universe, caused by the Cœlestial influences; he lived 62. years 6. Months and 10. days, he died at Salon, in the year 1566.
Anna Pontia Gemella wisheth to her most loving Husband the true Happiness.
He had a Brother named John Nostradamus, famous for several Works that he hath written, the Catalogue of which is in the Book of Mr. du Maine de la Croix, Intitled, the Library.
As for our Author, he hath left several Works, among which is a Book of Receits, for the preservation of health, Printed at Poitiers, in the year 1556.
Another concerning the means of beautifying the Face and the Body, that was Printed at Antwerp by Plantin in the year 1557. which he Dedicated to his Brother John Nostradamus, an Attorney at the Parliament of Aix.
Besides this, he Translated from Latine into French the Paraphases of Galen, upon the Exhortation of Menedotus, which was Printed at Lyon by Antony du Rhosne, in the year 1557.
But before we conclude, it will not be amiss to give some recreation to the Reader, by relating a merry passage that happened to Nostradamus being in Lorrain, for being in the Castle of Faim, belonging to the Lord of Florinville, and having in cure the Mother of the said Lord; it chanced one day that they both walking in the Yard, there was two little Piggs, one white, and the other black, whereupon the Lord enquired of Nostradamus in jest, what should become of these two Piggs? he answered presently, we shall eat the black, and the Wolf shall eat the white.
The Lord Florinville intending to make him a Lyar, did secretly command the Cook to dress the white for Supper; the Cook then killed the white, drest it, and spitted it ready to be rosted when it should be time; In the mean time having some business out of the Kitchin, a young tame Wolf came in, and eat up the Buttocks of the white Pig, that was ready to be rosted; the Cook coming in the mean time, and fearing least his Master should be angry, took the black one, killed it, and drest it, and offered it at Supper. Then the Lord thinking he had got the Victory, not knowing what was befallen, said to Nostradamus, well Sir, we are eating now the white Pigg, and the Wolf shall not touch it. I do not believe it (said Nostradamus) it is the black one that is upon the Table. Presently the Cook was sent for, who confessed the accident, the relation of which was as pleasing to them as any meat.
In the same Castle of Faim, he told many that in a little Hill that was near the Castle, there was a Treasure hidden, which should never be found, if it were sought with design, but that it should be discovered when the Hill should be digged for some other intent. There is a great probability in this prediction, for there was an ancient Temple built upon it, and when they dig there, many times several Antiquities are found. All France telleth several Histories foretold by the Author, but I am unwilling to write any thing without good warrant. His Stanza’s are sufficient to prove the extraordinary Talent he had in foretelling future things.
It is not unusual for Calumny to follow the best Wits, and those whom God hath endowed with so extraordinary Talent, upon weak and slight grounds. It is not also unusual for Men to side easier with calumny against innocent persons, then with those truths that justifie them; therefore no body ought to wonder, if Michael Nostradamus hath been so much cried down and defamed by several Authors, being in the number of those extraordinary persons, whom God had priviledged with that grace so much desired by curious Men, viz. the knowledge of future events.
Besides that, there was four things in him, which might have been the grounds of this diffamation.
The first was the vulgar life which he led in the Roman Catholik Religion, which seemed to bear no proportion with such an extraordinary favour of God.
The second was his application to judicial Astrology, which is condemned by many learned Men, and detested by those that pretend to ignorant devotion.
The third was a suspition brought by his enemies, and many devout persons in his time, that he was a Negromancer, and had familiarity with the Angel of darkness.
The fourth was the obscurity of his Stanza’s, which was made worse by the enormous faults of those that first Copied them, and by the carelesness of the Printers.
In consequence of the first Objection, calumny hath endeavoured to place him among the false Prophets, because scarce any body can persuade himself, that there being among the Faithful so many Illustrious persons in Holiness and Learning, the Holy Ghost would have made choice of a common person, and to reveal him so many rare secrets, concerning the future Estate of his Church, and of those Kingdoms that acknowledge her for their Mother, seeing that the Holy Scriptures shew us, that the knowledge of future things (chiefly if it be extraordinary in its extent) is a special Priviledge wherewith God honoureth his most faithful Servants.
And to say truth, when the Holy Fathers and the Interpreters of the Scripture speak of the Prerogatives of the Apostle St. John, they make the chiefest to be that by which being full of Prophetical Spirit, he foretold the future Estate of the Church; and in the Old Testament, so many Prophets were so many Miracles and Prodigies of Holiness, and the only name of Prophet in the Scripture is the most glorious Title that is given to those that were Gods most faithful Servants.
If we find in the Scripture that Balaam hath Prophesied notwithstanding his perfidiousness, and that the High Priest Caiaphas, notwithstanding his wicked design of murdering Christ, hath also Prophesied; it was only for a few things, and in such cases where God would singularly shew forth his Glory, by those that would have smothered it.
How can we then believe the same of Nostradamus, who had not so much as an extraordinary atom of Christian piety, by which he might have been so much priviledg’d of God, as to know by his Divine Light the future Estate of the Church, her Persecutions and her Victories from the year 1555. to the end of the World.
Can it be possible that a Physician, an Astrologer, and one of the common sort of people should have been chosen of God among so many thousands his betters, to impart unto him those Graces, which have been the reward of the purity and holiness of his Apostles, and of the faithfulness of St. John the Evangelist.
This seemeth altogether improbable to Christian piety.
Some are more moderate in the censuring of this Author, and being unwilling to call him maliciously a false Prophet, would have him to be a foolish Dreamer, who believed his own imaginations, and took pleasure in his own fancies, whence came that Latine Distick of the Poet Jodelle,
This Distick was so pleasing to the Wits of the times, that without further inquiry, since that time Nostradamus went for a Dreamer and a doting fool.
This opinion increased more and more by his making of many Almanacks, wherein every body may see how much he was taken with judicial Astrology; and we see often in his Stanza’s the decision of the times, by the conjunction of the Planets with the Signs, and by the Eclipses, whence sometimes he doth infer some events that were to happen.
But what did undo him most, was the covetousness of the Printers and Booksellers of his time, who seeing his Almanacks so well received, did set forth a thousand others under his name, that were full of lies and fopperies.
From that time the Author went for one of those poor Astrologers, who get their living by foretelling absurdities; and pretend to read in the Heavens, that which is only in their foolish imagination.
If the precedents have been moderate in their censure; others have been more severe in delivering their opinion, accusing him to have kept acquaintance with the Devil, as the Negromancers and other Prestigiators of the ancient times did.
The reason that made them think so is, that seeing so many things come to pass, just as the Author had foretold; they could not attribute it to the knowledge of judicial Astrology, nor to Divine Revelation, and consequently concluded, that it must of necessity come from Satan.
They could not attribute it to judicial Astrology, either because they had no opinion of it, or that the greatest defensors of that Astrology do agree among themselves, that it cannot reach so far as to foretell a thousand peculiar circumstances, which depend purely from the freedom of Men, such as proper names are, and the like, which nevertheless our Author did foretell.
They could neither attribute it to Divine Revelation, for the reasons alledged in the first objection; moreover, because he was accused of a thousand falsities and fopperies, Printed in those Almanacks that went falsly under his name, whence they concluded that it could not come by Divine Revelation, seeing that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth.
It followeth then (say they) that it must come from the Devil, by the help of the Black Art; the Lord Florimond de Raimond a very considerable Author, was of that opinion in his Book of the Birth of Heresies, Chap. 3.
As Fame doth increase by continuation of time, so doth calumny increase by the multiplicity of opinions, she was not contented to deflour slightly the Authors reputation, by making him pass for some sottish Dreamer, and to rank him amongst the false Prophets, by accusing him to meddle with the black Art, but must needs also sacrifice him to the infernal Furies, by making him the Prince of Seductors and Impostors, that ought to be banished out of every Common-wealth. The fondamental reason of this was the obscurity of his Stanza’s, where there was neither rime nor reason; the obscurity did proceed of abundance of gross faults, which the Copisters and Printers have inserted in them, from the omission of several words, from the changing and altering of others, and from the addition of some others, which did destroy the sense.
From this great obscurity, calumny draweth this argument, to ruine utterly the Author, charging him to be all at once a false Prophet, a dotish Dreamer, a Magician, and an infamous Seductor of people.
If God had inspired him what he hath written, he would have done it for the good of his Church and true Believers, seeing he never granteth this Prophetical Grace to any, but to that end as it appeareth in the Holy Scriptures.
This being so, what profit can any body draw from him, if the sense of his Stanza’s be so obscure, as not to be understood? and although it should be granted, that some accidents that have happened in Christendom, may sometimes be found in his Prophecies, what fruit hath the Church reaped of it, seeing that those accidents that were foretold, were never known, till they had come to pass, and that there was no avoiding of them?
It cannot therefore be believed, that God should have been the Author of his Predictions, but rather the Subtle Spirit of Satan, with whom he was acquainted by such like black Arts.
According to those four Objections, the Lord Sponde in the third Volume of his Annals, made him this Epitaph in the year 1566. Mortuus est hoc anno nugax ille toto orbe famosus Michael Nostradamus, qui se præscium & præsagum eventuum futurorum per astrorum influxum venditavit, sub cujus deinceps nomine quivis homines ingeniosi suas hujusmodi cogitationes protendere consueveruent, in quem valde apposite lusit qui dixit. Nostra damus cum falsa damus, &c. In English. In the year 1566. died that Trifler so famous through all the World, Michael Nostradamus who boasted while he lived, to know and foretell future things, by the knowledge he had of the influences of the Planets, under whose name afterwards many ingenious Men have vented their Imaginations, insomuch, that he that made that Distick, Nostra damus cum falsa damus, &c. seemeth to have very well said.
In consequence of these objections forged by calumny, Nostradamus name hath been so cried down, that I have thought me self oblidged to make his Apology, to give the greater credit to his Prophecy, the exposition of which I do here undertake, and to proove, that effectually he was enlightned by the Holy Ghost: first, by writting the History of his Life, as I have done in the beginning of this Book; Secondly, by answering to all the said Objections; Thirdly, by alledging the Elogies given him by several Grave and Authentical Authors.
First, I maintain that he was enlightned by the Holy Ghost, by an unanswerable reason, drawn out the Theology, but before we discourse of it, let us suppose that Nostradamus hath foretold many things, which absolutely depends from the free will of men, and cannot be known, neither by judicial Astrology, nor by Satan himself, such are for exemple the proper names of Persons, which nevertheless he doth in his Prophecies.
He nameth the Lord of Monluc, the Sprightful Gascon, the Captain Charry, his Camerade, the Lord de la Mole, Admiral of Henry the II. Galleys, Entragues, who was beheaded by order of Lewis the XIII. the Headsman of the Duke of Montmorency, named Clerepegne; the Bassa Sinan, destroyer of Hungary; the Murderer of Henry the III. named Clement; the Attorney David, the Captain Ampus; the Mayor of the City of Puy in Gelay, named Rousseau, under Henry the IV. Lewis Prince of Condé, under Francis II. Sixtus V. calling him the Son of Hamont; Gabrielle d’Estrée; the Lord Mutonis sent to Paris by those of Aix, under Charles the IX. the Lord Chancellor of France, named Antony de Sourdis; the Queen Leuise: Antony of Portugal: the Governour of Cazal under Henry II.
Secondly, The number of things is of the same nature: Nostradamus doth often calculate it; he reckoneth fourteen Confederates for the service of Henry IV. in the City of Puy: ten great Ships prosecuting extreamly the Admiral in the Battle of Lepanto: five Ships taken from the Spaniard by those of Diepe, under Henry II. nine hundred thousands Mores that went out of Spain under Henry IV. three hundred and fifty thousands killed under Charles IX. and Henry III. three saved at the taking of a Town in Hungary by the Turks: nine separated from the company of Seditious, that were to be put to death, three Princes of Turky Massacred, and the fourth being the youngest saved; thirty Conspirators upon London Bridge, against the Majesty of King Charles I. and such like.
Thirdly, We find in these Prophecies, the Prodigies that have no other causes in nature, then the meer will of God; such as Comets are, the casting of monstrous Fishes by the Sea upon the Land, the Armies in the Air, the speaking of Dogs, the birth of Monsters, and such like.
Fourthly, We find in those Prophecies those actions that are purely indifferent; for example, that the King of England did appear upon a Scaffold without his Doublet; that in the place where he was beheaded, another man had been killed three days before; that Libertat went a Hunting with a Greyhond, and a Blood-hond; that the two little Royals were conducted to St. Germain, rather then to any other place, and such like.
Fifthly, We find the Birth of several particular persons that were born after his death.
Sixthly, The Governments of Places given by the free will of Kings to such and such.
All these things cannot be known by judicial Astrology, seeing that in Heaven there is neither Names, nor Numbers, nor extraordinary Prodigies: seeing also that judicial Astrology presupposeth the Birth of persons, that one may foretel their future actions; the same things are also unknown to Satan, for the Angelical species know nothing of individual things, but under the notion of possible, and not of future.
Whence I conclude with this irrefragable Argument, that the Author hath known many several things that are not written in the Heavenly Book, nor represented to him by Angelical Species, therefore he hath known them from God himself.
The Author himself in his Epistle to his Son Cæsar Nostradamus confesseth, that he hath foretold many things by Divine Virtue and Inspiration.
And a little after he saith, that the knowledge of those things, which meerly depends from free will, cannot be had either by humane auguries, nor by any other humane knowledge, nor by any secret virtue that belongeth to sublunary things, but only by a Light, belonging to the Order of Eternity.
This is not a small Argument, to confirm what we have said, and to prove that the Author hath evidently been conscious, that his knowledge came from Heaven, and that Gods goodness did him that grace; for having rejected and abhorred other means, that Impostors make use of for foretelling something.
He writteth all these things of himself: First, in his Liminary Epistle to his Son Cæsar, he conjureth him, that when he should go about to study the foretelling of future things by Astrology, to avoid all kind of Magick, prohibited by the Holy Scripture, and the Canons of the Church; and to encourage him the more to it, he relateth what happened to him, viz. that having been Divinely enlightned, and fully persuaded that God only can give the knowledge of future things, which absolutely depends of the free will of men, he did burn abundance of Writings, wherein was taught the Art of Prophecying, and as they were a burning, there came out a great flame, which was like (he thought) to burn his House all to ashes, by which accident he understood the falsity of such Writings, and that the Devil was vexed to see his plots discovered; besides that, he confesseth that being the greatest Sinner of the World, nevertheless he got that favour from Heaven by a Divine Inspiration; and because no body should doubt of it, he learnedly expoundeth wherein consisteth that inspired Revelation, he saith that it is, A participation of the Eternal Divinity, by which we come to judge of what the Holy Ghost imparteth to us; by that participation of Eternity, the Author doth not understand a communication of the continuance of the Divine being, but a participation of the Divine knowledge, measured by its Eternity, as the Schools terms it.
Effectively, the Author compareth this participation to a glistering flame, which createth a new day in our understanding, which flame proceeding from Gods infinite knowledge, who seeth and comprehendeth what is Eternity, doth impart unto us what is inclosed in the volubility of the Heavens.
After this testimony, which wholly destroyeth the Sinister opinions that men had of his Prophecies, he sheweth how Judicial Astrology may agree with the knowledge of that which proceedeth from a Prophetical Spirit.
It is true, saith he, that sometimes God imparteth this Light not only to the unlearned, and to his Holy Prophets, but also to those that are versed in Judicial Astrology, making that instrumental for the confirmation of his inspired truths: As we see that natural Sciences, help the light of the Faith, and make a certain disposition in the mind fitter then ordinary, to receive those Divine impressions.
Thus (saith he) in the beginning of the Epistle, God did supernaturaly inspire me, not by any Bacchick fury, nor by Lymphatical motions, as he did the Sybilles; but by Astronomical assertions; that is to say, that God gave him that grace, not by any Extasy, but by studying those rules, which Astrology teacheth.
The same things he saith again a little after in this manner: the Astrologer being in his Study, and consulting the Astronomical Rules upon the motions of the Heavens, the Conjunction and several Aspects of the Planets, he guesseth at some future events, of which being not certain, this Divine Light riseth in his mind, and imparteth clearly to him what he knew before, only Ænigmatically and obscurely, and in the shade of that natural light.
Sometimes also (saith he) this Light cometh the first into the Astrologers mind, and he afterwards comparing the thing revealed unto him with the Astronomical rules, he seeth that they do wholly agree together; and this is the method that he hath made use of, to know whether the inspired truths were agreeing with the Astronomical Calculations; a method that he hath made use of some times, but not always, for he hath foretold many things, which he could not read in the Heavens.
By these testimonies of the Author himself, every one may see how he made use of Judicial Astrology, and wherefore he studied it so much; how far his knowledge did extend; the glory he giveth to God alone, for his Prophetical knowledge; what horrour he hath always had against unlawful means to attain unto it; how much he did value that Grace, considering his unworthiness; and the manner how the Lord was pleased to gratifie him.
Let us see now what calumny pretendeth for the obscuring this Prophet of our days; the knowledge of future things (saith she) is a priviledge belonging to the Saints, and to those whom God hath endowed with an eminent vertue. I acknowledge, it is so commonly, and in the ordinary way of Grace, but if God be pleased to impart that priviledge to those that have not attained to that Degree of Holiness, and that it really appeareth by the reasons of Theologie, that they have been gratified with it, we are bound to admire his Royal bounty, which giveth when, and to whom he pleaseth: for example, no body deserveth to be a Marshal of France, but he that hath been in several Battles, and at the taking of many Towns; but if the King be pleased to honour with that Dignity a Gentleman that never Warred but against the Deer, the Kings goodness is to be praised, which extendeth even to those that have not deserved it; it is the same reason here, it is visibly apparent that Nostradamus hath been enlightned by the Holy Ghost, and yet he hath not imitated the lifes of those great Saints of the Church: what can be inferred from thence, but that it was Gods pleasure to extend his bounty upon his poor Creatures, which is easie to be granted in this point, because the gift of Prophecy is not a sanctifying Grace, but a supernatural gift, of which a sinner is capable of, as we see in Balaam, Caiaphas, and the Sybilles, and much more in a Christian, who observeth Gods Commandments, and endeavoureth to keep himself in his Grace.
But (saith calumny) Christian piety seemeth to be repugnant to this Divine disposition, seeing that in Nostradamus time, there were thousands in the Church of God that were capable of this favour, and to prefer to them a Physitian, an Astrologer, and an Almanack-maker, is a thing that the Wits cannot apprehend so well, as to frame a good opinion for this Author.
Hold there Reader, do not enter into the Sanctuary of Gods secret Judgements, you should loose you self, and never find the way out: how many such questions might I ask you? why did God in former times chuse the Family and person of David, and preferred it to so many others of the Children of Israel? why did Christ raise Judas to the dignity of an Apostle, preferring him before Nathaniel, and so many others that lived Holily.
Bring therefore no more such questions, but say with the Scripture, As it pleased the Lord, so it was done: I will nevertheless give you some satisfaction in that point. There was two things in the Author which might have procured that blessing from God.
The first is, that having in his possession those writtings which promised the knowledge of future things, to which he was much inclined, he slighted and burnt them, being persuaded that God alone was the Author of this Grace; I do esteem that action very Heroical in its circumstance, because being inticed by a vehement curiosity to know future things, and having in his hand the means that opened the way to it, he did Sacrifice them to God, for which perhaps God was willing to gratifie him with this favour.
The second thing that was in Nostradamus is, that he had naturally a Genius for the knowing of future things, as himself confesseth in two Epistles to King Henry the II. and to Cæsar his own Son, and besides that Genius, the knowledge of Astrology, did smooth him the way to discover many future events. Having those two things, he had a greater disposition then others to receive those Supernatural Lights; and as God is pleased to work sweetly in his Creatures, and to give some forerunning dispositions to those Graces he intendeth to bestow, it seemeth that to that purpose he did chuse our Author to reveal him so many wonderful secrets.
We see every day that God in the distributing of his Graces carrieth himself towards us, according to our humours and natural inclinations, he employeth those that have a generous and Martial heart for the defence of his Church, and the destruction of Tyrants; he leadeth those of a melancholick humour into Colledges and Cloisters, and cherisheth tenderly, those that are of meek and mild disposition; even so, seeing Nostradamus inclined to this kind of knowledge, he gave him in a great measure the grace of it.
We shall not have much to say to these more moderate persons, seeing that we have already given the reason of it, viz. the covetousness of the Booksellers and Printers, who made use of the Authors name, for the better sale of their false Almanacks, therefore if Jodelle the Poet grounded upon this opinion, made that Satyrical Distick.
We answer him,
Or thus
The more doth Calumny lift up her self against this great man, the weaker are her arguments, like the smoke which is so much the easier dissipated, as it ascendeth higher.
Her reason is impertinent in this distributive argument, he hath known those things (saith she) which he could not know by the Planets, and he had them not from God, therefore he had them from Satan.
And we answer this argument in the same way, he hath known those things which he could not know by the Planets, nor by Satan, therefore he had them from God; this Argument is concluding, but that of calumny halteth, for it ought to have proved that he had not his knowledge from God, and that all those things he hath known may be known to Satan, which two things we have manifestly proved to be false, therefore if the Lord Florimond de Raimond was alive, I believe he would correct what he hath written against him.
The Weapons of this Medusa are sharper in this point then in others, therefore our Buckler accordingly must be of the best mettle and temper.
We cannot deny but Nostradamus hath affected obscurity, himself acknowledgeth it in his two Epistles, in that to Cæsar his son, he saith, he hath done it, not only because of the times wherein he lived, but also by reason of those that were to follow, in the times wherein he lived the Case was as it is now, Veritas odium parit, and this hatred in powerful men is prejudicial to those that speak the Truth, he was also cautious in that, by reason of the times following; for if he had plainly declared what he meant, the Wits would have laughed at it, and would not have believed those strange revolutions that came to pass, and which our Author had foretold. In his Epistle to Henry the II he telleth him, that he doth purposely make use of obscure terms to express his mind, for the reasons before alledged.
Now Calumny saith, that this affectation of obscurity is a sign that God was not the Author of his Knowledge, seeing that by this obscurity they have proved unprofitable to the Church.
I answer first, that the consequence is false; for the Holy Prophets have spoken so obscurely, that a great part of what they had Prophecied was not known till after it had come to pass.
I answer secondly, that although Prophecies were not understood till after the fulfilling thereof, it doth not follow that they were unprofitable; because by their fulfilling in due time, we gather, that he who revealed them was the true God, Lord of times and Eternity, and therefore being the God of Israel, and of the Christians, he ought to be worshiped. By this principle Cyrus and Alexander knew the true God, Cyrus by having seen the Prophecies of Isaiah, and Alexander those of Daniel.
Therefore as the Prophecies of the Saints have not been fruitless, though not understood till they were fulfilled, even so we must not infer that Nostradamus’s Prophecies have been useless, though they have remained in obscurity so long a while.
Besides, there is no doubt but Nostradamus having Prophecied so many several things that are come to pass, but that hereafter when the Heathen shall see it they shall glorifie God, and shall acknowledge a true Religion, as did Cyrus, who many Authors believe to have obtained Salvation.
I answer in the third place, that God permitteth ordinarily that Prophecies lie long in the dark, and then raiseth the Spirit of some men to expound them, as he did that of Daniel to interpret the 70 Weeks of the Babylonian Captivity, Prophecied by Jeremiah, to incourage the faithful three ways.
First, in shewing them, that if the first Prophecies have been punctually fulfilled, the rest will likewise come to pass, seeing the same God hath dictated them.
Secondly, in unfolding to them the future wonders, of which they shall be partakers.
Thirdly, in giving warning how they may attain to them, and shew those accidents that might be an hindrance. Thus God did permit, that for the space of 100. years Nostradamus Prophecies should lie in darkness, and be contemned, but after that time God will raise some body to interpret them, whence the faithful seeing so many things foretold come to pass so exactly, will incourage one another by seing so many wonderful prodigies, of whom they shall be Eye Witnesses.
As for my part I have undertaken this Work, only to authorise the wonders that shall be seen in our days, and to invite the Christian Princes to the same design.
The conclusion of this discourse is, that our Medusa Calumny, must needs retreat in her dens, and that we ought to forgive those Authors that have spoken so ill of our Author, seing they wanted the Intelligence of his Prophecies, and that the Church did suspend the authorising of them.
We have (thanks be to God) sheltered this famous man from the back-biting of Calumny, but that we may clear wholly the Heaven of this reputation, we add this Chapter more for the clearing of some words that are in his Epistles, which seem to contradict some of those things we have said; the Author in his Epistles to his Son Cæsar, after he had said that God had disposed him to receive thy impression of supernatural lights, not by a Bacchant furor, nor by a Lymphatical motion, but by Astronomical assertions, he saith in the same Epistle towards the end; That sometimes in the Week being surprised by a Lymphatick humor, and making his Nocturnal Studies sweet by his calculations, he made Books of Prophecies, each one containing a hundred Astronomical Stanza’s, which he endeavoured to set out something obscurely, from which words it might be gathered, that he made his Prophecies by a Lymphatical Spirit, and by the only judicial Astrology.
And in the Epistle to King Henry the II. he seemeth to confess, that his Prophecie is nothing but a natural Genius, which he had by Inheritance from his Ancestors.
To these difficulties I answer, supposing first that anciently those were called Lymphaticks, who were mad for Love; because the first that was observed among the Ancients to be mad with that passion, threw himself into the water, which in Latine is called Lympha, whence all those that were afterwards transported with the excess of any passion, either of Love, Melancholy, Choler or Envy, have been called Lymphaticks.
So that in this place a Lymphatical motion is nothing properly but a deep Melancholy, which separating us from all Earthly things, doth transport the mind to extraordinary thoughts either good or bad.
This being suposed, I say that the Author confesseth, that his retreat, solitariness, nocturnal Watchings, and Melancholy, have disposed him much to the receiving of that Heavenly flame, which is the cause of Vaticination and Prophecie.
And because he did often spend the whole nights in this study, this Nocturnal retreat caused in him a retirement from all worldly things, at which time he felt a Divine elevating Virtue, that raised his understanding to those Divine Knowledges.
And because this elevating Vertue was caused in him by Divine operation, he doth attribute always his Prophecies to God alone; and by reason that this elevation hath some resemblance with that of the Lymphaticks, he saith, that sometimes he did Lymphatise not properly speaking, but by resemblance.
So that it is true, our Author did not receive his Prophecies by Lymphatical motion, or Bacchant furie, but from God himself, who did work in him while he observed his Astronomical assertions; and it is also true, that he felt this Divine operation by a kind of a Lymphatical motion.
Concerning what he saith to Henry the II. it is certain he maketh use of that Language as much by a motive of Truth to conceal that Grace which he had received from God, as of Humility.
By a Motive of Truth, because effectually; because all the Nostradamus’s had some tincture of Prophecie, and his Son the Capucin acknowledgeth it himself.
By a Motive of Humility; because acknowledging himself to be a miserable sinner, and seeing that this gift of Prophecie was not ordinarily granted but unto Saints. He chuseth rather to attribute his Prophecies to his Genius, than otherways to procure a Fame and Authority to his predictions.
In confirmation of what we have said, That he was often in that transport, many years before his death he made the Stanza of the Century, in which is contained all the great Works of the Philosophers, and foretelleth, that a great Divine shall attain to the perfection of that great Work, which Divine is called, the Divine Verbe, turning into French the Word θεολογος, which signifieth Divine Word or Verb. Nevertheless he never wrought himself at that Work, but got his living Honourably by his practise of Physick, by which we may see, that he did write some things which himself understood not, unless they were such general ones, as might be read in the Heavens.
If several Authors either by envy or ignorance have defamed our Author, others of no shall repute have taken his defence in hand.
D’Aurat one of the most excellent Poets of France, living at the same time as Nostradamus, made a few explications of his Prophecies, which as the report goes, did please the Readers. I am sorry I could not get them, it would have been some ease to me; for it is easier to add than to invent. The first Volume of the Lord la Croix du Main, maketh honourable mention of him, the same saith, that his Motto was Felix Oviam prior Ætas, Happy the first Age that was contented with their Flock, shewing by that, what esteem he had of frugality and sincerity of manners, and what aversion he had against the Vices of his Age, the unruliness of manners, and cousenage of men. Ronsard the Prince of the French Poets singeth his praises: The Lord Boucher in that great Volume, intitled the Mistical Crown, in favour of the future Croisade, doth vindicate our Author from Calumny, and expoundeth some of his Prophecies pretty happily.
I will not relate here what his Son Cæsar Nostradamus writeth modestly of him in his History of Provence, under Lewis the XII. Henry the II. and Charles the IX. his Evidence may be suspected, because of the Consanguinity.
One of the greatest Wits of this last Age, who desireth to be nameless, giveth him this Character.
First, That God Almighty hath chosen Michael Nostradamus among the common sort of Christians, to impart unto him the knowledge of many prodigious and extraordinary future things.
Secondly, He maintaineth, that after the Apostles and Canonical Prophets, he is the first of all in three things, in his certainty and infallibility, in the generality and in the quantity. As to the first, he doth not doubt but the Abbot Joachim ought to give him place; for though he hath foretold some things that have come to pass, he hath written a hundred others which are meer fopperies.
Thirdly, He maintaineth that the Emperour Leo in his prophetical Tables is far below him; for he doth only aim at those things which regard the Eastern Empire, as Theophrastus Paracelsus hath done for the Western.
Concerning the quantity of things, he maintaineth, that none of the others can dispute it with him; for Nostradamus hath made above a thousand stanza’s (if we had them all) each of which containeth two or three prophetical Truths, some of which regard the East, others the West, others some private Kingdoms and States others private and particular things, and all with Truth and certainty.
The Author in his Epistle to King Henry the II. saith, that he treateth of things which were to happen in many Cities and Towns of Europe, and of a part of Asia and Africa.
And to say Truth, I have found nothing in them concerning the East or West, Jappan or China.
He treateth chiefly of France as of his Native Kingdom, and of his own Countrey Provence, and that which is next to it, viz. Piemont.
He speaketh amply of the Popes, and of Italy, Turky and England: As for the Empire Spain, and Suedeland, he doth moderately speak of them. Concerning Æthiopia and Africa there is some nine or ten Stanza’s.
In all those places he foretelleth many things, not only general for every State, but also particular and individual for several persons. He also foretelleth many supernatural prodigies in the Heavens, the Air, the Sea, and the Land.
He hath inserted among his Prophecies four Horoscopes, the first of the Grandfather of the Lord l’Ainier in the Province of Anjou; the second of one called Urnel Vausile; the third of one Cosme du Jardin; and the fourth of one, whom he nameth not, but describeth him by his stature.
It is certain that they began in January 1555. because he dedicated the first seven Centuries to his Son Cæsar the first day of March in the said year, and consequently they were made before that time, and we cannot allow less than two Months to an Author for the making of 700. Stanza’s: Nevertheless for a greater manifestation of his prophetical Spirit, I have not found any of his Prophecies that did come to pass before the first of March 1555.
As for the Eight, Ninth and Ten Century, there is reason to believe, that the effect of them doth not begin before the 27 June 1558. which is the date of his Liminary Epistle to Henry the II. Nevertheless he saith in the same Epistle, that in a writing by it self he will set down the exposition of his Prophecies, beginning the 14 of March 1557. and in the Epistle to Nostradamus his Son, he saith in general that he hath composed Books of Prophecies, each one containing one hundred Stanza’s, without specifying whether he spoke of the seven that he dedicated to him, or of all the others.
As for my part, I believe he had made them all in the year 1555. but that he had not yet examined the three last Centuries, according to the Calculation of his Astronomical assertions, as he seemeth to indicate often in his Epistle to Henry II. and to say the truth, I have found some Stanza’s, which were fulfilled before the year 1558. though very few.
As for the extent of his Prophecies, it is certain, that it is to the end of the World, as I shall make it appear in the explication of the 48, the 49, and 56. Stanza’s of the first Century, and the 72, 73, and 94. of the tenth, and all according to the Holy Scripture.
All these things being premised, we shall proceed to the explication of the Prophecies, setting first the Authors Luminary Epistle to his Son.
Thy late coming, Cæsar Nostradamus, my son, hath caused me to bestow a great deal of time in continual and nocturnal watchings, that I might leave a Memorial of me after my death, to the common benefit of Mankind, concerning the things which the Divine Essence hath revealed to me by Astronomical Revolutions; and since it hath pleased the immortal God, that thou are come late into this World, and canst not say that thy years that are but few, but thy Months are incapable to receive into thy weak understanding, what I am forced to define of futurity, since it is not possible to leave thee in Writing, what might be obliterated by the injury of times, for the Hereditary word of occult prædictions shall be lockt up in my brest, considering also that the events are definitely uncertain, and that all is governed by the power of God, who inspired us not by a Bacchant fury or Lymphatick motion, but by Astronomical affections. Soli numine Divino afflati præsagiunt & Spiritu Prophetico particularia: Although I have often foretold long before what hath afterwards come to pass, and in particular Regions, acknowledging all to have been done by Divine Vertue and Inspiration, being willing to hold my peace by reason of the injury, not onely of the present time, but also of the future, and to put them in Writing, because the Kingdoms, Sects, and Regions shall be so Diametrically opposed, that if I should relate what shall happen hereafter, those of the present Reign, Sect, Religion and Faith, would find it so disagreeing with their fances, that they would condemn that which future Ages shall find and know to be true; considering also the saying of our Saviour, Nolite Sanctum dare canibus ne conculcent pedibus & conversi discumpant vos, which hath been the cause that I have withdrawn my tongue from the Vulgar, and my Pen from Paper. But afterwards I was willing for the common good to enlarge my self in dark and abstruse Sentences, declaring the future Events, chiefly the most urgent, and those which I foresaw (what ever humane mutation happened) would not offend the hearers, all under dark figures more then Prophetical, for although, Abscondisti hæc a sapientibus & prudensibus, i. e. potentibus & Regibus enucleasti ea exiguis & tennibus, and the Prophets by means onely of the immortal God and good Angels, have received the Spirit of Vaticination, by which they foresee things, and foretel future events; for nothing is perfect without him, whose power and goodness is so great to his Creatures, that though they are but men, nevertheless by the likeness of our good Genius to the Angels, this heat and Prophetical power draws near us, as it happens by the Beams of the Sun, which cast their influence both on Elementary and not Elementary bodies; as for us who are men, we cannot attain any thing by our natural knowledge, of the secrets of God our Creator. Quia non est nostrum nosse tempora nec momenta, &c.
Besides, although there is, or may come some persons, to whom God Almighty will reveal by impressions made on his understanding some secrets of the future, according to the Judicial Astrology, as it hath happened in former times, that a certain power and voluntary faculty possessed them as a flame of fire, so that by his inspiration, they were able to judge of Divine and Humane things: for the Divine works that are absolutely necessary, God will end. But my son, I speak to thee too obscurely; but as for the secrets that are received by the subtle Spirit of fire, by which the understanding being moved, doth contemplate the highest Celestial Bodies, as being active and vigilant to the very pronunciation without fear, or any shameful loquacity: all which proceeded from the Divine Power of the Eternal God, from whom all goodness floweth. Now my son, although I have inserted the name of Prophet here, I will not attribute to my self so sublime a Title, for qui Propheta dicitur hodie olim vocabatur videns, and Prophets are those properly (my Son) that see things remote from the natural knowledge of Men; but put the case, the Prophets by the means of the perfect light of Prophecy, may see as well Divine things as Humane, (which cannot be seeing the effects of future predictions) do extend a great way, for the secrets of God are incomprehensible, and the efficient power moveth afar off the natural knowledge, taking their beginning at the free will, cause those things to appear, which otherwise could not be known, neither by humane auguries, or any hidden knowledge or secret virtue under Heaven, but only by the means of some indivisible Eternal being, or Comitial and Herculean agitation, the causes come to be known by the Cœlestial motion. I say not therefore my Son, that you may not understand me well, because the knowledge of this matter cannot yet be imprinted in thy weak brain, but that future causes afar off are subject to the knowledge of humane Creatures, if (notwithstanding the Creature) things present and future were neither obscure nor hidden from the intellectual seal; but the perfect knowledge of the cause of things, cannot be acquired without the Divine Inspiration, seeing that all Prophetical Inspiration received, hath its original principle from God the Creator, next, from good Luck, and afterwards from Nature, therefore cases indifferently produced or not produced, the Prophecy partly happens where it hath been foretold, for the understanding being intellectually created, cannot see occult things, unless it be by the voice coming from the Lymbo, by the means of the thin flame, to which the knowledge of future causes is inclined; and also my Son I intreat thee not to bestow thy understanding on such fopperies, which drie up the Body and damn the Soul, bringing vexation to the Senses; chiefly abhor the vanity of the execrable Magick, forbidden by the Sacred Scriptures, and by the Canons of the Church; in the first of which is excepted Judicial Astrology, by which, and by the means of Divine Inspiration, with continual supputations, we have put in writting our Prophecies. And although this occult Philosophy was not forbidden, I could never be persuaded to meddle with it, although many Volums concerning that Art, which hath been concealed a great while, were presented to me; but fearing what might happen, after I had read them, I presented them to Vulcan, who while he was a devouring them, the flame mixing with the Air, made an unwonted light more bright then the usual flame, and as if it had been a Lightning, shining all the house over, as if it had been all in a flame; therefore that henceforth you might not be abused in the search of the perfect Transformation, as much selene as solar, and to seek in the waters uncorruptible mettal; I have burnt them all to ashes, but as to the judgement which cometh to be perfected by the help of the Cœlestial Judgement, I will manifest to you, that you may have knowledge of future things, rejecting the fantastical imaginations that should happen by the limiting the particularity of Places; by Divine inspiration, supernatural, according to the Cœlestial figures, the places, and a part of the time, by an occult, property, and by a Divine virtue, power and faculty, in the presence of which the three times are comprehended by Eternity, revolution being tyed to the cause that is past, present, and future, Quia omnia sunt Nuda & aperta, &c. therefore my Son, thou mayst notwithstanding thy tender brain comprehend things that shall happen hereafter, and may be foretold by cœlestial natural lights, and by the Spirit of Prophecy; not that I will attribute to my self the name of a Prophet, but as a mortal man, being no farther from Heaven by my sence, then I am from Earth by my Feet, possum errare, falli, decipi; I am the greatest Sinner of the World, subject to all humane afflictions, but being supprised sometimes in the week by a Prophetical humour, and by a long Calculation, pleasing my self in my Study, I have made Books of Prophecies, each one containing a hundred Astronomical Stanza’s, which I have joyned obscurely, and are perpetual Vaticinations from this year to the year 3797. at which some perhaps will frown, seeing so large an extention of time, and that I treat of every thing under the Moon, if thou livest the natural Age of a Man, thou shalt see in thy Climat, and under the Heaven of thy Nativity the future things that have been foretold, although God only is he who knoweth the Eternity of his Light, proceeding from himself; and I say freely to those to whom his incomprehensible greatness hath by a long melancholick inspiration revealed, that by the means of this occult cause Divinely manifested, chiefly by two principal causes, which are comprehended in the understanding of him that is Inspired and Prophecyeth, one is that he cleareth the supernatural Light in the person that foretelleth by the Doctrine of the Planets, and Prophecyeth by inspired Revelation, which is a kind of participation of the Divine Eternity, by the means of which the Prophet judgeth of what the Divine Spirit hath given him by the means of God the Creatour, and by a natural instigation, viz. that what is predicted is true, and hath taken its original from above, and such light and small flame is of all efficacy and sublimity, no less then the natural light makes the Philosophers so secure, that by the means of the principles of the first cause, they have attained the greatest depth of the profoundest science; but that I may not wander too far (my Son) from the capacity of thy sense, as also, because I find that Learning would be at a great loss, and that before the universal Conflagration shall happen so many great Inundations, that there shall scarce be any Land, that shall not be covered with water, and this shall last so long, that except Ænographies and Topographies all shall perish, also before and after these Inundations in many Countreys there shall be such scarcety of rain, and such a deal of fire, and burning stones shall fall from Heaven, that nothing unconsumed shall be left, and this shall happen a little while before the great conflagration; for although the Planet Mars makes an end of his course, and is come to the end of his last Period, nevertheless he shall begin it again, but some shall be gathered in Aquarius for many years, others in Cancer also for many years, and now we are governed by the Moon, under the power of Almighty God; which Moon before she hath finished her Circuit, the Sun shall come, and then Saturn, for according to the Cœlestial Signs, the Reign of Saturn shall come again, so that all being Calculated, the World draws near to an Anaragonick revolution, and at this present that I write this before 177. years, three Months, eleven Days, through Pestilence, Famine, War, and for the most part Inundations, the World between this and that prefixed time, before and after for several times shall be so diminished, and the people shall be so few, that they shall not find enough to Till the Ground, so that they shall remain fallow as long as they have been Tilled; although we be in the seventh Millenary, which ends all and brings us near the eighth, where the Firmament of the eighth Sphere is, which in a Latitudinary dimention is the place where the great God shall make an end of the revolution, where the Cœlestial Bodies shall begin to move again. By that Superiour motion that maketh the Earth firm and stable, non inclinabitur in seculum seculi, unless his will be accomplished, and not otherwise; although by ambiguous opinions exceeding all natural reasons by Mahometical Dreams, also sometimes God the Creator by the Ministers of his Messengers of fire and flame shows to our external senses, and chiefly to our eyes, the causes of future Predictions, signifying the future Event, that he will manifest to him that Prophecyeth for the Prophecy that is made by the Internal Light, comes to judge of the thing, partly with and by the means of External Light, for although the party which seemeth to have by the eye of understanding, what it hath not by the Lœsion of its imaginative sense, there is no reason why what he foretelleth should come by Divine Inspiration, or by the means of an Angelical Spirit, inspired into the Prophetick person, annointing him with vaticination, moving the fore part of his fancy, by divers nocturnal apparitions, so that by Astronomical administration, he Prophecyeth with a Divine certitude, joyned to the Holy prediction of the future, having no other regard then to the freedom of his mind. Come now my Son, and understand what I find by my revolutions, which are agreeing with the Divine Inspiration, viz. that the Swords draws near to us now, and the Plague and the War more horrid then hath been seen in the Life of three Men before, as also by Famine, which shall return often, for the Stars agree with the revolution, as also he said visitabo in virgâ ferreà iniquitates eorum & in verberibus percutiam eos, for the Mercies of God shall not be spread a while, my Son, before most of my Prophecies shall come to pass; then oftentimes shall happen sinister storms, (Conteram ergo (said the Lord) & confringam & non miserebor) and a thousand other accidents that shall happen by Waters and continual Rains, as I have more fully at large declared in my other Prophecies, written in solutâ oratione, limiting the places, times and prefixed terms, that men coming after, may see and know that those accidents are certainly come to pass, as we have marked in other places, speaking more clearly, although the explication be involved in obscurity, sed quando submovenda erit ignorantia, the case shall be made more clear; making an end here, my Son, accept of this Gift of thy Father Michael Nostradamus, hoping to expound to thee every Prophecy of these Stanza’s, praying to the Immortal God, that he would grant thee a long Life in Felicity.
From Salon this 1. of March 1555.
In this Stanza, Nostradamus expresseth those Humane dispositions which he made use of to be favoured of God, for the knowledge of future things, to the benefit of the Publick.
The first Disposition, was the tranquility of Mind, when he saith, Sitting by night; Because a troubled Mind cannot see clearly the Things it is busie about, no more than tossed Waters can distinctly represent the Objects that are opposed to them. Thus we read in the Scripture, that the Prophet Elishah, being transported with Zeal against Joram King of Israel; and nevertheless willing to consult God concerning the event of the Warr against the Moabites, called for a Minstrel, that the Harmony of the Instrument might quiet his Mind, as it did happen. And it came to pass when the Minstrel played, that the Hand of the Lord came upon him, 2 Kings chap. 3. ver. 15.
The Author in his Dedicatory Epistle to his Son Cæsar, calleth this Tranquility of Mind, A long Melancholick Inspiration; because the Melancholick Humour and Mind sequestreth a Man from the concerns of worldly things, and maketh him present to himself, so that his Understanding is not darkned by a multitude of Species that troubles its Operation.
The Second Disposition, was, the Silence of the Night; For Man who is compounded of Body and Soul, doth notably intricate himself in External things by the commerce of the Senses with the Objects; which obligeth him to withdraw himself from visible things, when he intends to apply himself to some serious Study. And as the silence of the Night causeth in the Universe a cessation of noises and clashings in Business, Visits and Colloquies, the Mind is then more at rest. Besides that, Night covering with her Darkness our Hemisphere, our Senses are less distracted, and our Internal Faculties are more united to serve the Operations of the Understanding.
Therefore the Author in his two Liminary Epistles, makes often mention of his continual Nocturnal Watchings, of his Sweet-smelling nocturnal Studies, and of his Nocturnal and Prophetical Calculations.
The Third Disposition, was Solitariness; that is, having no other Conversation then that of his Books, being retired in his Study, Alone. For it seemeth that God commonly maketh use of Solitariness when he doth impart himself to Men, and revealeth them his Oracles: And the Sybils were chosen to be Prophets, as much for their Solitariness, as for their Chastity.
The Author saith, that with those three Dispositions he raised himself to the knowledge of future things; which is signified by those words, Resting upon the Brazen Stool. Servius in his Commentaries upon Virgil, speaking of this Brazen Stool, saith two things of it. The First, that this Stool was a Table set upon a Trevet, called by the Greeks τρίπους, and by the Latines Tripus. The Second is, that the Sybils, or the Priests of the Delphick Temple of Apollo, got upon that Table, when they went about to pronounce their Oracles. Pliny, in his 33. Book, Chap. 3. saith, that they called those Tables Cortinas, and that some were made of Brass for the use aforesaid.
From the use of that Brazen Trevet is come the Proverb, Ex tripode loqui. When one speaketh like an Oracle. Thus the Author willing to express, that being in his Study in the solitariness of the Night, he raised himself to the Knowledge of Future things, to write them, and transmit them to Posterity; he saith, He was sitting or resting upon the Brazen Stool.
Thus raising himself, and taking his Pen in hand to write what he should learn, he saith in the Third Verse, that A slight Flame, or small Light did insinuate it self in his understanding, by whose splendor and brightness he saw future things.
The Author in his Epistle to Cæsar his Son, expoundeth always this Prophetical Light, by the comparison of a shining Flame, and calleth it rather a Flame than a pure Light, because this Light doth not only discover the Mysteries, but more-over it lightens in us a certain Heat and Prophetical Power, as himself terms it; as if we should say a Sacred Enthusiasm, even (saith he) as the Sun coming near us with his Light, not only darteth upon all Elementary things the brightness of his Beams, but withal infuseth in them a certain quickning heat, which causeth the Vegetables to grow, and[3] upholdeth the Being of all other natural things; Even so (saith he) this good Genius, as the Ancients term it; or as we Christians say, that Divine Spirit of Prophecy coming near our understandings, not only importeth a Light to them, but more-over a certain heat and Prophetical Power, which strenghteneth them in the knowledge of the aforesaid things, and causeth them to breath out, as by a Sacred Enthusiasm some Prophetical Verses.
Which happeneth to them (saith the Author) coming out of Solitude, that is to say, when their Spirit stoopeth down, and by degrees cometh down from that sublime Region and high elevation, taking the Pen to write down the future time. Therefore he with his dispositions participating of that slight flame, coming out of his solitude, began to write and to utter, What is not in vain to believe.
The things that the Author hath written, shall not be unprofitable as we have proved already, and the time will come, when by the means of Divine Providence the Church shall receive the fruit thereof, at which we ought not to wonder, seeing that God saith of himself in Isaiah Chap. 48. Ver. 17. I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit.
The Author foretelleth many wonders, of which we ought to be certain by the verification of those that are already past, seeing that it is the same Spirit that shewed them all.
The same Prophecies are also profitable, in that every where the Author condemneth Seditious and Rebellious persons, and Prophecieth the Churches Victory over her Enemies.
They are also profitable for particular Men that understand the meaning of them, for by it they may provide for their own business, according to the storm, undertaking nothing but upon sure grounds, following always the best party, and disposing themselves to patience, when the calamities are general, and involve together the guilty and guiltless. Therefore our Author saith well, A slight flame breaking forth out of that solitude, makes me utter what is not in vain to believe.
Amongst the customs, the Ancients observed, before they pronounced their Oracles; one was to take a Tuffie Branch of Laurel, and with it dipt in water, to sprinkle the edges and Columns of the Table, that was upon the Brazen Trevet, by which ceremonies they procured credit to their Oracles.
The Author willing to let us know, that his Verses were not only a simple writing,[4] but also Prophetical and full of Oracles, doth represent them to us by this Metaphore of the Ancients, when they did amuse the people with their ambiguous, and many times fallacious Oracles.
Being then sitting and quiet in his solitariness; coming out of that great devotion of mind, animated by the virtue of his good Genius, he putteth first the Rod into his hand, that is the Pen, and putteth it in the middle of the Branches, putting it between his Fingers. Secondly he dippeth this Rod into Water, dipping his Pen in his Ink; with this Pen dipt in Ink, he wetteth the Limb and the Foot, writing upon his paper from one end to the other, and from the top to the bottom.
Which we must understand by this word Lymbe, which is a Latin word, signifying the long and narrow pieces of stuffe, which women wore at the bottom of their Petticoats, therefore the Latins called them Lymbos, from the Latin Verbe Lambo, which in matter of cloths signifieth, to leek or sweep; and because those pieces of cloath were in the bottom of their Garments, the word hath been afterwards employed to signifie the brims of some things, so that the Lymbs of a sheet of paper, are the two margines, and the top and the bottom, as if it were the four ends of a Quadrangular Figure.
The third Verse sheweth the internal disposition of the Author, after he hath described his external one; that disposition was a Sacred quaking, which putting his heart into a palpitation, caused his hands and arms to shake, as if he had been taken with some fit of an Ague. This quaking is the disposition which the good Genius causeth in Prophets, that they may be humbled, and not be puffed up with pride, when they come near the Majesty of God, as we read in Daniel, St. John, and the 4th. of Esdras. Therefore the Author saith:
In fear I write, quaking in my sleeves. And because the Divine Spirit after he hath cast down those, to whom he will impart himself, doth afterwards quiet them; the Author therefore addeth, that a Divine splendor did sit by him.
The two first Verses signifie that a great tempestuous wind was to happen, in which a litter should be overturned, and every one should muffle his face in his Cloak, for the fierceness of the wind.
And that presently after the Common-wealth should be troubled with new Sects and Opinions, which may be understood of the beginning of Reformation by Luther and Calvin, which was about that time.
The last Verse by the white and red signifieth here (as it doth thorough all the Book) the French and the Spaniards, because the French wear white Scarfes, and the Spaniards red ones: and consequently the troubles and jars that happened presently between those two Nations.
That Monarch was Henry the II. King of France, who did not Reign long, but was unfortunately slain, running at Tilt against the Earl of Montgomery (as we shall see hereafter) and almost during all his Reign had Wars with Charles the V. Emperour, and his Son Philip the II. King of Spain; the said Emperour in that time did sack Rome, took the Pope Clement the VII. prisoner, which is signified here; as also in several other places by the loss of the Fishing Boat; the Roman Church being often compared to a Ship or Boat.
Herein is nothing mystical, the meaning is that some of the Protestant party intending to take or vex the Cities of Carcassone and Narbonne in Languedoc, shall be easily repulsed, and shall afterward fall upon the Countrey round about, which shall suffer for.
This is a confirmation of the fourth Stanza, concerning the loss of the Pope, Clement the VII. who is called here the eye of Ravenna, because he is Lord of that famous City, which was once an Exarchat of the Empire.
The wings that shall rise at, or against his feet, shall be those of the Eagle, which are the Arms of the Emperour.
The two of Brescia were the Governour and Proveditor of Venice in that place, who would at that time have endeavoured to seize upon Turin and Verceil, the two chiefest Towns of Piemont, but were prevented by the French.
The sense of the whole is this, there shall be fourteen Conspirators of one mind, and their Ring-leader, a Red-haired man, who shall be put to death, because their Reprieve could not come timely enough, being hindered by cross winds, and Letters intercepted. I could find no particular things in History concerning this.
It is hard to judge what he meaneth by the Solar City that shall be so often taken.
As by Adria, it is certain he meaneth Venice, that was so called anciently, because of its scituation in the Adriatick Sea.
This was a clear and true Prognostication of that famous Invasion made upon Maltha, by the grand Signor Solyman the magnificent, in the year of our Lord 1565. and just ten years after the writing of this Prophecy, wherein that Island, and some of the Neighbouring ones were wholly depopulated by the Turks, to the terror of Venice, called here Adria, and of all the Islands of the Adriatick Sea. For the better understanding of this, the Reader must observe, that Punicus in Latin signifieth Africa, so that the African heart signifieth the help the Turk had from Tunis, Tripoly, and Algier, Cities seated in Africa, and under the Turkish Dominion; by which not only Maltha (which in Latin is Melita) but Venice and Rome were put into a great fright; the conclusion of this Siege was, that after six weeks time, and the loss of 26000. Men, the Turks were constrained shamefully to retire. Vide the Turkish History.
This Prophecy signifieth, that some Sergeants or Executioners shall be sent into a Prison, to put to death seven Children, servants of a King that were Imprisoned there, and that some old Men their Fathers, shall see their death, and hear their cries.
The two first Verses signifie the concord that shall be among the Spanish dominions, expressed here by Sense, Heart, Feet, and Hands. After which, the Romans or those of Rome, shall be evilly intreated, being drowned, killed, and put to death by a weak brain. I guess this to have come to pass, when the Emperour Charles the V. his Army sacked Rome, under the command of the Duke of Bourbon, who was killed at the Assault; and of the Prince of Orange, who permitted licentiousness to his Souldiers, and suffered them to commit more violence, than ever the Goths or Vandales did, and therefore is called here weak brain. This Prince of Orange was of the House of Chalon, after which came that of Nassau.
This foretelleth of a wicked person, who in a short time shall be from a low degree exalted to a high one, by reason that those that have the Government of Verona, shall be unfaithful and slippery. That person seemeth to be some Pope, who from a low degree shall be exalted to that dignity, by the unfaithfulness and slipperiness of the Venetians, who are now Lords of the City Verona in Italy.
Although this Prophecie seemeth to be indefinitely spoken, because in every Countrey or Kingdom where there is banished people, they most commonly plot against their King and Countrey; nevertheless I find two remarkable Histories to make this good, one in France, and the other in England. That of France is thus.
The Cardinal of Lorrain, and the Duke of Guise his Brother, being in great favour with Henry II. the Queen Mother promoted them in the beginning of the Reign of Francis II. his successor, so that the Cardinal was made Lord high Treasurer, and the Duke General of the Armies, to the prejudice of the Constable of Montmorency. Those two favourites, fearing the persecution that is raised by envy,[10] did remove all the great ones from the Court, whether they were commanded to do so, or whether they had any other pretences.
The Princes of Condé, and of la Roche sur yon, were sent into Flanders to Philip II. Condé, to confirm the alliance between the two Crowns, and la Roche sur yon to carry the Order of France.
Diana of Poitiers Dutchess of Valentenois, was banished from Court, and compelled to surrender to the Queen all the Jewels she had extorted from the King, besides the Castle of Chenonceaux, which the Queen took for her self.
The Marshal St. Andrew was likewise banished from the Court. The King of Navarre was in Bearn.
The Constable took also his leave, and surrendred to the King the Seal of his Office. On the other side, the Protestants began to stir notably, having on their part many Princes, as that of Condé, of Porcien, Gaspard, of Coligny, Admiral of France, d’Andelot, and the Cardinal of Chastillon his brothers, Magdalene of Mailly, their Sister, Lady of Roye, the King of Navarre. All these discontented persons, and the Protestants made a great conspiracy under pretence of Religion, and of freeing the King from the tyranny of the Guisians.
They did by Choler, the Protestants because they had been so ill used, in the time of Francis I. and Henry II. and lately by the Guisians. And the discontented, for to pull down their power, it was also by an intestine hatred, because the Constable could not brook to be dispossessed of his Office of great Master, which was given to the Duke of Guise; and the others to see themselves from the management of Affairs, and the Protestants by the spirit of a contrary Religion.
Their conspiracy tended to expel the Guisians, and to seise upon the Queen, the King, and his Brothers.
To compass their end, they secretly sent some trusty persons of their own, who nevertheless feigned to be their Enemies; insomuch that the King of Navarre sent them word, that he would be always of their party, though apparently he took the Courts part.
But the Old his own, saith the fourth Verse, that is to say, the Kings old friends shall raise Sedition against them, which happened in the year 1650. when the Guisians having discovered the conspiracy that was made at Nantes, the 1. of February 1560. whose chief Ring-leader was the Lord La Renaudie; they presently got the King out of Blois, and carryed him to Amboise, caused the Town to be fortified, and set strong Guards upon all the passages.
