The first Discourse .

That the realme of France doth by little and little runne into decay , and is neere to a great ouerthrow , vnlesse God of his goodnesse vphold it . Also , that as yet there be some remedies to raise it vp againe in case they may bee with speede accepted .

THE mindes of euery man ought to In what considerations this discourse is necessarie , and ought to bee published . be firmely and stedfastly resolued that God is the author of all politick gouernements , which he hath established to the ende that through good order all humaine societie may bee preserued and mainteyned in pietie and iustice : also that it is he that vpholdeth them in their beautie , force and dignitie , vntill that vpon mans contempt of his lawes and corruption of their maners , he powre foorth his wrath vpon them , whereof doe ensue the subuertions and alterations of Monarchies and Commonwelths . Those men therefore doe much deceiue themselues , who vnder the shadowe of whatsoeuer mightinesse or power , either els in consideration of their long continuance , doe imagine that the same should make them perpetuall : For they bee matters which are neither sufficient , neither can plead prescription against the iustice of the almightie , who limite●h the bounds of all estates which they cannot passe , when the tyme of correction is come : as by histories ( the light of tyme and register of things passed ) doth sufficiently appeare . Yea , there be many worthie persons yet liuing which haue seene the late beautie and eminencie of France in the tyme of Frances the first and Henry the second , who would be sorie to be brought to conceiue any euill opinion thereof , notwithstanding the multitude of disorders happened , either to confesse that the foundations of the same are shaken : but it were their dueties rather to mourne then to dispute and replye against so visible and sensible apparances of subuertion . For the most part of the rootes of this so great trée doe lye bare and halfe withered : many of the braunches are dead : fewe leaues doe remaine , and the fruite is growne almost wilde . And to all this infirmitie haue tyme together with the late mishaps brought it . Their best therefore were to confesse the truth , & to their powers to labour to mainteyne so much of it as is yet good & in strength and force . I knowe that the foretelling of the falles , which cannot be done without laying open the shame therof , will seeme but an vnpleasant discourse to him that loueth and honoreth his countrie and nation . But seeing such perils doe alreadie astonish so many hearts ; also that the causes which plunge vs therein doe appeare in all mens eyes , were it not a great cowardlinesse in this vrgent necessitie to sit still and say nothing ? True it is that many men through default of good intelligences doe stand halfe amazed in the middest of all these miseries . And like as the insensible waters doe runne downe the riuers vntill they fall into the Ocean wherein they bee buryed , euen so those men by little and little rowling themselues into the present confusions which carie them away , being destitute of right vnderstanding , doe goe forwarde , one after another vntill they fall headlong into the gulfe of destruction . It is a profitable peece of worke , when a house is on fire to shewe it to those that see it not : likewise to vrge such as see it and feare it , to helpe to quench it : also to admonish other such as without any great consideration do peraduenture kindle it , that they do not well : to be briefe , to exhort euery one to helpe the maister of the house for the safegard thereof , together with the preseruation of his whole familie .

Sundrie Philosophers in their writings haue set downe the causes of translations and alterations of estates , as Aristotle in his Politiques , who likewise haue touched the meanes how to preserue the same : wherin they haue bene so diligent and curious as to procéede euen to the smallest causes , whereof whosoeuer would perticulerly discourse , had néede of tongue enough . But because wee are in greater necessitie of the truth then of wordes , my counsaile is that we goe and drawe it out of the true philosophie where we shall finde it more liuely painted foorth then in any other doctrine whatsoeuer . The holy Scriptures doe among other make mention of thrée notable vices which for the most part Three causes of the subuertion of Commonwelthe . do concurre and ioyne together : and for the which God doth with open punishments and destructions ouerthrow commonwelths : namely , Impietie , Vniustice , and Dissolution , which a very learned personage of our tyme hath very well noted , whose opinion also being so well grounded I will both allowe and follow . Impietie sayth he , ouerthroweth the conscience : Vniustice either Impietie . publicke or particuler , subuerteth all pollicie and common societie of mankinde : Dissolution doth diuersly trouble and spoyle families , so that through the mixture of all these mischiefes , must horrible confusions doe ensue . Néedes must we confesse ( though with mourning and sorowe ) that they all doe so aboundantly raigne throughout this poore realme , that without the helpe of the deuine bountie wee are in daunger of great shipwracke euen at hand .

It were not here amisse to speake somewhat of Religion , but I intend not so to doe , but onely to warne our nation to consider that notwithstanding the diuersities thereof , yet they ought not to esteeme one of another as of Turkes . For seeing both partes doe confesse that they worship one selfesame God : that they ad●owe one selfesame Iesus Christ to be their Sauiour : and that the Scriptures and foundations of their faith bee all one , there ought likewise to be such brotherhood & charitie betweene them , that ceasing all hatred , crueltie and warres , they should grow to some reconsiliation . Can we not be content with aboue 200000. men of warre perished through the furie of these diuisions ? Was there euer more terrible Sacrifices then these ? I thinke that all that haue any taste of religion should be hereby induced to pacifie themselues ; as also that those whose felicitie consisteth in reuenge should now bee glutted with so much blood as haue bene shed .

But I will at this tyme speake onely of three horrible vices , Atheisme the first braunch of Impietie . which are as it were the dependances of Impietie , and haue infected all France . The first is Atheisme , the second Swearing and Blasphemie , and the last , a pernicious vse of Magicke and sundry other kindes of Diuinations and Sorceries . All and euery whereof doe dishonor and contemne Gods most holy name , and merueilously prouoke him . Concerning Atheisme it is no newe vice , but of auncient continuance , yea it raigned in the time of King Dauid as himselfe testifieth saying . There is no God as foolish men affirme in their mad mood , Psalm. 14. & 53. Their drifts are all corrupt & vayne , not one of them doth good .

It is a terror euen to thinke that there should bee any humaine creatures , especially in these daies wherin the light of the holy Scriptures doth shine so bright , that durst disaduowe their Creator : but it is no great meruaile : for the same Scriptures doe teach vs that in the latter daies there shall be many such people , whom , notwithstanding they do sufficiently bewray themselues , it were good neuerthelesse to see paynted out in such sort as they are described in the wisedome of Salomon , who sayth thus . The wicked haue sayd within themselues . The daies of our life are short Wisdome . 2. and ful of heauinesse , neither haue there bene any knowne to returne from the dead : for we are borne of nothing , and hereafter we shall be as if we had neuer bene , for our bodies shall be turned into ashes , and our soules scattered as the soft ayre , and in tyme our names shall be forgotten . Come therefore , let vs take and enioye the goods that are here , and vse the creature lightly , as in our youth . Let vs fill our selues with precious wine and parfumes , and let not the flower of our tyme fade away . Let vs crowne our selues with Roses before they be withered . Let there be no medowe which our intemperancie goe not ouer , and euerywhere let vs leaue the tokens of mirth , for that is our portion and our lot . Undoubtedly among all our corruptions nothing seemeth more prodigious than the liues of those that speake and liue after that sort . For he whose soule is polluted with any heresie or superstition , yea euen he that followeth the lawes of the heathen , doe yet seeke saluation and bowe his knees before some Godhead that he hath forged to himselfe : whereas contrariwise these men doe flee from and contemne all , so brutish are their sences become . They had neede to be pitied , for of all that doe cast away themselues , they are the most castawaies .

