Venice: July 1593 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 9, 1592-1603. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1897.

Citation:

'Venice: July 1593', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 9, 1592-1603, ed. Horatio F Brown( London, 1897), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol9/pp78-95 [accessed 26 November 2024].

July 1593



July 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	179. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate:
	Carlo, the brother of the Capudan Pasha, who was expected here, has not arrived yet, but he is looked for daily from Ragusa; and the delay is so great that he is conjectured to have changed his route.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 3rd July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 4. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	180. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Last night the Imperial Embassy was closed and the Dragoman imprisoned. Orders were sent to the Pasha of Temesvar announcing his appointment as Pasha of Bosnia; with orders to concentrate troops.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 4th July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 6. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	181. Giacomo Vendramin, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	Confirmation of the Imperial victory at Sziszek. Eight thousand Turks drowsned. Seven pieces of artillery taken, one of enormous size.
	Popel (fn. 1) about to leave as Ambassador to Constantinople.
	Prague, 6th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 13. Copy of Original Desptach, Vemctían Archives.	182. Giacomo Vendramin, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	Some few days ago an Ambassador (fn. 2) from the Queen of England arrived here. Some say that his mission is to deal with questions of customs duties levied against the Hanseatic towns; I, however, have heard from a friend of his that the Ambassador himself says he has no such commission, but that he has come here to free the Queen from suspicion that she and the King of Navarre had stirred up the Turk to attack the Emperor in Hungary, with a view to diverting the King of Spain from his designs in France. The Queen wished it to be known that if she had roused the Turk to attack others she certainly never urged him to attack his Imperial Majesty; and she further offered her best services to bring about an understanding between his Majesty and the Turk. She declares she can effect this, thanks to the experience she has acquired in negotiating a peace between Poland and Turkey.
	The Ambassador had an audience on Thursday; and owing to his arrival the Nuncio has delayed his departure for Munich, and Salzburg to settle a dispute about an abbey.
	Prague, 13th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	183. Francesco Vendramin, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	News in haste from Seville that beyond a doubt the gold and silver at the Azores has been transhipped on board his Majesty's ships, and will certainly arrive here without any danger from the English.
	Madrid, 16th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 17. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	184. Polo Paruta, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Although I had no particular business with his Holiness I did not fail to attend the ordinary reception, to pay my respects, as I told him, and to ask if he had any orders for me. The Pope showed satisfaction at my conduct, and then began to discuss matters of minor importance; the appartments in the Palace of S. Marco; the weather, which is far from warm; I will not occupy your Serenity's time by relating these.
	His Holiness then said that he wished to say one thing to me in order that I might report it to your Serenity; he was informed that there were many English in Venice, who boasted that they were spreading their false doctrine in that city, and making many perverts to Calvinism. I showed great surprise at this, and, indeed, I felt it. I pointed out to his Holiness that as a rule very few English dwelt in Venice; that Venice did not trade with England as much as in times past on account of commercial relations which, for various reasons, had been considerably altered and diminished. And so if by chance some English ships reached that port, as, for example, had happened this year owing to the importation of grain, they stayed but a short time, and the crews for the most part lived on board, not on shore. These men were either sailors or merchants, entirely occupied with their own business. But even if there were among them men of evil intent, how could they affect the minds of men pious and Catholic as were the citizens of that State, which I could affirm, and his Holiness well knew, was as free of infection as any other. “I understand,” answered his Holiness, “still, it is not amiss to give this warning, as it may preserve you from that poison. All the more that the Calvinists are the worst and the cruellest of all.”
	Rome, 17th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 20. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	185. Giacomo Vendramin, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	On Wednesday the English Ambassador was summoned to the Emperor, to receive his answer. The Emperor thanked the Queen for her kind offers, but said that at present there is no need for her to trouble herself.
	It is thought that the Ambassador must have some other business which we do not know as yet.
	Prague, 20th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	186. Francesco Vendramin, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King after learning, by means of expresses from France, the steps taken by his agents to secure the crowsn of that Kingdom for for the Infanta, despatched various couriers, one after another, with instructions whose nature it is easier to guess at than to know for certain. It seems, however, that there is a scheme for declaring the Infanta Queen and raising a Prince of France or of the House Lorraine to the position of her husband and King of France. His Majesty takes time to consider this proposal. Those who are best informed think that the King will not accept this scheme, but that it is put forward merely as a blind in order to exclude the King of Navarre in any case, and then, eventually, to induce the States to accept the proposals made to them by the Duke of Feria, namely to elect the Infanta as Queen and marry her to a Prince of the House of Austria. No one can believe that, after so many negotiations and the expenditure of so much money, the Spanish will all of a sudden come to such an excellent resolution as to leave the French free to elect a Sovereign of their own nationality; and then to give her the Infanta as a sort of pledge that his Catholic Majesty will for the future preserve the integrity of France. All the same there are rumours that if a Prince of the House of Lorraine is elected King of France, Brittany and other parts of the Kingdom will be separated from the Crowsn.
	Madrid, 20th July 1593.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
July 22. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	187. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	As the rumours that your Serenity had lent aid to the Imperialists in this recent engagement in Croatia continued, I went to the Sultan's Secretary, a personage who is in frequent communication with his Majesty. After compliments, the Secretary at once began by saying that he was still disposed to maintain his offers to preserve the peace between the Sultan and the Republic; all the same, the rumours that your Serenity had allowed reinforcements for the Imperialists to pass through your territory struck him as highly probable, not merely on account of religion, but also because it was obviously in the interests of your Serenity to have a weak Christian power for neighbour rather than a strong Turkish power.
	As to the reinforcements I assured him that the case was just the reverse of his supposition, for your Serenity would never depart from your neutrality, nor render any assistance against the Turkish Empire as long as she was not touched; while as to the question of faith the religion taught us to desire universal peace and nothing else.
	The Secretary then said that it was an ancient habit of the Turk when an army was sent towards Hungary to despatch a fleet also to prevent any assistance being rendered by the King of Spain. I replied that in matters of policy actions change with circum-stances, and that the only effect of sending out a squadron now would be to compel the King of Spain to man and concentrate his fleet, as he could not but interpret such an action as having an intention hostile to himself, for it would not strike him as likely that the Turkish fleet was intended- to prevent him sending aid by the route Genoa, Milan, Switzerland.
