The True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus

THE TRUE PROPHECIES OR Prognoſtications OF Michael Noſtradamus, PHYSICIAN TO Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX.

KINGS of FRANCE And one of the beſt ASTRONOMERS that ever were.

A WORK full of CURIOSITY and LEARNING.

Tranſlated and Commented by THEOPHILUS GARENCIERES, Doctor in Phyſick Colleg. Lond.

LONDON, Printed, and are to be Sold by John Salusbury at the Sign of the Atlas in Cornhill, 1685.

To his moſt Honoured Friend NATHANIEL PARKER OF Grayes-Inne, Eſq THEOPHILUS de GARENCIERES, D. Med. Colleg. Lond.

Humbly Dedicateth this Book.

Namque erit ille mihi, &c. Virg EccI. 1.

TO THE Courteous Reader.

Reader,

BEfore thou goeſt on further to the peruſing of this Work, thou art humbly intreated by the Authour, to forgive him his Angliciſme; for being born a Forreigner, and having had no body to help him to the poliſhing of it, for ſeveral reaſons, it cannot be expected he ſhould pleaſe thine Ears, ſo much as he may perhaps do thy Fancy. Every Exotick Plant can hardly become Domeſtical under one or two Generations: Beſides that, the Crabbedneſs of the Original in his own Idiome, can ſcarce admit a Polite Eloquency in another. The very Antient Engliſh Language in this refined Age, is become both obſolete and unintelligible, as we may ſee in Chaucer, Gower, and others. If you adde to this, that the Authours Nation hath been alwayes famous for its Civility to thoſe that were Strangers to their Language, as not onely to abſtain from laughing at them when they ſpoke amiſs, but alſo in redreſſing them charitably to the beſt of their power. I may probably expect you will meaſure me with the ſame meaſure, as you would be if you were in my caſe.

As for the Errataes of the Preſs, I could not help them, being out of Town moſt part of the time that the Book was a Printing; when you meet with any, I hope your Charitable Pen will either mend or obliterate them, and not lay another mans fault upon me, who neither for pride nor oſtentation undertook this laborious Work, but that I might give ſome Satisfaction and Recreation to the Learned and Curious, who have had a longing for it ever ſince its Birth.

Farewell.

IN Explicatum à doctiſſimo ſagaciſſimoque Viro Domino De GARENCIERES FAMOSI Noſtradami Vaticinium.

Petrus Cotterean.

Aliud.

Idem.

Perenni Famae Doctiſſimi Viri Theophili de Garencieres Doctoris Medici Colleg. Lond. de Interpretatione NOSTRADAMI Fatidici Tetraſtichon hoc dicavit.

By the ſame, To the Author of this, and a more Excellent Work.

Petrus.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

READER,

BEfore I ſpeak any thing of the Author, or of his Works, I think it convenient to ſpeak ſomething of my ſelf, and of my intention in ſetting out this Tranſlation, with my Annotations.

The Reputation that this Book hath amongſt all the Europeans, ſince its firſt coming out, which was in the year 1555. and the curioſity that from time to time the learned have had to ſee the Myſteries contained in it, unfolded: is a ſufficient warrant for my undertaking.

Many better Pens (I confeſs) could have performed this work with better ſucceſs, but not with greater facility than I, having from my youth been converſant with thoſe that pretended or endeavered to know ſomething in it. Otherwiſe, it would have been impoſſible for a man of my profeſſion to wade through it. This Book was the firſt after my Primmer, wherein I did learn to read, it being then the Cuſtom in France, about the year 1618. to initiate Children by that Book; Firſt, becauſe of the crabbidneſs of the words; Secondly, that they might be acquainted with the old and abſolete French, ſuch as is now uſed in the Engliſh Law; and Thirdly, for the delightfulneſs and variety of the matter, ſo that this Book in thoſe days was printed every year like an Almanack, or a Primer for Children. From that time, without any other Study than reading of Hiſtory, and obſerving the events of the world, and converſing with thoſe that made it their Study, (ſome of which were like to run mad about it) I have attained to ſo much Knowledge, as to bring it into a Volume.

The Book is written in the Nature of Prophecies, digeſted into old French Verſes, moſt of which are very hard to be underſtood, and others impoſſible at all, whether the Author did affect obſcurity, or elſe wanted the faculty to expreſs himſelf, which is the cauſe that it could not be rendred into Engliſh Verſes, it being troubleſome enough to be underſtood in Proſe, as the Reader will find. That's the reaſon that I have tranſlated it almoſt word for word, to make it as plain as I could; as alſo becauſe the Reader (if curious of it) may benefit himſelf in the knowledge of the French Tongue, by comparing the Engliſh and French together. The reſt that can be ſaid upon this ſubject, you ſhall find either in the Authors Life, or in the Appology made for him.

And becauſe I have told you before, that many have been like to run mad by over-ſtudying theſe, and other Prophecies, give me leave to give you this advice, that in vain, or at leaſt without any great profit, thou ſhalt beſtow thy time, care, and ſtudy upon it: for which I will give thee the chief reaſons, that have diſſwaded me from it.

The firſt is, that the thing it ſelf, which you may think to underſtand, is not certain in it ſelf; becauſe the Author diſguiſeth it in ſeveral manners, ſometimes ſpeaking a double ſenſe, as that of the ancient Oracle.

Aio te Aeacida Rontanos vincere poſſe.

Which is to be underſtood two ways, and cannot be determinated, till the event of it be paſt.

It is true, that the Author doth mark ſo many particular Circumſtances, that when the thing is come to paſs, every one may clearly ſee that he pretended to Prophecie that particular thing. And beſides, he doth ſometimes deliver the thing in ſo obſcure terms, that without a peculiar Genius, it is almoſt impoſſible to underſtand it.

The ſecond is, that though the Prophecie be true in it ſelf, yet no body knoweth, neither the time, nor how: For example, he plainly foretelleth, that the Parliament of England ſhould put their King to death; nevertheleſs no body could tell, nor when, nor how, till the thing was come to paſs, nor what King it ſhould be, till we had ſeen it.

The third is, that he marketh the times with Aſtrological terms, viz when ſuch and ſuch Planets, ſhall be in ſuch and ſuch Signs; but as thoſe Planets are often here, and go out of it, and come there again no certain judgement can be made of it.

The fourth is, that many times he giveth ſome peculiar Circumſtances to thoſe he ſpeaketh of, which may be found in others: Thus the Royal first born might have been applied to Lewis the XIII. to Lewis the XIV. to the firſt born of Philip the II. and Philip the III. King of Spain, and to Kings of England, Father and Son. Nevertheleſs we find that this word Royal firſt born, was intended for Henry IV. Grandfather on his Mothers ſide, as we ſhall ſhew hereafter. This being ſo, it cannot be expounded, but after the event.

The fifth is, that the knowledge of future things, belongeth to God alone, and no body can pretend by any ſtudy, to have a certain acquiſition of it in all its Circumſtances.

The ſixth is, that the orders of Gods providence, which cauſe the ſeveral events in all States, will not permit that men ſhould have a publick notion of his deſigns, ſometimes he revealeth them to his Servants, or to ſome particular man as he pleaſeth, but he will not have them to be known among the common ſort of men.

The ſeventh, is the experience we have had or many, who pretending to underſtand the Author, have made a quantity of falſe Prophecies, expounding the Stanza's according to their fancy, as if God had given them the ſame underſtanding that he gave the Author, and what ought to confirm us more in this point, is, that they have expounded ſome Prophecies, as if they were to come to paſs, which were paſt already, by which we ſee the the darkneſs of humane wit, who without authority pretendeth to bite into the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

The eighth is, that this knowledge is no way profitable for the Vulgar; becauſe thoſe things being decreed by God, they ſhall come to paſs without forceing our liberty, nor hindering the contingency of ſublunary things, where we muſt obſerve that the Prophecies which were revealed to men, are many times conditional, as we ſee in that of Jona[•] againſt Ninive, but thoſe that they have left in writing for the times that ſhould come after them, are abſolutely true, and ſhall infallibly come to paſs, as they have foretold them. This no ways hindereth, but God may reveal ſome ſecrets of his to private men, for their benefit, and that of their friends, without imparting it to the Vulgar, who may be, ſhould laugh at them.

The ninth is, that God hath peculiarly reſerved to himſelf the knowledge of times. Daniel, by a ſpecial favour, knew the end of the Babylonian Captivity, and the time of the Meſſiah's birth, and yet the interpreters can ſcarce yet expound clearly the meaning of the ſeventy weeks of Daniel, and we ſee, that ſince 1600. years ago, holy men, from age to age, have foretold the proximity of Dooms-day, and the coming of Antichriſt.

The tenth is, that the foretelling of future things in this Author, is for the moſt part included in buſineſs of State, and one might beguilty of a criminal temerity, if he would diſcover things that concern us not, and the concealing of which, is commended by all prodent perſons, ſeeing that we owe reſpect, love, and ſubmiſſion, to thoſe that bear rule over us.

For theſe reaſons (dear Reader) I would not have thee intangle thy ſelf in the pretentions of knowing future things. If you have light concerning them, keep thine own ſecret, and make uſe of it for thy ſelf: Preſerve peace, and let the Almighty govern the World: for he can turn all things to his Glory, and may when he pleaſeth, raiſe up ſome Wits that will make known unto us, what we deſire, without any further trouble to our ſelves▪ Before I make an end, I cannot but acquaint thee for gratitude ſake, of my Obligation to ſeveral perſons, which have lent me Books, to help me towards the finiſhing of this work, as namely that worthy Gentleman, and the Honour of his profeſſion Mr. Francis Bernard, Apothecary to St. Bartholemews Hoſpital, and Mr. Philip Auberton Gentleman, belonging to the Right Honourable the Earl of Bridgwater.

Farewell.

THE LIFE OF Michael Noſtradamus, Phyſitian in Ordinary to HENRY the II. and CHARLES the IX. Kings of France.

MIchael Noſtradamus, the moſt renowned and famous Aſtrologer, that hath been theſe many Ages, was born in St. Remy, a Town of Provence, in the year 1503. upon a Thurſday, the 14th of December, about noon. His father was James Noſtradamus, a Notary of the ſaid Town, his Mother was Renata of St. Remy, whoſe Grandfathers by the Fathers and Mothers ſide, were men very skilfull, in Mathematick and Phyſick, one having been Phyſitian to Renatus, King of Jeruſalem, and Sictly, and Earl of Provence, and the other Phyſition to John, Duke of Calabria, Son to the ſaid Renatus, whence cometh that our Author ſaith in his Commentaries, that he hath received from hand to hand the Knowledge of Mathematicks, from his ancient Progenitors. After the death of his great Grandfather by the Mothers ſide, who firſt gave him a ſlight tincture, and made him in love with the Mathematicks, he was ſent to School to Avignon. After that he went to Mount Pelier, to ſtudy Philoſophy and Phyſick, till a great Plague coming, he was compelled to go to Narbonne, Thoulouſe, and Bourdeaux, where he firſt began to practiſe, being then about 22 years of age. Having lived four years in thoſe parts, he went back again to Monpelier, to get his degrees, which he did with a great deaal of applauſe. Going to Thoulouſe, he paſt through Agen, where Julius Caeſar Scaliger ſtayed him, with whom he was very familiar and intimately acquainted, though they fell out afterward; there he took to wife a very honourable Gentlewoman, by whom he had two Children, a Son and a Daughter, all which being dead, and ſeeing himſel[•] alone, he reſolved to retire himſelf into Provence his Native Countrey. After he had gone to Marſcille, he went to Aix, where the Pa[•]liament of Provence ſitteth, and was there kept three years at the City Charges; becauſe of the violent Plague that raged then in the year 1546. as you may read in the Lord of Launay's Book, called the Theater of the World, who deſcribeth that Plague according to the informations our Author gave him. Thence he went to Salon de Craux, a City diſtant from Aix one dayes Journey, and in the middle way between Avignon and Marſeille; there he Married his ſecond Wife Anna Ponce Genelle, by whom he had three Sons and one Daughter, the eldeſt was Michael Noſtradamus, who hath written ſome pieces of Aſtrology, Printed at Paris in the year 1563.

The ſecond was Caeſar Noſtradamus, who hath deſerved to be numbred among the French Hiſtorians, by reaſon of the great Volume be hath written of Provence.

The third was a Capuchine Frier. Caeſar did inſert in his Hiſtory the propagation of that Order in Provence. The fourth was a Daughter.

Noſtradamus having found by experience that the perfect knowledge of Phyſick dependeth from that of Aſtrology, he addicted himſelf to it, and as this science wanteth no allurement, and that beſides his Genius he had a peculiar diſpoſition and inclination to it; he made ſuch a progreſs in it, that he hath deſerved the Title of the moſt illuſtrious one in France, inſomuch that making ſome Almanacks for recreation ſake, he did ſo admirably hit the conjuncture of events, that he was ſought for far and near.

This ſucceſs was the cauſe of an extraordinary diminution of his fame; for the Printers and Bookſellers ſeeing his ſame, did print and vent abundance of falſe Almanacks under his name for lucre ſake, whence it came that his reputation ſuffered by it, and was the cauſe that the Lord Pavillon wrote againſt him, and that the Poet Jodele made this bitter Diſtichon.

Noſtra damus cum falſa damus, nam fallere noſtrumeſt,

Et cum falſa damus, nil niſi Noſtra damus.

To which may be anſwered.

Noſtra damus cum verba damus quae Noſtradamus dat,

Nam quacunque dedit nil niſi vera dedit.

Or thus

Vera damus cum verba damus quae Noſtradamus dat,

Sed cum Noſtra damus, nil niſi falſa damus.

Nevertheleſs the Beams of Truth did ſhine through the Clouds of Calumny; for he was ſingularly eſteemed of by the Grandees, Queen Katharine of Medicis, who had a natural inclination to know furture things.

And Henry the II King of France, who ſent for him to come to the Court in the year 1556. and having had private conference with him about things of great concernment, ſent him honourably back again with many gifts. He went from Salon to the Court upon the 14 of July in the year 1555. and came to Paris upon the 15 of Auguſt. Aſſoon as he was come to Town, the Lord Conſtable of Montmorency went to ſee him at his Inn, and preſented him to the King, who received him with much ſatisfaction, and commanded that his lodging ſhould be at the Palace of the Cardinal of Bourbon Archbiſhop of Sens.

There he was taken with the Gout for ten or twelve days, after which his Majeſty ſent him one hundred Crowns in Gold in a Velvet Purſe, and the Queen as much. Their Majeſties deſired him to go to Blios to ſee the Princes their Children, and to tell them his opinion of them. It is certain that he did not tell them what he thought, conſidering the Tragical end of thoſe three Princes, viz. Francis the II. Charles the IX. and Henry the III.

Having been ſo much honoured at Court, he went back again to Salon, where he made an end of his laſt Centuries, two years after he dedicated them to the King Henry the II. in the year 1557. and in his Luminary Epiſtle diſcovereth unto him the future events that ſhall happen from the Birth of Lewis the XIV. now Reigning, till the coming of Antichriſt.

While he was at Salon he received there the Duke of Savoy, and the Lady Margaret of France, Siſter to Henry the II. who was to Marry the ſaid Duke according to the treaty of the general Peace made at Cambreſis, both entertained him very familiarly, and honoured him often with their preſence. The Duke came in October and the Lady in December.

When Charles the IX. went a progreſs through his Kingdom, he came into Provence, and did fail not to go to Salon to viſit our Author, who in the name of the Town went to ſalute him, and make a Speech, this was in the year 1564. the 17 of November.

The extraordinary ſatisfaction that the King and the Queen Mother received from him was ſuch, that being both at Lion, they ſent for him again, and the King gave him 200 Crowns in Gold, and the Queen almoſt as much, with the quality of Phyſician in Ordinary to the King, with the Salaries and profits thereunto appertaining. Being come back to Salon he lived about 16 Months longer, and died upon the 2 of July 1566. in his Climacterical year of 63. having all his Senſes about him: His Diſeaſe was a Gout at firſt, which turned into a Dropſie; the time of his death it ſeemeth was known to him; for a friend of his witneſſeth, that at the end of June in the ſaid year he had writen with his own hand upon the Ephemerides of John Stavius thoſe Latine words, Hic prope mors eſt; that is, near here is my death, and the day before his death that friend of his having waited on him till very late took his leave, ſaying, I ſhall ſee you again to morrow morning, you ſhall not ſee me alive when the Sun riſeth, which proved true. He died a Roman Catholick, having received all his Sacraments, and was ſolemnly buried in the Church of the Franciſcan Friers at Salon, on the left hand of the Church door, where his Widow erected him a Marble Table faſtened in the Wall with this Epitaph, with his Figure to the Life, and his Arms above it.

The Inſcription of his EPITAPH is in imitation of that of Titus Livius, and is thus.

D. M.

Oſſa clariſſimi Michaelis Noſtradami, unius omnium pene mortalium digni, cujus Divino calamo totius Orbis ex aſtrorum influxu futuri eventus conſcriberentur. Vixit annos LXII. menſes VI. dies X. Obiit. Salonae CI[•] I[•]LXVI. Anna Pontia Gemella, conjugi optimo. V. E.

Which may be rendred thus:

Here lies the Bones of the moſt famous Noſtradamus, one who among Men hath deſerved by the opinion of all, to ſet down in writting with a Quill almoſt Divine, the future Events of all the Univerſe, cauſed by the Coeleſtial influences; he lived 62 years 6. Months and 10. days, he died at Salon, in the year 1566.

O Poſterity do not grudge at his reſt.

Anna Pontia Gemella wiſheth to her moſt loving Husband the true Happineſs.

He had a Brother named John Noſtradamus, famous for ſeveral Works that he hath witten, the Catalogue of which is in the Book of Mr. du Maine de la Croix, Intitled, the Library.

As for our our Author, he hath left ſeveral Works, among which is a Book of Receits, for the preſervation of health, Printed at Poitiers, in the year 1556.

Another concerning the means of beautifying the Face and the Body, that was Printed at Antwerp by Plantin in the year 1557. which he Dedicated to his Brother John Noſtradamus, an Attorney at the Parliament of Aix.

Beſides this, he Tranſlated from Latine into French the Paraphaſes of Galen, upon the Exhortation of Menedotus, which was Printed at Lyon by Antony du Rhoſne, in the year 1557.

But before we conclude, it will not be amiſs to give ſome recreation to the Reader, by relating a merry paſſage that happened to Noſtradamus being in Lorrain, for being in the Caſtle of Faim, belonging to the Lord of Florinville, and having in cure the Mother of the ſaid Lord; it chanced one day that they both walking in the Yard, there was two little Piggs, one white, and the other black, whereupon the Lord enquired of Noſtradamus in jeſt, what ſhould become of theſe two Piggs? he anſwered preſently, we ſhall eat the black, and the Wolf ſhall eat the white.

The Lord Florinville intending to make him a Lyar, did ſecretly command the Cook to dreſs the white for Supper; the Cook then killed the white, dreſt it, and ſpitted it ready to be roſted when it ſhould be time; In the mean time having ſome buſineſs out of the Kitchin, a young tame Wolf came in, and eat up the Buttocks of the white Pig, that was ready to be roſted; the Cook coming in the mean time, and fearing leaſt his Maſter ſhould be angry, took the black one, killed it, and dreſt it, and offered it at Supper. Then the Lord thinking he had got the Victory, not knowing what was befallen, ſaid to Noſtradamus, well Sir, we are eating now the white Pigg, and the Wolf ſhall not touch it. I do not believe it (ſaid Noſtradamus) it is the black one that is upon the Table. Preſently the Cook was ſent for, who confeſſed the accident, the relation of which was as pleaſing to them as any meat.

In the ſame Caſtle of Faim, he told many that in a little Hill that was near the Caſtle, there was a Treaſure hidden, which ſhould never be found, if it were ſought with deſign, but that it ſhould be diſcovered when the Hill ſhould be digged for ſome other intent. There is a great probability in this prediction, for there was an ancient Temple built upon it, and when they dig there, many times ſeveral Antiquities are found. All France telleth ſeveral Hiſtories foretold by the Author, but I am unwilling to write any thing without good warrant. His Stanza's are ſufficient to prove the extraordinary Talent he had in foretelling future things.

APOLOGY FOR Michael Noſtradamus.

CHAP. I.

IT is not unuſual for Calumny to follow the beſt Wits, and thoſe whom God hath endowed with ſo extraordinary Talent, upon weak and ſlight grounds. It is not alſo unuſual for Men to ſide eaſier with calumny againſt innocent perſons, then with thoſe truths that juſtifie them; therefore no body ought to wonder, if Michael Noſtradamus hath been ſo much cried down and defamed by ſeveral Authors, being in the number of thoſe extraordinary perſons, whom God had priviledged with that grace ſo much deſired by curious Men, viz. the knowledge of Future events.

Beſides that, there was four things in him, which might have been the grounds of this diffamation.

The firſt was the vulgar life which he led in the Roman Catholik Religion, which ſeemed to bear no proportion with ſuch an extraordinary favour of God.

The ſecond was his application to judicial Aſtrology, which is condemned by many learned Men, and deteſted by thoſe that pretend to ignorant devotion.

The third was a ſuſpition brought by his enemies, and many devout perſons in his time, that he was a Negromancer, and had ſamiliarity with the Augel of darkneſs.

The fourth was the obſcurity of his Stanza's, which was made worſe by the enormous faults of thoſe that firſt Copied them, and by the careleſneſs of the Printers.

CHAP. II.

How the firſt Objection hath cauſed the Author to be reputed a falſe Prophet.

IN conſequence of the firſt Objection, calumny hath endeavoured to place him among the falſe Prophers, becauſe ſcarce any body can perſuade himſelf, that there being among the Faithful ſo many Illuſtrious perſons in Holineſs and Learning, the Holy Ghoſt would have made choice of a common perſon, and to reveal him ſo many rare ſecrets, concerning the future Eſtate of his Church, and of thoſe Kingdoms that acknowledge her for their Mother, ſeeing that the Holy Scriptures ſhew us, that the knowledge of future things (chiefly if it be extraordinary in its extent) is a ſpecial Priviledge wherewith God honoureth his moſt faithful Servants.

And to ſay truth, when the Holy Fathers and the Interpreters of the Scripture ſpeak of the Prerogatives of the Apoſtle St. John, they make the chiefeſt to be that by which being full of Prophetical Spirit, he foretold the future Eſtate of the Church; and in the Old Teſtament, ſo many Prophets were ſo many Miracles and Prodigies of Holineſs, and the only name of Prophet in the Scripture is the moſt glorious Title that is given to thoſe that were Gods moſt faithful Servants.

If we find in the Scripture that Balaam hath Propheſied notwithſtanding his perſidiouſneſs, and that the High Prieſt Cai[•]phas, notwithſtanding his wicked deſign of murdering Chriſt, hath alſo Propheſied; it was only for a few things, and in ſuch caſes where God would ſingularly ſhew forth his Glory, by thoſe that would have ſmothered it.

How can we then believe the ſame of Noſtradamus, who had not ſo much as an extraordinary atom of Chriſtian piety, by which he might have been ſo much priviledg'd of God, as to know by his Divine Light the future Eſtate of the Church, her Perſecutions and her Victories from the year 1555. to the end of the World.

Can it be poſſible that a Phyſician, an Aſtrologer, and one of the common ſort of people ſhould have been choſen of God among ſo many thouſands his betters, to impart unto him thoſe Graces, which have been the reward of the purity and holineſs of his Apoſtles, and of the faithfulneſs of St. John the Evangeliſt.

This ſeemeth altogether improbable to Chriſtian piety.

CHAP. III.

The ſecond Objection hath ranked the Author among Dreamers and falſe Viſionaries.

Some are more moderate in the cenſuring of this Author, and being unwilling to call him maliciouſly a falſe Prophet, would have him to be a fooliſh Dreamer, who believed his own imaginations, and took pleaſure in his own fancies, whence came that Latine Diſtick of the Poet Jodelle,

Noſtra damus cum falſa damus, nam fallere noſtrum eſt,

Et cum falſa damus, nil niſi Noſtra damus.

This Diſtick was ſo pleaſing to the Wits of the times, that without further inquiry, ſince that time Noſtradamus went for a Dreamer and a doting fool.

This opinion increaſed more and more by his making of many Almanacks, wherein every body may ſee how much he was taken with judicial Aſtrology; and we ſee often in his Stanza's the deciſion of the times, by the conjunction of the Planets with the Signs, and by the Eclipſes, whence ſometimes he doth infer ſome events that were to happen.

But what did undo him moſt, was the covetouſneſs of the Printers and Bookſellers of his time, who ſeeing his Almanacks ſo well received, did ſet forth a thouſand others under his name, that were full of lies and fopperies.

From that time the Author went for one of thoſe poor Aſtrologers, who get their living by foretelling abſurdities; and pretend to read in the Heavens, that which is only in their fooliſh imagination.

CHAP. IV.

The third Objection accuſeth the Author of medling with the black Art, of being a Negromancers and a Diſciple of the Devil.

IF the precedents have been moderate in their cenſure; others have been more ſevere in delivering their opinion, accuſing him to have kept acquaintance with the Devil, as the Negromancers and other Preſtigiators of the ancient times did.

The reaſon that made them think ſo is, that ſeeing ſo many things come to paſs; juſt as the Author had foretold; they could not attribute it to the knowledge of judicial Aſtrology, nor to Divine Revelation, and conſequently concluded, that it muſt of neceſſity come from Satan.

They could not attribute it to judicial Aſtrology, either becauſe they had no opinion of it, or that the greateſt defenſors of that Aſtrology do agree among themſelves, that it cannot reach ſo far as to foretell a thouſand peculiar circumſtances; which depend purely from the freedom of Men, ſuch as proper names are, and the like, which nevertheleſs our Author did foretell.

They could neither attribute it to Divine Revelation, for the reaſons alledged in the firſt objection; moreover, becauſe he was accuſed of a thouſand falſities and ſopperies, Printed in thoſe Almanacks that went falſly under his name, whence they concluded that it could not come by Divine Revelation, ſeeing that the Holy Ghoſt is the Spirit of Truth.

It followeth then (ſay they) that it muſt come from the Devil, by the help of the Black Art; the Lord Florimond de Raimond a very conſiderable Author, was of that opinion in his Book of the Birth of Hereſies, Chap. 3.

CHAP. V.

The fourth Objection maketh him the Head of thoſe Seductors and Impoſtors, which are dangerous in a Common-wealth.

AS Fame doth increaſe by continuation of time, ſo doth calumny increaſe by the multiplicity of opinions, ſhe was not contented to deflour ſlightly the Authors reputation, by making him paſs for ſome ſottiſh Dreamer, and to rank him amongſt the falſe Prophets, by accuſing him to meddle with the black Art, but muſt needs alſo ſacrifice him to the infernal Furies, by making him the Prince of Seductors and Impoſtors, that ought to be baniſhed out of every Common-wealth. The fondamental reaſon of this was the obſcurity of his Stanza's, where there was neither rime nor reaſon; the obſcurity did proceed of abundance of groſs fau ts, which the Copiſters and Printers have inſerted in them, from the omiſſion of ſeveral words, from the changing and altering of others, and from the addition of ſome others, which did deſtroy the ſenſe.

From this great obſcurity, calumny draweth this argument, to ruine utterly the Author, charging him to be all at once a falſe Prophet, a dotiſh Dreamer, a Magician, and an infamous Seductor of people.

If God had inſpired him what he hath written, he would have done it for the good of his Church and true Believers, ſeeing he never granteth this Prophetical Grace to any, but to that end as it appeareth in the Holy Scriptures.

This being ſo, what profit can any body draw from him, if the ſenſe of his Stanza's be ſo obſcure, as not to be underſtood? and although it ſhould be granted, that ſome accidens that have happened in Chriſtendom, may ſometimes he found in his Prophecies, what fruit hath the Church reaped of it, ſeeing that thoſe accidents that were foretold, were never known, till they had come to paſs, and that there was no avoiding of them?

It cannot therefore be believed, that God ſhould have been the Author of his Predictions, but rather the ſubtle Spirit of Satan, with whom he was acquainted by ſuch like black Arts.

According to thoſe four Objections, the Lord Sponde in the third Volume of his Annals, made him this Epitaph in the year 1566. Mort[•]us eſt hoc anno nugax ille toto orbe famoſus Michael Noſtradamus, qui ſe pr[•]ſcium & praeſagum eventuum futurorum per aſtrorum influxum venditavit, ſub cujus deincept nomine quivis homines ingenioſiſuas [•]ujuſmodi cogitationes protendere conſueveruent, in quem valde appoſite luſit qui dixit. Noſtra damus cum falſa damus, &c. In Engliſh. In the year 1566. died that Tri[•]ler ſo famous through all the World, Michael Noſtradamus who boaſted while he lived, to know and foretell future things, by the knowledge he had of the influences of the Planets, under whoſe name afterwards many ingenious Men have vented their Imaginations, inſomuch, that he that made that Diſtick, Noſtra damus cum falſa d[•]mus, &c. ſeemeth to have very well ſaid.

CHAP. IV.

Proofs ſetting forth evidently that Noſtradamus was enlightned by the Holy Ghoſt.

IN conſequence of theſe objections forged by calumny, Noſtradamus name hath been ſo c[•]ied down, that I have thought me ſelf oblidged to make his Apology, to give the greater credit to his Prophecy, the expoſition of which I do here undertake, and to proove, that effectually he was enlightned by the Holy Ghoſt: firſt, by writting the Hiſtory of his Life, as I have done in he beginning of this Book; Secondly, by anſwering to all the ſaid Objections; Thirdly, by alledging the Elogies given him by ſeveral Grave and Authentical Authors.

Firſt, I maintain that he was enlightned by the Holy Ghoſt, by an unanſwerable reaſon, drawn out the Theology, but before we diſcourſe of it, let us ſuppoſe that Noſtradamus hath foretold many things, which abſolutely depends from the free will of men, and cannot be known, neither by judicial Aſtrology, nor by Satan himſelf, ſuch are for exemple the proper names of Perſons, which nevertheleſs he doth in his Prophecies.

He nameth the Lord of Monluc, the Sprightful Gaſcon, the Captain Charry, his Camerade, the Lord de [•]a Mole, Admiral of Henry the II. Galleys, Entragues, who was beheaded by order of Lewis the XIII. the Headſman of the Duke of Montmorency, named Clerepegne; the Baſſa Sinan, deſtroyer of Hungary; the Murderer of Henry the III. named Clement; the Attorney David, the Captain Ampus; the Mayor of the City of Puy in Gelay, named Rouſſeau, under Henry the IV. Lewis Prince of Condé, under Francis II. Sixtus V. calling him the Son of Hamont; Gabrielle d'Eſtrie; the Lord Mutonis ſent to Paris by thoſe of [•]ix, under Charles the IX. the Lord Chancellor of France, named An[•]ony de Soudis; the Queen Leuiſe: Antony of Portugal: the Governour of Cazal under Henry II.

Secondly, The number of things is of the ſame nature: Noſtradamus doth often calculate it; he reckoneth fourteen Confederates for the ſervice of Henry IV. in the City of Puy: ten great Ships proſecuting extreamly the Admiral in the Battle of Lepanto: five Ships taken from the Spaniard by thoſe of Diepe, under Henry II. nine hundred thouſands Mores that went out of Spain under Henry IV. three hundred and fifty thouſands killed under Charles IX. and Henry III. three ſaved at the taking of a Town in Hungary by the Turks: nine ſeparated from the company of Seditious, that were to be put to death, three Princes of Turky Maſſacred, and the fourth being the youngeſt ſaved; thirty Conſpirators upon London Bridge, againſt the Majeſty of King Charles I. and ſuch like.