If any man should aske who begat this generation , it were not much amisse to aunswer , that it haue bene our warres for religion , The originall of Atheisme in France . which haue made vs to forget all religion . Neither can either the one or the other say It is our aduerse partie that ingendreth Atheists , for they meete on all sides . The duetie of Kings is to suppresse them , & euery societie ought also to purge it selfe , because there fall but small blessings vpon those places where such venimous hearbes doe multiplie . Of Swearing and blasphemie , the second braunch of Impietie .

As touching the second vice , Contempt of God ingendreth it , and custome shapeth it . Yea it so happeneth that the most part of those that growe guiltie thereof , doe become so sencelesse that they thinke it to be but a slight fault . Our good Kings in tymes past , as S. Lewes and others did make decrées for the suppressing thereof , notwithstanding I suppose that in those daies none but a fewe vnthrifts vsed much swearing . Afterward this plague tooke hold of the Gentrie , especially of the Souldiers , who ( as it is sayd ) in their late iourneys brought the great othes out of Italie , but within these fortie yeres , the ●lood hath so ouerflowed and daylie encreased , that now the little children of seuen or eight yeeres of age haue skill enough to abuse the name of God ; yea euen the peasants who liue farthest from the Court and Cities , where corruptions doe dwell , ( following the common course ) can curse the heauens as well as the Souldiers , who aboue all other doe beare away the bell for this iniquitie . To bee briefe . Turne vs which way we wil , we still heare nothing but blasphemie and forswearing of God . Thus doe we see that euill example with want of correction hath bred perseuerance in this detestable vice . Neuer did any auncient Historiographer write that it was ( any thing néere ) so common in any age as it is at this day . If wee consider the Iewish nation , we shall finde them but smally taynted therewith , for whosoeuer among them did blaspheme , he was stoned to death . The Heathen did but sieldome sweare , and held their othes in great reuerence . The Sarazens which embraced Mahomets lawe , durst not transgresse herein for feare of Gods punishment ; and euen to this day the Turkes that succéeded them doe absteyne from blasphemie . Surely all these nations shall in the last day rise against vs Christians , and especially against vs Frenchmen , who endued with more knowledge then those blind people , doe offend tenne tymes more then they . If a man bee atteynted of treazon against his worldly Prince , euery one will crye out , he is worthie punishment , but vnto him that blasphemeth and teareth in peeces the name of God ( which is treazon against his heauenly King ) no man vpon earth sayth one word , notwithstanding it bee written that such a one shall not be holden guiltlesse .

Some worldly wise man may come foorth and say , that although Aunswer to those that thinke it not meet so fore to insist vpon punishment of swearing and blasphemie . this error be chastizeable , yet it is none of those that procure the losse of estates ; also that in case we could finde meanes to redresse the other abuses of France , this might afterward be well enough prouided for . In my opinion those wise men doe resemble such as because they haue many bookes , and haue seene their closures and red their titles , doe weene themselues to be learned : for they looking superficially onely into the causes doe neuer consider that the principall things that bring miserie and disorders into whole Countries , are such offences as are committed directly against God : notwithstanding , they see that where the Magistrates do looke that his holy name be had in reuerence , the Commonwelths doe florish and abound in all wealth : but if they shewe themselues negligent therein , the scourge shall neuer depart from their house : neither shall it stand them in any stead to say : I will for my part rule my tongue well enough : for they be ordeyned , not for themselues only , but also for the instruction and correction of others . Did they neuer reade that which is written in the 3. booke of Moses ? Whosoeuer curseth his God , shall Leuit. 24. beare the paine of his owne sinne , and the blasphemer of the Lords name shall dye the death : the whole congregation of the people shall stone him , whether he be a citizen or a straunger . These are his words that maketh the foundations of the earth to tremble , the Sea to runne backe , and that shooteth foorth his most fearefull thunderbolts against the proudest Cities . Let them therefore doo all that they can and employe their whole power to banish this euill , least by supporting it they make themselues guiltie therof .

The third vice that dependeth vpon Impietie is not so generall Of Magicke and sundrie sorts of Diuinations , the 3. braunch of Impietie . or euident as the former , notwithstanding it bee as abhominable in the sight of God . For when the vnlawfull meanes of Diuinations and Magick arts haue alienated man from God , they plunge him in ineuitable destruction . Herein doth the deuill vse two kindes of snares . By Witchcrafts which is the grosser sort , he doth ordinarily drawe vnto him the rude and simply malitious persons , who either for the satisfying of their desired reuenges , or for the atteyning vnto other purposes , doe so suffer themselues to be seduced by him that they grow to acknowledge and confederate themselues with him . He doth often shewe himselfe vnto many in sundrie shapes , as experience teacheth by the confessions , procéedings and iudgements giuen against them : and let such as doubt hereof reade the writings of Bodin against them , wherein they shall see what horible mischiefes and villanies against both God and man those miserable creatures doe commit ; which after they haue renounced their Creator doe submit themselues to him ; who laughing them to scorne doe drawe them into euerlasting destruction . The same Author reporteth that their Captaine being taken in the tyme of Charles the 9. confessed that in France there were aboue thirtie thousand Sorcerers . It is horrible to see so voluntarie a protestation to the irreconsiliable enemy of God and man : but when malice aboundeth , there is nothing whereto it will not ioyne . Such as are more spiritually wise and haue in them some seedes of pietie , must haue other pollicies that may beare some fayrer shewe to bring them into these pathes of perdition : for if any man should at the first shewe them the dishonor that they commit against God , it may be they would refrayne themselues : but as the sleights of the deuill are merueilous , so doth he drawe them on by fayrer pretences , vntil they find themselues so snared that they cannot escape . The cause of these mens mishap consisteth in their corrupted affections , which driue them by vnlawfull and damnable waies to seeke their accomplishment . One would knowe what successe he should haue in some great enterprize : another how he might eschue some euident daunger : The couetous and ambitious man must know how to atteyne to his desires : he that hateth and seeketh to doe harme , the like : One seekes to lengthen his life , another to shunne death : This man desireth to know the issue of the warre : that man whether the estate may be preferued : with infinite other such things as mans imagination can conceiue . To be briefe , mans vanitie hath of vanitie it self made Oracles wherwith to satisfie his curious frowardnesse : hereof are sprung vp so many kindes of Magicke , Enchauntments , Witchcrafts and Infinite sorts of Magicke . Sorceries , that we say that there is nothing in heauen , in earth , neither vnder the earth which the man that is plunged in this error doth not vse , in hope to finde some instruction or ease : although ordinarily he is frustrate of his expectation , because therin he can meete with nothing but falshood and deceipt . And what els is to bee looked for out of the instructions of the deuill , considering The decree of God against such . that himselfe is a lyer and deceiuer : But that we may the better knowe how these abuses are to bee reiected , let vs heare what Moses sayth . When thou shalt , sayth he , be entred into the Deut. 18. land which the Lord thy God shall giue thee , beware that thou followe not the abhominations of those people , neither shall there bee found in thee any person that shall passe his sonne or daughter through fire , or that shall enquire at the Southsayer , or that shall obserue dreames , or the singing of birds , neither shall there be any Sorcerer or Enchanter , or any that shall seeke counsaile at familier spirits , or that shall aske the truth at the dead : for all these things be abhomination to the Lord , and for such abhominations will the Lord driue them out before thee . This was no lawe deuised by any Lawyer , but an expresse inhibition of almightie God , wherein wee may note three things . First , that these impieties be the inuentions of such as haue forsaken God . Secondly , that he detesteth them especially aboue all other offences : and thirdly , that he doth grieuously chastize them with most terrible punishments . But in our daies if any man couet to see where these accursed vanities are practized , let him goe to the Courtes , where he shall finde some Where Magicke and her trayne doe soiourne . of all sorts and callings that are not only affectionate thereto , but do euen runne mad after Soothsayers , as they did after one Nostrodamus and others , whose lyes were receiued for trueth . Thence let him walke all ouer France , and he shall finde that among the Nobilitie , Clergie , and men of lawe , there bee many secret disciples of this profession , of whom I suppose some doe not thinke to doe so much mischiefe as they doe , and yet in these cases the least transgressions are reputed most heynous sinnes , as witnesseth the holy Scripture , which to the end to aggrauate the heynousnesse of any offence doth say that it is as the sinne of the Soothsayers . And vndoubtedly the encrease and tolleration of such abhominations , is one of the most euident tokens of the subuertion of any Commonwelth : wherefore it is requisite that euery one that is polluted with this or the rest doe clense themselues : For it is a hard matter for him to bee a good Citizen of France , that for so wicked a cause doth voluntarily banish him selfe out of the holy Citie of God .