	The Secretary went on to say that the Ambassadors of France and England, but chiefly of France, insisted that the Turkish fleet should be sent to the waters of Provençe, where it would prevent the King of Spain from despatching aid to the Imperialists, and would also support the King of France inside his own kingdom and encourage him to make attacks on Spanish territory, especially when the English fleet was cruising off the coast of Portugal and round the Azores. The Ambassadors say that this could easily be done without any great risk; as the port of Toulon while in possession of Navarre is at the disposal of the Turks for shelter and winter quarters, if need be. The Ambassadors also suggested an attack on Marseilles, unless that city shortly declared against the League.
	I replied that the Ambassadors were playing their own game, but the Turk should consider whether it was to his interest to attack the King of Spain and the Emperor at the same time.
	The agents of Tuscany are urging the granting of the capitulations for free and safe commerce. I enclose a copy of the Capitulations. But the French Ambassador is waiting orders from France.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 22nd July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	188. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the rumour that the King of Navarre would become a Catholic, the Nuncio, the Duke of Feria, and the Princes of the House of Lorraine agreed to elect the Duke of Guise as their king.
	Chartres, 23rd July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	189. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Sinan Pasha has assumed the supreme command, and has been invested with such absolute authority as to show how determined the Sultan is to carry the war through vigorously. His Majesty has written to the Queen of England explaining his vast preparations and exhorting her to do all she can on her side for the destruction of Christians (essortandola a far anco lei quanto puo dot suo canto a destruttione de Christiani). It is suggested that the Sultan should write to Navarre as well; but no decision has been taken, as it is well known here that Navarre is weak, and in need of support, although, as the proverb runs, any one is able to do mischief I have already informed your serenity that the Major-domo of the Imperial Ambassador, a Croatian, became a Turk, and was the cause of the search at the Embassy and the destruction of the papers. Sinan Pasha summoned this man to give an opinion on the campaign in Hungary, and the siege of Vienna. He replied that he was acquainted with Croatia only, but added that if the Turk thought of laying siege to Vienna great caution should be exercised, for all the forces of Germany would band together for the defence of that city. The Pasha dismissed him, but three days later sent for him again and made minute enquiries as to the distances to your Serenity's frontier, and whether Zara was as strong as they reported it. The answer was that an attempt on Zara would certainly be difficult. The French Ambassador, through the Emirs and preachers with whom he is on good terms, urges the despatch of a fleet to France. He is endeavouring to secure such orders before the arrival of Cicala's brother to negotiate for a truce with Spain. The Ambassador has the great advantage of upwards of nine years' residence here, and he is not under the necessity of employing interpreters in his intercourse with the Turk He is in high favour with the Turks on account of his reputation as their benefactor, which he enjoys in consideration of the many Turks he has freed from slavery at the time of the quarrel about the church of San Francesco. On the other hand he has no authority in himself, and very little on behalf of his master, whose position here is as I have explained above. The Ambassador always reports to M. de Maisse, French Ambassador in Venice, and receives his orders from him.
	Orders have been sent by the suite of an Ambassador from Fez, who is returning home, that all are to hold themselves ready to arm at a moment's notice.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 23rd July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	190. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	The two couriers from Hungary have been taken in chains to the camp, where they had to march surrounded by cavalry. It is said, that other two have been executed outside the city walls. Reports from the frontier show that the Imperialists are resolved to carry on the war; prelates and people have sworn on the gospels to fight to the death. This news probably induced the Grand Vizir Sinan Pasha, to take the violent step which he has just taken, namely, to seize the Imperial Ambassador in his Embassy and to bring him, along with two servants, to the camp. He came in a carriage, and is lodged in a small tent in charge of a cavass. He is in a shocking state of health. The two young servants follow the carriage on foot and loaded with chains. The Ambassadorial household, including a relation of the Ambassador, his secretary chaplain, doctor, and others, to the number of twenty-six, were taken, with chains at their necks and feet, through the whole length of the city, to the Arsenal convict-prison, where are the slaves of the Grand Signor. A large and insolent crowsd followed them, The day following, the relation of the Ambassador and the secretary were removed to the tents, it is believed at the request of the Ambassador. The Grand Vizir declares that the Ambassador has deceived him. He swears that he will impale the Ambassador and his Dragoman. This charge is founded on letters in the Ambassador's own hand, giving, as the Grand Vizir alleges, most pernicious advice to the Emperor his master, by representing the power of the Turks as very low, and the dejection of the Sultan and his Ministers extreme. The Grand Vizir says that the man who can-not speak the truth does not deserve to live; and further charges the Ambassador with excessive avarice, declaring that he came to Constantinople to amass money, not to serve his master. Even if all this were true the Ambassador does not merit such treatment, which is an insult to the prince rather than to the minister; a disgrace to him who inflicts rather than to him who submits. The Grand Falconer has been tortured in the Serraglio. He was accused of forging the Sultan's signature, condemned to death, but let off with three hundred bastonadoes and expulsion from the Serraglio. There is a rumour that twelve Kapigis have been sent towards the frontier with orders to drowsn a great man, the Pasha of Buda, son of Mehemet Pasha, because he had presented a memorial throwsing the blame of what has happened in Croatia on Hassan, Pasha of Bosnia. The Sultan swears by his own head and the souls of his ancestors, that he will avenge the blood that has been spilt. Many here think that the Sultan's anxiety for war is caused by the dread of a rising among the troops which have just come home from the Persian war.