The day appointed for the execution of the conspiracy at Blois, was the 10th of March: But the King being got to Amboise, the Conspirators went thither in such great numbers, and under such specious pretences, that had they not been betrayed, no body would have suspected them. All the Suburbs and the Countrey Towns thereabouts were full of them. The Prince of Condé, the Admiral, d’Andelot, and his Brother the Cardinal, were all there.
Then the Guisians began to fall to work, and to set upon the Conspirators on all sides.
Abundance were taken, some in the City, some in the Suburbs, others in the Countrey round about.
Most of these were slain before they could come to Town, or be carried to Prison. And their process was so short that they were hanged in their Boots and Spurs.
The Scouts did every where kill those they met withall. To conclude, it proved a very Bloody Tragedy.
La Renaudie the Chief of the Conspirators, was met with by the Lord Pardaillan a Gascon. At the first approach La Renaudie killed him; but himself was killed[11] by Pardeillan’s Servant, and his dead body brought and hanged at Amboise.
The second History is concerning England, which palpably makes this Prophecie good, if we make reflection upon what hath happened in this last Century of years, concerning banished people that have conspired against their King and Countrey, as we may see through all the Life of Queen Elizabeth, and by that famous Plot of the Gun-powder-Treason in King James’s time, which must be understood here by the Mine.
This is a prognostication of the beginning and increase of the Protestants in France, who began to sing their Psalms in French, and from time to time presented their request for tolleration. The Author being a zealous Papist calleth them Idiots, and that notwithstanding the persecution that should be against them, being put in Prison by Princes and Lords, they should at last be admitted by reason of their often praying to God.
The Author having premonished us in his Preface, that God having imparted to him the knowledge of many future things, he was curious to know if his Divine[12] Majesty had written the same thing in the Cœlestial Book, as concerning the States, Empires, Monarchies, Provinces and Cities, and he found that it was even so as it had been revealed to him, so that the Book of Heaven, written with Gods own hand, in so many shining Characters, might serve to studious men for a light and a Torch to discover very near the common estate of the world.
He then having learned from God in his solitariness, the prosperities and afflictions of the Clergy, from the beginning of the year 1555. to the end of the world; he found that there was an agreement between his prophetical Knowledge, and the motion of the Heavenly Bodies; because having made the Systeme of the years after 1550. he found that Mars was in a dangerous Aspect to the Ecclesiastical estate, and found that this Planet by its position did presage a long, bloody and horrid Catastrophe in the world, by which the Ecclesiastical estate should suffer much.
To make good this prediction, the Author doth assure us in his Preface, that he had considered the disposition of this Planet, not only in the year 1555. but also in the years following, and joyning together all that he had found in his Ephemerides, he found that this Planet did on all sides presage most bloody actions. Although, saith he, the Planet of Mars maketh an end of its course, and is come to its last Period: nevertheless it will begin it again, but some gathered in Aquarius for many years, and others by long and continual years.
As if he would say that his prediction ought not to be rejected; because Mars ended his course, and cometh to its late period; for it would take again its Exaltation and Dominion with a worse conjunction, having his Astronomical dignities, with the Conjunction of other Planets in the Sign of Aquarius during many years, and in the Sign of Cancer for many years more.
Which maketh the Author conclude, that within the space of 177. years, three months and eleven dayes, the world shall be afflicted with Wars, Plagues, Famines and Innundations, that scarce any body shall be left to Till the Ground. By which prediction we learn that those evils began in the year 1555. the first of March, which is the date of the Authors Book, and shall last till the second of June 1732. abating the ten days of the Gregorian Calender.
During which time, he saith, that Mars threatneth us with bloody Wars that shall be reiterated 70 times.
This word seventy doth not signifie a determinate number, but a great number indeterminated according to the Phrase of the Scripture, which by the number of seven signifieth many times, and by that of seventy incomparably many times more. Thus the Scripture saith, that the just man falleth seven times in one day, that is many times, and our Saviour saith to St. Peter, that we ought to forgive our Enemies, not only seven times, but seventy times seven; that is innumerable times.
We have found the truth of this Prophecie to this very day. 1. In France, by the Wars between Henry II. and Charles V. and Philip II. 2. By the Wars of Charles IX. against the Protestants, wherein so much blood was spilt on both sides. 3. By Henry III. against the same Protestants, and factions of his time, and then against the Parisians and others of their league. 4. Between Henry IV. and those of the league in his revolted Kingdom. 5. By the Wars of Lewis XIII. against the Protestants, against the Duke of Savoy, in the Valteline, in Piemont, in Lorrain, in Alsatia, in Catalonia, in Franche-Conty, in Flanders, and for the defence of Portugal, which have been continued by his successor Lewis XIV. now Reigning.
Italy did also find the truth of this prophecie, by the Wars between Paul IV. and the Spaniard, between Pius V. and the Turks, between Clement VIII. and the Duke of Ferrara, between the Emperour and the Duke of Mantua, between Urban VIII. and the Duke of Parma, between the Venetians and the Florentines,[13] by the revolt of the Kingdom of Naples, under the conduct of the Duke of Guise.
England hath had its share of it under Queen Elizabeth, by the revolt of Yorkshire, and some other Provinces, by the Spanish fleet of 88.
By the death of Queen Mary, by the revolt of the Kingdom against Charles I. And by the horrid perfidiousness of Cromwel.
Germany hath made it good by the War against the Turks, the Protestants and the Swedes.
Poland hath done the same against the Russians, Tartars, Turks, Cassaks and Swedes.
And Venice against the Turk, for the Islands of Cyprus and Candia, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Wars of Dalmatia.
This Mars besides presageth two contrary things, one is the Auge or Exaltation, the other the ruine of the Clergy: where it is to be observed, the Auge in tearms of Astrology signifieth mounting or ascending, and cometh from the Latin verbe augere, which signifieth to augment or increase. This augmentation and ruine of the Clergy is made good by the several changes that have been in the Ecclesiastical estate, in France, England, Low-Countreys, Denmark, Swede, Poland, Hungary, Valachia, Transylvania, Moldavia, Dalmatia, Geneva, Switzerland, &c.
The fourth Verse saith. By those that will hear nothing from them: that is, by the Protestants that will hear nothing from the Roman Catholicks.
The sense of all this is, that when a Meadow that was a Fish-pond before, shall be Mowed, the Sign of Sagittarius being in its Auge or ascendant, then shall Plague, Famine, and War Reign, and that age (which a Century of years shall be near its end and renovation viz. of another Century.)
The Interpretation of this is easie, and signifieth nothing else but that during 40. years the Rainbow shall not be seen, and during that time there shall be an exceeding great drought upon the Earth, and that for 40. years after the Rainbow shall be seen every day, which shall cause great flouds and innundations.
In the year 1559. Sultan Solyman called Leonclavius, according to the alliance made between him and Francis I. King of France, was desired by Henry II. his Son to send him some succours: Whereupon he sent some of his Gallies to scour the Tyrrhenean Sea (otherwise the Sea of Tuscany) to give a diversion to the Spanish forces in Italy, while the King by the means of the Marshal of Brissac, should continue his Conquests in the Piemont and Milanese.
All what this Turkish Fleet did, was to plunder and over-run the Island of Elbe, and to attempt Piombino without effect; and because these places were seated upon the Sea of Sienna, called in Latin Mare Tirrhenum, the Author saith that both the Land and Sea of Sienna shall be died with Blood, and at that time the Haven of Marseilles, which was called by the Ancients, Port-Phocen was full of Sales and Ships, as well to go into the Island of Corse, as for other designs. This History makes good that Stanza which saith, that through the discord and negligence of the French, a passage shall be opened to Mahomet, wherein it is to be observed that the Marshal of Brissac doing wonders for the King in Piemont, his virtue got him abundance of enviers and enemies in the Kings Councel, which was the cause of a great discord among them, by the diversity of opinions, and this diversity was the cause of a prodigious negligence in sending to him relief, as Turpin witnesseth in his History of Naples, and Paradin in the continuation of his History.
By this discord and negligence, a passage was opened to Mahomet, his Fleet going freely upon the Mediterranean Sea near the Coasts of France. And the reason of it was, because this discord and negligence did compel Henry the II. to ask succours of Solyman, that the Spaniard might be compelled to divide his Forces in sending some to the Sea-Towns, and so should not be so strong in Piemont; and thus must be understood the French discord and negligence, in the first and second Verse. As for the many Sails and Ships that were then in the Haven of Marseilles, to go into the Island of Corsica, the following Stanza’s are full of predictions concerning it.
By the Serpents, the Author being a Roman Catholick, meaneth the Protestants, who then began to appear numerous in the Reigns of Francis the I. and Henry the II. in whose time the Admiral Coligny was the chief among them, for his great feats in War.
These Serpents or Protestants begun to encompass the Are, that is to say, the Church and the Altar, which in Latin is called Ara.
And that happened when the Trojan-blood was vexed by Spain. By the Trojan-blood, the Author meaneth the French blood, according to the vulgar opinion, that the French are descended from the Trojans. The French were then vexed by the Spaniards, at the Battle of St. Laurence, and at the taking of St. Quentin, and other places in the Year 1557.
The third Verse saith by them, that is, by the Protestants a great number shall perish, that is to say, a great number of French. Among whom the Admiral of Chatillon having done what was possible to be done at the defence of St. Quentin, and seeing the Town taken, run away with three more, and hid himself among the Rushes that are in the Boggs about the Town, where he was found, and carried Prisoner to the Duke of Savoy, who received him very honorably, according to his valour and deserts.
Observe that the word Saignes here signifieth in old Provencal a Marish.
All the Cities mentioned in the first Verse are seated by the River of Loire, and are threatned here of a sudden change, and that some strangers shall set up their Tents against them, and chiefly at Rennes, there shall be an Earth-quake felt both by Sea and Land.
It is a Rock in the middle of the Sea, whose Roots are fed by a white clay, which is at the foot of this Rock, in the bottom of the Sea, and therefore called deep.
This clay being softned, and dissolved by the Sea-water, shall appear upon the superficies of it like milk about the Rock. Those that shall see this wonder, being ignorant that in the bottom there is a milky clay, shall in vain be troubled at it, and shall not dare to touch it.
This is a great Riddle, which was never found out till now; and had I not been born in the Countrey where the History did happen, it might have been unknown to this day, and buried in oblivion.
In the year of the Lord 1613. which was that of my Birth. There was in the Town of Sens a Taylors Wife named Columba Chatry, who presently after her marriage conceived, and for the space of 28. years persuaded her self to be with Child, had all the signs of it in the beginning of her impregnation, and having gone her compleat time, she begun to feel the pains of a woman in Labour, with great gripings in the Guts. The Urine was suppressed for a while, but at last it broke out with a strong current. This quantity of water not coming so much out of the Bladder as was supposed, as from the womb, by the breaking of the Membrane, called Amnion, seeing that with those serous excrements, she avoided some conjealed blood. After that her breast begun to fall, and the Child had little or no motion, her pains being less than they were, which caused no small admiration to the Midwifes, who expected a safe deliverance. For the space of three years after, this woman kept her Bed, and was brought to Deaths door, complaining of gripings and a hard swelling, which she desired all the Physitians and Chyrurgeons to feel, having lost all appetite, but that little which she recovered by the use of sharp things, as Verjuice, Lemmons, &c. she was wont to say to her Neighbours, that she bare a Child that should be the cause of her death. After she was dead, her Husband got two experienced Chyrurgeons to open her body, who having opened the belly, and taken away the Peritonæum, saw the Womb of several colours, as the flesh that is about the head and neck of a Turky-cock, but as it were of a Horny substance. They begun to make an incision in it with a Rasour, but finding it resisted the edge, they begun to use their Incision knives with all their strength; at last one of them by chance hit the Scull, and after that some Ribs, and then the Shoulder bone, by which, knowing that there was bones contained in that lump, with greater strength they made a deeper incision, and having parted the edges of the womb, saw in the bottom of the womb a Child, wrapped in the membrane, called Allantoides; at which the Chyrugeons wondering, sent for the Physitians to have their opinion in a thing that is almost beyond belief; in the mean time people flocking thither from all parts, and troubling the Chyrurgeons in their operation; they thought good to take away with their Instruments all that Lump, as a Tree from its Roots, and to carry it home, that they might with more time and leasure examine the whole Anatomy of it. In that hasty pulling out of the Child, they had no time to observe what Chorion it had, what umbilical Vessels, and what connexion there was of the Allantoides with the Womb, and with the Child, chiefly about the right hip, the Buttocks, and the Back-bone being all grown solid together.
The scituation of the Child was almost Spherical, the face leaning upon the breast, and the Nostrils upon the Knees; the bones of the Head were but thin, but very hard, and shining like Horn; the skin of the Head was hairy in many places; the head did hang so much upon the left arm, that the Ear, and part of the skull had given way to the Shoulder-bone; the Elbow was bent towards the Shoulder stretching only his hand, which was so close shut, and the fingers sticking so fast to the Palm of it, that although they did appear distinct one from another, nevertheless it was all but one and the same stone; the right arm did stretch its hand towards the Navel, which unadvisedly was broken by the wrist, and left in the Mothers Belly; the left Thigh, Knee and Leg were on the top of the right ones, with which they were so entangled, that the left heel, and the sole of the foot were planted upon the right foot,[18] who seemed to have given place to them, and were almost inseparably joyned; for all such hardness of the matter, the body was not less than that of other Children of the same age, but kept a perfect fulness and proportion all the internal parts, as the Brains, the Heart, the Liver, had their natural shape, and were not altogether so hard as the external parts, so that to this very day this little body defieth all kind of corruption.
This Child was kept in my time by one Mr. Michel a Chirurgion of Sens, who kindly shewed it to all the strangers that came far and near to see it. The Fame of it was so great, that Doctor Mayerne coming from Switzerland to England, took his way through Sens to see it, and would have perswaded King Charles I. to buy it, as himself told me; since that I hear it was fallen into the hands of the Venetians. In this History there is two observable wonders. One, that the Child dying in the Womb, did not corrupt, and so cause the death of its Mother. The other, by what vertue or power of the body this child was petrified, seeing that the Womb is a hot and moist place, and therefore more subject to putrifaction. Those that will satisfie themselves with the reasons of it, and the truth of the History, may read Johannes Alibosius Physician of Sens, who was an eye witness of it, and Sennertus in his book of Sympt. quam feminis in utero accidant.
Now this accident being so rare, and without parallel, our Author thought fit to foretel it, and to cover it in abscure tearms, that he might not appear ridiculous in so admirable an event. When therefore he saith, That which shall live and shall have no Sense, he meaneth this λιθοπαίδιον or child petrified, which had a Life while it was in the Mothers belly, being tied to it by the several Vessels and connexions, known to Anatomists, and yet was senseless in that it was petrified. When in the second verse he saith, The Iron shall destroy the art of it, he meaneth that it should be spoiled by the rasour, in the two last verses he saith, that the Towns of Autun, Chalons, Langres, and Sens the Town in which this did happen should that same year suffer much damage by Hail and Ice, which did come to pass, as many persons may justify in that Countrey, that are alive to this day.
This signifieth a particular accident, viz. that in the third Month, which is that of March, at the rising of the Sun, the Boar and the Leopard, that is, two persons of quality hidden under these names, shall go into the fields to fight a Duel. The Leopard one of them being weary, shall lift up his eyes to Heaven, calling upon God, and thereupon shall see an Eagle playing about the Sun, that is, shall get the Victory, of which the Eagle is the Emblem.
This name of new City is appropriated to several ones in every Countrey. The French have many Villeneufuas, the Germans many Newstads, the Italians and Spaniards many Villanovas, so that it is hard to guess which of them the Author meaneth. The missing of this dore makes the rest of the Prophecie so obscure, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, than to pretend a true explication of it. I shall only say, that Cremona and Mantua are two famous Towns in Italy, which are here threatned.
The Prophecie is concerning the body of a famous Churchman, which was lost, and shall be found again, and worshiped as a Demy-God, but before the Moon hath run her great age, which is of 13 Months, it shall be vilified and dishonoured.
This is concerning some great man, who being premonished by a common Carrier not to travel upon a certain day, did slight the advice, and was strucken by Lightning in the day time, and another in the night; at the same time there was a fight at Rhemes, and the Plague at London and in Tuscany, which in Latin is called Etruria.
The sense of it is, that some body (who is named here Guyen) being under an Oak shall be strucken with the lightning, and that near that place there is a great Treasure, that hath been many years a gathering, and that he who shall find it shall die, being shot in the eye with a Fire-lock.
The Tower of Bouk is a strong place seated by the Rhosne, where it entereth into the Mediterranean Sea; it is said here that it shall be in fear of a Barbarian Fleet, and after that of a Spanish one, and that both the Spaniard and the French shall have great losses in Cattle, People and Goods, and this shall happen when the Sun shall be in the Signs of Taurus and Libra.
This signifieth no more but that after, a Fish, Terrestrial and Aquatick, that is which, liveth in Land and Water, called by the Greeks αμφίβιον, shall be cast upon the Sand by a storm, then a little while after, that Town which lieth near to that place where the Fish was cast, shall be Besieged by her Enemies, who shall come by Sea.
It is a Forrein Ship which by a storm shall be driven to an unknown Harbour, and notwithstanding the signs that shall be made to it with Branches, by those that are upon the Land to beware of the entrance of the Harbour, it shall be cast away, and plundered; thus a good advice shall come too late.
That is, the Wars shall last so long in France after the death of one King of Spain, till three great ones shall challenge an uncertain Victory, these three great ones are the Emperour designed by the Aigle, the King of France by the Cock, and the Turk by the Moon, and this shall happen when the Sun is in the sign of the Lion. I suppose that came to pass in the time of Charles the V. Henry the II. and Soliman. For the Turk had no great odds upon the Emperour, nor he upon the King of France.
This is concerning the same Charles the V. Emperour, who about three years before his death, being weary of the World, resigned his Dominions of Spain and of the[23] Low-Countries, to his Son Philip the II. and his Empire to his Brother Ferdinand, and retired himself into a Monastery of Castile, called l’Escurial, which after his death, was much enlarged and beautified by his Son Philip: and that is the meaning of our Author when he saith:
For this Escurial being seated in a Desert place of a County of Spain, called Castilia, which the Spanish vanity calleth a Kingdom, (whose Use, Fruit, or Revenues, the said Charles only reserved for his maintenance) is now by the Spaniards accounted to be the eighth wonder of the World.
The meaning of this is, that a great Captain, Commander of the Imperial Forces, shall cause a Bridge that was built near a spacious Plain to be thrown down. The City near the Bridge being terrified at it, shall shut up their Gates against him.
It is a Hawk which in presence of two Armies ready to give Battle, shall fly to a window and perch upon it, in the presence of them all, one of the Armies shall take[24] it for a good sign; and the other, for an ambiguous and sinister one. In Conclusion, the weaker party shall get the Victory.
This is one of the Prophecies that hath put our Author in credit, as well for the clearness as for the true event of it.
Cæsar Nostradamus our Authors son, in his History of Provence, writeth that by this Stanza his father intended to foretell the manner of Henry the second’s death.
The French Histories relate that this great Prince desiring to honour the Nuptial of his Daughter Elizabeth, married to Philip II. King of Spain, did appoint a Tournament to be kept in St. Anthony’s street in Paris, where himself would be one of the Defendants against all comers, and for that purpose chose for his companions and associates Don Alfonso d’Este Duke of Ferrara, and Francis of Lorrain, Duke of Guise.
The Tornament being almost ended, in which the King had shewed much Valour being mounted upon a Horse of the Duke of Savoy, Philibert’s, Emanuel his Brother in Law, this Duke intreated the King to leave off, because he had got the Victory; and the weather was hot, and the night drawing on: But this Martial King would need break one Launce more, and commanded the Captain Gabriel de Lorges to be called, a young and valiant Lord and Captain of the Scottish Guard. Being come, the King commanded him to run against him, which he refused a great while; but the King waxing angry, he obeyed, and set Spurs to his Horse, he did hit the King in the lower part of his Beaver, the Launce was broken into shivers, and the mean stump lifting up the Beaver, a splinter got in, and wounded the King a little above the right Eye, where finding the Bone too hard, it went very deep under the said Eye, and broke some Veins belonging to the Membrane, called Pia Mater.
The blow was so violent that the King bended his head towards the lists, and fell, into a Swound, being presently disarmed, they perceived the splinter of the Launce in his Eye, and his face all bloody. He lived ten days after, and died with great Convulsions, because the Sinews were offended, whereupon he suffered grievous Torment.
His death was also foretold by Luke Gaurick a great Astrologer, who being constrained by the Queen Catharine of Medicis, to tell her by what kind of death her Husband should end his days, told her it should be in a Duel, which made him to be hissed at, Kings being exempted of those accidents.
According to this Narrative the Author calleth the King an old Lion, and the Captain Lorges, since Earl of Montgomery, the young Lion; because both fought like Lions. The young Lion overcame the old one in Martial field, and in a fight of one against one, and consequently a Duel.
He overcame him by putting his Eye out in a Golden Cage, that is, in his Gilded Helmet.
Of which Wound there came another, because the blood of some broken Veins, creeping into the Brains by the vehement agitation of the head, caused an Impostume there, which could not be remedied: therefore the Author saith two Wounds from one, that is, one wound made two: and the King died of a cruel death, as we have said before.
The words of this are plain, though it be questionable whether the thing is come to pass already, or not.
The two first verses I believe are concerning the Battle of Saint Denis, which was fought in the Evening hard by Paris, and where the Constable of Montmorency[26] was kill’d, which made that great people of Paris to be doubtful.
The other two Verses I leave to the interpretation of the Reader.
This Stanza being full of Figures and Equivoques, I will not interpose my Judgement in it, lest I undertake too much, and perform too little.
The Author hath purposely obscured this Prophecie in the third Verse, to take away the Knowledge of it from the Reader; because the parties concerned were then alive, viz. Philip II. King of Spain, who caused his only son Don Carlo to be strangled in his bed, for suspicion of being too familiar with his wife Elizabeth of France, and Daughter to Henry II. The last Verse saith, that he was so implacable, that he would read neither Card nor Packet, that is, no requests.
There is two things in this Prognostication, the first that in Bizance, which is Constantinople, a Troop of tumultuous persons gathered together, and dissembling their folly, shall cause an alteration in the Laws.
The other, that some Bassa come out of Ægypt, shall perswade them at Constantinople to alter their Coin, and the allay of it.
After the taking of Vulpian, the French came to Montcalvo, and in the night surprized it by Scalado, and Paradin saith, that not a drop of Blood was shed on either side.
The Town being taken, the Citadel did hold out a good while, and at last did surrender, Don Arbre, who was in the place of the Marques of Pescaire, and of the Duke of d’Alva, knowing that the besieged had not made a sufficient resistance, caused the Captain, and eleven more of the chief ones to be hanged; because the place was of consequence, and those within had not made a sufficient resistance.
The Author saith in the first Verse, Siege was laid to a City, that is, it was resolved to besiege Montcalvo, as the Martial of Brissac had advised. In the execution it was assaulted by night, in the taking few escaped; for they were all taken,[28] and yielded to the Victorious. There were none killed or wounded, all were taken, except few who ran away, and carried the news to the Spaniards.
At the same time a fight not far from the Sea, that is, at the same time there was another Battle by the Sea, between the Spaniards and the Pope, as we shall shew hereafter.
The third and fourth Verses are concerning a particular accident, which happened presently after the taking of Montcalvo, which is, that a woman seeing her Son come back safe, fell in a swound, or died for joy, because knowing the danger wherein he was, she had lost all hopes of ever seeing him. This fellow had brought Poison in a Letter to give to one that had not rewarded him according to his desire. His wickedness being discovered, his Master put him in Prison, whence he escaped, and came back again to Montcalvo; the Author speaketh of the same in another place, which we shall set down in its order.
The tenth of the Calends of April is the 23. of March, Gothik account signifieth the old account of the Calendar, before the reformation of it by Pope Gregory the XIII. which old account is called here Gothik, because it is kept still by the Northern Nations, which do not acknowledge the Pope, as Sweden, Denmark, Holland, England, &c. at that time saith our Author, a Magician shall be raised up by malitious persons; which fire or tumult being put out, that Diabolical assembly will go about to seek the bones of two famous Magicians, viz. Damant and Psellin that were dead before.
This will not seem incredible to those that have read the English Chronicles, who relates that in a County of England (I think it is Herefordshire) there was an Earthquake, which transposed a large piece of ground in another place, with the Trees that were in it, and if I remember well, half a Chappel, those that have the Books may examine the truth of the History, and satisfie themselves better.
This is a true Prophecy of the miserable condition of the Church and Clergy in our Fore-fathers times, and chiefly of Henry the II. in France, and Henry the VIII. in England, when in the beginning of the Reformation there was such a confusion of opinions, and such unsettledness in Ecclesiastical Government, that sometimes the Popish party prevailed, and put to death the Opposers; at another time the Protestants, who drove away the Monks, Abbots and Novices, as is expressed here, and proved true in Henry the VIII. time. As for what he saith, that Honey shall be much dearer than Wax. It is to be understood of the downfal of the Romish Religion, who maketh use of Wax Candles and Tapers in their superstitious ceremonies, as if he would say, that the Romish Religion being down, Wax shall be cheap, and Honey dear.
The Author being a Papist, is probable that in this Prophecy he aimed at Luther, after whose coming the world hath been full of Sects and Schisms.
Auch, Lectoure and Miranda are three Towns in Guyenna, a Province of France, the chief City whereof is Bourdeaux. The rest is easie.
The Leman Lake, in Latin Lacus Lemanus, is the Lake of Geneva, therefore it is palpable, that by this Prophecy, the Author aimeth at Calvin, and his Successors, who began the Reformation in that Town. I leave the rest to the Readers Judgement, it is enough I have opened the door.
All this signifieth no more, but that the Authors Prophecies extend to the end of the world.
I desire Posterity to take special notice of this Stanza, that in case it should come to pass, our Author may be admired for the specification of the time, which is so punctually set down, here that it admitteth no ambiguity. The plain meaning is, that the Turks, which he calleth those of the East. By the virtue of the Moon, which is their Ensign and Badge, shall in the year 1700. carry away abundance of people, and shall subdue almost the whole Northern Countrey, which to them is Russia, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Denemark, &c.
The meaning is, that at that time, as such conjunction of Planets shall be, which he calleth here Aquatick triplicity, there shall be born upon a Thursday a famous man, such as he describeth here, who shall be a foe and a terrour to the Turks, signified here by the Orients.
This signifieth, that when Jupiter and Saturn shall be in conjunction in the head of Aries, that then shall be great commotions in France and Italy.
This third position of the Celestial bodies foretelleth the death of the great Turk, who should be murdered in his own Chamber, as happened to Sultan Osman, who was strangled in his Chamber, by the command of Daout Bassa great Vizeir, about the year 1622. vide the Turkish History.
The rest of the Prophecy is concerning a King, who being newly joyned to the Church, (I suppose of Rome) shall bring much mischief to it, and in his time Europe shall be brought very low, and in a manner confined to a corner of the North, which hath relation to the foregoing 49. Stanza, which see in its place.
This is a true Prophecy of the mischiefs that have happened in the World by the finding of the Mines in America; first to the Indians themselves, called here a great People, by the cruelty of the Spaniards, and then to all Christendom besides, by the evils that this Idol Mammon hath brought into it.
This obscure Stanza must be interpreted thus.
Two revolts shall be made by the wicked Link-carrier; that is, Paris which is the Link-carrier of France, and whose example the rest of the Towns follow, shall revolt twice, the first revolt was against Henry III. in the time of the Barricadoes, the second against Henry IV. his successor.
Which shall make a change of the Reign and the Age: This happened when the house of Valois was extinguished, and the house of Bourbon came in, and that is the change of the Reign. The change of the Age, was, because this did happen about the end of the year 1599. and the beginning 1600. which was a change of Age.
The moveable sign offers it self for it: That is, the position of the Heavens was such as to forward these accidents.
To the two equals in ambition: That is, to Henry III. and Henry IV. who both intended, and went about to reduce Paris to obedience.
There is nothing difficult here, but what Climat is that is opposite to the Babylonian, of which every body may satisfie himself by perusing the Globe.
I conceive there is some things omitted, and corrupted by the Press in this Stanza, which rendreth it so difficult, therefore I had rather leave it to the decision of the impartial Reader, than venture my opinion upon it.
The words and sence are plain, and I cannot believe that there is any great mystery hidden under these words.
In the first Verse the Author speaketh of a Monster that had two heads, and four Arms, and the Belly slit, that is to say, it was a female.
His Son Cæsar in his History of Provence, saith, that in the Town of Senan in Provence, a Child was born with two heads, and that it was foretold by some that were skilful in Astronomy, by which words I guess he spake of his Father, sith the Astrologers cannot foretel the birth of a particular Monster, and therefore Nostradamus only was able to do it in those days.
He saith in the same place, that it was born in February 1554. and was brought to Salon to be shewed to his Father, and thence was carried to Claudius Earl of Savoy Governour of Provence, who commonly had his residence at Salon.
He maketh no mention if he had four Arms, nor what Sex it was of, it may be that being in swadling cloths, nobody took notice of the Arms or Sex.
The Author Prophecieth that it should live some years, it may be two or three, and that is was preserved to see, whether in time it should have the use of its Senses, of the Tongue, and understanding of its two Heads, to see whether there were two Souls, or onely one, and to say the Truth. I think that in such an accident both Heads ought to be Baptized, that in case there should be two Souls, both should partake of the blood of Christ, for their Eternal Salvation.
I do not find in the same History how long it lived, it being a thing not much material to History. In the third Verse he marketh, The day that Aquilare shall celebrate his Festivals; and in the fourth he saith that Fossan, Thurin, chief Ferrare shall run away.
To understand this, one must suppose here that the Town of Cazal is called here the chief of Ferrare; because it is the chief City of Montserrat, and as Paradin saith, is called Cazal St. Bas, a handsom and strong place, honoured with many Nobles and antient Families, as of the Earls of St. George and of Biandratte.
Secondly, We must suppose that in the year 1554. the Lord Figuerol, Lieutenant to the Governour of Milan did command in that place. Of this Figuerol I find in the Author of the four Volumes of the States and Empires, (when he speaketh of Spain) that the House of Figueroas was the root of that of Aquilar, which hath several branches, out of which came the Duke of Feria, and the Marquess of Pliego, so that Figuerol and Aquilar is the same thing.
If it be objected that Figueroas and Figuerol are not the same, Paradin teacheth us, that this Figuerol was bred up amongst the Genoeses, and the corrupted Italian of Genoa may have named the Captain Figuerol in stead of Figueroas.
Thirdly, We must suppose here that Cazal was taken in the night that is between Shrove-Tuesday and Ash-Wednesday, and that from Shrove-Sunday to that day there were great rejoycings, because of a famous Marriage that was made between two persons of quality, where the Lord Figuerol was one of the chief persons invited.
Fourthly, That these rejoycings were the occasion of the taking of Cazal; because the Lord Salvaison Governour of Verrüe hearing of this Feast, resolved to be among them, though with a different intention. He had before hand made himself sure of one Fontarole, who under pretence to sell fruit, went up and down the Town to spie what was a doing.
Fifthly, The resolution of surprizing Cazal was agreed upon, and the time appointed to be the night between Shrove-Tuesday and Ash-Wednesday, when the Governour, Inhabitants and Souldiers should be buried in sleep, weary of debaucheries committed the day before.
Sixthly, This resolution was so happily put into execution, that Figuerol hearing[37] the noise of the French being in Town, came out of his house, having only his night Gown upon him, and a Halbert in his hand, to quiet those whom he only thought to be some drunken persons; but hearing the cry of France, France, he presently retired into the Castle, with all those that were come to the Nuptials.
Seventhly, The Marshal of Brissac coming about seven of the Clock in the Morning, caused the Tower of Cazal to be assaulted, which was taken with a considerable loss of the French, and after that the Castle which held out 12 days.
All this being supposed, mark what the Author saith in the third Verse.
The day that Aquilare shall celebrate his Festivals, that is, the day that Figuerol of the house of Aquilare shall celebrate his Festivals, not only one Festival, but his Festivals, that is of three days.
Fossen, Thurin, saith the fourth Verse, Chief Ferrare shall run away.
Fossen, Thurin, doth not signifie two Towns, but one onely; for although Fossen and Thurin be two Towns, of which Fossen in the time of the Wars in Italy under Henry II. belonged to the Spaniard, and Thurin to the French. These two Towns signifie but one, which is that of Fossen, to which to distinguish it from Marseilles, he giveth the Epithete of Thurin, so much as to say, that he speaketh of Fossen a Town of Piemont, the chief Town of which is Thurin, and not of Fossen, which the Author taketh often for Marseilles.
Which the Author maketh plain, when he saith in the singular number, that Fossen, Thurin, chief Ferrare shall run away, to shew that it is onely one Town of which he speaketh, otherwise if he had intended to speake of two, he would have put it in the plural number, which is more manifest by the History, wherein we learn that Fossen belonged to the Spaniards, and Thurin to the French, and consequently, being of contrary parties, they could neither follow, nor fly from a Town which belonged to one of them.
If any one should object, that the sense of the fourth Verse is, that the Chief Ferrare shall fly or follow these two Towns, the preceding reason is repugnant to that sense; because a Town that is of one party, cannot be friend to two Towns, one of which is of its party, and the other of the contrary.
The reading of this work shall convince every body, that the Author setteth down sometimes two Towns for one, to distinguish them from others, as he nameth Paul Mansol, to distinguish that Town of St. Paul, which is three Leagues from the Rhosne, over against Pont St. Esprit, from that St. Paul which is in Provence.
Now that Fossen in Piemont shall run from Cazal the chief City of Montserrat, because that being taken by the French, Fossen could not expect but perpetual damages from it.
But why? will you say, doth the Author speak rather of Fossen, than of other places that held for the Spaniards? I answer, because Fossen was the strongest place that the Spaniards had in Piemont and which could not be taken by the French, though her neighbour Saviliane was, as we shall shew hereafter.
In the Vulgar impression of this Stanza, there is two faults, one is, that in the first Verse it puts Aquileya, which is a Town that is not in Italy, truth it is, that there is Aquilee a little above Venice, but this hath no correspondency with Fossen, Thurin, nor the Chief of Ferrara.
In the fourth Verse the impression setteth down shall follow, which maketh nonsense, and therefore I put shall run away, which is a word in French near the other, and maketh a compleat sense, to which agreeth the birth of that Monster in February, and the taking of Cazal in the Month of March. In that year, John Statius setteth Shrove-Tuesday upon the 16 of February, and consequently we must say, that the Town was not taken that year 1554. for the Citadel was taken 12 days after, which should have been the 19 of February, and notwithstanding the History marks that it was taken upon the 14 of March.
Therefore we must conclude, that it was taken the year following 1555. and to say truth, in that year Ash-wednesday was the 27. of February; in that day the Town was taken, and two days after the Tower of Cazal; after which the Citadel was besieged the second of March, and the first Saturday of Lent, and was taken twelve days after, which was the 14. of March, which convinceth me that Cazal was taken in the year 1555. upon the 27. of February, and therefore that this Stanza is wholly Prophetical.
This is very plain, and signifieth no more, but that some persons that were banished into Islands, and could not hold their tongues; upon the coming of a Monarque, more cruel than his Predecessor, shall be murdered, and burnt.
This Prophecy is for the future; for since Nostradamus’s time till now, such an Emperour was not heard of, that was born near Italy, that cost the Empire so dear, and proved more a Butcher, than a Prince.
The two first Verses foretell what hath happened to England under the Government of a Common-wealth, and how their new Magistrate Cromwel made a havock of them. The third and fourth Verses, mention what great sums they exacted from those of the Kings party, and how for that cause Swedeland foresook their friendship.
Here the Author bemoaneth the loss of one eminent person in Learning, be like of Julius Scaliger, who lived in his time, and was once his intimate friend, the two last Verses that great miseries, as Fire and Flood shall happen by the ignorance of Princes.
This foretelleth a great tranquillity every where, and after that, Wars again:
This Stanza is full of prodigies that are to happen, and for that in the last Verse, it is no great wonder, for many brute beasts have spoken, speak now a days, and shall speak hereafter.
The meaning of all this is, that when a child shall be born without hands, there shall be fearful Lightning; a Royal child shall be hurt at Tennes, and by that Lightning some shall be bruised by a Well, and in a Mill, and three in the Field shall be killed.
This Stanza hath a connexion with the foregoing, for the two first Verses signifie, that he who shall carry the news of that fearful Lightning, and of the mischief done by it, shall have much ado to recover his breath.
In the last two Verses, the Towns are named which shall suffer most by that storm, and chiefly by the Hail and the Wind.
The words and sense of this are plain, and foretell a great famine, which being first in one Countrey and then in another, shall at last become general, and last so long, that people shall pluck the Roots from the Trees, and the children from the breast to feed upon.
This is very plain concerning three innocent persons, who shall be delivered up by their unfaithful keepers, and shall be put to great torments by drunken Executioners, which torments shall be suspected to come by poison.
A Stade cometh from the Greek word σταδιον, ἀπὸ τῆς στασεος, because Hercules did overrun so much ground at one breath; but what space of ground the Author meaneth by seven Stades, is unknown to me. The rest of the Prophecy may very well be appropriated to the last fearful eruption of Mount Ætna, which sunk so many Towns and Buildings, and the relation of which is so handsomly and truly made by the most honourable the Earl of Winchelsey, who was an eye witness to it, in his return from his Embassy at Constantinople.
The meaning of the two first Verses, is, that while the Rain, Famine, and War shall be in Persia, a Monarque shall be betrayed by his credulity. The third Verse signifieth that this Rain, Famine and War being ended in Persia, it shall begin in France. And the fourth Verse, that this shall be an Omen to a great Person of his approaching death.
It is hard to guess what this Sea Tower is, which was taken and retaken three times; first by the Spaniards, next by the Barbarians, and then by the Ligurians, that is, either the Genoeses, or those of Ligorne, unless he meaneth the Pignon de Velez in Africa, first taken by Charles the V. upon the Barbarians, then retaken again by them, taken again by the Spaniards, by the help of the Genoeses. In the third Verse Marseille, Aix, and Arles, are threatned by those of Pisa, that is the Florentines, of being ruinated by Fire and Sword, and to be plundered, as also Avignon by those of Piemont.
Marseilles is a Sea-Town in Provence, Narbon, and Tholoze are Cities of Languedoc, and Bourdeaux is the chief Town in Gascony, the rest is easie to be understood.
This Stanza is concerning as many Countreys, as there are Verses: the first is France, which by neglect and carelesness of her in Inhabitants, shall be assaulted on five several sides. The second is concerning Tunis and Argier, Cities of Barbary, which shall be stirred and moved (I suppose) to rebel. The third regardeth Leon, Sevil, Barselona, Cities in Spain, and the fourth the Venetians.
There is no difficulty in this, but in the last Verse, which I had rather leave to the judgment of the judicious Reader, than to offer any thing that might make me ridiculous.
For the explication of this Stanza, you must understand that Sienna is a City in Italy, now under the Dominion of the Duke of Tuscany, who shall occupy Savona, a City now under the Dominion of the Common-wealth of Genoa; the rest is plain enough.
By the three Sisters, he meaneth the three Destinies, viz. Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, which the Poets have fained to Spin every mans destiny, which he calleth here Fato, from the Latin word Fatum. The rest may be interpreted as well by the Reader, as by my self.
I could not find what he meaneth by Calpre, nor by Rocheval, which I suppose to be the proper names of places, when he saith, that proud Neptune shall fold the black Sail; he maketh an allusion to the History of Theseus, Son of Ægeus King of Athens, who being sent with other Children into Candia, to become a prey to the Minotaure, his Father sent the Ship with black Sails, as in a case of Mourning, charging Theseus, that if he came back again safe he should put on white Sails, but coming in sight of Athens, Theseus for joy forgot to put on the white Sails, so that his Father Ægeus thinking he had miscarried, cast himself from a Rock into the Sea, so that he saying that Neptune shall fold the black Sail, he meaneth, that there shall be joyful news.
The sense of this is so plain, that any body may make his interpretation of it.
This Key of the sense of this Stanza lieth in the last word Tauropole, which is compounded of the Latin word Taurus a Bull, and of the Greek word πολέω, that is, to sell; so that the meaning of it is, that those Cities mentioned shall rise in Rebellion against the Monopolites, and those that shall lay a Tax upon Cattle.
The first Verse is of a most dark and abstruse sense, in which I confess my ignorance, unless he meant from the sixth of the seven Planets, the rest is plain enough.
There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by Kappa, Theta, Lambda, which are three Letters of the Greek Alphabet.
Auster, in Latin is the Southwind. Vienna is the chief City of Austria, belonging to the Emperour of Germany.
By the Tuscans are meant the people under the Dominion of the Duke of Florence; and by the Latines, those under the Pope.
This signifieth, that when the Moon shall be totally Eclipsed in the night, and that all the next day her Brother the Sun shall be seen of a ferrugineous, (that is an Iron like colour) then shall a great one that was hidden arise, and do great feats of Arms with the death of many men.
There is nothing difficult here, but the last Verse, which yet will be plain enough, if you make these three words anger, hatred, and envy not co-herent with the foremost, but subsisting by themselves; as if one should say, there shall be anger, hatred, and envy.
It is some great Queen, who seeing her self vanquished, shall swim naked on Horseback over a River, being followed by those that would have either killed or taken her, and after that shall forfeit her faith, but whether it be to her Husband, Friends, or Relations, is not expressed.
Ennosigee is a Greek word εννοσίγαιος, in Latin Terræ quassator, from ἔνίω moveo, and γαῖα Terra, and is an Epithete of Neptune. The meaning then of this Stanza is, that the Sea shall make the Earth quake, and fire come out of the Earth about Naples, which in Greek is called Neapolis, that is, a New City.
Arethusa is a Fountain in Sicily, which a little way from its Spring, groweth into a River. The rest is left to the interpretation of the Reader.
By the Divine sickness, he meaneth the falling sickness, called by the Greeks Epilepsia, and by the Latines Morbus Sacer. By the shaven head, he meaneth some Ecclesiastical person of the Romish Religion; the construction of the whole is easie.
By Illerde he meaneth the City of l’Isle in Flanders, the Mosel is a River that runneth through Lorrain, the Loire and Seine are two other Rivers of France, the first of which passeth at Orleans, and the second at Paris; the two last Verses are too hard for me to interpret.
Tramontana, in Italian, is the North-wind. Orgon, is the name of a Town in Gascony, the rest of the construction is not difficult.
He foretelleth here some Prodigies that shall be in the Air, as Swords and Lances after fair weather, which shall be forerunners of great Wars, and chiefly in those Countries that shall be situated on the left hand of these Prodigies.
The words and sense are plain.
By the Lion he understandeth the English, because of their Arms, and by the Cock the French, called in Latin Gallus, which signifieth a Cock; Catulon is the Spaniards, as if he should say Castilian; the Celtes are the Dutch of the Low-Countries.
By the Port Selyn, is meant Constantinople, because of several Emperours of the Turks that have been of that name, therefore the intention of this Prophecy, is, that one of the Turkish Emperours shall be put to death at Constantinople, which for all that, shall not recover her liberty. The new Mars, be like he is so called, that shall put him to death by vengeance without remorse. The Lady by excess of fear honoured, may be applied to the present great Sultaness, Mother to this present Emperour of the Turks, who hath hitherto made her self very considerable by a great party, which she hath raised against her Son, to prevent him from putting his Brothers to death, as is usually practised in that Court.
The meaning of the whole is, that a Twin shall be found before a Church, begot by a Monk, of Illustrious and Ancient Family, and shall become very famous, So that they shall say the Vopisk is much raised. Vopiscus in Latin, is, that one of the Twins, which cometh to perfect Birth.
As the words of this Stanza are plain, so is the sense most obscure, and so to be left to the Readers private Judgement.
The sense of this is plain, though the words be somthing untowardly expressed.
It is some great Commander that shall lead a multitude of people into a strange Countrey, far from their own; suppose Candia and Thessalia, where the said Commander shall be compelled to run away, and to save himself in a Barn by the Sea side.
This Stanza requireth no interpretation more, than what every one will be pleased to give himself.
Dola is a Town in Burgundy. The Tuscan Land, is that which belongeth to the Duke of Florence.
Three Prophecies are contained in this Stanza, the first that the English shall make an incursion in Gascony; the second, that there shall be a great dearth by Rains and Frosts; the third, that the Turks shall make great Incursion.
I did never find that word of Glue-head before in any Author, and I believe if Cotgrave were alive again, it would puzzle him to give the interpretation thereof.
The third and fourth signifie, that one shall be hanged on the Sails-yard, and another on a Tree, when a King shall be taken by his own Men, and shall say how much? that is, how much money shall I give you to set me free.
Negrepont is an Island of the Archipelago near Morea, anciently called Eubœa. Rhodes is another Island, and, Genoa a City in Italy, by the Seaside. The rest is plain.
Monaco is a Town seated by the Sea-side in Italy, between Provence and Genoa. This Prophecy hath been once already fulfilled, when the famous Pyrate Barbarossa, being sent by the grand Seignor, to help the French King against the Emperour Charles the V. in his return home, plundered all that Coast, and carried away an innumerable multitude of people into slavery.
The words and the sense are plain.
This needeth no Interpretation.
This is so plain, that it needeth no explication.
This Prophecy, is concerning the beginning of the Reformed Religion, when the Roman Church rejected it, yet nevertheless, for shame they left off many of their fopperies, for ever since they never appeared so great Worshippers of Saints as before.
It is a lean man that shall keep in Peace the Kingdom, for the space of nine years, and then shall become cruel; so that he shall put to death many people without Law, or regard of his promise.
All the difficulty of this consisteth in what he meaneth by the Visard and alone, for my part, I believe he aimeth at the Popish Clergy and Monks; the first by reason of their Hypocrisy, the other by reason of their solitariness. The rest is plain.
This is an Horoscope, for the Interpretation of which we are beholding to, Mr. Mannessier of Amiens, who saith that the Father of the Lords l’Aisniers writ to Nostradamus his friend, to know his childrens fortune, who sent him those four Verses for an answer, by which it is evident that the eldest should be an eminent Man, as it fell out, being one of the chiefest men in the Province of Anjou, and one of the chiefest instruments to make Peace between Louis the XIII. and his Mother Mary of Medicis, after the Battle of Pont de Cé.
The fourth Verse saith, that some of his other Children should be expelled the Kingdom, as it happened by reason of a false report raised against one of them, which compelled him to retire into Portugal till the truth was known, as it was afterwards to his great repute and honour.
I can fasten this upon no body, but upon some Monks, which are called here The alone, because of their solitary life, who shall be punished by a King, for having robbed the Church.
The first Verse seemed to Prophecy the Reformation of Religion, and the change of opinion concerning the Lords Supper, which should be no more a Sacrifice (as the Roman Church calleth the Mass) of a body without a soul, but only a commemoration of the Lords death, as the second Verse confirmeth, saying, The day of the death shall be put for the Birth-day, seeing, that by the commemoration of that death, we are renewed into a newness of life, and as it were born again. The last two Verse are easie.
Tours, Gien, and Gergeau are Cities upon the River of Loire, which is called here the great Syren, because of the length of its course, the meaning then is, that those Cities shall be watchful, and stand upon their guard, and shall fight against a King, which if it hath already come to pass in the Civil Wars, or shall happen hereafter, I cannot affirm.
The meaning of this is, that a little before a Monarck be killed, Castor and Pollux two Meteores so called, as also a Comet in that constellation of the Heavens, called the ship of Argos, and the Publick Brass, that is, the Canons by Land and Sea shall be emptied, and these Towns of Italy, viz. Pisa, Ast, Ferrare, Turin, shall be excommunicated by the Pope.
There is nothing difficult but the word Hecatomb, which is a Greek word, signifying a Sacrifice of an hundred Oxen.
There is so many faults in the impression of this, and so hard to be rectified, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the judicious Reader, then make my self ridiculous in not giving him satisfaction.
The first two Verses signifie, that a sudden and impetuous Rain shall hinder two Armies from fighting.
The two last Verses foretell several Prodigies, the which happening, seven persons shall suddenly die upon the Sea and Land.
This is so plain, that it needeth no Interpretation.
This is obvious to the meanest capacity.
Bireme is a Galley that hath two ranges of Oares, Trireme is one that hath three ranges. The meaning then of this is, that an Embassadour shall be sent in a Galley with two ranges of Oares, and that he shall be met in his way by unknown men, that is, Pyrates; there shall come to his succours from the Salt, that is, from the French four Triremes, that is four Galleys, every one having three ranges of Oares, but they shall all be carried to Negrepont, an Island belonging to the Turk.
The Author hath darkned this Stanza with so many barbarous words, as Camp Ascop, drowned Island, D’Arton, Navel of the World, that it is very like either he did not understand himself, or would not be understood by others.
The meaning of this is, that many Courtiers (called here Palace Birds) shall be justled out of favour by another principal Bird, that is a great Courtier, as soon as the Prince shall come to his own.
The two last Verses seem to foretell that the said principal Courtier shall seize upon the Prince, notwithstanding that some succour shall come to his help, which shall be beaten back beyond the River.
Ister is a River, German is a proper name of some considerable person, whose Son shall not observe or take notice when that eminent person mentioned here, shall be drawn into an Iron Cage.
There is no difficulty but in the last Verse, where you must observe that Loire, Saone, Rhosne, and Gardon, which for the Verses sake is contracted into Gar; are Rivers of France, which are threatned here of overflowing, and causing the death of many people.
This is plain, if you observe that the Thesin is a River of Italy, and the Pau another, into the which the Thesin runneth.
By the Divine Word, you must not understand the second person of the Trinity, or else all this Stanza would be absurd; but you must understand a Divine or Theologian, called in Greek θεόλογος, which signifieth a Divine Word. The meaning therefore of it, is, that a Theologian shall be struck by Heaven; that is, shall die, so that he shall proceed no further in his work, which I suppose by the two last Verses, was the Philosophers stone; for in the two last Verses he saith, that the secret of the close Keeper, that is, of him that wrought secretly, shall (by his death) be so closed up, that people shall tread on, and before it.
This is concerning a false Prophet, which is called here the last but one of that Surname, who shall make Diana (that is Monday which is dedicated to Diana) his Sunday or Sabbath day, and so wandring to and fro in a Frenetick manner, shall perswade many people to pay no Taxes.
It is an Eastern Prince, who leaving his Countrey, shall come over the Apennine Mountains, which divide Italy, and come as far as France, destroying all before him.
This Prophecy was concerning Charles V. Emperour, who sacked Rome, took the Pope Prisoner, and filled it with more horror and slaughter than Hannibal did, though a Heathen.
This hath a dependance upon the foregoing Stanza; for Campania is the Province wherein Rome is seated, and Cassilin, called Campania di Roma, is the same as Castillan, because Charles V. was not only Emperour, but also King of Spain, the chief Province of which is Castilia: therefore the Author describeth here the misery and devastation of Campania di Roma by the Castilian, who left nothing in the ground, but Garlick, which is their most delicate food, and nothing Green but the Trees.
Dalmatia and Sclavonia, are Countreys joyning to the Adriatick Sea, belonging to the Venetians. Ravenna is a City in Italy, the rest needeth no interpretation.
Verona is a City in Italy, belonging to the Venetians, through the middle of which runneth a River called Adde, which falleth into the River Pau, about which place there shall be a great Shipwrak; as also another in the River of Garonna, which passeth at Bordeaux, the time that the Author marketh, is when those of Genoa shall go into their Countrey, that is to say, when some Ships of Genoa shall come to Bordeaux.
It is the short History of two Brothers, who fought at the Table, whereby one that was curious to part them was wounded, they afterwards fought a Duel, in whose imitation many since have been fought, to the great harm of the French Gentry.
By Sun, Arc, Caper, he meaneth the Sun being in the Signs of Sagitarius and Capricornus.
This Prophecy was fulfilled about 90. years ago in the City of Lion, seated upon two Rivers, viz. the Rhosne and the Saone, for about that time several Merchants coming to the Fair, some went to lodge at the Silver Head, in the street de la Grenete, where being in an upper room, as they were talking of their businesses, and passing the time merrily, the fire took in the Kitchen where was abundance of Oil, which did burn so suddenly and so violently, that the lower part of the House was presently consumed. Those Merchants that were in the upper room towards the street, begun to look for their Clock-bags, that were lockt up in a Trunk; but while they were busie about opening the Trunk, the Stair-case fell, and the fire got into their Room, then begun they to cry for help through the Windows. They would willingly have thrown themselves down the Windows, but they were barred with Iron, so that they could not save themselves, the House being a fire on all sides; Moreover, the neighbours taking more care of their own Houses, then of those Strangers, did run every one to his own concerns, so that they all miserably perished. Parradin in his 3. Book of the History of Lyon, Chap. 22.
It is some eminent Churchman, whose Letters shall be intercepted, by which he intended to betray his King, therefore his actions shall be called in question, and being found guilty of extortion, he shall suffer for it.
This is so plain, that it needeth no explication.
The words and sense of this are easie to be understood.
It seemeth there should be a Battle between the Italians, Germans, French, Spaniards for a Fort, which I suspect to have been that of Serizoles, wherein all those Nations were engaged, and that one year before that Battle, the publick house of a Common-wealth should fall, and kill abundance of people; But of this I could find nothing in History.
This hath a Relation to a foregoing Stanza, and likewise is not hard to be understood.
The meaning of this is, that those three Prodigies, contained in the first three Verses, shall appear when a Pope changeth his Countrey.
These words signifie, that a great man or Tyrant shall be found dead in another mans Bed, having his Legs and Arms broken, the body of which shall be devoured by these three kinds of Creatures, a Cock, a Dog, and a Cat. The last Verse signifieth that this Tyrant had escaped a cruel Death.
In the year 1556. upon the first day of March appeared a blazing Star which lasted three Months, and in that year the three great Princes were made Enemies, viz. Paul IV. Pope, Henry II. King of France, and Philip II. King of Spain, about the breaking of the Truce by Henry II.
The Affairs not succeeding according to the Pope’s, and the King of France’s desire, they made Peace with the Spaniard the 14th of October 1557. and because it[77] was an effect of Gods Providence, which moved the Pope’s, and the Kings hearts; the Author saith, they were struck from Heaven.
After this Peace the Author mentions an Earth-quake, which is very likely considering the overflowing of the Tyber, which followed immediately.
The night after, that Peace was proclaimed at Rome, on a Tuesday the Tyber did so overflow his Banks, that the inundation was thought the greatest that ever was, yea greater than that which happened in the year 1530. under Clement VII.
There were ten or twelve Mills carried away, all the Vine-yards along the Tyber, from Pontemole to St. Peters Church, were buried under the Sands, that the water carried.
Abundance of Houses fell to the ground. In Rome many Gardens and houses of pleasure were destroyed, the loss of the Wines, Hay, Wood, and Corn could not be valued.
In Florence the River of Arno did more mischief than the Tyber at Rome, the History of the Genealogy of the house of Medicis, made by Peter de Boissat, mentioneth, that in some places of the City of Florence, the water overflowed to the heigth of eight Fathoms, and covered all the valley of Arne.
The damage was yet greater at Empoly, a Town in Tuscany, where, of three thousand people, there escaped but eighteen.
But to return to Tyber, its waters being retired into their Channel, left so much mud, where it had overflowed, that no body could walk upon it, and upon that mud near the Tyber, was a Serpent seen of a prodigious bigness, which was killed by the Countrey people.
This is the Authors meaning in the last Verse, Arne, Tyber, full of Surges, Serpent cast upon the Shore.
In the third Verse he saith, those three Princes were struck or moved from Heaven to make Peace, that is, from God; every one considering that this War was only for their mutual distruction.
The Vulgar impression putteth in the fourth Verse, Pau, Tyber, in stead of Arne, Tyber, which is a visible fault; for the History mentioneth only the inundation of those two Rivers in Italy, it may be that the likeness of those words, Pau and Arne, is the cause of the mistake; as also because the name of Pau, which is the biggest River in Italy, is more famous in History than that of Arne, which is the River that passeth through Florence.
It is an Eagle driven from the Tents by other Birds, when a mad Lady shall recover her senses by the noise of Cymbals, Trumpets, and Bells.
Androgyn, is one that is Male and Female, from the Greek word ἀνηρ, which signifieth a Male, and γυνή, which signifieth a Female; the meaning then of the first Verse is, that some great persons, suppose a King and Queen, which he calleth Heaven, by reason of their exaltation above the common sort of people, shall bemoan too long one of their Children, that was, or shall be born Male and Female.