Thirdly, We find in theſe Prophecies, the Prodigies that have no other cauſes in nature, then the meer will of God; ſuch as Comets are, the caſting of monſtrous Fiſhes by the Sea upon the Land, the Armies in the Air, the ſpeaking of Dogs, the birth of Monſters, and ſuch like.

Fourthtly, We find in thoſe Prophecies thoſe actions that are purely indifferent; for example, that the King of England did appear upon a Scaffold without his Doublet; that in the place where he was beheaded, another man had been killed three days before; that Libertat went a Hunting with a Greyhond, and a Blood-hond; that the two little Royals were conducted to St. Germain, rather then to any other place, and ſuch like.

Fifthly, We find the Birth of ſeveral particular perſons that were born after his death.

Sixthly, The Governments of Places given by the free will of Kings to ſuch and ſuch.

All theſe things cannot be known by judicial Aſtrology, ſeeing that in Heaven there is neither Names, nor Numbers nor extraordinary Prodigies: ſeeing alſo that judicial Aſtrology preſuppoſeth the Birth of perſons, that one may foretel their future actions; the ſame things are alſo unknown to Satan, for the Angelical ſpecies know nothing of individual things, but under the notion of poſſible, and not of future.

Whence I conclude with this irrefragable Argument, that the Author hath known many ſeveral things that are not written in the Heavenly Book, nor repreſented to him by Angelical Species, therefore he hath known them from God himſelf.

The Author himſelf in his Epiſtle to his Son Caeſar Noſtradamus confeſſeth, that he hath foretold many things by Divine Virtue and Inſpiration.

And a little after he ſaith, that the knowledge of thoſe things, which meerly depends from free will, cannot be had either by humane auguries, nor by any other humane knowledge, nor by any ſecret virtue that belongeth to ſublunary things, but only by a Light, belonging to the Order of Eternity.

This is not a ſmall Argument, to confirm what we have ſaid, and to prove that the Author hath evidently been conſcious, that his knowledge came from Heaven, and that Gods goodneſs did him that grace; for having rejected and abhorred other means, that Impoſtors make uſe of for foretelling ſomething.

He writteth all theſe things of himſelf: Firſt, in his Liminary Epiſtle to his Son Caeſar, he conjureth him, that when he ſhould go about to ſtudy the foretelling of future things by Aſtrology, to avoid all kind of Magick, prohibited by the Holy Scripture, and the Canons of the Church; and to encourage him the more to it, he relateth what happened to him, viz. that having been Divinely enlightned, and fully perſuaded that God only can give the knowledge of future things, which abſolutely depends of the free will of men, he did burn abundance of Writings, wherein was taught the Art of Prophecying, and as they were a burning, there came out a great flame, which was like (he thought) to burn his Houſe all to aſhes, by which accident he underſtood the falſity of ſuch Writings, and that the Devil was vexed to ſee his plots diſcovered; beſides that, he confeſleth that being the greateſt Sinner of the World, nevertheleſs he got that favour from Heaven by a Divine Inſpiration; and becauſe no body ſhould doubt of it, he learnedly expoundeth wherein conſiſteth that inſpired Revelation, he faith that it is, A participation of the Eternal Divinity, by which we come to judge of what the Holy Ghoſt imparteth to us; by that participation of Eternity, the Author doth not underſtand a communication of the continuance of the Divine being, but a participation of the Divine knowledge, meaſured by its Eternity, as the Schools terms it.

Effectively, the Author compareth this participation to a gliſtering flame, which createth a new day in our underſtanding, which flame proceeding from Gods infinite knowledge, who ſeeth and comprehendeth what is Eternity, doth impart unto us what is incloſed in the volubility of the Heavens.

After this teſtimony, which wholly deſtroyeth the Siniſter opinions that men had of his Prophecies, he ſheweth how Judicial Aſtrology may agree with the knowledge of that which proceedeth from a Prophetical Spirit.

It is true, faith he, that ſometimes God imparteth this Light not only to the unlearned, and to his Holy Prophets, but alſo to thoſe that are verſed in Judicial Aſtrology, making that inſtrumental for the confirmation of his inſpired truths: As we ſee that natural Sciences, help the light of the Faith, and make a certain diſpoſition in the mind fitter then ordinary, to receive thoſe Divine impreſſions.

Thus (ſaith he) in the beginning of the Epiſtle, God did ſupernaturaly inſpire me, not by any Bacchick fury, nor by Lymphatical motions, as he did the Sybilles; but by Aſtronomical aſſertions; that is to ſay, that God gave him that grace, not by any Extaſy, but by ſtudying thoſe rules, which Aſtrology teacheth.

The ſame things he ſaith again a little after in this manner: the Aſtrologer being in his Study, and conſulting the Aſtronomical Rules upon the motions of the Heavens, the Conjunction and ſeveral Aſpects of the Planets, he gueſſeth at ſome future events, of which being not certain, this Divine Light riſeth in his mind, and imparteth clearly to him what he knew before, only Aenigmatically and obſcurely, and in the ſhade of that natural light.

Sometimes alſo (ſaith he) this Light cometh the firſt into the Aſtrologers mind, and he afterwards comparing the thing revealed unto him with the Aſtronomical rules, he ſeeth that they do wholly agree together; and this is the method that he hath made uſe of, to know whether the inſpired truths were agreeing with the Aſtronomical Calculations; a method that he hath made uſe of ſome times, but not always, for he hath foretold many things, which he could not read in the Heavens.

By theſe teſtimonies of the Author himſelf, every one may ſee how he made uſe of Judicial Aſtrology, and wherefore he ſtudied it ſo much; how far his knowledge did extend; the glory he giveth to God alone, for his Prophetical knowledge; what horrour he hath always had againſt unlawful means to attain unto it; how much he did value that Grace, conſidering his unworthineſs; and the manner how the Lord was pleaſed to gratifie him.

CHAP. VII.

Anſwer to the firſt Objection againſt Noſtradamus, which pretendeth to rank him among the falſe Prophets.

LEt us ſee now what calumny pretendeth for the obſcuring this Prophet of our days; the knowledge of future things (ſaith ſhe) is a priviledge belonging to the Saints, and to thoſe whom God hath endewed with an eminent vertue. I acknowledge, it is ſo commonly, and in the ordinary way of Grace, but if God be pleaſed to impart that priviledge to thoſe that have not attained to that Degree of Holineſs, and that it really appeareth by the reaſons of Theologie, that they have been gratified with it, we are bound to admire his Royal bounty, which giveth when, and to whom he pleaſeth: for example, no body deſerveth to be a Marſhal of France, but he that hath been in ſeveral Battles, and at the taking of many Towns; but if the King be pleaſed to honour with that Dignity a Gentleman that never Warred but againſt the Deer, the Kings goodneſs is to be praiſed, which extendeth even to thoſe that have not deſerved it; it is the ſame reaſon here, it is viſibly apparent that Noſtradamus hath been enlightned by the Holy Ghoſt, and yet he hath not imitated the lifes of thoſe great Saints of the Church: what can be inferred from thence, but that it was Gods pleaſure to extend his bounty upon his poor Creatures, which is eaſie to be granted in this point, becauſe the gift of Prophecy is not a ſanctifying Grace, but a ſupernatural gift, of which a ſinner is capable of, as we ſee in Balaam, Caiaphas, and the Sybilles, and much more in a Chriſtian, who obſerveth Gods Commandments, and endeavoureth to keep himſelf in his Grace.

But (ſaith calumny) Chriſtian piety ſeemeth to be repugnant to this Divine diſpoſition, ſeeing that in Noſtradamus time, there were thouſands in the Church of God that were capable of this favour, and to prefer to them a Phyſitian, an Aſtrologer, and an Almanack-maker, is a thing that the Wits cannot apprehend ſo well, as to frame a good opinion for this Author.

Hold there Reader, do not enter into the Sanctuary of Gods ſecret Judgements, you ſhould looſe you ſelf, and never find the way out: how many ſuch queſtions might I ask you? why did God in former times chuſe the Family and perſon of David, and preferred it to ſo many others of the Children of Iſrael: why did Chriſt raiſe Judas to the dignity of an Apoſtle, preferring him before Nathaniel, and ſo many others that lived Holily.

Bring therefore no more ſuch queſtions, but ſay with the Scripture, As it pleaſed the Lord, ſo it was done: I will nevertheleſs give you ſome ſatisfaction in that point. There was two things in the Author which might have procured that bleſſing from God.

The firſt is, that having in his poſſeſſion thoſe writtings which promiſed the knowledge of future things, to which he was much inclined, he ſlighted and burnt them, being perſuaded that God alone was the Author of this Grace; I do eſteem that action very Heroical in its circumſtance, becauſe being inticed by a vehement curioſity to know future things, and having in his hand the means that opened the way to it, he did Sacrifice them to God, for which perhaps God was willing to gratifie him with this favour.

The ſecond thing that was in Noſtradamus is, that he had naturally a Genius for the knowing of future things, as himſelf confeſſeth in two Epiſtles to King Henry the II. and to Caeſar his own Son, and beſides that Genius, the knowledge of Aſtrology, did ſmooth him the way to diſcover many future events. Having thoſe two things, he had a greater diſpoſition then others to receive thoſe Supernatural Lights; and as God is pleaſed to work ſweetly in his Creatures, and to give ſome forerunning diſpoſitions to thoſe Graces he intendeth to beſtow, it ſeemeth that to that purpoſe he did chuſe our Author to reveal him ſo many wonderful ſecrets.

We ſee every day that God in the diſtributing of his Graces carrieth himſelf towards us, according to our humours and natural inclinations, he employeth thoſe that have a generous and Martial heart for the defence of his Church and the deſtruction of Tyrants; he leadeth thoſe of a melancholick humour into Colledges and Cloiſters, and cheriſheth tenderly, thoſe that are of meek and mild diſpoſition; even ſo, ſeeing Noſtradamus inclined to this kind of knowledge, he gave him in a great meaſure the grace of it.

CHAP. VIII.

Anſwer to the ſecond Objection, which would have him paſs for a Doctor.

WE ſhall not have much to ſay to theſe more moderate perſons, ſeeing that we have already given the reaſon of it, viz. the covetouſneſs of the Bookſellers and Printers, who made uſe of the Authors name, for the better ſale of their falſe Almanacks, therefore if Jodelle the Poet grounded upon this opinion, made that Satyrical Diſtick.

Noſtra damus cum falſa damus, nam fallere noſtrumeſt,

Et cum falſa damus, nil niſi Noſtra damus.

We anſwer him,

Noſtra damus cum verba damus quae Noſtradamus dat,

Nam quacumque dedit nil niſi vera dedit.

Or thus

Vera damus cum verba damus quae Noſtradamus dat,

Sed cum Noſtra damus, nil niſi falſa damus.

CHAP. IX.

Anſwer to the third Objection, which accuſeth him of the Black Art, and of Negromancy.

THe more doth Calumny lift up her ſelf againſt this great man, the weaker are her arguments, like the ſmoke which is ſo much the eaſier diſſipated, as it aſcendeth higher.

Her reaſon is impertinent in this diſtrubutive argument, he hath known thoſe things (ſaith ſhe) which he could not know by the Planets, and he had them not from God, therefore he had them from Satan.

And we anſwer this argument in the ſame way, he hath known thoſe things which he could not know by the Planets, nor by Satan, therefore he had them from God; this Argument is concluding, but that of calumny halteth, for it ought to have proved that he had not his knowledge from God, and that all thoſe things he hath known may be known to Satan, which two things we have manifeſtly proved to be falſe, therefore if the Lord Florimond de Raimond was alive, I believe he would correct what he hath written againſt him.

CHAP. X.

Anſwer to the fourth Objection, of Calumny, which brandeth our Author with the title of Chief of the Seductors and Impoſtors.

THe Weapons of this Meduſa are ſharper in this point then in others, therefore our Buckler accordingly muſt be of the beſt mettle and temper.

We cannot deny but Noſtradamus hath affected obſcurity, himſelf acknowledgeth it in his two Epiſtles, in that to Caeſar his Son, he ſaith, he hath done it, not only becauſe of the times wherein he lived, but alſo by reaſon of thoſe that were to follow, in the times wherein he lived the Caſe was as it is now, Veritas odium parit, and this hatred in powerful men is prejudicial to thoſe that ſpeak the Truth, he was alſo cautious in that, by reaſon of the times following; for if he had plainly declared what he meant, the Wits would have laughed at it, and would not have believed thoſe ſtrange revolutions that came to paſs, and which our Author had foretold. In his Epiſtle to Henry the 11 he telleth him, that he doth purpoſely make uſe of obſcure terms to expreſs his mind, for the reaſons before alledged.

Now Calumny faith, that this affectation of obſcurity is a ſign that God was not the Author of his Knowledge, ſeeing that by this obſcurity they have proved unprofitable to the Church.

I anſwer firſt, that the conſequence is falſe; for the Holy Prophets have ſpoken ſo obſcurely, that a great part of what they had Prophecied was not known till after it had come to paſs.

I anſwer ſecondly, that although Prophecies were not underſtood till after the fulfilling thereof, it doth not follow that they were unprofitable; becauſe by their fulfilling in due time, we gather, that he who revealed them was the true God, Lord of times and Eternity, and therefore being the God of Iſrael, and of the Chriſtians, he ought to be worſhiped. By this principle Cyrus and Alexander knew the true God, Cyrus by having ſeen the Prophecies of Iſaiah, and Alexander thoſe of Daniel.

Therefore as the Prophecies of the Saints have not been fruitleſs, though not underſtood till they were fulfilled, even ſo we muſt not infer that Noſtradamus's Prophecies have been uſeleſs, though they have remained in obſcurity ſo long a while.

Beſides, there is no doubt but Noſtradamus having Prophecied ſo many ſeveral things that are come to paſs, but that hereafter when the Heathen ſhall ſee it they ſhall glorifie God, and ſhall acknowledge a true Religion, as did Cyrus, who many Authors believe to have obtained Salvation.

I anſwer in the third place, that God permitteth ordinarily that Prophecies lie long in the dark, and then raiſeth the Spirit of ſome men to expound them, as he did that of Daniel to interpret the 70 Weeks of the Babylonian Captivity, Prophecied by Jeremiah, to incourage the faithful three ways.

Firſt, in ſhewing them, that if the firſt Prophecies have been punctually fulfilled, the reſt will likewiſe come to paſs, ſeeing the ſame God hath dictated them.

Secondly, in unfolding to them the future wonders, of which they ſhall be partakers.

Thirdly, in giving warning how they may attain to them, and ſhew thoſe accidents that might be an hindrance. Thus God did permit, that for the ſpace of 100. years Noſtradamus Prophecies ſhould lie in darkneſs, and be contemned, but after that time God will raiſe ſome body to interpret them, whence the faithful ſeeing ſo many things foretold come to paſs ſo exactly, will incourage one another, by ſeing ſo many wonderful prodigies, of whom they ſhall be Eye Witneſſes.

As for my part I have undertaken this Work, only to authoriſe the wonders that ſhall be ſeen in our days, and to invite the Chriſtian Princes to the ſame deſign.

The concluſion of this diſcourſe is, that our Meduſa Calumny, muſt needs retreat in her dens, and that we ought to forgive thoſe Authors that have ſpoken ſo ill of our Author, ſeing they wanted the Intelligence of his Prophecies, and that the Church did ſuſpend the authoriſing of them.

CHAP. XI.

Some difficulties againſt what we have ſaid, drawn out of Noſtradamus his own Epiſtles.

VVE have (thanks be to God) ſheltered this famous man from the backbiting of Calumny, but that we may clear wholly the Heaven of this reputation, we add this Chapter more for the clearing of ſome words that are in his Epiſtles, which ſeem to contradict ſome of thoſe things we have ſaid; the Author in his Epiſtles to his Son Caeſar, after he had ſaid that God had diſpoſed him to receive thy impreſſion of ſupernatural lights, not by a Bacchans furor, nor by a Lymphatical motion, but by Aſtronomical aſſertions, he ſaith in the ſame Epiſtle towards the end; That ſometimes in the Week being ſurpriſed by a Lymphatick humor, and making his Nocturnal studies (weet by his calculations, he made Books of Prophecies, each one containing a hundred Aſtronomical Stanza's, which he endeavoured to ſet out ſomething obſcurely. from which words it might be gathered, that he made his Prophecies by a Lymphatical Spirit, and by the only judicial Aſtrology.

And in the Epiſtle to King Henry the II. he ſeemeth to confeſs, that this Prophecie is nothing but a natural Genius, which he had by Inheritance from his Anceſtors.

To theſe difficulties I anſwer, ſuppoſing firſt that anciently thoſe were called Lymphaticks, who were mad for Love; becauſe the firſt that was obſerved among the Ancients to be mad with that paſſion, threw himſelf into the water, which in Latine is called Lympha, whence all thoſe that were afterwards tranſported with the exceſs of any paſſion, either of Love, Melancholy, Choler or Envy, have been called Lymphaticks.

So that in this place a Lymphatical motion is nothing properly but a deep Melancholy, which ſeparating us from all Earthly things, doth tranſport the mind to extraordinary thoughts either good or bad.

This being ſupoſed, I ſay that the Author confeſſeth, that his retreat, ſolitarineſs, nocturnal Watchings, and Melancholy, have diſpoſed him much to the receiving of that Heavenly flame, which is the cauſe of Vaticination and Prophecie.

And becauſe he did often ſpend the whole nights in this ſtudy, this Nocturnal retreat cauſed in him a retirement from all worldly things, at which time he felt a Divine elevating Virtue, that raiſed his underſtanding to thoſe Divine Knowledges.

And becauſe this elevating Vertue was cauſed in him by Divine operation, he doth attribute always his Prophecies to God alone; and by reaſon that this elevation hath ſome reſemblance with that of the Lymphaticks, he ſaith, that ſometimes he did Lymphatiſe not properly ſpeaking, but by reſemblance.

So that it is true, our Author did not receive his Prophecies by Lymphatical motion, or Bacchant furie, but from God himſelf, who did work in him while he obſerved his Aſtronomical aſſertions; and it is alſo true, that he felt this Divine operation by a kind of a Lymphatical motion.

Concerning what he ſaith to Henry the II. it is certain he maketh uſe of that Language as much by a motive of Truth to conceal that Grace which he had received from God, as of Hnmility.

By a Motive of Truth, becauſe effectually; becauſe all the Noſtradamus's had ſome tincture of Prophecie, and his Son the Capucin acknowledgeth it himſelf.

By a Motive of Humility; becauſe acknowledging himſelf to be a miſerable ſinner, and ſeeing that this gift of Prophecie was not ordinarily granted but unto Saints. He chuſeth rather to attribute his Prophecies to his Genius, than otherways to procure a Fame and Authority to his predictions.

In confirmation of what we have ſaid, That he was often in that tranſport, many years before his death he made the Stanza of the Century, in which is contained all the great Works of the Philoſophers, and foretelleth, that a great Divine ſhall attain to the perfection of that great Work, which Divine is called, the Divine Verbe, turning into French the Word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth Divine Word or Verb. Nevertheleſs he never wrought himſelf at that Work, but got his li[•]ing Honourably by his practiſe of Phyſick, by which we may ſee; that he did write ſome things which himſelf underſtood not, unleſs they were ſuch general ones, as might be read in the Heavens.

CHAP. XII.

Elogies given to Noſtradamus by ſeveral Authentical Authors.

IF ſeveral Authors either by envy or ignorance have defamed our Author, others of no ſmall repute have taken his defence in hand.

D' Aurat one of the moſt excellent Poets of France, living at the ſame time as Noſtradamus, made a few explications of his Prophecies, which as the report goes, did pleaſe the Readers. I am ſorry I could not get them, it would have been ſome eaſe to me; for it is eaſier to add than to invent. The firſt Volume of the Lord la Croix du Main, maketh honourable mention of him, the ſame ſaith, that his Motto was Faelix Oviam prior Aetas, Happy the firſt Age that was contented with their Flock, ſhewing by that, what eſteem he had of frugality and ſincerity of manners, and what averſion he had againſt the Vices of his Age, the unrulineſs of manners, and conſenage of men. Ronſard the Prince of the French Poets ſingeth his praiſes: The Lord Boucher in that great Volume, intitled the Miſtical Crown, in favour of the future Croiſade, doth vindicate our Author from Calumny, and expoundeth ſome of his Prophecies pretty happily.

I will not relate here what his Son Caeſar Noſtradamus writeth modeſtly of him in his Hiſtory of Provence, under Lewis the XII. Henry the II. and Charles the IX. his Evidence may be ſuſpected, becauſe of the Conſanguinity.

One of the greateſt Wits of this laſt Age, who deſireth to be nameleſs, giveth him this Character.

Firſt, That God Almighty hath choſen Michael Noſtradamus among the common ſort of Chriſtians, to impart unto him the knowledge of many prodigious and extraordinary future things.

Secondly, He maintaineth, that after the Apoſtles and Canonical Prophets, he is the firſt of all in three things in his certainty and infallibility, in the generality and in the quantity. As to the firſt, he doth not doubt but the Abbot Joachim ought to give him place; for though he hath foretold ſomethings that have come to paſs, he hath written a hundred others which are meer fopperies.

Thirdly, He maintaineth that the Emperour Leo in his prophetical Tables is far below him; for he doth only aim at thoſe things which regard the Eaſtern Empire, as Theophraſtus. Paracelſus hath done for the Weſtern.

Concerning the quantity of things, he maintaineth, that none of the others can diſpute it with him; for Noſtradamus hath made above a thouſand stanza's (if we had them all) each of which containeth two or three prophetical Truths, ſome of which regard the Eaſt, others the Weſt, others ſome private Kingdoms and States others private and particuler things. and all with Truth and certainty.

CHAP. XIII.

What theſe Stanza's Prophecie of.

THe Author in his Epiſtle to King Henry the II. ſaith, that he treatech of things which were to happen in many Cities and Towns of Europe, and of a part of Aſia and Africa.

And to ſay Truth, I have found nothing in them concerning the Eaſt or Weſt, Jappan or China.

He treateth chiefly of France as of his Native Kingdom, and of his own Countrey Provence, and that which is next to it, viz. Piemont.

He ſpeaketh amply of the Popes, and of Italy, Turky and England: As for the Empire Spain, and Suedeland, he doth moderately ſpeak of them. Concerning Aethiopia and Africa there is ſome nine or ten Stanza's.

In all thoſe places he foretelleth many things, not only general for every State but alſo particular and individual for ſeveral perſons. He alſo foretelleth many ſupernatural prodigies in the Heavens, the Air, the Sea, and the Land.

He hath inſerted among his Prophecies four Horoſcopes, the firſt of the Grandfather of the Lord l'Ainier in the Province of Anjou; the ſecond of one called Urnel Vaucile; the third of one Coſme du Jardin; and the fourth of one, whom he nameth not, but deſcribeth him by his ſtature.

CHAP. XIV.

Since what time theſe Prophecies began.

IT is certain that they began in January 1555. becauſe he dedicated the firſt ſeven Centuries to his Son Caeſar the firſt day of March in the ſaid year, and conſequently they were made before that time, and we cannot allow leſs than two Months to an Author for the making of 700. Stanza's: Nevertheleſs for a greater manifeſtation of his prophetical spirit, I have not found any of his Prophecies that did come to paſs before the firſt of March 1555.

As for the Eight, Ninth and Ten Century, there is reaſon to believe, that the effect of them doth not begin before the 27 June 1558. which is the date of his Liminary Epiſtle to Henry the II. Nevertheleſs he ſaith in the ſame Epiſtle, that in a writing by it ſelf he will ſet down the expoſition of his Prophecies, beginning the 14 of March 1557. and in the Epiſtle to Noſtradamus his son, he ſaith in general that he hath compoſed Books of Prophecies, each one containing one hundred Stanza's, without ſpecifying whether he ſpoke of the ſeven that he dedicated to him, or of all the others.

As for my part, I believe he had made them all in the year 1555. but that he had not yet examined the three laſt Centuries, according to the Calculation of his Aſtronomical aſſertions, as he ſeemeth to indicate often in his Epiſtle to Henry II. and to ſay the truth, I have found ſome Stanza's, which were fulfilled before the year 1558. though very few.

As for the extent of his Prophecies, it is certain, that it is to the end of the World, as I ſhall make it appear in the explication of the 48, the 49, and 56. Stanza's of the firſt Century, and the 72, 73, and 94. of the tenth, and all according to the Holy Scripture.

All theſe things being premiſed, we ſhall proceed to the explication of the Prophecies, ſetting firſt the Authors Luminary Epiſtle to his Son.

THE PREFACE TO Mr. Michael Noſtradamus HIS PROPHECIES, Ad Caeſarem Noſtradamum Filium vita & Felicitas.

THy late coming, Caeſar Noſtradamus, my ſon, hath cauſed me to beſtow a great deal of time in continual and nocturnal watchings, that I might leave a Memorial of me after my death, to the common benefit of Mankind, concerning the things which the Divine Eſſence hath revealed to me by Aſtronomical Revolutions; and ſince it hath pleaſed the immortal God, that thou are come late into this World, and canſt not ſay that thy years that are but few, but thy Months are incapable to receive into thy weak underſtanding, what I am forced to define of futurity, ſince it is not poſſible to leave thee in Writing, what might be obliterated by the injury of times, for the Hereditary word of occult praedictions ſhall be lockt up in my breſt, conſidering alſo that the events are definitely uncertain, and that all is governed by the power of God, who inſpired us not by a Bacchant fury or Lymphatick motion, but by Aſtronomical affections. Soli numine Divino afflati praeſagiunt & Spiritu Prophetico particularia: Although I have often foretold long before what hath afterwards come to paſs, and in particular Regions, acknowledging all to have been done by Divine Vertue and Inſpiration, being willing to hold my peace by reaſon of the injury, not onely of the preſent time, but alſo of the future, and to put them in Writing, becauſe the Kingdoms, Sects, and Regions ſhall be ſo Diametrically oppoſed, that if I ſhould relate what ſhall happen hereafter, thoſe of the preſent Reign, Sect, Religion and Faith, would find it ſo diſagreeing with their fances, that they would condemn that which future Ages ſhall find and know to be true; conſidering alſo the ſaying of our Saviour, Nalite Sanctum dare canibus ne conculcent pedibus & converſi diſcumpant vos, which hath been the cauſe that I have withdrawn my tongue from the Vulgar, and my Pen from Paper. But afterwards I was willing for the common good to enlarge my ſelf in dark and abſtruſe Sentences, declaring the future Events, chiefly the moſt urgent, and thoſe which I foreſaw (what ever humane mutation happened) would not offend the hearers, all under dark figures more then Prophetical, for although, Abſcondiſti haec a ſapentibus & prudentibus, i. e. potentibus & Regibus enucleaſti ea exiguis & tenuibus, and the Prophets by means onely of the immortal God and good Angels, have received the Spirit of Vaticination, by which they foreſee things, and foretel future events; for nothing is perfect without him, whoſe power and goodneſs is ſo great to his Creatures, that though they are but men, nevertheleſs by the likeneſs of our good Genius to the Angels, this heat and Prophetical power draws near us, as it happens by the Beams of the Sun, which caſt their influence both on Elementary and not Elementary bodies; as for us who are men, we cannot attain any thing by our natural knowledge, of the ſecrets of God our Creator. Quia non eſt noſtrum noſſe tempora nec momenta, &c.