	As soon as the letters by the ordinary post had arrived, and they had been awaited with anxiety on account of the delay — the English Ambassador came to tell me in confidence that he had received despatches from his sovereign giving him strict orders to attempt an accommodation of the differences which existed between his Imperial Majesty and the Porte, with a view to preventing an absolute rupture. The Ambassador said that he should conceal this information from the French Ambassador because he would not approve of it, but that he has communicated it to me because he hoped that in the interests of your Serenity, I would give him support. The Ambassador added that matters had proceeded so far that he despaired of any success; and he begged me to express my opinion. I, in the name of your Serenity, thanked the Queen of England and praised the object of the instructions, although its attainment was certainly difficult for the very reasons which he had adduced I said that without your orders I was unable to do anything, and could only lend my support to others. This I said in order to prevent him from suspecting that we are hostile. We discussed the advisability of approaching Ferrad Pasha as the minister who is little interested In the prosecution of the war, but the Ambassador held the opinion that it was better to deal with Sinan, the commander-in-chief, first, because the affair was specially in his hands, and, secondly, because Ferrad would not be favourable to a peace which would briny Sinan back to the place of Grand Vizir, which Ferrad holds in Sinan's absence.
	The English Ambassador had audience (of the Grand Vizir) at night, and presented the letters from the Queen of this purport: that the Queen had learned that military operations had been commenced on account of some delay in the payment of the tribute from Hungary; that this did not seem to her a reason for breaking the truce but rather for fulfilling the engagements repeatedly made to her, of attacking Spain and assisting her in the war; that she had accordingly written to recommend an accommodation, and for that purpose an Ambassador would be sent to the Imperial Court. She reminded the Vizir that to begin a war was in the hands of Princes, its successful conclusion was in the hands of God; and other like remarks.
	The Pasha, asked how the Ambassador had received these letters, showing that he suspected them of being manufactured here; a step which these representatives sometimes take. The Ambassador gave a detailed account, and added a warm recommendation in the sense of his instructions, pointing out that the world did not hold the Imperialists responsible for what had happened in Bosnia, while the Queen always hoped that war would be made upon Spain, and to move in so many directions was not advisable. The Pasha flew into a rage and declared that the forces of the Sultan were so numerous that he was equal to facing the whole world; and this war would not end in Hungary but would spread to Vienna, and he himself would not be satisfied till he had levelled the walls of Rome. In order to prove that this war was just, he declared that the Imperialists had seized on a place in Croatia where they were exhorted to turn the mosques into taverns and pigsties; the Turks were not going to war for an increase of territory nor of subjects, for of these they had enough, but in obedience to their laws; and even if they did not win it was a great good fortune to die as martyrs, but victory was certain. He added that if the Emperor chose to surrender all his possessions in Hungary it would then be possible to treat of peace, and to allow him to enjoy the rest in quiet; but if he were to offer thirty tributes he would find a deaf ear turned to his proposals. The Pasha boasted that in fifteen days he had collected and despatched a very powerful army, a feat no one else could have accomplished. As to the King of Spain, the Pasha announced that war by sea would be declared. That this had not been done before was due to the operations in Persia. He had left strict orders that one hundred and fifty galleys should be taken out of the Arsenal, and he declared that his Majesty was willing to spend freely on this expedition. The Ambassador asked that the letters should be sent to the Sultan and the answer given in his name, but the Pasha flew into a passion and declared that royal authority had been given to him and that there was no need to speak to anyone else, for what he did was already approved, and it would be to his disgrace if it were known that he had listened to such a suggestion, or communicated the information to others. He thereupon ordered, his answer to the Queen to be drawn up. With these the Ambassador left. It seems that he does not stand very well with Ferrad, and says that he has no opportunity of being presented at the first audience of Ferrad as Grand Vizir ; and so I think he will take no further steps in this matter; if he does I will inform your Serenity.
	The Imperial Ambassador is still with the Grand Vizir, commander-in chief. He is in charge of a cavass. His effects are being sold at auction; and he is to travel with the Grand Vizir. It is said he will be sent on ahead and allowed to go to Vienna in charge of the cavass. His household here is to embark for Venice. He is less severely treated in camp than was said at first. His secretary and valet are here to dismantle the Embassy previous to the departure. The French Ambassador came to see me and told me that the Emir, the Mollah of Santa Sofia, who is his intimate, and is about to march with the Grand Vizir, was summoned to the Serraglio, where he had a long conversation with the Sultan on the subject of the armament. It was resolved to take out of the arsenal one hundred and fifty galleys, and these, with the hundred which are already in commission, are to sail for Africa to hurry the lands of the Growsn of Spain. It is hoped that the King of Fez will send down a body of cavalry, and that these, with the Moors of Valencia and other provinces, who would rise, may achieve some success. I remarked, that it would be as well not to take this as a step already decided. He replied that the Eunuchs of the Serraglio would not dare to say a word against the scheme, and whoever did would be held for no true Mussulman; and that he had written to his Majesty the King and to his Ministers in France as if the affair were settled.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 24th July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
July 27. Copy of Orignal Despatch, Venetian Archives.	191. Giacomo Vendramin, Secretary to the Venetian Embassy in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	On Sunday afternoon the English Ambassador came to visit the Ambassador. After compliments he raid that, in view of the excellent relations which exist between the Queen, his mistress, and the Republic, he had come with the intention of stating what his mission was. He then continued by saying that the Queen had seen with sorrows the disturbances which were taking place in Croatia, and had determined to make representations at Constantinople, but was restrained by the fact that she did not know what were his Majesty's wishes on this point, and did not desire to meddle unasked in other people's affairs. But when things went from bad to worse she did take steps at the Porte for the recall of the Turkish troops. In this she had been successful, for the Beglierbey of Greece, who was beginning to attack his Majesty, had been ordered to fall back and had done so. Not content with this the Queen had sent her Ambassador here to explain what had been done, and to offer her services for a complete accord with Turkey. All this the Ambassador explained to the Emperor, from whom he had for answer, that his Imperial Majesty thanked the Queen for her offer, but that his Ambassador at Constantinople reported that quite other steps had in reality been taken at Constantinople, where a pamphlet had been published urging the Turks to attack his Majesty in Hungary; that he had seen a copy of it; but that he would take time to think, would consult with his ministers, and give another answer shortly.
	The Ambassador says he has insisted on seeing the pamphlet, and has declared that if the charge be true the Queen's Ambassador at the Porte would be recalled and punished. All the same he has not succeeded in obtaining a sight of it; nor has he received any answer, only promises that one will be given.
	It seems that his Majesty enquired of the English Ambassador whether the Archduke Ernest would be well received in the Nether-lands; to which the Ambassador replied, if he goes there in the same spirit as the King of Spain he will be well received; if he goes in the spirit of the King of Spain's ministers he will accomplish nothing. As to peace, the Ambassador had good hopes; and it could easily be arranged if his Catholic Majesty would only come to an understanding with the Queen.