The second Verse is easie to be understood, if you take Heaven in the same sense that we have said. The last two Verses are plain.
Troche in Greek is a Pulley, the meaning therefore of the Author, that after a great mutation, God shall renew the Ages, and according to his promise shall create a new Heaven, and a new Earth.
By those prodigies related in the two last Verses, it seemeth the Author intendeth to speak of the last day, and of the fore-runners of it.
This hath a relation to the foregoing Stanza, and is as it were the second part of it. For as the foremost speaketh of the last day, so doth this of Dooms-day.
First, he saith that the great and old Enemy grieveth and dieth by Poison, that’s the Devil who shall be cast into a Lake of Fire and Brimstone. The second Verse signifieth, that all the Kings of the Earth shall be subdued by him that is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The third Verse expresseth, the anguish of the reprobate, when they shall cry to the Rocks, hide us, and to the Mountains, fall upon us. And the fourth Verse saith, that Death shall alledge in vain, the Articles she made with the Devil, and his Angels.
Paradin relateth in his History, that after the Duke of Alba had relieved Vulpian with Victuals, which was done from the 22. of July to the first of August, a Captain of the Emperors Army named la Trinité, went out of Valfrenieres the same first day of August, to plunder the Countrey of Piemont.
He had 400 Horses, and 500 Foot: The news being brought to the Marshal of Brissac, he sent out a great number of Horses, who did utterly destroy their Foot, so that but thirty escaped, to carry the news to Valfrenieres.
The Spanish Horse, seeing the French in such a fury, ran away, and got some to Ast, some to Alexandria.
After that, the Spaniards seeking to revenge themselves, took a Castle three miles from Cazal, called Frezene, or Fracinet du Pau, where they hanged up the Captain, put to the sword all the Italians, and sent all the French to the Galleys.
This proceeding being not according to the Laws of Arms, we may believe, that the victorious discovered a malitious craft of the vanquished, who had left some Sheeps-heads poisoned, to revenge themselves of the victorious, which obliged the Spaniards to serve so the Captain, the Italians and the French; and because the French were not so ill used, as the Italians, we may judge that the Italians were the chief contrivers of this business.
Therefore the Author foreseeing this, saith, that the great Army of the French, which shall go over the Mountains, shall come to this mischief, because of the poison that was hidden in the Sheeps heads.
The Vulgar impression erreth much in putting Salmons, for Muttons; for every body knoweth that the Salmons do not come into the Mountains of Montserrat, and that in the Month of August it is not a meat fit for Souldiers, therefore in stead of Salmons, we have put Muttons, or Sheep.
The Captain was hanged with a thread of Polemars, that is, with a Match, of which, I am perswaded, that one certain Polemars was the Inventor.
The Author saith in the second Verse, that the time when this accident happened, was, when Saturn was in Aries, the Vulgar impression putteth Are in stead of Aries, but that’s false, therefore set down Aries. Saturn was in that Sign in the year 1555. from the 20th of February, to the 14th of July, where from the 12th degree and four Minutes, he began to retrograde in the same Sign of Aries, till the 18th of November, so that Saturn was almost all that year in Aries.
He saith also that Mars was going back to Pisces; because in that same year, Mars that was gone out of the Sign of Pisces from the 19 of March 1554. was retrograding to come back again into it upon the 20th of January 1556.
Thus the Author meaneth, that this accident should happen in the year that Saturn should be in Aries, and Mars should be near the Sign of Pisces.
And to say truth, in the Month of August, Mars was in the Sign of Scorpio; upon the 23 of September, he entred into that of Sagitarius; the third of November, into that of Capricornus; the 12th of December into that of Aquarius; and the year following, viz. 1556. into that of Pisces; so that Mars was returning into Pisces, which is the end of its particular motion.
By this Astrological and Historical discourse we correct the Vulgar impression, which putteth turning from Pisces, Mars, in stead of which, we put, turning to Pisces, Mars, which we do by changing only from, into to, and sheweth us how careful we ought to be in the explication of these Stanza’s, when the time is prefixed to us by Astronomical calculations.
The Authors Phrase doth confirm us in this correction, when he useth this word turning, which signifieth the motion that tendeth towards its end, and not the motion that cometh from its end.
All the difficulty of this lieth in the signification of the word Pole, which in Greek signifieth a City. The word Monopoly is Vulgar, and signifieth when one or few would engross all the Trade of a Town. The rest is so obscure, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, than break my Brains about it, considering chiefly that I am going to bed, the precedent Stanza having exhausted all my Spirits, and so farewell till to morrow.
Hainault is a Province of the Low-Countries, and Gand the chief Town in Flanders, and Bruxelles the chief Town of the Dukedome of Brabant.
Langres is a City in France, in the Province of Champagne, which is called the Maiden Town; because it was never besieged. The rest is easie.
Leaving unto the impartial Reader his liberty to judge of this Prophecy, we for our part understand by it the impious and execrable murder, committed upon the person of our last most gracious Sovereign King Charles I. of blessed memory, to whose expiation it seemeth our Author attributeth the conflagration of London. By that proportion of three and twenty, the Six, is to be understood the number of Houses and Buildings that were burnt, which is about the proportion of three in four, and cometh near to the computation, as also by that three twenties and Six, may be understood the year 66. By the antient Dame that shall fall from the high place, is understood the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, which in the time of Paganism was dedicated to Diana, meant here by the title of an antient Dame, the fall from her high place, hath relation both to the sumptuousness and height of her building, as also to her situation, which is in the most eminent place of the City.
By this Verse, Of the same Sect many shall be killed, is signified the great number of other Churches even the number of 87 (which he intimateth here by the name of the same Sect), that should be involved in the same woful conflagration.
Corinth is a City of Grecia and Ephesus one of Asia; the rest is plain.
This is a confirmation of the LI. Stanza and foretelleth the great Plague we have had here in the year 1665. which he saith shall not cease till the death of the Just blood, meaning King Charles the I. be avenged who was as is here expressed, condemned without crime, and sold for a Price.
By the great Dame unfainedly abused, he meaneth the sumptuous Cathedral of St. Paul, which was polluted and made a Stable by those prophane wretches.
In the explication of this mystical Stanza, I believe every body may be as wise as I.
This is concerning some eminent person, who having shewed no great valour in a Battle, shall nevertheless in a Banquet be so bold as to stab a person of quality, that was proud.
This accident must happen somewhere about Venice, because he saith that Adria, which is taken for Venice shall look on.
There is two accidents contained in this Stanza, the first is in the two first Verses, where he saith that some considerable person, who had escaped the Sword, and the Plague shall be strucken by the Thunder, and die in a great showr of Rain.
The second is, in the two last Verses, where he saith, an Abbot shall perish by Shipwrack, thinking to save himself by holding the Rock.
The words are plain enough, but of the sense every one may think what he pleaseth.
The sense of the whole is this, that an Infant begot by some person of quality shall be exposed in the night time, the Moon Shining, which he calleth Seline, from the Greek word σεληνη, which signifieth the Moon.
Here be two things designed in this Stanza one is concerning Provence, which shall be eaten up by Soldiers, and the other concerning the City of Narbon, which shall be Besieged, or the Citizens fall out among themselves.
The Punick Faith in Latine Punica fides, a false Faith, was so called from the Carthaginians, called in Latine Pæni, which was an unfaithful Nation.
I do not know what he meaneth by great Jud. as for Rhosne, Loire and Tag, they are three Rivers, the two first in France, the last is the River of Lisbone called in Latine Tagus. The rest is easie.
Agen and Tonneins are two Towns in Gascony, Gironde is a River that passeth in that Countrey, the sense therefore of the whole is, that there shall be great Wars, and fightings in those Towns, as also upon that River, which happened in the time of the civil Wars in France, as every body may read in the Annals, and also in the Commentaries of the Lord of Monluck.
Here is nothing hard but who should be this Mabus, at last I found by transposition of Letters that he meaneth Ambus, which was the name of the Heades man that beheaded the Duke of Montmorency at Thoulouse, how miraculous therefore appeareth our Author, who did not only foretell general things, but also particular accidents, even the names of the persons that were to be born a hundred years after.
Ausonne is always taken by the Author for the City of Bordeaux, because Ausonius a famous Latine Poet was born there, the rest is so obscure, and the text so corrupted, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, then to become ridiculous, by not acknowledging my ignorance.
Here you must observe that Gebenna in Latine signifieth Geneva, and therefore this whole Stanza is concerning the City of Geneva.
Though the words be plain, nevertheless the sense is very obscure, and chiefly as I suppose by the faults of the impression, all what I can tell you here, is, that Hesperia in Latine, is Spain, and Insubria, is Savoy.
All this is plain, both in the words and the Sense.
Both the Sense and the words are plain.
This is a very remarkable one, which hath been fulfilled since the happy restauration of his sacred Majesty King Charles II. now Reigning: For the endevours of the North, (viz. the Dutch) have been very great. The ocean; like a gate, hath been open to all kind of Armies, to play their pranks upon. His Majesty, and Kingdom, have been happily restored.
This signifieth, that the French King, through the discord that is in the Spanish Monarchy, shall cause his Scepter to flourish upon three parts of the Netherlands; notwithstanding the assistance of the King of Spain, who is called here the Cap of the great Hierarchy; that is, the great defender of the Popedom and Popery.
All this Stanza signifieth nothing but a fearful Thunder and Lightning, called here, the Dart of Heaven, that shall do a great deal of mischief; for as he saith, some shall die speaking, there shall be a great execution, the Thunderbolt shall stick in the Tree, the people that was fierce, shall be humbled, and a Monster purged by expiation, that some notorious wicked person shall be consumed by that Cœlestial fire.
It is hard to judge what he meaneth by that Forreign Nation, which shall be relieved in Sicily, by the banished, nor what King is that which shall submit to reason; let it be left to every body’s private judgement.
A French Army shall be distressed, if not destroyed in Italy. The Romans, that is, those under the Pope, that shall take their part, shall be put to flight, and this battle shall be fought by the River Thesin. Another shall be fought by the River Rubicon, whose event shall be doubtful, that is to say, it shall hardly be known who got the victory.
There is a Lake in Italy called Lacus Fucinius; the Lake of Geneva is called Lacus Lemanus; the meaning then of this obscure Stanza, is, (if I understand any thing) that a Monster shall be born with three Arms, near one of those Lakes, which shall be a sign of great Wars: what he meaneth by the three Crowns to the great Endymion, is unknown to me.
Sens and Autun are two Cities in France, the Pyrenean Mountains, are those which divide France from Spain.
This is a prediction of a mighty Famine, wherein men shall eat up one another, when an unwonted Bird shall be seen and heard to cry, being perched upon one of the biggest pieces of Ordinance.
Antropophage is a Greek word, signifying a Man-eater, from ἄνθροπος, homo, and φαγος, comedens, of which sort of men there be too many already.
The Senate or Parliament of Burgundy, sits at Dijon, among them there is always a Church-man, that is one of the Judges, to see that nothing be done to the prejudice of the Church. I suspect that it is he, that is called here Sacriste, and who shall reveal the business to the Enemies. The two first Verses need no explication.
It is a Town Besieged, where after a repulse given to the Besiegers, they shall get in by the Treason of some within, who shall run away through the Conduits or Channels of the Town.
To understand this, you must know that Henry the II. King of France, having renewed his Alliance with the Grand Seignior Sultan Solyman, he asked him succours for to take Nice, which he pretended to belong to the Earldom of Provence. To that purpose the Marshal of Brissac went from Court with the Kings Army in the year 1557. to set upon Nice, Savona, and Genoa, and so to hinder the Spaniard from coming by Sea in Piemont, and the Milanese. The Turk sent him a good Fleet, consisting of 105. Galleys, and 14. Galliots.
The French Fleet consisted of 26 Galleys, of which the great Prior was Admiral, who went with them from the Castle of Yf, the 9. of June 1558.
Being at Sea, and not knowing where the Turkish Fleet was, he went to and fro to seek it out, at last he found it pillaging and plundering the Island of Minorica. The Turks had already taken the chief Town, where 800. Turks were killed, which so incensed the rest, that they set the Town on fire; then going up and down the Countrey, they took 5000. Prisoners, and if the Lords of Carces and Vence had not stayed them, they would have ruinated the whole Island.
Then forsaking the Island, they joyned with the French, but the perfidious Bassa being bribed by the Genoeses, and those of Nice, went slowly to work, and at last retreated without doing any thing for the French. This is the relation of Cæsar Nostradamus, in his History of Provence under Henry the II. and according to this the Author saith, that the great Neptune in the middle of the Sea, shall joyn French and African blood. Neptune signifieth the Mediterranean Sea.
The Islands shall be put to the Sword, by the taking of Minorica, after which the Turks being bribed, went slowly to work, and in conclusion did nothing of consequence.
The third and fourth Verse adds, that this Bassa’s slow rowing, shall do them more prejudice then the concealed evil; that is, shall do more damage to the French by his hidden[94] design of the Bassa of not serving the French; because this slowness of the Bassa spoiled the French activity, lessened their provisions, and at last discouraged them; whereas if the Turks had not come, the French Galleys alone were able to take Nice.
This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1571. upon the seventh day of October, when that famous Battle of Lepanto was fought between the Christians and the Turks, the General of the Christians being Don Juan of Austria, whom he calleth here the frizled and black Beard.
In this Battle the Christians lost 7566. men, and the Turks about 32000. besides 220. Ships of all sorts, and all the Christian slaves released that were in them. By the Selyne Banner is understood that of the great Turk, whose name at that time was Selyne. By the great Cheyren is understood Henry the II. King of France, who redeemed many slaves, for Cheyren by transposition of Letters is Henry.
After the Battle of St. Laurence, the Prisoners taken by the Spaniard were the Constable of France, the Dukes of Montpensier, of Longueville, the Marshal S. André, Ludovic Prince of Mantua, the Rhingrave Colonel of the Germans, the Earl of la Rochefoucaud, and several other persons of quality.
They were Prisoners from the 10th of August 1557. to the third of April 1559. that is, one year and eight Months; during which time the Pope’s Nuncios, Christierne Dutchess Dowager of Lorraine, the Constable, and Marshal St. André endeavoured to make the peace.
Among them the Constable was chief, and Philip the II. King of Spain gave him leave to go to and fro upon his Paroll; and of him it is our Author speaketh in the first Verse; After the Battle the eloquency of the wounded man, that is after the Battle of Saint Laurence, where the Constable of Monmorency was wounded in the hip. His eloquency procured the peace, which was concluded in a short time, for had it not been for the death of Queen Mary of England, that happened upon the 15 of November 1558. it should have been concluded three Months after the conference that was begun in the Abbey of Cercamp near Cambray.
The third Verse saith, that the great ones shall not be delivered, because during the Treaty of Peace, Philip the II. would not hearken to take any Ransom, but they were kept Prisoners till the Peace. It is the meaning of the fourth Verse, when it saith, but shall be left to the Enemies will, viz. the Spaniards who gave them liberty after the Peace.
All is plain but the last Verse, the sense of which is, that the things before spoken, shall happen when the Sun is newly come out of the sign of Libra.
The two first Verses signifie, that an hungry Wolf seeking for a Prey, shall be caught in some trap, where being almost famished, the Prey shall assault him. The last two Verses being obscure and not material to any thing I have neglected them.
This Prophecy is concerning the City of Lion in France, which is a Town of an exceeding great Trade, and is threatned to suffer an alteration, and a decay by War.
The last Verse is concerning a great Mist or Fogg, which shall be upon Mont-Jura and in Suabeland.
All those places mentioned, in the first Verse are seated in Italy; the Author saith that in that Countrey it shall not rain for the space of six Months and nine days, which if it be past, or to come, I know not.
The two last Verses signifie, that a strange Nation shall come into Dalmatia, and overrun and spoil all that Countrey.
I could scrape no sense out of the first three Verses; the last signifieth, that a noise of Arms shall be heard in the Skies, and that the Ligustrian Sea, which is that of Genoa, shall be made red with blood, when the former prodigy hath appeared.
In the two first Verses is foretold a great storm by the Adriatick Sea, in which a Fleet shall be dispersed, and many suffer Shipwrack.
The two last Verses relate the great fear Ægypt was in, when the great Turk Sultan Selyn went to conquer it.
The last Verse is concerning a Herald, which was surrendered to the contrary party, and by them was appointed to perform that office in their behalf.
This Prophecy is concerning Gustavus Adolphus King of Swedeland, who is called German Prince, because his Ancestors came out of Germany, he came out of a remote Countrey, that is Swedeland, he came upon a gilded Throne, that is a Ship gilded, he shall make slavery and waters meet, because as soon as he was Landed he began to conquer, and to subdue that Lady (viz. Germania) that was no more worshipped since as she was before.
The Circumference of that ruinous building, was the French league against Henry III. and Henry IV. which numbers being joyned together, make seven, mentioned in the second Verse.
By the strange Warlike man, in the third Verse, is understood Henry IV. because he was not born in France, but in Navarre, and therefore called a stranger, who subdued both Paris and Aix, seated under the constellation of Aries. If you had not rather, by the name of the Ram, or Aries, understand the Duke of Mayenne, who was head of the league.
We must suppose here three Kings of Europe, two of which shall become friends, and by their agreement, the new Land, that is, either the Plantations, or the Trade either in the East or West Indies, shall flourish, their prosperities shall be related and told to the third King, who shall be a bloody and cruel man.
There shall happen a great change in the Kingdom of Hungary, caused by the birth of one, and the death of another.
The meaning of the second Verse is, that it will be more tolerable to go to War, than to Law.
The last verse signifieth, that this dissention shall happen between two Brothers; because Castor and Pollux were such.
These are Prodigies that shall be seen, a little before that a great Calamity shall happen.
This is a continuation of the former, relating more Prodigies that are to happen.
This is plain.
The first Verse signifieth that the Countrey about the Pau, (which is the greatest River in Italy) shall receive great damage by the French.
The second, that the Maritine Lion, viz. the Hollanders shall fear in vain. The third and fourth are plain.
This needeth no interpretation.
This is easie.
Although there may be many Cities watered with two Rivers, yet I know none more famous than Lions in France, where two famous Rivers, the Rhosne and the Saone meet together, and I believe this is the place that our Author forewarneth the Pope to come to, for fear of his death, and that of his attendants.
I suppose this to be spoken of a Jewish Priest, who going about to practice the Ceremonial Law, in a Countrey where it is forbidden, shall be put to death for his bold confidence.
Since the Reign of Henry the II. King of France, the Historians do not mention that the Countrey about Rome hath been troubled by the French Armies. It was only in the time of Paul the IV. who was assisted by the French Troops, under the conduct of the Lord Strozy, and Captain Monluc, therefore this Stanza belongeth to the time of that Kings Reign.
And indeed what he foretelleth here, came to pass in the year 1556. for the Countrey about Rome was vexed by the French Nation, who went about then to take the places, which the Duke of Alba had taken from the Pope, and thereby caused those disorders, which commonly are incident to War.
The second Verse saith, the Countrey shall be too much vexed, and not a little, because Monluc, whom the Author calleth the quick Gascon, did continually torment the Enemies, which could not be done without a great prejudice to the Countrey; Moreover, his Troops being for the most part Gascons, and consequently active men; the Soldiers did more harm than ordinary.
In the first Verse he saith, that this Countrey about Rome was marked by an Augury, to be the place upon which the sad effect of the Augury should fall, which proved true; for the first of March 1556, appeared a Blazing Star, which did presage to that Countrey of Rome, its disaster.
Roman Countrey in which the Augur did interpret, that is to say, which the Augur did signifie, and presage should be vexed by the French Nation.
Afterwards the Author saith, that the same French Nation, or Celtique, shall fear the hour when Boreas should drive to far the Fleet, that is to say, shall fear much, when the Baron de la Garde was so troubled with the storm (as we have said) and in truth it was Boreas, or the Northwind, that drove him into St. Florents road.
This is plain, if by the great League, you understand the soundest and most powerful party.
I find no mystical sence in this, unless by the red adversary he should understand the Pope, because clothed in Scarlet. Therefore I leave the explication to the judgement of every particular Reader.
I desire the judicious Reader, and chiefly if he be given to the Hermetick Philosophy, to take a special notice of this Stanza, for in it is contained the secret of the Elixir or Philosophers Stone, more clearly and plainly then in the Tabula Smaragdina of Hermes, which to make appearent, we shall expound it Verse by Verse.
The Divine Word shall give to the substance; by the Divine word you must not understand the second person of the Trinity, but a Doctor in Divinity or a Theologian, called in Greek θεόλογος or Divine word, who shall be an Adeptus, a Disciple of Hermes, and one that shall attain to the secret of the Philosophers stone.
That man shall give to the substance, that is, to Gold; Heaven and Earth, and gold hid in the mystical Milk. Heaven and Earth, that is all the Celestial and Terrestrial qualities, lurking in the Gold, which is hid in the mystical milk, that is in the Azoth, or Mercury of the Philosophers.
Body, Soul, Spirit, having all Power, that is, the three principles, of which the Philosophers say their stone is compounded, viz. Body, Soul, and Spirit.
Having all Power, that is, having the power to transmute all Mettals into its kind; as also having all the powers from above and below, as Hermes saith, Pater ejus est Sol, Mater vero Luna, & Terra nutrix ejus.
Which is confirmed by the last Verse, As well under his feet, as in the Heavenly Seat.
After the Author hath in the foregoing Stanza expressed the mistery of the Philosophers stone, he seemeth to give here a receit, though Sophistical, for the relief of the Inquisitors, and as it were a Viaticum, for them to subsist till they can attain to the perfection, as Basilius, Valentinus hath done since to his disciples.
He saith then, that with Mars, that is, Iron, Mercury and Silver joyned together, some thing may be done, if you beware of a drought in the South; that is, in the middle of the operation; and this is concerning the two first Verses. Those that shall desire to be better and further informed, may come to me, and they shall have all the satisfaction I can afford them.
The two last Verses have no relation to the first two, and foretel onely a great Earthquake in Asia, by which, those two Towns, Corinth and Ephesus, shall be in great perplexity.
The word near, sheweth that the two Eclipses, one of the Sun and the other of the Moon, shall be near one another.
The Ephemerides of John Stadius, teach us, that in the year 1556 in the Month of November, these two Eclipses did meet. That of the Sun upon the first of November, at 17 hours (as the Astrologers reckon) and 53 Minutes. That of the Moon at 12 hours and 43 Scruples; and thus the two last Verses are plain.
Concerning the other two: Belleforest teacheth us two things; the first, that the same year was extraordinary dry, in so much that from April to October it did not rain, but only upon the Eve of St. John the Baptist, and that the Vintage was made in August, the Wine proving excellent. The second is, that in the Month of December began a horrid Frost, which lasted a great while. Thus there was Cold and drought.
Concerning the dangers towards the Frontiers, Belleforest saith, that towards Pickardy the Spaniard began to break the truce, making inrodes about Abbeville, St. Spirit of Rue, la Chapele, Rozoy, Thierasse, and Aubenton.
When complaints were made of it, they alledged their necessity and want of Victuals; which did oblige the Lord Admiral to permit the Souldiers retaliation; and in this manner, there was danger towards the Frontiers.
As for the Town where the Oracle (that is, our Author) had his beginning or birth, whether it be that of St. Remy or Salon de Craux. The dangers that were there, proceeded from the Civil Wars between the Protestants and the Roman Catholicks.
There shall happen two great Ecclipses between March and April, one of the Sun, and the other of the Moon; then shall be a great dearth, but the afflicted shall be relieved by the two powerful Princes of a good Nature.
This is plain.
The first Verse signifieth, that there shall be some Fugitives, upon whose Pikes the Lightning shall fall.
The second, that when a multitude of Ravens shall be sporting, a great fight shall be near hand.
The third, that there shall be a great exclamation and prayers, when the Souldiers shall come near the wall to give an assault.
The Cimbres and Teutons were a Northern people, viz: the Swedes and Danes, who came once out of their Countrey to sack Rome, and were overcome by Marius, near the Town of Orenge, in a place where his Triumphal Arch is seen to this day. The rest is easie.
By mentioning Bourdeaux, Rouan, and Rochel, the Author understandeth the whole Naval forces of France, which (he saith) shall be defeated, by the English, Brittains, and Hollanders, and pursued as far as Rouane, which is a Town at the head of the River Loire, from whence it runneth down for the space of 500 Miles to Nantes, and a while after dischargeth it self into the Ocean.
Monech or Monaco is a Town and Principality belonging to the Family of the Grimaldi of Genua, and is seated by the Sea side, between Provence and Genoa; that place is threatned here with many afflictions, as is plain in this Stanza.
The three first Verses contain several prodigies, that shall happen before the death of the Duke of Venice, or rather (because he is no Monarck) before the fall of that Monarchy or Common-wealth.
Heb. is the River Hebrus in Thracia, Po, is the great River of Italy, Tag. is Tagus, the River of Lisbonne; the rest is plain.
The words and the sense are plain.
Every body may understand this as well as I do.
The two first Verses seem to have foretold of the late Tyrant Cromwel.
The two last Verses may be applied to France, when the Infant of Spain Don Balthazar died, &c.
By this Stanza is promised to England a Martial Prince, who shall have his heart from Heaven, and with all endeavours follow his prosperous fortune, which is a remarkable and commendable part in a man.
By the last two Verses, it seemeth that this Prince shall have a Son, who shall fight two duels, for one of which his Father shall be angry and hate him, but his Mother shall love him for it.
Mount-Aventine is one of the seven Mountains in Rome. The rest is plain.
Rhemes is a City in France. The rest is easie.
Luca at present is a strong Town, and a little Common-wealth by it self in Italy, governed by their own Magistrate: That Town is threatned here to see those prodigies mentioned, a little before the change of their Government, besides a great Plague and dearth; as also the death of their chief Magistrate, who shall die far off that Countrey.
As for the raining Milk and Blood, they are Prodigies that have appeared often before, and therefore not incredible, as those that are Versed in History may justifie: and although the reasons may be drawn from natural causes, yet would they be too tedious if I should insert them here.
The great River, called in Latine Betis, and in Spanish Guadalquivir, is the River of Sevilia, the most famous Town in Spain for Trade. This River runneth through most of the Spanish Dominions, and dischargeth it self into the Ocean about the[113] mouth of the Straights, over against Barbary, upon which Coast of Spain lyeth the Kingdom of Granada, the chief City of which is Corduba, in Spanish Cordua. This Kingdom was of time almost immemorial, occupied and inhabited by the Moores, till they were expelled and driven back into Barbary, by Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Castilia. The rest is easie.
I suppose this Crustamin to be some place so called, near the Adriatick Sea.
As for Fishes with an humane face, we have several examples of them. Ambrosius Paræus relateth divers, and in his works hath inserted the Pictures of them.
1. When Mena was Governour of Ægypt, and walked by the Nilus side, he saw a Sea-man rising out of the River, having an humane shape as far as the Navel, and with a grave look and fair hairs, intermixed with white ones, bony Breast, and distinct Arms, the rest of the body was like a Fish. Three days after in the Morning appeared another Sea-monster like a woman: those two Monsters appeared so long, that every body had time to consider them.
2. Rondeletius saith, that in our age was taken a Fish in the Sea of Norway, which every body presently called a Monk, because of the resemblance.
3. In the year 1531. was seen a Sea-monster, covered with Scales, which for the resemblance was called a Bishop, Rondeletius and Gesuerus have the Picture of it.
4. In the year 1523. was seen in Rome a Fish about the bigness of a Child of five years old, that had humane shape to the Navel, except the ears: So that all those things related of Tritons, Nereides and Sirens seem not altogether fabulous, and we may conclude with Pliny: Vera est vulgi opinio, quicquià nascatur in parte naturæ ulla, & in Mariesse, præterque multa quæ nusquam alibi, lib. 9. cap. 2.
Some famous City must be here understood, which the Author hath not named. The same shall be assaulted for six days continually, and in conclusion shall be surrendred[114] or betrayed by three men, who shall be pardoned, and all the rest put to Fire and Sword. Most men that have knowledge in History, interpret this of the City of Magdebourg in Germany, that was destroyed with Fire and Sword by the Earl of Tilly, General for the Emperour against Gustavus Adolphus, King of Swedeland. For the like devastation and cruelty was never heard of in Europe.
This is concerning the miseries which the French were to suffer in the Island of Corsica, till the peace was concluded in the year 1559. The Author directeth his speech to the French Fleet that went to Corsica in the year 1555.
He saith in the first Verse, If France goeth beyond the Ligustik Sea; that is, if thou goest to Corsica, which is beyond the Ligustik Sea towards Africa. Thou shalt see thy self enclosed with Islands and Seas; that is, thou shalt be constrained to keep within those two Towns which thou hast there, without going out either by Land or Sea; not by Sea for want of Ships, nor by Land the Garrisons being weak, because the King had then so much business that he could not suffice all.
Moreover the Author addeth that Mahomet shall be contrary; not that he was an Enemy to France, but because he was then Master of the Adriatick Sea; so that the Venetians, which were then friends to the French, could not succour them.
And thus the news of the peace being brought, the French did eat their Horses and Asses, and there was never a peace so well come as to the French that were in Corsica.
This is annexed and hath relation to the precedent, therefore needeth no other interpretation.
Bigorre is a Town in Gascony, the Landes is a desert Countrey about Bourdeaux wherein nothing groweth but Pine-Trees, Foix is a Country of Gascony, called the County, of Foix. The rest is easie.
I can find nothing in this but a description of the Heathens sacrifices in ancient times, where they brought the Victim, that is, the beast that was to be sacrificed, trimmed in a gallant manner, having the Horns gilded, and set with Azure and Mother of Pearl, and after the Entrals were taken out, by the inspection of them they practised their Soothsaying. This inspection of Entrals was called by the Latines Extispicium, from the word Exta which signifieth Entrals, and specto which signifieth to look.
This Prophecy is de Futuro, and is concerning a Libian Prince (now Libia is a Kingdom of Africa) who shall be a powerful man in the West, and being a lover of learning shall condescend to have the Arabian Language translated into French, because the French at that time shall be much in love with it.
The words are so plain, that every body may interpret them.
This is concerning two Nephews, who shall be educated in divers places, and grow expert in Arms, their Fathers shall be killed, but those Nephews shall come, and having fought at Sea, shall revenge the injury done to them, overcoming their enemies.
Many attribute this to the Earl of Montgomery in France, who having run a tilt against Henry II. unfortunately killed him, for which, and for being of the Protestant party, he was afterwards beheaded, though quarter had been given him.
This signifieth no more, but the loss of three famous Battles on the Turks side, against the Persians.
The first that I find after the coming out of these Prophesies, is the Battle of Sancazan, seven miles from Tauris, and hard by the River Araxes, where 20000 Turks were slain, without any considerable loss of the Persians; this was in the time of Amurath the III. Emperour of the Turks, and son to Selyman the second. The other two Battles I could not make good, because I want the supplement of the Turkish History, as also because they have not yet happened.
The Lord of Thou saith in his History, that the Cardinal Caraffa got by the King of France’s permission, out of Corsica, several Troops of Gascons, and brought some with them, to the number of about 2000 which were quartered about Rome. Many of them were among the Troops of the Duke of Guise, being allured thither by the reputation of their Countreyman Captain Monluc.
The Author foretelleth, that they shall find their Graves near Tuscany, because the Territory of Rome joyneth to that Province.
Then in the 3 and 4 Verse he specifieth the time by two marks; one is, when Mars shall be near the German corner; the other, when he shall be in the Territory of the Mantuan people, and the War was then in that Territory; for the Duke of Ferrara to shew he would not stand still, sent his son Alphonso d’Este to make incursions there, and to take some places.
Moreover the War was then near the German corner, which is Lorrain, when[118] Henry II. besieged Thionville in the year 1558. Paradin sheweth, that Mars was in the German corner two years before, sith about the end of the year 1555; the Duke of Nevers by an extraordinary endeavour in the middle of the Winter, did relieve Mariembourg: and the following years the French Garrisons kept the fields to avoid surprises. And in the year 1557. when the Duke of Guise fought in Italy, the Duke of Savoy brought his Army against Mariembourg; so it proved true that Mars, viz. the War was in the German corner; for that Town is in the borders of Germany, and was in that corner till the taking of Thionville.
The two last Verses make me think that this Prophesie was fulfilled in the time of Henry II. King of France, because the French being then friends to the Pope, went over the Alpes to serve him.
This Stanza might also be applyed to Lewis 13, who caused his Army to go beyond the Alpes, but that word Friends is more convenient to the time of Henry II. because the French went then over the Alpes in quality of friends to serve the Pope.
According to this conjecture, the wolf which signifieth the Spaniard, came anno 1556. into many Towns, which the Duke of Alba took, as we have said in another place, and because among those Towns Neptune was one of the most considerable, being seated by the Sea side near Rome: I believe that by this word City he meaneth that Town which belonged to the Colonese.
And to say truth, the French were then very near it, to endeavour the relief of it.
Afterwards came the Duke of Guise’s Army, which is named by the Author, an Army of strangers, because the French and Germans are strangers to Italy. This Army shall spoil a great Countrey; for in that year it went through all Italy, and where an Army passeth, nothing but ruine can be expected.
The sense of this is, that when the Sun shall be Eclipsed at noon, a Monster shall be born, which shall presage a dearth, though no body will believe it, because they were unprovided against it.
This needeth no explication.
Many persons (according to Histories being only in a fit of Apoplexy) have been buried for dead, and being afterwards taken out of the ground, have been found to have eaten up their hands, as I my self have seen one digged out of Saint Bartholomews Church-yard, about the time that the City of London began to be weary of Cromwels devices and Tyranny, yet I would not here definitively assert, he was the man here pointed at by the Title and Epithete of Heretical man, unless it were in the point of government.
The sense of this is easie.
Two kind of Nations were led into Italy by the Duke of Guise to succour the Pope, viz. French and Germans, meaning by the Germans all those that use the German Tongue, as Switzers, &c.
The Author saith, these two Nations were led beyond the Mountains, because they went beyond the Apennine Alpes, to come down into the Champion Countrey of Italy, where some of them died by the Sword, others by famine and sickness; others lost their liberty, being made prisoners of War, others were exposed to the inconveniences that attend a ruined Army. He addeth, that these accidents shall befall them in a Month near the Vintage, that Month is September: He calleth it Contrary, because the Grapes being ripe, the starved Souldiers did eat abundance of them, and so fell into a bloody flux. The Pope’s Tenants made use of this Stratagem to ruine that Army.
The Spaniard had his revenge the year following, for the Duke of Guise having missed his design, and being stept before Civitella, and incensed that the Pope did not keep his word with him, he resolved to go back again into France, and so the Pope did by the means of the Common-wealth of Venice, and of the Duke of Florence, it was concluded and signed with the 23 of September.
This is the Authors meaning in the 4 Verse, that all the misfortune which befell the French, was by reason of that peace; for the Pope disbanded his Troops, consisting most of French and Switzers, the greatest part of whom fell into the hands of[121] their enemies, and of the Countrey people, others died of sickness. It is true, that the Duke of Guise brought his own Army back without much loss, but the Author speaketh here of the Gascons and Switzers, that were in the Pope’s service, under the command of Marshal Strozzy, Monluc, Cardinal Caraffa, and others.
The time of this peace agreeth with the Prophesie, for it was concluded on the 23 of September, which is a Month near the Vintage.
There shall be seven persons, who shall be three Months in making an agreement to go beyond the Apennines, but they shall be hindred by a tempest, and by the cowardliness of the Genoeses.
This must be put among Insolubilia de Alliaco.
This needs no explication.
Those two Prodigies mentioned in the two first Verses, do presage a great Famine that shall ensue a few years after.
The Tar, the Lot, and the Garone, are three Rivers of Gascony, the Inhabitants of which are forewarned not to go over the Apennine Mountains, or else they shall meet with their Graves near Rome and Ancona. This hath relation to the 38 Stanza, and to the interpretation thereof, therefore vide.
It is a Dog that shall come howling and leaping to his Mistresses friends; because she was killed and suspended in the Air by the Lightning.
I suppose these five strangers to be five Commissioners, for the altering something in the Government of Thoulouse, who shall be all killed in a Church, and the ground prophaned by their blood, according to the Romish opinion.
The City of Plancus is Lion, because he was the Founder of it. That City is threatned here of a sudden change, caused neither by her goodness or wickedness, but by a certain position and aspect of the fixed Stars, which makes it fatal.
Mitylene is an Island of the Archipelago, belonging to the Turk.
By the next hope, he meaneth the reprieve. The rest is clear.
Rouan is the chief City of the Province of Normandie, and Chartres the chief City of that of Beausse.
It is hard to know what he meaneth by the great City wherein there is a Common-wealth, whether it be Venice, Genoa, Geneva, Luca, or some of the Cities of Switzerland; but it seemeth that a King shall take shelter in it, who shall be summoned by a Trumpet to come out, but the City will not suffer it, for which the said City shall be scaled, and repent.
The Prophecy contained in the two first Verses came to pass in the time of Henry the III. King of France, when the Parisians did rebel against him, and made Barricadoes in the streets, thinking to have taken him, who was compelled to run away for his life, and fly to Chartres. This rebellion was raised and fomented by Henry of Lorraine Duke of Guise, whom the King afterwards caused to be murdered, with[126] his brother the Cardinal of Lorraine, at the Convention of the three Estates kept at Blois.
Orleans, Angers, Troyes, Langres, are remarkable Cities in France.
Campania, and Apulia are two Provinces of the Kingdom of Naples.
The last two Verses of the Prophecy came to pass about the years 1630 and 1631. when Gustavus Adolphus King of Swedeland, called here the Lion, brought the Empire (signified by the Eagle) to extremity; the King of France signified by the Cock, looking upon, and underhand assisting him.
Nuremberg, Ausbourg, and Basil are Cities of Germany.
By Agrippine is understood the City of Cologne, called in Latine Colonia Agrippina, from the Founderess of it Agrippina, Mother of the Emperour Nero, or from M. Agrippa favourite of Augustus Cæsar.
This is so plain, that it needeth no interpretation.
The meaning of the first Verse is, when a King having but one eye shall Reign in France.
Blois is a City in France upon the River Loire.
Montauban is a Town in Gascony, Nismes and Besiers are Towns in Languedoc; Avignon is a Town in France belonging to the Pope, which shall suffer these damages by Lightning at the end of March.
The two first Verses concern England; the third France; the fourth marketh the time by the motion of the Sign of Aries, which shall be favourable to France.
We shall leave the two first Verses to be interpreted by the English Nation, which is most concerned in it, and come to the last two, which concern France.
The third Verse saith that France shall not change as England, by reason of the help it shall have from Germany, which hath been made good already for these hundred years, notwithstanding the Wars between Henry II. and the Spaniard; the Conspiracy of the Protestant party against Francis the II. at Amboise; the civil Wars under Charles the IX. the League under Henry III. and Henry IV. the Forrain Wars under Lewis XIII. and Lewis XIV. now Reigning.
The Authors meaning by these words, but France not, is, you shall not see France change seven times in two hundred ninety years, as the Brittish nation, and then he giveth the reason of it, by German help, that is to say, that France shall have help from Germany.
The fourth Verse saith, that during those two hundred ninety years, Aries doubleth his Bastarnan Pole, to understand this, we must suppose first that the Sign of Aries ruleth over France, Palestine, Bastarnia, &c.
Secondly, we must learn from Ptolomy and other Geographers, that Bastarnia containeth the people that are towards Sarmatia or Poland, which were called by the Ancients, the people of Admone, Sidane, Roxolane, and by others Peucins, from the Island Peuce, which is in Istria.
Thirdly, we must suppose, that the Sign of Aries hath two Poles, the first is that of the Æquinoctial Line, and the second, that of the Eccliptick, because the Sign of Aries beginneth just in the Line of the Equator, and afterwards stretcheth towards the North. Now it is so that the place where its extension endeth in the Eccliptical Line of the Sun, is called by the Author the Bastarnan Pole.
It is a Pole sith in the constellations of Heaven, we call Poles, the two ends or extremities of them, and in the constellations of the Zodiack, we call the first Pole that which is next to the Equator, and the second Pole that which stretcheth towards the North, or towards the South in the Eccliptical Line.
In this sense, the first Pole of the Sign of Aries, is that which hath its first degree in the Equator; the second is, that which stretcheth towards the North in the Eccliptick, and this last Pole is called Bastarnan, because it is Vertical to Bastarnia, as the Astrologers set down their Climates, Kingdoms, Provinces and Towns under the twelve Signs.
Fourthly, We must suppose that this word to double, may signifie three things. 1. In Sea-mens tearms; it signifieth to go beyond some place, as to double the Cape of bona Speranza, which is called in Italian, Tramontare; that is, to go beyond. 2. It signifieth to do twice the same thing, as Jacob did double his service for Rachel, &c. 3. In matter of traveling; it signifieth to go twice as far as is requisite.
To double, in this place cannot be understood in the first sense; because the constellations never stretcht out of their compasses, though the Stars of which they are compounded, have their peculiar motions.
To understand this, we must know that the Stars of the Firmament have their peculiar motions from West to East, upon the Pole of the Eccliptick, and that they go that way a matter of one Degree, in the space of about 100 years, and consequently the Stars do retrograde every year in the Eccliptick from West to East 52 Seconds. Ptolomeus holdeth this opinion, but other renowned Astrologers give them more: For my part I am of Tychobrahe’s opinion, who allowed them one Degree of retrogradation in 70 years and 7 Months, and consequently 51 Seconds every year.
According to this Doctrine the Star that is in the Horn of Aries, was observed by Tymocharis in 2d Degree; 150 years after, Hipparchus observed it in the first; 265 years after, Ptolomeus saw it in the 6 Degree; 740 years after, Albathognius observed it in the 18 Degree; 304 years after, Alphonsus King of Spain, found it in the 6 Degree; 265 years after, Copernicus did observe it to be in the 27 Degree and two Minutes; 61 years after, Tychobrahe saw it in the 27 Degree, and above 37 Minutes; so that in the space of 61 years it had gone 35 Minutes.
By this Doctrine we see that the whole constellations do not go beyond their Poles, though the Stars that Compound them change their Poles every year of 51 Seconds.
To double, then here cannot be taken in the first sense, nor in the third sense, for the first reason, it must then be in the second sense; and thus Aries doubleth his Bastarnan Pole; that is, Aries maketh twice his Pole, which answereth to Bastarnia.
If you ask how it cometh to pass that Aries doubleth this Pole, and in what place of Heaven we set this Bastarnan Pole. I answer to the first, that Aries doubleth his Pole, when one of those 13 Stars cometh to that point, which is a Northern or Western Pole to that sign in the Eccliptick. As to the second: I answer, that the place ought to be its last Degree, viz. the end of the 30 Degree.
Why? (will you say) did the Author mark that difference of the Sign of Aries, rather than that of Taurus, or of another?
I answer, that it was in favour of France; because Aries doth govern in France, and if it hath been favourable to it, when it came first to the Bastarnan Pole, it will be so too when it doubleth the same Pole, seeing that it will have the same position and Aspect. Now we see, that in the space of these 100 years, France was not overcome, much less shall it be hereafter, seeing that the Stars do promise its exaltation for a long continuance.
If I were a great Astrologer, I should observe exactly by this, that within the space of 290 years, Aries shall double his Cape Bastarnan, and consequently Aries should come to that Pole just in the year 1845. which is according to that we have said.
This is plain.
The two first Verses are plain, I acknowledge my Ignorance in the last two.
Mysia, Lydia, and Pamphilia, are Countreys of Asia.
It is an Army of Christians (be like Armenians) that shall rise in Mesopotamia against whom shall an Army of Turkish Horseman come, who did live by the next River.
The Cyrenian Sea, is that Sea which is by the Province of Cyrene. The Pyrenean Mountains part Spain from France. Carcassonne is a Town in France near unto Spain. The rest passeth my understanding.
The first Verse signifieth, that the Pope’s Authority shall be put down.
The second, that his great neighbour, that is the Empire shall follow his steps, that is, be put down too. The two last Verses are plain.
I could not find what he meaneth by Olchade. The second Verse is plain.
Parthia and Media are two Kingdoms depending from that of Persia. The Islands of Cyclades are in the Ægean Sea, and are so called because they are like a Garment about the City of Delos, for κυκλας in Greek signifieth a round garment of a woman.
The Jonique Sea is that Sea in Grecia, which is about Athens and Corinth, &c.
This seemeth to foretel the finding out of the Sepulcher of some famous Roman, and that the next day after a Pope shall be Elected, who being not well approved of by the Conclave, shall be poisoned in the Chalice, which is the Communion Cup that the Roman Catholicks use at Mass, signified here by the Latine word Scyphus.
The Bailif of Orleans is a great Officer, for he is there Lord Chief Justice, and of all the precincts. It seemeth that this man shall be put to death, by one of a revengeful blood, not that he had deserved it, or come to it by chance, but because he shall be tied hand and foot, and die in prison.
This is properly said of the Anabaptists in Germany, in the time of John de Leyden, and now of the Quakers in England, and elsewhere.
Cheronese is a Land or ground unmanured; the rest is plain.
The two first Verses are plain; as for the third Verse, I could not find who that Old man should be, that shall be born at the sign of the half-Hog.
Chalon and Mascon are two Cities in France, the first in Champagne, the last in Burgundy.
This Prophecie is divided in two parts. The first two Verses foretel a great Innundation, that was to happen in England.
The last two speak of a league and insurrection, that shall be at Bordeaux, which is here called Ausone, from a famous Latine Poet, named Ausonius, who was born in that City.
As to the first part, after much seeking and enquiry: I found the truth of it in a Latine book, called Rerum in Gallia, Belgia, Hispania, Anglia, &c. gestarum anno 1607. Tomi septimi Liber secundus conscriptus a Nicolao Gotardo Artus Dantiscano, where the History is related thus.
About the end of January 1607 the Sea broke out so violently in England, that after the breaking of Fences and Dikes, it caused very great damages to the Inhabitants. The greatest mischief was done in Somersetshire, where the water did overflow, ten Leagues in length, and two in breadth, twelve foot high in the most eminent places. This sudden Innundation brought a fearful alarm to the Countrey people; some of them going to their Plough, were fained to run back to their houses, where they found their enemies at their doors, viz. Death and Water, who without distinction swept them away. In a little time, the Towns appeared like Islands, encompassed[135] on all sides, and presently after were swallowed up, so that the tops of the Trees were scarce seen. This new Flood covered so the Towns of Hansfield, in the same County, those of Grantham, Kenhus, Kingston, and Briandon, with several Farms built in the Champion Countrey, that none of the Buildings could be seen. If you add to this the devastation of the places, the quantity of Corn, Fruit, and Grass that was lost, the misery shall be so great, as not to be expressed. During this fearful quarrel between the Water and the Land, an exceeding great number of people died of all Ages, and Sexes, it would avail them nothing to get into the upper Stories and Roofs of houses, nor upon the highest Trees; for the imperious Waters did so swell and rage, that the Foundations of the houses, and roots of the Trees were loosened, so that both fell to the Ground, or rather into the Water. The people seeing no way to escape, resolved to die patiently. No body could without great grief see the Oxen and Sheep drowning; for there was such a numerous quantity of them, that afar off one would have thought them to be Rocks in the Sea, but seeing them swiming, and hearing them bleating and bellowing, one would have thought them to be a storm and hissing of winds. A rich Farmer, and father of seven Children, being involved in the Flood, and much astonished at this accident, nevertheless thinking the danger less then it was, went about to save some of his best Goods; but seeing the Waters to increase, he forsook all, and went to save one of his Children, whom he loved best; but the Waters followed him so close, that all he could do, was to get upon the Roof of his house. Among the Children there was a little one sleeping in a Cradle, which being made of close boards, did swim upon the Waters about three Miles, and was taken up alive, and sound. The Hay-cocks did swim like Ships upon the Waves, the Pigeons and Pigs were upon the Sheaves that the Water carried away. The Coneys being driven out of their holes, had leapt upon the backs of the swiming Sheep. A certain Shepheard being about to gather his Sheep into their Fold, was followed by the Flood, ran for his life, and climbed upon a high Tree, where seeing his Sheep bleating in the water, he began to tear his hair, to smite his breast, to lift up his hands and his eyes to Heaven, and when his Sheep had all perished, and himself endured an extream cold and hunger, he was at last taken up in a Boat that was sent to save the distressed.
But here we must talk of Bristol, which is one of the chiefest Cities in England, by reason of the Haven, which bringeth thither abundance of Merchants, from several Nations. The same day of that Inundation, the Sea breaking into a great Channel, did presently overflow the Countrey with such quickness and violence, that it covered the Valleys, and the smaller Hills, in so much that nothing but an utter ruine was expected; many whole houses were turned upside down, and carried away with the Flood. The Barns full of Corn, Hay, and Straw, were overthrown, and the Cattle carried away, besides abundance of people of all sorts. The Merchants of London and Bristol, and the rest of the Inhabitants, besides the loss of Provisions, suffered an inestimable one in their Commodities, which they had provided for the Fair, that was then near hand, the most part of them being carryed away by the Flood, and the rest so spoiled, that the owners could not tell what to do with them. A Gentleman dwelling between Barnstable and Bristol, and two Leagues off from the Sea, being gone abroad in the Morning to oversee his grounds, did look towards the Sea, ran back again to his house, to bring this sad news to his Wife and Servants, while they were endeavouring to pack up the most precious of their Goods, the Water came about the house so fast, that they altered their resolution, and bethought themselves only to save their lives; the servants busied themselves about tying the Goods together, thinking the Water could not have carryed them away. As for the Gentleman, he went with his Wife and Children to the top of the house, and got upon the rafters of the Roof. Although nothing appeared to them but[136] the Image of death; nevertheless some hope and desire of escaping, made the Gentleman come down to save a little Trunk, wherein his papers of greatest concernment were. Being come down from the Rafter, he laid hold of the Trunk, and fastened it to a Manger; while he was busie about it, the Waves of the Sea did so beat against that house, that it fell down to the Ground. The Wife, Children, and Servants were swallowed up in the ruine. The Gentleman laid hold on a Rafter, and was carryed away with it above half a League further, to a Mountain, where he set his foot upon dry Ground, being half dead with fear and grief, and bewailing the loss of his Wife, Children, and Servants, he spyed the little Trunk and the Manger, which he drew to Land, and that was all he saved, besides his Life.
Another Gentleman living thereabouts, and newly married, was resolved that day to go to the next Town, and make merry with some friends, whereupon he bid his man make his Horse ready, and himself went to put on his Boots; after he had put on one, and whilst he held the other in his hand, the Waters came so fiercely into that house, that they compelled the half Booted Gentleman to run away for his life, in an upper Chamber, but he was followed so close by that merciless Element, that he was fained to get upon the top of the Roof, to save his life, and to ride upon the upper Rafter, but the house and Roof melting by the violence of the Waves, this new Knight was carryed by the violence of them towards the Town where he intended to make merry, and there was saved with much adoe.
It happened at the same time near Markand, in the Dutchy of Norfolk, that two Thieves, going about to steal some Cattle, while they were driving of them, perceived in the Morning the Justice of God following them; it was the Water, which having overtopped the Dikes, threatned the takers of being taken, and compelled them to save themselves with all speed. From their wickedness did arise a great good; for to the next Town they went, and bid the Sexton to Ring the Bell, and to cry Water, Water: The Inhabitants being for the most part asleep, did not know what to do in such an Alarm: Some climbed into the Church’s Steeple; others thinking there were Thieves went about to fence and defend their houses; others hearing of a Flood, laughed at it, and said, that those who brought this News, deserved to be punished; but presently they altered their Languages, and their laughing was turned into a fearful mourning, every one flying to save himself, his Wife, and Children, and whatsoever they could pack up of their most precious Goods. Some thinking to have more wit than others, went about to divert the Current of the Water from their houses; but seeing there was no remedy, they went with their Wives and Children to the tops of their houses, in a lamentable fright.
But when the Water came to seize upon the houses, wherein there were some Playing, some Drinking, others already Drunken, a great part of them were drowned, others ran to a Hill near the Town, where they spent the rest of that night, and the day following with great lamentations.
The next day they saw their houses half under Water, and many people, who from the windows and Steeples cryed for help; others endeavoured to save themselves upon Boards and Rafters; the Horses tyed to the Manger were all suffocated. The Cattle in the fields, were by this time driven to the Mount called Truhill, and for all that, were not out of danger; for the Mountain was encompassed with Water to such a heighth and depth, that without Boats there was no access to it; chiefly because of the Thickets and Bushes. Thus so much Cattle was about to perish, had not some Shepherds brought Boats loaded with provisions for Men and Beasts, till the Waters retired again, and the Dikes were made good.
This Prophecy came to pass when the Spaniards Besieged Leyden in Holland, for the Dutch broke the Dikes, whereby the water came upon them so fast, that they were more besieged and starved then those of the Town, and their Army wholly destroyed. Read Cardinal Bentivoglios his History of the Low-Countreys, as also Strada.
This Prophecy is divided into two parts: the two first Verses are concerning an old man that shall be buried alive near a great River, upon a false suspition.
The latter two are concerning a young man, who shall assume unto himself the name of a noble Family, and so make himself noble by his riches, but being afterward taken prisoner, the money that was sent for his Ransom, shall be taken in the way.
The words and the sense are plain.
Naples, Florence, Fayenza, Imola and Nola are all Cities in Italy; the rest is plain.
By Pau here are understood the Towns that are seated upon that River.
Verona, Vicenza, are two Cities in Italy, belonging to the Venetians. Saragossa is a City in Sicily.
The first and second Verses have been verified sufficiently.
By the two last Verses, he meaneth that the heart of everyone shall be in fear, so that they shall come to an agreement, which the true Tithes shall be paid, and every one come to his own again.
Here be three notable things to be observed: one is the plain and punctual specification of the time, in which the Prophecy shall come to pass, viz. the 7. of October in the year 1700. The second is, that the King of Persia shall be taken by those of Ægypt. The third is, the shame and confusion that the Christians shall suffer for the same.
By the Calpre is understood the Capzor promontory, which is at the mouth of the Streights, by and beyond which these Prisoners will be carried into Persia for a present to the King, who then shall be some fearful person.
Paradin saith, that in the year 1558. the Lord of Bonnivet being dead, the King of France did chuse Francis of Vendosme, Vidame of Amiens, to succeed the said Bonnivet, in the Office of Colonel of the French Foot. This Vidame is noted by all Historians, for a rash proud man, that had a good opinion of himself, and found fault with all the commands of the Marshal of Brissac, then General of the Army.
The King in consideration of his Birth, and that he was a good Souldier, gave him the place of the Lord Bonnivet, according to what the Author saith, The great Bawler, &c. shall be elected Governour in the Army. If you ask in what Army he was elected Governour, the third Verse answereth, in the Army of his Competitor, that is, the Marshal of Brissac, who did chide him severely for disobeying his commands, and was like once to have killed him.
The fourth Verse proved true at the taking of Queiras, where the Bridge, through which the succours came to relieve the Town, being broken, the Town grew so fearful, that it surrendred it self to the Marshal of Brissac.
Erins and Antibe are Towns of Provence, bordering upon Nice, which is a Town of Piemont, all that Coast is threatned here to be ruined by the Grashopers, that is, the Turks, which fell out about the year 1558. for the King of France having called the Turks to his succours against Charles V. Emperour, they came and took Nice in the behalf of the French, where they committed unheard cruelties, as also upon all that Coast.
This Prophecy regardeth onely the City of Marseilles, which is the most famous Port Town that the French have upon the Mediterranean Sea, and which was anciently a Greek Colony, peopled by the Phocen Seas. This City is threatned here to have the chain of her Port broken, and to be taken by her enemies, and the said enemies to be a little while after taken in it.
This is one of those Prophecies that concern the English Nation, and which by its event, hath made this Book and the Author thereof famous, for nothing can be more plain to the meanest capacity, then the sense and words of these four Verses.
By the first, is meant the Kings most excellent Majesty Charles II. now Reigning, who being the true Heir to the Kingdom, and most worthy to rule, was driven out of the Kingdom by a rebellious rout of his Subjects.
The second Verse expresseth, the punishment inflicted upon the Councellors and Abettors of so hainous a crime, who were most of them hanged, drawn and quartered, their entrals burnt.
The third Verse, signifieth the low estate of the Abettors of that pernicious Councel.
The fourth Verse, is understood that bastard Faction, which was like to supplant Cromwel, upon the division of the Army.
The Celtan France is that part of France included between the River Loire, and that of Scheld in Flanders. they are called here the long hairs; because in antient time they used to wear long hairs.