Beſides, although there is, or may come ſome perſons, to whom God Almighty will reveal by impreſſions made on his underſtanding ſome ſecrets of the future, according to the Judicial Aſtrology, as it hath happened in former times, that a certain power and voluntary faculty poſſeſſed them as a flame of fire, ſo that by his inſpiration, they were able to judge of Divine and Humane things: for the Divine works that are abſolutely neceſſary, God will end. But my ſon, I ſpeak to thee too obſcurely; but as for the ſecrets that are received by the ſubtle Spirit of fire, by which the underſtanding being moved, doth contemplate the higheſt Celeſtial Bodies, as being active and vigilant to the very pronunciation without fear, or any ſhameful loquacity: all which proceeded from the Divine Power of the Eternal God, from whom all goodneſs floweth. Now my ſon, although I have inſerted the name of Prophet here, I will not attribute to my ſelf ſo ſublime a Title, for qui Propheta dicitur bodie olim vocabatur videns, and Prophets are thoſe properly (my Son) that ſee things remote from the natural knowledge of Men; but put the caſe, the Prophets by the means of the perfect light of Prophecy, may ſee as well Divine things as Humane, (which cannot be ſeeing the effects of future predictions) do extend a great way, for the ſecrets of God are incomprehenſible, and the efficient power moveth afar off the natural knowledge, taking their beginning at the free will, cauſe thoſe things to appear, which otherwiſe could not be known, neither by humane auguries, or any hidden knowledge or ſecret virtue under Heaven, but only by the means of ſome indiviſible Eternal being, or Comitial and Herculean agitation, the cauſes come to be known by the Coeleſtial motion. I ſay not therefore my Son, that you may not underſtand me well, becauſe the knowledge of this matter cannot yet be imprinted in thy weak brain, but that future cauſes afar off are ſubject to the knowledge of humane Creatures, if (notwithſtanding the Creature) things preſent and future were neither obſcure nor hidden from the intellectual ſeal; but the perfect knowledge of the cauſe of things, cannot be acquired without the Divine Inſpiration, ſeeing that all Prophetical Inſpiration received, hath its original principle from God the Creator, next, from good Luck, and afterwards from Nature, therefore caſes indifferently produced or not produced, the Prophecy partly happens where it hath been foretold, for the underſtanding being intellectually created, cannot ſee occult things, unleſs it be by the voice coming from the Lymbo, by the means of the thin flame, to which the knowledge of future cauſes is inclined; and alſo my Son I intreat thee not to beſtow thy underſtanding on ſuch fopperies, which drie up the Body and damn the Soul, bringing vexation to the Senſes; chiefly abhor the vanity of the execrable Magick, forbidden by the Sacred Scriptures, and by the Canons of the Church; in the firſt of which is excepted Judicial Aſtrology, by which, and by the means of Divine Inſpiration, with continual ſupputations, we have put in writing our Prophecies. And although this occult Philoſophy was not forbidden, I could never be perſuaded to meddle with it, although many Volums concerning that Art, which hath been concealed a great while, were preſented to me; but fearing what might happen, after I had read them, I preſented them to Vulcan, who while he was a devouring them, the flame mixing with the Air, made an unwonted light more bright then the uſual flame, and as if it had been a Lightning, ſhining all the houſe over, as if it had been all in a flame; therefore that henceforth you might not be abuſed in the ſearch of the perfect Transformation, as much ſelene as folar, and to ſeek in the waters uncorruptible mettal; I have burnt them all to aſhes, but as to the judgement which cometh to be perfected by the help of the Coeleſtial Judgement, I will manifeſt to you, that you may have knowledge of future things, rejecting the fantaſtical imaginations that ſhould happen by the limiting the particularity of Places; by Divine inſpiration, ſupernatural, according to the Coeleſtial figures, the places, and a part of the time, by an occult, property, and by a Divine virtue, power and faculty, in the preſence of which the three times are comprehended by Eternity, revolution being tyed to the cauſe that is paſt, preſent, and future, Quia omnia ſunt Nuda & aperta, &c. therefore my Son, thou mayſt not withſtanding thy tender brain comprehend things that ſhall happen hereafter, and may be foretold by coeleſtial natural lights, and by the Spirit of Prophecy; not that I will attribute to my ſelf the name of a Prophet, but as a mortal man, being no farther from Heaven by my ſence, then I am from Earth by my Feet, poſſum errare, falli, decipi; I am the greateſt Sinner of the World, ſubject to all humane afflictions, but being ſuppriſed ſometimes in the week by a Prophetical humour, and by a long Calculation, pleaſing my ſelf in my Study, I have made Books of Prophecies, each one containing a hundred Aſtronomical Stanza's, which I have joyned obſcurely, and are perpetual Vaticinations from this year to the year 3797. at which ſome perhaps will frown, ſeeing ſo large an extention of time, and that I treat of every thing under the Moon, if thou liveſt the natural Age of a Man, thou ſhalt ſee in thy Climat, and under the Heaven of thy Nativity the future things that have been foretold, although God only is he who knoweth the Eternity of his Light, proceeding from himſelf; and I ſay freely to thoſe to whom his incomprehenſible greatneſs hath by a long melancholick inſpiration revealed, that by the means of this occult cauſe Divinely manifeſted, chiefly by two principal cauſes, which are comprehended in the underſtanding of him that is Inſpired and Prophecyeth, one is that he cleareth the ſupernatural Light in the perſon that foretelleth by the Doctrine of the Planets, and Prophecyeth by inſpired Revelation, which is a kind of participation of the Divine Eternity, by the means of which the Prophet judgeth of what the Divine Spirit hath given him by the means of God the Creatour, and by a natural inſtigation, viz. that what is predicted is true, and hath taken its original from above, and ſuch light and ſmall flame is of all efficacy and ſublimity, no leſs then the natural light makes the Philoſophers ſo ſecure, that by the means of the principles of the firſt cauſe, they have attained the greateſt depth of the profoundeſt ſcience; but that I may not wander too far (my Son) from the capacity of thy ſenſe, as alſo, becauſe I find that Learning would be at a great loſs, and that before the univerſal Conflagration ſhall happen ſo many great Inundations, that there ſhall ſcarce be any Land, that ſhall not be covered with water, and this ſhall laſt ſo long, that except Aenographies and Topographies all ſhall periſh, alſo before and after theſe Inundations in many Countreys there ſhall be ſuch ſcarcety of rain, and ſuch a deal of fire, and burning ſtones ſhall fall from Heaven, that nothing unconſumed ſhall be left, and this ſhall happen a little while before the great conflagration; for although the Planet Mars makes an end of his courſe, and is come to the end of his laſt Period, nevertheleſs he ſhall begin it again, but ſome ſhall be gathered in Aquarius for many years, others in Cancer alſo for many years, and now we are governed by the Moon, under the power of Almighty God; which Moon before ſhe hath finiſhed her Circuit, the Sun ſhall come, and then Saturn, for according to the Coeleſtial Signs, the Reign of Saturn ſhall come again, ſo that all being Calculated, the World draws near to an Anaragonick revolutoin, and at this preſent that I write this before 177. years, three Months, eleven Days, through Peſtilence, Famine, War, and for the moſt part Inundations, the World between this and that prefixed time, before and after for ſeveral times ſhall be ſo diminiſhed, and the people ſhall be ſo few, that they ſhall not find enough to Till the Ground, ſo that they ſhall remain fallow as long as they have been Tilled; although we be in the ſeventh Millenary, which ends all and brings us near the eight, where the Firmament of the eighth Sphere is, which in a Latitudinary dimention is the place where the great God ſhall make an end of the revolution, where the Coeleſtial Bodies ſhall begin to move again. By that Superiour motion that maketh the Earth firm and ſtable, non inclinabitur in ſeculum ſeculi, unleſs his will be accompliſhed, and no otherwiſe; although by ambiguous opinions exceeding all natural reaſons by Mahometical Dreams, alſo ſometimes God the Creator by the Miniſters of his Meſſengers of fire and flame ſhows to our external ſenſes, and chiefly to our eyes, the cauſes of future Predictions, ſignifying the future Event, that he will manifeſt to him that Prophecyeth for the Prophecy that is made by the Internal Light, comes to judge of the thing, partly with and by the means of External Light, for although the party which ſeemeth to have by the eye of underſtanding, what it hath not by the Loeſion of its imaginative ſenſe, there is no reaſon why what he foretelleth ſhould come by Divine Inſpiration, or by the means of an Angelical Spirit, inſpired into the Phophetick perſon, annointing him with vaticination, moving the fore part of his fancy, by divers nocturnal apparitions, ſo that by Aſtronomical adminiſtration, he Prophecyeth with a Divine certitude, joyned to the Holy prediction of the future, having no other regard then to the freedom of his mind. Come now my Son, and underſtand what I find by my revolutions, which are agreeing with the Divine Inſpiration, viz. that the Swords draws near to us now, and the Plague and the War more horrid then hath been ſeen in the Life of three Men before, as alſo by Famine, which ſhall return often, for the Stars agree with the revolution, as alſo he ſaid viſitabo in virgâ ferreà iniquitates eorum & in verberibus percutiam eos, for the Mercies of God ſhall not be ſpread a while, my Son, before moſt of my Prophecies ſhall come to paſs; then oftentimes ſhall happen ſiniſter ſtorms, (Conteram ergo (ſaid the Lord) & confringam & non miſerebor) and a thouſand other accidents that ſhall happen by Waters and continual Rains, as I have more fully at large declared in my other Prophecies, written in ſolutâ oratione, limiting the places, times and prefixed terms, that men coming after, may ſee and know that thoſe accidents are certainly come to paſs, as we have marked in other places, ſpeaking more clearly, although the explication be involved in obſcurity, ſed quando ſubmovenda erit ignorantia, the caſe ſhall be made more clear; making an end here, my Son, accept of this Gift of thy Father Michael Noſtradamus, hoping to expound to thee every Prophecy of theſe Stanza's, praying to the Immortal God, that he would grant thee a long Life in Felicity.

From Salon this 1. of March 1555.

THE TRUE PROPHECIES OR PROGNOSTICATIONS OF Michael Noſtradamus, Phyſician to HENRY II. FRANCIS II. And CHARLES IX. Kings of FRANCE, and one of the moſt excellent Aſtronomers that ever were.

CENTURY I.

ANNOTATION.

IN this Stanza, Noſtradamus expreſſeth thoſe Humane diſpoſitions which he made uſe of to be favoured of God, for the knowledge of future things, to the benefit of the Publick.

The firſt Diſpoſition, was the tranquility of Mind, when he ſaith, Sitting by night; Becauſe a troubled Mind cannot ſee clearly the Things it is buſie about, no more than toſſed Waters can diſtinctly repreſent the Objects that are oppoſed to them. Thus we read in the Scripture, that the Prophet Eliſhah, being tranſported with Zeal againſt Joram King of Iſrael; and nevertheleſs willing to conſult God concerning the event of the Warr againſt the Moabites, called for a Minſtrel, that the Harmony of the Inſtrument might quiet his Mind, as it did happen. And it came to paſs when the Minſtrel played, that the Hand of the Lord came upon him, 2 Kings chap. 3. ver. 15.

The Author in his Dedicatory Epiſtle to his Son Caeſar, calleth this Tranquility of Mind, A long Melancholick Inſpiration; becauſe the Melancholick Humour and Mind ſequeſtreth a Man from the concerns of worldly things, and maketh him preſent to himſelf, ſo that his Underſtanding is not darkned by a multitude of Species that troubles its Operation.

The Second Diſpoſition, was, the Silence of the Night; For Man who is compounded of Body and Soul, doth notably intricate himſelf in External things by the commerce of the Senſes with the Objects; which obligeth him to withdraw himſelf from viſible things, when he intends to apply himſelf to ſome ſerious Study. And as the ſilence of the Night cauſeth in the Univerſe a ceſſation of noiſes and claſhings in Buſineſs, Viſits and Colloquies, the Mind is then more at reſt. Beſides that, Night covering with her Darkneſs our Hemiſphere, our Senſes are leſs diſtracted, and our Internal Faculties are more united to ſerve the Operations of the Underſtanding.

Therefore the Author in his two Liminary Epiſtles, makes often mention of his continual Nocturnal Watchings, of his Sweet-ſmelling nocturnal Studies, and of his Nocturnal and Prophetical Calculations.

The Third Diſpoſition, was Solitarineſs; that is, having no other Converſation then that of his Books, being retired in his Study, Alone. For it ſeemeth that God commonly maketh uſe of Solitarineſs when he doth impart himſelf to Men, and revealeth them his Oracles: And the Sybils were choſen to be Prophets, as much for their Solitarineſs, as for their Chaſtity.

The Author ſaith, that with thoſe three Diſpoſitions he raiſed himſelf to the knowledge of future things; which is ſignified by thoſe words, Reſting upon the Brazen Stool. Servius in his Commentaries upon Virgil, ſpeaking of this Brazen Stool, ſaith two things of it. The Firſt, that this Stool was a Table ſet upon a Trevet, called by the Greeks [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], and by the Latines Tripus. The Second is, that the Sybils, or the Prieſts of the Delphick Temple of Apollo, got upon that Table, when they went about to pronounce their Oracles. Pliny, in his 33. Book, Chap. 3. ſaith, that they called thoſe Tables Cortinas, and that ſome were made of Braſs for the uſe aforeſaid.

From the uſe of that Brazen Trevet is come the Proverb, Ex tripode loqui. When one ſpeaketh like an Oracle. Thus the Author willing to expreſs, that being in his Stu[•]y in the ſolitarineſs of the Night, he raiſed himſelf to the Knowledge of Future things, to write them, and tranſmit them to Poſterity; he ſaith, He was ſitting or reſting upon the Brazen Stool.

Thus raiſing himſelf, and taking his Pen in hand to write what he ſhould learn, he ſaith in the Third Verſe, that A ſlight Flame, or ſmall Light did inſinuate it ſelf in his underſtanding, by whoſe ſplendor and brightneſs he ſaw future things.

The Author in his Epiſtle to Caeſar his Son, expoundeth always this Prophetical Light, by the compariſon of a ſhining Flame, and calleth it rather a Flame than a pure Light, becauſe this Light doth not only diſcover the Myſteries, but more-over it lightens in us a certain Heat and Prophetical Power, as himſelf terms it; as if we ſhould ſay a Sacred Enthuſiaſm, even (ſaith he) as the Sun coming near us with his Light, not only darteth upon all Elementary things the brightneſs of his Beams, but withal infuſeth in them a certain quickning heat, which cauſeth the Vegetables to grow, and upholdeth the Being of all other natural things; Even ſo (ſaith he) this good Genius, as the Ancients term it; or as we Chriſtians ſay, that Divine Spirit of Prophecy coming near our underſtandings, not only importeth a Light to them, but moreover a certain heat and Prophetical Power, which ſtrenghteneth them in the knowledge of the aforeſaid things, and cauſeth them to breath out, as by a Sacred Enthuſiaſm ſome Prophetical Verſes.

Which happeneth to them (ſaith the Author) coming out of Solitude, that is to fay, when their Spirit ſtoopeth down, and by degrees cometh down from that ſublime Region and high elevation, taking the Pen to write down the future time. Therefore he with his diſpoſitions participating of that ſlight flame, coming out of his ſolitude, began to write and to utter, What is not in vain to believe.

The things that the Author hath written, ſhall not be unprofitable as we have proved already, and the time will come, when by the means of Divine Providence the Church ſhall receive the fruit thereof, at which we ought not to wonder, ſeeing that God ſaith of himſelf in Iſaiah Chap. 48. Ver. 17. I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit.

The Author foretelleth many wonders, of which we ought to be certain by the verification of thoſe that are already paſt, ſeeing that it is the ſame Spirit that ſhewed them all.

The ſame Prophecies are alſo profitable, in that every where the Author condemneth Seditious and Rebellious perſons, and Prophecieth the Churches Victory over her Enemies.

They are alſo profitable for particular Men that underſtand the meaning of them, for by it they may provide for their own buſineſs, according to the ſtorm, undertaking nothing but upon ſure grounds, following always the beſt party, and diſpoſing themſelves to patience, when the calamities are general, and involve together the guilty and guiltleſs. Therefore our Author ſaith well, A ſlight flame breaking forth out of that ſolitude, makes me utter what is not in vain to believe.

ANNOT.

Amongſt the cuſtoms, the Ancients obſerved, before they pronounced their Oracles; one was to take a Tuffie Branch of Laurel, and with it dipt in water, to ſprinkle the edges and Columns of the Table, that was upon the Brazen Trevet, by which ceremonies they procured credit to their Oracles.

The Author willing to let us know, that his Verſes were not only a ſimple writing, ing, but alſo Prophetical and full of Oracles, doth repreſent them to us by this Metaphore of the Ancients, when they did amuſe the people with their ambiguous, and many times fallacious Oracles.

Being then ſitting and quiet in his ſolitarineſs; coming out of that great devotion of mind, animated by the virtue of his good Genius, he putteth firſt the Rod into his hand, that is the Pen, and putteth it in the middle of the Branches, putting it between his Fingers. Secondly he dippeth this Rod into Water, dipping his Pen in his Ink; with this Pen dipt in Ink, he wetteth the Limb and the Foot, writing upon his paper from one end to the other, and from the top to the bottom.

Which we muſt underſtand by this word Lymbe, which is a Latin word, ſignifying the long and narrow pieces of ſtuffe, which women wore at the bottom of their Petticoats, therefore the Latins called them Lymbos, from the Latin Verbe Lambo, which in matter of cloths ſignifieth, to leek or ſweep; and becauſe thoſe pieces of cloath were in the bottom of their Garments, the word hath been afterwards employed to ſignifie the brims of ſome things, ſo that the Lymbs of a ſheet of paper, are the two margines, and the top and the bottom, as if it were the four ends of a Quadrangular Figure.

The third Verſe ſheweth the internal diſpoſition of the Author, after he hath deſcribed his external one; that diſpoſition was a Sacred quaking, which putting his heart into a palpitation, cauſed his hands and arms to ſhake, as if he had been taken with ſome fit of an Ague. This quaking is the diſpoſition which the good Genius cauſeth in Prophets, that they may be humbled, and not be puffed up with pride, when they come near the Majeſty of God, as we read in Daniel, St. John, and the 4th. of Eſdras. Therefore the Author ſaith:

In fear I write, quaking in my ſleeves. And becauſe the Divine spirit after he hath caſt down thoſe, to whom he will impart himſelf, doth afterwards quiet them; the Author therefore addeth, that a Divine ſplendor did ſit by him.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes ſignifie that a great tempeſtuous wind was to happen, in which a litter ſhould be overturned, and every one ſhould muffle his face in his Cloak, for the ſierceneſs of the wind.

And that preſently after the Common-wealth ſhould be troubled with new Sects and Opinions, which may be underſtood of the beginning of Reformation by Luther and Calvin, which was about that time.

The laſt Verſe by the white and red ſignifieth here (as it doth thorough all the Book) the French and the Spaniards, becauſe the French wear white Scarfes, and the Spaniards red ones: and conſequently the troubles and jars that happened preſently between thoſe two Nations.

ANNOT.

That Monarch was Henry the II. King of France, who did not Reign long, but was unfortunately ſlain, running at Tilt againſt the Earl of Montgomery, (as we ſhall ſee hereafter) and almoſt during all his Reign had Wars with Charles the V. Emperour, and his Son Philip the II. King of Spain; the ſaid Emperour in that time did ſack Rome, took the Pope Clement the VII. priſoner, which is ſignified here; as alſo in ſeveral other places by the loſs of the Fiſhing Boat; the Roman Church being often compared to a Ship or Boat.

ANNOT.

Herein is nothing myſtical, the meaning is that ſome of the Proteſtant party intending to take or vex the Cities of Carcaſſone and Narbonne in Languedoc, ſhall be eaſily repulſed, and ſhall afterward fall upon the Countrey round about, which ſhall ſuffer for.

ANNOT.

This is a confirmation of the fourth Stanza, concerning the loſs of the Pope, Clement the VII. who is called here the eye of Ravenna, becauſe he is Lord of that famous City, which was once an Exarchat of the Empire.

The wings that ſhall riſe at, or againſt his feet, ſhall be thoſe of the Eagle, which are the Arms of the Emperour.

The two of Breſcia were the Governour and Proveditor of Venice in that place, who would at that time have endeavoured to ſeize upon Turin and Verceil, the two chiefeſt Towns of Piemont, but were prevented by the French.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of the whole is this, there ſhall be fourteen Conſpirators of one mind, and their Ring-leader, a Red-haired man, who ſhall be put to death, becauſe their Reprieve could not come timely enough, being hindered by croſs winds, and Letters intercepted. I could find no particular things in Hiſtory concerning this.

ANNOT.

It is hard to judge what he meaneth by the Solar City that ſhall be ſo often taken.

As by Adria, it is certain he meaneth Venice, that was ſo called anciently, becauſe of its ſcituation in the Adriatick Sea.

ANNOT.

This was a clear and true Prognoſtication of that famous Invaſion made upon Maltha, by the grand Signor Solyman the magnificent, in the year of our Lord 1565. and juſt ten years after the writing of this Prophecy, wherein that Iſland, and ſome of the Neighbouring ones were wholly depopulated by the Turks, to the terror of Venice, called here Adria, and of all the Iſlands of the Adriatick Sea. For the better underſtanding of this, the Reader muſt obſerve, that Punicas in Larin ſignifieth Africa, ſo that the African heart ſignifieth the help the Turk had from Tunis, Tripoly, and Algier, Cities ſeated in Africa, and under the Turkiſh Dominion; by which not only Maltha (which in Latin is Melita) but Venice and Rome were put into a great fright; the concluſion of this Siege was, that after ſix weeks time, and the loſs of 26000. Men, the Turks were conſtrained ſhamefully to retire. Vide the Turkiſh Hiſtory. French.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy ſignifieth, that ſome Sergeants or Executioners ſhall be ſent into a Priſon, to put to death ſeven Children, ſervants of a King that were Impriſoned there, and that ſome old Men their Fathers, ſhall ſee their death, and hear their cries.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes ſignifie the concord that ſhall be among the Spaniſh dominions, expreſſed here by Senſe, Heart, Feet, and Hands. After which, the Romans or thoſe of Rome, ſhall be evilly intreated, being drewned, killed, and put to death by a weak brain. I gueſs this to have come to paſs, when the Emperour Charles the V. his Army ſacked Rome, under the command of the Duke of Bourbon, who was killed at the Aſſault; and of the Prince of Orange, who permitted licentiouſneſs to his Souldiers, and ſuffered them to commit more violence, than ever the Goths or Vandales did, and therefore is called here weak brain. This Prince of Orange was of the Houſe of Chalon, after which came that of Naſſau.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of a wicked perſon, who in a ſhort time ſhall be from a low degree exalted to a high one, by reaſon that thoſe that have the Government of Verona, ſhall be unfaithful and ſlippery. That perſon ſeemeth to be ſome Pope, who from a low degree ſhall be exalted to that dignity, by the unfaithfulneſs and ſlipperineſs of the Venetians, who are now Lords of the City Verona in Italy,

ANNOT.

Although this Prophecie ſeemeth to be indefinitely ſpoken, becauſe in every Countrey or Kingdom where there is baniſhed people, they moſt commonly plot againſt their King and Countrey; nevertheleſs I find two remarkable Hiſtories to make this good, one in France, and the other in England. That of France is thus.

The Cardinal of Lorrain, and the Duke of Guiſe his Brother, being in great favour with Henry II. the Queen Mother promoted them in the beginning of the Reign of Francis II. his ſucceſſor, ſo that the Cardinal was made Lord high Treaſurer, and the Duke General of the Armies, to the prejudice of the Conſtable of Montmorency. Thoſe two favourites, fearing the perſecution that is raiſed by envy, did remove all the great ones from the Court, whether they were commanded to do ſo, or whether they had any other pretences.

The Princes of Condé, and of la Roche ſur yon, were ſent into Flanders to Philip 11. Condé, to confirm the alliance between the two Crowns, and la Roche ſur yon to carry the Order of France.

Diana of Poitiers Dutcheſs of Valentenois, was baniſhed from Court, and compelled to ſurrender to the Queen all the Jewels ſhe had extorted from the King, beſides the Caſtle of Chenonceaux, which the Queen took for her ſelf.

The Marſhal St. Andrew was likewiſe baniſhed from the Court. The King of Navarre was in Bearn.

The Conſtable took alſo his leave, and ſurrendred to the King the Seal of his Office. On the other ſide, the Proteſtants began to ſtir notably, having on their part many Princes, as that of Condé, of Porcien, Gaſpard, of Coligny, Admiral of France, d'Andelot, and the Cardinal of Chaſtillon his brothers, Magdalene of Mailly, their Siſter, Lady of Roye, the King of Navarre. All theſe diſcontented perſons, and the Proteſtants made a great conſpiracy under pretence of Religion, and of freeing the King from the tyranny of the Guiſians.

They did by Choler, the Proteſtants becauſe they had been ſo ill uſed, in the time of Francis I. and Henry II. and lately by the Guiſians. And the diſcontented, for to pull down their power, it was alſo by an inteſtine hatred, becauſe the Conſtable could not brook to be diſpoſſeſſed of his Office of great Maſter, which was given to the Duke of Guiſe; and the others to ſee themſelves from the management of Affairs, and the Proteſtants by the ſpirit of a Contrary Religion.

Their conſpiracy tended to expel the Guiſians, and to ſeiſe upon the Queen, the King, and his Brothers.

To compaſs their end, they ſecretly ſent ſome truſty perſons of their own, who nevertheleſs feigned to be their Enemies; inſomuch that the King of Navarre ſent them word, that he would be always of their party, though apparently he took the Courts part.

But the old his own, ſaith the fourth Verſe, that is to ſay, the Kings old friends ſhall raiſe Sedition againſt them, which happened in the year 1650. when the Guiſians having diſcovered the conſpiracy that was made at Nantes, the 1. of February 1560. whoſe chief Ring-leader was the Lord La Renaudie; they preſently got the King out of Blois, and carryed him to Amboiſe, cauſed the Town to be fortified, and ſet ſtrong Guards upon all the paſſages.

The day appointed for the execution of the conſpiracy at Blois, was the 10th of March: But the King being got to Amboiſe, the Conſpirators went thither in ſuch great numbers, and under ſuch ſpecious pretences, that had they not been betrayed, no body would have ſuſpected them. All the Suburbs and the Countrey Towns thereabouts were full of them. the Prince of Condé, the Admiral, d'Andelot, and his Brother the Cardinal, were all there.

Then the Guiſians began to fall to work, and to ſet upon the Conſpirators on all ſides.

Abundance were taken, ſome in the City, ſome in the Suburbs, others in the Countrey round about.

Moſt of theſe were ſlain before they could come to Town, or be carried to Priſon. And their proceſs was ſo ſhort that they were hanged in their Boots and Spurs.

The Scouts did every where kill thoſe they met withall. To conclude, it proved a very Bloody Tragedy.

La Renaudie the Chief of the Conſpirators, was met with by the Lord Pardaillan a Gaſcon. At the firſt approach La Renaudie killed him; but himſelf was killed by Pardeillan's Servant, and his dead body brought and hanged at Amboiſe.

The ſecond Hiſtory is concerning England, which palpably makes this Prophecie good, if we make reflection upon what hath happened in this laſt Century of years, concerning baniſhed people that have conſpired againſt their King and Countrey, as we may ſee through all the Life of Queen Elizabeth, and by that famous Plot of the Gun-powder-Treaſon in King James's time, which muſt be underſtood here by the Mine,

ANNOT.

This is a prognoſtication of the beginning and increaſe of the Proteſtants in France, who began to ſing their Pſalms in French, and from time to time preſented their requeſt for tolleration. The Author being a zealous Papiſt calleth them Idiots, and that notwithſtanding the perſecution that ſhould be againſt them, being put in Priſon by Princes and Lords, they ſhould at laſt be admitted by reaſon of their often praying to God.

ANNOT.

The Author having premoniſhed us in his Preface, that God having imparted to him the knowledge of many future things, he was curious to know if his Divine Majeſty had written the ſame thing in the Coeleſtial Book, as concerning the States, Empires, Monarchies, Provinces and Cities, and he found that it was even ſo as it had been revealed to him, ſo that the Book of Heaven, written with Gods own hand, in ſo many ſhining Characters, might ſerve to ſtudious men for a light and a Torch to diſcover very near the common eſtate of the world.

He then having learned from God in his ſolitarineſs, the proſperities and afflictions of the Clergy, from the beginning of the year 1555. to the end of the world; he found that there was an agreement between his prophetical Knowledge, and the motion of the Heavenly Bodies; becauſe having made the Syſteme of the years after 1550. he found that Mars was in a dangerous Aſpect to the Eccleſiaſtical eſtate, and found that this Planet by its poſition did preſage a long, bloody and horrid Cataſtrophe in the world, by which the Eccleſiaſtical eſtate ſhould ſuffer much.

To make good this prediction, the Author doth aſſure us in his Preface, that he had conſidered the diſpoſition of this Planet, not only in the year 1555. but alſo in the years following, and joyning together all that he had found in his Ephemerides, he found that this Planet did on all ſides preſage moſt bloody actions. Although, ſaith he, the Planet of Mars maketh an end of its courſe, and is come to its laſt Period: nevertheleſs it will begin it again, but ſome gathered in Aquarius for many years, and others by long and continual years.

As if he would ſay that his prediction ought not to be rejected; becauſe Mars ended his courſe, and cometh to its late period; for it would take again its Exaltation and Dominion with a worſe conjunction, having his Aſtronomical dignities, with the Conjunction of other Planets in the Sign of Aquarius during many years, and in the Sign of Cancer for many years more.

Which maketh the Author conclude, that within the ſpace of 177. years, three months and eleven dayes, the world ſhall be afflicted with Wars, Plagues, Famines and Innundations, that ſcarce any body ſhall be left to Till the Ground. By which prediction we learn that thoſe evils began in the year 1555. the firſt of March, which is the date of the Authors Book, and ſhall laſt till the ſecond of June 1732. abating the ten days of the Gregorian Calender.

During which time, he ſaith, that Mars threatneth us with bloody Wars that ſhall be reiterated 70 times.

This word ſeventy doth not ſignifie a determinate number, but a great number indeterminated according to the Phraſe of the Scripture, which by the number of ſeven ſignifieth many times, and by that of ſeventy incomparably many times more. Thus the Scripture ſaith, that the juſt man falleth ſeven times in one day, that is many times, and our Saviour ſaith to St. Peter, that we ought to forgive our Enemies, not only ſeven times, but ſeventy times ſeven; that is innumerable times.

We have found the truth of this Prophecie to this very day. 1. In France, by the Wars between Henry II. and Charles V. and Philip II. 2. By the Wars of Charles IX. againſt the Proteſtants, wherein ſo much blood was ſpilt on both ſides. 3. By Henry III. againſt the ſame Proteſtants, and factions of his time, and then againſt the Pariſians and others of their league. 4. Between Henry IV. and thoſe of the league in his revolted Kingdom. 5. By the Wars of Lewis XIII. againſt the Proteſtants, againſt the Duke of Savoy, in the Valteline, in Piemont, in Lorrain, in Alſatia, in Catalonia, in Franche-Conty, in Flanders, and for the defence of Portugal, which have been continued by his ſucceſſor Lewis XIV. now Reigning.

Italy did alſo find the truth of this prophecie, by the Wars between Paul IV. and the Spaniard, between Pius V. and the Turks, between Clement VIII. and the Duke of Ferrara, between the Emperour and the Duke of Mantua, between Urban VIII. and the Duke of Parma, between the Venetians and the Florentines, by the revolt of the Kingdom of Naptes, under the conduct of the Duke of Guiſe.

England hath had its ſhare of it under Queen Elizabeth, by the revolt of Yorkſhire, and ſome other Provinces, by the Spaniſh fleet of 88.

By the death of Queen Mary, by the revolt of the Kingdom againſt Charles I. And by the horrid perfidiouſneſs of Cromwel.

Germany hath made it good by the War againſt the Turks, the Proteſtants and the Swedes.

Poland hath done the ſame againſt the Ruſsians, Tartars, Turks, Caſſaks and Swedes.

And Venice againſt the Turk, for the Iſlands of Cyprus and Candia, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Wars of Dalmatia.

This Mars beſides preſageth two contrary things, one is the Auge or Exaltation, the other the ruine of the clergy: where it is to be obſerved, the Auge in tearms of Aſtrology ſignifieth mounting or aſcending, and cometh from the Latin verbe augere, which ſignifieth to augment or increaſe. This augmentation and ruine of the Clergy is made good by the ſeveral changes that have been in the Eccleſiaſtical eſtate, in France, England, Low-Countreys, Denmark, Swede, Poland, Hungary, Valachia, Tranſylvania, Moldavia, Dalmatia, Geneva, Switzerland, &c.

The fourth Verſe ſaith. By thoſe that will hear nothing from them: that is by the Proteſtants that will hear nothing from the Roman Catholicks.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of all this is, that when a Meadow that was a Fiſh-pond before, ſhall be Mowed, the Sign of Sagittarius being in its Auge or aſcendant, then ſhall Plague, Famine, and War Reign, and that age (which a Century of years ſhall be near its end and renovation viz. of another Century.)

ANNOT.

The Interpretation of this is eaſie, and ſignifieth nothing elſe but that during 40. years the Rainbow ſhall not be ſeen, and during that time there ſhall be an exceeding great drought upon the Earth, and that for 40. years after the Rainbow ſhall be ſeen every day, which ſhall cauſe great flouds and innundations.

ANNOT.

In the year 1559. Sultan Solyman called Leonclavius, according to the alliance made between him and Francis I. King of France, was deſired by Henry II. his Son to ſend him ſome ſuccours: Whereupon he ſent ſome of his Gallies to ſcour the Tyrrhenean Sea (otherwiſe the Sea of Tuſcany) to give a diverſion to the Spaniſh forces in Italy, while the King by the means of the Marſhal of Briſſac, ſhould continue his Conqueſts in the Piemont and Milaneſe.

All what this Turkiſh Fleet did, was to plunder and over-run the Iſland of Elbe, and to attempt Piombino without effect; and becauſe theſe places were ſeated upon the Sea of Sienna, called in Latin Mare Tirrhenum, the Author ſaith that both the Land and Sea of Sienna ſhall be died with Blood, and at that time the Heaven of Marſeilles, which was called by the Ancients, Port-Phocen was full of Sales and Ships, as well to go into the Iſland of Corſe, as for other deſigns. This Hiſtory makes good that Stanza which ſaith, that through the diſcord and negligence of the French, a paſſage ſhall be opened to Mahomet, wherein it is to be obſerved that the Marſhal of Briſſac doing wonders for the King in Piemont, his virtue got him abundance of enviers and enemies in the Kings Councel, which was the cauſe of a great diſcord among them, by the diverſity of opinions, and this diverſity was the cauſe of a prodigious negligence in ſending to him relief, as Turpin witneſſeth in his Hiſtory of Naples, and Paradin in the continuation of his Hiſtory.

By this diſcord and negligence, a paſſage was opened to Mahomet, his Fleet going freely upon the Mediterranean Sea [〈…〉]ar the Coaſts of France. And the reaſon of it was, becauſe this diſcord and negligence did compel Henry the II. to ask ſuccours of Solyman, that the Spaniard might be compelled to divide his Forces in ſending ſome to the Sea-Towns, and ſo ſhould not be ſo ſtrong in Piemont; and thus muſt be underſtood the French diſcord and negligence, in the firſt and ſecond Verſe. As for the many Sails and Ships that were then in the Haven of Marſeillés, to go into the Iſland of Cerſica, the following Stanza's are full of predictions concerning it.

ANNOT.

By the Serpents, the Author being a Roman Catholick, meaneth the Proteſtants, who then began to appear numerous in the Reigns of Francis the I. and Henry the II. in whoſe time the Admiral Coligny was the chief among them, for his great ſeats in War.

Theſe Serpents or Proteſtants begun to encompaſs the Are, that is to ſay, the Church and the Altar, which in Latin is called Ara.