Now must wee speake of Vniustice , which is a publicke and Iniustice , the second cause of the destruction of Commonwelths . particuler oppression vsed by such as bee in auctoritie or mightie ouer the poore and weake , who also through their pride , couetousnesse and wealth doe practize all violence , deceipt and extremitie against the simple . These disorders haue bene so long continued against the poore , that now it is openly sayd that they are no longer shorne , but euen flayne with a thousand extraordinarie oppressions and newe impostes heretofore vnknowne , in such sort that the coyne now wrested from them is watered with teares and accompanied with most sorowfull complaints . And notwithstanding whatsoeuer knowledge that men haue of Gods finall succour to the oppressed , either that he doth chastize their oppressors , yet will they not cease therefrom , but still continuing the same course , they doe day by day proceed to augment the miseries of others , vntill they bring them to such a passe as themselues doe tremble thereat . Thus haue we procéeded from yeare to yeare in so wofull an estate , that without speedie remedie France must growe halfe desert . Then if we marke the men of lawe which are ordeyned to minister iustice to euery man , wee shall see a many of them helpe themselues with this holy vertue , to entrap the wealth of those that either through follie or neede haue entangled themselues in the most subtile nets of pleading , neither can any man expresse the extortion that vnder such colour is committed . Moreouer , there runneth a great rumour of some gouernors of Townes and Castles , and paraduenture of whole Prouinces , who to the ende to mainteyne their pompe and fill their coffers , doe vse newe lawes to the detriment both of the King and Commons : as if the purpose of offices tended either to make an outward shewe , or to glut them with wealth , and not rather to make their vertues to shine in such functions both to the reliefe of many & to their maisters honor . But if there be any behauiour that may be termed rage , it is the behauiour of the men of warre , who are so farre out of square , that hauing habandoned all humanitie , they make no lesse hauock in their owne countrie , then in the enemies land where all is made a pray vnto them : in such wise that the forraine warres of France for these eightie yeres haue not wasted so much , as the souldiers robberie haue done since these ciuill warres began . Yea , and there be some gentlemen who as I thinke doe imagine that the true tokens of Nobilitie doe consist in making themselues to bee feared , and in beating & presumpteously taking from their subiects any thing that may be commodious vnto themselues , as if they were their slaues . The great cities , what do they but encroch to themselues all the commodities that they may : thunder foorth their priuiledges , & lay all the burthen & charges vpon the poore country people , who being besides pinched by the subteltie of the receiuers , it is a merueile wherevpon they liue and finde themselues . To be briefe , if wee looke generally into the particuler dealings of each one toward other , wée shall finde plentie of fraude and vyolence , as if a man were brought into the world only to hurt his like . Well , let that which is spoken suffize to teach vs that vniustice draweth néere to her full period : For there is as little care of oppressing the Poore , the Widowe , and the Orphane , as there is feare of the threats written against such as commit it . And yet we must thinke that when oppression is growne vniuersall and continual , then God hasteneth his iudgements to destroye vs , because wee will not amend when we are instructed and taught , and that doth the Prophet well shewe when he saith . The Lord shall enter into iudgement with the auncients of his people , and with their Princes , Esay . 3. for ye haue wasted the vine , and the spoyle of the poore is in your houses . Why doe you oppresse my people , and bruse the face of the poore , saith the Lord of hoasts . This decree might be a sufficient warning to the oppressors , if they were as easie to be taught , as paraduenture they be incorrigible .

The third vice afore mentioned , is dissolution , vnder which tearme I doe comprehend Adulterie , Pompe , Pride , Gluttonie Excesse the third cause of subuertion of Commonwelths . Two fountaynes of excesse . and Drunkennesse . Which to those that delight in worldly prosperitie , are merueilous pleasant imperfections . And although in our age , nature is much enclyned to ryot and vanitie , yet may wee say that the euill example giuen in most eminent places , together with impunitie , haue bene great helpes to encrease this mischiefe , which taketh the surer roote when it is practized and borne out by the mightie . Now , among the vices aboue mentioned , Adulterie hath the preeminence . And besides that it corrupteth The kindes thereof . Adulterie . the bodie and poluteth the soule , it is ordinarily accompanied with sicknesse , prodigalitie , murder , and other inconueniences that drawe on each other . In all places they are so addicted thereto , that they care no more for concealing of it , as in tyme past when honestie held them in some shame . In these daies they seeke onely to couer the filthinesse thereof with beautifull titles or pleasant aunswers , yea they goe further in some , euen notable places . For they accompt this vice as a necessarie spurre , wherewith when one is pricked and can guyde himselfe cunningly , or atteyne to any worthie price that he hath desired , he is exalted : he is enuied : he is sayd to haue a good capacitie and quicke vnderstanding . After this sorte doe they make blacke white , attributing purenesse to that which is filthie and foule . Youth which is easely catched with these baytes , holpen by custome , and not restrayned by lawes , doth more and more stirre vp their appetites hereto , and hauing once taken so bad a trayne , the state of manhood and age doe nourish rather then abolish it . This vice doth naturally resemble the Cancre which by little and little gnaweth the flesh : for if once it begin to take hold of any , it so encreaseth the corruption of his affections , that it is afterward a hard matter to purge him againe . God for such like iniquities in old tyme rooted out whole nations from before his face , as well to shewe that he abhorreth them , as also to teach Magistrates not to leaue them vnpunished .

Concerning Pompe and Superfluitie , the roote thereof springeth The pompes & superfluities of the Court , Commons , Gentrie and women . in the Court , where vanitie doth so abound , that those persons which will bee any thing accompted of , must transforme themselues into sundrie fashions and colours . For the outward shewe of things are in such estimation , that many tymes men iudge of the person by his apparell ; so as it seemeth wee would say , that the chiefest perfections are hidden vnder the costliest garments . Kings & Princes did not so soone chaunge their auncient ordinarie simplicitie into Italian glistering brauerie , but their subiects immediatly imitated them , yea and some endeuoured to exceede them : and this mischiefe hath stooped so lowe that pompe and pride appeareth euen in the meane citizens of simple townes . Herewith hath the Nobilitie especially empourished her selfe so sore , that she can no longer so mainteyne her selfe to doe the King any such seruice as in tyme past . Neither doe women for their parts forbeare these superfluities : for weening with outward ornaments to breede themselues more beautie , commendation and honour , they haue not since bene so carefull to adorne themselues with the beautifull giftes of vertue which doe farre exceede the others .