This is concerning the Town of St. Quentin, which was taken by the Spaniards in the year 1557. upon the 27 of August, and 17 days after the Battle of St. Laurence, it was taken by assault, and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword.
It is a City that shall be taken by the cheat and deceit of a young fair man, who himself shall be taken in his craft.
The difficulty lyeth in the third Verse, viz. what he meaneth by Raubine and Laude. I could find nothing by transposition of Letters: therefore I suppose the Author had a mind to reserve the exposition to himself, and to one that should be clearer sighted than I.
Here is nothing obscure but the word Ausone, by which is meant the City of Bordeaux, so named by the Author every where, for having brought forth that famous Latine Poet, and Counsul of Rome, Ausonius.
The Baron of la Garde coming from Rome, where he had carryed the Cardinals of Tournon and Lorrain, received order to go into Corsica, to relieve with ammunition the two Towns, that the French kept still in possession in that Island, Glasse and St. Boniface, which after the general peace made at Cambray, anno 1559. were restored to the Common-wealth of Genoa. When he was coming near the Island, there arose such a storm, that they were constrained to go as near land as they could, viz. in St. Florents, till the storm was over.
At the same time, by reason of the said storm, eleven Ships loaded with six thousand Spaniards, going for Italy, took shelter in the same place, a good way off from the said Baron.
At the first, the Spanish Ships did not spie the French Galleys, but the Baron de la Garde discovered the Spaniards, and bid his Galleys to set upon them. Two of the Spanish Ships were taken, in which were 1200. or 1500. Spaniards, part of which were drowned, and the rest made slaves.
The Baron chased the rest, but the storm so scattered them, that the nine escaped.
Before this encounter the Genoese Captain, Andrew d’Oria, took all the Island from the French, Anno 1553. and kept it ever since, by sending continual supplies. On the other side, the King of France sent supplies by the Lord of Termes, to those that were retired in the Island of Glasse.
One time among the rest, about the latter end of the year 1555. there was sent a notable supplie from the French, to which the Author speaketh now in these tearms.
French fleet do not come near unto Corsica, nor Sardinia, which is another Island near Corsica. The third Verse giveth the Reason of it; ye shall die, being frustrated of the help Greigne. Greigne is the Provencal Language, which was the Maternal one of our Author, signifieth a Galley: The sense therefore is this, you shall be frustrate of the help of the Galleys, that are under the command of the Baron de la Garde, who carryed unto you men, money, and ammunition; because he shall be then in pursute of the Spanish fleet, that were scattered by a storm.
In the mean time Blood shall swim in the fight of the Baron de la Garde, and thou, poor Prisoner in that Island, Thou shalt not believe me; those slaves were they, which went in the year 1555. And the Author saying, Thou shalt not believe me, sheweth, that being very famous in Provence, for his Prophecies, the General of the Army had asked him concerning the success of his Journey, and that he did warn him not to undertake it; but having an express command from the King, his Master, he would need go. Therefore he saith, Poor prisoner thou shalt not believe me. We find in this work many examples of those, who went to consult with the Author concerning the success of their undertakings, as did the Earl of Sommerive, before the besieging of Bagnole, to whom he answered, that he should leave the Trees loaded with a new kind of fruit, that is to say, of the Rebels, whom he caused to be hanged on Trees.
Barcelona is a Town in Spain, upon the Mediterranean Sea; Marseilles is another in France, upon the same Sea. The rest is easie.
The two first Verses are plain, the two last have need of an Oedipus.
By the great Satyr and Tyger of Hircania, is meant, the King of Persia, who is also King of Hircania, abounding with Tygers.
That King of Persia shall be made a gift to those of the Ocean; that is, shall be either drowned in it, or do some wonderful things upon it.
Carmania is a Province in Asia, belonging to the Turk.
The Thyrren Phocean is the City of Marseilles in France, so called by the Author in this Book; because it was a Colony of the Phocenses in Greece; it is also called Thyrren, because it is seated upon the Tyrrhenean Sea, as Virgil saith,
The two first Verses are Metaphorical, and are to be understood of a considerable person, who having been for a long time despised and under a cloud, shall on a sudden rise again and be in repute. The two last Verses are intelligible enough.
The meaning of the first and second Verses is, that the world shall be at an end, before Saturn hath performed his whole course, which (if I do not mistake) is thought by the Astronomers to be of 36000. years.
The third Verse signifieth, that before the end of the world, the Empire shall be translated or possessed by a black Nation, for brode in old French signifieth black, whence it cometh that to this day they call a handsom black woman, une belle Brode, that is a fair black woman.
Narbon is a famous City in Languedoc, and the seat of an Archbishop.
The first and second Verse signifie, that the Pope once more shall keep his seat in Avignon, which is a Town in France belonging to the Pope, and where formerly they kept their See, for the space of above an hundred years. As for the word Tricast, there must be a foul errour in the impression or else; I must confess I understand it not. By the Annibilik anger, is meant those of Barbary, where Annibal was born. Lion is a famous Town in France, where is kept the greatest trading for Bills of Exchange.
The words and the sense are plain.
This foretelleth the declining of the Mahometan Religion, after which another Religion shall be set up worse then the Mahometan. The first decay of it shall begin in Scythia, a Kingdom belonging to the King of Persia, through which runneth the River Boristhenes.
Fossan is a City in Piemont, belonging to the Duke of Savoy, the Chief man or Governour of which is threatned here to have his throat cut by some Souldiers, either of Rome, or belonging to Rome, signified here by the Tarpeian Mountain, upon which the Capitol was built, and this fact to be committed by one that shall be a famous Huntsman; upon the 13 of February, Saturn being then in the Sign of Leo.
The words and sense are plain.
This needeth no interpretation.
Alain and Varnaigre are two small Towns in France, seated by the Mountain Lebron, near the River called Durance, where the Author saith there shall be such a sharp fight, that Mesopotamia shall be wanting in France, to understand this you must know, that Mesopotamia is a Countrey between two Rivers from the Greek words μεσος, which signifieth middle, and ποταμὸς which signifieth a River, the meaning then of the Author is, that the Battle so sharp, the ground shall be wanting to bury the dead.
This is plain.
This to my judgement is concerning the Siege of Candia, in which the Venetians for the space of about twenty years desired and expected succours from the Christian Princes, which came so slowly, that the City was fained to surrender upon honorable terms, which is the meaning of the first Verse, There shall be a remnant of blood unspilt.
The whole sense of this is, that by reason of some bodies death, France shall make war against Spain by Sea and Land, and put Spain in great trouble.
The fourth Verse saith, that some of the greatest Ladies in France shall be carried away, but the question is, whether by the Spaniards, or (which is more probable) by their own Husbands going to war against Spain.
Arras and Bourges are Cities of France. As for brodes, we have said before that it signifie brown men, such as are the Gascoins, inhabiting the Province of Aquitania near Spain.
Saguntus is a City in Spain, that was destroyed by the Romans.
This considerable Prince was Philip the II. King of Spain, who was vexed to see the Cocks, that is the French, and Libiques that is the Turks joyned together, under Barbarossa to commit so many Rapes and violences upon his Subjects.
We have said before that by Divine Word, we must not understand the second person of the Trinity, but a Divine or Theologian, called in Greek θεόλογος, which also signifieth Divine Word. Therefore the meaning of the first Verse is, that under the Goverment of some eminent Divine, (be like a good Pope) the Cross shall have peace, that is, the Christian Religion shall be in Peace, and persecution shall cease. The last three Verses are plain.
Everybody may be as wise as I in the interpretation of this.
This is easie to be understood, if we remember that Charles IX. King of France, younger son to Henry II. died of a foul disease, and his Mother Catharine of Medicis died of grief.
This great City was the City of St. Quentin in Picardy, taken by assault by Philip the II. Anno 1557.
The words and sense are plain.
This Prophecie must needs be concerning England or France; for there is but those two Kings that challenge the cure of the Kings-evil.
Every one may interpret this as well as I, provided that by the twelve red ones, he understandeth twelve Cardinals.
This Prophecie is concerning an out-landish Army that shall invade France, and though numerous, yet shall be put to flight, and shall not be much pursued: therefore it shall incamp again, and collect and gather again its Troops, and afterwards shall be wholly driven out of France.
I am much mistaken if this Prophecie came not to pass, when the Duke of Parma at the head of a Spanish numerous Army came into France in favour of the League; for Henry IV. met him at the siege of Roven, beat him off, and suffered him to retire quietly, and as the common saying is, made him a Golden Bridge, to retreat into the Low-Countries again.
This hath a connexion with the precedent; for while the Prince of Parma was busied in France, news was brought to his Camp, that the Hollanders had taken Antwerp, which discouraged his whole Host, and made him retire with all speed.
The Word Phalange signifieth a Battailion or part of an Army, which being expressed here by the word double Phalange, signifieth, that both Horse and Foot deserted the Duke of Parma upon the hearing of this news.
The two first Verses are plain.
The two last signifie, that a youth shall come to the Kingdom, soon, that is, by reason of the sudden death of the chief man, and late; because being but young, he shall Reign so long, that he shall be famous, and feared by Sea and Land.
This Prophecie was fulfilled at the famous Siege of Ostend, which lasted three years and three Months; for the Hollanders that brought relief to the Town, did for covetousness sell the ammunition to the Spaniards that besieged it, for which complaint being made by the States to the Prince of Orenge, Maurice of Nassaw, as also that they did the like to Newport, which he had besieged; he replyed smartly, do you not know that your Countrey men would Sail into Hell, were it not for fear to have their Sails burnt.
Here you must observe that the Author being a Papist, speaketh this concerning the City of Geneva, which he saith from a free City became a slave, when it shook off the Duke of Savoy’s domination, and became a retreat to the Protestants, whom he called the banished and dreamers.
In the third Verse, by the King changed in his mind that shall not be so froward to them, he meaneth, Henry IV. who having changed the Protestant Religion, to be a Roman Catholick, did undertake their protection against the Duke of Savoy their Prince.
Hence followeth the explication of the fourth Verse, when he saith, that of one hundred they shall become more than a thousand; for in few years the Protestants became so numerous, that they drove the Roman Catholicks wholly out of the Town, and so have remained to this day Masters of it.
Beaune, Chalons, and Dijon, are Cities in France, Nuis is a Town in Germany near the Rhyne, three or four Leagues below Colen.
For the rest, every one may make his own interpretation, for it is hard to guess who this Duke should be, or that Fish either, that shall have a Cormorants Bill after whom the door shall be shut.
This is plain, and signifieth no more then a persecution against the Professors of Heavenly sciences, such as are Astrologers, Astronomers, &c.
This is still concerning the Duke of Parma’s Army, when he came into France against Henry the IV. in favour of the League, for his Army wherewith he Besieged Rouen, was compounded of all those Nations; the greatest part of which were Italians, called here Insubrians, from the Latin word Insubria, which signifieth the Countreys of Savoy and Piemont.
This only foretelleth a great Famine and Inundation in France, signified here by the Flower de Luce.
This needeth no Interpretation.
This is plain.
Here we must observe four things, the first is, that Calais is called by the Author, The long rest of the secure place. Because then viz. in the year 1555. it was yet in the power of the King of England, and had been quietly before, for the space of 287. years, that is, from the year 1347. till the year 1555. and was so still, till the year 1557. when the Duke of Guise took it, whence we gather that it was a secure place that had enjoyed so long a rest.
The second is, that those of Diepe did watch for the Spaniards, in the passage between Dover and Calais, therefore the Author saith, They shall seek Port Selyn, Selyn Port or Harbour is always taken by the Author for an Harbour in the Ocean.
The third is, that the great fight between the French and the Spaniards was by fire, so that most part of the Ships on each side were burnt, and the Spanish and French Souldiers did cast themselves into the Sea, to save their lives in their enemies Ships, where they were slain.
The fourth is, that those of Diepe being extraordinary skilful in Sea-fights had made great quantity of artificial fires, to cast into the Spanish Ships, but the Ships grapling one with another, they were burnt on both sides.
Upon those four circumstances the two first Verses say, that the Legion in the Fleet Calcineth magnes, that is Loadstone burnt, and shall burn Pitch and Brimstone, to make Artificial fires.
The third and fourth Verse say, that this Sea Legion shall seek an Harbour in the Ocean, which shall be a secure place, by a long rest, that is Calais. She will seek that Selyn Harbour to shelter her self, because Calais did then belong to the English, but by reason of the narrowness of the Sea, the French watched for the Spaniards there, and to shew that they sought onely for Calais to meet the Spaniards, they carried the Spanish Ships which they took into Diepe, and not into Calais.
The French Impression hath a fault here, putting Port Hercle instead of Port Selyn, which is a manifest error, for the taking of Port Hercle by the Florentines the 14. of June 1555. was by a Land Army, besides, that Port Selyn is always taken by the Author for a Port in the Ocean.
Every one may understand this as well as I.
This is of the same nature as the foregoing.
The Author having made this Stanza in the Provencal Language, that was his Mother Tongue, which hath very little relation to the rest of the French tongue, hath put me to some trouble to understand it; at last I found the meaning to be this, that when a[162] great swarm of Bees shall light on some place, and it shall not be known whence they came, then shall be seen a Jay under a Vine, and a City shall be betrayed by five several Nations.
Salon, Mansol, Tarascon, Desex, are Towns in Provence and Languedo.
By the Arch, here is meant the Triumphal Arch of Caius Marius, which he erected after the defeat of the Cimbres and Teutons, and remaineth to this day in that Province, within two or three Leagues off the Town of Orenge.
Artemis is an Epethete of Diana, so called ’πο τοῦ ἀερὰ τεμνειν, a secando aerem.
If this Book cometh ever into the hands of Hermes’s Disciples, I shall desire they would consider diligently this Stanza, and the three following; for they are all concerning the Elixir of the Philosophers, or the making of the Philosophers stone. To begin with this:
When Venus shall be covered by the Sun.
This is the Astral point, so much sought after by the Philosophers, for the beginning of their work, without the knowledge of which they cannot begin their work, or come to any good.
Under the splendor of it shall be an occult form, that is, under that conjunction lyeth a great mystery.
Mercury in the fire shall discover them, viz. Mercury of the Philosophers, made by Cœlestial fire.
And by a Warlike rumor shall be provoked; that is, the Planet of Mercury shall be provoked to mix his variable and changable disposition with theirs, by his Aspects, Oppositions, Conjunctions, &c. It is not possible to speak more plainly.
Here I must lead the Reader with Ariadnes Thread, that he may extrecate himself out of this Labyrinth.
The Sun shall be hid and Eclipsed by Mercury; that is, Gold shall be Eclipsed and dissolved by the Philosophers Mercury, which is the Key and foundation of all the work.
And shall not be set but for the second Heaven; that is, shall not be used till you come to the second part of the work, which is that of the Furnace.
Hermes shall be made a prey to Vulcan; that is, the matter and composition of the Elixir, shall be put upon the fire in a Furnace.
And after that the Sun shall be seen pure, shining, yellow; that is, in conclusion after projection made, thou shalt see pure, shining, and Yellow Gold.
The Moon will not have the Sun above eleven times; that is, the Moon of the Philosophers will not imbibe their Sun above Eleven times.
Then both shall be encreased and lessened in degree; that is, both shall be encreased in quality, and lessened in quantity.
And put so low that a little Gold shall be sowed up; that is, the powder of projection, or Philosophers stone shall be so small in Bulk, that one may sow it about him, and hide it in his Cloths.
After famine and plague the secret shall be discovered; that is, somebody shall die, with famine or plague, about which the secret shall be found and discovered.
Sophe in Greek signifieth a wise man or Philosopher, who shall find the Philosophers stone, when the Moon shall come to the full in the night upon a high Mount. His Disciples shall perswade him to make himself immortal, they being perswaded that the Elixir cureth all diseases.
The last Verse saith, His eyes to the South, his hands and body to the fire; that is, this Chymist or Adeptus, shall retire into some Southern Countrey to work.
I cannot omit here that a conceited Chymist in Paris, whose name was Haumont, in English, Highmount, could not be disswaded but our Author spake of him in this Stanza, and that he could not die till he had got the Philosophers stone, but to other matters.
Panta, Choina, Philon, are three Greek words, παντὰ χοινα φιλῶν, which signifie in Latine, omnia inter amicos communia, and in English, all things are common among friends. The rest is easie.
These terms being Astronomical and Astrological, it is hard to guess at the Authors mind.
The meaning of this is, that when a great one from a far Countrey, shall be brought Prisoner chained with gold, and presented to a King called Henry (for Cheyren by transposition of letters is Henry) who then shall beat Bordeaux; Milan shall loose a great Army.
Hetruria is the Country Tuscany now under the Duke of Florence, and Corsica is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to the Genoese. The rest is plain.
This is a Prognostication of the rejoycing that should be in France, after the winning of that famous battle Serizoles in Piemont, against the Armies of the Emperour and the King of Spain.
This Prophecy is concerning Henry the IV. King of France, who went over the Alpes and conquered the Duke of Savoy’s Countrey, because he would not restore the Markdom of Salvees. Genoa and Monaco are Cities near Savoy.
The three first Verses are plain, as for the fourth, either it is falsly Printed, or I must confess I understand it not.
By the Rhodians are understood the Knights of Maltha, because they dwelt first at Rhodes.
By the second Verse it is said, it was the neglect of her Heirs, that is of the Heirs of Rhodes the Knights of Maltha, who being careless of themselves, were besieged by Solyman, which constrained them to ask succours of all the Christian Princes, which came very slowly, at last Dom Garcia Viceroy of Sicily relieved them, and drove away the Turks that had suffered great loss, therefore the Author saith in the third Verse, The Arabian Empire shall slack his course.
By the Sacristes, he understandeth the Clergy of the Roman Religion.
Gynical Sex is a woman from the Greek word γυνὴ, which signifieth a woman.
The meaning then of this Stanza is, that a woman being given in Hostage, and made prisoner, shall deceive her keepers, and among the rest, the chief Captain who shall forsake his Troops and run away with her.
All those Towns are in France, the sense is plain.
There is no obscurity in this.
This Stanza is half French and half Provencal language.
All the Cities named here, Mende, Rhodez, Milliaud, Cahors, Limoges, Castres, Bourdeaux, Perigort, are Cities of France, bordering upon Provence, which is the Countrey wherein our Author was born.
The meaning of it is, that all those Cities shall rise against the Collectors of the Kings Taxes, and shall set upon them by the sound of the Bell, which is already come to pass, and may come to pass yet.
This is a Prognostication of a great Battle, by the loss of which a King shall forsake his Kingdom, his chief Commander having deserted him in time of need. The slaughter shall be so great, that none shall be left but one for a witness.
Tours is the chief City of a Province in France, called Touraine, which is commended here for having resisted excellently well; but is forewarned to look to her self after that, and to beware of her approaching ruine.
It is a description of a Tyrant, who after he shall have tryed his bloody hand by Fire, Sword, and bent Bows, shall cause his chief men to be hanged by the neck and feet. Since the Author did write there had been such a Tyrant in the world, namely, John Basilides, great Duke of Russia, in the year 1572. Read Paul Osburne in his Life.
I cannot find in History that this hath yet happened, since the writing of these Prophecies, therefore I reckon it de futuro.
This Prophecie is concerning some just person, that shall be murdered openly: His blood shall cry to Heaven, but shall not be heard for a good while, till at last it shall be discovered by some body.
Libra is one of the twelve signs of the Zodiack, which is favourable to Spain, so that the meaning of this is, that Libra shall see Spain to Reign.
And besides that, to have the Monarchy of Heaven and Earth; that is, to have the command of the Pope, and of the best part of Europe. So that no Asian or Turkish forces shall receive damage by the Christians, till seven Popes of the Spanish faction have Reigned successively, and one after another.
A Phalange, in Latine Phalanx, is a Squadron of Souldiers, which word was anciently proper only to the Macedonians. Ganges is a River in India.
This is a peculiar and remarkable accident, wherein the besiegers of a City shall be driven away from their enterprise, by Lime, Dust, and Ashes, scattered and dispersed against them by a mighty wind.
The words are plain, out of which every one may make his own sense.
This foretelleth that when a French King shall have a name that never any of his Predecessors had, he shall be so much feared as that Italy, Spain, and England shall tremble, and that besides he shall be much given to women.
This extraordinary Prodigy of a Crow crying for seven hours together upon a Brick Tower, foretelleth that some notorious Tyrant shall be put to death, and his statue sprinkled with blood, and withall, that the people either for joy or fear shall be much given to prayer.
It is a Conquerour who having been much railed at by his enemies, shall in conclusion after he hath overcome them, take a severe vengeance of them.
Some ignorant envious person being in favour with the King, shall go about to suppress learning, but the Kings wife no wife, that is his Concubine, shall persuade him to the contrary, and shall prevail.
By burning Sun must be understood melted gold, which shall be poured into ones throat, in the Hetrurian ground, that is in Tuscany.
By the chief Pale of water is to be understood, some Water-bearer, who shall make his son an Eunuch to make benefit on’t. The fourth Verse is plain.
The two first Verses are plain. The two last Verses signifie that an old doting man shall shew to the Genoeses the way how to take Nizza, a Town hard by them, by filing some Iron Grates, by which they shall get into the Town.
The words being so plain, every body may give as good an interpretation as I.
This Stanza is divided into two parts. The first part runneth from the first Verse to the middle of the fourth. The meaning is, that an old man shall be baffled and deprived of his place by a stranger that shall suborn him, but that strangers sons brother shall be eaten up before his face in the Town of Chartres; what he meaneth by eaten up, is hard to guess, whether it be by poverty, sutes at Law, Envy, Lice, &c.
The Hemisthikion of the last Verse, Orl. shall betray Rouen, signifieth, that Orleans shall betray Rouen.
I never saw the last Tyrant Cromwel better painted to the life, then in the three first Verses.
As for the fourth, it is certain that his intention among his Camerades was first discovered by him unto them at the Star Tavern in Coleman-street, which is the place that the Author calleth the Harbour of the Vine.
This is a description of the attempt made by the French upon Savoy, which Countrey lieth in the Mountains of the Alpes, therefore called here Highlanders; where the Peasants being incensed for the loss of their goods and the ruine of their Countrey, rolled stones from the top of the Mountains against the French Army, which could not hinder them from being destroyed; this came to pass under Henry the IV. King of France, in the year 1662.
This signifieth that a great man having committed an offence against the King, shall come to him in a mean habit, to sue for his Pardon, and shall be carried away by fifteen Souldiers, the most part Countrey fellows; and in conclusion he shall have his life saved, and the best part of his Estate.
This is plain.
The three first Verses belong to the same sense; viz. that seven men shall be spies, under pretence to be Priests or Monks, (which is the meaning of the shaven heads) and shall poison the Wells and Springs.
The last Verse signifieth that in the Fort of Genoa, their shall be devourers of men, that is, Usurers and Extortioners, which is no new thing in that Nation.
This is the Prognostication of a mighty dry season, and other accidents that shall happen when Saturn and Mars shall be in a fiery disposition, which whether it be by Opposition, Conjunction, Aspect, &c. Let the Astrologers judge.
The Rhine is a River in Germany, Ister is another in the Countrey of Istria, belonging to the Venetians.
By the first Verse, I conclude that this Prophecy came to pass a little while after the Author wrote this Book, when the grand Segnor Solyman besieged Maltha, and put in fear all the Ligurian Coast, which is that of Genoa.
Aquileia and Parma are two Cities in Italy. The rest is easie.
By the Eagle here is understood the Empire; because his Ensign is an Eagle.
This is a Prophecie of a Tragical Nuptial, where all the Maids shall be drowned with their Cloaths in a Well, insomuch that none shall survive, and the Bride shall be poisoned, and die by Aconite, which is one of the most poisonous herbs that is, witness Juvinal: Lurida terribiles miscent asonita novercæ.
By the Artomiques he meaneth the Protestants; because they take the Communion with leavened Bread, which in Greek is called Artos.
Agen, Lectoure, saint Fœlix, Bazas, Condon and Marzan, are Cities of Gascony. The rest is plain.
To understand the whole sense of this, we must first know what is meant by the particular terms.
The great Nephew is the Brother or Sisters son of some great person, who by force shall discover the Treason or Cowardise, committed by some pusillanimous or fearful man.
Ferrara and Ast are two towns in Italy, shall make tryal of a Duke, by being either taken or assaulted.
When the Pantomime shall be in the evening; that is, when the Comedy shall be acted; for Pantomime in Greek signifieth a Comedian.
Lake Leman, is the Lake of Geneva. The Brannonices are those of Sens, so called; because they took Rome under the Conduct of their Captain Brennus, and afterwards built Brenona, a Town belonging since to the Venetians, who calls it Verona.
Aquitania is that Province of France, called now Gascony. Maine is a Province in France. The rest needeth no explication.
There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by the white Terretory, whether it be positive, or Allegorical, I leave the judgement of it to the Reader.
Nictobriges in Greek signifieth a people living in a dark and moist Countrey. Perigort and Bigorre are two Towns in France. The rest is plain.
Selyn is the name of a Turkish Emperour, the meaning therefore of this, is, that under the Reign of one Selyn a Turkish Emperour, Italy shall be in peace, and all the Christian Princes united.
Parma is a City in Italy. The rest is plain.
Monheurt, Marsan, Aiguillon, are Towns in Gascony.
Landes is a desert Countrey, wherein nothing groweth but Pine-trees, Bourdelois are those of Bourdeaux.
Navarre is a Kingdom, and Begorre a Province joyning to those Landes, or Pine-trees Countrey.
This Prophecy was fulfilled, when Rome was taken and sacked by Charles Duke of Bourbon, and Philibert of Chalon Prince of Orenge, Generals of the Emperour Charles the V. with such cruelties, as never was committed by the bloody Goths and Vandales, and to shew that the Author intended Rome, is apparant by two instances. The first is by the great River, which is the Tyber, which though not very great in its Channel and depth, yet is very great, yea, the greatest in Europe by its fame. The other is the word Colisée, which is that famous Arch of Traian in Rome, remaining yet to this day.
This is concerning the Siege of Antwerp by the Prince of Parma, Governour of the Low-Countreys for the King of Spain, who having besieged, caused a Bridge of Boats to be made upon the River Scheld, to hinder the succours of the Hollanders, who by that means were constrained to surrender it.
That great troop from Sclavonia shall be the Venetians, because they possess most part of that Countrey. The old Olestant is their Duke, because he is not chosen unless he be very old, by Romania is understood what the Venetians possess in that Countrey.
This needeth no interpretation.
Auxerre is a City of France, distant from Paris 40. leagues to the Southward.
The first Verse is altogether Allegorical and Metaphorical, therefore I leave it to the judgement of every Reader. I shall only deliver my opinion upon the whole: I take it to be some white Prince, that shall be overcome by a black one, put in a Dungcart, after that, tied upon a black Camel, and then the younger son of that black Prince shall give the prisonner a little more liberty.
This Prophecy is remarkable for the things that it foretelleth, viz. that in the year that Saturn shall be in conjunction with Sol in the Sign of Aquarius, a King of France shall be annointed both at Rhemes and Aix, for Rhemes is a City in France, where the Kings use to be Annointed and Crowned, and Aix is another in Germany, where the Emperours use to be so. But the last Verse is ominous, where he saith, that after his Conquests he shall murder innocent persons.
One King shall have two Sons, the eldest shall succeed him in the Kingdom, the youngest having been well brought up and educated, shall raise troubles, against the King his Brother; but he shall be destroyed by the means of his own Father in Law.
Phtyriasis in Greek is the disease called by the Latines Morbus pedicularis, when one is devoured by Lice, as were Herodes, Sylla, Pherecydes, and Philip II. King of Spain, &c.
As for Port d’Esleu, the question is, whether it be the proper name of a place, or the name of a man, that shall throw another in the water.
Here may be alleadged that passage of Scripture, There is nothing so secret but shall be revealed; for here is plainly told the number of those wicked persons, who conspired against their lawful Sovereign King Charles I. of blessed memory, as also the place where the Plot was first laid; for it is well known that they used to assemble at the Bear at the Bridge foot.
Milan is a City in Italy, and Thesin is the River that passeth by it.
To understand this Stanza, we must suppose four Histories, Paradin relateth the first, which is, that the French and Spanish Armies having their Winter quarters in the Dukedome of Milan, Anno 1555.
The Marquess of Pescaire, sent word to the Duke of Nemours, by a French Gentleman, that he and three more desired to break a Lance with him upon the borders of Ast.
The Duke accepted the challenge, without giving notice to the Marquess of Brissac, then General of the French Army, who was very angry at it, nevertheless he advised the Duke to go, but not with a Guilt and light Armour, but with a wrong one, such as became a Cavaliero, which he did not do, nor the other three that went with him: whence it came, that the Lord Classe a French man, running against Malespine, was wounded to death in the shoulder; nevertheless one of the seconds to the Duke of Nemours, the Lord Moncha killed upon the place Carassa, Nephew to pope Marcel II. and the Lord Manoa, one of the Duke of Nemours party, falling from his Horse a little wounded, broke his neck.
As for the Duke of Nemours, he ran twice against the said Marquess, without hitting one another, but at the third time they both brake their Lances, without doing any harm. Thus, the French Duke was compelled to fight a Duel.
We have the second History from Turpin, and many others, which is, that the Marquess of Masseran, having put himself into the King of France’s service, in hopes[188] to have the Government of Bielais; and proving a Traitor, the Marshal of Brissac, who had discovered his perfidiousness, resolved to take him in his house of Gaillany, which he had fortified to secure his retreat after his Treason.
The Lord de Termes was commanded to do it, which he did so dexterously, that he took him into his house after dinner, and then compelled him presently to surrender the Castle of Jamaglia, the Marquess obeying, sent thither presently his son Claudius, to put it into the hands of the Lords de la Mante, and of Villars.
These two viewing the Castle, to observe the places that might be fortified, and going from room to room, heard a lamentable voice, crying. Have mercy upon me. They caused presently the Prison doors to be opened, and found a poor Gentleman of Vercelle, whom the Marquess had detained there 18 years, for endeavouring to serve an execution against him, in the Duke of Savoy’s behalf.
And it is remarkable that his Imprisonment was all this while concealed, so that no body ever heard of it, in so much that his friends suspecting he had been killed by one of his enemies, they prosecuted him so hard, that after much tortering, he confessed what he had not done, and was consequently put to death in the presence of the said Marquess of Masseran, who knew the Countrey. Thus we see one wrongfully accused that was executed, and this Gentlemans Imprisonment, which was to be perpetual.
After this, they carryed the poor Gentleman almost all naked, and being nothing but skin and bones, to the Lord of Termes, who caused him to be clothed, and gave him Money to go back to his friends.
The third History is, that the Duke of Nemours Son was one of the chief ring-leaders of the League against Henry IV. and did what he could before he dyed to get the Kingdom of France, endeavouring first to make himself Sovereign Prince of Lion, Forrest, and Beaucolois.
The fourth History is, that at the latter end of the year 1555. the Lord la Mole carrying to Rome the Cardinals of Tournon and Lorrain, went directly to the Island of Corsica, whence he drew some Forces, which he joyned to his, and to those of Monluc, and would not Land at Monaco for some reasons, but went directly to Civita Vecchia. By this we understand that Verse of the Stanza. The Ship of the Mole shall not come near Monaco.
These words are plain enough, though no body can tell whether the thing is past already, or shall come to pass hereafter.
This seemeth to be an allusion to the Birth of Alexander the great; for it is said, that when his mother Olympia proved with Child of him, there was seen in her Bed, and about her Bed a great Serpent, which was the presage of his future greatness: therefore our Author also will have, that when such a Prodigie shall appear in France, that then shall be born such a Prince as he mentioneth here: the circumstances are, that this Serpent shall be seen by a Lady in the night time, and that the Dogs of the house shall not bark at him.
The two first Verses are easily understood by those that know the Pyrenean Mountains, to be those that part Spain from France. The two last Verses signifie there shall be bloody Wars in those places; the Rhosne is a swift River of France, that passeth through the City of Lyons; Leman is the Lake of Geneva, and Narbon is a City of Languedock.
This signifies, that a Kingdom shall be left to two, who shall keep it but a little while, about the space before mentioned.
By the two Vestals that shall rebel, are to be understood two Nuns, who having Interest in the state by their nearness of blood, shall challenge a title in the Kingdom. The last Verse signifies, that the youngest that contended for the Kingdom, shall overcome the eldest, in the Province of Gascony.
This signifies, that the Princess born so long after her Brother, shall be married to a King of France, which is understood here by the Kingdom of Libra; therefore the last King Lewis the XIII. was called the Just, because born under the Sign of Libra.
This signifies the late change of state in Portugal, when they threw off the Spanish yoke, and chose a King amongst themselves, John the IV. Duke of Branganza, Father[191] to the present Queen of England; for by the Lusitanians are meant the Portugals, so called from their Countreys name Lusitania; Pactoles is the River that runs by Lisbonne, otherwise called Tagus, in Greek χροσοροος from the Sands.
The meaning is, that when the people of Albania lying between the Venetian Territories, and Grecia, shall come to Rome, by the means of a Bishop of Langres, who is a Duke and Peer of France; being covered with half Helmets, a kind of a Cap that they wear in War; then shall be fire, blood, small Pox, and want of Corn.
This is scarce to be understood of any body, but the present King of France Lewis the XIV. who was the elder son, and born of Queen Ann, Daughter to the King of Spain, who by his valour and fortune made last year such progress in the Conquest of Flanders, that it hath caused admiration in every body; insomuch that is he do the like this year, it may be probably suspected, he will afterwards go deep into Spain according to the contents of this Prophecy.
The meaning is, that when Mars is Ecclipsed, the Lightning shall fall on some of the King of Frances Palaces, then shall be a great War, for the space of seven Months, and many shall die by witchcraft; and Rouen the chief City of Normandy, and Eureux another of the same province, shall stick fast to the Kings Interest.
This is a further specification of the whole ruine of Flanders, before which it shall happen, saith our Author, that two shall talk together in the Church, and one shall stabb the other with a Dagger, and then take Horse, and fly, the dead one being buried without Pompe or Ceremony.
The two first Verses foretell a Conspiracy of seven against three, one of which seven shall carry both Fleets to some eminent person, at which time he shall be shot in the forehead by the last of the seven.
By the two first Verses is meant a lawful Successor to the Duke of Tuscany who shall come to recover the said Dukedom, which shall then be in the possession of the French.
It is hard to guess what he means by the Sea-frog, unless it be some considerable Prince at Sea, which shall then be in League with the French.
By the strange Alliance is meant that which Cromwel had with France, to the prejudice of his Majesty of England, who is here meant by the Mastif, a Creature, for which England hath been famous.
By the Wolf and the Bear are meant the French King and the Switzers, or those of Savoy.
The two first are plain, and may be referred to the foregoing Stanza concerning Oliver.
The last Verses are plain, and I leave them to the judicious Reader.
Although the Augur in Latine signifieth one that telleth events of matters by the flying voices, or sitting of Birds, yet it is taken also (as here) for a Prelat or Clergyman, who shall put his hand upon a Kings head, and pray for the peace of Italy, and shall put a Scepter in his hand, and install him Emperour, what King this should[196] be, is easie to be conjectured by the Author, being a French-man, and setting down a King without any Epithite, and this Prophecy is a confirmation of one before of the same nature.
I suppose none so ignorant in the Roman History, but knows, that there was a combination between Octavius Cæsar, Marcus Antonius, and Lepidus, to make themselves Masters of the Roman Empire, and to divide it amongst themselves, this plot being made by three, was made by the Triumuiri, the meaning then is, that when they shall go to seek for a Treasure, they shall find the bones of one of those three persons, and in that cavity that they shall have digged, they shall find Marble and Lead.
The two Verses signifie, that fire shall be hid within Globes, I suppose them to be Granado’s, or a Mine.
The two last Verses signifie, that the Fleet in the Harbour, or near it, shall set the City on fire, and that they shall come out of the Fleet to help to quench the fire, and so shall the enemy be favourable.
The meaning of the first is unknown to me: I leave it to the Reader.
The sense of the last is as obvious to the meanest capacity, as the two precedent are obscure.
This needeth no further interpretation, than that it seemeth to be near its event.
This is so obscure in words and sense, that I can judge no more than that it signifies a great change in Africa and Asia, which I suppose is already come to pass by Taffaletta.
We have said often before, that the Leman Lake is that of Geneva. The rest is so manifest, that it needs no interpretation.
By the Roman Belgick King, is understood Philip the second King of Spain; because he was made King in Flanders, by his father Charles V.
The second Verse signifieth the diverse Nations that his Army was composed of.
In the third, by the Lybian people are understood the Jews, which he drove away from Spain into Africa.
The Pannons are the people of Hungary, called Pannones, and the meaning that he drove them out as far as Hercules Pillar, at the mouth of the Straits, signifies the great expulsion he made of them, which were about the number of 200000.
By the Cock is meant the King of France. The rest is plain.
These Verses signifie no more, but that a Pope going by water, shall be taken Prisoner, for which, all the Clergy shall be in disorder, and elect a new one, who shall consume his Goods, and shall have a favourite Bastard, that shall be killed.
The Sabæan Tear, is Frankincense, so called; because it is the Gum of a Tree that groweth in that Countrey, whence the Poet saith,
The meaning therefore of the two first Verses, is, that Frankincense shall be no more so dear as it hath been; because it shall be no more used, in enbalming and burning of dead bodies.
The third verse saith, the Island Pharos (which is that little Island that lyeth before the Harbour of Alexandria) shall be troubled by Croisars, that is, Christians, when there shall appear a Phantasme, or a Vision shall be seen at Rhodes.
I could not find what he meaneth by Andronne, therefore I believe it is a barbarous and forged word, which the Author hath foisted in, to make the first Verses rhime with the word Rhosne in the third Verse, which is a famous River in France.
Victrix is a Latine word, and the Feminine Gender of victor, and signifieth a woman that is victorious; Hecatomb is a Sacrifice, wherein an hundred Oxen are killed.
By the great golden Royal, is understood (if I mistake not) a King rich in Gold and Silver, who being joyned with one rich in Copper, shall make open War against one that shall have broken his agreement.
Quære: Whether this came not to pass when Gustaphus Adolphus King of Sweden and rich in Brass, being helped by the French Gold and Silver; was not the General so much lamented, after he had almost ruined the Emperour, whom he did challenge to have broken his word, and had covered the ground with German and Swedish blood.
What the Author meaneth by vapin, is unknown to me, as for the word propin, it is a diminutive of the Latine word propinquus, by the figure of Rhetorick, called Tmesis.
Every body may judge of this as well as I, therefore to trouble my self it should be to no purpose.
Here is nothing difficult, but what he meaneth by the two red ones, for my part I suppose them to be two Cardinals.
This signifieth, that two powerful Princes shall joyn together, to make War in Africa, which shall be much terrified at it, but this Duumuirat, that is, this agreement of two Princes shall be broken off, and disjoyned.
I shall leave this to be expounded by those that have more skill in Astronomy then I have.
This is of the same nature as the foregoing, therefore I leave it to the same expositors.
This is so plain, that it needeth no interpretation.
This Prophecy foretelleth clearly and plainly, that the Persians shall come to invade the Turkish dominions, a part of which is the Empire of Trebisond, and that Pharos and Methelin two Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, shall quake for fear.
As also that the Adriatick Sea, which is that Sea that belongeth to the Venetians shall be covered with Turkish blood, at which the Author is so jocund, as with an exclamation he inviteth the Sun to be merry, and rejoyce at it.
This manifestly foretelleth a conspiracy of three men against the Duke of Genoa, one of which three men, under the shew of a sore Arm, and an impotent Leg, shall carry a Dagger in his bosom, with which he shall stabb the said Duke.
This Stanza is divided into two parts, the first of which is comprehended in the two first Verses, viz. that the liberty of some politick body (he nameth not which) shall not be recovered, but shall be seized upon, by a black, fierce, and wicked villain.
The second part is contained in the two last Verses, wherein he saith, that the Common-wealth of Venice shall be in trouble, when the Bridge made over the River Hister shall be finished.
This is concerning the taking and sacking of Rome, by the Duke of Bourbon, General of Charles V. Forces, therefore he saith that Paris shall give the Assault, because the said Duke of Bourbon was a Frenchman.
He foretelleth the destruction of a famous Bridge in the Countrey of Attica, of which Athens is the chief City, and because it was always famous for learning, he calleth it here the head of Wisdom; and that Wisdom, the Rose of the World.
By this dark Stanza, the Author seemeth to foretell the woful condition of a Countrey that was happy before, but shall fall to ruine, I suspect he intended France, because being a Frenchman he did not name it, for I think there was never such a change in the world as was in that Kingdom, in the time of the Civil Wars between the Roman Catholicks, and the Protestants.
The Author applyeth this Prophecie to the City of Nantes in Britany, but want of Books that treat of the History of that Countrey; I could neither satisfie my self, nor the Reader, if this hath come to pass already or not.
There is a notable and sensible error in the French Copy, and without reforming it, the sense is not only obscure, but also impossible; for instead of Blois, which the Author hath put here, I suppose to make the rime good, it must be written Blaye, which is a Sea Town of the mouth of the River Garonne, and Blois is a mid-Land Town, upon the River Loire, about a hundred Leagues distant from the other.
The rest signifieth no more, but that there shall be some Warlike Stratagem made use of by the French (understood here by the names of Wine and Salt) in puting fire into Barrels.
What should the Author mean by the free City of the great Seline Sea that carryeth yet the stone in the Stomach, is hard to guess; for my part I believe it to be Venice. First, because by the Seline Sea, he always understands the Mediterranean; because the great Turks name in our Authors time was Selyn, who was Master of the greatest part of it. Secondly, there is no other free City so considerable as this. Thirdly, by the stone in the Stomach, may be understood, the Pillars that are in the Piazza of St. Mark, and as it were in the Centre of Venice, as the Stomach is in the Body. The sense therefore is this, as I take it, that a considerable Fleet shall come to Venice, or rather to Molamocco, which is the Harbour, and there take a branch of great open War, that is, to be either against the Venetians, or against the Turk in their behalf.
This foretelleth a notable poisoning that shall be done by a Brother upon his Sister, which, because she died not fast enough, according to his mind: and therefore called her slow, he would set her forward with a poisoned Cake, the Poison was Mineral, and therefore Arsenick or Sublimate, mixed with Manna, called here Dew; because Manna is nothing but a Dew, condensed upon the Bark of a certain Tree; the Conclusion is, that the woman shall die eating of it, though the meat seemed to be simple and rural.
The difficulty of meeting in any Countrey three hundred men of one mind, hath perswaded me that our Author writ this for England; but by reason there hath been since a general pardon, I will keep my mind to my self.
This hath a Relation to the precedent Stanza, therefore, &c.
This is only in commendation of the Family of the Medicis, and of their Alliance with the Crown of France; for Catharine of Medicis, wife to Henry II. was Queen of France when our Author lived.
This only signifieth a strict Union between the French and the Spaniards, by several Alliances.
This foretelleth the greatness and goodness of a Prince that shall be born in the beginning of the night.
The Allobrox are the people of Savoy. Those of the Eagle comprehended under Libra, are the subjects of the Empire that use the French tongue.
He foretelleth the troubles that were to be shortly in those Countreys for Religion.
By the red one is understood some Cardinal that shall be taken by Pyrates, for which the peace shall be in danger to be broken, the same Cardinal shall by a feigned action be guilty of choler and covetousness, and for his recovery and the defending the Rites of the Church, the Pope shall have a double Army granted to him.
By the great Empire is meant that of Germany, which he says shall be translated near the Forrest of Ardens, which is near the borders of France. Two Bastards shall be beheaded by command of the elder Brother of the House, and he that shall Reign shall have a reddish beard, and a Hawks nose.
By red Hats are understood Cardinals of Rome, who shall raise great quarrels and schismes, when a Pope of the Countrey of the Sabins (which is near Rome) shall be Elected, against whom many things shall be objected, and that Rome shall be endamaged by the Albanians, which are a Warlike people, and for the most part subject to the Common-wealth of Venice.
By Bisantine is understood the great Turk, Master of Constantinople, formerly called Bysantium.
The words of this Stanza are plain, though the sense be something obscure.
The two first Verses foretell a schisme in the Church of Rome, understood by a tottering Ship, and that a French-man shall be Elected Pope to remedy it.
The two last Verses are easie to be understood.
By the Brethren of the Lillies are meant the Heirs of the Crown of France; the rest is plain.
By Barcins he means those of Carthage, which is now Tunis, and by the Thyrrens, those that live near that Sea.
Here is Demorritus’s Well where the truth may be, but I cannot find it.
This is of the same obscurity with the foregoing one.
This is so plain, that it needeth no interpretation.
The Ligurian Nation are those of Genoa.
The sense and the words are plain.
The Mountains of Gaulsier and Aventine are two of the seven Mountains of Rome, out of which, it seems, one shall go out to give notice to the Army without, and the Booty of the Pope, called Sextus, shall be taken.
But what he meaneth by Mansol, I am ignorant.
By the Conduit of Gardoing, he means that of the River Gardon, that passeth by Nismes, where there is a famous Conduit.
But what he meaneth by the chief Nemans, I cannot find.
All the difficulty lyeth in the last Verse: for my part I believe he meaneth by it a bearded Comet, such as the Latines call Cometa barbatus.
By a shaven head must be understood a Priest of the Romish Religion; because they all have their heads shaven.
The Apennine Mountains, are those that divide Italy in two parts.
Those under the Sign of Libra are the people of France. Feurs is a City in France, in the Province of Forrest. Mount Senis is a high Mountain in Savoy.
I could not find what he meaneth by Orgon. As by the Trident being taken, I suppose he meaneth a Ship called Neptune, because Neptune is always painted with a Trident.
Tyber is the River of Rome, the rest are several prodigies that shall come to pass.
This passeth my understanding.
What he meaneth by the lady Ambraise, I cannot find, the rest is easie.
Monsieur Catel in his second Book of Languedoc Chap. V. saith, that there was a famous Aqueduct, which the Romans builded from the River Gar to the Town of Nismes, which at present is ruinated.
Secondly, Near the Town there was a famous Temple dedicated to Diana, where there is a Spring of water so great, that it seemeth rather a Lake then a Fountain.
Thirdly, I find that the Emperour Adrian caused a Temple to be built in the honour of Plotina Trajan’s wife.
Fourthly, He relateth that Jean Poldo found in the Town of Aix a Marble with this inscription: Plotina Trajanis uxor, summa honestate & integritate fulgens, sterilitatis defectu sine prole fecit conjugem, qui ejus opera Adrianum adoptatum in Imperio Successorem habuit, a quo in beneficii memoriam Nemausi æde sacra maximo Sumptu, sublimique structura, ac Hymnorum cantu decorata, post mortem donata est: That is to say, Plotina, Trajans wife, famous for her honesty and integrity, was barren and left no Children to her Husband, which she perceiving, intreated the Emperour to adopt Adrian for his Son, and to make him his Successor in the Empire, which being come to pass, the new Emperour in acknowledgement of such a benefit, did build her a Temple of a magnificent Structure, and caused it to be Consecrated with Musick after her death.
Fifthly, The said Author saith, that this Marble was taken out of that Temple, when the River of Gardon did so overflow, as we have said.
By all this we see, that there was a Temple of Vestals at Nismes, Diana the Maid being their chief Patroness, which is made now a Nunnery, called la Fontaine. There is also to be seen the Temple of Plotina, Trajans wife, built by Adrian his Successor. And as it was the manner of the Ancients to put some of those inextinguishable Lamps in their Graves; it is very likely, there was one of them in this Temple, and because it should be known whose Grave it was, he caused Trajans name to be Engraven in the foot of the said Lamp.
Let us explain now the Stanza: Under the Ancient Vestal buildings of the Temple of Diana, not far from the ruined Aqueduct, which carrieth the water from the River Gar to Nismes, shall be found shining mettals of Sol and Luna, that is, Meddals of gold and silver, with a burning Lamp of gold, wherein the name of Trajan was Engraven. Histories make mention of several burning Lamps in this manner, that have been found still burning in the ground, and not consumed, though they had been there above 500 years; certainly the Oil of it must have been incombustible, and could be extracted out of nothing but gold, quia nil dat quod non habet.
Perouse is a City in Italy; the rest is plain.
This foretelleth a great incursion of the Turks into Germany, insomuch that they shall water their Camels in the Rivers of Danubius, and of the Rhyne, to the great terrour of France, wherein those Rivers of Rhosne and Loire are.
But the last Verse, saith the Cock; that is, the French, shall overcome and ruine the Turks, near the Mountains of the Alpes.
This is concerning some great Prince, who shall raise a powerful Army, and conquer Affrica with it.
This foretelleth the destruction of Constantinople, anciently called Byzantium, by those that live under the Sign of Libra, that is, the Europeans, and chiefly the French.
The words and sense are plain.
By a Proclamation, favouring or promoting Licentiousness, poison shall be mixed in the Law, and leachery so much countenanced, as it shall obscurate the allay of the Sun, that is, piety so much commended in the Gospel, to all those that will fight under Christs Banner.
The Author could not be mistaken in this Prophecie; for the Church of God shall always be persecuted, the Apostle confirmeth it, when he saith, that all those that will live piously in Christ, must suffer persecution: As for the spoiling of Churches, and other barbarous actions, it hath been seen so often in France, in the time of the Civil Wars for Religion, that it needeth no confirmation.
The last Verse concerning a peace between the Turks and the Polonians, was fulfilled in the year 1623. when Sigismundus King of Poland, by his Embassador the Duke Šbarasky, and by the mediation of the English Embassador, concluded a Peace with the great Turk Mustapha, the Articles of which you may read at large in the Turkish History.
It seemeth to signifie, that by Alliance made between a German Emperour, and a Daughter of France, which derive their Pedigree from the Trojans, a Prince shall be born of so stout and valiant a heart, as shall drive away all the Turkish power out of Germany, and shall restore the Church to her former splendor.
I do acknowledge my Ignorance in this.
Aix, Carpentras, Lisle Volce, Mont Cavaillon, are Cities of Provence.
All what I can say upon this, is, that Dialis in Latine is a Priest of Jupiter, and Quirinal is a Priest of Romulus, Martial Flamen is a Priest of Mars, Vulcanal is a Priest of Vulcan, let the ingenious Reader make of all these the best construction he can.
The word Satrape is a Persian word, signifying one of the Grandees at Court. By the last Verse is meant, one that shall save his life and make his escape, by the means of a covered Boat or Barge.
This seemeth to have a relation to the birth of Christ, or Christmas-day.
By the word Ogmion, every where in his Book, the Author meaneth the King of France, who according to his words shall come near Constantinople, and shall break the Barbarian League, and of the two Laws, that is, the Christian and the Mahometan, the Mahometan shall yield to the other.
By the Royal Bird is meant an Eagle, which for seven days together shall be observed upon some Eastern City, and shall be taken for a presage, that the Eastern Wall of that City shall fall by Lightning, at which time the enemies shall be at the Gate for seven days together.
The sense is, that according to the Articles or agreement made between the Besieger of a Fort, and the Governour of it, the said Governour by despair will not come out, and this shall happen, when those of Arbois and Langres, shall be against those of Bressia, and shall have put an Ambuscado in the City of Dolle.
What place is meant by the unparalell’d Kingdom, the Author hath hid as well from me as the Reader.
Without doubt by this Gulf and unmeasured City the Author means Paris, by reason of its greatness, and the multitude of its Inhabitants.
By Leman is meant the City of Geneva, the rest needeth no further interpretation.
This Prophecy containeth three things, the first is an Inundation by which Paris is threatened, for without doubt he meaneth here that City, at the head of which the River Seine is divided in two heads, and makes an Island where the Cathedral Church and the Palace are situated, and then parted into three branches, one of which runneth by the Church of the Augustines, the other by the Quay of la Megisserie, and the third passeth under the great Hospital; this City then is threatned here of an Inundation, to which it is very subject, by reason of the lowness of her situation, and the confluence of several Rivers that meet at the head of it. The second part of the Prophecy hinteth that at that time, some great ones of that City shall be banished; and the third, that Constantinople, which was anciently called Byzantium; or rather the great Turk by a figure of Rhetorick, called Synecdoche, shall be much oppressed by the Persians.
By Troian blood is understood the French Nation, the meaning therefore is, that in the year that a great Inundation shall be in France, then shall a notable marriage be made, by which the French shall be hedged about, or fenced by Spaniards.
When by the overflowing of the Neighbouring Seas, a Sea Monster shall be cast upon the Sand, near to that Place shall be built a Fort, that shall make Savona a slave to Turin.
Savona is a Town by the Sea side, belonging to the Genoese, Turin is the chief City of Piemont, belonging to the Duke of Savoy.
This Stanza is divided into two parts; the two first Verses foretell the troubles that were to happen in Hungaria, Bohemia, and Navarre for Religion sake. The two last ones were fulfilled, when the Prince of Condé, who in his Arms wears the flower de Luce with the Bar, did seize upon Orleans for the Protestant party.
Cyclades are the Islands in the Ægean Sea; Corinth, Larissa, Sparta, Peloponesus, and Chersonesus, are Countreys of Grecia.
When Mars shall be in the sign of Leo, and Saturn in that of Aquarius, then the Countrey of Athens shall be over-run by light Horsemen of Albania.
The meaning is, that when a Pope shall have sat in the Chair, for the space of 17 years, within the same space of 17 years, five others shall be elected; and after them another, that shall not be well approved of by the Roman Clergy, and Nobility. If my memory doth not fail me, this is come to pass already; but wanting the Popes Chronology, I could not make it good.
This Prophecie must of necessity be past; for since the union of both Kingdom under one King, such a thing hath not happened, nor is it likely it should be hereafter.
It is concerning an Emperour that shall add all those Countreys to the Empire of Germany.
This is either Mistical or Metaphorical, or I understand it not.
The words are plain, out of which every one may make what construction he pleaseth.
Condon is a Town in France; the rest is plain.
Bearn and Bigorre are two Provinces of France; the rest is plain.
The Cities here mentioned are all in Italy.
Tartas, Cominge, Foix, Auch, Mazere are Towns in France. Hessia, Saxony, and Turinge are Provinces of Germany.
The Pyrenean Mountains are those that part Spain from France; Garonne is the River that runneth at Bourdeaux, it seemeth then, that upon that River a Roman Captain shall stand in much fear of the new King before mentioned.
What strange age it was in the year 1580. every one may satisfie himself by History. As for the year 1703. our Author saith there will be great wonders, chiefly there shall many changes be in Kingdoms, insomuch, that one shall be divided into five.
This River is the River of Rhyne, because the ancient French when they had a King newly born, they used to put him upon a Target, to make him swim upon that River, to try whether by his swimming he was lawfully begotten or no; the meaning therefore is, that this new born Celtique or French King shall be at variance with the Empire, and that in his young years the Clergy shall take his Scepter and Crown from him.
This is a strange prediction, if it should prove true, that the Rhine should change its course, and should touch no more the City of Colen, which is here called Agrippina; because its name in Latine is Colonia Agrippina, being a Colony of the Romans, built by M. Agrippa, son in Law to Augustus; others say by Agrippina, Mother to the Emperour Nero.
The last Verse signifieth no more than an unfortunate position and Aspect of the two Planets, Saturn and Mars, and of the two Signs, Leo and Cancer.
The two last Verses foretel a great Plague and Famine that shall come from the North, by the means of the long Rain.
Samarobryn he calls a people, that shall be a hundred Leagues from our Hemisphere, and shall live without Law and Policy.
Here he foretelleth the apparition of a Commet that shall be vertical to the Cities here named, and not far from the Sign of Cancer, at which time a great person shall die at Rome, about the dawning of the day.
The difficulty lyes in the word Brothers, which I suppose to be the United Provinces. The rest is plain.
This Prophecie is clear enough, and here the Author hath said nothing, but what doth commonly happen.
Here the Reader must understand that the Author was a Roman Catholick, and therefore calleth Holy Temples, the Churches of the Romish Religion, which in the beginning of the Civil Wars in France, were much abased by those of the Protestant Religion, then called Huguenots, whose chief was Henry King of Navarre, who was the only man amongst the Protestant party, that could have Money and Medals coined to his stamp, as being King of Navarre. But the last Verse of this Prophecie proved too true, when upon St. Bartholomews day, the 24 of August, in the year 1572. the general Massacre of the Protestants was made through France.
By the Temples of the Colours White and Black, I suppose he means that of Peace, and of War; by the Red and Yellow, may be meant the Empire of the Sweads, who shall be at variance together; and by their long War shall bring the Plagues here mentioned, as it came to pass in the Wars of Germany, between the Emperour and Gustavus Adolphus, King of the Sweads.
It is apparent, that he speaks of seven Brethren, that shall be reduced to three, whereof the eldest son shall be surprised by death, and two of the rest shall be said to have murdered their Brother, the Conspirators shall afterwards be killed in their sleep.