	Prague, 27th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 27. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	192. Giacomo Vendramin, Secretary to the Venetian Embassy in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	Popel, Ambassador elect to Constantinople, has moved to Vienna, where he will wait news from Turkey.
	In France Dreux has fallen to Navarre. He intends to make his conversion. He is trying to raise six thousand Swiss.
	Prague, 27th July 1593.
	[Italian.]
July 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	193. Giovanni Mocenago, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King made his conversion and heard his first mass on the 25th in St. Denys'; it was served by three curés from Paris; to whom the Duke of Guise refused passports, and they have been excommunicated by the Legate.
	Chartres, 27th July 1593.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
Enclosed in Despatch of Aug. 1. Original Venetian Archives.	194. Letter from Henry IV. to the Venetian Ambassador.
	Announces his conversion to the Catholic religion (la resolution que Jay pruise de me faire instruire en la religion Catholique).
	Announces his intention to hold the ceremony of consecration and coronation.
	Invites the Ambassador to be present. Has given orders that one of the best lodgings be reserved for the Ambassador.
	Will order an escort when the Ambassador announces that he is ready to start.
	“And herewith my lord Ambassador, I pray God to have you in his holy keeping.”
	Nantes, 28th July 1593.
	[French.]
Enclosed in Despatch of Aug. 1. Venetian Archives.	195. A tract of twenty-four pages:
	Title.
	Harangue \| faicte en l'assem \| blee generale des \| trois estatz de France le \| second jour d'Auril, par le tres \| illustre, et tres-excellent Due de \| Ferie, au nom du Roi Catholique, \| pour l'élection d'un Roi tres- \| Chrestien.
	Avec la lettre de sa Maiesté Catholique, aux deputez de la sudicte assemblee.
	Ensemble la responce de l'Illustrissime ot Reverendissime Cardinal de Pelleué, au nom de tous les Etatz.
	Le tout traduict en Francois.
	A Lyon, Par Jean Pillehotte, Libraire de la S. Union.
	M.D.XCIII (fn. 3)
	Harangue faite en l'Assemblee Generale des trois Estats de France, le second d'Avril, Par le tres-illustre, et tres-excellent Due de Ferie, au nom du Roy Catholique, pour l'élection d'un Roy tres-Crestien.
	Tres-illustres, et tres-reverends Seigneurs et vous tres-nobles personnes.
	Estant par speciale faveur de Dieu, establie la paix entre le Serenissime Roy Catholique mon tres-debonnaire Seigneur, et le Serenissime Roy de France Henry-second d'heureuse memoire; et icelle confirmee par le mariage de la Serenissime Elizabeth la fìlle, si que deslors nous nous promettions moyennant la grace de Dieu tout heureux succez et felicité: se sont glissees dans ce Royaume, ia de plusieurs siecles tres-Chrestien, des heresies pestilentielles: lesquelles y ont tellement prins pied et accroissement, partie par les armes et force de plusieurs personnage de grande authorite et pouvoir, partie par les menees et artifices de beaucoup de gens cautz et ruses; qu'on a iuste occasion de craindre un naufrage et ruyne totale de la Religion. Mon Roy par sa bonté et clemence, n'a rien omis, pour declarer l'integrité de son amitié, et a monstré par effect autant de zele en la conservation de la Foy Chrestienne, qu'on scauroit desirer d'un Roy tres-Catholique. La mort soudaine du Roy son Beaupere, tant regreté d'un chascun luy a rauy le moyen de faire cognoistre l'honneur et affection qu'il luy portoit. Ce qu'à la verité il eust fait, s'il eust vescu. II a bonoré sa Bellemere, il a aymé et chery ses Beauxfreres, et n'a rien oblié de ce qui concernoit leur bien et commoditez: ne s'estudiant à autre chose, qu'à rendre perpetuel et indissoluble le lien de paix ia contracté; et faire que l'un et l'autre Royaume, voire (ce qui dependoit de là) toute Ja Repub. Chrestienne demeurast ferme en la Religion avecq tout heur et asseurance. Et pour parler plus en particulier, il n'y a personne qui ne sçache que pendant le regne de Francois second, aussi tost que la necessité se presenta, le Roy Catholique lui envoya d'Espagne de grandes armees soul is la conduite de Due Carvaiale: A Charles neufviesme il envoya de Flandres le Conte d'Areberg avec grand nombre de gens de Cheval: Et en autre temps le Conte de Mansfelt conduisant plusieurs troupes tant de Cavallerie, que d'Infanterie. Lesquels tous on fait la guerre en France avec q'autant de zele et de valeur que si e'eust esté pour leurs propres maisons et patrie. Chose qui vous est tellement notoire et asseuree, qui'il n'est besoin d'en discourir plus amplement. Or, pour passer outre, ie ne sçay vrayement que c'est qu'on pourroit trouver de plus grand, de plus genereux ou de plus louable en un Roy puissant, que la patience du Roy Catholique parmy tant et si grandes iniures qu'il a recevës de vos Roys. La Royne Mere soubs Henry troisiesme son fìls s'oubliant (car ainsi suis-ie contrainct de parler) des biensfaits et courtoisies passees, a par deux fois agacé le Roy Catholique, dressant armee navale contre nostre estat de Portugal. Le Due son Beau-frere s'est emparé de Cambray, et a empieté tout ce qu'il a peu de Flandres. Henry prestoit la main àl'un et à l'autre ou pour le moins ne leur contredisoit, quoy que ce fust de son devoir, et en son pouvoir de ce faire. Et nonobstant cela, mon Roy a constamment persevere en son amitié, non pour n'avoir les moyens de se venger (comme tout l'univers peut tesmoigner) ains par line bienvueillance Chrestienne: et provoqué par les mesfaits de ses Beauxfreres a mieux aimé ceder aucunement de son droict, que de leur oster I'occasion de se recongnoistre; et donner entree à une calamité universelle. Je toucheray briefvement