At the tayle of all these vanities commeth Pride , which although Pride . it be borne with man , doth neuerthelesse whet it selfe and encrease with their smoake : or rather according to the opinion of others , engendreth them . But howsoeuer it is , the one still agreeth with the other : so that of this vnreasonable presumption or ouerweening of themselues groweth the contempt of others , and thence come iniuries , quarels and manifold murders .

An other braunch of Dissolution is table excesse and great Table excesse and great furniture . furniture , wherein many doe suffer themselues to bée willingly led away , as taking this path which is so full of intemperance to be the only meanes to liue in pleasure and fame . All which bad customes do perticulerly corrupt and spoyle whole families , and being mixed with publick errors doe make the disease of the vniuersall bodie more incurable . Doe we then thinke that God will long suffer these corruptions which are to him so odious ? It is not like : but rather are we to feare least the iudgement comming so slowly will bée the more grieuous . How many kingdomes , where they haue atteyned the fulnesse of al vice , haue bene ouerrunne and giuen in pray to straungers ? The histories doe verefie it , and the multitude of examples might terrifie those who hauing power to represse the mischiefe ( at the least in part ) doe suffer it to encrease euery where .

Thus may wee see some of the most manifest mischiefes that haue and still do infect France , briefly set downe according to the A conclusion gathered of the former speeches viz. that France is in manifest perill in that the causes of the subuertion of Commonwelths doe in so many sorts beare rule therein . Tokens of Gods wrath . Two obseruations meet for the curious . purposed order , which are sufficient to make all men thinke ( except the corrupt or sencelesse ) her daunger to bee most euident , considering how sore the foundations of Piety and Iustice , which should vphold her , are decayed & shaken . The sinnes afore mentioned are the true causes that prepare to put her to a great iumpe . Neither want wee other signes and foretellings , which threatening vs , doe warne vs to endeuour to turne away the wrath of God from vs . Alreadie haue appeared horrible Comets and other strange sights in the ayre , Earthquakes , the bringing foorth of Monsters and feareful voyces , which haue bene felt , heard and seene , and being so prodigious , ought to terrefie vs . But if the curious doe for their satisfying craue more curious and vaine obseruations , my selfe will alleadge them twaine that I haue obserued in a certaine mans writings . The first , that wée are now vnder the Climactericall raigne of the Kings of France , namely the sixtie and three , which noteth vnto vs some alteration to bée made . The second , that all the roumes made in the Pallace of Paris to place the pictures of our Kings , which some do imagine to haue bene fatally so builded , are now full .

But to leaue them to descant vpon these vanities , I will speake Of the Periode of Commenwelths . of another forewarning more to bee considered , which the Prophet Daniel maketh mention of : viz. of the common period , which in some mens iudgement , he attributeth to all estates , and is vnto them as it were a limite that they cannot passe . At the least we see within that tyme woonderfull alterations . And it is comprehended within the compasse of 500. yéeres . Which experience hath sufficiently verified in diuers , especially in the auncient people of the Iewes , as Iasper Peucer hath diligently noted . Bodin likewise in his Commonwelth , following the opinion of Plato , hath noted that the number of 494. which he tearmeth perfect , and is ment of yeeres , is a terme which fewe Commonwelths doe escape without encurring most daungerous alterations . Lib. 1. Diuinat . cap. 7. & lib. 4. cap. 2. Now , if wee will applye this to our selues , and count how long it was betweene the time that this Realme came to bee settled and assured in the familie of Hugh Capet the author of the second chaunge ( which happened vnder Henry the first his graundchild , who dyed in the yeere 1060. ) and the death of Henry the second , in whose raigne many great corruptions , as well in maners as pollicie , were conceiued , which afterward were brought foorth with incredible encrease , we shall finde fiue hundred yeeres fully compleat . But the chaunges of most excellent vertues into most infamous vices are most daungerous , because other do still followe on which breede destruction without remedie . Yet must we not say but this tearme is sometyme farre ouerpassed ( which procéedeth of Gods great goodnesse ) as wee may now see in our Realm , that haue perseuered in forme royall aboue 1100. yeres . As also that sometymes God in his wrath doth shorten it because of mens horrible sinnes . And although the knowledge of the tyme be to them a secrete article which God hath reserued to himselfe , yet the consideration of so many as well waightie , as trifling matters concurring to one selfe end , ought to driue vs to thinke vppon his iudgements . But much more should wee bee thereto induced , in that wee see the prophecie of Moses daylie drawe to performance against vs . And yet notwithstanding our so many experiences and sufferings wee cannot become wise . These be his words . If thou wilt not obey the voyce of the Lord Gods sentence concerning the periods and reuolutions of publick and priuate estates . Deut. 28. thy God to keepe and doe all his commaundements , all these curses shall light vppon thee . Thou shalt be cursed in the Citie and in the field : the Lord shall send thee hunger and scarcitie ▪ and the plague shall take hold of thee vntill it hath consumed thee from the face of the earth . The heauen that is ouer thy head shall be of brasse , & the earth vnder thy foote of Iron : the vermin and the rust shall consume all the trees and fruites of thy earth . The straunger that is within thee shall get ouer thee and be the highest , and thou shalt stoope and be vnder him : he shall lend to thee vppon v●urie , and thou shalt not bee able to lend to him . The Lord shall cast thee downe before thy enemies , and thou shalt get from them by a contrary way , and thou shalt flee through the hedge . A nation that is farre from thee shall rise against thee whose language thou shalt not vnderstand : an impudent people which shall not honor the older , neither haue compassion of the infant . The same shall deuour the fruite of thy cattell , and the fruite of thy field , & shall leaue thee no remainder of thy Corne , Wine , or Oyle , neither of the flockes of thy sheepe vntill it hath destroyed all . To be briefe , thou shalt serue thy enemie whom thy Lord shall send thee in hunger and thirst , in nakednesse and want , who shall put a coller of Iron about thy necke vntill he hath wholly rooted thee out . These be part of the threatnings denounced against those that harden themselues in wickednesse , whereof we doe alreadie so feele the effects , that there want no more but the last wounds to fulfill our vtter oppression . And sith Gods worde hath prooued so true in this bitter correction , let vs feare least it so doe likewise in our destruction .