And that happened when the Trojan-blood was vexed by Spain. By the Trojan-blood, the Author meaneth the French blood, according to the vulgar opinion, that the French are deſcended from the Trojans. The French were then vexed by the Spaniards, at the Battle of St. Laurence, and at the taking of St. Quentin, and other places in the Year 1557.

The third Verſe ſaith by them, that is by the Proteſtants a great number ſhall periſh, that is to ſay, a great number of French. Among whom the Admiral of Chatillon having done what was poſſible to be done at the defence of St. Quentin, and ſeeing the Town taken, run away with three more, and hid himſelf among the Ruſhes that are in the Boggs about the Town, where he was found, and carried Priſoner to the Duke of Savoy, who received him very honorably, according to his valour and deſerts.

Obſerve that the word Saignes here ſignifieth in old Proven al a Mariſh.

ANNOT.

All the Cities mentioned in the firſt Verſeare ſeated by the River of Loire, and are threatned here of a ſudden change, and that ſome ſtrangers ſhall ſet up their Tents againſt them, and chiefly at Rennes, there ſhall be an Earth-quake felt both by Sea and Land.

ANNOT.

It is a Rock in the middle of the Sea, whoſe Roots are fed by a white clay, which is at the foot of this Rock, in the bottom of the Sea, and therefore called deep.

This clay being ſoftned, and diſſolved by the Sea-water, ſhall appear upon the ſuperficies of it like milk about the Rock. Thoſe that ſhall ſee this wonder, being ignorant that in the bottom there is a milky clay, ſhall in vain be troubled at it, and ſhall not dare to touch it.

ANNOT.

This is a great Riddle, which was never found out till now; and had I not been born in the Countrey where the Hiſtory did happen, it might have been unknown to this day, and buried in oblivion.

In the year of the Lord 1613. which was that of my Birth. There was in the Town of Sens a Taylors Wife named Columba Chatry, who preſently after her marriage conceived, and for the ſpace of 28. years perſuaded her ſelf to be with Child, had all the ſigns of it in the beginning of her impregnation, and having ^[1] gone her compleat time, ſhe begun to feel the pains of a woman in Labour, with great gripings in the Guts. The Urine was ſuppreſſed for a while, but at laſt it broke out with a ſtrong current. This quantity of water not coming ſo much out of the Bladder as was ſuppoſed, as from the womb, by the breaking of the Membrane, called Amnion, ſeeing that with thoſe ſerous excrements, ſhe avoided ſome conjealed blood. After that her breaſt begun to fall, and the Child had little or no motion, her pains being leſs than they were, which cauſed no ſmall admiration to the Midwifes, who expected a ſafe deliverance. For the ſpace of three years after, this woman kept her Bed, and was brought to Deaths door, complaining of gripings and a hard ſwelling, which ſhe deſired all the Phyſitians and Chyrurgeons to feel, having loſt all appetite, but that little which ſhe recovered by the uſe of ſharp things, as Verjuice, Lemmons, &c. ſhe was wont to ſay to her Neighbours, that ſhe bare a Child that ſhould be the cauſe of her death. After ſhe was dead, her Husband got two experienced Chyrurgeons to open her body, who having opened the belly, and taken away the Peritonaeum, ſaw the Womb of ſeveral colours, as the fleſh that is about the head and neck of a Turky-cock, but as it were of a Horny ſubſtance. They begun to make an inciſion in it with a Raſour, but finding it reſiſted the edge, they begun to uſe their Inciſion knives with all their ſtrength; at laſt one of them by chance hit the Scull, and after that ſome Ribs, and then the Shoulder bone, by which, knowing that there was bones contained in that lump, with greater ſtrength they made a deeper Inciſion, and having parted the edges of the womb, ſaw in the bottom of the womb a Child, wrapped in the membrane, called Allantoides; at which the Chyrugeons wondering, ſent for the Phyſitians to have their opinion in a thing that is almoſt beyond belief; in the mean time people flocking thither from all parts, and troubling the Chyrurgeons in their operation; they thought good to take away with their Inſtruments all that Lump, as a Tree from its Roots, and to carry it home, that they might with more time and leaſure examine the whole Anatomy of it. In that haſty pulling out of the Child, they had no time to obſerve what Chorion it had, what umbilical Veſſels, and what connexion there was of the Allantoides with the Womb, and with the Child, chiefly about the right hip, the Buttocks, and the Back-bone being all grown ſolid together.

The ſcituation of the Child was almoſt Spherical, the face leaning upon the breaſt, and the Noſtri[•]s upon the Knees; the bones of the Head were but thin, but very hard, and ſhining like Horn; the skin of the Head was hairy in many places; the head did hang ſo much upon the left arm, that the Ear, and part of the skull had given way to the Shoulder-bone; the Elbow was bent towards the Shoulder ſtretching only his hand, which was ſo cloſe ſhut, and the fingers ſticking ſo faſt to the Palm of it, that although they did appear diſtinct one from another, never theleſs it was all but one and the ſame ſtone; the right arm did ſtrerch its hand towards the Navel, which unadviſedly was broken by the wriſt, and left in the Mothers Belly; the left Thigh, Knee and Leg were on the top of the right ones, with which they were ſo entangled, that the left heel, and the ſole of the foot were planted upon the right foot, who ſeemed to have given place to them, and were almoſt inſeparably joyned; for all ſuch hardneſs of the matter, the body was not leſs than that of other Children of the ſame age, but kept a perfect fulneſs and proportion all the internal parts, as the Brains, the Heart, the Liver, had their natural ſhape, and were not altogether ſo hard as the external parts, ſo that to this very day this little body defieth all kind of corruption.

This Child was kept in my time by one Mr. Michel a Chirurgion of Sens, who kindly ſhewed it to all the ſtrangers that came far and near to ſee it. The Fame of it was ſo great, that Doctor Mayerne coming from Switzerland to England, took his way through Sens to ſee it, and would have perſwaded King Charles I. to buy it, as himſelf told me; ſince that I hear it was fallen into the hands of the Venetians. In this Hiſtory there is two obſervable wonders. One, that the Child dying in the Womb, did not corrupt, and ſo cauſe the death of its Mother. The other, by what vertue or power of the body this child was petrified, ſeeing that the Womb is a hot and moiſt place, and therefore more ſubject to putrifaction. Thoſe that will ſatisfie themſelves with the reaſons of it, and the truth of the Hiſtory, may read Johannes Aliboſius Phyſician of Sens, who was an eye witneſs of it, and Sennertus in his book of Sympt. qum ſeminis in utero accidunt.

Now this accident being ſo rare, and without parallel, our Author thought fit to foretel it, and to cover it in abſcure tearms, that he might not appear ridiculous in ſo admirable an eveut. When therefore he ſaith, That which ſhall live and ſhall have no Senſe, he meaneth this [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] or child petrified, which had a Life while it was in the Mothers belly, being tied to it by the ſeveral Veſſels and connexions, known to Anatomiſts, and yet was ſenſeleſs in that it was petrified. When in the ſecond verſe he ſaith, The Iron ſhall deſtroy the art of it, he meaneth that it ſhould be ſpoiled by the raſour, in the two laſt verſes he ſaith, that the Towns of Autun, Chalons, Langres, and Sens the Town in which this did happen ſhould that ſame year ſuffer much damage by Hail and Ice, which did come to paſs, as many perſons may juſtify in that Countrey, that are alive to this day.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth a particular accident, viz. that in the third Month, which is that of March, at the riſing of the Sun, the Boar and the Leopard, that is, two perſons of quality hidden under theſe names, ſhall go into the fields to fight a Duel. The Leopard one of them being weary, ſhall lift up his eyes to Heaven, calling upon God, and thereupon ſhall ſee an Eagle playing about the Sun, that is, ſhall get the Victory, of which the Eagle is the Emblem.

ANNOT.

This name of new City is appropriated to ſeveral ones in every Countrey. The French have many Villeneufuas, the Germans many Newſtads, the Italians and Spaniards many Villanovas, ſo that it is hard to gueſs which of them the Author meaneth. The miſſing of this dore makes the reſt of the Prophecie ſo obſcure, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, than to pretend a true explication of it. I ſhall only ſay, that Cremona and Mantua are two famous Towns in Italy, which are here threatned.

ANNOT.

The Prophecie is concerning the body of a famous Churchman, which was loſt, and ſhall be fonnd again, and worſhiped as a Demy-God, but before the Moon hath run her great age, which is of 13 Months, it ſhall be vilified and diſhonoured.

ANNOT.

This is concerning ſome great man, who being premoniſhed by a common Carrier not to travel upon a certain day, did ſlight the advice, and was ſtrucken by Lightning in the day time, and another in the night; at the ſame time there was a fight at Rhemes, and the Plague at London and in Tuſcany, which in Latin is called Etruria.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of it is, that ſomebody (who is named here Guyen) being under an Oak ſhall be ſtrucken with the lightning, and that near that place there is a great Treaſure, that hath been many years a gathering, and that he who ſhall find it ſhall die, being ſhot in the eye with a Fire-lock.

ANNOT.

The Tower of Bouk is a ſtrong place ſeated by the Rhoſne, where it entereth into the Mediterranean Sea; it is ſaid here that it ſhall be in fear of a Barbarian Fleet, and after that of a Spaniſh one, and that both the Spaniard and the French ſhall have great loſſes in Cattle, People and Goods, and this ſhall happen when the Sun ſhall be in the Signs of Taurus and Libra.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth no more but that after, a Fiſh, Terreſtrial and Aquatick, that is which, liveth in Land and Water, called by the Greeks [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], ſhall be caſt upon the Sand by a ſtorm, then a little while after, that Town which lieth near to that place where the Fiſh was caſt, ſhall be Beſieged by her Enemies, who ſhall come by Sea.

ANNOT.

It is a Forrein Ship which by a ſtorm ſhall be driven to an unknown Harbour, and notwithſtanding the ſigns that ſhall be made to it with Branches, by thoſe that are upon the Land to beware of the entrance of the Harbour, it ſhall be caſt away, and plundered; thus a good advice ſhall come too late.

ANNOT.

That is, the Wars ſhall laſt ſo long in France after the death of one King of Spain, till three great ones ſhall challenge an uncertain Victory, theſe three great ones are the Emperour deſigned by the Aigle, the King of France by the Cock, and the Turk by the Moon, and this ſhall happen when the Sun is in the ſign of the Lion. I ſuppoſe that came to paſs in the time of Charles the V. Henry the II. and Soliman. For the Turk had no great odds upon the Emperour, nor he upon the King of France.

ANNOT.

This is concernig the ſame Charles the V. Emperour, who about three years before his death, being weary of the World, reſigned his Dominions of Spain and of the Low-Countries, to his Son Philip the II. and his Empire to his Brother Ferdinand, and retired himſelf into a Monaſtery of Caſtile, called l'Eſcurial, which after his death, was much enlarged and beautified by his Son Philip: and that is the meaning of our Author when he ſaith:

Into a little place which ſhall ſoon grow afterwards,

An inferiour place of a ſmall County,

For this Eſcurial being ſeated in a Deſert place of a County of Spain, called Caſtilia, which the Spaniſh vanity calleth a Kingdom, (whoſe Uſe, Fruit, or Revenues, the ſaid Charles only reſerved for his maintenance) is now by the Spaniards accounted to be the eight wonder of the World.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that a great Captain, Commander of the Imperial Forces, ſhall cauſe a Bridge that was built near a ſpacious Plain to be thrown down. The City near the Bridge being terrified at it, ſhall ſhut up their Gates againſt him.

ANNOT.

It is a Hawk which in preſence of two Armies ready to give Battle, ſhall fly to a window and perch upon it, in the preſence of them all, one of the Armies ſhall take it for a good ſign; and the other, for an ambiguous and ſiniſter one. In Concluſion, the weaker party ſhall get the Victory.

ANNOT.

This is one of the Prophecies that hath put our Author in credit, as well for the clearneſs as for the true event of it.

Caeſſar No ſtradamus our Authors ſon, in his Hiſtory of Provence, writeth that by this Stanza his father intended to foretell the manner of Henry the ſecond's death.

The French Hiſtories relate that this great Prince deſiring to honour the Nuptial of his Daughter Elizabeth, married to Philip II. King of Spain, did appoint a Tournament to be kept in St. Anthony's ſtreet in Paris, where himſelf would be one of the Defendants againſt all comers, and for that purpoſe choſe for his companions and aſſociates Don Alfonſo d'Eſte Duke of Ferrara, and Francis of Lorrain, Duke of Guiſe.

The Tornament being almoſt ended, in which the King had ſhewed much Valour being mounted upon a Horſe of the Duke of Savoy, Philibert's, Emanuel his Brother in Law, this Duke intreated the King to leave off, becauſe he had got the Victory; and the weather was hot, and the night drawing on: But this Martial King would need break one Launce more, and commanded the Captain Gabriel de Lorges to be called, a young and valiant Lord and Captain of the Scottiſh Guard. Being come, the King commanded him to run againſt him, which he refuſed a great while; but the King waxing angry, he obeyed, and ſet Spurs to his Horſe, he did hit the King in the lower part of his Beaver, the Launce was broken into ſhivers, and the mean ſtump lifting up the Beaver, a ſplinter got in, and wounded the King a little above the right Eye, where finding the Bone too hard, it went very deep under the ſaid Eye, and broke ſome Veins belonging to the Membrane, called Pia Mater.

The blow was ſo violent that the King bended his head towards the liſts, and fell, into a Swound, being preſently diſarmed, they perceived the ſplinter of the Launce in his Eye, and his face all bloody. He lived ten days after, and died with great Convulſions, becauſe the Sinews were offended, whereupon he ſuffered grievous Torment.

His death was alſo foretold by Luke Gaurick a great Aſtrologer, who being conſtrained by the Queen Catharine of Medicis, to tell her by what kind of death her Husband ſhould end his days, told her it ſhould be in a Duel, which made him to be hiſſed at, Kings being exempted of thoſe accidents.

According to this Narrative the Author calleth the King an old Lion, and the Captain Lorges, ſince Earl of Montgomery, the young Lion; becauſe both fought like Lions. The young Lion overcame the old one in Martial field, and in a fight of one againſt one, and conſequently a Duel.

He overcame him by putting his Eye out in a Golden Cage, that is, in his Gilded Helmet.

Of which Wound there came another, becauſe the blood of ſome broken Veins, creeping into the Brains by the vehement agitation of the head, cauſed an Impoſtume there, which could not be remedied: therefore the Author ſaith two Wounds from one, that is, one wound made two: and the King died of a cruel death, as we have ſaid before.

ANNOT.

The words of this are plain, though it be queſtionable whether the thing is come to paſs already, or not.

ANNOT.

The two firſt verſes I believe are concerning the Battle of Saint Denis, which was fought in the Evening hard by Paris, and where the Conſtable of Montmorency was kill'd, which made that great people of Paris to be doubtful. The other two Verſes I leave to the interpretation of the Reader.

ANNOT.

This Stanza being full of Figures and Equivoques, I will not interpoſe my Judgement in it, leſt I undertake too much, and perform too little.

ANNOT.

The Author hath purpoſely obſcured this Prophecie in the third Verſe, to take away the Knowledge of it from the Reader; becauſe the parties concerned were then alive, viz. Philip II. King of Spain, who cauſed his only ſon Don Carlo to be ſtrangled in his bed, for ſuſpicion of being too familiar with his wiſe Elizabeth of France, and Daughter to Henry II. The laſt Verſe ſaith, that he was ſo implacable, that he would read neither Card nor Packet, that is, no requeſts.

ANNOT.

There is two things in this Prognoſtication, the firſt that in Bizance, which is Conſtantinople, a Troop of tumultuous perſons gathered together, and diſſembling their folly, ſhall cauſe an alteration in the Laws.

The other, that ſome Baſſa come out of Aegypt, ſhall perſwade them at Conſtantinople to alter their Coin, and the allay of it.

ANNOT.

After the taking of Vulpian, the French came to Montcalvo, and in the night ſurprized it by Scalado, and Paradin ſaith, that not a drop of Blood was ſhed on either ſide.

The Town being taken, the Citadel did hold out a good while, and at laſt did ſurrender, Don Arbre, who was in the place of the Marques of Peſcaire, and of the Duke of d'Alva, knowing that the beſieged had not made a ſufficient reſiſtance, cauſed the Captain, and eleven more of the chief ones to be hanged; becauſe the place was of conſequence, and thoſe within had not made a ſufficient reſiſtance.

The Author ſaith in the firſt Verſe, Siege was laid to a City, that is, it was reſolved to beſiege Montcalvo, as the Martial of Briſſac had adviſed. In the execution it was aſſaulted by night, in the taking few eſcaped; for they were all taken, and yielded to the Victorious. There were none killed or wounded, all were taken, except few who ran away, and carried the news to the Spaniards.

At the ſame time a fight not far from the Sea, that is, at the ſame time there was another Battle by the Sea, between the Spaniards and the Pope, as we ſhall ſhew hereafter.

The third and fourth Verſes are concerning a particular accident, which happened preſently after the taking of Montcalvo, which is, that a woman ſeeing her Son come back ſafe, fell in a ſwound, or died for joy, becauſe knowing the danger wherein he was, ſhe had loſt all hopes of ever ſeeing him. This fellow had brought Poiſon in a Letter to give to one that had not rewarded him according to his deſire. His wickedneſs being diſcovered, his Maſter put him in Priſon, whence he eſcaped, and came back again to Montcalvo; the Author ſpeaketh of the ſame in another place, which we ſhall ſet down in its order.

ANNOT.

The tenth of the Calends of April is the 23. of March, Gothik account ſignifieth the old account of the Calendar, before the reformation of it by Pope Gregory the XIII. which old account is called here Gothik, becauſe it is kept ſtill by the Nothern Nations, which do not acknowledge the Pope, as Sweden, Denmark, Holland, England, &c. at that time ſaith our Author, a Magician ſhall be raiſed up by malitious perſons; which fire or tumult being put out, that Diabolical aſſembly will go about to ſeek the bones of two famous Magicians, viz. Damant and Pſellin that were dead before.

ANNOT.

This will not ſeem incredible to thoſe that have read the Engliſh Chronicles, who relates that in a County of England (I think it is Herefordſhire) there was an Earthquake, which tranſpoſed a large piece of ground in another place, with the Trees that were in it, and if I remember well, half a Chappel, thoſe that have the Books may examine the truth of the Hiſtory, and ſatisfie themſelves better.

ANNOT.

This is a true Prophecy of the miſerable condition of the Church and Clergy in our Fore-fathers times, and chiefly of Henry the II. in France, and Henry the VIII. in England, when in the beginning of the Reformation there was ſuch a confuſion of opinions, and ſuch unſettledneſs in Eccleſiaſtical Government, that ſometimes the Popiſh party prevailed, and put to death the Oppoſers; at another time the Proteſtants, who drove away the Monks, Abbots and Novices, as is expreſſed here, and proved true in Henry the VIII. time. As for what he ſaith, that Honey ſhall be much dearer than Wax. It is to be underſtood of the downfal of the Romiſh Religion, who maketh uſe of Wax Candles and Tapers in their ſuperſtitious ceremonies, as if he would ſay, that the Romiſh Religion being down, Wax ſhall be cheap, and Honey dear.

ANNOT.

The Author being a Papiſt, is probable that in this Prophecy he aimed at Luther, after whoſe coming the world hath been full of Sects and Schiſms.

ANNOT.

Auch, Lectoure and Miranda are three Towns in Guyenna, a Province of France, the chief City whereof is Bourdeaux. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

The Leman Lake, in Latin Lacus Lemanus, is the Lake of Geneva, therefore it is palpable, that by this Prophecy, the Author aimeth at Calvin, and his Succeſſors, who began the Reformation in that Town. I leave the reſt to the Readers Judgement, it is enough I have opened the door.

ANNOT.

All this ſignifieth no more, but that the Authors Prophecies extend to the end of the world.

ANNOT.

I deſire Poſterity to take ſpecial notice of this Stanza, that in caſe it ſhould come to paſs, our Author may be admired for the ſpecification of the time, which is ſo punctually ſet down, here that it admitteth no ambiguity. The plain meaning is, that the Turks, which he calleth thoſe of the Eaſt. By the virtue of the Moon, which is their Enſign and Badge, ſhall in the year 1700. carry away abundance of people, and ſhall ſubdue almoſt the whole Northern Countrey, which to them is Ruſſia, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Denemark, &c.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that at that time, as (ſuch conjunction of Planets ſhall be, which he calleth here Aquatick triplicity, there ſhall be born upon a Thurſday a famous man, ſuch as he deſcribeth here, who ſhall be a foe and a terrour to the Turks, ſignified here by the Orients.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth, that when Jupiter and Saturn ſhall be in conjunction in the head of Aries, that then ſhall be great commotions in France and Italy.

ANNOT.

This third poſition of the Celeſtial bodies foretelleth the death of the great Turk, who ſhould be murdered in his own Chamber, as happened to Sultan Oſman, who was ſtrangled in his Chamber, by the command of Daout Baſſa great Vizeir, about the year 1622. vide the Turkiſh Hiſtory.

The reſt of the Prophecy is concerning a King, who being newly joyned to the Church, (I ſuppoſe of Rome) ſhall bring much miſchief to it, and in his time Europe ſhall be brought very low, and in a manner confined to a corner of the North, which hath relation to the foregoing 49. Stanza, which ſee in its place.

ANNOT.

This is a true Prophecy of the miſchiefs that have happened in the World by the finding of the Mines in America; firſt to the Indians themſelves, called here a great People, by the cruelty of the Spaniards, and then to all Chriſtendom beſides, by the evils that this Idol Mammon hath brought into it.

ANNOT.

This obſcure Stanza muſt be interpreted thus.

Two revolts ſhall be made by the wicked Link-carrier; that is, Paris which is the Link-carrier of France, and whoſe example the reſt of the Towns follow, ſhall revolt twice, the firſt revolt was againſt Henry III. in the time of the Barricadoes, the ſecond againſt Henry IV. his ſucceſſor.

Which ſhall make a change of the Reign and the Age: This happened when the houſe of Valois was extinguiſhed. and the houſe of Bourbon came in, and that is the change of the Reign. The change of the Age, was, becauſe this did happen about the end of the year 1599. and the beginning 1600. which was a change of Age.

The moueable ſign offers it ſelf for it: That is, the poſition of the Heavens was ſuch as to forward theſe accidents.

To the two equals in ambition: That is, to Henry III. and Henry IV. who both intended, and went about to reduce Paris to obedience.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but what Climat is that is oppoſite to the Babylonian, of which every body may ſatisfie himſelf by peruſing the Globe.

ANNOT.

I conceive there is ſome things omitted, and corrupted by the Preſs in this Stanza, which rendreth it ſo difficult, therefore I had rather leave it to the deciſion of the impartial Reader, than venture my opinion upon it.

ANNOT.

The words and ſence are plain, and I cannot believe that there is any great myſtery hidden under theſe words.

ANNOT.

In the firſt Verſe the Author ſpeaketh of a Monſter that had two heads, and four Arms, and the Belly ſlit, that is to ſay, it was a female.

His Son Caeſar in his Hiſtory of Provence, ſaith, that in the Town of Senan in Provence, a Child was born with two heads, and that it was foretold by ſome that were skilful in Aſtronomy, by which words I gueſs he ſpake of his Father, ſith the Aſtrologers cannot foretel the birth of a particular Monſter, and therefore Noſtradamus only was able to do it in thoſe days.

He faith in the ſame place, that it was born in February 1554, and was brought to Salon to be ſhewed to his Father, and thence was carried to Claudius Earl of Savoy Governour of Provence, who commonly had his reſidence at Salon.

He maketh no mention if he had four Arms, nor what Sex it was of, it may be that being in ſwadling cloths, no body took notice of the Arms or Sex.

The Author Prophecieth that it ſhould live ſome years, it may be two or three, and that is was preſerved to ſee, whether in time it ſhould have the uſe of its Senſes, of the Tongue, and underſtanding of its two Heads, to ſee whether there were two Souls, or onely one, and to ſay the Truth. I think that in ſuch an accident both Heads ought to be Baptized. that in caſe there ſhould be two Souls, both ſhould partake of the blood of Chriſt, for their Eternal Salvation.

I do not find in the ſame Hiſtory how long it lived, it being a thing not much material to Hiſtory. In the third Verſe he marketh, The day that Aquilare ſhall celebrate his Feſtivals; and in the fourth he ſaith that Foſſan, Thurin, chief Ferrare ſhall run away.

To underſtand this, one muſt ſuppoſe here that the Town of Cazal is called here the chief of Ferrare; becauſe it is the chief City of Montferrat, and as Paradin ſaith, is called Cazal St. Bas, a handſom and ſtrong place, honoured with many Nobles and antient Families, as of the Earls of St. George and of Biandratte.

Secondly, We muſt ſuppoſe that in the year 1554. the Lord Figuerol, Lieutenant to the Governour of Milan did command in that place. Of this Figuerol I find in the Author of the four Volumes of the States and Empires, (when he ſpeaketh of Spain) that the Houſe of Figueroas was the root of that of Aquilar, which hath ſeveral branches, out of which came the Duke of Feria, and the Marqueſs of Pliego, ſo that Figuerol and Aquilar is the ſame thing.

If it be objected that Figueroas and Figuerol are not the ſame, Paradin teacheth us, that this Figuerol was bred up amongſt the Genoeſes, and the corrupted Italian of Genoa may have named the Captain Figuerol in ſtead of Figueroas.

Thirdly, We muſt ſuppoſe here that Cazal was taken in the night that is between Shrove-Tueſday and Aſh-Wedneſday, and that from Shrove-Sunday to that day there were great rejoycings, becauſe of a famous Marriage that was made between two perſons of quality, where the Lord Figuerol was one of the chief perſons invited.

Fourthly, That theſe rejoycings were the occaſion of the taking of Cazal; becauſe the Lord Salvaiſon Governour of Verrue hearing of this Feaſt, reſolved to be among them, though with a different intention. He had before hand made himſelf ſure of one Fontarole, who under pretence to ſell fruit, went up and down the Town to ſpie what was a doing.

Fifthly, The reſolution of ſurprizing Cazal was agreed upon, and the time appointed to be the night between Shrove-Tweſday and Aſh-Wedneſday, when the Governour, Inhabitants and Souldiers ſhould be buried in ſleep, weary of debaucheries committed the day before.

Sixthly, This reſolution was ſo happily put into execution, that Figuerol hearing the noiſe of the French being in Town, came out of his houſe, having only his night Gown upon him, and a Halbert in his hand, to quiet thoſe whom he only thought to be ſome drunken perſons; but hearing the cry of France, Fraence, he preſently retired into the Caſtle, with all thoſe that were come to the Nuptials.

Seventhly, The Marſhal of Briſſac coming about ſeven of the Clock in the Morning, cauſed the Tower of Cazal to be aſſaulted, which was taken with a conſiderable loſs of the French, and after that the Caſtle which held out 12 days.

All this being ſuppoſed, mark what the Author [•]aith in the third Verſe.

The day that Aquilare ſhall celebrate his Feſtivals, that is, the day that Figuerol of the houſe of Aquilare ſhall celebrate his Feſtivals, not only one Feſtival, but his Feſtivals, that is of three days.

Foſſen, Thurin, ſaith the fourth Verſe, Chief Ferrare ſhall run away.

Foſſen, Thurin, doth not ſignifie two Towns, but one onely; for although Foſſen and Thurin be two Towns, of which Foſſen in the time of the Wars in Italy under Henry 11. belonged to the Spaniard, and Thurin to the French. Theſe two Towns ſignifie but one, which is that of Foſſen, to which to diſtinguiſh it from Marſeilles, he giveth the Epithete of Thurin, ſo much as to ſay, that he ſpeaketh of Foſſen a Town of Piemont, the chief Town of which is Thurin, and not of Foſſen, which the Author taketh often for Marſeilles.

Which the Author maketh plain, when he ſaith in the ſingular number, that Foſſen, Thurin, chief Ferrare ſhall run away, to ſhew that it is onely one Town of which he ſpeaketh, otherwiſe if he had intended to ſpeake of two, he would have put it in the plural number, which is more manifeſt by the Hiſtory, wherein we learn that Foſſen belonged to the Spaniards, and Thurin to the French, and conſequently, being of contrary parties, they could neither follow, nor fly from a Town which belonged to one of them.

If any one ſhould object, that the ſenſe of the fourth Verſe is, that the Chief Ferrare ſhall fly or follow theſe two Towns, the preceding reaſon is repugnant to that ſenſe; becauſe a Town that is of one party, cannot be friend to two [•]owns, one of which is of its party, and the other of the contrary.

The reading of this work ſhall convince every body, that the Author ſetteth down ſometimes two Towns for one, to diſtinguiſh them from others, as he nameth Paul Manſol, to diſtinguiſh that Town of St. Paul, which is three Leagues from the Rboſne, over againſt Pont St. Eſprit, from that St. Paul which is in Provence.

Now that Foſſen in Piemont ſhall run from Cazal the chief City of Montferrat; becauſe that being taken by the French, Foſſen could not expect but perpetual damages from it.

But why? will you ſay, doth the Author ſpeak rather of Foſſen, than of other places that held for the Spaniards? I anſwer, becauſe Foſſen was the ſtrongeſt place that the Spaniards had in Piemont, and which could not be taken by the French, though her neighbour Saviliane was, as we ſhall ſhew hereafter.

In the Vulgar impreſſion of this Stanza, there is two ſaults, one is, that in the firſt Verſe it puts Aquileya, which is a Town that is not in Italy, truth it is, that there is Aquilee a little above Venice, but this hath no correſpondency with Foſſen, Thurin, nor the Chief of Ferrara.

In the fourth Verſe the impreſſion ſetteth down ſhall follow, which maketh nonſenſe, and therefore I put ſhall run away, which is a word in French near the other, and maketh a compleat ſenſe, to which agreeth the birth of that Monſter in February, and the taking of Cazal in the Month of March. In that year, John Statius ſetteth Shrove-Tweſday upon the 16 of February, and conſequently we muſt ſay, that the Town was not taken that year 1554. for the Citadel was taken 12 days after, which ſhould have been the 19 of February, and notwithſtanding the Hiſtory marks that it was taken upon the 14 of March.

Therefore we muſt conclude, that it was taken the year following 1555. and to ſay truth, in that year Aſh-wedneſday was the 27. of February; in that day the Town was taken, and two days after the Tower of Cazal; after which the Citadel was beſieged the ſecond of March, and the firſt Saturday of Lent, and was taken twelve days after, which was the 14. of March, which convinceth me that Cazal was taken in the year 1555. upon the 27. of February, and therefore that this Stanza is wholly Prophetical.

ANNOT.

This is very plain, and ſignifieth no more, but that ſome perſons that were baniſhed into Iſlands, and could not hold their tongues; upon the coming of a Monarque, more cruel than his Predeceſſor, ſhall be murdered, and burnt.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is for the future; for ſince Noſtradamus's time till now, ſuch an Emperour was not heard of, that was born near Italy, that coſt the Empire ſo dear, and proved more a Butcher, than a Prince.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes foretell what hath happened to England under the Government of a Common-wealth, and how their new Magiſtrate Cromwel made a havock of them. The third and fourth Verſes, mention what great ſums they exacted from thoſe of the Kings party, and how for that cauſe Swedeland foreſook their friendſhip.

ANNOT.

Here the Author bemoaneth the loſs of one eminent perſon in Learning, be like of Julius Scaliger, who lived in his time, and was once his intimate friend, the two laſt Verſes that great miſeries, as Fire and Flood ſhall happen by the ignorance of Princes.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a great tranquillity every where, and after that, Wars again:

ANNOT.