le reste: Estant le Due d'Alançon trespassé, et ayant le Prince de Bear dés ce temps là commence à aspirer au Sceptre de ce Royaume, le Roy Henry feit voir par signes evidens qu'il a favorisoit à ses desseings: de sorte que les Seigneurs de Guise, freres qu'on ne sçauroit assez haut-loüer, aviserent qu'il estoit necessaire de penser au remede d'un si grand malheur. L'affaire requeroit de grandes forces et moyens. Le traicté d'Union fust accordé, quoy qu'il apportast grande charge à mon Roy. Vous en avez la copie: lisez ce qui y est couché; vous n'y trouverez rien qui ne sente sa pieté, rien qui puisse estre reprins de gens de bien, et zelateurs de leur Religion. Sa maiesté Catholique a voulu pouvoir de bonn' heure à vos affaires, de peur que venantz à nonchaloir son aide et conseil, vous ne vinsiez un jour consequemment à vous perdre et ruïner de fondz en comble, comme il sembloit toutalement devoir advenir: Elle a foncé grande somme de deniers; et vostre Roy esté contrainct de se tourner du party de la Religion: ce que s'il eust faict avec syncerité de coeur et bon zele, il y a[...]a long temps que les flammes de l'heresie seroyent entierement estainctes en ce Royaume. Mais le maling esprit luy a tenu son coeur fiché ailleurs: de maniere qu'au lieu de nous voir à la fin de ces maux, nous y sommes entrez eacore plus avant. II a fallu de rechef fournir argent: et en fin mesprisant tout danger, on est entré en guerre ouverte. II est bien vray que nos troupes ont esté battues à la bataille d'lury; mais aussi nostre armee conduite par le tresvaillant capitaine Alexandre Farnese, Due de Parme et de Plaisance, a delivré des maius de l'enemy ceste noble Cite de Paris, où presentement nous parlons, sur le poinct qu'elle se voyoit ia perdue, apres avoir esté long temps conservee par ses loyaux citoyens avecqu'un tres grand travail, une Constance merveilleuse, une vertu et valeur nompareille. Autant en a esté faict à Roüen. J'adiousteray à ce que dit est, un traict et exemple d'amitié, non moins admirable que rare; c'est que le Roy Catholique pour vous donner secours, a laissé ses affaires propres à son grand preiudice et desavantage: il a tousiours eu par devers vous ses serviteurs pour vous assister de toute ayde et soulas au milieu de vos difficultez et destroictz. II y encores maintenant et ia dés long temps a eu gens de guerre, qui n'attendent que d'exposer leur vie pour vostre delivrance, pour vostre repos et salut: la soulde desquels excede ia six millions d'or; sans que mon Roy s'en soit prevalu d'aucune commodité. Iceluy neantmoins non content de eel a, n'a cessé de penser, et adviser par quel autre moyen il pourroit vous donner ayde et secours: et en fin (qui est le principal) il a fait tout devoir et instance pour la convocation et assemblee de ces tres celebres Estatz: il a solicité noz SS. Peres de vous cherir, et espouser vostre cause: et m'a envoyé à vous tant pour vous faire entendre de sa part quel est son advis et conseil en tels affaires et de si grande consequence; que pour vous assister en tout et par tout ce qui touchera vostre bien et advantage. Tous lesquels offices et courtoisies semblent estre si belles, si magnifiques, si asseurees, si signalees, que ie ne sçay si ou Ja France, uu autre Royaume quelconque en a iamais experimenté de semblables en son extreme necessité. Au reste nostre Roy Catholique estime que vostre conservation et salut consiste en ce que par vous soit esleu et declare un Roy, tellement zelé à la Religion, qu'il aye aussi le moyen et puissance de mettre ordre à voz affaires, de vous defend re, conserver et garantir de voz ennemis: si qu'estant declare chascun puísse esperer et s'asseurer de voir bien tost moyennant la grace de Dieu, remis-sus le culte et service de la divine maiesté, de voir l'Estat revenu à son ancienne beauté et premiere splendeur, de voir toutes choses restituees en leur entier. Iceluy toutesfois vous prie en premier lieu, et sur toutes choses d'effectuer et accomplir le tout sans delay et retardement; le quel ne pourroit faillir d'estre accompagné de tres-grand danger: Et, pour vous oster toute occasion de delayer et prolonger les affaires, promet selon son ancienne amitié, de vous continuer la mesme ayde et secours, voire plus grand, s'il est de besoin.
	C'est à vous done tres-illustres et tres-reverends Seigneurs, et vous tres-nobles personnes, c'est à vostre pieté, à vostre noblesse, à vostre vertu et prudence de vous employer constamment de tout vostre pouvoir, au restablissement et conservation de vostre Religion et Royaume, et de vaquer à une chose si importante, si saincte, et si necessaire à toute la Chrestienté, avecqu'un coeur vrayement religieux vrayement Chrestien, et tel que desirent de vous tous le Chrestiens de l'Univers. Quant' à moy, ie ne vous manqueray en chose quelconque à moy possible, et par experience vous donray toutes les preuves d'amour, de solicitude et travail qu'on sçauroit desirer de moy en tout et par tout, où il s'agira de vostre proufìt et bien commun, En foy et tesmoignage tres-asseuré de quoy, ie vous presente avec toute amitié, ces Lettres que mon Roy m'a commandé vous presenter de sa part: lesquelles ayant leuës, si vous voulez sçavoir de moy et commission m'a esté donnee; ie vous Ie feray entendre plus à plein, quand il en sera de besoin.
	La Harangue time, le mesme Seigneur Due de Ferie, presenta à l'lllustrissime et Reverendissime Seigneur Nicolas de Pellevé President aux Estatz les Lettres du Roy Catholique, lesquelles il bailla a lire publiquemeot à Monsieur de Piles, Abbé d'Orbé, Secretaire des Estatz: dont la teneur s'ensuyt:
	A Noz Reverends, Illustres, Magnifiques, et Bien-Aimes Deputez des Estatz generaux de France.
	Don Philippe par la grace de Dieu Roy d'Espagne, des deux Siciles, de Hierusalem, etcet.