This prediction signifies no more, but that there shall be a great commotion among the Nations, of Europe, concerning the election of a Pope, which is called here the Empire of the Vatican; because the Vatican is the Popes Palace in Rome.
What should that doubtful man be, whom our Author doth mention here, is not easie to be understood; but it seemeth that it shall be some body pretending to the Popedom, who shall have a great party for himself, and yet for all that shall be excluded, and not able to keep his Seat; so that this Prophecie is but the second part of the foregoing; for they have both a relation together. The Capitol anciently was the Citadel of Rome, and now is the place where the Courts of Judicature meet, called Campidoglio.
This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1578. when Don Sebastian King of Portugal, went into Affrica, to help and succour Muley Hamet, against Muley Maluc, that had expelled him out of the Kingdom of Fez and Morocco, and there fought that famous Battle of Alcasserquibir, wherein his whole Army was routed, and himself slain by the Moores, and his body afterwards sold to the King of Spain for a 100000. Crowns.
We hear of no Prince that had that advantage upon Nuremberg, but only Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden, who took it. The last two Verses signifie no more, then that the King of Spain shall be wasted at the time when the Sun is in Capricorn.
The meaning is, that what the Normans and those of Picardie shall save from the hand of a young conquering Prince, the same shall be imployed in building a Temple in the black Forrest, which is that part of the Forrest of Arden, that lies near Bohemia, and another part of it to build a House in Lombardie.
This seems to foretell a persecution of ignorant men against the learned, after which shall happen a confusion amongst the ignorant persons, who shall be forced to disguise themselves.
The last two Verses seem to be of the same sense, for by the Saturnins I understand studious people, and by the Millers rude and unlearned persons.
This in plain words signifieth no more, but that a King shall be desparately sick and forsaken by his Physicians, and shall recover by the help of a Jew, for which fact those of that Nation shall be reestablished in his Countrey.
Seville is the chiefest City of Andalusia a Province in Spain; the rest is plain.
When the things contained in the three first Verses shall come to pass, then Rome shall have a new Pope, expressed here by the word Leopard from the variousness, that is, in his Pontifical Garments.
This foretelleth an union between the Europeans, or Nations of the North against the Eastern people, or Turks, and that the Christians shall make choice of such a General, that shall make the East quake, and get such Victories, whereby Rhodes and Constantinople shall be dyed with Turkish blood.
I think that by the great Cœlestial Temple, he meaneth that of St. Paul, in which, or in the ground about it, shall be murdered a Nephew by his Uncle, which shall cause great divisions and dissensions in the City, compared here to a Boat, and that a dissembled or fained liberty shall be proclaimed.
The first thing here to be observed, is the word Rapis, which is the Anagramme of Paris, which he saith was never in such a trouble before, as it shall be when the people shall rebel against the King for hatred, and because he shall have put low the price and intrinsical value of Coin and Money; he foretelleth also that there shall be a new Peace made, and that the Holy Laws shall be much impaired.
The meaning of this is, that when the Planet of Mars shall be in conjunction with the constellation he calleth here the Scepter, that then shall be a very calamitous War. The two last Verses are plain enough of themselves.
This Prophecie is concerning a certain Pope, signified here by the word of great Fisherman; because in his Seal is graven a Fisherman, and therefore in all his Bulls and Expeditions, it is always written, Datum Romæ sub sigillo piscatoris: this Pope then it seemeth, shall be brought to ruine, and another it seemeth shall succeed him, having here three Epithetes, viz. Young, Black, and Red, which signifieth, that against the common election of Popes, he shall be elected young, and shall be Black in his complexion, and Red in Cloaths, viz. a Cardinal. Hierarchy is a Greek word, signifying Dominion over the Church. The last Verse needeth no explication, being plain enough of it self.
This Prediction seemeth to have not only a relation to the foregoing, but also a connexion; for the Author still handleth the matter of the Popedome, and saith, that after that Pope shall have Reigned four years, there shall succeed one that shall be notorious for debauchedness and lechery, and that those Towns he mentioneth here (which are all in Italy) shall take the Popes part.
Chyren by transposition is taken for Henry, and Selin for a King called so; because it is the name of a Turkish Emperour: So that by this Stanza I suppose he means Henry II. his Master, King of France. The rest is plain.
Because this word Celtique is often repeated in this Book, it would not be amiss to satisfie the Reader of the meaning of it; it is properly the Nation of the Flemings, and some others of the Low-Countreys as far as the Mase and the Rhyne, which anciently were called Galli Celtæ. By the great Shepheard, is meant the Pope, and by the Cock is meant the French Nation. The rest is easie.
By the holy Widow, is meant the City of Rome, which is called in Italian, Roma la santa, because of the blood of so many Martyrs that hath been shed there, for the maintenance of the Christian Religion, he calleth it a Widow; because at that time there will be no Pope elected, and there shall be a kind of interregnum, as it always happens when a Pope is dead, until the new one be elected. What he calleth here Branches, are the Clergy men, and the shaven heads the Priests.
Brabant is one of the seventeen Provinces, and Liege is a great City upon the River of Maze. The rest is not difficult.
This Prophecie is too indefinite, to admit of a particular sense; for there be so many Prelates, so many Kings, so many Dukes, that it is not easie to fix upon any particular one, and therefore we must leave this Stanza in Democritus’s Well.
The words are so plain, that every one may make his own interpretation of them.
This seemeth to be concerning a bloody man, that had killed one Alus, and sought to save himself by Sea; but was taken between two Rivers, and put to death by the command of one that was a black and Cholerick man.
It is a Fort or Town besieged by an Enemy, who shall torment the besieged so much with Bombs and Granadoes, and other flying fire, that they shall despair to escape.
The meaning of it is, that when by the virtues and meetings of the said Constellations, a great plain shall be burnt by Rion (which is a City in Auvergne) that then Letters shall be found hidden in a wax Candle.
Perusa, Pisa, and Florence are Cities in Italy; the rest is plain.
By the first Verse is understood an ancient building, which shall be finished and brought to perfection, I suppose it to be the Louvere, which hath been a building in the Reign of seven Kings. But before it be throughly finished, some ruine shall fall upon a great man and kill him; one declared innocent of the fact shall be accused of it after his death, and he that shall be guilty of it shall escape by hiding himself in a Wood in misty weather.
A bloody black man shall be put into the hands of the vanquished, by those that were enemies to peace, after they have conquered Italy, whence shall proceed fire and blood, and water coloured with blood.
The Lake Trasymene in Italy, is that near which Annibal got that famous Battle upon the Romans. The rest is as plain as the words can bear.
This foretelleth the fall of an Archbishop of Ments, in Latine Moguntia, who is the first Ecclesiastical Elector, and shall be deprived of his dignity by a covetous and powerful Prince to satisfie his covetousness, at which those of Colen his neighbours shall be so incensed, that they shall throw that covetous person into the Rhine.
This signifieth onely a conjunction of the Dutch, Danish, and English Forces, to attempt something in Italy, which shall prove fruitless, and cost a great deal of Money.
We have said before, that when ever the Author speaks of Ognion, he meaneth the King of France, the meaning therefore of this whole Stanza is, that Henry the II. Son to Francis the I. whom he calls here great Selin, shall do more in Italy then his Predecessors had done, which proved true, and he governed his Kingdom with a prudent dissimulation.
By the two first Verses, he meaneth without doubt the City of Paris, for it is watered by those two Rivers the Seine and Marne, that joyn together at the head of it, but how this City should become unhabited is the great question, and chiefly by the means here alledged, viz. of the English signified by the Thames, and other Martial people, the Guards deceived in thinking to repulse the enemy.
Nantes is a City in France, Iris is the Rainbow, Saxony is a Province in Germany; the rest is plain.
This signifies that the Governour or Vice-Roy of a Kingdom shall refuse to consent to his Kings Deeds; the rest needeth no interpretation.
I cannot find what he meaneth by Non-seggle; by the Eagle he meaneth the Emperour, and by the Frog the King of France, for before he took the Flower de Luce, the French bore three Frogs.
Brussel is a Town of Brabant, and so is Maline; Dolle is one of Burgundy; and Langres another of France.
I know not what he means by the old City, unless it be Rome, by reason of its antiquity.
Some parties of the Popes side, shall subdue those bordering upon Danubius, and drive away the Priests, turn all things topse-turvy, make slaves, and take a booty above the value of 100000. Rubles. A Ruble is a piece of Gold of the great Mogul, worth two or three pound sterling.
It is the strange wickedness of a woman, that shall incestuously be got with Child by her Son in Law, and when she is delivered, shall kill her Child, and throw him into a Well; a while after the water beginning to corrupt, a search shall be made of the cause, and then the Childs Bones shall be found, which shall cause a great stir, and for to know this wicked woman, he saith, that the Planet of Mars shall be the ascendant in her Horoscope.
The words of this prediction are plain and easie, and signifie no more than what often happeneth, and may happen yet, viz. that where a concourse of people shall be to see a new show, the Pillars and walls of the Building shall fall, and people perish by the ruine, (as if it were by a Miracle) the King and thirty of the spectators shall be preserved.
By the Trojan hope, is meant a King of France, who after he hath been marryed six Months, shall have a Child still born.
The great Celtique Prelate, was the Cardinal of Lorrain, Brother to the Duke of Guizse, who being suspected by the King, went away by night to Rome.
By fruitfull Brittain, is understood the province of that name in France, which by the means of the Duke of Mercure, her Governour shall be unsuspected by the King.
By Liturgie, I suppose he meaneth under pretext of Religion. The rest is easie to be understood.
Chelme is a German word, that signifies a Rogue. By Marnegro, is meant the Black Sea, or Nigropont. By pulling a Spunge, I suppose the great quantity of Spunges that stick to the Rocks in that Sea.
Tripolis, Chios, and Trapezon, are places in the Turkish Dominions.
A great Army gathered about Narbon, shall so much terrifie the Spaniards, that Parpignan a Town of theirs shall be desolate, and left empty by the Governour, here called the blind d’Arbon, then Barcelon, which is a Sea-Town in Catalonio, belonging to the Spaniards shall come to its succours, and chase the enemy by Sea.
This is a person of great quality, and near of blood to a King, who being a Cardinal, cruel and dreadful, shall be Elected Pope, I suppose Clement the VII.
Here is nothing difficult but the word Selene, which is the Moon from the Greek σεληνη.
The meaning is, that at such a time when the Sun is Ecclipsed by the Moon, Sienna and the Islands about it shall be at liberty.
The sense of this Stanza and the words are plain.
We have said many times before, what is meant by the word Celtique. The Port of Blavet is that of the River of Bordeaux.
This needeth no interpretation.
The two first verses are too mistical for me; the third signifieth, that by gallops; that is, by Troops of Horses, the Leaguers, viz. those that held the party of the League, shall be routed by the Kings Cavalry. The fourth, that Savone and Albingue, two Towns of the Genoeses, shall be put to much trouble by those of Monech and Monaco, another Town near them, belonging to the Prince of Monaco, a Genoese of the house of Grimald.
The second and fourth Verses perswade me, that this Stanza came to pass in the time of Catharine of Medicis, wife to Henry II. because she lived long, and the King died in the bed of Honour, and thus he saith, that she was left to Reign alone; because her four Sons were all little ones, so that she alone was Regent in France.
The second Verse saith, The holy one being extinguished, first, in the Bed of Honour.
By this word the only one, the Author meaneth not the only Son, but the only one living, such as Henry II. was to her, who was extinguished in the Bed of Honour, and died of the wound he received at Tilting.
The third Verse saith, that after his death, her mourning lasted seven years, that is, from the first of August 1559. to the first of August 1566. because that all those 16 Months that Francis II. she had nothing but continual sorrow, by the conspiracy of Amboise, the secret practises of the King of Navarre, and Prince of Condé his Brother, by the insurrection of the Protestants, when Charles IX. visited his Kingdom, Anno 1556. after which she put off her mourning.
The fourth Verse signifieth, that she should be long lived; for she lived above[258] 60 years, He saith also, that she was Regent by great luck, that is, great luck for her self, but not for the Kingdom, for it was most unhappy in her time.
This is a description of the sad and calamitous estate of France, in the time of the Civil wars, when no agreement could be kept on the Roman Catholicks side, witness the several Peaces that were made and broken, the Massacre of Vassa, and that infamous perfidy committed by them on St. Bartholomews day, being the 24 of August, Anno 1572.
This Stanza affordeth us a commical History, which is, that about the year 1601. when there sprang up in France a Kind of Friers, who bosted themselves to be the true observers of the Rule of St. Francis, and that the Cordeliers and Capushines did not keep it so exactly, but they had need of a great reformation; the King Henry IV. granted them a Convent at Beaufort, and upon his example many other places desired them, they went to possess themselves of the house of la Blamet, near Angiers; but the Cordeliers being loath to be dispossessed by these new comers, called Recollets, did besiege them by main force, broke open the Gates, scaled the Walls, the besieged did not defend themselves by words or exorcismes, but with good Stones and Flints, so that if the people had not come, the fray would not have ended without murder, some of them were put in Prison, others kept in Custody: this is the meaning of the Author, when he saith, There will be half an open War between the Gray and the sad Gray; for the Cordeliers have a Gray habit, and the Recollets a sad Gray.
The meaning is, that when they shall go about to make a foundation of a house, for a new Sect of Friers; they shall find the bones of a famous Roman in a Marble Sepulchre, and that in April the Earth shall quake, whereby many shall be swallowed up.
This needeth no Interpretation.
The Lord de Thou doth judiciously observe, that the Pope being unacquainted with things belonging to War, as to Money, Victuals, and Ammunition, was easily persuaded by Cardinal Caraffa to make war against Spain, for without being provided of all these things, he put his Armies into the Field, nec satis perpendens quám a pecuniâ, milite ac cæteris rebus ad bellum necessariis imparatus intempestive arma sumeret.
In the 15. Book of his History: the Duke of Vrbin had commission to raise 6000. Foot and 300. Horses in the Dukedom of Spoleto, and in Mark of Ancona. John Caraffe the Popes Nephew was made General of the Army, and being but Earl of Mortor, was Created Duke of Palliano, by the confiscation of the goods of Mark Antony Colonna. Camillo Ursini was made General of the Forces in Rome, and in the Territory thereof; Blasius of Monluc, the Mars of his time, and by birth a Gascon, was sent by the King to help (with his advice and courage) the Romans, who are always fitter for the Breviary, then for the Sword.
Besides these Forces raised within the Church Dominions, Charles Caraffa gathered all the Bandittes of Naples and Florence, and raised some Regiments of Switzers that came to succour the Pope.
With these Troops the Pope seized upon the most important places and persons belonging to the Spanish party, as the Coloneses and the Vitelly.
These asked succours of the Emperour Charles the V. who presently commanded Ferdinand of Toledo Duke of Alba to succour them. He was then tasked in the Piemont and Milanes, to resist the French that were then under the conduct of the Marshal of Brissac.
To conclude his design the better, he wrote many Letters to the Pope and the Colledge of Cardinals, full of respect and submission, desiring them to moderate their passion against the Spanish party, but the Pope being angry by several reports, answered him, complaining of many things, which made the Duke resolve to the war, and to be there in person.
He took his occasion as a prudent Captain, when the news was brought to him that the Popes Forces were in mutiny against their General for want of pay, and made a great tumult in the night, hearing that he was approaching with a great train of Artillery. Bzovius saith, that the Earl of Montor regarded more his profit then the Popes Interest, and kept back a great part of the money that was to pay the Souldiers, whence proceeded this tumult, which helped much the Duke of Alva’s business.
This is the explanation of the two first Verses of this Stanza, concerning the mutiny of the Souldiers that were in the Popes service, during which mutiny the enemy d’Alba did not fail to vex Rome; this word the enemy d’Alba doth not signifie the enemy of the Duke of Alba, as if one should say in Latine Hostis Albanus. He did then vex Rome; for in a short time he took Ponte Corvino, Frusino Anagnia, Marino, Lavaci, Prœneste, Tivoli, Ostia, Neptuno, Alba Vico-Varro, Monte Fortino, and almost all the places of the Roman Territory.
This did streighten Rome so much, that the General Camillo Ursini made several Trenches within the Walls of Rome, instead of preserving the outworks, as Montluc would have persuaded him to do; the alarums were so great at Rome, that Montluc was fain to encourage the Romans, and to make a Warlike Speech to them, which is inserted in his Works.
Moreover, the same Duke began to seduce the Principals of Rome by his friends that he had in it, but particularly by the cheat that he put upon the Pope; for his design being to prevent the French Forces, and to surprize the Pope, he resolved to go streight to Rome, and to bring his design the better to pass, he sent Pyrrhus Coffrede to[261] the Pope, to see if there was any way of agreement, to the end that upon this proposition the Pope should mistrust nothing. In the mean time the Duke of Alba was coming near Rome, at which the Pope was so angry, that he put this Embassadour in Prison, where he was kept till the conclusion of the Peace; in this sort were the principal men of Rome seduced, having no thought of the Spaniards approaches, this is the relation of the Lord de Thou, Lib. 16.
The words of the first Verse, before it be long, is the Key of the Stanza, because we infer from thence it was shortly to happen, as in truth it did at the latter end of the year 1556. when the Duke of Guise came into Piemont to joyn with the Marshal of Brissac. Then the troops of the Marshal seeing those of the Duke better paid then they were, forsook the Marshal, the History saith there was above 1500. of them, and that the Marshal paid the Souldiers of his own money to stay them.
The great pitty was, when he had no more to give, he was compelled by the Kings order it self, and against his own inclination to raise some moneys upon the Countreys. Secondly, to take some Towns and give the plunder to the Souldiers. Thirdly, to permit the Souldiers to pillage the Countrey.
The Author was willing to foretell this, because there was never a man more strict in keeping the Martial discipline, then this General was.
The Marshal of Brissac being thus abused, some of his troops forsook him to follow the Duke of Guise, being for the most part naked and starved with cold, hunger and thirst, which makes the Author to specifie hunger, cold and thirst; want having compelled them to disband, they went over the Mountains, not of Piemont, but the Apennines of Montserrat, and whatsoever thing they found was a Fish for their Net.
We have said already before, that the Author by the word Cheyren meaneth Henry the II. his Master, by transposition of Letters, who as he saith was contented with the bare title of Victorieux, when he had undertaken the protection of the German Princes against the Emperour Charles the V.
In the general Peace made Anno 1559. two Marriages were concluded, one of Elizabeth of France, daughter to Henry II. King of France, with Philip II. King of Spain, which was Celebrated at Paris with an extraordinary magnificence, in the presence of the Duke of Alba, the Prince of Orenge, and the Earl of Egmont, who came to fetch the Princess.
In the Celebrating of these Nuptials happened the unfortunate death of Henry II. This brought such a sadness to the Court, that the second match which was between Margaret of France, Daughter to Francis I. and the Duke of Savoy was Celebrated without solemnity.
We must add to this, that the Duke weareth in his Coat of Arms some Eagles, some Lions, some Crosses, and a Crown of Rue; by this, we understand this Stanza, which saith, that the King being mortally wounded, every one was preparing himself to render him the last duties, which the Author calleth to Parante, from the Latine word Parentare, which signifieth to Celebrate the Funeral duties of a man. Thus the second Verse saith, before the day that he yieldeth up his Soul, in hast was the Marriage Celebrated, between the Lady Margaret of France, and the Duke of Savoy, who beareth for his Arms some Eagles, some Lions, some Crosses, and a Crown of Rue.
Of this fact and others as bad, have been seen strange examples, formerly done by those called Enthousiastes, who have committed horrible villanies, under pretence of divine inspiration, some commiting Incests, others rapes, others murders, as may be seen at large in the History of John de Leiden, and other desperate Anabaptists, too tedious to be inserted here; I shall only relate here a little remarkable History, in confirmation of this, to discover the Wiles of the spirits of error, transformed into an Angel of Light.
The 7 day of February 1526. two Brothers, Thomas and Leonard Schyker, living near the Town of St. Gal in Switzerland, did assemble together with some other Anabaptists, in their fathers house, where they passed the most part of the night in discourses, making of faces, and relating of Visions, which every one said he had seen. The next day, upon break of day; Thomas did lay hold on his Brother Leonard, and dragged him in the middle of the company, bid him kneel in the presence of his Father and Mother, and of all the rest there present, and as all the rest of the Company bid him take heed to do any thing amiss; he answered, that there was no need to fear, and that in this business, nothing could be done against the Will of the Father; thereupon he drew his Sword, and cut off the head of his Brother, who was on his knees, all besotted before this murderer. All the rest being astonished, and besides their wits for this furious blow, and lamenting the dead, Thomas ran towards the Town with a fearful Countinance, as a Phanatick besides himself, without Shooes; and having no Cloaths but his Shirt and Breeches. At that time the Burg-master of St. Gal was Joachim Vadian, a wise and learned person, before whom the said Thomas stood, crying aloud with a fearful Countenance, that the day of Judgment was near; saying besides, that strange things had come to pass, (without telling what) that the will of his Father was done for his part. The Burg-master after he had reprehended him very much for his madness, and insolent carriage, commanded a Cloak to be put upon him, and to lead him home softly back again. But in the mean time, news was brought of his detestable murder, whereupon he was apprehended, examined, convicted, and executed. The like hath been done many times for Rapes and Incests: What is particular here, is, that our Author saith, that the Judges being willing to punish such Villanies, yet that unhappy accident shall fall, that an innocent person shall be put to death (belike) instead of the guilty, to please the people.
Paradin maketh mention, that in the year 1552. a Monk deceived the Marshal of Brissac, making him believe that he would put him in possession of the Town of Quizres, if he would give him so much for reward. The Marshal used all the Caution possible, not to be deceived by that Imposter, who took Money on both sides, viz. the French and the Spaniards; nevertheless the Monk plaid the Knave with him, and the undertakings proved prejudicial to the French, though not considerably by reason of the precaution of the said Marshal.
The same Author writes, that in the year 1555. the 17 of August, the Spaniard had designed to retake Cazal, the same way that the French had surprised it. First, they had got a Widow in the Town, who received the undertakers in her house, which was near the Gate, and the Wall. Secondly there was a Marriage to be made between two persons of quality, where great Cheer and rejoycings were to be. Thirdly they got a woman that carryed Herbs to sell in the Town, and under the Herbs the Letters were hidden. The Author says likewise, that there was a Monk and a Tradesman, that lodged at this Widows house, those two actors in this business, viz. the Monk said Tradesman, ane secretly to the woman that sold Herbs, Cave, which signifies take heed, they said these words secretly near Matrone, that is, they whisperd in her ear Cave. Their design was to betray the Town, under pretence of a Marriage, but it did not succeed; because the Letters in the womans Basket were intercepted, the Vulgar impression hath a fault in the third Verse, where there is Modene instead of Matrone, and another in the fourth Verse, when instead of Treason, they have put for betrayed. The History obligeth us to correct it, as we have done.
This is a clear and express prediction of the happy restauration of his sacred Majesty, and our dread Sovereign Charles II. now Reigning, who after a long exile is come again to enjoy his own Kingdom, and to flourish more than ever he did before, by these seventy appointed to death, are meant the Judges and murderers of his Father, who with some few others of the same gang made about that number, and[265] some of which have payed their shot by the hand of publick Justice, others have prevented their shame by dying before hand, others have been their own Executioners, and those that remain, lead a life worse then death it self; so true it is that vengeance dances the round.
This needeth no further explanation.
The City founded by Antenor (who was Companion and came into Italy with Æneas) is Padua, a University of the Venetians, of which it is said here, that being no longer able to bear a Tyrant, the said Tyrant shall be murdered in the Church with a knife hidden in a haft, and all his Men and Servants killed by the people of the Town.
The three first Verses are plain. Florence and Imole are two Cities of Italy, seated in the Province of Romania.
The first Verse foretelleth some conquests of the Turks, whose Arms is the half Moon. The second Verse signifies, the Romans shall move the Emperour to succour them, which is the Eagle. Ticin, Milan and Genoa shall refuse to give help, and afterwards they shall call the great Basil (which in Greek signifies the great King, from βασίλευς) to their help.
Tesin is the River that passeth by Milan. Garonne, Saone, Seine, Tar, and Gironde are Rivers of France. Po is the greatest River of Italy.
This is strange Prophecy if it prove true, viz. that the Kingdom of Fez (which is in Africa) shall be taken by those of Europe, and the Town put to Fire and Sword, after which the great one of Asia (meaning the great Turk) shall come by Land and by Sea with an innumerable Army, and shall drive and destroy all before him.
This foretels bloody Wars only, and needs no interpretation.
This signifies that the Nephew of a Pope shall be driven away, and shall wander in a desert place, where he shall be knockt in the head by seven men, one of which shall afterwards enjoy the Papacy; for Scyphe is a Latine word, signifying a Cup or Chalue, such as the Romish Priests say Mass with, and take the Sacrament.
This is positively concerning the Duke of Alencon, Brother to Henry III. King of France, who having been sent for by the States of the Low-Countreys, and received with much honour to be their General and Governour against the Spaniard, did most unworthily break his trust, and being come to Antwerp, he was so ravished with the beauty and riches of the Town, that he seized upon it for himself, but was beaten out by the Citizens, and most of his men killed.
The fourth Verse saith. He shall be against the warlike flower; that is, his action shall be against Military Honour, and common practice of Honourable Souldiers.
I believe the words of Claudius and Sparta here are Metaphorical, and the Author was unwilling they should be known.
The sense is, one shall be hindred from Reigning by another, whom he shall accuse of Treason against the King.
Here are two difficulties in this Stanza; the first is, what the Author means by the great City Tharsis; the second is in the last Verse, what he meaneth by the Installation of Vrban, I believe he meaneth no more then the election of a Pope, whose name shall be Urban.
Monge is a Barbarous word, that hath no relation to any Language in the world, (that I know) unless it signifies a Monk. Sens is a fine City, about threescore Miles beyond Paris, towards the South, and the Seat of an Arch-Bishop, who it seemeth shall be elected into some eminent place, the next day after he that was in it shall dream a dream, that shall be interpreted contrary to the sense and meaning of it.
The Election of Francford is concerning an Emperour; for there they are elected, Crowned. The rest is plain.
This needeth no interpretation, but what any one may give that knoweth where the River Hebrus is.
This is a description of the punishment which the Persians use to afflict upon poisoners; for they were put between two Troughs, which are here called Boats, from their likeness to them, with their face only uncovered, which was daubed with Honey, that the Wasps and Bees might be drawn to it and torment them, they were fed with Milk, which if they refused to do, and had rather dye than be so tormented, then did the Tormenter prick their Eyes with Needles to force them to their diet, and so were they left, till the Vermin eat them up. We have an example of this in the Life of Artaxerxes King of Persia.
By the two first Verses it seemeth that some abominable action, after its effect shall succeed well; the two last signifie, that a great person shall be excused for not permitting the Fleet to be at peace.
This needeth no Interpretation, the words being so plain.
The only difficulty lyes in what City he doth mean.
This needeth no Annotation.
The words are plain.
This lacketh no interpretation.
This is concerning the taking of the Town of St. Quentin in 1557. because the Author saith, no tumult was like this, so near the year 1555. when our Author writ.
He calleth it great City; because it is one of the most considerable in France, therefore it was besieged by the King of Spain with 37000. men, and 12000. Horses and 8000. English. The plunder was given to the Souldiers; for it was taken by assault.
There was never a mortal tumult so near; for the Souldiers taking revenge upon the Inhabitants, and Garrison, put all to the Sword; the Admiral having much ado to save himself.
In consequence of this our Prophet cryeth, O what a fearfull calamity; because the taking of this Town joyned with the loss of St. Laurence did almost ruine France. He addeth, except one offence nothing shall be forgiven; that is, the Town should be afflicted in all respects, except that it should not be burnt. The taking of this Town was upon the 27 of August, 17 days after the Battle of St. Laurence.
The loss was so great to France, that the King was fained to call the Duke of Guise back from Italy, and Charles V. hearing this news, asked presently if his Son Philip was not in Paris, as much as to say, it was a thing he ought to have done.
But God permitted that the King of Spain went another way, and in the mean time, the King of France strengthned himself, and the Duke of Guise took from the English, Calais, Guines, and the County of d’Oye. The Spanish History saith, that Philip had forbidden to touch any old people, Children and Ecclesiastical persons; but above all St. Quentins reliques.
This signifies some extraordinary lightning under five and forty degrees, which is about the Southern part of France.
It is not easie to guess what he meaneth by the great new City, unless it be one in the Authors Countrey, called Villa Nova.
The last Verse seemeth to intimate, that this shall happen when an Army of Normandie shall be raised.
The Volsi were a warlike people of Italy joyning to Rome, which makes me believe that by the great City he meaneth Rome, which was plundered and sackt by the Duke of Burgondy and the Prince of Orange, Generals of the Emperour Charles V.
The words are plain, though the sense be too obscure, and I shall not endeavour to give an interpretation, when every one may make one himself.
This is an ingenious Stanza, concerning the City of Nismes in Languedoc, famous for its Amphitheatre built by the Romans, and remaining to this day, which Town he calleth Daughter of Laura, because the Lady Laura, Mistress to the famous Poet Petrarche was born thereabout; he also calleth it Sanctuary of the sick, for the salubrity of the air.
The meaning of the two last Verses is, that when a prodigy shall be seen, viz. Civil War in France, it shall be taken above four times, as it hath happened by one party or other.
By the bow of the Treasure, is understood the Marshal d’Ancre, Favorite to the Queen Regent of France Mary of Medicis, who was first complained of, for his maleversations by Achilles de Harlay President of Paris, whence followed his death being Pistolled in the Quadrangle of the Louvre, by the command of Lewis XIII. and his body afterwards dragged through the streets, and hanged publickly by the people upon the new Bridge.
Arles is a considerable City in France; the rest is plain.
This foretelleth a Naval victory to the French against the Turks, by the means of a Granado, called Anvil, that shall be shut up in a Barrel by a plot, to which those of Toulon shall be privy.
Langres is a City in France, whose Bishop is a Duke and a Peer of the Kingdom; Dole is a City in Burgundy, so is Autun and Lion, Geneva is a City by Savoy, Auspourg, another in Germany, Mirandola is a Countrey in Italy, so is Ancona.
Perusa, Pisa, and Parma, are three Cities in Italy.
Naples is a City in Italy, Palermo is a City in the Island of Sicily. Corsica, an Island in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to the Genoese; Salerno is a Town in Italy; Sardinia an Island in the Mediterranean. The Reader may easily make an interpretation of the rest.
By the great half Moon, is understood the Turk.
Fesulan is a Countrey in Italy. Flora is the Goddess of Flowers, the rest is easie.
Bar is a principality joyning to Lorrain, which Henry IV. King of France gave for a Portion to his Sister Catharine, when she married the Duke of Lorrains Son. The rest is plain.
Mans is a City in France, chief of the Province called le Main. The rest is plain.
This was fulfilled about the year 1615. when Lewis XIII. King of France, being then about 15 years of age, by the perswasion of some Grandees about him, made War against his own Mother Mary of Medicis, then Regent of the Kingdom, whereupon was fought between them the Battle du pont de say, where above five hundred on the Queens side were slain, whereupon it was a good Jest of the Prince of Guimena, who being required by the Queen Anna of Austria, to lay his hand upon her side; and to feel her Child (now Lewis XIV.) stirring, after he had felt; now I know, said he, he is a true Son of Bourbon; for he beginneth to kick his Mother.
Cahors, Moissac, Ruffec, Lectoure, Agen, are all Cities of the Province of Guyenne in France.
This is positive concerning the Cardinal of Richelieu, who made himself Governor of Havre de Grace, called here the Maritine City, and there kept his Treasure, and tyrannised for the space of about fourteen years.
This is a perfect description of our late miserable estate in England, when there was such multiplicity of Sects, and such a Prophanation of sacred things.
This needeth no interpretation.
A Queen shall cause such a deep Trench to be made before a Town, that it shall be impregnable, and the Army of Lions, that is either Generals, or of a Prince that shall bear three Lions in his Arms, shall be routed.
This positively concerneth Henry the IV. King of France; who after he had by many Battles and dangers given peace to his Kingdom, was by a Murderer snatched away, and the Kingdom put into new troubles, by the war that the Princes had among themselves.
This needeth no interpretation.
Nice is a Town in Piemont, situated by the Sea side, now whether this Prophecy came to pass in the time of the Wars between France and Savoy, or shall come to pass hereafter, it is more then I can tell. As for winning of it by glistering Metal, it is no new thing or practice, witness Philippus of Macedon, who said no City was impregnable, wherein might enter an Ass loaded with gold.
The sense and the words are plain.
There is no difficulty in this.
By the Citizens of Mesopotamia, is understood a people that live between two Rivers, from the Greek words μέσος and ποταμὸς, the rest is easie. We have said before, that by Ausone the Author understands the City of Bourdeaux, which he called Ausone, from the Poet and Consul of Rome Ausonius who was born there.
This is obvious to every body’s capacity.
This Prophecie is divided in two parts. The first two Verses talk of a man that shall be taken out of his Grave alive. The two last speak, that a great man of Lorrain shall be poisoned by the Marques de pont, in the Row of a Barbel, which according to Physitians, is a dangerous meat of it self, and chiefly if it be Stewed, the Poisoner himself seemeth to be no other than a Duke of Lorrain, or one of his Sons, for he stileth himself N. Duke of Lorrain, Prince of Bar, and Marques du Pont.
This maketh me remember the miserable condition of many Kingdoms, before the west-Indies were discovered; for in Spain Lead was stamped for Money, and so in France in the time of King Dagobert, and it seemeth by this Stanza, that the like is to come again, by reason of a long and tedious War.
Paradin saith in his History, that in the year 1555. towards the end of August, those of Diepe had permission from the King to fight a Fleet of the Spaniards, which was coming into Flanders, and brought Men, Money, and several Merchandises. They went to Sea, and after much searching, they discovered the Fleet, wherein were 22 great Ships.
The Diepois had but 19 men of War, and five or six Pinnaces, with which they set upon them between Calais and Dover. The fight was very bloody, almost all the Ships grapled one with another, and being so close together, represented a Land fight.
The French at last did their utmost endeavour against the Admiral, which was succoured by six other Ships, of which two were taken with the Admiral, and carryed to Diepe; this is the Authors meaning, when he saith, Fly-boats and Galleys about seven Ships. He nameth the Admiral Chief of Madrid; that is, chief Spaniard, which received blows of Oars, whose Ship was taken, and four more of his Company, which were brought to Diepe. In this agree the Historians on both sides.
I could not find what he meaneth by this place Vast, which being the Key of all the rest, I could proceed no further, but am constrained to go to bed, and leave this for to night, among Insolubilia de Alliaco.
The two first Verses are plain.
The meaning of the last two is, that the said Captain being encompassed with Fire, shall make himself such a way, that all his men shall escape, but thirty that shall be spitted by the enemies.
Ferdinand of Toledo, Duke of Alba in Spain, a faithfull servant of Charles V. and Philip II. his Son, after he had made several proofs of his Valour, and prudence in the affairs of Piemont and Milanese, was commanded to go to Naples and Rome, to succour the Colonesse, and others of the Spanish party; to obey this command, the Author saith, He went about to rebel, not against his Prince, but his Grandfathers, viz. the Pope and the Cardinals, upon which the Senate of Venice wrote to him, desiring that he would not trouble the Pope, seeing that all his Predecessors had fought for him, as the Lord of Thou saith in his sixteenth Book; but he answered, that it was the Pope himself that was the cause of it, and that he was bound to oppose him.
During that rebellion to his great fathers, as the Author calleth it, the great de Guise, came with his Troops, and compelled him to a diversion, and to let alone Marshal Strozzy, the Cardinal Caraffa, Captain Montluc, Camillo Ursini, Captain Charry, and others; so that all the Countrey about Rome was freed, and thus the Author saith, the great de Guise shall come to quell him.
The fourth Verse addeth two things, that a Prisoner was carryed away, and that a Monument was erected. History makes no mention of the Prisoner, unless it were that Captain Montluc, having taken by assault the Town of Pianea or Corsmian, by a sink which he broke; the Captain Gougues a Gascon being a Prisoner of War in the Town, with many others, and hearing the cries of France, France, perswaded his Comrades to fall upon their Keepers, and to kill them with their own weapons and this Prisoner that was taken at Montisel, was brought back again into France, as well for his known Valour, as for his Warlike deliverance, and since that made himself famous in Florida.
As for the Monument erected, makes me think he meaneth the Constable of France, who was taken Prisoner at the Battle of St. Quentin, and by the Monument, he[288] meaneth the Escurial, which Philip the II. caused to be built in memory of that Victory, which obliged Henry the II. to call back again in all hast the Duke of Guise with all his Forces, or else France had been in danger to be lost.
The plundering draweth near, here the Author speaketh of things that should happen in his days. He writ this the first of March 1555. and History mentioneth that from the first of March 1555. till the beginning of 1559. the plundering of Piemont in Italy was very great, since the taking of Cazal by the French, for there was nothing but continual fightings, taking and retaking Towns, Skirmishes and Battles, and most of them by the River Pau, the greatest of Italy. The rest of the second Verse, and the beginning of the third saith, that the undertaking of Genoa shall be by the Herdsmen, by whom he meaneth the Turks, who being called by the French to help them in the taking of Nice, made an action fit for Herdsmen and villanous Traitors, doing nothing, because they had been bribed by the Genoeses.
This was done after the French had stay’d long for this infidel, who endeavoured to delude the French, and take all for himself; and this is the meaning of, After Nice had stayed long. In the mean time the Spaniards increased their Victories, as the fourth Verse witnesseth to the taking of Fossan, Thurin, and Savillan.
Fossan is a Town of Piemont, which that it might be distinguished from Marseilles, which the Author often calleth Fossen or Phocen, he putteth in the Epithete of Thurin, to signifie he meaneth Fossan in Piemont.
He saith that Fossan of Piemont shall have the taking towards Savillan, that is, this Fossan which belongeth to the Spaniards, will take some Towns near Sivillan.
Languedoc and Guienne are two Provinces in France, from whence many Souldiers shall be raised to go into Italy, but being distressed, shall wish to come back again over the Alpes. By the great Allobroges, I understand those of Savoy and Piemont, who shall go against Brundis, in Latine Brundusium, but shall be beaten back by Aquin and Bresses, Cities belonging to the Venetians.
This needeth no Interpretation.
The words are plain.
The words are plain, and the onely question is whither this distress threatned here to France is past or to come.
The great Pocket which is the Key of this Stanza being obscure, forceth me to leave the rest unperfect.
This seemeth to foretel that the Sacrament according to the Roman Church, shall be carried by Cardinals and seven Priests to Constantinople, against which three hundred of Trebison shall dispute, who shall compare the two Laws with horror, and afterwards believe.
The three first Verses are plain; as for the fourth I believe it to be the Language of the Antipodes, for I think no man can understand it.
This foretelleth of the eldest Son of a King, who prancing upon his Horse, shall Spur and run so fiercely, that his foot being intangled in the Stirrup he shall be dragged and pulled, and die a fearful death.
In the year 1555. upon the 25 of May, this came to pass in the person of Henry of Albret, the second of that name, King of Navarre.
This Prince Henry II. the eldest Royal riding upon a horse did spur him so hard, that he ran away with him, so that he perceiving the danger he was in, pulled the Bridle so hard that the horse’s mouth was broken; the pain did not stop the horse, but contrariwise, he grew the more untoward, that Henry fell down, and in falling one of his feet hung in the stirrup, so that he was drawn, and died a horrid death. This I found in the History of Naples.
It seemeth that a French General, thinking to rout and overcome the chiefest strength of his enemy, and going upon a brittle Pavement, made of Slate, shall sink in the ground not far from Genoa, which he calleth a strange Nation to the French.
The words and sense of this Stanza are plain.
I have found the truth of this Stanza upon the place, in my going to Lion, it was my fortune to lye at a Town four Leagues on this side of it, called Lapacodier, where this Story was told me to have happened few days before.
It chanced that a Company of Foot was to lie in the Town, and distressed for quarter, they enquired why such a house was empty, and were told it was not inhabited by reason of a noise heard there every night. The Captain of the Troop resolved, since he feared not the living, not to fear the dead, and thereupon lay in the house that night, where Beds were provided for him, and about half a Dozen of his stoutest Souldiers; so they laid down their weapons on the Table, and began to be merry at Cards and Dice, expecting the event. The door being fast locked, about twelve and one they heard as though some body knockt at the door, one of the Souldiers by the Captains command, with a Pistol in his hand, and a Candle, opened the door, then appeared to them a Phantasm, in the shape of an old man, loaded with Chains, that made a great noise, this Phantasm beckened to the Captain at the Table to come to him, the Captain also rising, beckened to the Phantasm to come to him, this lasted for a while, till the Captain resolved to go to him, and so taking a Candle in one hand, and a Pistol in the other, bid his Souldiers follow him hand in hand with their Arms, then taking the Phantasm by the hand, which was exceeding cold, he led them into the Cellar, and through many turnings, till at last the Phantasm vanished, and the Candles went out, then were they constrained to remain there till day light, when perceiving where they were, and having taken notice of the Place where the Phantasm left them, they went out, and related the story to the Townsmen; so afterwards they digged in that place, where they found a kind of a Trunk, and the bones of a man in it shackled, they buryed the body in a Church-yard, and no noise was heard afterwards in that house, this came to pass about 1624.
Nothing can be more plain and true than this Prophecie, and those that deny it, may also deny the light of the Sun, but to make it more evident, we will examine it Verse by Verse.
When Innocent shall hold the place of Peter; that is, when one named Innocent shall be Pope, as he was that preceded the last.
The Sicilian Nizaram shall see himself in great honours; that is, the Sicilian Nizarim, for Nizaram, is the Annagramme of Mazarin, letter for letter, who was born in Sicily, shall see himself in great honours, as he did; for he was then in his greatest splendor.
But after that he shall fall into the dirt of a Civil war; As every one knows he did, having put in Prison the Prince of Condé, the Prince of Conty, and the Duke of Congueiulle, can any thing be more plain, and yet when I read this forty years ago, I took it to be ridiculous.
Lutetia in Latine is the City of Paris, after the death of Henry IV. the Parliament of Paris began to prick up their ears, and to go about to call the great ones to account, amongst whom was the Marquess d’Ancre, favourite of the Queen Regent, that had gathered great riches, and therefore is called here Cræsus, our Author saith, that his power shall be put down by Saturnus, which must here be understood mistically, which proved true, for by the Kings command, then Lewis XIII. he was shot with three Pistols in the Louvre.
This came to pass in the time of Henry IV. who was poisoned at Melan, by two unknown men, who were discovered by the Cooks Boy in the doing of it, and were both taken, the History is at large in Peter Matthew his Historiographer, which I could not insert here for the satisfaction of the Reader; because I could not get the Book, the Reader may satisfie himself upon the place.
The reason why I have put no Annotations to these, as I have done to the rest, is, because according to my judgement, and that of the most Learned, they are spurious.
Friendly Reader,
Before you Read the following Epistle, I would have you be warned of a few things: One is, that according to my opinion, it is very obscure and intelligible in most places, being without any just connection, and besides the obscurity of the sense, the crabbedness of the expression is such, that had not the importunity of the Bookseller prevailed, I would have left it out, but considering the respect due to Antiquity, the satisfaction we owe to curious persons, who would perhaps have thought the Book imperfect without it, we let it go, trusting to your Candor and Ingenuity.
Farewell.
That had not been Printed before, and are in the same Edition of 1568.
TO THE
Most Invincible, most High, and most Christian King of France HENRY the Second; Michael Nostradamus his most obedient Servant and Subject, wisheth Victory and Happiness.
By reason of that singular observation, I had O most Christian and Victorious King, since my Face, who had been cloudy a great while, did present it self before your immeasurable Majesty. I have been ever since perpetually dazled, continually honouring and worshipping that day, in which I presented my self before it, as before a singular humane Majesty; now seeking after some occasion, whereby I might make appear the goodness and sincerity of my heart, and extend my acquaintance towards your most Excellent Majesty; and seeing that it was impossible for me to declare it by effects, as well because of the darkness and obscurity of[300] my mind, as for the enlightning it did receive from the face of the greatest Monarch in the World; I was a great while before I could resolve to whom I should Dedicate these three last Centuries of my Prophecies, which make the compleat thousand, and after I had a long time considered, I have with a great temerity made my address to your Majesty, being no ways dainted by it, as the grave Author Plutarch related in the Life of Lycurgus, that seeing the offerings and gifts that were Sacrificed in the Temples of their Heathen Gods, durst not come thither no more, least the people should wonder at the costs and charges. Notwithstanding, seeing your Royal Splendour joyned with an incomparable Humanity, I have made my address to it, not as to the Kings of Persia, of whom to come near, it was forbidden, but to a most Prudent and Wise Prince I have Dedicated my Nocturnal and Prophetical Supputations, written rather by a natural instinct, and Poetical furour, then by any rules of Poetry; and most part of it written and agreeing with the Years, Months and Weeks, of the Regions, Countreys and most part of the Towns and Cities in Europe; touching also some thing of Africa, and of a part of Asia, by the change of Regions that come near to those Climats, and compounded of natural faction. But some body may answer (who hath need to blow his Nose) the Rime to be as easie to be understood, as the intelligence of the sence is hard and difficult, and therefore O most humane King, most of the Prophetical Stanza’s are so difficult, that there is no way to be found for the Interpretation of them; nevertheless being in hope of setting down the Towns, Cities, and Regions, wherein most of those shall happen, especially in the year 1585. and in the year 1606. beginning from this present time, which is the 14. of March 1557. and going further to the fulfilling of those things, which shall be in the beginning of the seventh Millenary, according as my Astronomical Calculation, and other Learning could reach, at which time the adversaries of Christ and of his Church shall begin to multiply; all hath been composed and calculated in days and hours of Election, and well disposed, and all as accurately as was possible for me to do. And the whole Minerva libera & non invita, Calculating almost as much of the time that is come, as of that which is past, comprehending it in the present time, and what by the course of the said time shall be known to happen in all Regions punctually as it is here written, adding nothing superfluous to it, although it be said; Quod de futuris contingentibus, non est determinata omnino veritas. It is very true Sir, that by[301] my natural instinct given me by my Progenitors, I did think I could foretel any thing; but having made an agreement between this said instinct of mine, and a long Calculation of Art, and by a great tranquility and repose of mind, emptied my Soul of all care and carefulness, I have foretold most part of these ex tripode æneo, though there be many who attribute to me some things that are no more mine, then what is nothing at all. The only Eternal God, who is the searcher of men’s hearts, being pious, just, and merciful, is the true Judge of it, whom I beseech to defend me from the calumny of the wicked men, who would as willing calumniously inquire for what reason all your ancient Progenitors Kings of France have healed the disease called the Kings-evil, and some other Nations have cured the biting of venomous Beasts; others have had a certain instinct to foretell things that are to come, and of several others, too tedious to be here inserted; notwithstanding those in whom the malignancy of the wicked spirit shall not be suppressed by length of time; after my decease my work shall be in more esteem, then when I was alive; nevertheless if I should fail in the supputation of times, or could not please some, may it please your most Imperial Majesty to forgive me, protesting before God and his Saints, that I do not intend to insert any thing by writing in this present Epistle, that may be contrary to the true Catholick Faith, in conferring the Astronomical Calculation, according to my learning; for the space of times of our Fathers that have been before us, are such, submitting my self to the correction of the most Learned, that the first man Adam was before Noah, about one thousand two hundred forty two years, not computing the time according to the supputation of the Gentiles, as Varro did, but onely according to the Sacred Scriptures, and the weakness of my wit in my Astronomical Calculations. After Noah and the universal Flood about a thousand and fourscore years came Abraham, who was a supreme Astrologer, according to most mens opinion, and did first invent the Chaldæan Letters; after that came Moses, viz. some five hundred and fifteen or sixteen years after, and between the time of David and Moses have passed about 570. years. After which between the time of David and that of our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, have passed (according to some Chronographers) a thousand three hundred and fifty years. Some body may object, that this supputation is not true; because it differeth from that of Eusebius. And from the time of humane redemption, to that of the execrable seduction of the Saracens, have passed six[302] hundred and four and twenty years, or thereabouts. From that time hitherto, it is easie to collect what times are past, if my supputation be not good among all Nations; because all hath been calculated by the course of the Cœlestial bodies, joyned with motion, infused in me at certain loose hours, by the motion of my ancient Progenitors; but the injury of the time (most excellent King) requireth, that such secret events should not be manifested, but by an enigmatical Sentence, having the only sense, and one only intelligence, without having mixed with it any ambiguous or amphibological calculation, but rather under a Cloudy obscurity, through a natural infusion, coming near to the Sentence of one of the Thousand and two Prophets, that have been since the Creation of the World, according to the supputation and punical Chronick of Joel. Effundam spiritum meum super omnem, & carnem & prophetabunt filli vestri & filiæ vestræ: But such a Prophecy did proceed from the mouth of the Holy Ghost, who was the Supreme and eternal Power, which being come with that of the Cœlestial bodies, hath caused some of them to foretel great and wonderful things; as for my part I challenge no such thing in this place, God forbid, I confess truly, that all cometh from God, for which I give him thanks, honour, and praise, without having mixed any thing of that divination, which proceedeth a Fato, but only of that which proceedeth a Deo & Natura, and most of it joyned with the motion and course of the Cœlestial Bodies; insomuch that seeing as in a burning Glass, and through a Cloudy Vision, the great and sad events, the prodigious and calamitous accidents, that shall befall the Worshippers, first of God, and secondly, those that are Earthly propped up, with a thousand other calamitous accidents, which shall be known in course of time; for God will take notice of the long barrenness of the great Dame, who afterwards shall conceive two principal Children: But being in danger, she that shall be added to her by the temerity of age, running a danger in the 18, and not able to go beyond the 36, shall leave behind her three females, and he shall have two that never had any of the same father, the differences between the three Brothers shall be such, and then shall they be united and agreed, insomuch that the three and four parts of Europe shall quake: by the lesser in years shall the Christian Monarchy be upheld and augmented, Sects shall rise, and presently be put down again, the Arabians shall be put back, Kingdoms shall be united, and new Laws made. Concerning the other Children; the first shall possess the furious Crowned Lions, holding[303] their Paws upon the Escutcheons. The second, well attended, will go so deep among the Lions, that the second way shall be open, all trembling and furious going down, to get upon the Pyrenæan Mountains. The ancient Monarchy shall not be transferred, the third innundation of humane blood shall happen, and for a good while Mars shall not be in Lent. And the Daughter shall be given for the preservation of the Church, the Dominator of it falling into the Pagan Forces of the new unbelievers, she shall have two Children, one from faithfulness, and the other from unfaithfulness, for the confirmation of the Catholick Church; and the other, who to his confusion and late repentance, shall go about to ruine her. There shall be three Regions by the extreme differences of the leagues, viz. the Roman, the German, and the Spanish, who by a Military hand shall make divers Sects, forsaking the 50 and 52 degrees of altitude, and all those of remote Regions shall do homage to the Regions of Europe, and of the North of 40 Degrees Altitude, who by a vain fright shall quake, after that those of the West, South, and East shall quake because of their power, insomuch that what shall be done, cannot be undone by Warlike power. They shall be equal in Nature, but much different in Faith. After this, the barren Dame of a greater power then the second, shall be admitted by two people, by the first obstinate that had power over the others; by the second, and by the third, that shall extend his Circuit of the East of Europe, as far as the Hungarians, vanquished and overcome, and by a Maritine Sail, shall make his excursions into the Trinarrian and Adriatick Sea, by his Mirmidons, and Germany shall fall, and the Barbarian Sect shall be wholly driven from among the Latines. Then the great Empire of Antichrist shall begin in the Attila, and Xerxes to come down with an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that the coming of the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the 48 Degree, shall transmigrate, driving away the abomination of the Antichrist, who made War against the Royal, who shall be the great Vicar of I. C. and against his Church, and his Kingdom, per tempus, & in occasione temporis, and before this shall precede a Solar Eclipse, the most dark and obscure that was since the Creation of the World, till the death and passion of I. C. and from him till then, and it shall be in the Month of October, when such a great Translation shall be made, that every body will think that the weight of the Earth, shall have lost its natural motion, and be swallowed up in perpetual darkness. In the Spring before and after this, shall happen extraordinary changes, mutations of Kingdoms, and great Earth-quakes, with pullulation[304] of the new Babylons miserable daughter, increased by the abomination of the first Holocaust, and shall last only 73 years and 7 Months, then from that Stock she that had been long time barren, proceeding from the fifth Degree, who shall renew all the Christian Church, and then shall be a great Peace, Union and Concord, between one of the Children of the wandring and seperated foreheads by divers Kingdoms, and such Peace shall be made, that the Instigator and Promoter of Military function, by diversity of Religions, shall be tied to the bottom of the deep, and the Kingdom of the Rabious, who shall counterfeit the wise, shall be united. And the Countreys, Towns, Cities and Provinces, that had deserted their first ways to free themselves, captivating themselves more deeply, shall be secretly angry at their liberty and Religion lost, and shall begin to strike from the left, to turn to the right, restoring the holiness beaten down long before with their former writing; so that after the great Dog, shall come forth the biggest Mastif, who shall destroy all that was done formerly, then Churches shall be built up again as before, the Clergy shall be restored to its former state, and shall begin to Whore, and Luxuriate, and to commit a Thousand Crimes. And being near unto another desolation, when she shall be in her higher and more sublime dignity, there shall rise powers and Military hands, who shall take away from her the two Swords, and leave her only the Ensigns, from which by the means of the crookedness that draweth them, the people causing it to go straight, and not willing to submit unto them by the end opposite to the sharp hand that toucheth the Ground, they shall provoke till that a branch shall proceed from the barren, which shall deliver the people of the World from that meek and voluntary slavery, putting themselves under the protection of Mars, depriving Jupiter of all his honours and dignities, for the free City established and seated in another little Mesopotamia. And the chief Governour shall be thrust out of the middle, and set in the high place of the Air, being ignorant of the conspiracy of the Conspirators, with the second Thrasibulus, who long before did manage this thing, then shall the impurities and abominations be objected with great shame, and made manifest to the darknes of the darkened light, and shall cease towards the end of the change of his Kingdom, the chief men of the Church shall be put back from the love of God, and many of them shall apostatise from the true faith, and from the true Sects, the middlemost of which by her worshippers,[305] be a little put into ruine; the first, wholly in all Europe, and most part of Africa undone by the third, by the means of the poor in Spirit, who by madness elevated, shall through libidinous luxury, commit adultery. The people will rise and maintain it, and shall drive away those that did adhere to the Legislators, and shall seem by the Kingdoms spoiled by the Eastern men, that God the Creator hath loosed Satan from his Infernal Prison, to cause to be born the great Dog and Doham, who shall make so great and abominable a fraction in the Churches, that the Red nor the White, without Eyes and without Hands, shall not judge of it, and their power shall be taken away from them. Then shall be a greater persecution against the Church than ever was, and in the mean time shall be so great a Plague, that two parts of three in the world shall fail, insomuch that no body shall be able to know the true owners of fields and houses, and there shall happen a total desolation unto the Clergy, and the Martial men shall usurpe what shall come back from the City of the Sun, and from Molita, and the Stæchades Islands, and the great Chain of that Port shall be open, which taketh its denomination from a Sea Oxe, and a new incursion shall be made through the Sea Coasts, willing to deliver the Castulan Leap from the first Mahometan taking, and the assaulting shall not altogether be in vain, and that place where the habitation of Abraham was, shall be assaulted by those, who shall have a respect for the Jovials. And that City of Achem, shall be encompassed and assaulted on all sides, by a great power of Armed men; their Sea Forces shall be weakened by the Western men, and to that Kingdom shall happen great desolation, and the great Cities shall be depopulated, and those that shall come in, shall be comprehended within the vengeance of the wrath of God, and the Sepulchre held in so great veneration, shall remain a great while open to the universal Aspect of the Heavens, Sun and Moon, and the sacred place shall be converted into a Stable for small and great Cattle, and put to prophane uses. O what a calamitous affliction shall be then for women with Child, and chiefly by the principal Easterly head, being for the most part moved by the Northern and Westerly men, vanquished and put to death, beaten, and all the rest put to flight, and the Children he had by many women, put in Prison, then shall be fulfilled the Prophecy of the Kingly Prophet. Ut audiret gemitus compeditorum, ut solveret filios interemptorum, what great oppression shall be made then upon the Princes and Governours of Kingdoms, and especially of those that[306] shall live Eastward and near the Sea, and their Languages inter-mixed very sociably. The Language of the Arabians and Latines by the African communication, and all the Eastern Kings shall be driven away, beaten and brought to nothing, not altogether by the means of the strength of the Kings of the North, and by the drawing near of our age, by the means of three secretly united, seeking for death by ambushes one against another. And the renewing of the Triumvirate shall last seven years, while the fame of such a sect shall be spread all the world over, and the Sacrifice of the Holy and immaculate Host shall be upheld: And then shall the Lords be two in number victorious in the North against the Eastern ones, and there shall be such a great noise and Warlike tumult, that all the East shall quake for fear of those two Brothers, not Northern Brothers. And because, Sir, by this discourse, I put all things confusedly in these predictions, as well concerning the event of them, as for the account of the time which followeth, which is not at all, or very little conformable to that I have done before, as well by Astronomical way, as other of the sacred Scriptures which cannot erre, I could have set down to every quatrain the time in which they shall happen, but it would not please every body, much less the interpretation of them, till, Sir, your Majesty hath granted me full power so to do, that my Calumniators may have nothing to say against me. Nevertheless reckoning the years since the Creation of the World to the Birth of Noah have passed 1506. years, and from the Birth of Noah to the perfect building of the Ark near the universal Flood have passed 600. years, whither solary, or lunary, or mixed, for my part according to the Scriptures, I hold that they were solary. And at the end of those 600. years Noah entered into the Ark, to save himself from the Flood, which Flood was universal upon the Earth, and lasted a year and two months; and from the end of the Flood, to the birth of Abraham did pass the number of 295. years; and from the birth of Abraham to that of Isaac did pass 100. years, and from Isaac to Jacob 60. years; and from the time that he went into Ægypt till he came out of it, did pass 130. years; and from the time that Jacob went into Ægypt till his posterity came out of it did pass 430. years; and from the coming out of Ægypt to the building of Salomon’s Temple in the fourth year of his Reign did pass 480. years; and from the building of the Temple till Jesus Christ, according to the supputation of the Chronographers, did pass 490. years; and so by this supputation, which I have gathered out of the Holy[307] Scriptures, the whole cometh to about 4173. years, eight Months more or less. But since the time of I. C. hitherto, I leave it because of the diversity of Opinions. And having calculated these present Prophecies according to the order of the Chain, which containeth the revolution, and all by Astronomical Doctrine, and according to my natural instinct, and after some time, and in it comprehending since the time that Saturn shall turn to come in on the 7 of the Month of April, till the 25 of August; Jupiter from the 14 of June to the 7 of October; Mars from the 27 of April till 22 of June; Venus from the 9 of April to the 22 of May; Mercury from the 3 of February till the 24 of the same; afterwards from the 1 of June till the 24 of the same; and from the 25 of September till the 16 of October, Saturn in Capricorn, Jupiter in Aquarius, Mars in Scorpio, Venus in Pisces, Mercury within a Month in Capricorn, Aquarius in Pisces, Luna in Aquarius, the Dragons head in Libra, the Tail opposite to her sign according to a Conjunction of Jupiter and Mercury, with a quadrin Aspect of Mars to Mercury, and the head of the Dragon shall be with a Conjunction of Sol and Jupiter: the year shall be peacefull without Eclipse, and in the beginning of that year shall be a greater persecution against the Christian Church than ever was in Affrica, and it shall last till the year 1792. at which time every body will think it a renovation of Age. After that the Roman people shall begin to stand upright again, and to put away some obscure darknesses, receiving some of its former light, but not without great divisions, and continual changes. Venice after that with great strength and power shall lift up her Wings so high, that she will not be much inferiour to the strength of the old Rome, and in that time great Bizantine Sails, joyned with the Ligustiques, by the Northern help and power shall give some hinderance, whereby those of Crete shall not keep their faith, the Arches built by the antient Martial men, will keep company together with Neptun’s Waves. In the Adriatick shall be a great discord, what was united shall be parted asunder, and what was before, and is a great City, will go near to becom a house, including the Pempotan, and the Mesopotamia of Europe to 45, and others to 41, 42, and 37. And in that time, and Countrey, the Infernal power shall rise against the Church of I. C. with the power of the Enemies to his Law, which shall be the second Antechrist, who shall persecute the said Church and its Vicar by the means of the power of Temporal Kings, who through their Ignorance shall be seduced by Tongues more sharp than any Sword in the hands of a mad man.[308] The said Reign of Antichrist shall not last but till the ending of him, born by Age, and of the other in the City of Plancus, accompanied by the Elect of Modone, Fulcy by Ferrara, maintained by Adriatick, Liguriens, and the proximity of the great Trinacria, and after that shall pass over the Mount Jovis. The Gallique Ogmyon followed with such a number, that even from afar off the Empire of the great Law, shall be presented to him, and then, and after shall be profusedly spilled the blood of the Innocent by the Nocent, raised on high; then by great Floods the memory of those things contained by such Instruments, shall receive an innumerable loss, as also shall learning towards the North by the Divine Will, Satan bound once more, and an universal Peace shall be among men, and the Church of I. C. shall be free from all tribulation, although the Azosrains would fain mix among it the Honey of their pestilent seduction, and this shall happen about the seventh Millinary; so that the Sanctuary of I. C. shall be no more trodden down by the unbelievers that shall come from the North, the world being near to some conflagration, although by my supputations in my Prophecies, the course of the time goeth much further. In the Epistle that within the late years I have dedicated to my Son Cæsar Nostradamus, I have openly enough declared some things, without prognosticating. But here (Sir) are comprehended many great and wonderful events, which those that come after us shall see. And during the said Astrological supputation, conferred with the sacred Scripture, the persecution of the Clergy shall have its beginning from the power of Northern Kings, joyned with the Eastern ones; that persecution shall last Eleven years and a little less, at which time the chief Northern King shall fail, which years being ended, shall come in his united Southern one, who shall yet more violently persecute the Clergy by the Apostatical seduction of one that shall have the absolute power over the Militant Church of God: And the Holy people of God and keeper of his Law, and all order of Religion shall be grievously persecuted and afflicted, insomuch that the blood of the true Ecclesiastical men shall float all over, and unto one of those horrid Kings this praise shall be given by his followers to have spilt more humane blood of the Innocent Clergymen, than any body can do Wine, and the said King shall commit incredible crimes against the Church; humane blood shall run through publick streets and Churches, as water coming from an impetuous Rain, and the next Rivers shall be red with blood, and by another Sea fight the Sea shall be red, insomuch that one King shall[309] say to another, Bellis rubuit navalibus æquor. After that in the same year, & those that follow, shall happen the most horrid Plague, caused by the precedent famine, and so great tribulations as ever did happen since the first foundation of the Christian Church through all the Latine Regions; some marks of it remaining in some Countreys of Spain. At that time the Northern King hearing the complaint of the people of his principal title, shall raise up so great an Army, and shall go through the straights of his last Ancestors and Progenitors, that he will set up all again in their first state, and the great Vicar of the Cope, shall be restored in his former estate, but desolate and altogether forsaken, and then shall the Sancta sanctorum be destroyed by Paganism, and the old and New Testament be thrust out and burnt, after that shall Antechrist be the infernal Prince, and once more for the last all the Kingdoms of Christendom and also of the unbelievers shall quake for the space of 25 years, and there shall be more grievous Wars and Battles, and Towns, Cities, Castles and other buildings shall be burnt, desolate, and destroyed with a great effusion of Vestal blood, Married Women and Widows ravished, sucking Children dashed against the Walls of the Towns, and so many evils shall be committed by the means of the Infernal prince Satan, that almost the universal world shall be undone and desolate, and before these events many unusual Birds shall cry through the Air, Huy, Huy, and a little while after shall vanish away: And after that time shall have lasted a good while, there shall be renewed a Kingdom of Saturn and Golden Age. God the Creator shall say, hearing the affliction of his people, Satan shall be put, and tied in the bottom of the deep, and there shall begin an universal peace between God and men, and the Ecclesiastical power shall be in its greater force, and Satan shall be left bound for the space of a thousand years, and then shall be loosed again. All these Figures are justly fitted by the sacred Scripture, to the visible Cœlestial things, viz. Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, and others joyned with them, as more at large may be seen in some of my Stanza’s. I would have calculated it more deeply, and compared one with the other, but seeing (most excellent King) that some stand ready to censure me, I shall withdraw my Pen to its Nocturnal repose. Multa etiam O Rex potentissime præclara, & sane in brevi ventura, sed omnia in hac tua Epistola innectere non possumus, nec volumus, sed ad intelligenda quedam facta, horrida fata pauca libanda sunt, quamvis tanta sit in omnes tua amplitudo & humanitas homines, deosque pietas, ut solus amplissimo & Christianissimo[310] regis nomine, & ad quem summa totius Religionis authoritas deferatur, dignus esse videare. But only I shall beseech you O most Merciful King, through your singular and prudent goodness, to understand rather the desire of my Heart, and the earnest desire I have to obey your most excellent Majesty, since my Eyes were so near your Royal Splendor, than the greatness of my work can deserve or require.