This Stanza is full of prodigies that are to happen, and for that in the laſt Verſe, it is no great wonder, for many brute beaſts have ſpoken, ſpeak now a days, and ſhall ſpeak hereafter.

ANNOT.

The meaning of all this is, that when a child ſhall be born without hands, there ſhall be fearful Lightning; a Royal child ſhall be hurt at Tennes, and by that Lightning ſome ſhall be bruiſed by a Well, and in a Mill, and three in the Field ſhall be killed.

ANNOT.

This Stanza hath a connexion with the foregoing, for the two firſt Verſes ſignifie, that he who ſhall carry the news of that fearful Lightning, and of the miſchief done by it, ſhall have much ado to recover his breath.

In the laſt two Verſes, the Towns are named which ſhall ſuffer moſt by that ſtorm, and chiefly by the Hail and the Wind.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe of this are plain, and foretell a great famine, which being firſt in one Countrey and then in another, ſhall at laſt become general, and laſt ſo long, that people ſhall pluck the Roots from the Trees, and the children from the breaſt to feed upon.

ANNOT.

This is very plain concerning three innocent perſons, who ſhall be delivered up by their unfaithful keepers, and ſhall be put to great torments by drunken Executioners, which torments ſhall be ſuſpected to come by poiſon.

ANNOT.

A Stade cometh from the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], becauſe Hercules did overrun ſo much ground at one breath; but what ſpace of ground the Author meaneth by ſeven Stades, is unknown to me. The reſt of the Prophecy may very well be appropriated to the laſt fearful eruption of Mount Aetna, which ſunk ſo many Towns and Buildings, and the relation of which is ſo handſomly and truly made by the moſt honourable the Earl of Winchelſey, who was an eye witneſs to it, in his return from his Embaſſy at Conſtantinople.

ANNOT.

The meaning of the two firſt Verſes, is, that while the Rain, Famine, and War ſhall be in Perſia, a Monarque ſhall be betrayed by his credulity. The third Verſe ſignifieth that this Rain, Famine and War being ended in Perſia, it ſhall begin in France. And the fourth Verſe, that this ſhall be an Omen to a great Perſon of his approaching death.

ANNOT.

It is hard to gueſs what this Sea Tower is, which was taken and retaken three times; firſt by the Spaniards, next by the Barbarians, and then by the Ligurians, that is, either the Genoeſes, or thoſe of Ligorne, unleſs he meaneth the Pignon de Velez in Africa, firſt taken by Charles the V. upon the Barbarians, then retaken again by them, taken again by the Spaniards, by the help of the Genoeſes. In the third Verſe Marſeille, Aix, and Arles, are threatned by thoſe of Piſa, that is the, Florentines, of being ruinated by Fire and Sword, and to be plundered, as alſo Avignon by thoſe of Pitmont.

ANNOT.

Marſeilles is a Sea-Town in Provence, Narbon, and Tholoze are Cities of Languedoc, and Bourdeaux is the chief Town in Gaſcony; the reſt is eaſie to be underſtood.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is concerning as many Countreys, as there are Verſes: the firſt is France, which by neglect and careleſneſs of her in Inhabitants, ſhall be aſſaulted on five ſeveral ſides. The ſecond is concerning Tunis and Argier, Cities of Barbary, which ſhall be ſtirred and moved (I ſuppoſe) to rebel. The third regardeth Leon, Sevil, Barſelona, Cities in Spain, and the fourth the Venetians.

ANNOT.

There is no difficulty in this, but in the laſt Verſe, which I had rather leave to the judgment of the judicious Reader, than to offer any thing that might make me ridiculous.

ANNOT.

For the explication of this Stanza, you muſt underſtand that Sienna is a City in Italy, now under the Dominion of the Duke of Tuſcany, who ſhall occupy Savona, a City now under the Dominion of the Common-wealth of Genoa; the reſt is plain enough.

ANNOT.

By the three Siſters, he meaneth the three Deſtinies, viz. Clotho, Lacheſis, and Atropos, which the Poets have fained to Spin every mans deſtiny, which he calleth here Fato, from the Latin word Fatum. The reſt may be interpreted as well by the Reader, as by my ſelf.

ANNOT.

I could not find what he meaneth by Calpre, nor by Rocheval, which I ſuppoſe to be the proper names of places, when he ſaith, that proud Neptune ſhall fold the black Sail; he maketh an alluſion to the Hiſtory of Theſeus, Son of Aegeus King of Athens, who being ſent with other Children into Candia, to become a prey to the Minotaure, his Father ſent the Ship with black Sails, as in a caſe of Mourning, charging Theſeus, that if he came back again ſafe he ſhould put on white Sails, but coming in ſight of Athens, Theſeus for joy forgot to put on the white Sails, ſo that his Father Aegeus thinking he had miſcarried, caſt himſelf from a Rock into the Sea, ſo that he ſaying that Neptune ſhall fold the black Sail, he meaneth, that there ſhall be joyful news.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is ſo plain, that any body may make his interpretation of it.

ANNOT.

This Key of the ſenſe of this Stanza lieth in the laſt word Tauropole, which is compounded of the Latin word Taurus a Bull, and of the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], that is, to ſell; ſo that the meaning of it is, that thoſe Cities mentioned ſhall riſe in Rebellion againſt the Monopolites, and thoſe that ſhall lay a Tax upon Cattle.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe is of a moſt dark and abſtruſe ſenſe, in which I confeſs my ignorance, unleſs he meant from the ſixth of the ſeven Planets, the reſt is plain enough.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by Kappa, Theta, Lambda, which are three Letters of the Greek Alphabet.

ANNOT.

Auſter, in Latin is the Southwind. Vienna is the chief City of Auſtria, belonging to the Emperour of Germany.

ANNOT.

By the Tuſcans are meant the people under the Dominion of the Duke of Florence; and by the Latines, thoſe under the Pope.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth, that when the Moon ſhall be totally Eclipſed in the night, and that all the next day her Brother the Sun ſhall be ſeen of a ferrugineous, (that is an Iron like colour) then ſhall a great one that was hidden ariſe, and do great feats of Arms with the death of many men.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but the laſt Verſe, which yet will be plain enough, if you make theſe three words anger, hatred, and envy not co-herent with the foremoſt, but ſubſiſting by themſelves; as if one ſhould ſay, there ſhall be anger, hatred, and envy.

ANNOT.

It is ſome great Queen, who ſeeing her ſelf vanquiſhed, ſhall ſwim naked on Horſeback over a River, being followed by thoſe that would have either killed or taken her, and after that ſhall forfeit her faith, but whether it be to her Husband, Friends, or Relations, is not expreſſed.

ANNOT.

Ennoſigee is a Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], in Latin Terrae quaſſator, from [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] moveo, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Terra, and is an Epithete of Neptune. The meaning then of this Stanza is, that the Sea ſhall make the Earth quake, and fire come out of the Earth about Naples, which in Greek is called Neapolis, that is, a New City.

Arethuſa is a Fountain in Sicily, which a little way from its Spring, groweth into a River. The reſt is left to the interpretationof of the Reader.

ANNOT.

By the Divine ſickneſs, he meaneth the falling ſickneſs, called by the Greeks Epilepſia, and by the Latines Morbus Sacer. By the ſhaven head, he meaneth ſome Eccleſiaſtical perſon of the Romiſh Religion; the conſtruction of the whole is eaſie.

ANNOT.

By Illerde he meaneth the City of l'ſle in Flanders, the Moſel is a River that runneth through Lorrain, the Loire and Seine are two other Rivers of France, the firſt of which paſſeth at Orleans, and the ſecond at Paris; the two laſt Verſes are too hard for me to interpret.

ANNOT.

Tramontana, in Italian, is the North-wind. Orgon, is the name of a Town in Gaſcony, the reſt of the conſtruction is not difficult.

ANNOT.

He foretelleth here ſome Prodigies that ſhall be in the Air, as Swords and Lances after fair weather, which ſhall be forerunners of great Wars, and chiefly in thoſe Countries that ſhall be ſituated on the left hand of theſe Prodigies.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

By the Lion he underſtandeth the Engliſh, becauſe of their Arms, and by the Cock the French, called in Latin Gallus, which ſignifieth a Cock; Catulen is the Spaniards, as if he ſhould ſay Caſtilian; the Celtes are the Dutch of the Low-Countries.

ANNOT.

By the Port Selyn, is meant Conſtantinople, becauſe of ſeveral Emperours of the Turks that have been of that name, therefore the intention of this Prophecy, is, that one of the Turkiſh Emperours ſhall be put to death at Conſtantinople, which for all that, ſhall not recover her liberty. The new Mars, be like he is ſo called, that ſhall put him to death by vengeance without remorſe. The Lady by exceſs of fear honoured, may be applied to the preſent great Sultaneſs, Mother to this preſent Emperour of the Turks, who hath hitherto made her ſelf very conſiderable by a great party, which ſhe hath raiſed againſt her Son, to prevent him from putting his Brothers to death, [〈◊〉] is uſually practiſed in that Court.

ANNOT.

The meaning of the whole is, that a Twin ſhall be found before a Church, begot by a Monk, of Illuſtrious and Ancient Family, and ſhall become very famous. So that they ſhall ſay the Vopisk is much raiſed. Vopiſcus in Latin, is, that one of the Twins, which cometh to perfect Birth.

ANNOT.

As the words of this Stanza are plain, ſo is the ſenſe moſt obſcure, and ſo to be left to the Readers private Judgement.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is plain, though the words be ſomthing untowardly expreſſed.

ANNOT.

It is ſome great Commander that ſhall lead a multitude of people into a ſtrange Countrey, far from their own; ſuppoſe Candia and Theſſalia, where the ſaid Commander ſhall be compelled to runaway, and to ſave himſelf in a Barn by the Sea ſide.

ANNOT.

This Stanza requireth no interpretation more, than what every one will be pleaſed to give himſelf.

ANNOT.

Dola is a Town in Burgundy: The Tuſcan Land, is that which belongeth to the Duke of Florence.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY II.

ANNOT.

THree Prophecies are contained in this Stanza, the firſt that the Engliſh ſhall make an incurſion in Gaſcony; the ſecond, that there ſhall be a great dearth by Rains and Forſts; the third, that the Turks ſhall make great Incurſion.

ANNOT.

I did never find that word of Glue-head before in any Author, and I believe if Cotgrave were alive again, it would puzzle him to give the interpretation thereof.

The third and fourth ſignifie, that one ſhall be hanged on the Sails-yard, and another on a Tree, when a King ſhall be taken by his own Men, and ſhall ſay how much? that is, how much money ſhall l give you to ſet me free.

ANNOT.

Negrepont is an Iſland of the Archipelago near Morea, anciently called Eubaea. Rhodes is another Iſland, and Genoa a City in Italy, by the Sea ſide. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Monaco is a Town ſeated by the Sea-ſide in Italy, between Provence and Genoa. This Prophecy hath been once already fulfilled, when the famous Pyrate Barbaroſſa, being ſent by the grand Seignor, to help the French King againſt the Emperour Charles the V. in his return home, plundered all that Coaſt, and carried away an innumerable multitude of people into ſlavery.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Interpretation.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no explication.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy, is concerning the beginning of the Reformed Religion, when the Roman Church rejected it, yet nevertheleſs, for ſhame they left off many of their fopperies, for ever ſince they never appeared ſo great Worſhippers of Saints as before.

ANNOT.

It is a lean man that ſhall keep in Peace the Kingdom, for the ſpace of nine years, and then ſhall become cruel; ſo that he ſhall put to death many people without Law, or regard of his promiſe.

ANNOT.

All the difficulty of this conſiſteth in what he meaneth by the Viſard and alone, for my part, I believe he aimeth at the Popiſh Clergy and Monks; the firſt by reaſon of their Hypocriſy, the other by reaſon of their ſolitarineſs. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This is an Horoſcope, for the Interpretation of which we are beholding to, Mr. Manneſsier of Amiens, who ſaith that the Father of the Lords l'Aiſniers writ to Noſtradamus his friend, to know his childrens fortune, who ſent him thoſe four Verſes for an anſwer, by which it is evident that the eldeſt ſhould be an eminent Man, as it fell out, being one of the chiefeſt men in the Province of Anjou, and one of the chiefeſt inſtruments to make Peace between Louis the XIII. and his Mother Mary of Medicis, after the Battle of Pont de Cé.

The fourth Verſe ſaith, that ſome of his other Children ſhould be expelled the Kingdom, as it happened by reaſon of a falſe report raiſed againſt one of them, which compelled him to retire into Portugal till the truth was known, as it was afterwards to his great repute and honour.

ANNOT.

I can faſten this upon no body, but upon ſome Monks, which are called here The alone, becauſe of their ſolitary life, who ſhall be puniſhed by a King, for having robbed the Church.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſeemed to Prophecy the Reformation of Religion, and the change of opinion concerning the Lords Supper, which ſhould be no more a Sacrifice (as the Roman Church calleth the Maſs) of a body without a ſoul, but only a commemoration of the Lords death, as the ſecond Verſe confirmeth, ſaying, The day of the death ſhall be put for the Birth-day, ſeeing, that by the commemoration of that death, we are renewed into a newneſs of life, and as it were born again. The laſt two Verſe are eaſie.

ANNOT.

Tours, Gien, and Gergeau are Cities upon the River of Loire, which is called here the great Syren, becauſe of the length of its courſe, the meaning then is, that thoſe Cities ſhall be watchful, and ſtand upon their guard, and ſhall fight againſt a King, which if it hath already come to paſs in the Civil Wars, or ſhall happen hereafter, I cannot affirm.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that a little before a Monarck be killed, Caſtor and Pollux two Meteores ſo called, as alſo a Comet in that conſtellation of the Heavens, called the Ship of Argos, and the Publick Braſs, that is, the Canons by Land and Sea ſhall be emptied, and theſe Towns of Italy, viz. Piſa, Aſt, Ferrare, Turin, ſhall be excommunicated by the Pope.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult but the word Hecatomb, which is a Greek word ſignifying a Sacrifice of an hundred Oxen.

ANNOT.

There is ſo many faults in the impreſſion of this, and ſo hard to be rectified, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the judicious Reader, then make my ſelf ridiculous in not giving him ſatisfaction.

ANNOT.

The firſt two Verſes ſignifie, that a ſudden and impetuous Rain ſhall hinder two Armies from fighting.

The two laſt Verſes foretell ſeveral Prodigies, the which happening, ſeven perſons ſhall ſuddenly die upon the Sea and Land.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no Interpretation.

ANNOT.

This is obvious to the meaneſt capacity.

ANNOT.

Bireme is a Galley that hath two ranges of Oares, Trireme, is one that hath three ranges. The meaning then of this is, that an Embaſſadour ſhall be ſent in a Galley with two ranges of Oares, and that he ſhall be met in his way by unknown men, that is, Pyrates; there ſhall come to his ſuccours from the Salt, that is, from the French four Triremes, that is four Galleys, every one having three ranges of Oares, but they ſhall all be carried to Negrepont, an Iſland belonging to the Turk.

ANNOT.

The Author hath darkned this Stanza with ſo many barbarous words, as Camp Aſcop, drowned Iſland, Darton, Navel of the World, that it is very like either he did not underſtand himſelf, or would not be underſtood by others.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that many Courtiers (called here Palace Birds) ſhall be juſtled out of favour by another principal Bird, that is a great Courtier, as ſoon as the Prince ſhall come to his own.

The two laſt Verſes ſeem to foretell that the ſaid principal Courtier ſhall ſeize upon the Prince, notwithſtanding that ſome ſuccour ſhall come to his help, which ſhall be beaten back beyond the River.

ANNOT.

Iſter is a River, German is a proper name of ſome conſiderable perſon, whoſe Son ſhall not obſerve or take notice when that eminent perſon mentioned here, ſhall be drawn into an Iron Cage.

ANNOT.

There is no difficulty but in the laſt Verſe, where you muſt obſerve that Loire, Saone, Rhoſne, and Gardon, which for the Verſes ſake is contracted into Gar; are Rivers of France, which are threatned here of overflowing, and cauſing the death of many people.

ANNOT.

This is plain, if you obſerve that the Theſin is a River of Italy, and the Pau another, into the which the Theſin runneth.

ANNOT.

By the Divine Word, you muſt not underſtand the ſecond perſon of the Trinity, or elſe all this Stanza would be abſurd; but you muſt underſtand a Divine or Theologian, called in Greek [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth a Divine Word. The meaning therefore of it, is, that a Theologian ſhall be ſtruck by Heaven; that is, ſhall die, ſo that he ſhall proceed no further in his work, which I ſuppoſe by the two laſt Verſes, was the Philoſophers ſtone; for in the two laſt Verſes he ſaith, that the ſecret of the cloſe keeper, that is, of him that wrought ſecretly, ſhall (by his death) be ſo cloſed up, that people ſhall tread on, and before it.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a falſe Prophet, which is called here the laſt but one of that Surname, who ſhall make Diana (that is Monday which is dedicated to Diona) his Sunday or Sabbath day, and ſo wandring to and fro in a Frenctick manner, ſhall perſwade many people to pay no Taxes.

ANNOT.

It is an Eaſtern Prince, who leaving his Countrey, ſhall come over the Apennine Mountains, which divide Italy, and come as far as France, deſtroying all before him.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was concerning Charles V. Emperour, who ſacked Rome, took the Pope Priſoner, and filled it with more horror and ſlaughter than Hannibal did, though a Heathen.

ANNOT.

This hath a dependance upon the foregoing Stanza; for Campania is the Province wherein Rome is ſeated, and Caſsilin, called Campania di Roma, is the ſame as Caſtillan, becauſe Charles V. was not only Emperour, but alſo King of Spain, the chief Province of which is Caſtilia: therefore the Author deſcribeth here the miſery and devaſtation of Campania di Roma, by the Caſtilian, who left nothing in the ground, but Garlick, which is their moſt delicate food, and nothing Green but the Trees.

ANNOT.

Dalmatia and Selavonia, are Countreys joyning to the Adriatick Sea, belonging to the Venetians. Ravenna is a City in Italy, the reſt needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

Verona is a City in Italy, belonging to the Venetians, through the middle of which runneth a River called Adde, which falleth into the River Pau, about which place there ſhall be a great Shipwrak; as alſo another in the River of Garonna, which paſſeth at Bordeaux, the time that the Author marketh, is when thoſe of Genoa ſhall go into their Countrey, that is to ſay, when ſome Ships of Genoa ſhall come to Bordeaux.

ANNOT.

It is the ſhort Hiſtory of two Brothers, who fought at the Table, whereby one that was curious to part them was wounded, they afterwards fought a Duel, in whoſe imitation many ſince have been fought, to the great harm of the French Gentry.

ANNOT.

By Sun, Arc, Caper, he meaneth the Sun being in the Signs of Sagitarius and Capricornus.

This Prophecy was fulfilled about 90. years ago in the City of Lion, ſeated upon two Rivers, viz. the Rhoſne and the Saone, for about that time ſeveral Merchants coming to the Fair, ſome went to lodge at the Silver Head, in the ſtreet de la Grenete, where being in an upper room, as they were talking of their buſineſſes, and paſſing the time merrily, the fire took in the Kitchen where was abundance of Oil, which did burn ſo ſuddenly and ſo violently, that the lower part of the Houſe was preſently conſumed. Thoſe Merchants that were in the upper room towards the ſtreet, begun to look for their Clock-bags, that were lockt up in a Trunk; but while they were buſie about opening the Trunk, the Stair-caſe fell, and the fire got into their Room, then begun they to cry for help through the Windows. They would willingly have thrown themſelves down the Windows, but they were barred with Iron, ſo that they could not ſave themſelves, the Houſe being a fire on all ſides; Moreover, the neighbours taking more care of their own Houſes, then of thoſe Strangers, did run every one to his own concerns, ſo that they all miſerably periſhed. Parradin in his 3. Book of the Hiſtory of Lyon, Chap. 22.

ANNOT.

It is ſome eminent Churchman, whoſe Letters ſhall be intercepted, by which he intended to betray his King, therefore his actions ſhall be called in queſtion, and being found guilty of extortion, he ſhall ſuffer for it.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no explication.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe of this are eaſie to be underſtood.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth there ſhould be a Battle between the Italians, Germans, French, Spaniards for a Fort, which I ſuſpect to have been that of Serizoles, wherein all thoſe Nations were engaged, and that one year before that Battle, the publick houſe of a Common-wealth ſhould fall, and kill abundance of people; But of this I could find nothing in Hiſtory.

ANNOT.

This hath a Relation to a foregoing Stanza, and likewiſe is not hard to be underſtood.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that thoſe three Prodigies, contained in the firſt three Verſes, ſhall appear when a Pope changeth his Countrey.

ANNOT.

Theſe words ſignifie, that a great man or Tyrant ſhall be found dead in another mans Bed, having his Legs and Arms broken, the body of which ſhall be devoured by theſe three kinds of Creatures, a Cock, a Dog, and a Cat. The laſt Verſe ſignifieth that this Tyrant had eſcaped a cruel Death.

ANNOT.

In the year 1556. upon the firſt day of March appeared a blazing Star which laſted three Months, and in that year the three great Princes were made Enemies, viz. Paul IV. Pope, Henry II. King of France, and Philip II. King of Spain, about the breaking of the Truce by Henry II.

The Affairs not ſucceeding according to the Pope's, and the King of France's deſire, they made Peace with the Spaniard the 14th of October 1557. and becauſe it was an effect of Gods Providence, which moved the Pope's, and the Kings hearts; the Author ſaith, they were ſtruck from Heaven.

After this Peace the Author mentions an Earth-quake, which is very likely conſidering the overflowing of the Tyber, which followed immediately.

The night after, that Peace was proclaimed at Rome, on a Tueſday the Tyber did ſo overflow his Banks, that the inundation was thought the greateſt that ever was, yea greater than that which happened in the year 1530. under Clement VII.

There were ten or twelve Mills carried away, all the Vine-yards along the Tyber, from Pontemole to St. Peters Church, were buried under the Sands, that the water carried.

Abundance of Houſes fell to the ground. In Rome many Gardens and houſes of pleaſure were deſtroyed, the loſs of the Wines, Hay, Wood, and Corn could not be valued.

In Florence the River of Arne did more miſchief than the Tyber at Rome. the Hiſtory of the Genealogy of the houſe of Medicis, made by Peter de Boiſſat, mentioneth, that in ſome places of the City of Florence, the water overflowed to the heigth of eight Fathoms, and covered all the valley of Arne.

The damage was yet greater at Empoly, a Town in Tuſcany, where, of three thouſand people, there eſcaped but eighteen.

But to return to Tyber, its waters being retired into their Channel, left ſo much mud, where it had overflowed, that no body could walk upon it, and upon that mud near the Tyber, was a Serpent ſeen of a prodigious bigneſs, which was killed by the Countrey people.

This is the Authors meaning in the laſt Verſe, Arne, Tyber, full of Surges, Serpent caſt upon the Shore.

In the third Verſe he ſaith, thoſe three Princes were ſtruck or moved from Heaven to make Peace, that is, from God; every one conſidering that this War was only for their mutual deſtruction.

The Vulgar impreſſion putteth in the fourth Verſe, Pan, Tyber, in ſtead of Arne, Tyber, which is a viſible fault; for the Hiſtory mentioneth only the inundation of thoſe two Rivers in Italy, it may be that the likeneſs of thoſe words, Pau and Arne, is the cauſe of the miſtake; as alſo becauſe the name of Pau, which is the biggeſt River in Italy, is more famous in Hiſtory than that of Arne, which is the River that paſſeth through Florence.

ANNOT.

It is an Eagle driven from the Tents by other Birds, when a mad Lady ſhall recover her ſenſes by the noiſe of Cymbals, Trumpets, and Bells.

ANNOT.

Androgyn, is one that is Male and Female, from the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth a Male, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth a Female; the meaning then of the firſt Verſe is, that ſome great perſons, ſuppoſe a King and Queen, which he calleth Heaven, by reaſon of their exaltation above the common ſort of people, ſhall bemoan too long one of their Children, that was, or ſhall be born Male and Female.

The ſecond Verſe is eaſie to be underſtood, if you take Heaven in the ſame ſenſe that we have ſaid. The laſt two Verſes are plain.

ANNOT.

Troche in Greek is a Pulley, the meaning therefore of the Author, that after a great mutation, God ſhall renew the Ages, and according to his promiſe ſhall create a new Heaven, and a new Earth.

By thoſe prodigies related in the two laſt Verſes, it ſeemeth the Author intendeth to ſpeak of the laſt day, and of the fore-runners of it.

ANNOT.

This hath a relation to the foregoing Stanza, and is as it were the ſecond part of it. For as the foremoſt ſpeaketh of the laſt day, ſo doth this of Dooms-day.

Firſt, he ſaith that the great and old Enemy grieveth and dieth by Poiſon, that's the Devil who ſhall be caſt into a Lake of Fire and Brimſtone. The ſecond Verſe ſignfieth, that all the Kings of the Earth ſhall be ſubdued by him that is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The third Verſe expreſſeth, the anguiſh of the reprobate, when they ſhall cry to the Rocks, hide us, and to the Mountains, fall upon us. And the fourth Verſe ſaith, that Death ſhall alledge in vain, the Articles ſhe made with the Devil, and his Angels.

ANNOT.

Paradin relateth in his Hiſtory, that after the Duke of Alba had relieved Vulpian with Victuals, which was done from the 22, of July to the firſt of Auguſt, a Captain of the Emperors Army named la Trinité, went out of Valfrenieres the ſame firſt day of Auguſt, to plunder the Countrey of Piemont.

He had 400 Horſes, and 500 Foot: The news being brought to the Marſhal of Briſſac, he ſent out a great number of Horſes, who did utterly deſtroy their Foot, ſo that but thirty eſcaped, to carry the news to Valfrenieres.

The Spaniſh Horſe, ſeeing the French in ſuch a fury, ran away, and got ſome to Aſt, ſome to Alexandria.

After that, the Spaniards ſeeking to revenge themſelves, took a Caſtle three miles from Cazal, called Frezene, or Fr[•]cinet du Pau, where they hanged up the Captain, put to the ſword all the Italians, and ſent all the French to the Galleys.

This proceeding being not according to the Laws of Arms, we may believe, that the victorious diſcovered a malitious craft of the vanquiſhed, who had left ſome Sheeps-heads poiſoned, to revenge themſelves of the victorious, which obliged the Spaniards to ſerve ſo the Captain, the Italians and the French; and becauſe the French were not ſo ill uſed, as the Italians, we may judge that the Italians were the chief contrivers of this buſineſs.

Therefore the Author foreſeeing this, ſaith, that the great Army of the French, which ſhall go over the Mountains, ſhall come to this miſchief, becauſe of the poiſon that was hidden in the Sheeps heads.

The Vulgar impreſſion erreth much in putting Salmons, for Muttons; for every body knoweth that the Salmons do not come into the Mountains of Montferrat, and that in the Month of Auguſt it is not a meat fit for Souldiers, therefore in ſtead of Salmons, we have put Muttons, or Sheep.

The Captain was hanged with a thread of Polemars, that is, with a Match, of which, I am perſwaded, that one certain Polemars was the Inventor.

The Author ſaith in the ſecond Verſe, that the time when this accident happened, was, when Saturn was in Aries, the Vulgar impreſſion putteth Are in ſtead of Aries, but that's falſe, therefore ſet down Aries. Saturn was in that Sign in the year 1555. from the 20th of February, to the 14th of July, where from the 12th degree and four Minutes, he began to retrograde in the ſame Sign of Aries. till the 18th of November, ſo that Saturn was almoſt all that year in Aries.

He ſaith alſo that Mars was going back to Piſces; becauſe in that ſame year, Mars that was gone out of the Sign of Piſoes from the 19 of March 1554. was retrograding to come back again into it upon the 20th of January 1556.

Thus the Author meaneth, that this accident ſhould happen in the year that Saturn ſhould be in Aries, and Mars ſhould be near the Sign of Piſces.

And to ſay truth, in the Month of Auguſt, Mars was in the Sign of Scorpio; upon the 23 of September, he entred into that of Sagitarius; the third of November, into that of Capricornus; the 12th of December into that of Aquarius; and the year following, viz. 1556. into that of Piſces; ſo that Mars was returning into Piſces, which is the end of its particular motion.

By this Aſtrological and Hiſtorical diſcourſe we correct the Vulgar impreſſion, which putteth turning from Piſces, Mars, inſtead of which, we put, turning to Piſces, Mars, which we do by changing only from, into to, and ſheweth us how careful we ought to be in the explication of theſe Stanza's, when the time is prefixed to us by Aſtronomical calculations.

The Authors Phraſe doth confirm us in this correction, when he uſeth this word turning, which ſignifieth the motion that tendeth towards its end, and not the motion that cometh from its end.

ANNOT.

All the difficulty of this lieth in the ſignification of the word Pole, which in Greek ſignifieth a City. The word Monopoly is Vulgar, and ſignifieth when one or few would engroſs all the Trade of a Town. The reſt is ſo obſcure, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, than break my Brains about it, conſidering chiefly that I am going to bed, the precedent Stanza having exhauſted all my Spirits, and ſo farewell till to morrow.

ANNOT.

Hainault is a Province of the Low-Countries, and Gand the chief Town in Flanders, and Bruxelles the chief Town of the Dukedome of Brabant.

Langres is a City in France, in the Province of Champagne, which is called the Maiden Town; becauſe it was never beſieged. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Leaving unto the impartial Reader his liberty to judge of this Prophecy, we for our part underſtand by it the impious and execrable murder, committed upon the perſon of our laſt moſt gracious Sovereign King Charles I of bleſſed memory, to whoſe expiation it ſeemeth our Author attributeth the conflagration of London. By that proportion of three and twenty, the Six, is to be underſtood the number of Houſes and Buildings that were burnt, which is about the proportion of three in four, and cometh near to the computation, as alſo by that three twenties and Six, may be underſtood the year 66. By the antient Dame that ſhall fall from the high place, is underſtood the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, which in the time of Paganiſm was dedicated to Diana, meant here by the title of an antient Dame, the fall from her high place, hath relation both to the ſumptuouſneſs and height of her building, as alſo to her ſituation, which is in the moſt eminent place of the City.

By this Verſe, Of the ſame Sect many ſhall be killed, is ſignified the great number of other Churches even the number of 87 (which he intimateth here by the name of the ſame Sect, that ſhould be involved in the ſame woful conflagration.

ANNOT.

Corinth is a City of Grecia, and Epheſus one of Aſia; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This is a confirmation of the LI. Stanza and foretelleth the great Plague we have had here in the year 1665. which he ſaith ſhall not ceaſe till the death of the Juſt blood, meaning King Charles the I. be avenged who was as is here expreſſed, condemned without crime, and ſold for a Price.

By the great Dame unfainedly abuſed, he meaneth the ſumptuous Cathedralof St. Paul, which was polluted and made a Stable by thoſe prophane wretches.

ANNOT.

In the explication of this myſtical Stanza, I believe every body may be as wiſe as I.

ANNOT.

This is concerning ſome eminent perſon, who having ſhewed no great valour in a Battle, ſhall nevertheleſs in a Banquet be ſo bold as to ſtab a perſon of quality, that was proud.

This accident muſt happen ſomewhere about Venice, becauſe he ſaith that Adria, which is taken for Venice ſhall look on.

ANNOT.

There is two accidents contained in this Stanza, the firſt is in the two firſt Verſes, where he ſaith that ſome conſiderable perſon, who had eſcaped the Sword, and the Plague ſhall be ſtrucken by the Thunder, and die in a great ſhowr of Rain.

The ſecond is, in the two laſt Verſes, where he ſaith, an Abbot ſhall periſh by Shipwrack, thinking to ſave himſelf by holding the Rock.

ANNOT.