I suppose there bée some Courtiers , who being but smally Obiections against the maxime taken from Moses . satisfied by my speeches , will rather scorne mée , because I endeuour to decide matters of estate with Theologicall principles , and would better like that I should haue propounded some out of Polibius , Plutarke and Xenophon , to the ende by them to haue iudged of the casualties of Kingdomes : and willingly I would haue leaned to their opinions : but to the end not to be deceiued Aunswer . I haue thought this way that I haue taken to be the better ▪ For notwithstanding mans wisedome ( which neuerthelesse is giuen from aboue ) doth shine in prophane bookes , yet is it very vayne in respect of the heauenly wisedome that appeareth in the holy Scriptures . Howbeit , to the ende the better to satisfie The Maximes of Philosophers concerning the alterations of Cōmonwelths . euery one , I will somewhat touch the opinions of these great persons concerning the matter now discoursed vpon . The matters , say they , namely Aristotle , which breede innouation , alteration or destruction , especially in Monarchies , are these , when there happen debate betwéene brethren or mightie men of the Realme : when the Princes are vnder age or in contempt : when the Magistrates doe robbe the common people : when wicked and vnwoorthie persons are put in office and the good reiected : when the superiours do oppresse their inferiours with grieuous iniuries : and the tributes layed on the peoples neckes are insupportable : when Princes through their dishonest actions doe become contemptible to their subiects : when Iustice is so cowardly and corrupt that impunitie of vice beareth sway : when wee see an vnproportionable encrease in one member of the estate ▪ when dignities and offices are set to sale : when pouertie is so v●ersall that not onely the priuate are poore , but the common is poorer : when martiall discipline is neglected : when concord quaileth among Citizens and maners are vtterly depraued : when lawes are out of force and that the Prince is ruled by wicked or ignorant Counsaylers : and when forrainers are in greater fauour and authoritie then the naturall borne subiects . These are in parte the causes by them noted , which breede sundrie alterations in estates and bring them to naught . All which things The application of these principles to the consideration of the state of France may easely be seene to concurre in ours , and thereby may wee iudge of the sicknesse thereof . But albeit wee are not altogether to contemne the Philosophers opinions , yet must wee rather cleaue to those of the Scriptures , which search out the originall causes in mans transgressions : For GOD detesting the same doth withdrawe his fauour and protection from whole Realmes , and then spring vp confusions . Whether therefore wee looke into the first causes , or into those that ensue , wee shall in all bée sure to finde matter and tokens of destruction . How is it then that wee feare not ours , when all iudgements both deuine and humaine doe foretell it ? Howbeit , in as much as there is no disease so great , but the sicke person may conceiue some hope of recouerie , wee are not altogether to dispayre , but diligently to search among both ordinarie and extraordinarie , deuine and humaine remedies , for such as may bee most profitable for our restauration . And of those will wee speake in the ende , after wee haue first layd open such dissipations as oftentymes happen vnto the mightiest Monarchies .

Some there are that notwithstanding they knowe there bee An other obiection of theirs that thinke that we ought either very gently or not at all to touch the wounds of an estate , namely of our owne country . Two springs of great desolation in an estate . great dissipations , yet doe they make them but small , especially when they applye them to their owne countrie , as well in respect of their charitie thereto , as also because they bee loath to bee the reporters of so many mischiefes . In such affayres as this , wee must not flatter neither our selues , nor other men , but freely declare what passed experience doth shewe . Among many desolations happening to an estate readie to fall , the two worst are these .

The first , when one mightie nation , or many , being of diuers dispositions and language doe come to vsurpe , and bring into bondage : then is it not to bee demaunded how many miseries the subdued must endure . The other , when a Kingdome renteth it selfe in many péeoes , and that the quickest or strongest doe seaze each vpon his owne portion , which they gouerne in diuers maner , and for the maintenaunce of themselues doe leane to straungers : then likewise ensueth a great ouerthrowe of all things , and the calamities doe long endure .

Of these two only will I now discourse , as being those which A discourse vpon the first cause or originall of the desolation of an estate . threaten vs and are the worst , neither is it to any purpose to replye that France cannot incurre these inconueniences : For sith so many and so detestable mischiefes , together with so many and so diuers partialities haue set in foote , we must imagine them ( without speedie remedie ) to bee the open ga●es vnto newe maisters . If wee doe throughly marke the accidents happened in sundrie estates , we shall finde that many haue decayed when ciuill dissention hath so beaten them downe that they haue not bene able to defend themselues against straungers . The kingdome of Iuda A confirmation gathered in the considerations of the subuertions of many mightie Monarchies , as of the Iewes , Romaines , Grecians and Hungarians . being mightie and florishing vnder Dauid and Salomon , and deuided vnder Roboam , it followed that the Kings of Israell and Iuda held almost continuall warres against each other , and so weakened themselues , euen in good maners , that the Assyrians led them into captiuitie . Soone after that the Romaine Empire was deuided in it self , the seate transported to Constantinople , & that vice augmenting , the vertue of Princes decayed , the Northerne nations rose vp and rent it in sundrie péeces , neither is it possible to rehearse the calamities of them that liued in those daies . In the kingdome of Hungarie which in tymes past hath bene so florishing and mightie , when those that should succéede straue who could carie it away , the Turke stepped in betwéene them and became Lord of the greatest part thereof . And although the Turkes conquestes are extraordinarie destructions , yet must wee in these examples note Gods punishments , with the causes that bring them in , thereby to take warning that vnlesse we preuent them there will bee no want of such as shall put them in execution : Yea , which shall come and bereaue vs of our libertie , life , and land . And who doubteth not that many nations The second confirmation taken of the affections of the nations our neighbors . our neighbors doe but lye in waite for such occasion ▪ Is not the Spanyard , who seeketh to force all men to stoope vnder his scepter and contemneth the French , mightie enough to bring vs vnder ? Will the Germaynes that distayne vs , be slowe to such a bootie ? How suddenly will the Italians that behold vs , be readie to catch whatsoeuer may fit them ? The English calling to mynd their auncient losses , may then haue their remedie : yea the Scots and Suitzers which now bewayle vs , may peraduenture seeke to plucke away each of them some one small feather . Finally , the Flemmings that did loue vs , whose hate we haue perforce procured , how ioyfully will they skippe in our neckes ? I take him to be very sencelesse that doth not feare it .

But some man will say that it is an easie matter in words and Obiection against that which is afore sayd . Aunswer . writing to raise vp many nations , which neuerthelesse wee sieldome see in effect come to passe . Hereto I aunswer that whensoeuer God is determined to thunder vpon the sinnes of men , he doth much sooner stirre vp those whom he pleaseth to vse as ministers of his vengeance . And in case the report of histories bee true , with what celeritie I pray you did the Goths , Huns , Alans , Francons , Burguignions and Wandales fall vpon Italie , Gaule , Spayne & Affricke ? Such was their furie and speede , that in short space they subdued and wasted all those great Prouinces . The like also did the Sarazens two hundred yéeres after in the conquest of Spayne . Haue not we also had tryall in France during the English warres that that only nation ( which in deede by enheritance at that tyme possessed almost the third parte thereof ) brought it into so miserable estate that they were like to haue bene maisters of all ? Let vs then feare least that which hath alreadie happened to others , doe fall vppon vs , considering that our iniquities are so readie to the haruest .