	Noz Reverendz, Illustres, Magnifiques, et Bien-Aymez,
	Ie desire tant le bien de la Chrestienté, et en particulier de ce Royaume, que, voyant de quelle importance est la resolution, qu'on traitte pour le bon establissement des affaires d'iceluy, iaçoit qu'un chascun sçache ce qui a esté cy devant procure de ma part, et quelle assistance i'ay donné et donne encores à present, ie ne me suis neantmoins contenté de tout cela; ains ay voulu en outre deleguer par devers vous un personnage de telle qualité, qu'est le Due de Ferie, pour s'y trouver à mon nom, et de ma part faire instance, que les Estatz ne se dissolvent, qu'on n'aye au preallable resolu le poinct principal des affaires, qui est l'élection d'un Roy, le quel soit autant Catholique, que le requiert le temps ou nous sommes: à ce que par son moyen le Royaume de France sois restitué en son ancien estre, et de rechef serve d'exemple à la Chrestienté. Or puisque ie fay en cecy qu'on a veu et qu'on voir, la raison veut que ne laissiez pardela escouler ceste occasion et opportunité, et que par ce moyen i'aye le contentement de tout ce que ie merite à 1'endroit de vostre Royaume, en recevant une satisfaction, la quelle quoy qu'elle vise purement à vostre bien, i'estimeray neantmoin estre fort grande pour moy mesme.
	Et pour autant i'ay voulu vous admonester tous ensemble, vous qui marchez pour le service de Dieu, de faire voir maintenant et monstrer par effect tout ce dequoy vous avez iusques à present faict profession; attendu que ne sçauriez rien faire qui soit plus digne d'une si noble et si grande assemblee, comme plus particuliere-ment vous dira le Duc de Ferie; auquel ie m'en remetz. De Madrid 2 de Janvier 1593.
	Le Roy.
	Don Martin de Idiaqz.
	Response de l'Illustrissime et Reverendissime Nicolas de S. Prasede Cardinal de Pelleué, Archevesque de Reims, premier Pair de France, à la Harangue susdicte, au nom des trois Estatz:
	Tres excellent, et tres noble Duc,
	Toute ceste assemblee des trois Estatz de France congratule à vostre arrivee tres-desiree, et tres-agreable à un chascun d'icelle; et recevons non seulement avec ioye “et liesse, mais encores avecqu' honneur et reverence, tant le lettres Royales de sa majesté Catholique, que le mandemens plein de douceur, bienvueillance et charité que vostre Excellence par sa Harangue doree nous a expesez de sa part: Estimantz que de plusieurs grands personnages qu'il y a au Royaume d'Espagne, on n'eust peu en choisir un autre qui nous eust plus agreé que vostre excellence, ou qui eust esté de plus grande adresse et suffisance pour traitter affaires. Et pour ne m'arrester à nombrer les vieux pourtraicts et tableaux enfumes de voz ancestres, ie diray seulement que vostre mere estant yssue d'une des premieres et plus illustres families d'Angleterre, employe tres-liberalement, comme une autre Heleine mere de Constantin, ses moyens pour ayder entretenir, et eslever les Escossois, Anglois, Hybernois, et autres affligez et fugitifs, qui se sont retirez en Espaigne, pour ne perdre la Religion. Or toutes choses sont suiettes à vicissitude et change-ment; et n'y a ez affaires humains rien de perpetuel rien de stable: ains semble qu'ils vont et viennent, comme par flux et reflux: de sorte que les richesses, la gloire, le sçavoir, les domaines, bref toutes commoditez ou incommoditez, sont à fois transportees des uns aux autres par la divine providence. Ce que nous touchons au doigt en ce Royaume de France, iadis autant florissant, qu'il est à present affligé. Car telle a autresfois esté la vertu de noz Roys, tandis qu'ils ont embrassé de coeur et de corps la protection de la Religion Chrestienne, qu'ils ont donné la loy à plusieurs nations, extirpé les sectes contraires à la foy de nostre Eglise, porté bien loing leurs estendards, victorieux, et de beaucoup amplifié le pourpris de la Chrestienté. Et de faict c'est chose trop aueree et manifeste que ce sont les Francois, qui ont les premiers prins les armes en main contre les ennemis de la foy Catholique: et n'y a celuy de nous qui ne sçache, qu'il y a environ mille et cent ans que Clovis (le quel de tous noz Roys a esté le premier baptize, et Ie premier oinct d'huile sacre envoyé du ciel) desconfìt à la bataille donnee en Poictou, les Visigoth tresobstinez fauteurs de l'heresie Ariene, qui occupoyent tout ce qui est entre Loire et le monts Pyrenees, faisant de Toulouse leur siege Royal: et ayant occis de sa propre main Alaric leur Roy, ramena toutes ces provinces là au giron de la foy et de l'Eglise. Laquelle victoire causa à nos François un ardent desir d'establir la Religion en Espagne, où Almaric filz d'Alaric apres la deffaicte de son pere s'estoit retiré vers les Ariens. Ce qui fust valeureusement effectué par Childebert fils de Clovis, imitateur de la pieté et vertu de son pere. Oar apres avoir faict paix avecqu' Almaric, et luy avoir donné a mariage Clotilde sa soeur, avce ceste esperance et condition, qu'il se feroit Catholique; voyant qu'il perseveroit neantmoins on l'heresie de son pere, et faisoit à sa femme plusieurs mauvais traitremens et outrages à cause de la Religion; et ne pouvant supporter ce'a, non seulement le deffit, mais en outre retira de l'Arianisme les suietz d'iceluy: et outrepassant de rechef le monts Pyrenees se transporta une et deux fois en Espagne, où il lestablit la foy, que l'Apostre S. Jaque y avoit semé, ia flotante et par la malice des temps presques submergee, en son ancien lustre et pristine vigueur. Et estant de retour, en memoire des guerres qu'il avoit conduites à si heureuse fin, il dressa et consacra à S. Vincent un Monastere qu'on nomme auiourd'huy S. Germain des Fauxbourgs, le quel il enrichit de la pretieuse coste du mesme Sainct, et d'autres Reliques apportees d'Espagne. L'on voit encores l'institution du Monastere, escrite de la main propre de Childebert, en la presence de S. Germain Evesque de Paris, le quel apres donna le privilege d'exemption avec le consentement du Metropolitain et de tous les Evesques de la province. D'avantage les Annales font foy que Charles Martel (le quel, s'obastardisant la vertu de noz Rois, print la charge du Royaume, et en ayaut depossedé Chilperic mit son fils au chemin de la Royauté), en un seul