The words are plain enough, but of the ſeaſe every one may think what he pleaſeth.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of the whole is this, that an Infant begot by ſome perſon of quality ſhall be expoſed in the night time, the Moon ſhining, which he calleth Seline, from the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth the Moon.

ANNOT.

Here be two things deſigned in this Stanza one is concerning Provence, which ſhall be eaten up by Soldiers, and the other concerning the City of Narbon, which ſhall be Beſieged, or the Citizens fall out among themſelves.

ANNOT.

The Punick Faith in Latine Punica fides, a falſe Faith, was ſo called from the Carthaginians, called in Latine Paeni, which was an unfaithful Nation.

I do not know what he meaneth by great Jud. as for Rhoſne, Loire and Tag, they are three Rivers, the two fi[•]ſt in France, the laſt is the River of Lisbone, called in Latine Tagus. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Agen and Tonneins are two Towns in Gaſcony, Gironde is a River that paſſeth in that Countrey, the ſenſe therefore of the whole is, that there ſhall be great Wars, and fightings in thoſe Towns, as alſo upon that River, which happened in the time of the civil Wars in France, as every body may read in the Annals, and alſo in the Commentaries of the Lord of Monluck.

ANNOT.

Here is nothing hard but who ſhould be this Mabus, at laſt I found by tranſpoſition of Letters that he meaneth Ambus, which was the name of the Heades man that be headed the Duke of Montmorency at Thoulouſe, how miraculous therefore appeareth our Author, who did not only foretell general things, but alſo particular accidents, even the names of the perſons that were to be born a hundred years after.

ANNOT.

Auſonne is always taken by the Author for the City of Bordeaux, becauſe Auſonius a famous Latine Poet was born there, the reſt is ſo obſcure, and the text ſo corrupted, that I had rather leave it to the liberty of the Reader, then to become ridiculous, by not acknowledging my ignorance.

ANNOT.

Here you muſt obſerve that Gebenna in Latine ſignifieth Geneva, and therefore this whole Stanza is concerning the City of Geneva.

ANNOT.

Though the words be plain, nevertheleſs the ſenſe is very obſcure, and chiefly as I ſuppoſe by the faults of the impreſſion, all what I can tell you here, is, that Heſperia in Latine, is Spain, and Inſubria, is Savoy.

ANNOT.

All this is plain, both in the words and the Senſe.

ANNOT.

Both the Senſe and the words are plain.

ANNOT.

This is a very remarkable one, which hath been fulfilled ſince the happy reſtauration of his ſacred Majeſty King Charles II. now Reigning: For the endeavours of the North, (viz. the Dutch) have been very great. The Ocean; like a gate, hath been open to all kind of Armies, to play their pranks upon. His Majeſty, and Kingdom, have been happily reſtored.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth, that the French King, through the diſcord that is in the Spaniſh Monarchy, ſhall cauſe his Scepter to flouriſh upon three parts of the Netherlands; notwithſtanding the aſſiſtance of the King of Spain, who is called here the Cap of the great Hierarchy; that is, the great defender of the Popedom ann Popery.

ANNOT.

All this Stanza ſignifieth nothing but a fearful Thunder and Lightning, called here, the Dart of Heaven, that ſhall do a great deal of miſchief; for as he ſaith, ſome ſhall die ſpeaking, there ſhall be a great execution, the Thunderbolt ſhall ſtick in the Tree, the people that was fierce, ſhall be humbled. and a Monſter purged by expiation, that ſome notorious wicked perſon ſhall be conſumed by that Coeleſtial fire.

ANNOT.

It is hard to judge what he meaneth by that Forreign Nation, which ſhall be relieved in Sicily, by the baniſhed, nor what King is that which ſhall ſubmit to reaſon; let it be left to every body's private judgement.

ANNOT.

A French Army ſhall be diſtreſſed, if not deſtroyed in Italy. The Romans, that is, thoſe under the Pope, that ſhall take their part, ſhall be put to flight, and this battle ſhall be fought by the River Theſin. Another ſhall be fought by the River Rubicon, whoſe event ſhall be doubtful, that is to ſay, it ſhall hardly be known who got the victory.

ANNOT.

There is a Lake in Italy called Lacus Fucinius; the Lake of Geneva is called Lacus Lemanus; the meaning then of this obſcure Stanza, is, (if I underſtand any thing) that a Monſter ſhall be born with three Arms, near one of thoſe Lakes, which ſhall be a ſign of great Wars: what he meaneth by the three Crowns to the great Endymion, is unknown to me.

ANNOT.

Sens and Autun are two Cities in France, the Pyrenean Mountains, are thoſe which divide France from Spain.

ANNOT.

This is a prediction of a mighty Famine, wherein men ſhall eat up one another, when an unwonted Bird ſhall be ſeen and heard to cry, being perched upon one of the biggeſt pieces of Ordinance.

Antropophage is a Greek word, ſignifying a Man-eater, from [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], homo, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], comedens, of which ſort of men there be too many already.

ANNOT.

The Senate or Parliament of Burgundy, ſits at Dijon, among them there is always a Church-man, that is one of the Judges, to ſee that nothing be done to the prejudice of the Church. I ſuſpect that it is he, that is called here Sacriſte, and who ſhall reveal the buſineſs to the Enemies. The two firſt Verſes need no explication.

ANNOT.

It is a Town Beſieged, where after a repulſe given to the Beſiegers, they ſhall get in by the Treaſon of ſome within, who ſhall run away through the Conduits or Channels of the Town.

ANNOT.

To underſtand this, you muſt know that Henry the II. King of France, having renewed his Alliance with the Grand Seignior Sultan Solyman, he asked him ſuccours for to take Nice, which he pretended to belong to the Earldom of Provence. To that purpoſe the Marſhal of Briſſac went from Court with the Kings Army in the year 1557. to ſet upon Nice, Savona, and Genoa, and ſo to hinder the Spaniard from coming by Sea in Piemont, and the Milaneſe. The Turk ſent him a good Fleet, conſiſting of 105. Galleys, and 14. Galliots.

The French Fleet conſiſted of 26 Galleys, of which the great Prior was Admiral, who went with them from the Caſtle of Tf, the 9. of June 1558.

Being at Sea, and not knowing where the Turkiſh Fleet was, he went to and fro to ſeek it out, at laſt he found it pillaging and plundering the Iſland of Minorica. The Turks had already taken the chief Town, where 800. Turks were killed, which ſo incenſed the reſt, that they ſet the Town on fire; then going up and down the Countrey, they took 5000. Priſoners, and if the Lords of Carces and Vence. had not ſtayed them, they would have ruinated the whole Iſland.

Then forſaking the Iſland, they joyned with the French, but the perfidious Baſſa being bribed by the Genoeſes, and thoſe of Nice, went ſlowly to work, and at laſt retreated without doing any thing for the French. This is the relation of Caeſar Noſtradamus, in his Hiſtory of Provence under Henry the II. and according to this the Author ſaith, that the great Neptune in the middle of the Sea, ſhall joyn French and African blood. Neptune ſignifieth the Mediterranean Sea.

The Iſlands ſhall be put to the Sword, by the taking of Minorica, after which the Turks being brided, went ſlowly to work, and in concluſion did nothing of conſequence.

The third and fourth Verſe adds, that this Baſſa's ſlow rowing, ſhall do them more prejudice then the concealed evil; that is, ſhall do more damage to the French by his hidden deſign of the Baſſa of not ſerving the French; becauſe this ſlowneſs of the Baſſ[•] ſpoiled the French activity, leſſened their proviſions, and at laſt diſcouraged them; whereas if the Turks had not come, the French Galleys alone were able to take Nice.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1571. upon the ſeventh day of October, when that famous Battle of Lepanto was fought between the Chriſtians and the Turks, the General of the Chriſtians being Don Juan of Auſtria, whom he calleth here the frizled and black Beard.

In this Battle the Chriſtians loſt 7566. men, and the Turks about 32000. beſides 220. Ships of all ſorts, and all the Chriſtian ſlaves releaſed that were in them. By the Selyne Banner is underſtood that of the great Turk, whoſe name at that time was Selyne. By the great Cheyren is underſtood Henry the II. King of France, who redeemed many ſlaves, for Cheyren by tranſpoſition of Letters is Henry.

ANNOT.

After the Battle of St. Laurence, the Priſoners taken by the Spaniard were the Conſtable of France, the Dukes of Montpenſier, of Longneville, the Marſhal S. Andr[•], Ludovic Prince of Mantua, the Rhingrave Colonel of the Germans, the Earl of la Rochefoucaud, and ſeveral other perſons of quality.

They were Priſoners from the 10th of Auguſt 1557. to the third of April 1559. that is, one year and eight Months; during which time the Pope's Nuncios, Chriſtierne Dutcheſs Dowager of Lorraine, the Conſtable, and Marſhal St. André endeavoured to make the peace.

Among them the Conſtable was chief, and Philip the II. King of Spain gave him leave to go to and fro upon his Paroll; and of him it is our Author ſpeaketh in the firſt Verſe; After the Battle the eloquency of the wounded man, that is after the Battle of Saint Laurence, where the Conſtable of Monmorency was wounded in the hip. His eloquency procured the peace, which was concluded in a ſhort time, for had it not been for the death of Queen Mary of England, that happened upon the 15 of November 1558, it ſhould have been concluded three Months after the conference that was begun in the Abbey of Cercamp near Cambray.

The third Verſe ſaith, that the great ones ſhall not be delivered, becauſe during the Treaty of Peace, Philip the II. would not hearken to take any Ranſom, but they were kept Priſoners till the Peace. It is the meaning of the fourth Verſe, when it ſaith, but ſhall be left to the Enemies will, viz. the Spaniards who gave them liberty after the Peace.

ANNOT.

All is plain but the laſt Verſe, the ſenſe of which is, that the things before ſpoken, ſhall happen when the Sun is newly come out of the ſign of Libra.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes ſignifie, that an hungry Wolf ſeeking for a Prey, ſhall be caught in ſome trap, where being almoſt famiſhed, the Prey ſhall aſſaule him. The laſt two Verſes being obſcure and not material to any thing I have neglected them.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning the City of Lion in France, which is a Town of an exceeding great Trade, and is threatned to ſuffer an alteration, and a decay by War.

The laſt Verſe is concerning a great Miſt or Fogg, which ſhall be upon Mont-Jurs and in Suabeland.

ANNOT.

All thoſe places mentioned, in the firſt Verſe are ſeated in Italy; the Author ſaith that in that Countrey it ſhall not rain for the ſpace of ſix Months and nine days, which if it be paſt, or to come, I know not.

The two laſt Verſes ſignifie, that a ſtrange Nation ſhall come into Dalmatia, and overrun and ſpoil all that Countrey.

ANNOT.

I could ſcrape no ſenſe out of the firſt three Verſes; the laſt ſignifieth, that a noiſe of Arms ſhall be heard in the Skies, and that the Liguſtrian Sea, which is that of Genoa, ſhall be made red with blood, when the former prodigy hath appeared.

ANNOT.

In the two firſt Verſes is foretold a great ſtorm by the Adriatick Sea, in which a Fleet ſhall be diſperſed, and many ſuffer Shipwrack.

The two laſt Verſes relate the great fear Aegypt was in, when the great Turk Sultan Selyn went to conquer it.

The laſt Verſe is concerning a Herald, which was ſurrendred to the contrary party, and by them was appointed to perform that office in their behalf.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning Guſtavus Adolphus King of Swedeland, who is called German Prince, becauſe his Anceſtors came out of Germany, he came out of a remote Countrey, that is Swedeland, he came upon a gilded Throne, that is a Ship gilded, he ſhall make ſlavery and waters meet, becauſe as ſoon as he was Landed he began to conquer, and to ſubdue that Lady (viz. Germania) that was no more worſhipped ſince as ſhe was before.

ANNOT.

The Circumference of that ruinous building, was the French league againſt Henry III. and Henry IV. which numbers being joyned together, make ſeven, mentioned in the ſecond Verſe.

By the ſtrange Warlike man, in the third Verſe, is underſtood Henry IV. becauſe he was not born in France, but in Navarre, and therefore called a ſtranger, who ſubdued both Paris and Aux, ſeated under the conſtellation of Aries. If you had not rather, by the name of the Ram, or Aries, underſtand the Duke of Mayenne, who who was head of the league.

ANNOT.

We muſt ſuppoſe here three Kings of Europe, two of which ſhall become friends, and by their agreement, the new Land, that is, either the Plantations, or the Trade either in the Eaſt or Weſt Indies, ſhall flouriſh, their proſperities ſhall be related and told to the third King, who ſhall be a bloody and cruel man.

ANNOT.

There ſhall happen a great change in the Kingdom of Hungary, cauſed by the birth of one, and the death of another.

The meaning of the ſecond Verſe is, that it will be more tolerable to go to War, than to Law.

The laſt verſe ſignifieth, that this diſſention ſhall happen between two Brothers; becauſe Caſtor and Pollux were ſuch.

ANNOT.

Theſe are Prodigies that ſhall be ſeen, a little before that a great Calamity ſhall happen,

ANNOT.

This is a continuation of the former, relating more Prodigies that are to happen.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth that the Countrey about the Pau, (which is the greateſt River in Italy) ſhall receive great damage by the French.

The ſecond, that the Maritine Lion, viz. the Hollanders ſhall fear in vain. The third and fourth are plain.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

This is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Although there may be many Cities watered with two Rivers, yet I know none more famous than Lions in France, where two famous Rivers, the Rhoſne and the Saone meet together, and I believe this is the place that our Author forewarneth the Pope to come to, for fear of his death, and that of his attendants.

ANNOT.

I ſuppoſe this to be ſpoken of a Jewiſh Prieſt, who going about to practice the Ceremonial Law, in a Countrey where it is forbidden, ſhall be put to death for his bold confidence.

ANNOT.

Since the Reign of Henry the II. King of France, the Hiſtorians do not mention that the Countrey about Rome hath been troubled by the French Armies. It was only in the time of Paul the IV. who was aſſiſted by the French Troops, under the conduct of the Lord Strozy, and Captain Monluc, therefore this Stanza belongeth to the time of that Kings Reign.

And indeed what he foretelleth here, came to paſs in the year 1556. for the Countrey about Rome was vexed by the French Nation, who went about then to take the places, which the Duke of Alba had taken from the Pope, and thereby cauſed thoſe diſorders, which commonly are incident to War.

The ſecond Verſe ſaith, the Countrey ſhall be too much vexed, and not a little, becauſe Monluc, whom the Author calleth the quick Gaſcon, did continually torment the Enemies, which could not be done without a great prejudice to the Countrey; Moreover, his Troops being for the moſt part Gaſcons, and conſequently active men; the Soldiers did more harm than ordinary.

In the firſt Verſe he ſaith, that this Countrey about Rome was marked by an Augury, to be the place upon which the ſad effect of the Augury ſhould fall, which proved true; for the firſt of March 1556. appeared a Blazing Star, which did preſage to that Countrey of Rome, its diſaſter.

Roman Countrey in which the Augur did interpret, that is to ſay, which the Augur did ſignifie, and preſage ſhould be vexed by the French Nation.

Afterwards the Author ſaith, that the ſame French Nation, or Celtique, ſhall fear the hour when Boreas ſhould drive to far the Fleet, that is to ſay, ſhall fear much, when the Baron de la Garde was ſo troubled with the ſtorm (as we have ſaid) and in truth it was Boreas, or the Northwind, that drove him into St. Florents road.

ANNOT.

This is plain, if by the the great League, you underſtand the ſoundeſt and moſt powerful party.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY III.

ANNOT.

I find no my ſtical ſence in this, unleſs by the red adverſary he ſhould underſtand the Pope, becauſe clothed in Scarlet. Therefore I leave the explication to the judgement of every particular Reader.

ANNOT.

I deſire the judicious Reader, and chiefly if he be given to the Hermetick Philoſophy, to take a ſpecial notice of this Stanza, for in it is contained the ſecret of the Elixir or Philoſophers Stone, more clearly and plainly then in the Tabula Smaragdina of Hermes, which to make appearent, we ſhall expound it Verſe by Verſe.

The Divine Word ſhall give to the ſubſtance; by the Divine word you muſt not underſtand the ſecond perſon of the Trinity, but a Doctor in Divinity or a Theologian, called in Greek [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] or Divine word, who ſhall be an Adeptus, a Diſciple of Hermes, and one that ſhall attain to the ſecret of the Philoſophers ſtone.

That man ſhall give to the ſubſtance, that is, to Gold; Heaven and Earth, and gold hid in the myſtical Milk. Heaven and Earth, that is all the Celeſtial and Terreſtrial qualities, lurking in the Gold, which is hid in the myſtical milk, that is in the Azoth, or Mercury of the Philoſophers.

Body, Soul, Spirit, having all Power, that is, the three principles, of which the Philoſophers ſay their ſtone is compounded, viz. Body, Soul, and Spirit.

Having all Power, that is, having the power to tranſmute all Mettals into its kind; as alſo having all the powers from above and below, as Hermes ſaith, Pater ejus eſt Sol, Mater vero Luna, & Terra nutrix ejus.

Which is confirmed by the laſt Verſe, As well under his feet, as in the Heavenly Seat.

ANNOT.

After the Author hath in the foregoing Stanza expreſſed the miſtery of the Philoſophers ſtone, he ſeemeth to give here a receit, though Sophiſtical, for the relief of the Inquiſitors, and as it were a Viaticum, for them to ſubſiſt till they can attain to the perfection, as Baſilius, Valentinus hath done ſince to his diſciples.

He ſaith then, that with Mars, that is, Iron, Mercury and Silver joyned together, ſome thing may be done, if you beware of a drought in the South; that is, in the middle of the operation; and this is concerning the two firſt Verſes. Thoſe that ſhall deſire to be better and further informed, may come to me, and they ſhall have all the ſatisfaction I can afford them.

The two laſt Verſes have no relation to the firſt two, and foretel onely a great Earth-quake in Aſia, by which, thoſe two Towns, Corinth and Epheſus, ſhall be in great perplexity.

ANNOT.

The word near, ſheweth that the two Eclipſes, one of the Sun and the other of the Moon, ſhall be near one another.

The Ephemerides of John Stadius, teach us, that in the year 1556 in the Month of November, theſe two Eclipſes did meet. That of the Sun upon the firſt of November, at 17 hours (as the Aſtrologers reckon) and 53 Minutes. That of the Moon at 12 hours and 43 Scruples; and thus the two laſt Verſes are plain.

Concerning the other two: Belleforeſt teacheth us two things; the firſt, that the ſame year was extraordinary dry, in ſo much that from April to October it did not rain, but only upon the Eve of St. John the Baptiſt, and that the Vintage was made in Auguſt, the Wine proving excellent. The ſecond is, that in the Month of December began a horrid Froſt, which laſted a great while. Thus there was Cold and drought.

Concerning the dangers towards the Frontiers, Belleforeſt ſaith, that towards Pickardy the Spaniard began to break the truce, making inrodes about Abbeville, St. Spirit of Rule, la Chapele, Rozoy, Thieraſſe, and Aubenton.

When complaints were made of it, they alledged their neceſſity and want of Victuals; which did oblige the Lord Admiral to permit the Souldiers retaliation; and in this manner, there was danger towards the Frontiers.

As for the Town where the Oracle (that is, our Author) had his beginning or birth, whether it be that of St. Remy or Salon de Craux. The dangers that were there, proceeded from the Civil Wars between the Proteſtants and the Roman Catholicks.

ANNOT.

There ſhall happen two great Ecclipſes between March and April, one of the Sun, and the other of the Moon; then ſhall be a great dearth, but the afflicted ſhall be relieved by the two powerful Princes of a good Nature.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth. that there ſhall be ſome Fugitives, upon whoſe Pikes the Lightning ſhall fall:

The ſecond, that when a multitude of Ravens ſhall be ſporting, a great fight ſhall be near hand.

The third, that there ſhall be a great exclamation and prayers, when the Souldiers ſhall come near the wall to give an affault.

ANNOT.

The Cimbres and Teutons were a Northern people, viz: the Swedes and Danes, who came once out of their Countrey to ſack Rome, and were overcome by Marius, near the Town of Orenge, in a place where his Triumphal Arch is ſeen to this day. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

By mentioning Bourdeaux, Rouan, and Rochel, the Author underſtandeth the whole Naval forces of France, which (he ſaith) ſhall be defeated, by the Engliſh, Brittains, and Hollanders, and purſued as far as Rouane, which is a Town at the head of the River Loire, from whence it runneth down for the ſpace of 500 Miles to Nantes, and a while after diſchargeth it ſelf into the Ocean:

ANNOT.

Monech or Monaeo is a Town and Principality belonging to the Family of the Grimaldi of Genua, and is ſeated by the Sea ſide, between Provence and Genoa; that place is threatned here with many afflictions, as is plain in this Stanza.

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes contain ſeveral prodigies, that ſhall happen before the death of the Duke of Venice, or rather (becauſe he is no Monarck) before the fall of that Monarchy or Common-wealth.

ANNOT.

Heb. is the River Hebrus in Thracia, Po, is the great River of Italy, Tag. is Tagus the River of Lisbonne; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

Every body may underſtand this as well as I do.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes ſeem to have foretold of the late Tyrant Cromwel.

The two laſt Verſes may be applied to France, when the Infan of Spain Don Balthazar died, &c.

ANNOT.

By this Stanza is promiſed to England a Martial Prince, who ſhall have his heart from Heaven, and with all endeavours follow his proſperous fortune, which is a remarkable and commendable part in a man.

By the laſt two Verſes, it ſeemeth that this Prince ſhall have a Son, who ſhall fight two duels, for one of which his Father ſhall be angry and hate him, but his Mother ſhall love him for it.

ANNOT.

Mount-Aventine is one of the ſeven Mountains in Rome. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Rhemes is a City in France. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Luca at preſent is a ſtrong Town, and a little Common-wealth by it it ſelf in Italy, governed by their own Magiſtrate: That Town is threatned here to ſee thoſe prodigies mentioned, a little before the change of their Government, beſides a great Plague and dearth; as alſo the death of their chief Magiſtrate, who ſhall die far off that Countrey.

As for the raining Milk and Blood, they are Prodigies that have appeared often before, and therefore not incredible, as thoſe that are Verſed in Hiſtory may juſtifie: and although the reaſons may be drawn from natural cauſes, yet wonld they be too tedious if I ſhould inſert them here.

ANNOT.

The great River, called in Latine Betis, and in Spaniſh Guadalquivir, is the River of Sevilia, the moſt famous Town in Spain for Trade. This River runneth through moſt of the Spaniſh Dominions, and diſchargeth it ſelf into the Ocean about the mouth of the Straights, over againſt Barbary, upon which Coaſt of Spain lyeth the Kingdom of Granada, the chief City of which is Corduba, in Spaniſh Cordua. This Kingdom was of time almoſt immemorial, occupied and inhabited by the Moores, till they were expelled and driven back into Barbary, by Ferdinand and Iſabella, King and Queen of Caſtilia, The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

I ſuppoſe this Cruſtamin to be ſome place ſo called, near the Adriatick Sea.

As for Fiſhes with an humane face, we have ſeveral examples of them. Ambroſius Paraeus relateth divers, and in his works hath inſerted the Pictures of them.

1. When Mena was Governour of Aegypt, and walked by the Nilus ſide, he ſaw a Sea-man riſing out of the River, having an humane ſhape as far as the Navel, and with a grave look and fair hairs, intermixed with white ones, bony Breaſt, and diſtinct Arms, the reſt of the body was like a Fiſh. Three days after in the Morning appeared another Sea monſter like a woman: thoſe two Monſters appeared ſo long, that every body had time to conſider them.

2. Rondeletius ſaith, that in our age was taken a Fiſh in the Sea of Norway, which every body preſently called a Monk, becauſe of the reſemblance.

3. In the year 1531. was ſeen a Sea-monſter, covered with Scales, which for the reſemblance was called a Biſhop, Rondeletius and Geſuerus have the Picture of it.

4. In the year 1523. was ſeen in Rome a Fiſh about the bigneſs of a Child of five years old, that had humane ſhape to the Navel, except the ears: So that all thoſe things related of Tritons, Nereides and Sirens ſeem not altogether fabulous, and we may conclude with Pliny. Vera eſt valgi opinio, quicquid naſcatur in parte naturae ulla, & in Mari eſſe, praeterque multa quae nuſquam alibi, lib. 9. cap. 2.

ANNOT.

Some famous City muſt be here underſtood, which the Author hath not named. The ſame ſhall be aſſaulted for ſix days continually, and in concluſion ſhall be ſurrendred or betrayed by three men, who ſhall be pardoned, and all the reſt put to Fire and Sword. Moſt men that have knowledge in Hiſtory, interpret this of the City of Magdebourg in Germany, that was deſtroyed with Fire and Sword by the Earl of Tilly, General for the Emperour againſt Guſtavus Adolphus, King of Swedeland. For the like devaſtation and cruelty was never heard of in Europe.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the miſeries which the French were to ſuffer in the Iſland of Corſica, till the peace was concluded in the year 1559. The Author directeth his ſpeech to the French Fleet that went to Corſica in the year 1555.

He ſaith in the firſt Verſe, If France goeth beyond the Liguſtik Sea; that is, if thou goeſt to Corſica, which is beyond the Liguſtik Sea towards Africa. Thou ſhalt ſee thy ſelf encloſed with Iſlands and Seas: that is, thou ſhalt be conſtrained to keep within thoſe two Towns which thou haſt there, without going out either by Land or Sea; not by Sea for want of Ships, nor by Land the Garriſons being weak, becauſe the King had then ſo much buſineſs that he could not ſuffice all.

Moreover the Author addeth that Mahomet ſhall be contrary; not that he was an Enemy to France, but becauſe he was then Maſter of the Adriatick Sea; ſo that the Venetians, which were then friends to the French, could not ſuccour them.

And thus the news of the peace being brought, the French dideat their Horſes and Aſſes, and there was never a peace ſo well come as to the French that were in Corſica.

ANNOT.

This is annexed and hath relation to the precedent, therefore needeth no other interpretation.

ANNOT.

Bigorre is a Town in Gaſcony, the Landes is a deſert Countrey about Bourdeaux wherein nothing groweth but Pine-Trees, Foix is a Country of Gaſcony, called the County, of Foix. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

I can find nothing in this but a deſcription of the Heathens ſacrifices in ancient times, where they brought the Victim; that is, the beaſt that was to be ſacrificed, trimmed in a gallant manner, having the Horns gilded, and ſet with Azureand Mother of Pearl, and after the Entrals were taken out, by the inſpection of them they practiſed their Soothſaying. This inſpection of Entrals was called by the Latines Extiſpicium, from the word Exta which ſignifieth Entrals, and ſpecto which ſignifieth to look.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is de Futuro, and is concerning a Libian Prince (now Libia is a Kingdom of Africa) who ſhall be a powerful man in the VVeſt, and being a lover of learning, ſhall condeſcend to have the Arabian Language tranſlated into French, becauſe the French at that time ſhall be much in love with it.

ANNOT.

The words are ſo plain, that every body may interpret them.

ANNOT.

This is concerning two Nephews, who ſhall be educated in divers places, and grow expert in Arms, their Fathers ſhall be killed, but thoſe Nephews ſhall come, and having fought at Sea, ſhall revenge the injury done to them, overcoming their enemies.

ANNOT.

Many attribure this to the Earl of Montgomery in France, who having run a tilt againſt Henry II. unfortunately killed him, for which, and for being of the Proteſtant party, he was afterwards beheaded, though quarter had been given him.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth no more, but the loſs of three famous Battles on the Turks ſide, againſt the Perſians.

The firſt that I find after the coming out of theſe Propheſies, is the Battle of Sancazan, ſeven miles from Tauris, and hard by the River Araxes, where 20000 Turks were ſlain, without any conſiderable loſs of the Perſians; this was in the time of Amurath the III. Emperour of the Turks, and ſon to Selymus the ſecond. The other two Battles I could not make good, becauſe I want the ſupplement of the Turkiſh Hiſtory, as alſo becauſe they have not yet happened.

ANNOT.

The Lord of Thou ſaith in his Hiſtory, that the Cardinal Caraffa got by the King of France's permiſſion, out of Corſica, ſeveral Troops of Gaſcons, and brought ſome with them, to the number of about 2000 which were quartered about Rome. Many of them were among the Troops of the Duke of Guiſe, being allured thither by the reputation of their Countreyman Captain Monluc.

The Author foretelleth, that they ſhall find their Graves near Tuſcany, becauſe the Territory of Rome joyneth to that Province.

Then in the 3 and 4 Verſe he ſpecifieth the time by two marks; one is, when Mars ſhall be near the German corner; the other, when he ſhall be in the Territory of the Mantuan people, and the War was then in that Territory; for the Duke of Ferrara to ſhew he would not ſtand ſtill, ſent his ſon Alphonſo d'Eſte to make incurſions there, and to take ſome places.

Moreover the War was then near the German corner, which is Lorrain, when Henry II. beſieged Thionville in the year 1558. Paradin ſheweth, that Mars was in the German corner two years before, ſith about the end of the year 1555: the Duke of Nevers by an extraordinary endeavour in the middle of the Winter, did relieve Mariembourg: and the following years the French Garriſons kept the fields to avoid ſurpriſes. And in the year 1557. when the Duke of Guiſe fought in Italy, the Duke of Savoy brought his Army againſt Mariembourg; ſo it proved true that Mars, viz. the War was in the German corner; for that Town is in the borders of Germany, and was in that corner till the taking of Thionville.

ANNOT.

The two laſt Verſes make me think that this Propheſie was fulfilled in the time of Henry II. King of France, becauſe the French being then friends to the Pope, went over the Alpes to ſerve him.

This Stanza might alſo be applyed to Lewis 13, who cauſed his Army to go beyond the Alpes, but that word Friends is more convenient to the time of Henry II. becauſe the French went then over the Alpes in quality of friends to ſerve the Pope.

According to this conjecture, the Wolf which ſignifieth the Spaniard, came anno 1556. into many Towns, which the Duke of Alba took, as we have ſaid in another place, and becauſe among thoſe Towns Neptune was one of the moſt conſiderable, being ſeated by the Sea ſide near Rome: I believe that by this word City he meaneth that Town which belonged to the Coloneſe.

And to ſay truth, the French were then very near it, to endeavour the relief of it.

Afterwards came the Duke of Guiſe's Army, whis is named by the Anthor, an Army of ſtrangers, becauſe the French and Germans are ſtrangers to Italy. This Army ſhall ſpoil a great Countrey; for in that year it went through all Italy, and where an Army paſſeth, nothing but ruine can be expected.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is, that when the Sun ſhall be Eclipſed at noon, a Monſter ſhall be born, which ſhall preſagè a dearth, though no body will believe it, becauſe they were unprovided againſt it.

ANNOT.

This needeth no explication.

ANNOT.

Many perſons (according to Hiſtories being only in a fit of Apoplexy) have been buried for dead, and being afterwards taken out of the ground, have been found to have eaten up their hands, as I my ſelf have ſeen one digged out of Saint Bartholomews Church-yard, about the time that the City of London began to be weary of Cromwels devices and Tyranny, yet I would not here definitively aſſert, he was the man here pointed at by the Title and Epithete of Heretical man, unleſs it were in the point of government.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Two kind of Nations were led into Italy by the Duke of Cuiſe to ſuccour the Pope, viz. French and Germans, meaning by the Germans all thoſe that uſe the German Tongue, as Switzers, &c.