Concerning the dismembring of an estate by the selfe nation , Discourse vppon the second cause of the desolation of a commonwelth . Histories which verefie this discourse . among whom many tymes the straunger hath his share , it is no lesse a kinde of miserable destruction then the former . This did the Empire of Constantinople finde soone after that Baldwine Earle of Flanders was made Emperour : For then did Alexis Comnene ( as Carion reporteth ) erect the Empire of Trebizond . Thessaly shaking off the yoke of Michael Angel yeelded to the Paleologues . Achaia , Attica , Peloponessus , Aetolia , Caramania and Epirus had their seuerall gouernors , whom they often chaunged according to the sundrie euents of warres and sedition . Especially Attica , Achaia and Peloponessus were gouerned sometymes by the Grecians , sometymes by the Sicilians and Florentines , sometyme by the Genowayes & Venitians , euen as the hazard of warre fauoured : notwithstanding most of them made there no long aboad . The Bulgarians , Ruscians and Seruians had their Despottoes , who being sometymes friends and confederates with the Emperors of Constantinople and by and by againe enemies , did with continuall roades wast Thracia and Macedonia . These confusions did deserue the name of théeueries rather then of warres , because both the ground of them was vniust , and the practises wherewith they holpe themselues most wicked . For they sought all meanes to rent and teare the Empire in péeces , whereby the Emperour of the Turkes had oportunitie to seaze vppon Constantinople and the other Prouinces . The same author in an other place saith thus . I will likewise rehearse the calamities that oppressed almost all Italie , as a punishment for the sinnes that therein rayned : which happened during the mortall deuisions betweene the Emperours and the Popes , when the names of Guelph and Gibeline were the markes of each faction . For so many mischiefes were there then committed , so much blood shed , so manytownes destroyed , and whole Countries layd wast , that whosoeuer shall reade the histories thereof cannot but meruaile . Then did there spring vp many pettie Tyrants in most townes , acknowledging no superiour , but leaning some to the Popes and some to the Emperours , exercising all cruelties against both friends and foes , vntill that Italie , rather wearied then satisfied with so many miseries , did after a long tyme take an other course . I will also repeate one domesticall example , namely the deuision betwéene the houses of Another historie which more neerely toucheth France , set downe at large in the French Anales . Burgundie and Orleance , which was so sharpe as it induced the English warres , which brought France to so lowe an ebbe that it was almost vtterly destroyed , yea it had dismembred the state into sundrie morcels , if Gods great goodnesse had not holpen . In the meane tyme for the space of fortie or fiftie yéeres it was made a pray : euery one seeking either to kéepe himselfe , or to encrease his owne power , either els to destroye his enemie . All publique force , mightinesse or iustice whereto men might haue recourse , being vtterly extinguished . To be briefe , it was a Countrie habandoned to euery one that could catch any part thereof , all which miseries doe warne vs that wee may yet happen to trye them once more . For straungers may see so good sport that they may fall vppon vs againe .

But it is farre more likely that our estate should incurre the other The extreme miserie of France , if once it come to dismember it self . dismembring whereof I haue spoken . And the reason is , because the French , being by nature fierce , and hating forraine bondage , will rather become subiect to it selfe , and so of this one great bodie make many péeces . For the assurance whereof , the vsurpers would put themselues into the protection of such of their neighbours as could most commodiously mainteyne them , and withall were most conformable to the opinions that they shall haue embraced . When I doe more néerely consider this , I finde no condition so miserable , disordered , and confused as ours : which being such would burie all iustice , lawfull authoritie , respect , feare , good maners and concorde , and to the contrary encrease all malepertnesse , ambition , trecherie , violence , Impietie , guile and sedition : And who could delight to liue among such stormes , vnlesse it were some barbarous minded person ? Among all these alterations I imagine some Prince to seaze vppon some one Prouince : some Lord vppon some Townes : some head Cities to conuert their Parliaments into Aristocratyes of some of their noblest and principall Citizens : and others to growe into Commonwelths . Among the Nobilitie also other sorts of Gouernements Oligarchiall or Monarchiall . One would become a prince ouer his owne Castles , an other a Tyrant ouer other mens . One quarter of the Countrie would growe into Cantons , an other commit it selfe to some warlike Capteyne , as for those that should at such a tyme finde themselues seazed of the strong holdes of the greater Townes , thinke whether they would haue any parte herein : All which diuersities of gouernments , humours and qualities of men must néedes bring in mortall warre and dissention , which would not bee ended while wee and our children were consumed .

Of these my spéeches some man might imagine that I presuppose Whether the Realme could subsist though such partialities should dismember it . that the royaltie should then bee as it were made voyde : because that so long as that remaineth in authoritie the aforesayd confusions can no way come néere vs . Truely my selfe would be as loath as any man that the same should bee so much as contemned : For sith wee haue liued 1100. yéeres vnder that gouernment , it were our partes to reuerence it , as a lawfull power ordeyned by God , whereto whosoeuer doth not voluntarily yéeld obedience , the same is guiltie before him . Besides that wee are to thinke no other gouernment more meete to guyde the French then that . But because the matter whereof I entreate doe leade me from bad causes to those worse effects that ensue , it hath also caused me to set downe such things as might happen , to the ende that imprinting in vs some feare , wee should endeuour so to behaue our selues as they might not come to passe . But if wee still perseuer any tyme in our imperfections and disorders , let vs not doubt but God will take away his good Angell from France , whereby wee shall see the royall dignitie disobeyed , and in small fauour with the subiects , and the same likewise exempt of all loue and humanitie toward them , which will bee the accomplishment of the desolations aforesayd . For the eschuing of which inconueniences , we ought most zealously to pray to God long to continue our King , and in him to encrease all true Pietie , Justice , wisedome , and affabilitie , graunting vs likewise to bee as affectionate toward him as were the Romaines to the good Emperours Traian and Titus : for if the Realm should fall vnto children , especially now that the lawes are out of force , Magistrates contemned , maners corrupt , hatred and ambition excessiue , it must needes be in great daunger .

Now let vs proceede to the remedies , and see whether there The last part of this discourse which entreateth of the remedies . be any so sufficient as to warrant vs from destruction . In my opinion there be some , if we can finde the way to take hold of them in tyme . For in this tempest wherein wee are tossed wee must not shrinke vp our shoulders and say , All is lost , but wee are valiantly to helpe one another . But to what remedies shall wee haue recourse ? To Philosophers rules ? Or to passed experience of such meanes as haue serued to vnderproppe this Realme when it hath bene shaken ? Either els to the politique counsailes of the wise that now liuing doe knowe our griefes ? For that were the way that wisedome would teach . Hereto I aunswer that wee may reape The first and principall poynt . profite out of all , but it is necessarie that wee beginne further of . In as much as wee see that for our transgressions God hath withdrawne his fauour from vs , it is requisite that wee appease him to the ende he may returne vs it againe , otherwise all humaine remedies are in vaine : for what power , wisedome , or counsaile is there that can alter any thing that he hath decréed against vs ? In the holy Scriptures wee haue a notable example of his mercie toward the Niniuites that were heathen people : for when his Example . wrath was kindled against them , and he had by the Prophet Ionas , to the ende to terrefie them , pronounced the sentence of their Ionas . 3. destruction , they were so touched to the quicke that their King and all the people hauing fasted , wept and prayed , and turned from their wicked way ; he withdrewe his plagues , which alreadie hung ouer their heads , & tooke them to mercie . How often did the Iewes féele his woonderfull compassions , when for their wickednesse and Another example . transgressions his scourges euen light vpon them ? When they and their Kings through true repentance turned vnto him , he tooke pitie of them & conuerted their pitifull estate into prosperitie . Wherof it followeth , that our soueraigne and onely meanes to auoyde these calamities that doe now assaile and threaten vs , is to imitate those whom I haue named . For as it is one great comfort , when a man knoweth that his griefe is not altogether incurable , and that there be meanes to heale him , much more doth it increase when he finddeth the same to bee easie . The same is in vs , and consisteth in knowledge , will , and execution , whereof euery one through holy perswasions and example of the greatest , may bee made capable : For when men shall see first the King , and then the Princes and such as are in authoritie either Ciuill or Ecclesiasticall , in earnest and without hypocrisie to make shewe as well generally as perticulerly that to God onely wée ought to haue recourse , and withall effectually to declare a hatred of vice & loue of vertue , embracing the politique vnion and eschuing discord , vndoubtedly the inferiors will studie to doe the like . But what will the Catholickes say : Obiection against the former remedie . Doe not wee what wee can to appease the wrath of God with solemne Processions , Pilgrimages , Fastings , Prayers and Offerings ? And the like may the Protestants say concerning their Prayers , Meditations , Abstinences , and singing of Psalmes and Himnes , wherewith they also endeuour to appease him . Undoubtedly we must bring more then the outward shewe vnto God , who Aunswe● being the searcher of the hearts doth see the clennesse or vnclennesse therein conteyned . But let vs heare the Prophet Esay and he will teach vs how wee ought to guyde our selues , in giuing to vs the same admonition that he gaue to the people of Israel . Marke the words of the Lord by his mouth . My soule , saith he , hateh your Esay . 〈◊〉 solemne feastes and sacrifices . When you shall lift vp your hands I will turne my eyes from you : and when you shall multiplie your prayers , I will not heare you , for your hands are full of blood . Wash you and bee cleane , take away the corruption of your thoughts out of my sight . Cease from doing euill and learne to doe good , seeke iudgement , helpe him that is oppressed , doe right to the fatherlesse , and defend the cause of the widow . Then come vnto me saith the Lord . Though your sinnes be as red as scarlet yet will I make them as white as snowe . Hereby it appeareth that wee must come sincerely vnto God and amend our liues in deede , if we will obteyne his blessings ; for to seeke to satisfie him with dissembling shewes , is the way to displease and prouoke him .