combat donné pres Loyre, mit à mort un nombre innombrable de Sarrazins, qui avoyent subiugué non seulement l'Orient et l'Afrique, mais en outre l'Espagne: et une autre fois fit tous passer au fil de l'espee les Visigots et Sarrasius, lesquels unis ensemble avoient commencé à empieter le Languedoc, mais d'où estce que Charlemagne a aquis CPS beaux tiltres de Grand, Sainct, et Invincible, si ce n'est pour avoir heureusement fait la guerre pour la foy et Religion, quand ayant dompté les Sarrazins qui habitoyent 1'Espagne, il les a contraincts de se contenir, et laisser en repos les habitans Catholiques? C'est pourquoy Alphonse le Chaste Roy de Galice et des Estures se disoit et inscrivoit, propre de Charlemagne. Outre ce ayant Charlemagne prins en sauuegarde et defendu des Mores et. Sarrazins les Isles de Maiorque et Minorque, il establit Roy de Guienne Louys le pieux, pour assister le plus pres aux Chrestiens d'Espagne à l'encontre des Sarrazin. Ie ne puis passer soubs silence ce que tesmoignent les histoires d'Espagne de Bertrand Guescelin, General des armes en France, le quel estant appellé en Espagne, et illec s'estant acheminé par le commandement de Charles cinquiesme nommé le Sage, deietta de son trosne Pierre Roy de Castille surnommé le Cruel, condamné de nostre S. Pere Urbain cinquiesme, et hay d'un chascun pour sa cruauté, qui favorisoit aux Juifs; et mit en sa place Henry de Transtamara, auquel se sont volontiers sounds les Castillois et Leonnois, disants qu'à l'exemple des Anciens Gots, ils pouvoyent s'emanciper de l'obeyssance d'un Roy, qui avoit changé son Regne en Tyrannie, et en establir un autre, sans avoir esgard à la succession: De maniere qu'on ne doit trouver nouveau, si de nostre temps on voit quelque chose de semblable. Plusieurs tels tesmoignages de bienvueillance ont donné aux Espagnols les Roys de France, voire souventesfois ne se sont ils contentez de s'unir à eux due lien d'amitie, mais en outre se sont plus estroictement liez par l'union d'affinité en plusieurs manages. Mettons nous au devant des yeux les trois families de nos Roys, Clovis, Charlemagne, Hugues Capet: et en chascune d'icelles nous trouverons des exemples qui donront suffisante preuve de mon dire. Prenon à tesmoin S. Louys, qui est né d'une mere Espagnolle: Prenons l'un et l'autre Philippe, à sçavoir Philippe premier, et Philippe Auguste. Prenons François premier, le quel de nostre temps a eu pour femme Alienor, soeur de Charles cinquiesme Prenons Henry second, qui a donné sa fille en manage a Philippe vostre Roy Catholique, le quel il a fit affectueusement chery, qu'il sembloit luy porter plustost amour de vray pere à un sien fìls unique, que de Beaupere à son Beaufils. Prenons finalement Charles neufuiesme qui a espousé Elizabeth d'Austriche fille de l'Empereur Maximilian, et niepce de Philippe vostre Roy, la quelle par l'innocence et saincteté de sa vie a tellement rauy le coeur des François, qu'il ne pourront iamais l'eflacer de leur memoire; et qui a encores sa mere pleine de pieté et Religion, vivante en Espagne. Et maintenant estant le cours dea affaires change, et toute la France troublee. et esbranlee par 1 impieté et rage des heretiques, nostre Seigneur nous regardant de son ceil de misericorde et compassion, et nous mettant la main dessoubs pour empescher nostre cheute, et pour repousser nostre encombre toutal, a esmen vostre Roy à ce qu'en contrechange il nous secourust en ceste si grande necetsité: comme de faict nous avons esté delivrez de plusieurs grands perils, et dangers eminens par le Roy Catholique, tresdigne à la verité du nom de Catholique. Car vrayement Catholique doit estre appellé celuy, qui faict florir la Religion Catholique universellement par toutes les Espagnes; desquelles pas un de ses devanciers, ny mesmes des Empereurs Romains, n'a oncques iouy avec telle paix et repoz. Vrayement Catholique, celuy qui a prins en main la protection et defense de la foy Chrestienne, non seulement en ses terres, mais encorez Royaumes estrangers contre tous les effortz des Turcz et Heretiques; et qui a le premier enseigné aux Chrestiens par son exemple, comme c'est qu'ils pourroyent se rendre victorieux du Turc. Vrayement Catholique celuy qui a faict annoncer la parolle de Dieu, et semer l'Evangile iusques au plus esloingnees parties du monde, lesquelles n'estoyent encor venues à la notice de noz predecesseurs. Qui est cil qui ne loüangera, n'aymera, n'admirera ses rares vertus, l'andeur incroyable du zele, qu'il a de conserver et amplifier la foy ? Qu'on loüe l'Empereur Traian yssu de parens Espagnols, qu'on luy donne le beau tiltre de Pere de la patrie, pour avoir monstré és affaires de guerre une deligence signalee, ez choses civiles une douceur merveilleuse, au soulagement des citez une grande largesse; et avoir aquis les deux qualitez qu'on requiert ez bon Princes, qui son la saincteté en la maison, et la force en guerre, ayant toutes deux la prudence pour flambeau. Qu'on loüe ce grand Theodole, sorty encor' de sang Espagnol, et qu'on le proclame amplificateur et protecteur de la Republique, pour avoir vaincu en plusieurs batailles les Huns et les Goths, Jesquels l'avoyent nolestee et travaillee obz l'Empereur Valent; pour avoir mis à mort non seulement le Tyran Maxime, pres Aquilee qui avoit tué Gratian, et usurpoit les Gaules: mais en outre Victor son fils, qui avoit éste en son enfance constitué Auguste par son pere; pour avoir obtenu la victoire d'Eugene le Tyran, et d'Arbogaste, et deffait dix mille combattans qui les suyvoient. Qu'on estime Roy valeureux Ferdinand pour avoir contrainct les Mores, et les Juifs qui luy estoyent suiectz, ou de vuider l'Espagne, ou d'embrasser la foy Chrestienne. Qu'on chante le loz et proüesse de Maximilian pere du bisayeul de sa maiesté Catholique, qui a eslevé, augmenté, et orné merveilleusement le Christianisme. Qu'on rende immortelle la gloire et renom de Charles son pere, qui a tant de fois prins et porte les armes pour la manutention de l'Eglise, exterminé tant heresies, et veu la fin de tant d'ennemys de Dieu, et de la Religion: qui a assuietty les Allemans empestez du venin de Luther, et alienez de l'obeyssance du Pape, au icug de Jesu-Christ et de l'Eglise.