From Selin this 27 June, 1558.
Faciebat Michael Nostradamus,
Salonæ Petreæ, Provinciæ.
The Prophecies of this, and of the remaining Centuries being for the most part so obscure, as no man is able to make any sense of them, the judicious Reader must not expect from me, what no man else can do; let him suffice if I give him as much light as I can, and leave the rest to his own judgement and industry.
Pau is the chief Town of the Province of Bearn, in the Kingdom of Navarre, where Henry the IV. King of France and Navarre was born. Nay and Loron are barbarous words, so are Surrez, Agassas and Pampon. Durance is a River of France.
Condon, Aux, Mirande, and Marmande are Towns in the Province of Guyenne and Languedoc, Garonne is the River of Bourdeaux.
Vigilanne and Resviere being falsly writen here, it must be set down Veillane and Riuiere, which are two strong Castles, the first being seated in Piemont, and the last in Burgundy.
Nancy is the chief Town of Lorrain, and Turin of Piemont, Lyon is a famous City in France, so that the sense of this Prophecy seemeth to be, that the youngest Son of Nancy, (that is of Lorrain) shall be kept close Prisoner in those two Castles of Veillane and Riuiera, and that the chief men of Turin shall be burnt, when the City of Lyon shall be oppressed with sorrow.
Monech is false written here, it must be Monaco, which is a Principality and Town in Italy by Genoa, belonging to the House of the Grimaldi, wherein the French were admitted by the policy of Cardinal Richelieu, during the Wars between France and Spain.
Logarion is a Barbarous name, by which he meaneth some body unknown to us.
By the Eagle is meant the Emperour, who was very low at that time, and by the Cock, the King of France, who was very powerful, where it is to be observed, that by the Eagle the Emperour is always understood, because it is his Arms, and by the Cock is meant the King of France, because a Frenchman is called in Latine Galius, which also signifieth a Cock.
Borne and Bretueil are two particular places, the first is one of the four Baronies of the River Mase, viz. Petersem, Steen, Horne, Borne, the other is a little Town in Britany.
Lucerne is one of the Cantons of Switzerland. We have said before what is meant by the great Cock, viz. the King of France. Let the Reader make up the rest, according to his fancy.
Maltha is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for the Knights that inhabit it, and take their name from thence. Sardon and Mauris are barbarous words.
Verceil and Milan are two Cities in Italy, the Tycin, or rather Thesin is a River of the same Countrey; Seine is the River that runneth at Paris. Florence is a famous City in Italy, and maye a barbarous word, foisted up to patch up his Rime.
Linterne is a small Town in Italy; by Tuns are meant woodden Vessels, such as they put Rhenish wines and others in.
Chivas is a Town in Piemont, and Turin the chief Town of the said Countrey.
By the Eagle is meant the Emperour, and by the Cock the King of France; the rest is easie.
Lausane is a City situated in Savoy, by the Lake of Geneva, but now as I take it in the possession of the Switzers.
Vicenza is a Town in Italy, under the dominion of the Venetians. Basilick is the name of the biggest sort of Canons or pieces of Ordinance. As for Valence there is three Cities of that name, one in Spain, the second in France, and the third in Italy; instead of Lunage, it must be Lignago which is a Town in Italy.
Bufalore is a barbarous word; Foix is a Countrey in France, and St. Maure a little Town in the said Countrey.
Bellerophon and Praytus are two supposed and fictitious names.
This is easie to be understood; for it is frequently seen, that Honour is made blind by lust, and chiefly if that lust be propped up with credit; and abundance of Gold and Silver.
By the Pannons is meant the Hungarians. The rest is easie.
Jason was Son to King Æson, who built a Ship called Argos, in which he went to Colchos, to Conquer the Golden Fleece.
Fesulan here is to be understood of some high and eminent place, which therefore he calleth Olympick, from Olympus a high Mountain in Grecia. The place where Jason builded his Ship.
It is not easie to tell what them three Brothers have been, or shall be, nor that Maritine or Sea City, therefore we leave it to the liberty of every ones judgement, the words being plain enough.
This is one of those, wherein the Author would not be understood, and may be did not understand himself.
This seemeth to carry no other sense than a conspiracy of the Cardinals, called here by the name of the Red, the Red against the Pope, who is called the Red one.
This was so falsely printed, and so preposterously set in order, that I had much ado to pick out this little sense of it, which amounteth to no more, than that by reason of an agreement broken, the Messenger, that went to publish a faigned election (it seemeth of the Empire) shall be hindred, and that one of the Competitors to the said Empire, shall be killed in or near a Chappel, that shall be soiled by his Blood.
Agde is a Sea Town in France upon the Mediterranean Sea, which is threatned here of three Galleys, that shall come into the Harbour of it, and shall bring with them infection and Plague; and besides carry away thousands of Captives, by which it seemeth, that these should be Turkish Galleys, till at last upon the third resistance of the Townsmen the Bridge shall be broken.
This is another, wherein my best skill faileth me; for take away Narbonne, which is a City of France, in the Province of Languedoc, and Perpignan, which is another in the County of Roussilon near Spain. The rest are either barbarous words or nonsensical to me.
This needeth no great explication, being pretty plain, and foretelleth only that a Queens Trunks shall be opened, wherein many love Letters shall be found without subscription, with many great offers, which by policy being suppressed, or no notice taken of. The lover was never known.
The words and the sense are clear, though the meaning is hard to be understood.
This signifieth nothing but a Lover, who meeting in or by a Brook, his Mistress shall enjoy her, for which she shall fain a little discontent, as if she had been ravished against her will, but her jealous Father not contented therewith, shall kill them both, which is an ordinary Italian trick.
Barcelona is a Town of a Province in Spain, called Catalonia. Pampelona is the chief Town of the Kingdom of Navarre. Montferrat is an Abbaye in the Mountains of Catalonia; the rest is insignificant.
I can find nothing in this worth interpretation.
It seemeth that this gold and silver Idols having been stoln, were afterwards thrown into a Lake and a fire, which fire being put out, those Idols were found, and the memorial engraven in Marble.
This foretelleth, that at the fourth Pillar of a Temple that was dedicated to Saturn, which Pillar shall be split by an Earth-quake and a Flood, there shall be found an Urne, (which is an Earthen Vessel, wherein the ancient Romans used to keep the ashes of their dead friends) full of gold, that shall be carried away, and then restored.
Tholose is the chief City of Languedoc, Beluzer is a private place within its precinct, Spectacle is insignificant, and is onely foisted in, to Rime with Basacle, which is a place in Tholose, where there is aboundance of Water-mills, that make a hideous and fearful noise.
Pescaire is a Town in the Kingdom of Naples, belonging to the noble Spanish Family of Avalos, of which it seemeth one shall prove cruel and malicious; but he shall be killed in Venice by one young Celin, by which formerly, and in other places the Author understandeth the Turk.
This is a plain warning to a French King to beware of his Nephew, who accompanied with nine others, shall cause his Son to be murdered when he went about some venereal employment.
Verona and Vicenza are two famous Cities in Italy, under the dominion of the Venetians; the rest is easie.
The Mount Jura is in Switzerland; Lyon is a great City in France; and Ulme another in Germany; the rest is either barbarous or insignificant.
Garonne is the River that runneth at Bourdeaux, and Blaye is the Port Town that lieth at the mouth of it; I should think that instead of Dordonois, it should be Printed Dordone, which is another River thereabouts, and is here threatned to be frozen.
I confess my Ignorance, and should be glad that a better Oedipus than I would undertake this.
The Dream be to them that hate thee, and the Interpretation thereof to thine Enemies, Dan. 4, v. 10.
This foretelleth that a King of France shall take Avignon, which is a City in France belonging to the Pope. And that some of the people beginning to murmur and mutiny, he shall cause five of them to be thrown over the Walls into the Rhosne, which is a swift River that passeth by. Nole must be some place thereabouts.
I can understand nothing else by Prince Bizantin, but some Prince of the house of Gonzague, who derive their pedigree from that of the Palæologues, formerly Emperours of Constantinople, called in ancient time Bizantium. As for the Prince of Tholose, there having been none this two or three hundred years since that Country was devolved to the Crown of France; but the King himself, I suppose he must be understood here; so that the sense of this Prophecie, (if any be) is, that the King of France shall take something from the Duke of Mantua, who is the head of the Gonzagues, as he hath done formerly several times.
By the faith of Foix, is understood the late Duke of Rohan, who descended from the house of Foix, and who did war against the said Duke of Mantua at that time, when the King of France, Lewis XIII. would not suffer his Brother the Duke of Orleans to Marry the Princess Mary, Daughter of the Duke of Nevers, of the house of Gonzague, and lately Queen of Poland.
Here the Author hath kept his mind to himself, as for my part, being ignorant of his barbarous words, I had rather leave the sense of this to the judgment of the Reader, than by an incongruous and far fetched interpretation make my self ridiculous.
This Prophecy seemeth to regard particularly the Pope, who having played the Hypocrite before his Election, eating nothing but Barley bread, that he might be reputed a Spaint, shall after his Election shall tyrannise upon a sudden, and trample upon the Throat of the greatest Monarchs, as they have done formerly, and would do yet if they could.
The construction of this must be thus made. The Chiefs of Orleans, (which is a famous Town in France) shall come to vex their own (I suppose) Citizens. And near that place called Saint Memire, shall be a fight, where one of those chief ones shall be killed, or die in his Tent, and shall be denyed under pretence of being asleep.
I think that instead of decision it should be division, and then the sense is easily made up, thus; that through the division of two Bastards, the Nephew of the Blood shall occupy the Kingdom, which Nephew afterwards in a fight at Lectoure, (which is a strong Town in Gascony) shall be put to the worst, and compelled to fold up his Ensigns.
A man needeth a good pair of Spectacles to see through all this, what I understand in it is that this Bastard of Ogmyon, by whom he meaneth the King of France, ought to submit the Fort of Pau to Navarre, and good reason too; for Navarre is the Kingdom, and Pau only the chief Town of one Province of it, called Bearn.
The Prince of Condé, whose name was Lewis, and the youngest of the Children of Charles of Bourbon, the first Duke of Vendosme, father to Anthony of Bourbon, King of Navarre, went away from the Court in the time of Francis the second King of France, and came into Bearn to the King his Brother. He was summoned many times by Francis II. to come to Court; but finding his name to be amongst those that intended to surprise Lion, he durst not venture.
Nevertheless he was perswaded by his Uncle the Cardinal of Bourbon, and came to the Court at Orleans. It is easie to believe that he fained himself to be hurt by a fall from his Horse, or that really he was so; having his Arm in a Scarf, and his Leg swadled up, in which posture he came to testifie his obedience to the Kings commands.
In this posture of a wounded man, whether really and fictitiously he came from Palais, which by mistake is printed Calais; the Printer being ignorant, that in Bearn, where the Prince had sheltered himself, there is a Castle called Palais, which was the place that the Prince used to live in.
Being come to Court he was presently arrested, arraigned and condemned to death. Nevertheless the Kings sickness proving mortal, the execution was suspended, and his life saved. After that the Prince sought all occasions to revenge himself, and began about Easter in April following. It was not by an open Rebellion against the King, but under pretence to maintain the Protestant Religion: therefore the Author saith, that this life saved shall bleed in the Temple; because the Princes pretext was the Temple and the Church; that is Religion. Hence the fourth Verse is clearly understood. Resteth the third Verse, which saith, that his life was differred till the Watch word; because the Queen seeing the King her Son upon his death bed, caused secretly the execution of the Sentence to be differred, that she might make use of the King of Navarre, and of the Prince his Brothers favour, against the house of Guise, for the obtaining of the Regency.
Moreover I observe, that in the year 1562. the Prince of Condé began openly to rebel, surprising the City of Orleans the 29 of March, which was Easter day that year, which sheweth the truth of the fourth Verse.
By this Pol Mensolée, he meaneth some proper name. Tarare is a great Mountain near the City of Lions, that hath two principal ways to go through, which here he calleth Straights; for indeed they are very dangerous for Thieves and Murderers. The rest is but a threating of War between the Emperour and France, when there shall be three Brothers in France.
I think that the Impression is false here; for instead of Despolle, which is a barbarous word, and signifieth nothing, I would have it in French Despoville, in English robbed of all; so that Trasmenian Lake is that Lake in Italy not far from the Town of Perugia, where Hannibal gave that notable overthrow to the Romans, and killed above 20000. of them, with their consul Flaminius.
That man whom he calleth here robbed of all, shall kill some Germans; for Tudesco in Italian, is a German, the two last words are barbarous.
The multiplicity of barbarous and insignificant words, makes this incapable of any construction, if any body will exercise his wit thereupon, I shall willingly lend him my ear.
Satur in Ox; that is, Saturn in Taurus, Jupiter in Water; that is, Jupiter in Aquarius; Mars in arrow, is Mars in Sagitarius; when these things shall happen. The sixth day of February shall bring a great mortality. Tardaigne is a fictitious name, unless he intended Sardaigne. Bruges is a Town in Flander, Ponterose is some place, where he saith, that the chief Barbarin shall die, the chief Barbare was the Pope Urban the eighth; but because I do not know the particularities of his death, and the place of it, I cannot make the rest good.
The difficulty here, is what is meant by that word Cappadille, for my part I think he meaneth Italy, for some times the Italians use by way of admiration to say Capoli, or Capadillo. Sagunce is a Town in Spain, which for the love of the Carthaginians withstood the Romans a great while, till they were brought to an extremity of famine, and then set fire in their Town.
This is an express delineation of Charles the V. Empire, who at the latter end of his days retired into a Monastery, reserving unto himself for his subsistance the revenue of the Kingdom of Castille, expressed here by Cordua, which is a City of Spain.
The first Verse and the interpretation is easie.
Amboise is a Town in France upon the River of Loire.
The two last Verses being inperfect, admits of no interpretation, onely to let the Reader know that Poitiers is a very great City in France, and Capital of the Province of Poitou.
There is two Towns called Bolloin, one is in Italy, the other in France, the last is that which is meant here; for Cardinal Richelieu who is the man that did so high things, and the like of which was never in Hierarchy (that is in the Clergy) a little afore his death had vowed if he recovered his health to go in Pilgrimage to Bulloin, where there is a famous Temple for Miracles, (as they say) dedicated to our Lady, which is called here the Sun, by an allusion to that passage of the Revelation: And there appeared a Woman cloathed with the Sun; but the said Cardinal was prevented by death.
This is a Prognostication concerning a King of France, meant here by the great Cheiren Selin, who under pretence of a Treaty of Marriage, shall recover in his journey these two Towns Saint Quintin and Arras, for the Shambles are called in Latine Macellum. Quod ibi mactentur pectora quæ mercatoribus venundantur.
It is an accident that hath often happened to a Commander of an Army, to find himself either by his own oversight, or by the policy of his enemies, shut up between two Rivers, having upon neither of them a Bridge at his command; as it did happen once to the Prince of Condé, the Grandfather of this, in the time of the Civil war for Religion, who was forced by it to dissolve his Army, and bid every one shift for himself, so that they almost all escaped by several small parties, some going one way some another, at such time it is an ordinary shift to make use of empty Vessels and Caskes to make a Bridge, as our Author doth mention here.
I dare not comment upon this, for fear it should be said of me, what was said of the Glose of Accurtius; obscura per obscurius.
I never knew nor heard of any body to whom this Stanza might be better applied, then to the late Usurper Cromwel, for from a simple Souldier, he became[335] to be Lord Protector, and from a Student in the University he became a graduate in Oxford, he was valliant in Arms, and the worse Churchman that could be found; as for vexing the Priests, I mean the Prelatical Clergy, I believe none went beyond him.
This prognosticateth a great division in England between Brothers, about the Title and Kingdom of England, insomuch, that in conclusion one shall be surprised by night, and carried away into France.
This foretelleth of some considerable person, who shall be twice set up, and brought down again. The second Verse is pronounced after the manner of the old Oracles, as
For no body can tell here whither the East shall weaken the West, or otherways. The last two Verses are easie.
The first in France is the King, the first in Romania is the Pope, who it seemeth shall joyn together by Sea and Land, and come against Paris, who shall call the English to its help, insomuch, that strange deeds shall be done by that great company. As for Terax, it seemeth to be the proper name of some man, who by ravishing a woman called here the Norlaris, shall spoil her and cause sad consequences. Norlaris by transposition of Letters is Lorrain.
This signifieth that one pretending to a Kingdom, shall never attain to it by often removing his place, until all his seats be settled, that is, untill his wandring be ceased. And a gift brought by him to the King of France from Portugal, signified here by the Tag, which is the River of Lisbon the Capital City of it, from which gift shall proceed misery.
The greatest Temple of the Rhosne, is that of the City of Lion, which is seated upon that River of Rhosne, which when it shall be robbed and spoiled, then shall come a horrid Pestilence, which our Author attributeth to the injustice of the King then Reigning, who shall neglect to punish those Sacriledges.
This is the description of a sad Tragedy, which to understand, you must joyn all the Verses together, and make it one sense. The Adulterer wounded without a blow, is one that shall get a disease, (suppose the Pox) his wife finding fault with it, he shall murder her, and her Son; she not being quite dead shall strangle another Child (which it seemeth she had by this Adulterer) and for this fact eight shall be taken prisoners and immediately hanged, by which you must suppose the fact to be done in France, for there they Judge and Hang immediately, whereby in England they must stay till Sessions-time.
This seemeth to have a great relation to our late unhappy troubles in England, when the Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Glocester were transported into the Isle of Wight, which are the two of the seven, (for the Queen hath had seven children) and the Kings Majesty and his Highness the Duke of York, were driven into the Low-Countreis, being in a manner in dispair of ever coming again, and those Countreys were much the better for the harbouring of them; in the last Verse by Nompelle I understand Anagrammatically Monpelier, which being taken, there is no more[338] hope in the League, as it did happen in the time of Henry the IV. King of France, who never saw the League or Covenant quite routed, till that Town was taken; for it is familiar enough to those kind of Prophets to make an ὕστερον πρώτερον, and joyn things past, to those that are to come, to darken the Readers understanding, and as the Scripture saith, Ut videntes non videant.
The words of this Prophecy are plain enough, and because I cannot learn in History that such things have come to pass yet, therefore I reckon it among those de futuro.
In the year 1555. Ferdinand Alvaro of Toledo Duke of Alba, being sent by Charles the V. into Italy to resist the French, arrived in June at Milan, and having gathered together, all his Forces, Besieged the Town St. Jago, but Henry II. King of France sending some succours by the Duke of Aumale, he raised up his siege, and put his Army into Garrisons. The Duke of Alba leaving the Field in this manner, the Duke of Aumale besieged Vulpian, wherein were 1000. souldiers in Garrison, under the command of Cæsar of Naples, besides the Inhabitants. Never was a place so furiously assaulted, and so manfully defended, so that the French were many times beaten back; but at last after 24. days siege the Duke of Aumale did gloriously take it.
The Author foretelling the time of this victory, said it was when the writing D. M. in big letters was found, that is to say, about the 11. of September after the Equinox, because in the Ephemerides, the Meridional descension of the Planets,[339] and chiefly of Sol, Venus, and Mercury is marked with these two Letters D. M. which descension cometh to pass after the Equinox of Autumn towards the end of September. At the same time was discovered an ancient Cave, wherein was found one of those Lamps, that cannot be put out, and burns continually without any addition of Oil, by an invention that is lost. Such another was found in the time of Alexander the VI. and Adrian the VI.
The Town of Vulpian was at that time tried by a King and a Prince, viz. Henry the II. and the Duke of Aumale Prince of Lorrain, and Brother to the Cardinal of Lorrain, and to the Duke of Guise.
The Author addeth, that besides these three things, viz. the finding of the letters D. M. The Cave discovered the siege of Vulpian; there happened a fourth one, viz. that a Queen and a Duke should consult together in a Summer-house, about the important affairs of the Kingdom. To understand this, we must suppose that Pope Paul the IV. willing to secure his own person and the Ecclesiastical State against the Spanish faction, and that of the Colonese, did seize upon many places belonging to the said Colonese, and knowing besides that the Spaniards being of the Coloneses party, would not fail to come upon him, he disposed the King of France to come to his succours, so that the Queen having a particular confidence in the Duke of Guise, did consult with him about this business in some Summer-house, which the French call a Pavillon.
It is very hard to say what the Author meaneth by these disjunctives Par. Car. Nersaf, all what can be gathered by what follows, is, that there shall be a great variance and strife about an Election, (I suppose of a Pope as it useth to be) and that Nersaf shall have the good will of the people, and yet none of them shall be Elected.
As for the fourth Verse, it is to be noted first that Ferrara is a strong Town in Italy belonging to the Pope, and Colonna is the name of the chief Family in Rome, now whether Ferrara shall be a protection to Colonna, or Colonna to Ferrara, we leave it to the Reader to judge, because the Verse hath a double sense.
The two first Verses are very plain, the two last not so; therefore observe that Arles is a City in France, in the Countrey of Dauphine or Provence, famous for antiquity, which is forwarned here not to shew its Fords, nor its Aqueducts, (which are buildings to convey water), nor its embalmed Prince, which it seemeth lyeth thereabout buried. The Author hath deprived here the Author of the reasons for why.
This is the description of a grand Cheat, when an old man called here Angel, shall stoop before a young one, whom he shall overcome at last, after they have been ten years equal. The last Verse is Mistical, for there is four numbers, three, two, one, which make six; and eight, which he calleth Seraphin, whether by allusion to that Quire of Angels, which some call the eight, or whether to the Order of St. Francis, who calleth it self Seraphical, is not easie to determine.
Mesopotamia is a Greek word, signifying a Countrey between two Rivers; and though there be many Countreys so seated, yet to this day, it properly belongeth to that Countrey, that lyeth between the two famous Rivers Tigris and Euphrates near Babylon; the rest is easie.
The sense of this is clear, viz. that about the year 1607. the number of Astronomers shall grow very great, of which some shall be expelled and banished, and their Books censured and suppressed: the rest is insignificant to me.
Perugia is a City in Italy, and so is Ravenna, by which it seemeth there shall be a notable Battle fought, as was once before in the time at Lewis the XII. King of France between Gaston de Foix his Nephew, and Don Raimond de Cardonne Vice-roy of Naples, for there the French got the Battle; in conclusion of which, the said Gaston de Foix pursuing a Troop of Spaniards that were retiring, was unfortunately kill’d, and so the victorious were vanquished.
These words are so plain that they need no interpretation.
The sense of this seemeth to be, that a certain King being far got into a new conquered Countrey, where he shall deal perfidiously with his Subjects, that then he shall meet with such an accident, as to his Citizens shall be instead of feast & welcom.
There is nothing hard here but the last Verse, whereby it is signified, that after such an incest of the Mother with the Son in the City of Tours (which is a Town in France) the fruit of it shall be secretly buryed, and green Turfs laid upon the place, and Leaves upon them, to take away the knowledge of it.
Macelin, is a Butcher or cruel man, from the Latine word Macellum, which signifieth the Shambles, it is without contradiction that by this Prophecy is plain concerning the late tyrant Cromwel, and his unlawful Government.
What he meaneth here by Antichrist is not easie to determine, for he cannot mean the Pope, himself being a Papist, nor the great Antichrist, whose Reign, according to the Scripture, shall last but three years and a half, it is more likely then that this Stanza hath coherence with the precedent, and that by it he meaneth Henry the VIII. who for the space of about 27 years before he dyed, did handle something roughly the Clergy and Clergy-men.
Bragamas is the same thing that we call now Bragadocio. By the Gods Sanctuary, he meaneth the Temples of the Romish Religion, who are reputed Sanctuaries, and are full of Images, which they worship as Gods, praying and offering Incense to them.
Nonnaire and Gorgon are two barbarous words, as for the sense of that and the rest, he that shall be able to read the words, shall be as wise as my self.
What he meaneth by the great Rogue is not obvious, but the main drift of this Stanza seemeth to be, to foretel the abuses that should be offered to the Popish Images by the Protestant party, as it was done in the time of the Civil Wars of France, and a little while after our Author had written his Prophecies.
By the great Rogue, he meaneth some chief Commander of the Protestant party, that were in those days, as the Prince of Condé, the Admiral of Castilon, or his Brother Dandelot.
This threatneth the Empire that now is in Germany, of a great desolation, and to be removed from its place, and threatneth also the Island of Sicily of a fearful commotion, which shall trouble the undertakings of Philip, that is, King of Spain, because they usually are called by that name.
The words of this are easie to be understood, but not who should be that man to whom he giveth these four famous Epithetes of Long-gnawer, dry, cringing and fawning.
By Zara I suppose that the Venetians are meant, who have a very strong Town of that name, situated in Dalmatia. Bizance is Constantinople, as we have said before; now whether this Prophecy was fulfilled when the Venetians took the Island of Tenedos, some 20 years ago, which is not far from Constantinople, or whether it is to come, I dare not assert.
It hath been impossible for me to make any sense of this, and therefore I believe that it is falsely printed, and that instead of Paterne, it should be Palerme, which is the chief Town in Sicily. Trinacry is Sicily it self, so called, quod tria habeat, άκρα seu promontoria.
Bayonne is a Town in France, upon the frontiers of Spain, and Saint John de Lux is the utmost frontiere of France, that way, (that being supposed) he saith, that about Saint John de Lux, the promoting of the war shall be set down; that is, that peace shall be made, as it was about seven or eight years ago between France and Spain, and the Marriage concluded between the King and the Infanta. The two last Verses are nonsensical, and only set down to make up the rhime.
Arnani, Tholose, and Villefranche are Towns of a Province in France called Languedoc. Mont Adrian is a Mountain thereabout, and Hutin is an old French word, signifying noise and strife, the sense then of this Prophecy is, that by those Towns and Mountains, shall pass an infinite multitude of people, with a great noise and strife, and shall come and enter into Bayonne, every one crying in that Countrey Language Bichoro, which is as much as to say, Victory.
There is no mistical sense in this, and the words are plain, although of a crabbid construction.
Sardinia is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea, now in the possession of the Spaniard, since he took the Kingdom of Naples, the three first Verses are something intelligible, the last is altogether impossible and barbarous.
This signifieth that an Uncle shall murder his Nephews Children, that he may Reign, and that the said Nephew shall withdraw, and save himself from the said Uncle. The rest is altogether obscure, if not absurd.
By the crossed is understood some order of Knight-hood, who for the most part wear that Badge, one of which being mad, and seeing in a Church a Horny Oxe come, by a Virgin Hog shall be kept from harm, or rescued by a Hog or Sow that was a Virgin, and it seems crossed the said Oxe, that he should not gore the Knight, that then such order of Knighthood shall be no more maintained nor upheld by the King of that Countrey, wherein such thing shall happen.
Rhodanus in Latine is the River of Rhosne, which cometh from Switzerland, and passing through the Lake of Geneva, runneth to Lyon, it seemeth then that in those Fields that are about that River there, will be a fearful inundation, when the Brassiers (or rather Croziers, which is a constellation so called) shall meet in Pisces, which is one of the twelve Signs of the Zodiack.
These obscure words signifie no more but that a King shall send a great Army far from his Kingdom, the Commander of which Army shall make the Army his own, which the King hearing, shall seize upon the Commanders Relations, and keep them Prisoners and Hostages, for which the said General being angry, shall at his return spoil the Countrey.
By this Prophecy three things are foretold, the first is of a Pope that shall sit but seven months, at whose death there will be a great Schisme; the second is of a great Governour or Chief Justice, such as were called by the ancient Romans Prætores, shall be in authority also but seven months; and the third, that hard by Venice all these differences shall be composed, and peace made again.
It is very difficult, if not impossible to tell what our Author meaneth by the Lake, wherein the most dear was thrown, and lost his Army. The Albaneses are a Nation between the Venetians and Greece, now for the most part subject to the said Venetians.
The two first Verses are plain, the two last Verses not so, which seemeth to foretell of a great union among the Clergy, which shall draw to them those that were peaceably affected.
A Synagogue is a place where the Jews assemble for Divine Worship, as the Christians do in Churches or Temples, the said Jews Synagogue is threatned here to be unfruitful and barren, and chiefly in Babylon, by the means of a woman, daughter of one persecuted; belike of some of their own tribe, whom the rest did persecute.
The first Verse being made of insignificant words, as Var and Pompotans cannot be understood; the other three doth foretel of three handsom Children, that shall be born near the Shore, which when they have attained a competent Age, shall change the Kingdom of that Countrey, and suppress it.
This is easie to be understood, which foretelleth a very great persecution to the Clergy-men, viz. Papists, of which Religion our Author was, if this be not already past in the Civil Wars of France, that were made for Religion, in the beginning of Reformation, where abundance of Clergy-men did perish on both sides.
This Stanza is very remarkable, for the thing it foretelleth, viz. a translation of the See of Rome, that is, the Popedom into another place by three Temporal Kings, and not onely that, but it seemeth by the sense of the last two Verses, that these will keep the Ecclesiastical authority to themselves.
The sense of this is, that by reason of a great Army that shall be much scattered, and occupy a great deal of room, water will be so scarce, that some shall die for thirst, it is that he calleth here, To die by thirst, through abundance of want.
This is plain, and needeth no interpretation.
We are just now at the Eve of this Prophecy, when so many Princes and Potentates do busie themselves about a Mediation between the two Crowns of France and Spain, &c.
It is indeed a great fury and pity to see how wicked people, and chiefly Usurers and false dealers, (understood here by the name of Wolfs) are diligent in doing mischief, and to make good the old Proverb, Homo homini Lupus, there being no other Creature but the Wolf that devours those of his own kind.
This carrieth its sense with it, and is plain.
This seemeth to point at this present conjuncture of affairs, where there is so many buisying themselves about the relief of Flanders, of which I see no great likelihood.
There is two Towns called Vienna’s, one is in Germany, in the Province of Austria, and is the Emperours Seat, the other in France, a metter of twenty miles beyond Lion, the rest is easie.
It is not easie to understand what he meaneth by the Translator of Boure, unless it be some mean and pittiful fellow, that lived by Translating things from one language into another, because the French use to call a man that is inconsiderable, un homme du boure, that is a man of Flocks; and so much the more I am of this opinion, because of the scurvy Epithetes, he attributeth to the same person, by which he might easily be known as blind of one eye, red, white, hoary, &c.
Mount Aventine is one of the seven Mountains of Rome, from the top of which our Author saith that a voice was heard crying and repeating, get you gone, and the reason is, because choler and anger shall feed upon the blood of the Cardinals, understood here by the name of red ones.
Arimini and Prato are two cities in Italy.
The Colonna is the chiefest and ancientest family of Rome.
This word of Magna vaqua is either falsly printed, or altogether barbarous and insignificant, and so is that of Fornase, which maketh the two first Verses incapable of translation; the other are easie.
Our Author meaneth, that the year after the former Prophecy is come to pass, this shall also be fulfilled, whereby two Chief Commanders shall be chosen, the first of which shall not stand, but shall be compelled to run away, and to seek his security in the open Fields, and that house that did uphold the first shall be plundered.
The meaning of this is, that some body pretending to mend the Government of those two places that are in Italy, shall tyrannically make himself Master of them.
Here is foretold a famous invasion, that shall be made by the English upon that part of France called Guyenne, and in Latine Aquitania, of which Bourdeaux is the chief City, insomuch, that the English afterwards shall call that Countrey Angl’ Aquitaine.
The sense of this is perspicuous.
The words and sense are plain.
The ancient Vestals, were a Kind of Religious Virgins in the ancient Romans time, who if they did forfeit their honour, were buried alive in a Cave, with a little Bread and Water, and a Lamp burning, our Author would have, that when a Lamp shall be found lighted with an unquenchable fire, in that place where then their[360] Temple was, that then Nismes (which is a City of Languedoc), shall perish by Water, and the Market-hall of Tholouse shall fall, whether such a Lamp may be contrived as to burn with an unquenchable fire, is too long and tedious a discourse to be disputed here.
Foix and Panniers are two Towns in Languedoc, and so are Tholouse and Carcassonne, called here Carcas, for the abbreviation of the Verse, the sense then of this prophecy is, that when the two first Verses shall come to pass, that then an Army shall lie about those Towns, and Carcassonne shall be against Thoulouse.
Many understand this of the late King, and last Plague.
This Prophecy is concerning a Potter, who seeking and digging for new Clay, shall find in a drained Lake the Statues of Diana and Mercury all of silver, besides other great riches; seeing this Prophecy is not come to pass yet (that I know) it will not be amiss, for the divertisement of the Reader, to relate here a notable and authentical History of a Potter that hath much ressemblance with this, and will be a convincing Argument, that Mines grow in the Earth as Turfs do, and as Virgil sayeth of the golden branch:
It is written by Doctor de Rochas, Physitian to the present Chancellor or France, who was upon the place, and an eye witness of the circumstances of it, having also an interest in it, in the behalf of his Father, who was overseer of the Mines in that Province, therefore I shall relate it in his own words, as they are in his Book of Mineral Waters.
In Provence near Thoulon, is a Mountain called Carquairené, at the foot of which and near the brim of the Sea, there dwelled a Potter with all his tools about him; It chanced that on a day as he went to fetch Wood in that Mountain, to bake his wares, he heard a voice of a little Kid, which some Shepherd had left behind them unawares, and was fallen in a little hole that answered to natural, great and deep Caves; this man seeing no Shepherds about him, thought presently it was a strayed Kid, therefore he followed the cry with his ear so directly, that he came by the orifice of that hole, where he heard and saw the Kid, which he resolved to carry away with his Wood, therefore he took the Cords that were at his Mules Saddle, and that he used to bind his Load with, and with the help of them, and of some big pieces of Wood he got down, where, he did observe round about him many other Caves, contiguous and separated from this, which his curiosity caused him to view, and found in the chief of these Caves a great quantity of stones heaped upon one another, & of a substance and colour of Brass, and among the rest there was one that came forth out of the Rock, about the bigness, shape, and length of a mans arm, when it is stretched out; he did apparently judge that the weight and brittleness of that matter had caused those stones to fall down, and that the same that he saw come out of the Rock in this manner, was already loose and like to fall; this man finding himself among such an abundance of rich Lingots, which fortune did offer him, did not know the value of them, but did like the Cock of Æsop which left the precious Pearl to take the Corn of Wheat; thus this Jason took very little of this Golden Fleece, and only a small piece, which he broke from a bigger with one of his Tools, and imployed all his industry to carry away his Kid, which at last with much ado he got out, and carried upon his Mule, believing certainly that this provision would be more profitable to him and his Family, then the yellow stone which he had in his pocket, weighing about five pounds, and which he intended to give to a Tinker of Thoulon, his Gossip and good friend, in hope that for the same he might be presented with a bottle of Wine, to keep company to his Kid; and accordingly the next morning by break of day he went to Thoulon and stayed in the Shop of his friend, who did look with admiration upon so resplendent Brass; a[362] Gold-smith who lodged over the way, and observed the splendor of that Divine mettal, drew near, and presently would have bargained for it, with a great deal of transportation and alteration. The Potter asked him only twenty pence, which the Gold-Smith would have given him presently, but the Tinker making sign to him to retract his words, he put his lingot in his pocket again, with protestation that he would not part with it, unless he had something that were worth the pains of going where he had it; in conclusion, after many contestations and disputes, the Potter who did suspect that it might be gold, would not sell nor deliver it under the sum of thirty Crowns, which the Gold-Smith paid him presently, and which he carried away with more joy, then if he had been possessor of greater riches; the Gold-smith on the other side, who thought that his profit would be above a hundred pounds sterlings, did refine this stone, that was about five pound weight, out of which he drew four pound weight, of very good and pure gold, the rest was a kind of dross, that made it thus brittle; one ought not to think that the Mine is all of the same perfection, but it purifieth it self, according as nature thrusteth it out of the Rock, as we see that Rubies and Emeralds are purer, then the Rock from whence they come. This Gold-Smith having found such fortune, and being resolved to make the best use of it, went to the Lord Scaravaque, then Governour of the Town, and imparted unto him this new discovery, that he might have his assistance and favour in it, and that under his power and authority he might follow and wait upon this precious business without being disturbed by any body, to which the Governour did so much the easier consent, that this Tradesman did oblidge himself to give him the best part of the profit that should arise from thence, and that should exceed any Travels into the Indies or Peru.
In the mean time the Potter was not asleep, the Gold-smiths money had stirred his appetite, and the charm of this witchcraft that worketh generally upon all spirits, did put him upon new hopes. He went into the Mountain with his wife, and with the help of a rope Ladder, which he had provided, and some Iron tools, wherewith he had loaded his Mule, he went down into the Caves, and with much endeavour did at last break that piece, that came out of the Rock like a mans arm, because all the other that were tumbled upon the ground, were so big and heavy that he could not remove them, when he had broken it down, though it were about fourscore and two pounds weight, nevertheless with the help of his wife and of his Ropes and Ladder he got out again, and stopt the hole with a large stone, and some Earth, upon which he planted some small Bushes so ingeniously, that this hole could never be found out again.
The Lord Scaravaque who was most impatient, to conquer like another Jason this Golden Fleece, and who was set on by the persuasions of the Gold-smith, sent for the Potter, under pretence to employ him in the making and furnishing of some Tiles and other small commodities that depended on his art. The Potter obeyed presently, drawn by the hopes to sell his wares well, and mistrusting nothing at all what they would ask him. As soon as he came, the Governour asked him and perswaded him with the best and most flattering words he could, to tell where he had the yellow stone that he sold to the Gold-smith. The Potter who more and more began to know the value of this rare Treasure, invented presently a lie, to free himself of the importunity of them that would have deceived him; therefore with an ingenuity, as simple as artificial he answered, he had found it upon the brim of the Sea, where may be some Ship had been cast away, or the Waves had cast it upon the shore.
The Governour answered that this could not be, and therefore threatned him of violence, and to send for all that he had in his House, which put the fellow into a great perplexity, because of the other stone that should be found there, therefore he chose rather to give it them out of his good will, then to put himself in danger of[363] loosing all, and perchance of being abused to boot, without any more ado, he ingenuously confessed he had another piece of the same stuff as the former in his House, which he had likewise found in the same place, which he was ready to put into their hands, provided he might have his share of it, and be suffered to get his livelihood peaceably. The Lord Scaravaque did promise him all what he desired, and gave him some men to keep him company, with command to bring him back again, and to take special care he should not make an escape. At last this poor man came back again with that piece, which did more inflame the passion that the Governour had to know the place whence came that rich treasure; but neither for prayers, promises, or threats he would never reveal it, which did oblige the Governour to shut him up close in a Chamber, where nevertheless they gave him Victuals and made ready a Bed, but he refused both, and by an extraordinary sadness, gave shew that some notorious mischance was waiting on him, which proved true, for he was found dead in the Morning; which did put the Lord Scaravaque in a grief unexpressible, to see himself deprived by this accident, of the fruit that his hopes had made him conceive. He had recourse to the Potters wife for this discovery, but she could never attain to it, whatsoever exact searches she could make: yea, and after she was married again with a young man, who had spent in that search most of his time. The Lord Scaravaque and other persons of quality have employed all their skills and endeavours, but all their industry and charges have been without effect, as well as of many others, who attempted the same; about that time my Father who was overseer of the Mines in Provence, having received the news of a business of such consequence, that did concern his place, went presently unto that Mountain, to see if he could discover those wonders, I was then in his company, as also that woman, viz. the Potters wife, who carried us in several places for many days, without any success at all, although she gave notice that she could here the Waves of the Sea, when she was in the Cave with her first Husband, so that all our endeavours proved fruitless and unprofitable, because my Father fell sick, which made us forsake our quest, which is of such a consequence as not to be neglected.
During the time of our painful visiting that Mountain, I did consider the particularities of that rich Mountain, and observed that the top of it was almost all Azur, which tokens are the beams of that golden Sun and are the hairs of that fair goodness, under whose feet all things submit; in a word, are the true and infallible signs that underneath are Mines of Gold and Silver. And as I have directed all my thoughts many times to find out the means to compass so excellent a work, whose profit would surpass all what the Indies furnish unto strangers, and that with so much less charges and danger, that there is no heed of Ships or Fleet to cross over the Sea, from one Pole to the other, nor fight against any enemies: at last I have attained to a certain knowledge, which putteth me in hope, and makes me promise and engage my word, that at least I shall find a thred of that golden Mine, which may chance to lead us to the Centre of all these Treasures, but the Royal Authority being necessary to prop up this design, it belongeth to his Majesty to take what course he thinketh best for this, and to me to obey, execute his will. This digression which is an assured experiment, (that is a certain truth), is not come into this discourse, but only to prove that Mines grow by augmentation, in converting into their own nature the more subtle parts of the Neighbouring Earth. Thus far Doctor de Rochas.
Sologne is a Province in France, between the Perche and the Main. Auxois is a Countrey in the South of France, so called of its chief Town called Auch, the seat of an Archbishop. Modena is a Town in Italy, and Bolonia another not far from it. Burancois is a part of the Province of Dauphiné. The meaning then of this Prophecy is, this being known, the Reader may easily find out the rest of the sense.
This hath a relation to the punishment, which in some parts of France and Flanders is inflicted upon false Coiners, which are commonly boiled in Oil, in a great Kettle, such as our Author here saith belong to Dyers. The Author then will have that the time shall come, when seven of that gang shall be so punished together in a Plain, where a great Kettle shall be set for that purpose upon a Furnace.
Parpan is either a barbarous or fained name, by the red ones, he hath hitherto understood some Cardinals, the Reader may expound the rest according to his fancy.
Castel Franco is a Town in Piemont; Riviere is a strong Castle in Burgundy, but what he meaneth by the great Gulfe, is more then I can tell.
This Prophecy pointeth directly at our Authors Master Charles the IX. King of France, whom he calleth he the third first, because he was the third son to Henry II. and came to be King, using more cruelties then ever Nero did, for he was the cause of the Massacre of the Protestants in France in the year 1572. where above a hundred thousand people were murdered. Forneron is a barbarous word, put here to make a Verse, and to rhime with Neron. At that time he saith the Golden Age was dead, and upon the coming of a new King, who was Henry III. great tumults did happen, and great Wars, as is to be seen in the French History.
Although the words and sense of this Prophecy be most obscure, nevertheless we shall endeavour as much as we can to render them something intelligible to the Reader.
By the first Verse is to be understood that Dauffois, or rather Dauphinois, which is the Title of the Kings of France eldest Son shall carry the Lillie, which is the Arms of France into Nancy, the chief Town in Lorrain, which came to pass in the time of the last King Lewis the XIII.
By the second Verse is understood the Elector of Triers, who was taken by the Spaniards in his own Town, and carried prisoner to Bruxelles.
By the third and fourth is expressed the ill luck of the Duke of Montmorency, who having taken part with the Duke of Lorrain, and the Duke of Orleans the Kings Brother, was routed in a Battle, taken prisoner, and afterwards beheaded at Thoulouse.
Fougeres is either the name of a Town in little Britanny, or that of a Noble House, the words are very plain, therefore I leave the sense to every ones capacity.
Rennes is the chief Town of little Britanny; the second Verse being made of barbarous words, is impossible to be understood. The third and fourth Verse signifieth, that when a black Monk in that Town of Varennes shall put on a gray sute, he shall be elected Captain, and cause a great tempest or broils by fire and blood.
There is a mistake in the first Verse, for instead of Salonne, it must be written Soulaire, which is a Priory and Church at the top of Blois, all the rest signifieth that in one night these shall happen, viz. that the Bridge, the Prelat, and a pernicious King with a smart victory shall perish, whence the Prelature, that is the place of Command upon the white ones, viz. Canons and Prebends in their Surplices, shall be void and empty.
This Stanza is very obscure, for, first no body can tell what he meaneth by langue halbe, which is the foundation of all the rest of the sense; Secondly, what this Duke of Montor and Mantor should be, which has been unknown in the Histories hitherto;[368] and thirdly, what construction and sense can be made of these disjunctives: Albe, Mantor, Dagger, Tongue, Palate. Therefore i’le leave it free to every bodies opinion to make his construction.
By this is meant, that the youngest Son of a King, shall be knocked in the head, while he is a playing under a tun; his Father being at the same time in the Temple of Saint Soulaine at Mass.
These two or three last Stanzas have been concerning the City of Blois, to which it seemeth that this hath also relation, for he saith that two little Royal Children shall be carried at the top of the Castle, and shall be conveyed beyond Aurelle (which is Orleans in Latine Aurelianum) Lutece, which is Paris; S. Denis Cloisters, which is beyond Paris, and a Nunnery besides, where it is like they shall be left to eat green stones of fruit, which is not easie to be understood, no more then the word Mollods.
Beziers is a City in Languedoc; the rest may be construed by the meanest capacity.
This signifieth that there shall be a silly surrendring of a Town, caused by sharp and threatning Letters that shall be sent into it. By the great Cap he useth to understand the Pope, who he saith shall give what is not it, as he hath done many times; Vultry, in Latine Velitrum, and Piombino are two Cities in Italy, which are threatned here with mighty winds.
The first Verse signifieth that a woodden Bridge shall be broken by a close wind, as did happen to the Millers Bridge, and the Birds Bridge in Paris.
The second Verse seemeth to foretel the conspiracy of the Mareshal of Biron, against Henry IV. his Dolphin and Estate.
The third and fourth, the Wars and Conquest which the said King (whom he called old Teccon), made upon the Duke of Savoy, who had corrupted the said Marshal of Biron.
What he meaneth by Symaclian Sail, is not easie to determine; Massilian Port is that of Marseilles in France, called in Latine Massilia, the sense of this Prophecy then if any be, is, that a great Fleet shall go from thence to Venice, to carry succours to the Hungarians, who it seemeth shall be much distressed at that time by the Turks, and that Sicily and Genoa shall add to this Fleet a considerable succour of Men, and Warlike Munition.
He that giveth place to no body is the Pope; as for the last Verse, I had rather read St. Quintin and Gales, which are two considerable Towns in France, then otherwise.
That place taken, not taken was the City of Noyon in Picardy, which was taken by the Spanish Cavalry, cloathed after the French Mode, which stratagem deceived the Citizens and Soldiers that defended it: so he saith taken, because it fell into the hands of the Spaniards, and not taken, because it was by a stratagem or deceit.
Puola is for Paulo here, and by it is understood the port of Malta, which being Besieged by the Turks, Philip the II. King of Spain, sent an Army to relieve it, which made those of Byzantium (which is Constantinople) cry alas, &c.
Mortara is a Town in Italy, by Cassich and St. George he meaneth two other places.
Porphiry is a kind of hard red Marble speckled with white spots, which is very scarce, and chiefly in great pieces; our Author then saieth that a great Colomn of that stuff shall be found, and about the Basis of it some words in Roman Characters, and that about that time a great Fleet shall be a gathering at the Port of Methelin, which is an Island in the Archipelago, belonging now to the Turks, as for the third Verse, I cannot tell what to make of it.
All these intricated words and sense foretell that, when a King of Danmarck named Hercules shall be made King of the Romans, that then Italy and Venice it self shall stand in great fear of him; and that he shall be as great a Prince or Monarch as ever was in Europe; and that very likely, for by his dignity of King of the Romans he consequently shall attain to the Empire.
The first Verse signifieth, that some certain man who was married, shall be parted from his wife, and shall attain to some great Ecclesiastical Dignity.
The second Verse is, that in coming back from some place or entreprise, he shall be met and fought with, and compelled to escape over the Tyles of a House.
The third Verse is, that a man of great account shall be betrayed by five hundred of his men.
And the last, that when these things shall come te pass, Narbon and Salces, which are two Cities of Languedoc, shall reap and make a great deal of Oil.
This Prophecy ought to be understood of an Emperour of Germany, whose name shall be Ferdinand, who being accompanied with many Germans, that for the most part are faire haired people shall come and War against Græcia, which is expressed here by the names of Macedon and Myrmidon, the first of which is a Countrey, and the last a Nation, both in Græcia.