It may be there are some that will say , that to propound rules The second consideration of the first remedie afore mentioned , with an aunswer to those that call it a Paradoxe . of deuinitie for the reestablishing of Commonwelths , is no more but to set downe Paradoxes : but those men in my opinion are farre deceiued . For as Iustice , Wisedome , Fortitude , and Temperance are the strong pillers that vphold the state , so must wee thinke that Piety is the foote and foundation of them all : for if they be not fixed in this most woorthie vertue , they cannot but shake , because it is necessarie to begin the worke with such a foundation . Greater reason , then they , haue I to say that it is no Paradoxe , but rather a woonder that now in France there be so many that contemne those things which stirre vp to integritie of life and reuerence to God . At the least I am assured that there are many good men as well of the one side as of the other , which euen long after the reestablishment of good order and the preseruation of the estate , and will not reiect my opinion . Leauing therefore vnto those that haue farre more learning , cunning , and experience then my selfe , the propounding of more excellent matter that may serue to so good an ende , & contributing to this worke onely so much as I may , according to my small capacitie ; and through my conceiued feare least wee should fall into such daungers as threaten vs , I seeke in tyme to lay them open : because it is much easier to preuent such mischiefes as haue bene foreseene , then those that happen vnlooked for .

Hauing thus discoursed vpon the first and most healthsome remedie , Discourse vppon other necessarie remedies . I will proceede to speake of the rest which also are necessarie , and whereof the Philosophers haue made mention . Aristotle who had as good iudgement in pollicies as any other whosoeuer , doth generally say that if we can finde by what meanes estates are corrupted and decayed , wee shall also knowe the meanes whereby they may be clensed and preserued . Considering that of contrary causes doe proceede contrary effects , also that corruption is contrary to conseruation . Hereby may the simplest easilie knowe how to put this rule in practise . As for example : If the sale of Iudiciall Reformation of sundrie abuses propounded as it were by the way . offices doth breede the sale and peruerting of Iustice , then ought we to forbeare selling of them , and so to giue them freely to good men . If pompe , superfluous expences , and vnreasonable giftes haue for their maintenaunce inforced Princes to lay intollerable and vnsupportable tributes vppon their subiects , then must they moderate their affections , to the ende oppressions may cease . If impunitie of vice doth multiplie and encrease it , then must correction deminish it . Euen so is it in many other causes . Howbeit Aristotle to the ende the better to lay open this matter , propoundeth yet other meanes . As , that nothing be done contrary to lawe and custome , especially that mischiefes , how small soeuer , bee preuented in the beginning . That those that bee put in publique au●thoritie doe behaue themselues modestly , as well toward them that beare no sway in the Commonwelth , as to them that doe : in doing no iniurie vnto any , but liuing peaceably among the rest . That those vpon whom the safetie of the Commonwelth doe depend doe continually watch and stand vpon their guard , and many tymes giue cause of feare , to the end the Citizens may be the more readie and intentiue to doe whatsoeuer is meete for publique safetie . To beware that there happen no contention or debate betwene the mightie , also that others which are no partakers be preuented before they meddle . That by the lawes there be order taken that no man waxe too mightie . And that priuate persons frame their liues to that forme of gouernment whereto they be subiect . Many other rules there bee that helpe to this effect , which are to be seene in the fifth booke of this Philosophers Politiques , in the workes of Plutarke , and in other good authors ; for I haue here gathered together only those that first come to hand .

But if wee haue but our owne lawes and olde obseruations , yet That the remedies to restore France are easie . were the same so sufficient as we neede not to borowe any other , if we would put them in practize : Which if we doe not , then are all other remedies in vayne . The most singuler precept therefore that tendeth to the restoring of this estate , is to be willing to restore it . This doe I say because that within these fiue and twentie yeeres wee haue vsed so many practizes hereabout , that now wee thinke those to be but in iest that speake any thing in good earnest . Such procéedings must wee chaunge : for necessitie hauing taken place ( who prescribeth a law to the greatest ) we must now perforce do that which before of our own accord we would not . No man hath herein so great interest as his maiestie . For the state of his Realme being well reformed , himselfe shall bee better beloued and obeyed of his subiects : more mightie , ritch and quiet . As also it is he that may doe more then lawe , force , or any man whosoeuer . When he hath chosen what he will say or doe ( which the grace of God , his owne singuler wisedome wherewith he is adorned , and the aduise of the wise , may instruct him in ) it were a good precept that at the Court and in Paris ( which are the two lightes that ought to lighten all France ) order might be first throughly established , to the end all others might direct themselues according to these two most ritch presidents . So long as the citie of Rome kept her self sound , her inferiours florished in vertue , but when she came to be corrupt , the infection was spred all ouer . Yet minde I not hereby to inferre that all disorders haue their originall from the rulers , for many doo spring from the subiects : but it is to bee perceiued that some of the principall fetch their beginning from the principall persons , and so doe remaine .

There is yet an other soueraigne precept , without the which all The third remedie , which is most necessarie . the rest are to small purpose : and that is to seeke some meanes how to take order in the controuersies of Religion without force of armes . For vntil ciuill warre be banished , it is but a folly to speake of redresse , because the same worketh a greater breach in the countrie , in maners , in lawes and in men in sixe moneths , then may posbly bee repayred againe in sixe yéeres . Among other the fruites thereof this is one , That it hath engendred a million of Epicures and Libertines . Secondly , it hath made most part of the French nation so wilde , cruell and sauadge , that where they were before but shéepe , they haue now put on the shape of Tygers . These two reasons might fully suffise to perswade euery one that is possessed of any one sparke of conscience or charitie , to desire and wish that we might be brought into concord by fayre and peaceable meanes . For so long as discord holdeth our swords drawne , we doo nothing but establish a new Kingdome of Impietie , Iniustice , Crueltie and Theft , wherein many théeues and wicked persons do rise and grow ritch with the spoyle of the innocent , and glut themselues with blood . A man may truely say , that if all the French nation were deuided into sixe parts , wée should finde that fiue of them doe daylie mourne and pray to God to graunt peace vnto France , and a good politique redresse vntill an Ecclesiasticall may bee had : which disposition being in maner vniuersall , maketh the difficultie to attaine to that poynt a great deale the lesse . The ordinarie obiectiou hereto , is , that two Religions cannot possibly consist in one Commonwelth . And when we aske wherefore , it is annswered , because of their repugnancie , which bréedeth perpetuall contention . But I Aunswer to the obiection , That it is vnpossible for two Religions to consist in one commonwelth . would knowe of them whether vice and vertue , good and bad bée not also contraries , and yet we must not for the remedying thereof bring a whole Realme into dissention .