The Author ſaith, theſe two Nations were led beyond the Mountains, becauſe they went beyond the Apennine Alpes, to come down into the Champion Countrey of Italy, where ſome of them died by the Sword, others by famine and ſickneſs; others loſt their liberty, being made priſoners of War, others were expoſed to the inconveniences that attend a ruined Army: He addeth, that theſe accidents ſhall befall them in a Month near the Vintage, that Month is September: He calleth it Contrary, becauſe the Grapes being ripe, the ſtarved Souldiers did eat abundance of them, and ſo fell into a bloody flux. The Pope's Tenants made uſe of this Stratagem to ruine that Army.

The Spaniard had his revenge the year following; for the Duke of Guiſe having miſſed his deſign, and being ſtept before Civitella, and incenſed that the Pope did not keep his word with him, he reſolved to go back again into France, and ſo the Pope did by the means of the Common-wealth of Venice, and of the Duke of Florence, it was concluded and ſigned with the 23 of September.

This is the Authors meaning in the 4 Verſe, that all the misfortune which befell the French, was by reaſon of that peace; for the Pope disbanded his Troops, conſiſting moſt of French and Switzers, the greateſt part of whom fell into the hands of their enemies, and of the Countrey people, others died of ſickneſs: It is true, that the Duke of Guiſe brought his own Army back without much loſs, but the Author ſpeaketh here of the Guiſe and Switzers, that were in the Pope's ſervice, under the command of Marſhall Strozzy, Monluc, Cardinal Caraffa, and others.

The time of this peace agreeth with the Propheſie; for it was concluded on the 23 of September, which is a Month near the Vintage.

ANNOT.

There ſhall be ſeven perſons, who ſhall be three Months in making an agreement to go beyond the Apennines, but they ſhall be hindred by a tempeſt, and by the cowardlineſs of the Genoeſes.

ANNOT.

This muſt be put among Inſolubilia de Alliaco.

ANNOT.

This needs no explication.

ANNOT.

Thoſe two Prodigies mentioned in the two firſt Verſes, do preſage a great Famine that ſhall enſue a few years after.

ANNOT.

The Tar, the Lot, and the Garone, are three Rivers of Gaſcony, the Inhabitants of which are forewarned not to go over the Apennine Mountains, or elſe they ſhall meet with their Graves near Rome and Ancona. This hath relation to the 38 Stanza, and to the interpretation thereof, therefore vide.

ANNOT.

It is a Dog that ſhall come howling and leaping to his Miſtreſſes friends; becauſe ſhe was killed and ſuſpended in the Air by the Lightning.

ANNOT.

I ſuppoſe theſe five ſtrangers to be five Commiſsioners, for the altering ſomething in the Government of Thoulouſe, who ſhall be all killed in a Church, and the ground prophaned by their blood, according to the Romiſh opinion.

ANNOT.

The City of Plancus is Lion, becauſe he was the Founder of it. That City is threatned here of a ſudden change, cauſed neither by her goodneſs or wickedneſs, but by a certain poſition and aſpect of the fixed Stars, which makes it fatal.

ANNOT.

Mitylene is an Iſland of the Archipelago, belonging to the Turk.

ANNOT.

By the next hope, he meaneth the reprieve. The reſt is clear.

ANNOT.

Rouan is the chief City of the Province of Normandie, and Chartres the chief City of that of Beauſſe.

ANNOT.

It is hard to know what he meaneth by the great City wherein there is a Common-wealth, whether it be Venice, Genoa, Geneva, Luca, or ſome of the Cities of Switzerland; but it ſeemeth that a King ſhall take ſhelter in it, who ſhall be ſummoned by a Trumpet to come out, but the City will not ſuffer it, for which the ſaid City ſhall be ſealed, and repent.

ANNOT.

The Prophecy contained in the two firſt Verſes came to paſs in the time of Henry the III. King of France, when the Pariſians did rebel againſt him, and made Barricadoes in the ſtreets, thinking to have taken him, who was compelled to run away for his life, and fly to Chartres. This rebellion was raiſed and ſomented by Henry of Lorraine Duke of Guiſe, whom the King afterwards cauſed to be murdered, with his brother the Cardinal of Lorraine, at the Convention of the three Eſtates kept at Blois.

Orleans, Angers, Troyes, Langres, are remarkable Cities in France.

ANNOT.

Campania, and Apulia are two Provinces of the Kingdom of Naples.

The laſt two Verſes of the Prophecy came to paſs about the years 1630 and 1631. when Guſtavus Adolphus King of Swedeland, called here the Lion, brought the Empire (ſignified by the Eagle) to extremity; the King of France ſignified by the Cock, looking upon, and underhand aſſiſting him.

ANNOT.

Nuremberg, Ausbourg, and Baſil are Cities of Germany.

By Agrippine is underſtood the City of Cologne, called in Latine Colonia Agrippina, from the Foundereſs of it Agrippina, Mother of the Emperour Nero, or from M. Agrippa favourite of Auguſtus Caeſar.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

The meaning of the firſt Verſe is, when a King having but one eye ſhall Reign in France.

Blois is a City in France upon the River Loire.

ANNOT.

Montauban is a Town in Gaſcany, Niſmes and Beſiers are Towns in Languedoc; Avignon is a Town in France belonging to the Pope, which ſhall ſuffer theſe damages by Lightning at the end of March.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes concern England; the third France; the fourth marketh the time by the motion of the Sign of Aries, which ſhall be favourable to France.

We ſhall leave the two firſt Verſes to be interpreted by the Engliſh Nation, which is moſt concerned in it, and come to the laſt two, which concern France.

The third Verſe ſaith that France ſhall not change as England, by reaſon of the help it ſhall have from Germany, which hath been made good already for theſe hundred years, notwithſtanding the Wars between Henry II. and the Spaniard; the Conſpiracy of the Proteſtant party againſt Francis the II. at Amboiſe; the civil Wars under Charles the IX. the League under Henry III. and Henry IV. the Forrain Wars under Lewis XIII. and Lewis XIV. now Reigning.

The Authors meaning by theſe words, but France not, is, you ſhall not ſee France change ſeven times in two hundred ninety years, as the Brittiſh nation, and then he giveth the reaſon of it, by German help, that is to ſay, that France ſhall have help from Germany.

The fourth Verſe ſaith, that during thoſe two hundred ninety years, Aries doubleth his Baſtarnan Pole, to underſtand this, we muſt ſuppoſe firſt that the Sign of Aries ruleth over France, Paleſtine, Baſtarnia, &c.

Secondly, we muſt learn from Ptolomy and other Geographers, that Baſtarnia containeth the people that are towards Sarmatia or Poland, which were called by the Ancients, the people of Admone, Sidane, Roxolane, and by others Peucins, from the Iſland Pe[•]ce, which is in Iſtria.

Thirdly, we muſt ſuppoſe, that the Sign of Aries hath two Poles, the firſt is that of the Aequinoctial Line, and the ſecond, that of the Eccliptick, becauſe the Sign of Aries beginneth juſt in the Line of the Equator, and afterwards ſtretcheth towards the North. Now it is ſo that the place where its extenſion endeth in the Eccliptical Line of the Sun, is called by the Author the Baſtarnan Pole.

It is a Pole ſith in the conſtellations of Heaven, we call Poles, the two ends or extremities of them, and in the conſtellations of the Zodiack, we call the firſt Pole that which is next to the Equator, and the ſecond Pole that which ſtretcheth towards the North, or towards the South in the Eccliptical Line.

In this ſenſe, the firſt Pole of the Sign of Aries, is that which hath its firſt degree in the Equator; the ſecond is, that which ſtretcheth towards the North in the Eccliptick, and this laſt Pole is called Baſtarnan, becauſe it is Vertical to Baſtarnia, as the Aſtrologers ſet down their Climates, Kingdoms, Provinces and Towns under the twelve Signs.

Fourthly, We muſt ſuppoſe that this word to double, may ſignifie three things.

1. In Sea-mens tearms; it ſignifieth to go beyond ſome place, as to double the Cape of bona Speranza, which is called in Italian, Tramontare; that is, to go beyond.

2. It ſignifieth to do twice the ſame thing, as Jacob did double his ſervice for Rachel, &c. 3. In matter of traveling; it ſignifieth to go twice as far as is requiſite.

To double, in this place cannot be underſtood in the firſt ſenſe; becauſe the conſtellations never ſtretcht out of their compaſſes, though the Stars of which they are compounded, have their peculiar motions.

To underſtand this, we muſt know that the Stars of the Firmament have their peculiar motions from Weſt to Eaſt, upon the Pole of the Eccliptick, and that they go that way a matter of one Degree, in the ſpace of about 100 years, and conſequently the Stars do retrograde every year in the Eccliptick from Weſt to Eaſt 52 Seconds. Ptolomeus holdeth this opinion, but other renowned Aſtrologers give them more: For my part I am of Tychobrahe's opinion, who allowed them one Degree of retrogradation in 70 years and 7 Months, and conſequently 51 Seconds every year.

According to this Doctrine the Star that is in the Horn of Aries, was obſerved by Tymocharis in 2d Degree; 150 years after, Hipparchus obſerved it in the firſt; 265 years after, Ptolomeus ſaw it in the 6 Degree; 740 years after, Albathognius obſerved it in the 18 Degree; 304 years after, Alphonſus King of Spain, found it in the 6 Degree; 265 years after, Copernicus did obſerve it to be in the 27 Degree and two Minutes; 61 years after, Tychobrahe ſaw it in the 27 Degree, and above 37 Minutes; ſo that in the ſpace of 61 years it had gone 35 Minutes.

By this Doctrine we ſee that the whole conſtellations do not go beyond their Poles, though the Stars that Compound them change their Poles every year of 51 seconds.

To double, then here cannot be taken in the firſt ſenſe, nor in the third ſenſe, for the firſt reaſon, it muſt then be in the ſecond ſenſe; and thus Aries doubleth his Baſtarnan Pole; that is, Aries maketh twice his Pole, which anſwereth to Baſtarnia.

If you ask how it cometh to paſs that Aries doubleth this Pole, and in what place of Heaven we ſet this Baſtarnan Pole. I anſwer to the firſt, that Aries doubleth his Pole, when one of thoſe 13 Stars cometh to that point, which is a Northern or Weſtern Pole to that ſign in the Eccliptick. As to the ſecond: I anſwer, that the place ought to be its laſt Degree, viz. the end of the 30 Degree.

Why? (will you ſay) did the Author mark that difference of the sign of Aries, rather than that of Taurus, or of another?

I anſwer, that it was in favour of France; becauſe Aries doth govern in France, and if it hath been favourable to it, when it came firſt to the Baſtarnan Pole, it will be ſo too when it doubleth the ſame Pole, ſeeing that it will have the ſame poſition and Aſpect. Now we ſee, that in the ſpace of theſe 100 years, France was not overcome, much leſs ſhall it be hereafter, ſeeing that the Stars do promiſe its exaltation for a long continuance.

If I were a great Aſtrologer, I ſhould obſerve exactly by this that within the ſpace of 290 years. Aries ſhall double his Cape Baſtarnan, and conſequently Aries ſhould come to that Pole juſt in the year 1845. which is according to that we have ſaid

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain, I acknowledge my Ignorance in the laſt two.

ANNOT.

Myſia, Lydia, and Pamphilia, are Countreys of Aſia.

ANNOT.

It is an Army of Chriſtians (be like Armenians) that ſhall riſe in Meſopotamia againſt whom ſhall an Army of Turkiſh Horſeman come, who did live by the next River.

ANNOT.

The Cyrenian Sea, is that Sea which is by the Province of Cyrene. The Pyrenean Mountains part Spain from France. Carcaſſonne is a Town in France near unto Spain. The reſt paſſeth my underſtanding.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth, that the Pope's Authority ſhall be put down.

The ſecond, that his great neighbour, that is the Empire ſhall follow his ſteps; that is, be put down too. The two laſt Verſes are plain.

ANNOT.

I could not find what he meaneth by Olchade. The ſecond Verſe is plain.

Parthia and Media are two Kingdoms depending from that of Perſia. The Iſlands of Cyclades are in the Aegean Sea, and are ſo called becauſe they are like a Garment about the City of Delos, for [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] in Greek ſignifieth a round garment of a woman.

The Jonique Sea is that Sea in Grecia, which is about Athens and Corinth, &c.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to foretel the finding out of the Sepulcher of ſome famous Roman, and that the next day after a Pope ſhall be Elected, who being not well approved of by the Conclave, ſhall be poiſoned in the Chalice, which is the Communion Cup that the Roman Catholicks uſe at Maſs, ſignified here by the Latine word Soyphus.

ANNOT.

The Bailif of Orleans is a great Officer, for he is there Lord Chief Juſtice, and of all the precincts. It ſeemeth that this man ſhall be put to death, by one of a revengeful blood, not that he had deſerved it, or come to it by chance, but becauſe he ſhall be tied hand and foot, and die in priſon.

ANNOT.

This is properly ſaid of the Anabaptiſts in Germany, in the time of John de Leyden, and now of the Quakers in England, and elſewhere.

ANNOT.

Cheroneſe is a Land or ground unmanured; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain,; as for the third Verſe, I could not find who that Old man ſhould be, that ſhall be born at the ſign of the half-Hog.

Chalon and Maſcon are two Cities in France, the firſt in Champagne, the laſt in Burgundy.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is divided in two parts. The firſt two Verſes foretel a great Innundation, that was to happen in England.

The laſt two ſpeak of a league and inſurrection, that ſhall be at Bordeaux, which is here called Auſone, from a famous Latine Poet, named Auſonius, who was born in that City.

As to the firſt part, after much ſeeking and enquiry: I found the truth of it in a Latine book, called Rerum in Gallia, Belgia, Hiſpania, Anglia, &c. geſtarum anno 1607. Tomi ſeptimi Liber ſecundus conſcriptus a Nicolao Gotardo Artus Dantiſcano, where the Hiſtory is related thus.

About the end of January 1607. the Sea-broke out ſo violently in England, that after the breaking of Fences and Dikes, it cauſed very great damages to the Inhabitants. The greateſt miſchief was done in Somerſetſhire, where the water did overflow, ten Leagues in length, and two in breadth, twelve foot high in the moſt eminent places. This ſudden Innundation brought a fearful alarm to the Countrey people; ſome of them going to their Plough, were fained to run back to their houſes, where they found their enemies at their doors, viz. Death and Water, who without diſtinction ſwept them away. In a little time, the Towns appeared like Iſlands, encompaſſed on all ſides, and preſently after were ſwallowed up, ſo that the tops of the Trees were ſcarce ſeen. This new Flood covered ſo the Towns of Hansfield, in the ſame County, thoſe of Grantham, Kenbus, Kingſton, and Briandon, with ſeveral Farms built in the Champion Countrey, that none of the Buildings could be ſeen. If you add to this the devaſtation of the places, the quantity of Corn, Fruit, and Graſs that was loſt, the miſery ſhall be ſo great, as not to be expreſſed. During this fearful quarrel between the Water and the Land, an exceeding great number of people died of all Ages, and Sexes, it would avail them nothing to get into the upper Stories and Roofs of houſes, nor upon the higheſt Trees; for the imperious Waters did ſo ſwell and rage, that the Foundations of the houſes, and roots of the Trees were looſened, ſo that both fell to the Ground, or rather into the Water. The people ſeeing no way to eſcape, reſolved to die patiently. No body could without great grief ſee the Oxen and Sheep drowning; for there was ſuch a numerous quantity of them, that a far off one would have thought them to be Rocks in the Sea, but ſeeing them ſwiming, and hearing them bleating and bellowing, one would have thought them to be a ſtorm and hiſſing of winds. A rich Farmer, and father of ſeven Children, being involved in the Flood, and much aſtoniſhed at this accident, nevertheleſs thinking the danger leſs then it was, went about to ſave ſome of his beſt Goods; but ſeeing the Waters to increaſe, he forſook all, and went to ſave one of his Children, whom he loved beſt; but the Waters followed him ſo cloſe, that all he could do, was to get upon the Roof of his houſe. Among the Children there was a little one ſleeping in a Cradle, which being made of cloſe boards, did ſwim upon the VVaters about three Miles, and was taken up alive, and ſound. The Hay cocks did ſwim like Ships upon the VVaves, the Pigeons and Pigs were upon the Sheaves that the VVater carried away: The Coneys being driven out of their holes, had leapt upon the backs of the ſwiming Sheep. A certain Shepheard being about to gather his Sheep into their Fold, was followed by the Flood, ran for his life, and climbed upon a high Tree, where ſeeing his Sheep bleating in the water, he began to tear his hair, to ſmite his breaſt, to lift up his hands and his eyes to Heaven, and when his Sheep had all periſhed, and himſelf endured an extream cold and hunger, he was at laſt taken up in a Boat that was ſent to ſave the diſtreſſed.

But here we muſt talk of Briſtol, which is one of the chiefeſt Cities in England, by reaſon of the Haven, which bringeth thither abundance of Merchants, from ſeveral Nations. The ſame day of that Inundation, the Sea breaking into a great Channel, did preſently overflow the Countrey with ſuch quickne[•]s and violence, that it covered the Valleys, and the ſmaller Hills, in ſo much that nothing but an utter ruine was expected; many whole houſes were turned upſide down, and carried away with the Flood. The Barns full of Corn, Hay, and Straw, were overthrown, and the Cattle carried away, beſides abundance of people of all ſorts. The Merchants of London and Briſtol, and the reſt of the Inhabitants, beſides the loſs of Proviſions, ſuffered an ineſtimable one in their Commodities, which they had provided for the Fair, that was then near hand, the moſt part of them being carryed away by the Flood, and the reſt ſo ſpoiled, that the owners could not tell what to do with them: A Gentleman dwelling between Barnſtable and Briſtol, and two Leagues off from the Sea, being gone abroad in the Morning to overſee his grounds, did look towards the Sea, ran back again to his houſe, to bring this ſad news to his Wife and Servants, while they were endeavouring to pack up the moſt precious of their Goods, the Water came about the houſe of faſt, that they altered their reſolution, and bethought themſelves only to ſave their lives; the ſervants buſied themſelves about tying the Goods together, thinking the Water could not have carryed them away: As for the Gentleman, he went with his VVife and Children to the top of the houſe, and got upon the rafters of the Roof. Although nothing appeared to them but the Image of death; nevertheleſs ſome hope and deſire of eſcaping, made the Gentleman come down to ſave a little Trunk, wherein his papers of greateſt concernment were. Being come down from the Rafter, he laid hold of the Trunk, and faſtened it to a Manger; while he was buſie about it, the Waves of the Sea did ſo beat againſt that houſe, that it fell down to the Ground. The Wife, Children, and Servants were ſwallowed up in the ruine. The Gentleman laid hold on a Rafter, and was carryed away with it above half a League further, to a Mountain, where he ſet his foot upon dry Ground, being half dead with fear and grief, and bewailing the loſs of his VVife, Children, and Servants, he ſpyed the little Trunk and the Manger, which he drew to Land, and that was all he ſaved, beſides his Life.

Another Gentleman living thereabouts, and newly married, was reſolved that day to go to the next Town, and make merry with ſome friends, whereupon he bid his man make his Horſe ready, and himſelf went to put on his Boots; after he had put on one, and whilſt he held the other in his hand, the VVaters came ſo fiercely into that houſe, that they compelled the half Booted Gentleman to run away for his life, in an upper Chamber, but he was followed ſo cloſe by that mercileſs Element, that he was fained to get upon the top of the Roof, to ſave his life, and to ride upon the upper Rafter, but the houſe and Roof melting by the violence of the VVaves, this new Knight was carryed by the violence of them towards the Town where he intended to make merry, and there was ſaved with much adoe,

It happened at the ſame time near Markand, in the Dutchy of Norfolk, that two Thieves, going about to ſteal ſome Cattle, while they were driving of them, perceived in the Morning the Juſtice of God following them; it was the VVater, which having overtopped the Dikes, threatned the takers of being taken, and compelled them to ſave themſelves with all ſpeed. From their wickedneſs did ariſe a great good; for to the next Town they went, and bid the Sexton to Ring the Bell, and to cry VVater, VVater: The Inhabitants being for the moſt part aſleep, did not know what to do in ſuch an Alarm: Some climbed into the Church's Steeple; others thinking there were Thieves went about to fence and defend their houſes; others hearing of a Flood, laughed at it, and ſaid, that thoſe who brought this News, deſerved to be puniſhed; but preſently they altered their Languages, and their laughing was turned into a fearful mourning, every one flying to ſave himſelf, his VVife, and Children, and whatſoever they could pack up of their moſt precious Goods. Some thinking to have more wit than others, went about to divert the Current of the VVater from their houſes; but ſeeing there was no remedy, they went with their VVives and Children to the tops of their houſes, in a lamentable fright.

But when the VVater came to ſeize upon the houſes, wherein there were ſome Playing, ſome Drinking, others already Drunken, a great part of them were drowned, others ran to a Hill near the Town, where they ſpent the reſt of that night, and the day following with great lamentations.

The next day they ſaw their houſes half under VVater, and many people, who from the windows and Steeples cryed for help; others endeavoured to ſave themſelves upon Boards and Rafters; the Horſes tyed to the Manger were all ſuffocated. The Cattle in the fields, were by this time driven to the Mount called Truhill, and for all that, were not out of danger; for the Mountain was encompaſſed with VVater to ſuch a heighth and depth, that without Boats there was no acceſs to it; chiefly becauſe of the Thickets and Buſhes. Thus ſo much Cattle was about to periſh, had not ſome Shepherds brought Boats loaded with proviſions for Men and Beaſts, til the VVaters retired again, and the Dikes were made good.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy came to paſs, when the Spaniards Beſieged Leyden in Holland, for the Dutch broke the Dikes, whereby the water came upon them ſo faſt, that they were more beſieged and ſtarved then thoſe of the Town, and their Army wholly deſtroyed. Read Cardinal Bentivoglios his Hiſtory of the Low-Countreys, as alſo Strada:

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is divided into two parts: the two firſt Verſes are concerning an old man that ſhall be buried alive near a great River, upon a falſe ſuſpition.

The latter two are concerning a young man, who ſhall aſſume unto himſelf the name of a noble Family, and ſo make himſelf noble by his riches, but being afterward taken priſoner, the money that was ſent for his Ranſom, ſhall be taken in the way.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

Naples, Florence, Fayenza, Imola, and Nola are all Cities in Italy; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

By Pau here are underſtood the Towns that are ſeated upon that River.

Verona, Vicenza, are two Cities in Italy, belonging to the Venetians. Saragoſſa is a City in Sicily.

ANNOT.

The firſt and ſecond Verſes have been verified ſufficiently.

By the two [•]aſt Verſes he meaneth that the heart of every one ſhall be in fear, ſo that they ſhall come to an agreement, in which the true Tithes ſhall be paid, and every one come to his own again.

ANNOT.

Here be three notable things to be obſerved: one is the plain and punctual ſpecification of the time, in which the Prophecy ſhall come to paſs, viz. the [•]7. [••] October in the year 1700. The ſecond is, that the King of Perſia ſhall be taken by thoſe of Agypt. The third is, the ſhame and confuſion that the Chriſtians ſhall ſuffer for the ſame.

ANNOT.

By the Calpre is underſtood the CapꝪor promontory, which is at the mouth of the Streights, by and beyond which theſe Priſoners will be carried into Perſis for a preſent to the King, who then ſhall be ſome fearful perſon.

ANNOT.

Paradin ſaith, that in the year 1558. the Lord of Bonnivet being dead, the King of France did chuſe Francis of Vendoſme, Vidame of Amiens, to ſucceed the ſaid Bonnivet, in the Office of Colonel of the French Foot. This Vidame is noted by all Hiſtorians, for a raſh proud man, that had a good opinion of himſelf, and found fault with all the commands of the Marſhal of Briſſac, then General of the Army.

The King in conſideration of his Birth, and that he was a good Souldier, gave him the place of the Lord Bonnivet, according to what the Author ſaith, The great Bawler, &c. ſhall be elected Governour in the Army. If you ask in what Army he was elected Governour? the third Verſe anſwereth, in the Army of his Competitor, that is, the Marſhal of Briſſac, who did chide him ſeverely for diſobeying his commands, and was like once to have killed him.

The fourth Verſe proved true at the taking of Queiras, where the Bridge, through which the ſuccours came to relieve the Town, being broken, the Town grew ſo fearful, that it ſurrendred it ſelf to the Marſhal of Briſsac.

ANNOT.

Erins and Antibe are Towns of Provence, bordering upon Nice, which is a Town of Piemont, all that Coaſt is threatned here to be ruined by the Graſhopers, that is, the Turks, which fell out about the year 1558. for the King of France having called the Turks to his ſuccours againſt Charles V. Emperour, they came and took Nice in the behalf of the French, where they committed unheard cruelties, as alſo upon all that Coaſt.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy regardeth onely the City of Marſeilles, which is the moſt famous Port Town that the French have upon the Mediterranean Sea, and which was anciently a Greek Colony, peopled by the Phocen Seas. This City is threatned here to have the chain of her Port broken, and to be taken by her enemies, and the ſaid enemies to be a little while after taken in it.

ANNOT.

This is one of thoſe Prophecies that concern the Engliſh Nation, and which by its event, hath made this Book and the Author thereof famous, for nothing can be more plain to the meaneſt capacity, then the ſenſe and words of theſe four Verſes.

By the firſt, is meant the Kings moſt excellent Majeſty Charles II. now Reigning, who being the true Heir to the Kingdom, and moſt worthy to rule, was driven out of the Kingdom by a rebellious rout of his Subjects.

The ſecond Verſe expreſſeth, the puniſhment inflicted upon the Councellors and Abettors of ſo hainous a crime, who were moſt of them hanged, drawn and quartered, their entrals burnt.

The third Verſe, ſignifieth the low eſtate of the Abettors of that pernicious Councel.

The fourth Verſe, is underſtood that baſtard Faction, which was like to ſupplan[•] Cromwel, upon the diviſion of the Army.

ANNOT.

The Celtan France is that part of France included between the River Loire, and that of Seheld in Flanders. they are called here the long hairs; becauſe in antient time they uſed to wear long hairs.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the Town of St. Quentin, which was taken by the Spaniards in the year 1557. upon the 27 of Auguſt, and 17 days after the Battle of St. Laurence, it was taken by aſſault, and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword.

ANNOT.

It is a City that ſhall be taken by the cheat and deceit of a young fair man, who himſelf ſhall be taken in his craft.

The difficulty lyeth in the third Verſe, viz. what he meaneth by Raubine and Laude. I could find nothing by tranſpoſition of Letters: therefore I ſuppoſe the Author had a mind to reſerve the expoſition to himſelf, and to one that ſhould be clearer ſighted than I.

ANNOT.

Here is nothing obſcure but the word Auſone, by which is meant-the City of Bourdeaux, ſo named by the Author every where, for having brought forth that famous Latine Poet, and Counſul of Rome, Auſonius.

ANNOT.

The Baron of la Garde coming from Rome, where he had carryed the Cardinals of Tournon and Lorrain, received order to go into Corſica, to relieve with ammunition the two Towns, that the French kept ſtill in poſſeſſion in that Iſland, Glaſſe and Sr. Boniface, which after the general peace made at Cambray, anno 1559. were reſtored to the Common-wealth of Genoa. when he was coming near the Iſland, there aroſe ſuch a ſtorm, that they were conſtrained to go as near land as they could, viz. in St. Florents, till the ſtorm was over.

At the ſame time, by reaſon of the ſaid ſtorm, eleven Ships loaded with ſix thouſand Spaniards, going for Italy, took ſhelter in the ſame place, a good way off from the ſaid Baron.

At the firſt, the Spaniſh Ships did not ſpie the French Galleys, but the Baron de la Garde diſcovered the Spaniards, and bid his Galleys to ſet upon them. Two of the Spaniſh Ships were taken, in which were 1200. or 1500: Spaniards, part of which were drowned, and the reſt made ſlaves.

The Baron chaſed the reſt, but the ſtorm ſo ſcattered them, that the nine eſcaped.

Before this encounter the Genoeſe Captain, Andrew d'Oria, took all the Iſland from the French, Anno 1553. and kept it ever ſince, by ſending continual ſupplies. On the other ſide, the King of France ſent ſupplies by the Lord of Termes, to thoſe that were retired in the Iſland of Glaſſe.

One time among the reſt, about the latter end of the year 1555. there was ſent a notable ſupplie from the French, to which the Author ſpeaketh now in theſe tearms.

French fleet do not come near unto Corſica, nor Sardinia, which is another Iſland near Corſica. The third Verſe giveth the Reaſon of it; ye ſhall die, being fruſtrated of the help Greigne. Greigne is the Provencal Language, which was the Maternal one of our Author, ſignifieth a Galley: The ſenſe therefore is this, you ſhall be fruſtrate of the help of the Galleys, that are under the command of the Baron de la Grade, who carryed unto you men, money, and ammunition; becauſe he ſhall be then in purſute of the Spaniſh fleet, that were ſcattered by a ſtorm.

In the mean time Blood ſhall ſwim in the fight of the Baron de la Garde, and thou, poor Priſoner in that Iſland, Thou ſhalt not believe me; thoſe ſlaves were they, which went in the year 1555. And the Author ſaying, Thou ſhalt not believe me, ſheweth, that being very famous in Provence, for his Prophecies, the General of the Army had asked him concerning the ſucceſs of his Journey, and that he did warn him not to undertake it; but having an expreſs command from the King, his Maſter, he would need go. Therefore he ſaith, Poor priſoner thou ſhalt not believe me. We find in this work many examples of thoſe, who went to conſult with the Author concerning the ſucceſs of their undertakings, as did the Earl of Sommerive, before the beſieging of Bagnole, to whom he anſwered, that he ſhould leave the Trees loaded with a new kind of fruit, that is to ſay, of the Rebels, whom he cauſed to be hanged on Trees.

ANNOT.

Barcelona is a Town in Spain, upon the Mediterranean Sea; Marſeilles is another in France, upon the ſame Sea. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain, the two laſt have need of an Oedipus.

ANNOT.

By the great Satyr and Tyger of Hircania, is meant, the King of Perſia, who is alſo King of Hircani a, abounding with Tygers.

That King of Perſia ſhall be made a gift to thoſe of the Ocean; that is, ſhall be either drowned in it, or do ſome wonderful things upon it.

Carmania is a Province in Aſia, belonging to the Turk.

The Thyrren Phocean is the City of Marſeilles in France, ſo called by the the Author in this Book; becauſe it was a Colony of the Phocenſes in Greece; it is alſo called Thyrren, becauſe it is ſeated upon the Tyrrhenean Sea, as Virgil ſaith,——Thyrrenum navigat Aequor.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are Metaphorical, and are to be underſtood of a conſiderable perſon, who having been for a long time deſpiſed and under a cloud, ſhall on a ſudden riſe again and be in repute. The two laſt Verſes are intelligible enough.

ANNOT.

The meaning of the firſt and ſecond Verſes is, that the world ſhall be at an end, before [〈…〉] nath performed his whole courſe, which (if I do not miſtake) is thought by the Aſtronomers to be of 36000. years.

The third Verſe ſignifieth, that before the end of the world, the Empire ſhall be tranſlated or poſſeſſed by a black Nation, for brode in old French ſignifieth black, whence it cometh that to this day they call a handſom black woman, une belle Brode, that is a fair black woman.

Narbon is a famous City in Languedoc, and the ſeat of an Arſhbiſhop.

ANNOT.

The firſt and ſecond Verſe ſignifie, that the Pope once more ſhall keep his ſeat in Avignon, which is a Town in France belonging to the Pope, and where formerly they kept their See, for the ſpace of above an hundred years. As for the word Tricaſt, there muſt be a foul errour in the impreſſion or elſe; I muſt confeſs I underſtand it not. By the Annibalik anger, is meant thoſe of Barbary, where Annibal was born. Lion is a famous Town in France, where is kept the greateſt trading for Bills of Exchange.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth the declining of the Mahometan Religion, after which another Religion ſhall be ſet up worſe then the Mahometan. The firſt decay of it ſhall begin in Scythia, a Kingdom belonging to the King of Perſia, through which runneth the River Boriſthenes.