This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1560. when Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, and his Brother Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Condé, coming to King Francis II. at Orleans, upon the 29. of October, the Prince of Condé was put in prison, and the King of Navarre arrested. The Lord Andrew Fauyn in his History of Navarre, saith, that the opinion of the Councel was, that the Prince of Condé should be beheaded, for having been the chief of the conspiracy at Amboise, and the King of Navarre should be stabbed in the Kings Chamber by the King himself, assisted by others for that purpose. The Lady of Montpensier gave notice of it to the King of Navarre, who being sent for by the King, charged expresly Cattin his waiting man and an old servant of his Father take a care and preserve his bloody shirt after his death till his son came to Age, to revenge it upon the murderers. God be thanked this came not to pass, for the King having called him, and going about to provoke him with foul words, he answered so meekly and humbly, that the Kings anger was appeased, where upon the Duke of Guise going out of the room said, O what a cowardly Prince is this. These things are expressed in the first and second Verse, when he saith that a great King should be put in Prison by a young one, because Antony of Bourbon, though he was not a great King in Lands, yet he was a great one in courage and prudence. And it was not far from Easter, sith it was but five months before, viz. from the beginning of November, to the sixth of April 1591 which was Easterday; the Author putteth in this circumstance, because the next Easter after, the King of Navarre was made General of France under the Queen Regent.
He addeth the blow of a Knife, as we have shewed; he also saith a lasting bad time, which proved very true; moreover, he saith, what lightning in the Hunt or Topmast,[374] because King Francis died presently after. In the fourth Verse he saith, that three Brothers shall be hurt and killed, those three Brothers were Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, killed at the Siege at Rouen, the Cardinal of Bourbon, and Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Condé, killed at the Battle of Jarnac.
Here is foretold a prodigious inundation of the River Garonne, in the month of December, by which the Walls, Building, and the City of Thoulouse is threatned to be overturned. The last word of all is barbarous, and added to make up the rhime.
For the better understanding of this, the hard words must first be made plain; Blaye is a City upon the River Garonne, and the Port-Town to Bourdeaux; Rochel is a City upon the same Coast; Agen is a City in Gascony not far from Bourdeaux, and Narbonne is a City in Languedoc, by the Mediterranean Sea; Æmathian was formerly the Countrey of Macedonia, wherein Julius Cæsar and C. Pompeius fought their last Battle in the Pharsalian Fields, and therefore saith the Latine Poet Lucanus:
These things being considered the sense is, that there shall be an Invasion made by the English, to whom those of Rochel shall joyn, upon the Town of Blaye, which shall proceed as far as Agen, and that thereabout will be a bloody Encounter between the English and French, beyond that which was fought in the Æmathian Fields, and that the succours that should come from Narbonne to the French, shall be deluded and hindered by the speech and discourse of some.
Arbissella is a Town situated by the Sea-side above Savona, going towards Genoa. Vezema and Crevari are in the Inland Countrey, and a little further remoted from the Sea then Arbissella. The quick Gascon was Blasius of Monluc, one of the Valliantest men of his time, who came from a single Souldier to be Marshal of France. Guiry and la Charry were two of his Companions. This Stanza doth Prophetically foretell two things, one is, the design that the Marshal of Brissac, then Governour of Piemont had upon Savona: the other, the taking of Pianca by Blasius of Monluc, as to the first, the Lord of Villars writeth in his Memorials, that the Lord Damzay sent advice to the King, that the taking of Savona was more probable then any other design, which signifieth that the Marshal of Brissac had of a long time eyed that Town, and therefore he sent by night some Troops into those three little Towns, to see if they could surprise Savona, but the design did not succeed. The Histories only mention that the Marshal of Brissac went from Court in the year 1557. with a design to take Savona; but this stanza speaketh of the same design 1556.
At the same time in the year 1556. the 29. of June Blasius of Monluc, as he relateth in his Commentaries, did surprise the Town and Fort of Piance, called in Latine Corsinianum, he had with him the Captain la Charry, the Captain Bartholomew of Pezero, and the son of Captain Luzzan. At first the French were beaten back, but the valliant Monluc did encourage them again by his example, going the first in, and saying only, follow your Captain.
Which having said, he thrust himself under the Gate, where three or four men might stand sheltered by the planks of the Fort, and having his Sword in the left hand, and his dagger in the right, he began to break and cut the Brick and made a hole, which opening by degrees, he thrust his arm through, and pulled the gap so strongly, that he caused all the Wall to fall down upon himself, without being hurt by it. This is the meaning of the Author in the fourth Verse; when he saith, the quick Gascon was behind the Wall; In prosecution of this, the Switzers did beat down the rest of the Wall, and all came into the Town crying, France, France. Monluc ran presently to the Fort, and with the help of his men took it, that is the meaning of the Author, when he saith, old and new Pallace to graple. The old Pallace was adjoining to the Market-place of the Town, in which the French were prisoners with the Captain Gourgues, to the number of fifty or sixty tied two and two, and so kept by twenty Souldiers, whom they did kill as we have said. The new Pallace was the Fort. The Author used that ancient word grapper, which in the Provencal languague signifieth, to pull down with ones hands, and in the contrary sense, to shut and plaister so well some thing, that there will be a necessity of the help of the hands to open what was shut up.
This is a peculiar accident that happened before the taking of the Town of Saint Quentin by the Spaniard in the year 1557. and fell out thus. News being come to the King of France, that the powerful Army of the Spaniard was gone to Besiege St. Quentin, he made all imaginable diligence to succour it; the Spaniards to hinder the relief had seized upon an ancient Abby of the Vermandois, which is in the next Forrest, that was anciently called the Forrest Bourlis, and is at present called the Forrest of the Abbay Vermandois, called in Latine Augusta Veromanduorum, builded by an ancient Hungarian Captain called Vermandig. In process of time it was all ruinated, and only one Abby left, wherein was the Episcopal See, which afterwards was transferred into the City of Noyon. After the ruine of this Town, that of St. Quentin next to it became the chief City of Vermandois; It was named St. Quentin, because the Emperor Dioclesian having sent St. Quentin a Roman Senator to be Governour of it, he did convert the Inhabitants to the Christian Faith, and after he himself did suffer there Martyrdom.
In that Abby a great many Flemmings had intranched themselves, but the French going to relieve the Town, did force their Trenches and Fortifications, and in the heat of the fight the two younger Sons of the Captain being armed Cap a pée, though they were not killed, yet were astonished with blows they did receive upon their heads, their followers and Guards being all cut in pieces.
This did happen lately, viz. some five or six years ago, when the Duke of Crequy Embassadour at Rome was affronted by the Corses, which are the Popes Guard: for which the King of France demanded reparation, and seized upon Avignon, till the Pope granted him that all the said Corses should be banished, and a Pyramis erected in Rome to the perpetual infamy of that Nation.
The sense of these words is very plain and signifieth onely, that there will be an union and League between these Towns, viz. Barcelona, Genoa, Vinice, and the Kingdom of Sicily against the Turks, whom they shall encounter near Monaco, and put them to flight, and follow them as far as Tunis.
By the Crucigere Army is understood the Christian Army, because the word Crucigere signifieth one that beareth a Cross, from the two Latine words Crux and gero; the Ismaelites are the Turks, who boast themselves to be descended from Ismael, the son of Abraham and Agar, the meaning of this is, that the Christians going about to attempt some landing place, the Turks shall watch them, and set upon them by Land and Sea, in which Sea fight he mentioneth only ten choice Galleys, and a notable Ship called Raviere, (if it be not false printed) I am much of an opinion that this came to pass when Philip the II. King of Spain made an attempt upon Algiers, by his Admiral André d’Oria, who had to do with the Moores upon the Land, ready to receive him, and some part of their fleet that watched him, but cross and contrary winds caused him to return re infecta.
This is a Prophecy concerning Geneva, out of which he warneth every one to come; his reason is, that the golden Age of that Town shall be changed into an Iron one; and that there shall be one against Raypos, that shall extermine them all, before which there shall appear some signs in Heaven. Now the Author being a rank Papist, it is to be supposed that he warneth out of Geneva all those of his Faith, because of the coming of Calvin, whom he foresaw was to come into that Town, and to change the Government thereof, and to extermine them all, which is to be understood, in point of Religion, as for what prodigies did precede that change; I had no time to consult Authors upon it, the judicious Reader may chance to find them in those that have written of this matter.
By Mendosus, is Anagrammatically to be understood Vendosme; but who is that shall never be weary of asking, or whose Dominion Vendosme shall have, or what is meant by the last two Verses, passeth my understanding.
This Prophecy doth onely and properly belong to the City of Thoulouse; and by it are warned all the red ones, that is, all those that usually wear Red or Scarlet Gowns, as those of the Parliament and the Capitols to come out of it, because saith he, There shall an expiation be made of the Sacrifice, meaning that there shall be a great slaughter among the Citizens, as it did happen at several times, the first Anno 1563. another time when the first President Durauti, and several other of the red Gowns were put to death, &c. The two last Verses signifie, that the chief contriver of this uproar shall be strangled, and many others besides him.
This is plainly to be understood of those Traytors, the delivered and signed the death of King Charles the I. of blessed Memory, against the sense and advise of at least three parts of four of the Nation, and who afterward saw themselves for the most part shut in Prison for this fact and brought to a shameful end.
By the great Maritime City of the Ocean, Encompassed with Crystaline Fens, is to be understood the City of London, for as for that of Venice, it is situated upon the Mediterranean or rather Adriatick Sea: London then is threatned here of a fearful wind, which whether the Author meaneth for the time that is past now, and that shall come hereafter I know not, sure I am, that I have within this fifteen years seen two such winds in London, as I never saw the like any where else; the first was that day that Olivier the Usurpator died, the other was about six or seven years ago, caused by the lightning that fell in Hereford-shire, and did mix with a Western wind and came as far as London, carrying the tops of houses, and doing then for above 10000. pounds dammage.
This Prophecy taken with all its circumstances, and the subject it treateth of, is the most remarkable of all those that ever Nostradamus was Author of, for here we see a concatenation of circumstances linked together, to make it true to any bodies eyes, for first the number of this Stanza being 49, signifieth the year wherein the King died, for although by the English account, who begin their year at the 25. of March, it may be said it was in 48, because it did happen upon the 30th. of January, yet according to the general account of the most part of the World, the year begin upon the first day of January, so that the King dying on the 30th. of January, it may be said it was in the year 1649.
The first Verse signifieth, that at that time there was no good intelligence between the Cities of Flanders and Brabant, as I remember very well that there was not, but upon what score, I have forgotten.
The second Verse is plain to any body that can either read or hear it.
The third Verse by the Salt and Wine, understandeth France, who was then in War with the Spaniard, and in some divisions among themselves, so that they could not take the Kings part as to relieve and free him by force, but sent Embassadours to mediate a composure of the difference.
The fourth Verse intimateth that by reason of the said Wars that were in France, the said murdering Parliament had liberty to do what they listed for the bringing the Kingdom into ruine.
Mensodus is the Anagramme of Vendosme, by which is meant Antony of Bourbon Duke of Vendosme, brother to the then Prince of Condé, and father to Henry IV. Norlaris is the Anagram of Lorrain; now any body that understandeth any thing in History, knoweth what dissention and feud there was between the House of Bourbon, and that of Lorrain in the time of Francis the II. for the House of Bourbon, though next to the Royal blood, was the least in favour, and those of the House of Lorrain did Govern all, and had so far prevailed as to have got the Prince of Condé into their hands, and had him condemned to have his head cut of, which would have been executed, had not the King that very day fallen sick of the disease he died of. Now this being understood our Author will have that Mensodus, which is Vendosme shall lay aside the Norlaris, that is Lorrein. By the red pale is meant the Cardinal of Lorrain, brother to the Duke of Guise, who grew pale at this. By the male at the interreigne is so obscure, that we leave it to the judgement of the Reader.
The name of red Sects, may very well be applied to the Protestants of France, against whom in those days it seemed that fire, Water, Iron and Rope had conspired, for they were put to death by each one of those fatal instruments for their Religion sake. This is a lively expression of the unhappy Massacre of the Protestants in France upon St. Bartholomews day 1572.
The two last Verses signifie, that all the Contrivers of that Councel, were of opinion at first to proceed some other way, but only the Duke of Guise, who was the principal actor in it, and whom our Author saith, did undo the world; for he was the cause of mischief, not only then but ofterwards.
This Prophecy was fulfilled in the Reign of Charles the IX. in the year 1558. when the peace was treated of, and concluded the year after 1559. the War on the other side begun to appear by the raising of the Protestants, who begun publickly their opinion in the time of Francis the II. and Charles the IX.
There was never seen such a prosecution of War and of Peace together; for there was never an estate more embroiled in Wars than that of Charles the IX. was, nor where Peace was more sought after; for there was nothing but Wars and treaties of Peace, Men and Women did complain on all sides, for the wrong and dammages they received from both parties, the Protestants believing to do God a good service in destroying Images, and killing Priests and Monks. And the Papists on the other side thinking to make a sweet Sacrifice unto God, in practising the same cruelties upon the Protestants, and so in all corners of France every one did set himself to do evil.
A young Tyrant called here Nero, shall cause some Pages to be burnt alive in three Chimneys, and afterwards himself shall be put to death by three of his own blood, this fact savoureth so much of bestial cruelty, that I cannot belive any Christian Prince can ever be guilty of it.
The Port of Corsibonne, must of necessity be that of Ancona; first because there is no Port of the former name near the City of Ravenna. Secondly, because Ancona is near Ravenna.
By the Lady is meant the Chappel or Church of our Lady of Loretto, which is threatned here to be plundred by some Turks or Pyrates, inticed thereunto by the manifold riches that are said to be therein.
The third Verse speaketh of a Portugues Embassador, who it seemeth shall be drowned or buried in the main Sea.
The fourth Verse giveth warning of some Robbers and Pyrates, very like to be Turks, who being in Ambuscado, and shrouded among the Rocks by the Sea side, shall carry away seventy Souls.
That word a preparing in the first Verse, signifieth that he speaketh of a time, wherein War was a making ready, when he was a writing.
The West, of which our Author speaketh, is not formerly the West which is Spain, but is the West respectively to his Countrey of Provence, which is Picardy, Lorrain, and the Countrey of Mets, in all these Places that are Westerly from Provence, there was great Wars in the year 1557 in Picardy in the year 1558. at Calais and Thionville, and at last from the middle of that year to the end of it, were seen two great Armies of both Kings, which threatned a horrid slaughter, had not God Almighty provided against it by the treaty of Peace of the 3d. of April 1559 the year following, which was 1559. there did happen what he foretelleth, viz., the Plague so strangely terrible to Young, Old, and Beasts &c.
And in those quarters there was nothing but Fire and Blood; that is, Massacres and ruines of all sorts, then did Rule in France, the three Planets of Jupiter, Mars and Mercury, Jupiter and Mercury, for the peace that was then concluded, and Mars for the War that was then on foot.
The History of Provence mentioneth, that that Pestilence was called by the Physitians, Febris erratica, by which within the space of five or six Months, died almost an infinite number of people.
These three words of Noudam, Goussanville, and Maiotes are three little inconsiderable Countrey Towns, situated near one another; the meaning then of it is, that an Army near Noudam, shall go through Goussanville, and shall in an instant convert, that is, draw to his party above a thousand of the contrary party, the business being about the procuring of a good understanding and amity between two great ones.
Drux is a City in Normandy, near which Henry the IV. got a memorable victory.
It is said that in that place a King shall rest himself, and shall endeavour to change Religion, but at that time it shall Thunder and Lighten so much, that by the fall of a new gate, the King himself shall be killed.
What is meant here by the three red ones of France is hard to decide, whether they be Cardinals or Judges; because both wear commonly Scarlet Gowns, or some Noblemen cloathed in Scarlet, but it seemeth by this that there shall be a lying in wait for four men, three of which shall be cloathed in Red, and one in Black, those in Red shall be knockt down dead, but he in Black shall not, and this is to be done on the left hand, over against Vitry, which is a City in Champagne.
This Stanza wanting both quantity in the Cadence of the Verse, and Connexion in the sense, sheweth that it is either falsly printed, or else the Author had no mind it should be understood; we shall only say, the Ferté is a Town in Champagne. Vidame is a Lords Title in France, of which there are but four of that sort, and are called in Civil Law Vicedominus, who by his first Institution, was temporal Judge of the Bishop; the first of those Vidames or Vicedomini in France, is that of Amiens, the second of Chartres, the third of Rhemes, and the fourth of Gerberon.
This Prophecie foretelleth divers accidents in several places, without determination of any precise time; as for example, I understand by that Barbarian conflict, near the black Corner, to be some famous Battle among the Infidels themselves, some where about the Black Sea; then he saith, that abundance of Blood shall be spilt, and Dalmatia shall tremble, which is a Province belonging to the Venetians, and bordering upon Græcia; by great Ismael he understandeth the great Sophy of Persia, whose name hath been often so. By the Frogs it is not easie to know whether he meaneth France or Spain, for both abound in that kind of Insects.
It seemeth that this Plunder made upon the Sea Coast, shall be about Messina, by the Maltheses, who afterwards shall rue for it, being taken Prisoners, and severely punished.
As for the expression Incita nova, it is a barbarous derivation of the Latine, to signifie the stirring of new troubles.
The word Cheramonagora, is either altogether barbarous and insignificant, or must be derived from these three Greek words, χεὶρ, manus, μόνος, folus, and ἄγω, duco, and so it may signifie one than leadeth along by the hand, in which sense may be understood the King of France, who alone leadeth his people by the hand, without any help of Councel.
The second Verse signifieth the Oppositions he shall meet with among his Neighbours, combined together to hinder him.
By Oppi, he meaneth here Opium, the Juice of Poppies, which he calleth here Pertinax; because of its pertinacious quality in procuring sleep, as also Mandragora.
By Raugon, he meaneth some other soporiferous Herb; so that it seemeth that those three things shall be given upon the third of October to some body, it seemeth to that Cheramonagora, by whom some understand the King of France, others Oliver the last usurpator.
Narbonne, Bayonne, and Foix are Towns of Languedoc, a Province in France; the rest is easie.
The Æmathian properly should be the Macedonian, but by it is understood here the Spaniard, whose Countrey is on one side fenced by the Pyrenean Mountains; the rest is plain.
This Stanza hath relation and connexion to the precedent, and by it ought to be understood, that the said Æmathian or Spaniard shall come as far as the corner of Luna, wherein he shall be taken and sent into a strange Countrey, at which time the green Fruits and Grass shall be much damaged, for which one of the parties shall receive great shame, and the other great praise. But what he meaneth by the Corner of Luna, I must leave the judgement of it to the Reader, for I do ingeniously confess that I neither know City nor Countrey of that name.
This is easie to be understood, many interpret it of the downfall of Rome, at which time all quarrels both of Religion and States would be laid aside, if the world were all of one mind.
This is a peculiar Prophecy for the Provinces of Dauphiné and Languedoc, in which all the Towns and Rivers here mentioned are situated.
There is a notable fault in the impression of the first Verse of this Stanza, for instead of Mount Aymar, it must be Montlimar, which is a Town in Provence or Languedoc, situated by the River Rhosne, the sense therefore of this, is, that from Montlimar shall proceed some notable and obscure design, and that shall reach as far as Lyons, which is the City where the Saone and Rhosne meet, and that for that purpose, there shall be hidden a great many Souldiers in a Wood on St. Lucy’s day, which is the 13th. of December.
The Mount Bailly, and the Countrey of Bressia, are by Savoy, in which place (our Author saith) the fierce ones; that is, the stout men of Grenoble, the chief Town of Dauphiné, shall be hidden, and that such a Hail shall fall upon them, as not one third part shall be left.
This foretelleth a notable Treason that shall be acted at Lyons, upon the Sacraments day, otherwise called Corpus Christi day, upon which the Roman Catholicks are wont to make a Procession with the Sacrament about the Town, with abundance of burning Torches, of fearful bigness, insomuch that some (as at Angeirs) require 20 or 24 men to carry them, in those Torches (our Author saith) shall Weapons be hidden, by means of which the fact shall be committed. The rest is easie.
Whether the Author did understand himself here I know not, I am sure I do not; Carcassonne is a City of Languedoc, and Trixe is a barbarous word.
This is, when the Planet Saturn hath finished twice three Ages; that is, 600 years from the time that this Prophecy was written, then the Senates of Thoulouze, being men of a new Leaven (meaning being Protestants) shall cause the Romish Churches to be polluted and depredated in the Months of April and May.
Foix is a Countrey of France, near Gascony, where the Author saith, a King with a Blew Turbant shall come, and shall govern less then an Age, that is 100 years, after which another King with a White Turbant shall come, and shall Conquer Bizance (which in Latine is Constantinople) the Blew or Green Turbant is attributed to the great Turk, and the White one to the King of France, by whom the Turks have a Prophecie, their Monarchy shall be subverted.
What is that City of Fertsod, is hard to guess, there being none of this name in Europe that I know. The rest of the words are plain, though the sense be abstruce enough, therefore we shall leave them to the liberty of the Reader.
What Countrey this Ambraxia should be, is yet unknown, for my part I take it to be a forged word, as for Thracia it is a Countrey between Hungary and Greece.
Observe here that Evil is not an Epithete, to either People or Sea, but a word of admiration by it self, as malum in Latine, which is called vox admirantis.
This Prophecie portendeth the death of a black, bloody, and ravenous man (which in Latine is Rapax) who shall be murdered between two Rivers, by one whose proper name shall be Joyne Chaulveron.
You must observe, that there is a word false printed, which is Pellix, instead of which should be Pellex, which in Latine signifieth a Whore or Concubine.
The sense therefore of this is, that a certain King having taken another Kingdom, shall put the Queen of it to death, as also her own Son, after which, he shall make his Concubine Queen.
This Stanza is concerning the Lady Elizabeth of France, Daughter to Henry the II. and Sister to Charles the IX. who being promised first to Don Carlo Infante of Spain, was afterwards Married to his Father Philip the II. at which the young man being vexed and discontented, began to raise combustions in the State, for which, and his too much familiarity with his Mother in Law, he was strangled by his Fathers command, and she poisoned.
The two first Verses are plain, the third signifieth, that these fearful ones being come out of their Galleys, part of them shall be murdered, and among them the Captain, a renouncer of his Baptism, or Renegado, and the rest afterwards by an Ambuscado, shall requite in the same Coin those that had used them so.
There is a great fault in the impression of the French Copy in this Stanza, which maketh the sense altogether inexplicable, it must then in stead of Bize and Luc, be written Pise and Lucques, which are two Towns in Italy, near the Duke of Florence’s Dominions; one of these Towns, viz. Pisa he hath taken already, and from a Common-Wealth made it subject to himself; the other though several times attempted by him, hath preserved its liberty to this day. The last Verse signifieth, that after this is come to pass, the Barbarians, that is, the Florentins shall make Vintage without Wine; that is, shall plunder and spoil at their pleasure.
The only difficulty here is to know who that Lamprin should be, who shall be diverted from following a Traitor (which he meaneth here by the French word Traducteur) and shall be diverted from it by the Tears of Fryers, which are meant here by the ancient French word Coqueluches, which signifieth a Fryers Cool or Capuchon.
This is very plain, if by the great City you understand Paris, who is subject to frequent Innundations and Plagues.
This famous Earth-quake having not yet happened in Europe, it is like to happen within few years, for our Authors Prophecies (by his own confession) do not extend further than the year 1700.
This Prophecie is divided into two parts, The first two Verses are concerning a King, who shall perform the Funeral Rites and Ceremonies to his Parents, when he is come to the knowledge of them, having been exposed for lost before.
The two last Verses are concerning an ancient Sepulcher of a Roman, that shall be digged up and found out by a Torrent, and the Arms of the said Roman shall be something like the head of Medusa, whose Hairs were Serpents, and was so fearful to behold, that by seeing of it, the beholders were turned into stones.
The whole of this Prophecie signifieth no more, but that an Army shall pass through all these places, and that at last there will be a Battle fought by that place, called St. Paul de Manseole.
Bourg la Reyne is a little town within six Miles of Paris, Chartres is the chief City of the Province Beausse, Pont Antony is a little Town between them both, so that the sense of the whole is this, that seven men, crafty like Martres (which are those Russia Foxes that afford the richest Furres, called Martres Zibellines) shall go from Bourg la Reyne to Chartres, making a little stay at Pont Antony, and then shall come with an Army into Paris, which shall be besieged at that time, I believe this Prophecy is come to pass already in the time of the Civil Wars of France; but for want of the History I could not quote the time.
Here is a fault in the Impression, for instead of Touphon, it must be written Torfou, which is a Forrest some 30 Miles from Paris towards Beausse, near which is seated the Town of Montlehery, in the said Forrest is seated an Hermitage, and not far from thence the City of Estampes, which carryeth the Title of Dutchy; so that the sense of it is this, that this Forrest being cut off (as it is now for the most part) in the place where that Hermitage was, shall be built a Church or Convent, as it is now Cælestins friars, called Marcoussy, and that the said Hermitage shall be taken from the jurisdiction of the Town of Montlehery, under which it was before.
This Prophecy did happen in the time of Henry the II. King of France, about the year 1559.
The last Verse saith, that those two Towns Calais and Arras gave succours to Theroanne, that is to the Countrey where Therouenne was seated, which was destroyed by Charles the V. Emperour. This Countrey was called Ponthieu, of which Therouenne was the chief Town.
The second Verse doth determine the time whereabout this came to pass, when he saith, peace or the like shall dissemble the hearing; because in the year 1556. in the beginning of February there was a Truce for five years between the two Crowns of France and Spain, concerning the Low Countreys, and this Truce signified not much, nor was well cemented, so that the Author saith, Peace or the like shall dissemble the hearing; that is, shall fain not to hear that the Cardinal Caraffa did endeavour in France to have the Truce broken.
The third Verse is obscure, because of a fault in the Impression, wherein they have put Ronane instead of Noanne, that is Hannone by transposition of letters, but that being corrected, the Verse is clear, supposing that Philibertus Emanuel Duke of Savoy was General of the Army, against France in the Low-Countreis, and wandering about to do some notable exploit, he came down through the Province of Hainault, called in Latine Hannonia, and came to Mariembourg, as if he would have Besieged it, but after some light skirmishes he laid Siege to Rocroy, and this is the meaning of the third Verse, when he saith, Souldiers of Allobrox shall descend by Noanne, that is, Souldiers in the Army of the Duke of Savoy, which in Latine is Allobrox, came down to Mariembourg, and turned back again to Rocroy.
The fourth Verse mentioneth what did happen at the Siege of Rocroy; that place being not yet very well fortified; the King was unwilling to put any of his best Souldiers therein, but the Duke of Nevers undertook the defence of it, which he did really and gloriously perform, in so much, that the Duke of Savoy was compelled to raise up the Siege, and going back towards St. Quentin, he took Vervins by storm, and gave the booty of it to his Souldiers, who took heart upon it, having been much discouraged before by the resistance of the Duke of Nevers. This is the sense of the fourth Verse, People persuaded shall spoil the march; that is, the people of Rocroy persuaded to hold out by the courage and presence of the Duke of Nevers, spoiled the march that the Duke of Savoy had propounded to himself, insomuch, that raising the Siege he went to Vervins, and from thence to St. Quentin.
This Stanza was made concerning Philip the II. King of Spain, who for the first seven years that he came to his Crown, had prosperous fortune, did brave exploits against the Barbarians, and chiefly in the person of his Brother Don Juan of Austria, who got the memorable Battle of Lapantho against the Turks, but in the middle of his Noon, that is of his Age, fell into great perplexities and cross businesses, being constrained to put his onely son Don Carla to death, and to poison his wife and after that never prospered, when young Ogmion (that is Henry IV. King of France) came to the Crown.
Pannonia in Latine is Hungary, there is nothing hard in this, unless it be what he meaneth by the King of Kings, whether it be the great Turk or the Emperour.
There is several faults in the impression here, for instead of Perynthe, it must be Corinth. For Marceloine, it must be Macedoine: the substance of the whole is, that there shall be a great plague in all these Countries of Asia. The refusal of Antony is foisted here to make up the rime with Macedony.
The sense of all these words so ill jointed, is no more but that a certain King shall desire to enter into a new City, and there they shall come and Besiege him, where he shall both act and speak deceitfully to get his liberty, which having obtained, shall keep far from his foes.
Bourges is the chief City of a Province in France called Berry.
There is nothing difficult in this, but onely what he meaneth by Hercules beating the Æmathion, unless by Hercules he meaneth the French, and by Æmathion the Spaniard.
Breslaw, Lubeck and Misne, are three Cities of Germany; the rest is plain.
Apamé is a barbarous word, at least I cannot tell what language it is, the rest is plain enough, and signifieth that a Duke shall be deprived of his eyes, and shall be put in an Iron Cage at Milan.
Clam here is in Latine præposition, signifying secretly; the rest is easie.
A Fleet being divided into three parts, the second division shall fall into want of victuals, for which being desperate, they shall attempt the Town of the enemy, and shall enter it by the breach, and get the victory.
This is the most nonsensical thing that is in all the Book, for neither the words nor the connexion is intelligible, therefore it being so much out of the common road of our Author, I am apt to believe that it was at first very falsly printed, and that those that came after, were loth to alter it for the respect of antiquity.
Here is described a notable stratagem of a Besieged Town, who against rainy weather cast so much ashes, lime and dust, that the rain coming thereupon, it made such a mire, as the Besiegers were not able to assault it.
He foretelleth of a Sea-fight in the night, wherein by the light of the burning Ships night shall be overcome, the Ships that came from the West shall be worsted, and by a stratagem of a great Ship painted in colours, anger shall remain to the vanquished, and the victory shall be got in a Mist.
These words are plain, though the sense be a little intricated, and the contents being of small concernments, deserve no further explanation.
These are some particularities of a Sea fight between a great Fleet and a small one, wherein he saith, that some had hid their Sails, belike they were unwilling to come out of the Harbour and to fight; but he saith, that the great Fleet will compel the little one to come out; but ten great Ships will come to help the little Fleet, and after the great one hath been overcome, will joyn themselves to the little Fleet.
This Stanza is either nonsensical or falsely printed, and what he meaneth by Penelon, is utterly unknown.
This is plain of a General of an Army, who shall forsake his Army, and save himself, and yet seven years after when he cometh back, his reputation shall be as clear, as if he never had committed such an errour.
Albi, Castres, Carcassonne, and Thoulouse, are Cities of Languedock, which our Author saith, will enter into a confederacy among themselves, and joyn with Lisbon and the Portuguez, and this shall happen when the general of the Army, shall be one born in Lauragais, which is another of the same Province.
Near Nismes there is the River called Gardon, which cometh from St. Romans, and dischargeth it self into the Rhosne at Beaucaire, there is to be seen in that City abundance of Antiquitez, which the Goths had built 1150. years before; there is also many Roman Antiquities, as an Amphitheater, so well builded that neither the Goths nor the Saracens, nor Attila, nor Charles Martel, with all their power, could not utterly demolish it. The Author nameth it Colossus, because its building appeared like a Colossus for solidity.
There is also an ancient Temple which is called the Fountain, builded as a Quadrangle, and supported by two rows of great Pillars, which at present is a Church of Nuns.
This being supposed, the River of Gardon did overflow so much, that its Waters joyning with that of a Flood that happened there the ninth of September 1557. every one thought that Deucalion had been born again. The Author saith this; because[406] in the fables of the ancients. Deucalion is thought to be the Author of the Flood which Ovid mentioneth. During this Flood which was like to overflow the Town, as well as the Countrey, many did retire themselves into that Amphitheater.
And in that ancient Temple of the Fountain, the Waters overthrowing a great many old buildings did discover abundance of Antiquities, and amongst the rest one of those Lamps that burneth always, in the Sepulchre of a Vestal, which went out as soon as it felt the fresh Air.
In confirmation of this, the History of Provence saith, that the storm began about five of the Clock in the Morning, and lasted till Eight of the Clock at night, and that these waters did uncover abundance of Antiquities that were hidden 1100. years before, as Pillars, Portico’s, Medals, Jasper-stones, and serpentine-stones, pieces of broken Vessels, Epitaphs, lodging Rooms, and Caves, and all other things that use to be found in the ruines of a Palace.
There was also heard in the Air Dogs barking, Pillars of fire, Armed men fighting, and were seen two Suns in the Clouds of the Colour of Blood, all which were the sad presages of the Civil Wars of France presently after, and chiefly that of Provence.
The ninth Century in the ninth Stanza, speaketh almost the same, and sheweth that Nismes shall perish by Water.
Nancy is the chief City of Lorrain, and by the Æmathien is understood the French, the British Isle is England, which is said here, shall come into great distress by Salt and Wine, because the Countrey aboundeth in those two Commodities. The last Verse I do not understand, save that Mets is a great City in Lorrain.
Senegalia is a Town in Italy, all what can be gathered out of the obscurity of this Stanza, is, that the son of the Earl of that Town shall have his forehead broken, and within seven days after, three more shall be wounded to death.
Castilon figuieres is a petty Town in Provence, in which he saith that a Soveraign Prince shall be born of an infamous Woman, and shall be a posthume, which in Latine signifieth one that is born after his Fathers death; he saith also that his name shall be derived from Breeches and that never a King was worse in his Countrey, whether by worse, he meaneth in manners or fortune, I know not.
This Stanza as well as the next hath relation to the precedent, making mention what a wicked person shall that Posthume be of which he spoke before.
This is still concerning the same posthume or Bastard, who shall cause his Army to pass at Jonchere, and his Bagage to go over the Pyrenean Mountains, which parts Spain from France, and that upon the fear of him a Duke shall run from Perpignan, which is the chief City of Roussillon to Tende, which is a little Town in Provence.
This Prophecy was fulfilled in the person of the Cardinal Santa Severina, who in the Conclave of Cardinals after the death of Pope Innocent IX. was Elected Pope, and presently after was baffled by the same Cardinals, and Clement the VIII. chosen in his place, for which the other a little while after died for grief.
The sense of this is, that some Souldiers disguised like Herds-men, shall lead Oxen into a place where were hidden before Weapons in the Grass, but the Weapons making a noise by their clashing they shall be discovered, not far from a place that he calleth here Antipolique, purposely to rime with Herbipolique in French, which word Herbipolique signifieth a Town of Pasture.
This Stanza is an Horoscope, which the Author made upon that Gentleman named Urnel Vaucille, and signifieth that the said man should find himself in such perplexity that he could not be able to take advice what to do, and that fear should make him hide himself, to be apprehended, in a place where he should be taken.
When he was taken, he was presently convicted of those crimes that he was accused of: therefore the Officers of Justice did conduct him to the Charter-house of Barcelone, which is four miles from the said Town, in a place called Campo alegre, for the beauty and situation of it, to that place many Whores did accompany him to receive the punishment they had deserved, therefore the Author saith that he went thither pale, as foreseeing the terrour of the punishment he was to undergo.
It is a Duke very aged who shall die of a Dropsie, or of some other burning disease, which will make him very thirsty, the Physitians shall forbid any water to be given him, therefore this Duke shall press his son very much to give him the Ewer, that he may drink his fill, but his son refusing, the Father shall fall into such a rage, that being alone he will go and throw himself into a Well, where he shall be drowned.
This unhappy death will be the cause of much murmuring, and the Senate or Parliament of that place will make enquiry after it, by which enquiry the son will be found guilty, therefore for his punishment, he shall be condemned to a long and easie death, as to live all his days in some Monastery.
This is a Prognostication of a King of France, who though happy in his Reign and Life, and being given to no great vices, as blood, fury, or taking by force, yet shall be much envied and robbed by his Subjects, and chiefly by those he trusteth about his Kitchin.
It is unknown what Queen he meaneth by the name of Ergaste; the rest is easie. Angolesme is a City of Gascony or Languedoc.
The two first Verses of this Prophecy were fulfilled in the time of Henry the third King of France, in whose time the Duke of Guise, and House of Lorrain were grown so powerful in France, that they drove the King from Paris, and assumed themselves a rank and authority over the Princes of the Blood, so that the King was forced to cause them to be slain, after which Henry IV. who was King of Navarre and Duke of Vendosme took his place again as first Prince of the Blood.
The two last Verses are too obscure to be interpreted, and I believe were onely forced by our Author to make up his Rime, as he hath done in several other places.
It is a woman (be like of a small Fortune) who coming to be a Queen by her humility, the next day after Evening Prayer she shall appear so proud, as the like was never seen.
The sense of this is, that a great man that took part with all those that were unlearned shall be put to death, and their goods praised and sold publickly, upon which goods another great man shall seize, and this is to be done in Rome.
There is fault in the Impression of the third French Verse, for instead of fixe it must be fisc and instead of Neanty it must be Nancy.
This is a King who with his son taking the peoples part against the Nobility shall be killed, in presenting to him Jewels, and he and his son shall be dealt with all as the Magi, that is the Grandees of Persia used to do with their Kings, whom they were wont to murder, or depose.
This is plain concerning England and the late calamities thereof, when our gracious King for not consenting to the wicked factions of the Parliament then, and that have been acknowledged so since, was expelled by force, and an Usurpator that had not the least sign of a King sat in his place.
This signifieth that at the same time that the remonstrances shall be made to an ungrateful people; the Army shall seize upon the Town of Antibe, which is a Sea Town between France and Italy, and that there shall be great complaints at Monaco, which is another Sea Town near it, and at the place called Freius, both parties shall either agree, or divide their shares.
A Prince vanquished in Italy, and taken Prisoner shall come through Genoa to Marseilles, where he shall be once more overcome by strangers, but that a Barrel of Honey shall save him from being burnt. This is the sense of the words as near as I can judge, the judicious Reader may make what construction he pleaseth upon them.
Here once more I lost my Spectacles, and could not see through, therefore I had rather be silent then coin lies, I shall only tell you, that orchestra in Latine is the seat wherein noble Personages sit at the beholding of Stage-plays.
This is plain enough of it self, without any interpretation.
Charles the V. was the Emperour, and that great Hercules was Henry the II. King of France, whom he calleth Hercules, because he was King of France, and the Author nameth often in his Stanzas the Kings of France Hercules or Ogmions, because that great Captain of the Antiquity left his name glorious in the Gaules, whence the ancient Historians have given him the name of Hercules Gallicus. Henry the II. also was not only an Hercules by being King of France, but also a great Hercules, because of his Warlike humour, and for his great feats in Arms.
To open the Temple, signifieth to make War, because the Romans in ancient time were wont to shut the Temple of Janus in time of Peace, and kept it open during the War. Cæsar Augustus did shut that Temple once in his time, which was never done before but twice, the first under Numa Pompilius, the second after the overcoming of Charthage.
Notwithstanding the obscurity of this sense, and the bad connexion of the words, we may perceive that by this Stanza is meant, that a King having two Mistresses shall exalt them in great honour, till by a report made by a fat woman and a lean one, that is in a consumption, that the said Ladies prove unfaithful to the King, he will depress them as low as they were before.
Here and in some other places of this work is to be observed, that the Author doth sometimes put two Towns instead of one, that he may distinguish it from others of the same name, as here he calleth Pol Mansol to distinguish the Town of St. Paul, which is three Leagues from the Rhosne, over against the Town of Pont St. Esprit, from that which is in the lower parts of Provence.
The sense therefore of this Stanza is, that this Begourdans (a proper name of a man) shall pull out another by the beard, that was hidden in a Goats Den, and shall lead him captive as far as Tarbe, which is another Town of Provence.
Here I confess to be at a loss, as may be a wiser man then I.
By the Ismaelites he meaneth the Turks, who brag to be descended from Ismael.
Caramania is a Province of Turky, so that the sense of this Stanza is, that there shall be a great Invasion of the Turks into Germany, and that those of Caramania with their Asses shall come to their help, and shall be in such numbers, as that the Earth shall be covered with them.
This is plain enough without interpretation.
This is the Prognostication of a conspiracy against the Duke and City of Florence, by those of the long Gown, which shall be discovered by Countrey fellows, that live in places without Walls.
This foretelleth of a Frenchman, who shall by War obtain an Empire or Kingdom, and shall be betrayed by his Brother in Law a Pupil, whom afterwards he shall treacherously cause to mount a fierce prancing Horse, who shall throw him down and drag him, for which the said King shall be hated long after.
This is concerning the younger son of a King, who being extreamly in love with his Cosen German, shall disguise himself in a womans apparel, and shall go so disguised to the Temple of Artemide (that is of some Church Dedicated to the Virgin Mary) to meet her, but in going, shall be murdered by an unknown man named du Marne.
The two first Verses are concerning Philip the II. King of Spain, who is called here the King of the South, whom after his vain and frustrated Invasion of 88. the Harmotique Island (that is England) shall deride, and he after that shall have some good years, that is of Peace, still pillaging and plundering his Subjects, and shall change the price of England, that is, make it of a higher value, and more flourishing then ever it was before, as it did prove in Queen Elizabeth’s time.
This Lake of Borget is in Savoy, as also Montmelian, Chambery, Moriene, and St. Julian; the meaning of it then is, that a great Army shall be gathered about that Lake, which shall go through Chambery, Moriene, and Montmelian, and shall fight at St. Julian.
The first two Verses are inexplicable; the two last signifie that there shall be an Army of Frens, with whom Hadria (that is Venice) and the Ursini the noblest Family in Italy shall take part, insomuch, that many of the contrary party shall run for fear to the Grisons, which is a Nation dwelling in the Valteline and other Countreis there about, between the Venetians and the Switzers.
Although the words be intricate, nevertheless the sense is plain, concerning Francis the II. King of France, who being married young, and before he was 18. years of Age, to Mary Stuart Queen of Scotland, died presently after, and left her a widow, and also England and Scotland (which he calleth here two Islands) at variance among themselves; of the last Verse the sense is very obscure, and hath relation to what did happen afterwards to the said Mary Queen of Scots and Dowager of France.
This Prophecy is plain, concerning his Majesty King Charles II. now Reigning, who having been recommended by his dying Father to his Subjects, presently after his death they turned tail, and took the Kingdom from him for a good while.
Caussade, Charlus, and Villefranche are little Towns in Provence, not far one from another; the rest is easie.
This is only a foretelling of some Gallant Prince, who shall maintain his Subjects in great peace and tranquility.
This is concerning another King, who through his too much goodness, simplicity and negligence, shall make and unmake those about him, and being fickle, shall believe false reports, made concerning his own wife; and at last by his to much goodness, shall be put to death.
Blois is a City in France; Ligures are the Genoeses, in Latine called Ligures; as for Mammel I cannot tell what to make of it; Cordua is a City of Spain, and the Dalmatians is a Nation near the Adriatick Sea, and under the Venetians; I leave the interpretation of the last Verse to the ingenious Reader.
The Reign or Kingdom of Navarre is called not true, because the King of Spain doth possess it, and not the King of France, who is the lawful King thereof, as also in regard of the Kings of France, and before of Jane of Albret, and Antony of Bourbon.
This Kingdom being not true in regard of the said ones, the title and quality is called here shadow. The Author saith that the quality of the King of Navarre shall make the life of illigitimate chance, because after the death of Francis the II Catherine of Medicis being not opposed in the Regence by Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, she was willing to gratifie him in what she could.
And because his Brother Lewis Prince of Condé had been condemned to death, and not executed, it was a fair occasion for her to shew the King of Navarre how much she did defer to him. Therefore twelve days after the death of King Francis, he was freed out of Prison, and was admitted to justifie himself under the King of Navarre’s Bail.
Thus the shadow of the Kingdom of Navarre not true, did cause the life of a Prince to be saved, but that life was illegitimate, and that Kingdom not true by chance, that is, by accident, because of the death of King Francis.
Leaving off the third Verse to be explained after the fourth; King (saith the Author) shall give Orleans for legitimate, because Charles the IX. who during the life of Francis the II. did bear the title of Duke of Orleans, did succeed his Brother; thus the Verse saith that Orleans shall give a King for legitimate.
Now for the third Verse, you must suppose that by the Treaty at Madrid 1526. and after this by that of Cambray, the King Francis the I. did part with the Sovereignty of Flanders, and of all the Low Countreis in favour of Charles the V. Emperour,[422] it is of that uncertain allowance of Cambray, of which the Author talketh here, and saith, that in that time viz. of the death of Francis the II. that allowance shall be uncertain, because Francis the I. having no power of himself to renounce the rights and dependance of the Crown of France, the Parliament that was assembled then, would have made void that allowance without breaking the Peace, declaring that the Kings of France ought to preserve the right they had upon the Low-Countreis, and to require them again upon any occasion, and upon that France did not refuse the Election which the Low-Countreis made of the Duke of Alencon for their Sovereign Prince and Duke of Brabant.
This Prophecy is concerning an old Elector of Saxony, who being in health before, shall die suddenly, being poisoned in a golden Cup by a woman, whom he calleth here infamous slut.
And that from Brunswick (a Countrey adjacent to Saxony) shall come a Messenger, upon pretence of Love, who shall persuade the people that the said Elector was a Seducer.
I believe that there is a fault here in the impression, and that instead of Bourze it must be Bourges, which is a famous City in France, and Capitol of the Province of Berry, for I do not know any Town in Europe called Bourze. What he meaneth by the Lady Garlant is unknown. I believe also that instead of Leon it should be Lyon, which is another famous City, and the first Archbishoprick of the said Kingdom. Formande is a barbarous word, and I believe put in only to make up the Rime, as he[423] hath done in several other places, as much then as can be gathered out of the sense is this, that from that City Bourges, which usually is a Dowry for a Queen of France, which is called here Garlant, shall a treason be hatched against the Archbishop of Lion, which I suppose came to pass in the time of Henry the III. when Peter of Pinac Archbishop of the said Lion, being accused by the Deputies of Bourges for siding with the League, escaped narrowly to be killed, when the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal his brother were. Queen Catherine of Medicis the Kings Mother having then the said Province and Town of Bourges for her jointure.
The last Verse hath no relation to the three foremost, and hath its interpretation by it self, which is plain enough.
Every Traveller knoweth that Castille (which is taken here for Spain) is divided into two parts viz. Castilia la Vecchia, and Castilia la Nuova, our Author then saith that out of Castilia la Vecchia, which is situated at the further end of Europe on that side, shall come a band of men, who shall destroy the Thieves that robbed and vexed the Travellers by the Bridge of Laigne, which it seemeth was an infamous place for robbing.
This word Garden of the World, doth signifie a particular person, seeing that this Garden of the World was seized on and poisoned in a Tub of Sulphurous water, in which he was thrown.
The History may be this, that Nostradamus passing for a Prophet and a great Astrologer in his time, abundance of people came to him to know their Fortunes, and[424] chiefly the Fathers to know that of their Children, as did Mr. Lafnier, and Mr. Cotton, Father of that renowned Jesuit of the same name, very like then that Mr. du Jardin having a son did ask Nostradamus what should become of him, and because his son was named Cosmus, which in Greek signifieth the World, he answered him with these four Verses.
Garden of the World, for Cosmus of the Garden, In his travels shall be taken hard by the New City, in a way that hath been digged between the Mountains, and there shall be thrown in to a Tub of poisoned Sulphurous water to cause him to die, being forced to drink that water which those rogues had prepared for him.
Those that have learned the truth of this History, may observe it here. This ought to have come to pass in the last Age, seeing that the party mentioned was then born when this Stanza was written, and this unhappy man being dead of a violent death, there is great likelyhood, that he was not above forty years old.
There is another difficulty, to know which is that new City, there being many of that name in Europe, nevertheless the more probable is, that there being many Knights of Maltha born in Provence (the native Countrey of our Author) it may be believed that by the new City he meaneth the new City of Maltha called la Valete, hard by which there is paths and ways digged in the Mountains, which Mountains are as if it were a Fence and a Barricado against the Sea, or else this Cosmus might have been taken by Pyrats of Algiers, and there in the new City of the Goulette be put to death in the manner aforesaid.
The Maes is a River that runneth through a part of Lorrain and Luxembourg; as for the words Lurne and hurne I do not understand them, neither do I think they are to be found in all the French Language, both obsolete and modern; all what I can gather out of this, is, that a great overflowing of the River Maes, shall be both in Luxembourg and Lorrain, insomuch that three Leaden Mines (which is meant here by Saturn) shall be discovered, and after that, a great Treason shall happen in the said Lorrain.
Transcriber’s Note: An English version was omitted from this printing, but the annotation below is an accurate enough (if not very poetic) translation.
The sense of this is, that the lower Lorrain and Germany being united together, shall have War with the other three Nations, of Picards, Normans, and Manceaux, which having Besieged a Town, shall constrain the Lorrainers and Low-germans, to unite themselves with the Cantons of Switzerland.
There is fault in the Impression, for instead of Laye it must be Lis, which is a River that runneth through Flanders, and dischargeth it self into the Scelde, which is the River that passeth at Antwerp, the sense therefore of this Prophecy is, that in the place where the River of Lis joyneth with the Scelde, there shall the Nuptials be consummated that were long a doing, and the place of Antwerp, where they unload the Wines, there shall a young unspotted Lady Marry, and comfort an old man.
This Prophecy is concerning the Turkish Empire, where three of the great Turks Concubines, which in Latine are called Pellices, shall make War one against another, the great Turk himself favouring neither party.
This is concerning some Lady of quality, born of a Concubine, who shall be set up by reason of some sad news that shall be brought, and afterwards shall be taken Prisoner, and carryed to Malines and Bruxelles, two Cities of the Low-Countreys.
If by Phybe we understand the Admiral of Chastillon, and by Nore, Queen Margaret of Valois, the rest will be easie. For in the year 1572. a Match was made between Henry the IV. then King of Navarre, chief of the Protestant party, and Margaret of Valois, Sister to Charles the IX. to this Wedding were the chief of the Protestant party invited, who were there Massacred, and among the rest Gaspard of Coligny, Lord of Chastillon, and Admiral of France, whom he calleth here Phybe. And when he saith, that Husband and Mother shall scorn Nore, he sheweth the slight Opinion and regard that the Queen Mother had for her Daughter, and Henry the IV. for his Wife, whom he after repudiated.
A Prelate, is a man of eminent dignity in the Church, the Royal prelate must be a Churchman of the Royal Blood, who bowing himself too much, shall fall into an Hæmorhagie or Flux of Blood at his Mouth. The third Verse signifieth, that the Kingdom of England shall be relieved from some distress by another Kingdom or Prince that had been a Slave a great while at Tunis, and lyen there, dead alive like a Log of Wood.
This is concerning a great Tyrant, who being exalted to the dignity of a King, shall not know how to govern; but shall slight and put to shame the Children of the greatest Nobility, and shall banish their Wives out of the Land; this hath a relation to the late Tyrant Cromwell.
You must observe here, that by Æmathien the Author meaneth the King of France, as he doth in many other places; and by Selin, he meaneth the great Turk, because such was the name of him that lived in his time, this being presupposed the meaning of this is, that the great Turk shall fight against the King of France, and shall attempt Phocens, which is Marseilles, as being a Colony of the old Phocenses in Græcia, which shall cause all France to quake, and the Ship to be in danger, which is Paris, who beareth a Ship for its Arms.
The Marshal of St. André, Governour of Lyon being absent, the Protestants undertook the taking of it, at the solicitation of some principal Lords at Court, among whom were named the Prince of Condé, and the Vidame of Chartres, Francis of Vendosme, Knight of the Order. The Abbot of Savigny, who did supply the place of the Governour, and was named Antony of Albon, since that Archbishop of Arles, having discovered this Conspiracy, went to surprise the undertakers, but as he was going upon the night of the 5 of September, he met with some of the confederates upon the Bridge of Saone, which made him retreat with some loss.
The next day having gathered more Forces, he took three of them that were strangers and young, the rest escaping, those three were hanged the next Saturday, which was the 7 of that Month.
The Marshal being come to Town, there was Execution made upon some of the Inhabitants, to the number of 4 that were hanged.
After that there were informations made concerning the Authors and Abettors of the said conspiracy, and many other Citizens and strangers were put to Prison, and besides them the Vidame of Chartres, who was carryed to Paris, and put into the Bastille, and after that in the Tournelles, where he died before his process was ended, the 23 December 1560.
It is what our Author saith in this stanza; in the first Verse he saith, that there were five and twenty of a breadth, of whose five and twenty there was five Citizens of the Town, and the rest were Germans, Bressans and Italians, of these Citizens 4 were hanged, and three of the strangers.
Those 25 undertakers, of which the Author saith, that under Noblemen they shall conduct a long Train; that is, that under the support and favour of many Noblemen, they would undertake a thing that should not end so soon as it proved afterwards; for although this enterprise did fail, yet was the beginning of horrid combustions that followed afterwards.
This enterprise it seemeth was discovered by barking of Mastiffs.
The Apology for the City of Lyon treateth at large of this, and nameth all those conspirators, who for the most part were of Germany and Geneva.
All these Cities are situated by the Mediterranean Sea, and most of them upon that part of it, which is called the River of Genoa, and are threatned here by all the plagues above mentioned; as for the word nolte it is a barbarous one, forced here to make up the Rime in French.
It seemeth that there will be a conspiracy of some men out of all the above mentioned Cities, to surrender Hungary (which in Latine is called Pannonia) to the great Turk, but that conspiracy shall be discovered by a Matron, that is, a grave ancient Woman.
This seemeth to have a relation to the precedent, and that near that place he calleth Sorbin, preparations shall be made to Invade Hungary, but they shall have notice of it by some body of Buda.
He that is called here Chief Bizantin, is the great Turk or his grand Vizir, who hath his abode in Constantinople, anciently called Bizantium.
The meaning of this is, that when those three Cities named in the first Verse shall have need of succours, and that a Kings Son shall die in flying two Herons, then shall Arabia and Hungary be under the same Master.
This Prophecy seemeth to portend the change of the See of Rome in some place near to Venice, and this is to happen when the great Duke of Tuscany shall ascend upon a Triumphant Chariot, and that the House of Colonne (which is the more powerfull in Rome) shall take his part.
This is a confirmation of the foregoing Prophecy, by which it is said that the destruction of Rome shall not be in her Walls, blood or substance, but onely by Letters or Doctrine that shall put quite down the Roman Religion.
I conceive this Prophecy can be appropriated to no body better then Oli. Cromwel, who is called here the Chief of London by Reign of America, that is, by Reign of confusion, whose projects and treasons were all brought to nought, by the victorious Mars of the ever renowned General Monck, who came with his Army from Scotland to London in the Winter time, he is called also a false Antichrist, because he was an enemy to King and Reb. that is Respublica or Common-wealth.
The meaning is, that when all these Cœlestial bodies shall be so disposed, that there will be a fearful Earth-quake and Hail.
It seemeth here he speaketh of two Fleets, one of which shall stand a little while before a Town, and carry a great many Citizens away, but that the other Fleet shall come in the mean time, and redeem them.
The question here is, whether this neuf vieux in French or new old in English be the proper name of a man, or be a Metaphor, to express a young man of an ancient Family, when the Reader hath satisfied himself upon that, the rest is easie enough.
All this is nothing but an extraordinary great Snow that shall fall about Rhegio a City of Italy, whereby the Fields shall be drowned and fall to decay; insomuch, that the chief men, called here Primate shall fall to poverty.
This signifieth an exceeding great frost, which shall happen on a Holy Thursday, where the ground and sky shall be so clear, that men may come from the four parts (viz. of the Earth) without trouble for to worship.
He that is called here King of Angoulesme was Francis the I. as gallant a Prince as ever France had, who before he was King went by the title of Duke of Angoulesme; the rest is easie.
This Prophecy concerneth meerly Francis Rabelais, who was the greatest Jovialist, that is, Merry-man that ever was, and did so lash and censure the abuses of every profession, and chiefly of the Clergy, that to this very day he goeth among them for an Atheist, and a Prophaner of Sacred and Civil things.
Hecatombe signifieth a Sacrifice, wherein a hundred beasts were killed.
The sense therefore is this, that when the year a thousand seven hundred is past, that such sport of Hecatombe shall be seen again, not far from the sixth Millenary, when the day shall rise, for it is a common opinion among the Learned, that as God Created the World in six days, and rested the seventh, so when the World hath lasted six thousand years, for a thousand years before God are as one day, there shall be an Eternal Sabbath and a Resurrection, both of the just and unjust.
All is plain, but only this, whether he taketh Hermes as a King of Ægypt, or as the Father of the Hermetick Philosophers.
What Senate and particular man he meaneth, is the only difficulty in this.
I could not find any man or Author that knew what is meant here by Quirettes, which is only the difficulty of this Stanza.
There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by Embraced graces, for my part I believe them some new married Couples, who in the middle of their jollity shall fall into these disasters.
This word Somentrees, being altogether barbarous, is the reason that neither sense nor construction can be made of all these words.
The words and the sense are plain, though the parties be unknown.