In the tyme of the good Emperours Constantine and Theodosius , also when the two holy Bishops Augustine & Ambrose florished in the worlde , were there not in the Romaine Empire both Pagans , Iewes , and Arrians , whom the true Christians were driuen to permit to liue after their owne rites and consciences , rather then for those contrarieties to kindle cruell warres and most ●●●lent persecutions ? Are wee more wise or mightie then those Emperours , or more holy and zealous then those holy Bishops ? I thinke wée had néede of a good Orator to perswade that . So that sith they haue so farre exceeded vs in perfection , wee are not to bée blamed though wée guyde our selues by their rule as well in matters of pollicie as of the Church . And notwithstanding vnder the Children of Constantine there chaunced some seditions and troubles for Religion , yet doth it appeare that the Arrians were euer the authors thereof : for the true Church hath sieldome bene seene to vse persecution . Which this excellent sentence of Augustine very well verefieth , that sayth . He that persecuteth is of the deuill , but he that is persecuted is of God . It is sayd that King Frances the first , when the Suitzers were at warre among themselues for Religion , counsailed them to appease such controuersies by modest conferences and gentle meanes ; which since they haue happely put in practise and sped well by it : for thereby haue they mainteyned concorde among themselues , and mightilie enriched their Countrie , and yet are become neuer the worse . This sole example might stoppe their mouthes that vpholde that fire and sworde must determine our debates , also that gentle meanes are vnprofitable . But I cannot thinke that such counsailes can procéede from any other then most cruell and hypocriticall mindes . To bée briefe , I thinke assuredly that if their Maiesties , their What the chiefe & principall members of the state may and ought to doe in the restauration thereof . Counsaile , the Princes and the Court of Parliament of Paris , would vnfainedly labour for a generall reconsiliation and redresse , notwithstanding whatsoeuer contrarietie , the same might easilie be brought to perfection . Are they to be restrayned by the authoritie of the Popes precepts , who by his Nuncios seeketh vncessantly to trouble France ? Must they feare the rage of some of the Clergie , that crye out , Kill , murder , haue no pitie vpon the Protestants our aduersaries ? Can the power of the Spanish Empire , ( which they haue prouoked out of season ) force them to sheath their French swords in the bowels of France ? Shall the feare and complaynts of the Protestants ( which are not without some ground ) so terrefie them that they shall desist ? Or may the secret practizes , which tend to stirring vp of great matters , feare them ? Truely all this should not let them from establishing the soueraigne law that bringeth health to al France which is the law of peace & concord . Only it is requisite the King be armed with his grandfathers magnanimitie to daunt all such as dare propound any pernitious Complois against the Commonwelth , as also to harten those that are desirous to say & do well . The Queene mother likewise is to remember that she rather than any , is able to fixe the nayle in the turning wheele of deuision , which would be to her life a Crowne of most excellent commendations . The Princes likewise must call to minde that domesticall power acchieued by a vertuous peace , is as assured and happie as that which is purchased with doubtfull and infortunate warre . This great Senate which maketh such account of fame , is to thinke that it shall lose the same that it hath obteyned , vnlesse it bring forth such excellent Senators as with pure hart and franke speech will freely vphold , as did our Cato , ( l'Hospitall ) publique equitie . But if to the contrary they shewe themselues obstinate and slacke in readinesse and labour , they shall be the first that shall feele by the contempt and disobedience of the inferiours , ( whom they haue suffered by warres and corruption to transforme themselues into barbarous conditions ) how great an ouersight it is , not to cut off , when they may , the way to such confusions as tende to the subuertion of the whole . A King by encreasing his dominion atchieueth great honor , but much greater doth he obteyne by vniting and clensing it when it is deuided and infected : for the first is compassed by force , the other by discretion . Such braue exploytes ( as worthie their greatnesse ) are to them reserued , to the end in the same to employe themselues . So did Charles the 7. to whom the reestablishing of good order and auncient customes in his Realme through wisedome , was no lesse glorie then was the recouerie thereof from the English nation , partly by force and partly by fortune .

Now , in case discord were banished from among vs , peace established , Meanes to confirme the state after that it is set vpright . and a good reformation begun , yet must wee ( as I thinke ) beware how wee reenter into any forraine warre but vppon either great necessitie , or a iust and good occasion , but rather to kéepe peace with our neighbours : for otherwise it is not possible to restore good maners and order . For so doe I imagine that in sixe yeeres it may be halfe reestablished , and in tenne altogether . Great and strong bodies that are well founded , and haue some good parts yet sound , doe rise vp againe as woonderfully as they were ouerthrowne . The chiefe is to begin well , for a good beginning is Reasons that should moue vs hereto . halfe the worke . Neither is there any doubt but God will prosper our endeuours when he seeth vs wel disposed to take away the euill & to restore that which is good . The feeling of our miseries ought sufficiencie to mooue vs , as also should the bad reputation whereto we are growen among all Christian nations , who now doe hate vs as much for the vices that they impute vnto vs , as in tyme past they commended vs for our vertues . Now they stand no longer vpon the reproouing of the French inconstancie and insolencie , as in tyme past : They passe on a great way further , yea so farre as all whatsoeuer disordinate or dissolute behauiour , whether in maners or in politique gouernment , is attributed thereto . This mightie kingdome which heretofore was the refuge of the oppressed , and a schoole of all learning and honestie , whether our bordering neighbours sent their youth to bee instructed , is now by them tearmed a denne of dissolution which they feare to come néere . Such as trauaile forraine Countries , can ( if they list to confesse it ) be good witnesses of the reproches wherewith we are taxed . Yea , which woorse is , often tymes the common voyce attributeth like imperfections both to the good and bad . I am ashamed to write what I haue heard , euen of such as are very modest , who spake rather of compassion then reproach . Let vs consider how many kingdomes haue through farre lesse disorders then ours bene destroyed . And sith God through his patience doth yet giue vs space to rise againe , let vs not let slippe occasion , but spéedely take hold thereof , least our ingratitude and negligence procure the taking of those remedies from vs which we may haue despised . In the meane tyme let vs not faint , for I suppose there is no Estate in Christendome , that yet hath better matter then we , but it is now so mixed together , as if a man should make a mangle of Diamonds , Rubies , Iron , Lead , Gold , Siluer , Marble , Brasill , Pearle , Corrall , Tyle and Slate . But each thing being reduced into order and applyed to his owne vse , the inferiour matter would serue to make most beautifull and excellent workes , wherein the superiour being gathered together and adioyned , would also shine as most ritch ornaments . God who hath preserued our auncestors from so many destructions , and giuen power and counsaile to our Kings in their greatest extremities , vouchsafe to defend vs from the mischiefes which threaten vs , and encrease the vertues of our King , and graunt him grace to be the restorer of his kingdome .