	Mais à tons ceux-la' sera à bon droit preferé Philippe vostre Roy, qui a tant et tant faict de guerres pour maintenir l'honneur et authorité de la Religion Catholique, Apostolique et Romaine: qui a employé tout son aage non tant à estendre les bornes de son empire et domaine (quoy qu'il enceigne une bonne partie de la terre) qu'à defendre et amplifier la foy de Jesu-Christ, et combattre les Heretiques: Qui s'est si charitablement employé pour delivrer ce Royaume de la tyrannie de l'Heretique, principalement ez deux sieges qu'il a faict lever, ayant envoyé secours à temps, soubs la conduite du tres sage, et tres-preux Duc de Parne: Qui n'a one de son vivant preferé l'Estat, ou desir de regner à la Religion; ains (comme un autre Jovinian, lequel apres la mort de Julian l'Apostat, estant declaré Empereur par la commune voix et acclamation de toute l'armee, protesta qu'il ne vouloit ny accorder aucune condition de paix, ny commander à ceux qui ne se rangeroyent à la foy Catholique, ce qu'incontinent ils advouërent de faire:) a monstré de faict qu'il ne vouloit regner en aucun Royaume ou Province, s'il n'y voyoit consequemment regner Jesus-Christ par son Evangile: se souvenant trop mieux de la belle sentence d'Optat Millevitain, qui a esté du temps de sainct Augustin, qui disoit qu'il falloit que la Religion fust en la Republique, et que la Repub. fust en la Religion, comme s'il eust dit, que de tant plus que l'ame excelle le corps, de tant plus doit estre prisee la Religion par dessus l'Estat. Ce que devroit se persuader tous Princes vertueux. Ainsi l'estimoit François premier, nostre Roy, le quel estant conseillé de faire passer son ost par l'Alemagne, et ayant à foy unies les forces des Alemans, assaillir l'Empereur (car ainsi le pourroit-il plus aysément surmonter) ne voulut acquiescer à cet avis, d'autant qu'il congnoissoit que cela touchoit la Religion, laquelle il ne vouloit nullement estre interessee. Autant en a faict son filz Henry second, non moins heritier des vertus de son pere, que du Royaume. Car au temps qu'on traittoit à Cambray les articles de pacification entre luy et son gendre le Roy Catholique, estant admonnesté de regarder plus soingneusement à tout, et pourvoir à ses affaires, il respondit qu'il y auroit assez pourveu s'il pouvoit recueillir de cet accord le fruict qu'il esperoit, qui estoit d'arracher l'yaroye des heresies qui germoyent en son Royaume: et qu'il ne mesuroit tant la grandeur et amplitude de son Royaume à la multitude des peuples et provinces, qu'au salut des ames: n'ayant rien plus à coeur que de maintenir la Religion en son integtité et pureté Am quel honneur et loüange ont eu leur bonne part les Princes de la maison de Guyse, ou plustost universellement de celle de Lorraine, lesquels (comme autres Machabees, et vrayes lumieres de la nation Françoise) en tous endroits, où il a esté question de la foy et Religion, ont tres-liberalement employé et leurs moyens, et leur vie; endurant plustost qu'on leur espuisa du coeur la derniere goutte de leur sang, que de voir faire outrage à leur mere l'Eglise. Mais ie reviens à vostre Roy Catholique, lequel, apres Dieu, la France recongnoit comme pour son garant et liberateur. Je pourrois raconter sept ou buict Papes continuz, lesquels durant ces orages d'heresie et de guerre, ayant prins le party des François Catholiques, nous ont secouru de plusieurs armees, et grandes sommes de deniers. Entre lesquels principalement nostre sainct Pere Clement huictiesment nous a faict sentir et nous faict iournellement de plus en plus experimenter le soin particulier et solicitude incroyable de sa paternelle bien-vueillance. Mais ce neantmoins vostre Roy Catholique, comma il les surpasse en richesses, aussi les a-il devancé par la liberalité et munificence qu'il a exercé en nostre endroit. Qui est la cause que, pour cet immortel et presque divin benefice, nous rendons à sa maiesté Royalle, et à vostre Excellence, qui a entreprins ceste Ambassade, action de graces, non telle qu'il seroit requis, mais la plus grande et plus affectueuse qu'il nous est possible, offrans tout office, et promettans de iamais ne tomber en oubliance d'un bien-faict tant signalé; et vous prians instamment de continuer à nous ayder et remedier de bonne heure à l'ardeur de nostre embrasement: car ainsi nous esperons de voir nos affaires reussir heureusement, au grand honneur et gloire perpetuelle de vostre Roy. Et c'est par ces degrez que sa majesté Catholique se frayera le chemin du Ciel, où elle iouyra en fin de la vision de Dieu (en laquelle git nostre beatitude) avec les esprits bienheureux. Aux tabernacles desquels quand elle sera eslevée de la main de Dieu remunerateur des peines et travaux qu'elle a souf-ferts pour la Religion, non seulement luy viendront au devant mille milliers d'Anges, qui assistent et servent au Roy des Roys, mais en outre une infinité de peuples, qu'elle a retiré, les uns des espesses tenebres d'infidelité, les autres de l'opiniastreté et meschanceté de leurs heresies se presenteront à elle avec liesse, portants en main leurs coronnes, qui causeront un nouveau lustre à celle que Dieu luy a prepare.