This is concerning a Treasure hid by Spaniards (called here Hesperian Citizens) in a Church, which the people of a Town being poor, and almost starved, caused to be open, and did ransack it, but in the middle of it they found a strange prey, but what it was God knows.
This seemeth to have a relation to the Scalado of Geneva, of which you shall have a full account in the 69 Stanza, of the twelfth Century.
This Prophecie was fulfilled in the year 1556. by the Marshal of Brissac in Piemont, when he took the Town of Vignal by assault, where 1200. Neapolitans were put to the Sword, who were called the braves of Naples; because they were all very gallantly habited, and the Governour being wounded, cast himself desperately into a Well, whence the Marshal caused him to be taken up, and to be cured of his wounds.
In this conflict there was no sign of Battle given; because it was done by the rashness of a Souldier, Bastard of a Bastard of the house of Boissy, who without expecting the command of the General, went alone upon the breche, and after he had [Transcriber’s Note: the text is illegible here with 1-2 words missing] against the Enemies, drew his Sword, and did fight a great while hand to hand without being wounded.
Some of his Companions seeing his valour, did follow him, and others came to their help, and these carryed along with them all those that were appointed to give the assault; insomuch that by a kind of Warlike emulation, all did carry themselves so valliantly, that after a long and stout resistance, they routed the Enemies, and put all the Garrisons to the Sword.
It is what the Author saith in the first and second Verse, seeing that those that were appointed to give Battle, every one in his Regiment or Squadron, were compelled by emulation to come out of their Park; that is, from the Precinct of place wherein they were. The third Verse addeth, that round about the Ensign of[438] Gasp. shall be known; that is, in the assault the Captain of that place, named Gaspar Pagan, was remarked to fight valliantly every where the French did assault, which the Marshal of Brissac seeing, as also the forwardness of his men commanded the general assault to be given. The Captain seeing the Town taken, though he had above twenty wounds, for marks of his Valour, yet by that despair threw himself into a Well, near which the Marshal passing, heard his voice, and caused him to be drawn out, and cured of his wounds.
This Captain being resolved to perish in this assault, did cause all his own to be put to death, as the fourth Verse saith. The History of this Town was famous, for which the Marshal of Brissac did present Gifts to the most Valiant, and among the rest to this Bastard, after he had put him in jeopardy of his life, for having violated the Military Orders in a matter of such concernment. That Town of Vignal is situated upon a Mountain of the Countrey of Montserrat, of a difficult access, where no pieces of Ordinance can be brought up, but by the help of Mens Arms; after the taking of it, the Marshal did cause it to be raised even to the ground, because it could not be useful to the French, that had many other places to keep, and might have been very beneficial to the Spaniard.
The Recloing, being a forged word, without signification, and being the Key of all this Stanza, no body can tell what to make of it.
The old Treban is an old Captain or Governour of a Town, who shall be much entreated not to deliver at the end of the Trehemede (that is, three Months) one that he kept prisoner, but will they or not, he shall lawfully deliver him to his friends.
This is concerning the King of Swedeland, Gustavus Adolphus, who is called here the King of Europe; because he lived in a part of it, and because he was one, if not the most gallant Prince of his time, who with a great Army of his Subjects, named here those of Aquilon, invaded Germany, and made War against the Emperour, whom he calleth here the King of Babylon, either because he is a great favourer of the Roman Church, or because the Empire, by reason of so many sovereign Princes in it is like a Babel and confusion.
The great Troop of Red and White, were his own Souldiers, whom he distinguished by their several habits. Clothing them with several Colours, to breed an emulation among them, there being the Red Regiment, the White, the Blew, the Yellow, the Green, &c.
A great King shall land hard by Nice, which is a Sea Town in Savoy, but he shall have a great loss of his men by death, and the Sea shall swallow all his plunder.
This is so clear that it needeth no interpretation.
After so many calamities Prognosticated by the Author, he promiseth here seven and fifty year of a golden Age, but when? he maketh no mention.
This Prognostication is easie to be understood, only it is indeterminate, and specifieth neither time nor persons.
Wanting the Chronology of the Popes, I have not set down who that Pope was, then whom our Author saith there never was a worse, but the time being so punctually prefixed, it will be an easie matter for the Reader to find out satisfaction in this point.
This Prophecy is twofold, the two first Verses foretel of a man that shall have his Son killed before his eyes, and himself afterward shall be strangled by a rope made of Rushes.
The two last Verses are concerning the people of Geneva, who (as he saith) shall lustily bestir themselves, while their Captain, Chief, or Commander shall carelesly lie like a log.
This Prophecy is concerning three things, the first is of a considerable new Ship, that shall sail several times into a place where the Empire shall be translated.
The second is concerning two Towns of Languedoc, Beaucaire, and Arles, who shall not surrender the Hostages that they had.
The third is concerning two Columns of Porphiry that shall be found there about.
It seemeth that those three aforenamed Towns will refuse to obey a Spanish Proclamation, that would compel them to condemn a great man; as for Labouriez it is a barbarous and non-sensical word.
The last Verse signifieth, that six shall escape, cloathed in Franciscan habits, called here Seraphical, because the Franciscans believe that a Seraphin did appear to St. Francis their Patron, from whence their Order is called by many the Seraphical Order.
A great and potent King shall come out of Spain, who by Sea and Land shall make great Conquest towards the South, that is Barbary, which shall be a great prejudice to the Turkish Empire, who hath for his Arms a new Moon; And slack the wings of those of Friday, that is, of the Turks, because they keep the Friday for their Sabbath. This Prophecy was fulfilled by Philip the II. King of Spain, who drove away all the Moores out of the South part of it, and took a great many places in the Coasts of Barbary.
I confess my ignorance in the intelligence of this Stanza.
Triremes are Galleys with three benches of Oares, the rest is much of the nature of the former.
This is concerning a famous beauty, who in her latter age shall prostitute her self to all comers.
This is a Prognostication of a general peace all Europe over.
The sweet Manna shall no more fall to them, signifieth that the Europeans shall be fed no more with Manna, as the Jews were in the Desert, but shall pass to the Land of Promise, that is of peace and quietness.
This is a favourable one for England, for by it the Empire, or the greatest Dominion of Europe is promised to it, for the space of above three hundred years, at which the Portugueses or Spaniards shall much repine.
These are names of particular persons that are here threatned of the Plague, as also the City of Aix Capital of Provence, and the Countrey about it, and after that the City of Marseilles named here Phocens, because they are a Colony of the old Phocenses in Greece.
Ville Franche is a Town five Leagues from Lion; and Mascon another about the same distance from Ville Franche, and Chalon from Mascon, and Moulins from Chalon.
The meaning of it is this, that there shall be an attempt from Ville Franche upon Mascon, by Souldiers hidden in Faggots, that shall be cut off by the succours of those Chalons and Moulins; which like did happen in the time of the Civil Wars in France, between the King and the League, when the Towns stood one against another, but because I can find nothing of it in the History, I suspend my further judgement therein.
The curiosity of the Author in striving to begin all his words, in the two first Verses hath made the tense of this Stanza so obscure, that I believe no body ever did or shall truely understand it, all what can be gathered out of it, is great threatning of several calamities, that were to happen upon Provence his native Countrey, as it did a little while after his death, by the Civil Wars for Religion.
The words and sense of this are plain.
A cruel assault is preparing, signifies the shortness of the time in which it was to happen, for our Author Prophecied 1555. and Cyprus was taken by the Turks in the Month of August 1571. Selymus the II. fifth Emperour of the Turks, where the perfidiousness of the Bassa Mustapha that Besieged it is remarkable, for having the Town delivered him upon Articles; First, that the Inhabitants of the City yet alive should enjoy their lives, liberty, and goods, with free exercise of Christian Religion, that the Governour Bragadinus with the rest of the Captains and Souldiers might in safty depart with Bag and Baggage, and at their departure take with them five pieces of Ordinance, and three Horses, which soever it should please them to make choise of, and that the Turks should safely conduct them into Crete, finding them both Victual and Shipping; yet all these matters agreed upon, and commenced into Writting, as also by solemn Oaths on both side confirmed; the perfidious Bassa nevertheless caused Bragadinus to have his Ears cut off, then caused him to be set in a Chair, and his skin to be flain off from him quick, his head to be cut from his dead body, and upon the point of a Spear to be set upon a high place, his skin also stuffed with Chaff, he caused to be hanged up at the Yards Arm, and so to be carried about.
Out of this crabbid Stanza we shall pick what we can, and leave the rest to the judgment of the judicious Reader. First,
The two bodies, one head may be understood either a Monster that was so, as it did happen once in Italy, as Pareus witnesseth; or of the union of the two Kingdoms of France and Navarre, under Henry the IV. or of England and Scotland under King James.
The Tower of Aiguemortes was strucken with the Lightning, a while after our Author had put out his Prophecies.
This is plain.
This is a true picture of the miseries of the Civil Wars in France, when Charles the IX. King of France, was against Henry King of Navarre, and the Duke of Guise against the Prince of Condé.
This is a second part of the foregoing.
This Prophecy is concerning the Civil Wars of France between the King and the League.
He saith, at Blois war and tumult; because the Duke of Guise, and the Cardinal his Brother were both killed there, at the convention of Estates by the Kings command, which he calleth here acknowledgment unexpected, because the Kingdom did own the fact.
The last two Verses are concerning the two Castles or Fortresses of Bourdeaux, who in those days were sometimes by one party, and sometimes by another.
The two last Verses seem to have a relation to the foregoing Stanza, and to import, that the Governour of Bourdeaux shall compel them to hold out, and because Langon, a Town 20 or 30 Miles distant from Bourdeaux, was of the contrary party, and did annoy sometimes those of Bourdeaux, it is threatned here to have a thousand kicks for one.
Gironde and Garonne are the two Rivers of Bourdeaux.
This is a notable one, directly foretelling the Enterprise or Scalado made by the Duke of Savoy, upon Geneva: for the better Intelligence of which, we shall first give the sense word for word, and then set down the whole History as a piece of Cabinet, that the Reader after so much tedious and crabbid reading, may have some field to spatiate and recruit it self.
Eiovas near, Eiovas by Anagram is Savoy, or the Duke of it, who at that time was near Geneva; yet seemeth far from the Lake Leman, which is the Lake that passeth through Geneva, called in Latine Lacus Lemannus. Very great preparatives; because at that time he made great preparations to Scale the Walls of Geneva. Return; because he was forced to retire. Confusion; because he was confounded in his undertaking. Far from the Neveux of the great Supelman; that is, an action much unworthy the Kindred of Henry the IV. called here great Supelman, to whom he[452] was Allied. All of their Train; that is, all that were with him in that undertaking, did partake of his return and confusion. Now the History is thus.
About the latter end of the year 1600. the Duke of Savoy having done before all his endeavours to take the City of Geneva by force, did resolve at last to have it by craft, and stratagem. He did frame a design full of Courage, Understanding, and Conduct, as well as of misfortune; it was long a hatching without being discovered, and although it was known that he caused Ladders to be made, and that he bought every where men of courage and resolution, and had a great number of them already at Chambery, well payed and maintained, waiting for the ripeness of the design, though Ignorant of it. No body could believe that it was against those of Geneva; because at that time he did treat with them of the manner of living friendly, and of the liberty of Trade, having sent to them for this purpose a few days before the President Rochette, to treat and advise of a manner of living friendly together, for the ease of the people. They did so much hearten and relish his propositions and promises, that although Cities of such condition, do not lightly believe them that have been their Enemies, nevertheless they trusted to that, and grew careless of their own preservation, thinking that there was nothing more powerfull for their security than the treaties of peace between France, Spain, and Savoy, in which they thought themselves included, under the name of the confederate with the Cantons of Switzerland; insomuch that the Dukes subjects went thither so familiarly, that the day before this Execution some Gentlemen that knew something of the design, being come into the Town to buy some Horses, said they would come again the next day to conclude the Bargain, and others had kept she same Language for other Wares, so fully perswaded were they of a success, though Heaven, who laugheth at the thoughts of the proud, had resolved to humble and abase them.
The Governour of Lion had presently notice that the Duke of Savoy was coming on the side of the Mountain, and carryed with him scaling Ladders, of which he sent notice to the King, and provided what was necessary for the defence of Lion, although the same Advice said it was not for France; yet all this could not hinder the Execution which was in the mean time a doing. D’Albigny Lieutenant General of the Duke in those Countreys he had on this side of the Mountains, had made the Troops to pass, and for that purpose had assigned them of their Quarters in the Towns of Geneva, in several places, that they might not be so soon discovered. The Randezvous was at a place called Chambery, the time of the Execution was reserved to the prudence of the Leader. The time was not according to the precept of the Parthians, who ever fought by night, nor of the Lacedemonians, who undertook nothing but in the time of the full Moon; for it was one of the darkest and longest nights of all the year, the Troops began their March about six of the Clock. Brignoles Governour of Bonnes, a small Town in Fossigny, distant three Leagues from Geneva, was the man that had contributed most of his own for the performance of this design, whom he thought so certain, that he said he would die to the world, if he did not live in Geneva. D’Albigny had set up Watches upon all the passes, to stop all Travellers, for fear notice should be given of their coming; and of that of the Duke of Savoy, to whom the Execution had been represented so sure and certain, in that he should be there himself to reap the Honour and profit of it, and to end the Triumph that his Grandfather had begun. He came over the Mountains with five Gentlemen only in his Company, and the same day came to Tremblures, a Village distant from Geneva about three Miles; and for all that they could not hinder, but an unknown Trooper did ride as far as the New-gate, and asked to speak to him that commanded there, bidding him look to themselves, because the duke of Savoy, wished them no good, and so retreated galloping. This News was brought to Blondel, the fourth Syndic of the Town, and who had the[453] charge of the Guard that year; he answerd, he would provide for that. Another came afterwards, and told him that the Dukes Forces were about the Town, but knew not upon what design, and that himself was at Bonne; he answered, that they were not Birds, and could not fly. Mistrust is not always be commended; but too much confidence in such business, is exceedingly dangerous.
Those that were to do the Execution, and to get up first upon the Ladders, went along by the River of Albe, that the noise of the Waters might hinder the Sentinals to hear them. Two things did happen, that were an ill Omen for them, they saw in the Skies unusual fires, a Hare did many times cross their way, and gave them a false Alarm, and as many things being considered in the night time, do trouble the imagination, and that fear maketh one think that Bushes are Squadrons, and Thistles Pikes, as it did happen once at the Siege of Paris by the Burgundians. They did discover about Eleven of the Clock some Posts, to whom the Cloth-workers of Geneva use to nail their Stuffs to dry them. Those that went formost would have Charged them, thinking they had been an Ambuscado; from thence they went all along the Rhosne to the Meadow of Plain Palais. Brignolet, and those that were ordained for the Scalado followed d’Albigny, who led them down into the Town-Ditch, on the side of the Corraterie, without being discovered by the Sentinals, although the Ducks that were in the Ditch, did (for to awake those of Geneva) what the Geese did at Rome against the French. They went over the Ditch upon Hurdles for fear to sink in the Mire, and did set up three Ladders of a wonderful invention; because they could be easily carryed upon Mules, and they could be folded into so many pieces, that they could reach the highest wall that is; and besides that, so strong and firm, that no Ladder of one piece could be more; they had besides that provided Hatchets, Hammers, Pincers, and other such Tools, to cut Iron Chains, break Locks, draw Nails and Bars, they had besides several Petardoes and Petardo-Masters. Fortune, who hath a great power in such undertakings, did fail them in their need, after she had brought them to the middle of the City, and made them masters of the streets for above two hours.
By one of those Ladders went up about two hundred men, Brignolet was the first, followed by d’Attignac and Sonas, and did carry himself more valliantly and prudently; having got over the Wall, he surprized the Sentinal, and drew from him the Watch-word, and his Life, then threw him over into the Ditch, and stood in his place to stay for the Round, that he might do as much to him, as he did when it came near him to give him the Watch-word. D’Albigny, and one Father Alexander a Scotchman, and a Jesuite, were at the Ladders foot, incouraging those that went up. The Boy that carryed the Lanthorn saved himself, and gave notice to the Court de Garde of what had befallen his Master, at which the Court de Garde was not much moved. This was a doing between One and Two of the Clock, expecting that of four, at the which they had proposed to make their greater attempt, and in the mean while to give time to the succour to draw near, and to the day to break, because all Warlike Executions done by night, carry always some confusion with them. No body had gone to bed in the Town with a thought to be awakened so soon, they rested upon the assurance of the Peace. The undertakers had a whole hours time to get up, and as much before they met with any opposition. If d’Albigny had been Within to husband that time better than did Sonas, Brignolet, and d’Attignac, they might have cried, the Town is won. About half an hour past two of the Clock, a Sentinal that was in the Mints Tower, having heard some noise in the Ditch, shot off his Gun to give the Alarm, which compelled Brignolet to discover himself, charging all that was in the Court de Garde of the New-gate, that he might Plant the Petard, and make way for the main Body that was in Plain Palais. They got very well the Court de Garde, but against the Rule of War, which commandeth[454] to kill all, they let one escape that had so much wit as to get up, and to let down the Port-Cullis, to frustrate the effect of the Petard. The Town was at that time full of Cries and horrid Houlings, of which the Savoiards should have made their profit, and increased their courage, as it did weaken that of the Townsmen, that knew not where to run, some crying one way, some another. The undertakers lost themselves in the appearance of so happy a success, those that were without should have given the Alarm at some other Gate, to divide the Forces of the Town, those that were within made no use of their Hatchets, Hammers and Pincers, they forgot to set some Houses on fire; the spirit of astonishment seized upon them, having in their thoughts the Sack and Plunder of the Town, more than the perfection of their Conquest; they made only use of a certain croaking like Frogs, as the Turks use the Bret, Bret, to animate and rally themselves. Brignolet being compelled to discover himself, marched towards the New Gate, distant from that place about 200. Paces, and there was wounded, and died a little after; the Fight began in the dark, and the Court de Garde was dispersed, one Souldier hearing them call for the Petard, got upon the Gate, and cut the Rope that held the Port-Culis, and shut up the Petard between the Port-Culis, and the Gate which they went about to break open, with their Hatchets and Hammers, at the first resistance the Petards Master was killed. The Order is such at Geneva, that in all extraordinary accidents, every Citizen knoweth the place of his Randezvous, and there goeth with his Arms, and the Town House is never destitute of Souldiers.
In the mean time the Magistrate cryeth, He that loveth me let him follow me. Some Countrey Fellows of the Neighbouring Towns, who kept their watch by turns, being led by some Captains and Citizens, did present themselves at the New Gate, where they were stoutly received, and beaten back, and yet the first shot of theirs killed the Petard-Master, who was much troubled with his Tools. This first Charge would not have driven them back, if the body of the Citizens had not come, and Charged them so furiously, that they lost all their Courage; Necessity which strengthens even those that want Courage, did so animate the Citizens to their defence, that the undertakers were fained to give back. The more nimble went again to their Ladders, which proved useless; because the Canon that was Planted in the Fort of Loye, near the Ditch, had broken them; so that they left four and fifty dead upon the place, and upon the Curtain of the Corraterie, and thirteen that were taken alive. If the Town had had Souldiers in readiness to make a Sally in that Andabatism, the night being sometimes favourable to such expeditions, those that were at Plain Palais, would not have retreated in so good an Order.
There were thirteen taken alive, among whom were the Baron of Attignac, the Lord Sonas, the Lord Chaffardon, upon promise of their Lives, and to be Prisoners of War, or else they had preserved an Honourable death to all the promises, to be spared in laying down their Arms; among them was d’Attignac, who fought valiantly, and gave his order of St. Maurice to his man, bidding him save himself, being resolved to die with his Sword in his hand.
The Lords of Geneva would not use them as Prisoners of War; but as Thieves and Robbers come into the City over the Walls. They said that the Duke was too generous a Prince for so wicked and perfidious an action: there was several Opinions concerning their Sentence of Death, the more moderate would have them be put to Ransom, others would have them be kept Prisoners, that they might serve for exchange, if some of the Town were taken in the continuation of the War; but the more violent did stir the people, in representing unto them the loss of their Religion, the ravishing of their Wives and Maids, the Massacre, the Sack[455] and Plunder of the Town, and their perpetual slavery, and the complaints of the Widows and Children of those that had been killed, were so much considered, that the more moderate Opinions did not appear injust, but in how much they tended to Death. They were Condemned to be Hanged, which is thought the most Ignominious Death: they desired to have their Heads cut off as Gentlemen, which was granted, but it was after they were Hanged. Fifty nine were found killed and wounded, who had all their Heads cut off. In the Ditch there were some Arms found, thirty dead, and four wounded, all their Heads were cut off, and set with the rest upon the Gallows. Of the Citizens of the Town there were seventeen found dead, most of them killed by their Companions in the dark. Their Names were John Canal, one of the Lords of the Councel, Lewis Baudiere, John Vandel, Lewis Galatin, Peter Cabriol, Mark Cambiagua, Nicolas Baugueret, James Mercier, Abraham de Baptista, Daniel Humbert, Martin de Bolo, Michael Monard, Philip Potter, Francis Bouzesel, John Buignet, James Petit, Gerrard Muzy, and about twenty wounded. The Sunday after Dinner, about two of the Clock, 67 Heads, as well of those that were killed, as of those that were Hanged, were fastened upon the Gallows, and the Bodies thrown into the Rhosne. The next Tuesday there was a solemn Fasting day kept, and they began to publish every where the wonders of this Deliverance.
Here followeth the Copy of their Letter, to the Governour of Lion.
My Lord,
You have known before this by many of your Letters, how his Highness of Savoy, notwithstanding he knew, and had confessed that we were included in the Peace made in the year 1600. between his Royal Majesty of France, and him; hath nevertheless divers times oppressed us, by detaining our Rents, prohibiting of Trade, other violences and extortions, refusing to hearken to the just and pressing remonstrances, which his Majesty hath made him several times in our behalf; but hath also contrived many designs to surprise us in time of Peace. Now it is so, that for the encompassing his pernicious design, the Lord d’Albigny, Saturday last, the Eleventh of this Month, did bring before our Town, on the side of Plain Palais, about two Thousand men, Horse and Foot, all choice men, and hath caused to pass about 200. of them over our Ditch, by the Corraterie, and having set up Ladders one within another, hath caused them to come into our Town, about three of the Clock in the Morning, upon Sunday the Twelfth of this Month, encouraging them himself, being in the Ditch; so that being come down into the Town, some went towards our New Gate to force it open, and give entrance to their Companions, who were in the plain of Plain Palais, others went towards the Mint Gate, that they might by this means come into the middle of the Town. But it hath pleased God to look upon us with his favourable Eye, and to give such a Heart to the Citizens, that they beat them back, and killed the best part of them taken upon the place, the rest hath been taken, and since that Hanged by our Order, the rest threw themselves down from the wall; so that we hear, many of them are either dead or grievously wounded. It is a wonderfull deliverance of our God, for which we are particularly bound to Praise him. But as it is probable, that the said Lord d’Albigny will continue his ill designs, by so much the more that we hear his Highness is not far from us, we do intreat and request by all our affection, that you would be pleased to consider what prejudice the taking of this place would be to his Majesty, and to continue us your favour, and assist us with your wise and prudent advise, &c.
Many did judge of the success of this enterprise by the beginning, and were more forward to write, than to perform well. The King had notice that the Duke was Master of the Town, and the manner of doing was represented with so much felicity and facility, that there was less reason to doubt of it, than believe it. The Truth was not known, but by the advise of the Governour of Lion, which came before any discourse that the Town did publish after its deliverance:
The Duke went Post back again over the Mountains, and left his Troops within three miles of Geneva in three places, at Tournon, Fossigny, and Ternier, he caused his Embassadours to say to the Lord of Berne, that he had not made that enterprise to trouble the Peace of the Cantons; but to prevent l’Esdiguieres to seize upon it for the King of of France, who should have been so powerfull a Neighbour, as would have given them great occasion of fears and jealousies.
The success of this undertaking made it appear, that God will not have those Treaties to the assurance of which his name hath been called for a Witness, to be violated, whatsoever appearance or pretext of Religion there be.
Thus Gentle Reader thou seest by all these Circumstances the Truth of our Authors Prognostication.
This hath a perfect relation to the miseries that followed the general Massacre of the Protestants in France in the year 1572. when the Rivers were a stop to the cruelty of the Persecutors, and when so many Houses, Mannors and Palaces belonging to those of the reformed Religion were demolished, and to signifie the certainty thereof, he saith in the third Verse, take this as an Oracle.
Gentle Reader,
Thou shalt take notice, that in this place the covetousness of Booksellers and Printers, hath in the modern Copies vented new Prophecies, which they call Prognostications, drawn out of those of Michael Nostradamus, which are so absurd and nonsensical, that they have been rejected, both by his Son, and the best Wits of this age; therefore I would not soil the Paper with them, for fear to put such a course List upon so fine a Cloth, but shall proceed on to give you the rest of those Prophecies, which truly and undoubtedly belong to our Author.
Gathered out of the Notes of Mr.
Michael Nostradamus,
Physitian to King CHARLES the IX. and one of the
most excellent Astronomers that ever were.
PRESENTED
To the Most Victorious and Merciful PRINCE
HENRY the IV.
King of FRANCE and NAVARRE, at
Chantilly the Constable of Montmorency’s House the 19th.
of March 1605.
By Vincent Seve of the Town of Beaucaire in Languedoc.
To the King.
Sir,
Having some years ago recovered certain Prophecies, or Prognostications, made by the lately Deceased Michael Nostradamus, from the hands of Henry Nostradamus his Nephew, which he gave me before his death, and which I have kept secret till now, that I saw they treated of the affairs of your Estate, and particularly of your Person and Successors, as your self may see if you please to take the pains to look upon, and wherein you shall find things worthy of admiration. I have taken the boldness (though unworthy) to present[460] them to you, transcribed in this little Book, no less wonderful then the other two which he made, for in it he hath treated of what shall happen in this Age 1600. not so obscurely as he hath done formerly but by ænigmes, specifying so clearly the things he speaketh of, that one may certainly judge of them, as of things that are already come to pass. Being therefore desirous that your Majesty should have the first notice thereof, I thought to discharge my duty in this as one of your most obedient and faithful Subjects, which I intreat your Majesty would be pleased to agree, obliging so not onely the body of one of your faithful Subjects already yours, but also the Soul who shall continue to pray for the health and prosperity of your Majesty, and of all those that have relation to it, as one that is, and shall ever be,
SIR,
Your most humble, most obedient and faithful Servant and Subject,
SEVE.
From your Town of Beaucaire in Languedoc.
By New Age is meant the Age 1600. to the end of the Century, each age containing a hundred years.
The new Alliance was the match between Henry the IV. and Catherine of Medicis, made and celebrated that year.
A Markdom put into a Boat, was the Markdom of Saluces in Italy, which the Duke of Savoy had surrepticiously taken from the Crown of France, in the time of the Civil Wars, and would not restore it, for which there was great Wars between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, till at last they agreed that the Duke of Savoy[462] should give in exchange of it the Countrey of Brescia; and this is the sense of the second, third, and half the fourth Verse.
Galley of Florence in the Port of Marseilles, a Maid in France, signifieth the arrival of Mary of Medicis in the Galleys of France, and her Landing in the Port of Marseilles.
Of the Fort Catherine the head shall be demolished; the Duke of Savoy to plague and bridle those of Geneva, upon whom he hath had always pretentions, had built a strong Fort two leagues from Geneva, called the Fort St Catherine, which did so annoy the Town, that they made their addresses to Henry the IV. who was then in War with the Duke of Savoy, representing to him that they were not able to relieve his Army with Victuals, because of the said Fort, whereupon Henry the IV. took it, and demolished it to the ground.
This Stanza and the next are concerning the Town of Ostend, which was Besieged by the Arch-duke, and defended by the States of Holland, under the conduct of Earl Maurice of Nassaw.
In a stronger he shall put his foot on ground, signifieth that Earl Maurice during the said Siege, took the Sluys another Town of the Spaniards, thought stronger then Ostend. A Pygmie helped by the Censuarts, signifieth that Prince Maurice whom he calleth here a Pygmie in comparison of the Arch-duke, was helped by the French and English, whom he calleth here Censuarts, to rime with the word Soldats in the foregoing Verse.
This Stanza is as well as the former concerning the Town of Ostend, which after three years Siege instead of five (which is falsly printed here) was surrendred to the Arch-Duke, and presently after like to be drowned by the Sea.
This Prophecy was concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, son of Henry the IV. who was born under the Sign of Libra, and therefore called the Just; the rest is easie.
This is concerning a Governour of the Principality of Orenge, under the authority of a Prince, which Governour having been long in possession of that Government, and the Prince being busie in the Wars of the Netherlands, the said Governour plaid Rex in his absence, so that the Prince was forced to have him made away privately.
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[465] 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[466] 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[467] 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[468] 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[470] 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[471] 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,[472] 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,[473] 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,[474] 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[475] 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.
Upon the third, That if he had kept correspondence with the Duke of Savoy, he would not have undertaken the taking of Bourg, almost against the Kings will, without any other help then of those that were ordinarily with him; that of fourty Convoys that were brought to relieve the Town, he had routed thirty seven, and the other three entered in his absence; that the King knoweth very well he was offered 200000. Crowns to let the succours enter into the Citadel of Bourg; that although his Majesty had commanded him in the time of a Truce made with the Duke of Savoy, to let those of the Citadel of Bourg have every day 400. Loafs of Bread, 50. bottles of Wine, half an Oxe, and six Sheep, he did only let them have fifty bottles of Wine and one Sheep, by which means the Town was surrendred within the time promised; that if he had had any evil design against the King and Kingdom, he would not so freely and willingly put the Town into the hands of him that is now Governour of it; that the Governours of Places that were in the Duke’s service, and are now in that of the King, can witness whether he shewed them any favour; that for his giving advice to the Duke to defeat the Regiment of Chambauld, he will prove that Chambauld did not come into the Army, but one Month after the time mentioned in his Calumny; besides that, this advice was without appearance of reason, for from Chambauld’s quarters to his, there was at least six days journey, and as much to go to the Duke, and as much to come back, besides the time required for the marching of the Forces; therefore all that was a meer invention of la Fin.
Upon the fourth, That he intreated his Majesty to call to memory, that he was the onely man who dissuaded him to go and view the Fort, representing unto him that there was in it extraordinary good Gunners, and that he could not view it without great danger, and upon that he offered the King to bring him the next day the Plat-form of it, and to take it with 500. Musquettiers, and that himself would be in the Head of them.
Upon the fifth, That it was true all the evil he had done was in two Months time that la Fin had been with him, during which, he did hearken and write more then he ought: but that with the same he had written, he had so long served the King, that it was enough to prove the sincerity of his intentions; that the refusal of the Citadel of Bourg, which he thought the King had promised him, had put him into such a discontent, that he found himself in a capacity to hearken to any thing, and to do any thing, that if he had been a Protestant, it may be the place should have been refused him no more then it was to de Boaisse, who was such an one, as he told the King himself at Lyon; that la Fin had also once told him, that the King speaking of him, and of his Father, said, that God had done well for to take him out of this world when he was killed, for he was a very chargeable and unprofitable servant; and for the Son, it was not all Gold that shined; that these words had so much incensed him, that he could have found in his heart to be all covered with blood. Upon that the Chancellor asked him of what blood he meaned? he answered, of my own: desiring not to live any longer, after he had heard such reproches, as blemished the services of his Father and his own; that nevertheless his anger and discontent went never so far, as to attempt upon the King; that his fault was only in words, and it may be little in Writting; that his Majesty seeing with how much ingenuity he did acknowledge his fault, had forgiven him all what was past, in the presence of the Lords Villeroy and Sillery, and that if since that time he was found to have done any thing amiss, he would blame his Judges of Injustice, if they did not condemn him to death, that if he had done nothing amiss since, he thought the Kings pardon to be sufficient for what was, and if there was need to ask for it again, his knees were as supple and plyable as ever.
But a Letter, which he had written to la Fin since the pardon of Lyon, and the Birth of the Dolphin, did spoil all, for it was a manifest evidence of the continuation[477] of his ill designs, and the Chancellor having produced it, he answered, he would never deny his hand, but that Imbert and Renazée Domestick Servants to la Fin could counterfeit it; that though he might have some ill thoughts, he had always well done; that although the King would not forgive him this fault, it was not in the power of men to condemn him justly for single words, which were contradicted by the effects; that his consolation was in his misfortune, his Judges were not ignorant of the services he had done to the Kingdom, which he had Sealed with five and thirty wounds; that his body whose life and death was in the disposition of their Justice, had not a vain but had bleeded for their service, and to restore them into their places, from whence the League had driven them; that the hand which had written the Letters produced against him, was the same that had done contrary to what it did write; that he had written and spoke more then he ought, but that it could not be proved he had ever ill done; that there was no Law that punished with death the lightness of a single word or motion of the thoughts; that anger and discontent had made him capable of saying and doing any thing, but that his reason had not given leave to say or to do, ought but what deserveth to be commended; which words were as carefully considered, as he repeated them often with several Oaths and Imprecations.
Upon that the Chancellor having asked him why then he did not open himself more to the King, who desired him with great affection to do it at Fountain-bleau, seeing he knew in his conscience to have done nothing against his duty since his pardon. There he cut himself in his answer, and said he thought la Fin had revealed nothing of what was between them, and that he had lately assured him so with Oaths and fearful imprecations, that he would never have thought la Fin had been such a damnable man, as to reveal that which with so many deep Oaths and Imprecations they had promised to keep secret between themselves; that having propounded the question to a Monk of the Order of Minimes at Lyon, whether he might with a safe conscience reveal what was between them, and what he had promised with Oath to la Fin to keep secret, because he suspected that la Fin would deceive him, and tell all to the King, and so ruine him. The Minime had answered, that seeing they had no more intention to put in execution the things they had projected, he was not to reveal them, and if la Fin did it, he should go to Hell, and himself to Heaven; that he did so firmly believe this, that although the Archbishop of Bourges had visited him in Prison, and alledged many reasons to the contrary, yet his soul was so settled in that belief, that he thought it was only the part of an Atheist to swear with intention to deceive.
Upon this he begin to accuse la Fin of the most execrable crimes that a man is capable of, saying that he made use of Renazée for Sodomy that he was a Witch, and had ordinary communication with the Devils, that he had so be witched him with enchanted Waters and Wax Images, that spoke, that he was constrained to submit himself to all his will; that he never spoke to him but whispering, and in unknown words, and after he had kissed him in the left eye, and he could not deny but he had shewed him a Wax Image, speaking and saying, Rex impie morieris, thou shalt die ungodly King, and called him continually his Master, Lord, Prince and King; that he was a false Coiner, and had persuaded him many times to attempt upon the King, but that he would never hearken to it, that the quality of the Accusators was to be considered, who not only were partners, but instigators of the Fact; that certainly the Duke of Savoy was his mortal enemy, for having since his pardon left of all his intelligences with him, and seeing that after a long detention he had released Renazée, to come and to be a witness against him; that the King had forgiven him at Lyon and that upon his acknowledging many times to the King, that the refusal of the Citadel of Bourg had very much incensed him, his Majesty did comfort him with these words.[478] Marshal never remember Bourg, and I will never remember what is past, that in 22 Months after he had not offended, that if he had continued his ill designs, he might have done it easily in England and Switzerland. That above 100. Gentlemen shall be Witnesses of his first Embassy, and for the second, he desireth no other Witnesses than the Kings Embassadors themselves, that if they would be pleased to consider how he was come, and in what case he had left the Province of Burgundy, it was impossible to have an ill opinion of his designs; for there was not one Souldier in all the Countrey, and at his going away he gave no other charge to the Commanders and Captains, than to serve the King faithfully, that every one disswaded him to come to Court, and in the way he received many Letters to that purpose, that he was come upon the Kings word, trusting upon his own Conscience and Innocency. If the King be not pleased to consider my services (said he to the Court) and those assurances he hath given me of his Mercy, I acknowledge my self guilty of Death, and do not expect my life from his Justice, but from yours, (my Lords) who will remember better than he what dangers I have undergone for his service. I confess I had a mind to do ill, but I never proceeded to effects: It would be a hard matter if I should be the first in whom thoughts should be punished; Great offences require great clemency. I do implore that of the King, and nevertheless I am the onely one in France, that is made an example of his severity, and that can have no hope in his clemency, which he never denyed to those that had done worse: However I trust more in you my Lords, than I do in the King, who having heretofore looked upon me with his Eyes of love, looketh upon me now with those of his anger, and thinketh it a Vertue to be cruel unto me, and a Vice to excercise upon me the act of clemency.
Thus pleaded the Prisoner, with so much eloquency and boldness, that if his Judges had not seen evidently the truth of the fact, under his own Hand and Seal, the respect of his first condition might have perswaded them to believe his Innocency, and to take compassion of his ruined fortune.
The Court did hear him as long as he would speak, with so much patience, that never a man had the like audience. The Prisoner spoke so much, that his last reasons were found contrary to his first, his allegations did not shew his Innocency; for the Embassadors themselves which he took for Witnesses of his carryage in Switzerland, did report many words of his, which shewed his anger and passion. Besides the King had not given his word, that he might come in Safety, and those Letters which he alleadged for his justification, did prove the continuation of his treacherous designs, seeing that he had sent la Fin and Hebert, to Turin and Milan, since the pardon, He could not then expect but Justice, in a case where neither passion nor favour could alter Judgment: Nevertheless he shewed himself much satisfied with his answers, and therefore being come back again to the Bastille, he passed the rest of that day, and the two next, to relate unto his Guards the questions of the Court and his answers therereunto, counterfeiting the gesture and the words which he Imagined the Chancellor had spoken after his going away, though that grave and venerable old man neither said nor did any thing, but what was becoming to his Age and quality, having shewed himself as full of compassion, as the prisoner was of his vanity; for when he was nearer to death he thought less upon it, and thinking himself the only man capable of commanding an Army, he found some fault in those that were thought capable of it, saying, that one was unhappy in his undertakings, the other was not respected by the Souldiers, such a one was a brave man, but he wanted experience, and another that hath both was a Protestant. To conclude, he did so please himself with his own praise and deserts, that he thought no body could come near him, and that he was so useful to the Kingdom, that it would be a great Crime to think to undo him.
He had spoken so long the 27 of the Month, that there was no time left to gather the Voices: The Chancellor therefore went into the Palace the 29 following to gather the Voices of the Judges. Fleury the reporter of the Proces, did conform his opinion to the conclusions of the Kings Attorney, all the rest agreed to it, either by Words or by Signs, and all the proofs necessary for the verification of a Crime meeting in this case, as his Answers, Confessions, Writings, Letters, Instructions, and Evidence of Witnesses not reproached; It was found, that the unnatural Conspiracy against the State, the detestable attempt upon the Kings Person, makes him guilty of high Treason in the first and second degree.
He confesseth he had evil intentions, it is enough, the Laws do punish the Councels, the resolutions, and the effects; for if the Traitor be not prevented, time may give him the opportunity to accomplish his Design and Will, and the Will of a Subject in point of State, doth depend immediately upon that of the Prince. He sayeth moreover, that without the Kings Mercy he is undone, and that if he would have put in Execution the ill designs that were propounded to him against his Majesty, he should have been gone long ago: Did he ever give notice of them to the King or to any body else. If the Prisoner had brought to pass his intent, we might have said, farewell State, farewell Justice, it is too late to believe the Conspiracy against Princes, when they are murdered by the Conspirators.
He hath well Served the King, it is true; but his Offices and Dignities did call him to that Duty, he hath had notable rewards for it, and from the time that he hath shewed himself so unfaithfull, he hath diminished the lustre of his deserts. His deserts had made him capable of the first dignities of the Kingdom, but the merit of them is vanished away, by the greatness of his Crime.
And what is the State beholding to him, if after he hath contributed so much for its restauration, he goeth about to turn up side down the Foundation of it, and to betray it to the Enemies. It is nothing to begin well unless you end well, the actions are judged by the end: Those that have deserved best of the States, are the most severely punished when they fall into Sedition and Rebellion. There is many sheets of Paper in the Hands of the Court, containing in them one hundred advices given to the Enemy, the least of which is capable to make him guilty.
The Prisoners quality is not considerable in this case; Justice is blind to all distinctions, and rather considereth the offence according to the quality of the offender; Crimes of high Treason are not considered by things past, but by things present and that are to come; we must not put in an account what he hath done, but what he had a mind to do. The quality of a Duke and Peer of France, of Knight of the Kings Order, of Marshal, doth not exempt him from the Law, and from being judged as an Enemy to the State, and to the Majesty of the Prince, seeing he would have troubled the State, and attempted upon the Kings person. Who in France besides is more obliged to the King? the greater then is the Obligation, the greater the ingratitude. God forbid that the respect of the quality should stop the course of Justice: a Limb must be cut off to save all the body.
But his offence hath been forgiven: The pardon cannot extend but to the things that are confessed; but he acknowledgeth himself that he hath not told all, therefore he hath confessed as little as he could, his own confessions Witness, he only asked forgiveness, that he might continue his Crimes with more security: Besides, he would not acknowledge his fault to the King, for all the King promised to forgive him, and lately he told the Court, he did not believe that la Fin had revealed what was secret between them; and thought he would have kept his word, which he had confirmed with so many Oaths, and that if he had doubted of it, he would have cast himself at his Majesties Feet as readily as he, and asked him forgiveness.[480] It followeth then that there was some thing left behind that was not confessed: Thus he accuseth himself, thinking to excuse his fault; besides, he mistaketh himself thinking to persuade the Court, that since the pardon he hath done nothing amiss, for the Pardon was in January 1600. and here be Letters of September last, by which he recalleth la Fin, telleth him, he will think no more upon the Vanities that were past since, God was pleased to have given the King a Dolphin. It is apparent then that he hath employed la Fin at least since the Pardon, till the birth of the Dolphin, and la Fin maintaineth that there was a note quite to the contrary, and that they did continue their intelligences and practises unknown to the King. That the Duke did recal him, fearing he should discover the Conspiracy, when a man continues in his faults and abuseth his Pardon, the last fault payeth for all.
Besides, the Court hath not seen that Pardon, he oughted to have produced it in writing under the Kings Hand and Seal, and to forgive him once more, would put him into such a condition, as to contrive always Treasons against the State; the remedy of a present evil is not to be neglected upon the hope of an uncertain good; he is in a case to be no more useful; nothing can be expected from his courage but revenge; he that can bring no profit by his virtue and faithfulness, must do it by being made an exemple.
Such were for the most part the reasons of the Court, according to which, and to the conclusions of the Attorney General, the Chancellor did pronounce Sentence of death against the Prisoner; some were of opinion that la Fin should be arrested, as one that could not justifie himself, for having concealed such a damnable Conspiracy, till he saw that the Spanish affairs went to wrack. The Chancellor did moderate these opinions, representing that the Conspiracy was not yet wholly discovered, and that such things would hinder the rest of those that knew some thing of it to reveal it; that a man that saveth the Kings Person and his Estate, ought rather to be rewarded then punished. And in confirmation of this, the King sent Letters to la Fin, by which he assured him, that such a service done to him and his Kingdom, should never prove his ruine.
The Court stayed onely for the Kings intention upon the execution of the Sentence, which Sillery had carried to St. Germain. The Scaffold was ready to be set up in the place of Greve, but the execution might have proved dangerous, in the middle of so much people of different humors and tempers; and already there was a rumour, as if some body should throw him a Sword, with which he should make himself a passage, or else have died with a blow less shameful then that of the Hangman; upon his friends intreaty the execution was ordered to be done in the Bastille.
The next day about noon, the people knowing that the Sentence was past, went some to the Greve, thinking that the execution should be done there, others to St. Antony street, to see the Prisoner pass by; he saw from his Chamber that multitude, and guessed that he was to be the Spectacle of those Spectators; here the anguish of the Grave began to beset him, and drawing a consequence from the shadow of death, that the body was not far of; he sent Baranton a Scotish Gentleman to intreat the Marquess of Rhosny to come to see him, or if he could not come, to sue for his Pardon to the King. He sent him answer, he could do neither, and that he was extreamly sorry for his misfortune, that if he had believed him at his coming to Court, he should have confessed what the King did desire to know of him, for by concealing of it, he did hinder the King to give him his life, and all his friends to sue for it.
The next day last of July 1602. the Chancellor, the first President, Sillery, three Masters of Requests, some Officers of the Chancery, Rapin Lieutenant of the short Gown, his Lieutenant, Daniel Voisin Register of the Court of Parliament, six Sergeants, and seven or eight more went to the Bastille, about ten of the Clock in the[481] morning, as soon as they were come in the Chancellor commanded that the Prisoners Dinner should be carryed, without giving him notice of his coming, and in the mean time he and the first President made a List of those whom they would have to be present in that action: Some Presidents, three Masters of Requests, three Auditors, six Serjeants of the Parliament, the Lieutenant Civil, the Kings Attorney at the Chastelet, Rapin and his Lieutenant, the Knight of the Watch, the Prevost of the Merchants, four Aldermen, four Councellors of the City, and some few others, to the number of fifty.
About noon the Prisoner looking through the Grates of his Chamber Windows, perceived the Wife of Rumigny, Captain of the Castle, weeping with her hands up and guessed that those Tears were drawn by the compassion of his Fortune. He was confirmed in his opinion, when he saw the Chancellor followed by the Serjeants, Rapin and his Lieutenant, and some others go through the Bastilles Yard into the Chappel, then he began to cry aloud, O my God I am a dead man, ah, what injustice it is to put an Innocent Person to death, thereupon he intreated Rumigny to tell his Brothers, Sisters and Kindred, that they should not be ashamed of his death, because he was Innocent of that he was accused.
The Chancellor commanded he should be brought down into the Chappel, where as soon as he saw the Chancellor, are you come, said he, to pronounce me my death: The Chancellor saluted him, then put on his Hat, the Prisoner stood bare headed, and began to speak first. Ah my Lord Chancellor, is there no pardon? is there no Mercy? such and such (whom he did name one after another) have committed such offences and yet have been pardoned. What? you that look like an honest man, have you suffered that I should be so miserably condemned? ah! my Lord, if you had not told the Court that the King would have me to die, they would not have condemned me so. My Lord, my Lord, you could have hindred that evil, and you have not done it, you shall answer for that injustice before all the rest of the Judges that have condemned me, and saying so, he stroke the Chancellor upon the Arm. Ah! what a great service the King doth this day to the King of Spain, to rid him of such an Enemy as I was, might I not have been kept within four Walls, till some occasion had offered where I might have been useful? Ah my Lord, have you forgot my fathers love to you so much, as not to give notice to the King of what I say, and what dammage he suffereth in loosing me: I am yet as willing as ever to do Service to the Kingdom, you could let him know so much, he hath so good an opinion of you, I am sure he would believe you: A Messenger could quickly go thither and back again; what shall a thousand Gentlemen my Kinsmen say? doth he think that after my death they can do him any service? and what if I had been guilty, would I have come upon those false assurances that President Janin that great Cheat gave me, when he told me, that businesses were so ill mannaged in France, that it was fit I should see the King and tell him of it, who at my perswasion would settle them in better order: I have neglected all the advices of my friends to hearken unto his perswasions. I have trusted to that cursed Traitor la Fin, who writ to me that I could come in all safety, and that he had told the King nothing but of the Marriage that was propounded to me with a daughter of Savoy, that the King would receive me with all kindness. What then? the goings to and fro of many, the reasons of those who advised me to come, and the Kings Letters, were they all baits to catch me: I am well served to have trusted to much upon his Word, I could have sought and got other securities, if I had not trusted to my Innocency; I am come upon the confidence of my integrity since his pardon. Ah! doth he not know that he hath forgiven me; I have lied some evil designs, I have hearkened, I have written, I have spoken, I confessed them all at Lyon, he did assure me never to remember it, and did exhort me that from hence forwards I should commit nothing[482] that might compel me to have recourse to his clemency: Nevertheless I am now accused of things that are blotted out by his pardon; I have not offended him since, unless it be in that I desired War rather than Peace, because my humour is not peaceable, had not the King at that time reason to approve of it? if this Crime deserveth death I fly to his clemency, I implore his Mercy. The Queen of England told me, that if the Earl of Essex would have humbled himself, and asked forgiveness, he should have obtained it: I do, being Innocent, what he would not do being guilty. Ah! Shall all Mercy be put out for me; those that have done worse have found Grace and Mercy: I perceive what it is, I am not the more guilty but the most unhappy, and the King, who hath been so sparing of his Subjects lives, hath a mind to be prodigal of mine.
To conclude, he forgot nothing of what might be said by a soul pierced with grief spite, anger, and violent threatning, in exclamations and revilings against the King and his Parliament, in reproaches against the Chancellor, that he had more contributed to his condemnation than to his absolution, in words that are not fit to be spoken nor related.
His words ran so fast that the Chancellor could not stop them: Nevertheless he took occasion to tell him, his passion suggested him many things without appearance of reason, and against his own judgment, that no body had known his defects better than he, and that he could have wished his faults had been as unknown as dissembled, that the knowledge of them had been so visible and apparent, that his Judges had more ado to moderate his punishment than to inflict it. That Sentence was given upon the proofs of several attemps he had made against the Kings Person and his Estate, and for having kept intelligence and correspondency with the Enemies of the Kingdom, of which he had been found guilty, that if he had concealed the truth in the answers to his accusations, he should now reveal it being so near to his end, and that for these causes the King did ask his Order of Knighthood, and his staff of Marshal of France, with which he had formerly honoured him: He pulled the Order out of his Pocket and put it into the Chancellors hands, Protesting and Swearing upon the Salvation of his Soul, that he never had broken the Oath he made in receiving it, that (it is true) he had desired War more than Peace; because he could not preserve in Peace, the reputation he had got in War, as for the Staff, he never carryed it: Nevertheless by the Oath that the Knights of the Holy Ghost take, they are bound to take no Pension, Wages nor Money from forrain Princes, and to engage themselves in no bodies service but the Kings, and faithfully to reveal what they shall know to be for or against the Kings service.
After that the Chancellor exhorted him to lift up his thoughts from Earth to Heaven, to call upon God, and to hear patiently his Sentence.
My Lord (said he) I beseech you do not use me as other men; I know what my Sentence beareth, my accusations are false, I wonder the Court would Condemn me upon the Evidence of the most wicked and detestable man that is alive; he never came near me without Witchcraft, nor never went from me till he had bewitched me, he did bite my left ear off, and made me drink inchanted waters, and when he said, that the King had a mind to rid himself of me, he called me his King, his Benefactor, his Prince, his Lord, he hath communication with the Devils, and hath shewed me a Wax Image, speaking these words in Latine, Rex impie morieris, ungodly King thou shalt die. If he hath had so much power by his Magick, as to make an inanimate body to speak, it is no wonder that he should make my Will conformable to his.
Here the Chancellor stopt him, and told him, that the Court had well considered his answers, and his Letters, that he ought not to find fault with his Sentence, that it had done him the same justice as a Father should do to his son, if he had offended[483] in the like manner. He had scarce spoken these words when the other answered, what Judgment? I have been heard but once, and had no time to tell the fiftieth part of my justification; if I had been heard at large, I could have made it clearly appear that la Fin is such a one as I say; what Judgment upon the Evidence of a Bougerer? of a Rogue that hath forsaken his Wife, of a treacherous and perfidious man, that had Sworn so many times upon the Holy Sacrament, never to reveal what was between us, of a Knave that hath so often counterfeited my Hand and Seal: It is true, I have written some of those Letters that were shewed me, but I never intended to put them in Execution: and the rest are falsified: Is there not many that can counterfeit so well the Hand and Seal of others, that themselves can scarce distinguish them. It is well known that the Lady Marchioness of Vernevil hath lately acknowledged that to be her own hand, which she had never written. My Heart and my Actions have sufficiently countervailed the faults of my Hand, and of my Tongue. Besides, the King hath forgiven me, I do implore his Memory for a Witness. You say I have been found guilty to have attempted upon the Kings Person; that is false, that never came into my mind, and I knew nothing of it till that la Fin did propose it to me before St. Katherines Fort, six or seven days after the Siege, if I had been thus minded, I could have easily brought it to pass; I was the only man that hindred the King to go before the Fort: If my services had been taken into consideration, I should not have been thus condemned: I believe that if you had not been present, the Parliament would not have judged me so rigorously; I wonder that you, whom I thought to be prudent and wise, have used me so cruelly; it would have been more honourable for your quality and old age to implore for me the Kings Mercy, than his Justice. There is Dungeons here where I might have been kept bound hand and foot; I should have at last that comfort to pray for those who should have got me that favour from the King. If I had been but a single Souldier, I should have been sent to the Galleys; but because I am a Marshal of France, I am thought to be as dangerous a man to the State, as I have been useful heretofore. My life is sought after, I see there is no Mercy for me; the King hath often forgiven those, who not only intended to do evil, but had done it; this Vertue is now forgotten, he giveth occasion now to the World to believe, that he never used clemency or forgiveness, but when he was afraid. I was of opinion, that if I had killed one of his Children he would have forgiven me. Is it not pity that my Father should have run so many dangers, and at last died in the field to keep the Crown upon his Head, and that now he should take my head off my Shoulders, is it possible he should forget the services I have done him? doth he not remember the conspiracy of Mantes, and the dangers he should have been in if I had taken the Conspirators part? Hath he forgotten the Siege of Amiens, where I have been so often among the fire and Bullets, neglecting my own life to preserve his, I have not a Vein but hath been open to preserve his own Blood, I have received five and thirty wounds to save his life; he sheweth now that he never loved me but when he had need of me, he taketh away my head, but let him beware that the Justice of God doth not fall upon his. My Blood shall cry for revenge for the wrong that is done me to day, I call the King of Spain and the Duke of Savoy to Witness, if I know any thing what is laid to my charge. La Fin himself did shew me sometimes a Catholick List of about fourscore Gentlemen, who received Pension from the King of Spain, I had never so much curiosity as to read it; let him be put to the rack he shall tell many particularities of it; the King within a little while shall perceive what he getteth by my death; I shall at last die a good Catholick, and constant in my Religion, I believe that’s the cause of my death.
The Chancellor seeing that all his discourses were full of passion, vanity and repetitions, and void of reason, and were like an impetuous Torrent that cannot be stopt,[484] and that all his words were nothing but reproaches against the King and the Court of Parliament, blasphemies against God, and execrations against his Accusers; said that his business called him away, and that in his absence he would leave him two Divines to comfort him, and to dispose his soul to leave quietly this World, for the enjoying of a better.
As the Chancellor was going out, the Prisoner begged of him that he might have the liberty to make his Will, because he did owe much, and much was owing to him, and he desired to satisfie every body. The Chancellor answered, that the Recorder Voisin should stay with him to write his Will under the Kings good pleasure. And as the Chancellor spoke to Voisin, the Prisoner turning to Roissy, Master of Requests, asked him if he were, one of those that had condemned him: my Father hath loved you so much, that though you were one, yet should I forgive you. Roissy answered, my Lord, I pray God Almighty to comfort you.
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[485] 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[487] 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,[488] 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[490] 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,[491] 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[492] 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;[493] 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.
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.
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.
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[495] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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[500] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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[505] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This hath a relation to the precedent, and expresseth further the misery of those times.
This Prophecie is not come to pass yet (for all I know) therefore I leave the interpretation to every ones liberty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Prophecy was concerning the Match between Lewis the XIII. and Ann of Austria Infanta of Spain, who were both Married very young.
I think this needeth no further explication, then that I have given upon the 31. Stanza.
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.
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.
No doubt but this is meant of some King of France, which is to come.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This may be understood of the death of Anna of Austria, Queen of France, who left in mourning two great ones, viz. her two Sons Lewis the XIV. King of France, and Philip of Bourbon Duke of Orleans.
Or of the death of the Queen Dowager of England, Henrietta Maria, who also was much lamented, and left in mourning two great ones, viz. Charles the II. King of England, and James Duke of York his Brother.
The Elephant is the Emperor, the Purveyor the King of France, the Griffin the Hollanders; the meaning then is that the Emperor shall go to ruine, when the French and the Hollanders shall joyn together.
And that there shall be great Wars and Fightings in the Holy Lands, both by Sea and Land, when two Brothers of great quality shall go in one Ship.
This is concerning a match that shall be made between the French King, and some Lady of another Countrey, which Match shall be disturbed by the Emperour, and the Bride shall die a little while after her Marriage.
The Leech was Philip the IV. the last King of Spain, who died a little while after he had Married his Daughter to Lewis the XIV. now King of France, by which Marriage the Peace was made between the two Kingdoms, in the Island of the Conference, upon the Borders of France and Spain. By his death and that Match is foretold the encrease and happy condition of the Kingdom of France.
FINIS.