ANNOT.

Foſſan is a City in Piemont, belonging to the Duke of Savoy, the Chief man of Governour of which is threatned here to have his throat cut by ſome souldiers, either of Rome, or belonging to Rome, ſignified here by the Tarpeian Mountain, upon which the Capitol was built, and this fact to the committed by one that ſhall be a famous Huntſman; upon the 13 of February, Saturn being then in the Sign of Leo.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

Alain and Vernaigre are two ſmall Towns in France, ſeated by the Mountain Lebron, near the River called Durance, where the Author ſaith there ſhall be ſuch a ſharp fight, that Meſopetamia ſhall be wanting in France, to underſtand this you muſt know, that Meſopotamia is a Countrey between two Rivers from the Greek words [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth middle, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which ſignifieth a River, the meaning then of the Author is, that the Battle ſo ſharp, the ground ſhall be wanting to bury the dead.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY IV.

ANNOT.

This to my judgement is concerning the Siege of Candia, in which the Venetians for the ſpace of about twenty years deſired and expected ſuccours from the Chriſtian Princes, which came ſo ſlowly, that the City was fained to ſurrender upon honorable terms, which is the meaning of the firſt Verſe, There ſhall be a remnant of blood unſpilt.

ANNOT.

The whole ſenſe of this is, that by reaſon of ſome bodies death, France ſhall make war againſt Spain by Sea and Land, and put Spain in great trouble.

The fourth Verſe ſaith, that ſome of the greateſt Ladies in France ſhall be carried away, but the queſtion is, whether by the Spaniards, or (which is more probable) by their own Husbands going to war againſt Spain.

ANNOT.

Arras and Bourges are Cities of France. As for brodes, we have ſaid before that it ſignifie brown men, ſuch as are the Gaſcoins, inhabiting the Province of Aquitania near Spain.

Saguntus is a City in Spain, that was deſtroyed by the Romans.

ANNOT.

This conſiderable Prince was Philip the II. King of Spain, who was vexed to ſee the Cocks, that is the French, and Libiques that is the Turks joyned together, under Barbaroſſa to commit ſo many Rapes and violences upon his subjects.

ANNOT.

We have ſaid before that by Divine Word, we muſt not underſtadd the ſecond perſon of the Trinity, but a Divine or Theologian, called in Greek [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which alſo ſignifieth Divine Word. Therefore the meaning of the firſt Verſe is, that under the Government of ſome eminent Divine, (be like a good Pope) the Croſs ſhall have peace, that is, the Chriſtian Religion ſhall be in Peace, and perſecution ſhall ceaſe. The laſt three Verſes are plain.

ANNOT.

Everybody may be as wiſe as I in the interpretation of this.

ANNOT.

This is eaſie to be underſtood, if we remember that Charles IX. King of France, younger ſon to Henry II. died of a foul diſeaſe, and his Mother Catharine of Medicis died of grief.

ANNOT.

This great City was the City of St. Quentin in Picardy, taken by aſſault by Philip the II. Anno 1557.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie muſt needs be concerning England or France; for there is but thoſe two Kings that challenge the cure of the Kings-evil.

ANNOT.

Every one may interpret this as well as I, provided that by the twelve red ones, he underſtandeth twelve Cardinals.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is concerning an out-landiſh Army that ſhall invade France, and though numerous, yet ſhall be put to flight, and ſhall not be much purſued: therefore it ſhall incamp again, and collect and gather again its Troops, and afterwards ſhall be wholly driven out of France.

I am much miſtaken if this Prophecie came not to paſs, when the Duke of Parma at the head of a Spaniſh numerous Army came into France in favour of the League; for Henry IV. met him at the ſiege of Roven, beat him off, and ſuffered him to retire quietly, and as the common ſaying is, made him a Golden Bridge, to retreat into the Low-Countries again.

ANNOT.

This hath a connexion with the precedent; for while the Prince of Parma was buſied in France, news was brought to his Camp, that the Hollanders had taken Antwerp, which diſcouraged his whole Hoſt, and made him retire with all ſpeed.

The Word Phalange ſignifieth a Battailion or part of an Army, which being expreſſed here by the word double Phalange, ſignifieth, that both Horſe and Foot deſerted the Duke of Parma upon the hearing of this news.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain.

The two laſt ſignifie, that a youth ſhall come to the Kingdom, ſoon, that is, by [••]n of the ſudden death of the chief man, and late; becauſe being but young, he [〈…〉]gn ſo long, that he ſhall be famous, and feared by Sea and Land.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie was fulfilled at the famous Siege of Oſtend, which laſted three years and three Months; for the Hollanders that brought relief to the Town, did for covetouſneſs ſell the ammunition to the Spaniards that beſieged it, for which complaint being made by the States to the Prince of Orenge, Maurice of Naſsaw, as alſo that they did the like to Newport, which he had beſieged; he replyed ſmartly, do you not know that your Countrey men would Sail into Hell, were it not for fear to have their Sails burnt.

ANNOT.

Here you muſt obſerve that the Author being a Papiſt, ſpeaketh this concerning the City of Geneva, which he ſaith from a free City became a ſlave, when it ſhook off the Duke of Savoy's domination, and became a retreat to the Proteſtants, whom he called the baniſhed and dreamers.

In the third Verſe, by the King changed in his mind that ſhall not be ſo froward to them, he meaneth, Henry IV. who having changed the Proteſtant Religion, to be a Roman Catholick, did undertake their protection againſt the Duke of Savoy their Prince.

Hence followeth the explication of the fourth Verſe, when he ſaith, that of one hundred they ſhall become more than a thouſand; for in few years the Proteſtants became ſo numerous, that they drove the Roman Catholicks wholly out of the Town, and ſo have remained to this day Maſters of it.

ANNOT.

Beaune, Chalons, and Dijon, are Cities in France, Nuis is a Town in Germany near the Rhyne, three or four Leagues below Colen.

For the reſt, every one may make his own interpretation, for it is hard to gueſs who this Duke ſhould be, or that Fiſh either, that ſhall have a Cormorants Bill after whom the door ſhall be ſhut.

ANNOT.

This is plain, and ſignifieth no more then a perſecution againſt the Profeſſors of Heavenly ſciences, ſuch as are Aſtrologers, Aſtronomers, &c.

ANNOT.

This is ſtill concerning the Duke of Parma's Army, when he came into France againſt Henry the IV. in favour of the League, for his Army wherewith he Beſieged Rouen, was compounded of all thoſe Nations; the greateſt part of which were Italians, called here Inſubrians, from the Latin word Inſubria, which ſignifieth the Countreys of Savoy and Piemont.

ANNOT.

This only foretelleth a great Famine and Inundation in France, ſignified here by the Flower de Luce.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Interpretation.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

Here we muſt obſerve four things, the firſt is, that Calais is called by the Author, The long reſt of the ſecure place, Becauſe then viz. in the year 1555. it was yet in the power of the King of England, and had been quietly before, for the ſpace of 287. years, that is, from the year 1347. till the year 1555. and was ſo ſtill, till the year 1557. when the Duke of Guiſe took it, whence we gather that it was a ſecure place that had enjoyed ſo long a reſt.

The ſecond is, that thoſe of Diepe did watch for the Spaniards, in the paſſage between Dover and Calais, therefore the Author ſaith, They ſhall ſeek Port Selyn, Selyn Port or Harbour is always taken by the Author for an Harbour in the Ocean.

The third is, that the great fight between the French and the Spaniards was by fire, ſo that moſt part of the Ships on each ſide were burnt, and the Spaniſh and French Souldiers die caſt themſelves into the Sea, to ſave their lives in their enemies Ships, where they were ſlain.

The fourth is, that thoſe of Diepe being extraordinary skilſul in Sea-fights had made great quantity of artificial fires, to caſt into the Spaniſh Ships, but the Ships grapling one with another, they were burnt on both ſides.

Upon thoſe four circumſtances the two firſt Verſes ſay, that the Legion in the Fleet Galcineth magnes, that is Loadſtone burnt, and ſhall burn Pitch and Brimſtone, to make Artificial fires.

The third and fourth Verſe ſay, that this Sea Legion ſhall ſeek an Harbour in the Ocean, which ſhall be a ſecure place, by a long reſt, that is Calais. She will ſeek that Selyn Harbour to ſhelter her ſelf, becauſe Calais did then belong to the Engliſh, but by reaſon of the narrowneſs of the Sea, the French watched for the Spaniards there, and to ſhew that they ſought onely for Calais to meet the Spaniards, they carried the Spaniſh Ships which they took into Diepe, and not into Calais.

The French Impreſſion hath a fault here, putting Port Hercle inſtead of Port Selyn, which is a manifeſt error, for the taking of Port Hercle by the Florentines the 14. of June 1[••]5. was by a Land Army, beſides, that Port Selyn is always taken by the Author for a Port in the Ocean.

ANNOT.

Every one may underſtand this as well as I.

ANNOT.

This is of the ſame nature as the foregoing.

ANNOT.

The Author having made this Stanza in the Provencal Language, that was his Mother Tongue, which hath very little relation to the reſt of the French tongue, hath put me to ſome trouble to underſtand it; at laſt I found the meaning to be this, that when a great ſwarm of Bees ſhall light on ſome place, and it ſhall not be known whence they came, then ſhall be ſeen a Jay under a Vine, and a City ſhall be betrayed by five ſeveral Nations.

ANNOT.

Salon, Manſol, Taraſcon, Deſex, are Towns in Provence and Languedo.

By the Arch, here is meant the Triumphal Arch of Caius Marius, which he erected after the defeat of the Cimbres and Teutons, and remaineth to this day in that Province, within two or three Leagues off the Town of Orenge.

Artemis is an Epethete of Diana, ſo called [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a ſecando acrem.

ANNOT.

If this Book cometh ever into the hands of Hermes's Diſciples, I ſhall deſire they would conſider diligently this Stanza, and the three following; for they are all concerning the Elixir of the Philoſophers, or the making of the Philoſophers ſtone. To begin with this:

When Venus ſhall be covered by the Sun.

This is the Aſtral point, ſo much ſought after by the Philoſophers, for the beginning of their work, without the knowledge of which they cannot begin their work, or come to any good.

Under the ſplendor of it ſhall be an occult form, that is, under that conjunction lyeth a great myſtery.

Mercury in the fire ſhall diſcover them, viz. the Mercury of the Philoſophers, made by Coeleſtial fire.

And by a Warlike rumor ſhall be provoked; that is, the Planet of Mercury ſhall be provoked to mix his variable and changable diſpoſition with theirs, by his Aſpects, Oppoſitions, Conjunctions, &c. It is not poſſible to ſpeak more plainly.

ANNOT.

Here I muſt lead the Reader with Ariadnes Thread, that he may extrecate himſelf out of this Laby[•]inth.

The Sun ſhall be bid and Eclipſed by Mercury; that is, Gold ſhall be Eclipſed and diſſolved by the Philoſophers Mercury, which is the Key and foundation of all the work.

And ſhall not be ſet but for the ſecond Heaven; that is, ſhall not be uſed till you come to the ſecond part of the work, which is that of the Furnace.

Hermes ſhall be made a prey to Vulcan; that is, the matter and compoſition of the Elixir, ſhall be put upon the fire in a Furnace.

And after that the Sun ſhall be ſeen pure, ſhining, yellow; that is, in concluſion after projection made, thou ſhalt ſee pure, ſhining, and Yellow Gold.

ANNOT.

The Moon will not have the Sun above eleven times; that is, the Moon of the Philoſophers will not imbibe their Sun above Eleven times.

Then both ſhall be encreaſed and leſsened in degree; that is, both ſhall be encreaſed in quality, and leſſened in quantity.

And put ſo low that a little Gold ſhall be ſowtd up; that is, the powder of projection, or Philoſophers ſtone ſhall be ſo ſmall in Bulk, that one may ſow it about him, and hide it in his Cloths.

After famine and plague the ſecret ſhall be diſcovered; that is, ſomebody ſhall die, with famine or plague, about which the ſecret ſhall be found and diſcovered.

ANNOT.

Sophe in Greek ſignifierh a wiſe man or Philoſopher, who ſhall find the Philoſophers ſtone, when the Moon ſhall come to the full in the night upon a high Mount. His Diſciples ſhall perſwade him to make himſelf immortal, they being perſwaded that the Elixir cureth all diſeaſes.

The laſt Verſe ſaith, His eyes to the South, his hands and body to the fire; that is, this Chymiſt or Adeptus, ſhall retire into ſome Southern Countrey to work.

I cannot omit here that a conceited Chymiſt in Paris, whoſe name was Haumont, in Engliſh, Highmount, could not be diſſwaded but our Author ſpake of him in this Stanza, and that he could not die till he had got the Philoſophers ſtone, but to other matters.

ANNOT.

Panta, Choina, Philon, are three Greek words, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifie in Latine, omnia inter amicos communia, and in Engliſh, all things are common among friends. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Theſe terms being Aſtronomical and Aſtrological, it is hard to gueſs at the Authors mind.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that when a great one from a far Countrey, ſhall be brought Priſoner chained with gold, and preſented to a King called Henry (for Cheyren by tranſpoſition of letters is Henry) who then ſhall beat Bordeaux: Milan ſhall looſe a great Army.

ANNOT.

Hetruria is the Countrey of Tuſcany now under the Duke of Florence, and Corſica is an Iſland in the Mediterranean sea belonging to the Genoeſe. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognoſtication of the rejoycing that ſhould be in France, after the winning of that famous battle of Serizoles in Piemont, againſt the Armies of the Emperour and the King of Spain.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning Henry the IV. King of France, who went over the Alpes and conquered the Duke of Savoy's Countrey, becauſe he would not reſtore the Markdom of Saluces. Genoa and Monaco are Cities near Savoy.

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes are plain, as for the fourth, either it is falſly Printed, or I muſt confeſs I underſtand it not.

ANNOT.

By the Rhodians are underſtood the Knights of Maltha, becauſe they dwelt firſt at Rhodes.

By the ſecond Verſe it is ſaid, it was the neglect of her Heirs, that is of the Heirs of Rhodes the Knights of Maltha, who being careleſs of themſelves, were beſieged by Solyman, which conſtrained them to ask ſuccours of all the Chriſtian Princes, which came very ſlowly, at laſt Dom Garcia Viceroy of Sicily relieved them, and drove away the Turks that had ſuffered great loſs, therefore the Author ſaith in the third Verſe, The Arabian Empire ſhall ſlack his courſe.

ANNOT.

By the Sacriſtes, he underſtandeth the Clergy of the Roman Religion.

ANNOT.

Gynical Sex is a woman from the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which ſignifieth a woman.

The meaning then of this Stanza is, that a woman being given in Hoſtage, and made priſoner, ſhall deceive her keepers, and among the reſt, the chief Captain who ſhall forſake his Troops and run away with her.

ANNOT.

All thoſe Towns are in France, the ſenſe is plain.

ANNOT.

There is no obſcurity in this.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is half French and half Provencal language.

All the Cities named here, Mende, Rhodez, Milliaud, Cahors, Limoges, Caſtres, Bourdeaux, Perigort, are Cities of France, bordering upon Provence, which is the Countrey wherein our Author was born.

The meaning of it is, that all thoſe Cities ſhall riſe againſt the Collectors of the Kings Taxes, and ſhall ſet upon them by the ſound of the Bell, which is already come to paſs, and may come to paſs yet.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognoſtication of a great Battle, by the loſs of which a King ſhall forſake his Kingdom, his chief Commander having deſerted him in time of need. The ſlaughter ſhall be ſo great, that none ſhall be left but one for a witneſs.

ANNOT.

Tours is the chief City of a Province in France, called Touraine, which is commended here for having reſiſted excellently well; but is forewarned to look to her ſelf after that, and to beware of her approaching ruine.

ANNOT.

It is a deſcription of a Tyrant, who after he ſhall have tryed his bloody hand by Fire, Sword, and bent Bows, ſhall cauſe his chieſ men to be hanged by the neck and feet. Since the Author did write there had been ſuch a Tyrant in the world, namely, John Baſilides, great Duke of Ruſsia, in the year 1572: Read Panl Osburne in his Life.

ANNOT.

I cannot find in Hiſtory that this hath yet happened, ſince the writing of theſe Prophecies, therefore I reckon it de future.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is concerning ſome juſt perſon, that ſhall be murdered openly: His blood ſhall cry to Heaven, but ſhall not be heard for a good while, till at laſt is ſhall be diſcovered by ſome body.

ANNOT.

Libra is one of the twelve ſigns of the Zodiack, which is favourable to Spain, ſo that the meaning of this is, that Libra ſhall ſee Spain to Reign.

And beſides that, to have the Monarchy of Heaven and Earth; that is, to have the command of the Pope, and of the beſt part of Europe. So that no Aſian or Turkiſh forces ſhall receive damage by the Chriſtians, till ſeven Popes of the Spaniſh faction have Reigned ſucceſſively, and one after another.

ANNOT.

A Phalange, in Latine Phalanx, is a Squadron of Souldiers, which word was antiently proper only to the Macedonians. Ganges is a River in India.

ANNOT.

This is a peculiar and remarkable accident, wherein the beſiegers of a City ſhall be driven away from their enterpriſe, by Lime, Duſt, and Aſhes, ſcattered and diſperſed againſt them by a mighty wind.

ANNOT.

The words are plain, out of which every one may make his own ſenſe:

ANNOT.

This fortelleth that when a French King ſhall have a name that never any of his Predeceſſors had, he ſhall be ſo much feared as that Italy, Spain, and England ſhall tremble, and that beſides he ſhall be much given to women.

ANNOT.

This extraordinary Prodigy of a Crow crying for ſeven hours together upon a Brick Tower, foretelleth that ſome notorious Tyrant ſhall be put to death, and his ſtatue ſprinkled with blood, and withall, that the people either for ioy or fear ſhall be much given to prayer.

ANNOT.

It is a Conquerour who having been much railed at by his enemies, ſhall in concluſion after he hath overcome them, take a ſevere vengeance of them.

ANNOT.

Some ignorant envious perſon being in favour with the King, ſhall go about to ſuppreſs learning, but the Kings wife no wife, that is his Concubine, ſhall perſuade him to the contrary, and ſhall prevail.

ANNOT.

By burning Sun muſt be underſtood melted gold, which ſhall be poured into ones throat, in the Hetrurian ground, that is in Tuſcany.

By the chief Pale of water is to be underſtood, ſome Water-bearer, who ſhall make his ſon an Eunuch to make benefit ont. The fourth Verſe is plain.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain. The two laſt Verſes ſignifie that an old doting man ſhall ſhew to the Genoeſes the way how to take Nizza, a Town hard by them, by filing ſome Iron Grates, by which they ſhall get into the Town.

ANNOT.

The words being ſo plain, every body may give as good an interpretation as I.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is divided into two parts. The firſt part runneth from the firſt Verſe to the middle of the fourth. The meaning is, that an old man ſhall be baffled and deprived of his place by a ſtranger that ſhall ſuborn him, but that ſtrangers ſons brother ſhall be eaten up before his face in the Town of Chartres; what he meaneth by eaten up, is hard to gueſs, whether it be by poverty, ſutes at Law, Envy, Lice, &c.

The Hemiſthikion of the laſt Verſe, Orl. ſhall betray Rouen, ſignifieth, that Orleans ſhall betray Rouen.

ANNOT.

I never ſaw the laſt Tyrant Cromwel better painted to the life, then in the three firſt Verſes.

As for the fourth, it is certain that his intention among his Camerades was firſt diſcovered by him unto them at the Star Tavern in Coleman-ſtreet, which is the place that the Author calleth the Harbour of the Vine.

ANNOT.

This is a deſcription of the attempt made by the French upon Savoy, which Countrey lieth in the Mountains of the Alpes, therefore called here Highlanders; where the Peaſants being incenſed for the loſs of their goods and the ruine of their Countrey, rolled ſtones from the top of the Mountains againſt the French Army, which could not hinder them from being deſtroyed; this came to paſs under Henry the IV. King of France, in the year 1662.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth that a great man having committed an offence againſt the King, ſhall come to him in a mean habit, to ſue for his Pardon, and ſhall be carried away by fifteen Souldiers, the moſt part Countrey fellows; and in concluſion he ſhall have his life ſaved, and the beſt part of his Eſtate.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes belong to the ſame ſenſe; viz. that ſeven men ſhall be ſpies, under pretence to be Prieſts or Monks, (which is the meaning of the ſhaven heads) and ſhall poiſon the Wells and springs.

The laſt Verſe ſignifieth that in the Fort of Genoa, their ſhall be devourers of men, that is, Uſurers and Extortioners, which is no new thing in that Nation.

ANNOT.

This is the Prognoſtication of a mighty dry ſeaſon, and other accidents that ſhall happen when Saturn and Mars ſhall be in a fiery diſpoſition, which whether it be by Oppoſition, Conjunction, Aſpect, &c. Let the Aſtrologers judge.

ANNOT.

The Rhine is a River in Germany, Iſter is another in the Countrey of Iſtria, belonging to the Venetians.

By the firſt Verſe, I conclude that this Prophecy came to paſs a little while after the Author wrote this Book, when the grand Segnor Solyman beſieged Maltha, and put in fear all the Ligurian Coaſt, which is that of Genoa.

ANNOT.

Aqueleia and Parma are two Cities in Italy. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

By the Eagle here is underſtood the Empire; becauſe his Enſign is an Eagle.

ANNOT.

This is a Prophecie of a Tragical Nuptial, where all the Maids ſhall be drowned with their Cloaths in a Well, inſomuch that none ſhall ſurvive, and the Bride ſhall be poiſoned, and die by Aconite, which is one of the moſt poiſonous herbs that is, witneſs Juvinal. Luridaterribiles[•]miſcent asonita novercae.

ANNOT.

By the Artomiques he meaneth the Proteſtants; becauſe they take the Communion with leavened Bread, which in Greek is called Artos.

Agen, Lectoure, ſaint Foelix, Bazas, Condon and Marſan, are Cities of Gaſcony. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

To underſtand the whole ſenſe of this, we muſt firſt know what is meant by the particular terms.

The great Nephew is the Brother or Siſters ſon of ſome great perſon, who by force ſhall diſcover the Treaſon or Cowardiſe, committed by ſome puſillanimous or fearful man,

Ferrara and Aſt are two towns in Italy, ſhall make a tryal of a Duke, by being either taken or aſſaulted.

When the Pantomine ſhall be in the evening; that is, when the Comedy ſhall be acted; for Pantomime in Greek ſignifieth a Comedian.

ANNOT.

Lake Leman, is the Lake of Geneva. The Brannonices are thoſe of Sens, ſo called; becauſe they took Rome under the Conduct of their Captain Brennus, and afterwards built Brenona, a Town belonging ſince to the Venetians, who calls it Verona.

Aquitania is that Province of France, called now Gaſcony. Maine is a Province in France. The reſt needeth no explication.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by the white Terretory, whether it be poſitive, or Allegorical, I leave the judgement of it to the Reader.

ANNOT.

Nictobriges in Greek ſignifieth a people living in a dark and moiſt Countrey. Perigort and Bigorre are two Towns in France. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Selyn is the name of a Turkiſh Emperour, the meaning therefore of this, is, that under the Reign of one Selyn a Turkiſh Emperour, Italy ſhall be in peace, and all the Chriſtian Princes united.

ANNOT.

Parma is a City in Italy. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Monheurt, Marſan, Aiguillon, are Towns in Gaſcony.

Landes is a deſert Countrey, wherein nothing groweth but Pine-trees, Bourdelois are thoſe of Bourdeaux.

Navarre is a Kingdom, and Begorre a Province joyning to thoſe Landes, or Pinetrees Countrey.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled, when Rome was taken and ſacked by Charles Duke of Bourbon, and Philibert of Chalon Prince of Orenge, Generals of the Emperour Charles the V. with ſuch cruelties, as never was committed by the bloody Goths and Vandales, and to ſhew that the Author intended Rome, is apparant by two inſtances. The firſt is by the great River, which is the Tyber, which though not very great in its Channel and depth, yet is very great, yea, the greateſt in Europe by its fame. The other is the word Coliſée, which is that famous Arch of Tratan in Rome, remaining yet to this day.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the Siege of Antwerp by the Prince of Parma, Governour of the Low-Countreys for the King of Spain, who having beſieged, cauſed a Bridge of Boats to be made upon the River Scheld, to hinder the ſuccours of the Hollanders, who by that means were conſtrained to ſurrender it.

ANNOT.

That great troop from Sclavonia ſhall be the Venetians, becauſe they poſſeſs moſt part of that Countrey. The old Oleſtant is their Duke, becauſe he is not choſen unleſs he be very old, by Romania is underſtood what the Venetians poſſeſs in that Countrey.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

Auxerre is a City of France, diſtant from Paris 40. leagues to the Southward.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe is altogether Allegorical and Metaphorical, therefore I leave it to the judgement of every Reader. I ſhall only deliver my opinion upon the whole: I take it to be ſome white Prince, that ſhall be overcome by a black one, put in a Dungcart, after th[•]t, tied upon a black Camel, and then the younger ſon of that black Prince ſhall give the priſonner a little more liberty.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is remarkable for the things that it foretelleth, viz. that in the year that Saturn ſhall be in conjunction with sol in the Sign of Aquarius: a King of France ſhall be annointed both at Rhemes and Aix, for Rheme[•] is a City in France, where the Kings uſe to be Annointed and Crowned, and Aix is another in Germany, where the Emperours uſe to be ſo. But the laſt Verſe is ominous, where he ſaith, that after his Conqueſts he ſhall murder innocent perſons.

ANNOT.

One King ſhall have two Sons, the eldeſt ſhall ſucceed him in the Kingdom, the youngeſt having been well brought up and educated, ſhall raiſe troubles, againſt the King his Brother; but he ſhall be deſtroyed by the means of his own Father in Law.

ANNOT.

Phtyriaſis in Greek is the diſeaſe called by the Latines Morbus pedicularis, when one is devour[〈…〉] by Lice, as were Herodes, Sylla, Pherecydes, and Philip II. King of Spain. &c.

As for Port d'Eſleu, the queſtion is, whether it be the proper name of a place, or the name of a man, that ſhall throw another in the water.

ANNOT.

Here may be alleadged that paſſage of Scripture, There is nothing ſo ſecret but ſhall be revealed; for here is plainly told the number of thoſe wicked perſons, who conſpired againſt their lawful Sovereign King Charles I. of bleſſed memory, as alſo the place where the Plot was firſt laid; for it is well known that they uſed to aſſemble at the Bear at the Bridge foot:

ANNOT.

Milan is a City in Italy, and Theſin is the River that paſſeth by it.

ANNOT.

To underſtand this Stanza, we muſt ſuppoſe four Hiſtories, Paradin relateth the firſt, which is, that the French and Spaniſh Armies having their Winter quarters in the Dukedome of Milan, Anno 1555.

The Marqueſs of Peſcaire, ſent word to the Duke of Nemours, by a French Gentleman, that he and three more deſired to break a Lance with him upon the borders of Aſt.

The Duke accepted the challenge, without giving notice to the Marqueſs of Briſſac, then General of the French Army, who was very angry at it, nevertheleſs he adviſed the Duke to go, but not with a Guilt and light Armour, but with a wrong one, ſuch as became a Cavaliero, which he did not do, nor the other three that went with him: whence it came, that the Lord Claſſe a French man, running againſt Maleſpine, was wounded to death in the ſhoulder; nevertheleſs one of the ſeconds to the Duke of Nemours, the Lord Moncha killed upon the place Caraffa, Nephew to Pope Marcel II. and the Lord Manoa, one of the Duke of Nemours party, falling from his Horſe a little wounded, broke his neck.

As for the Duke of Nemours, he ran twice againſt the ſaid Marqueſs, without hiting one another, but at the third time they both brake their Lances, without doing any harm. Thus, the French Duke was compelled to fight a Duel.

We have the ſecond Hiſtory from Turpin, and many others, which is, that the Marqueſs of Maſſeran, having put himſelf into the King of France's ſervice, in hopes to have the Government of Bielais; and proving a Traitor, the Marſhal of Briſſac, who had diſcovered his perfidiouſneſs, reſolved to take him in his houſe of Gaillany, which he had fortified to ſecure his retreat after his Treaſon,

The Lord de Termes was commanded to do it, which he did ſo dexterouſly, that he took him into his houſe after dinner, and then compelled him preſently to ſurrender the Caſtle of Jamaglia, the Marqueſs obeying, ſent thither preſently his ſon Claudius, to put it into the hands of the Lords de la Mante, and of Villars.

Theſe two viewing the Caſtle, to obſerve the places that might be fortified, and going from room to room, heard a lamentable voice, crying. Have mercy upon me. They cauſed preſently the Priſon doors to be opened, and found a poor Gentleman of Vercelle, whom the Marqueſs had detained there 18 years, for endeavouring to ſerve an execution againſt him, in the Duke of Savoy's behalf.

And it is remarkable that his Impriſonment was all this while concealed, ſo that no body ever heard of it, in ſo much that his friends ſuſpecting he had been killed by one of his enemies, they proſecuted him ſo hard, that after much tortering, he confeſſed what he had not done, and was conſequently put to death in the preſence of the ſaid Marqueſs of Maſſeran, who knew the Countrey. Thus we ſee one wrongfully accuſed that was executed, and this Gentlemans Impriſonment, which was to be perpetual.

After this, they carryed the poor Gentleman almoſt all naked, and being nothing but skin and bones, to the Lord of Termes, who cauſed him to be clothed, and gave him Money to go back to his friends.

The third Hiſtory is, that the Duke of Nemours Son was one of the chief ringleaders of the League againſt Henry IV, and did what he could before he dyed to get the Kingdom of France, endeavouring firſt to make himſelf Sovereign Prince of Lion, Forreſt, and Beaucolois.

The fourth Hiſtory is, that at the latter end of the year 1555. the Lord la Mole, carrying to Rome the Cardinals of Tournon and Lorrain, went directly to the Iſland of Corſica, whence he drew ſome Forces, which he joyned to his, and to thoſe of Monluc, and would not Land at Monaco for ſome reaſons, but went directly to Civita Vecchia; By this we underſtand that Verſe of the Stanza. The Ship of the Mole ſhall notcome near Monaco.

ANNOT.

Theſe words are plain enough, though no body can tell whether the thing is paſt already, or ſhall come to paſs hereafter.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to be an alluſion to the Birth of Alexander the great; for it is ſaid, that when his mother Olympia proved with Child of him, there was ſeen in her Bed, and about her Bed a great Serpent, which was the preſage of his future greatneſ[•]: therefore our Author alſo will have, that when ſuch a Prodigie ſhall appear in France, that then ſhall be born ſuch a Prince as he mentioneth here: the circumſtances are, that this Serpent ſhall be ſeen by a Lady in the night time, and that the Dogs of the houſe ſhall not bark at him.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are eaſily underſtood by thoſe that know the Pyrenean Mountains, to be thoſe that part Spain from France. The two laſt Verſes ſignifie there ſhall be bloody VVars in thoſe places; the Rhoſne is a ſwift River of France, that paſſeth through the City of Lyons; Leman is the Lake of Geneva, and Narbon is a City of Languedock.

ANNOT.

This ſignifies, that a Kingdom ſhall be left to two, who ſhall keep it but a little while, about the ſpace before mentioned.

By the two Veſtals that ſhall rebel, are to be underſtood two Nuns, who having Intereſt in the ſtate by their nearneſs of blood, ſhall challenge a title in the Kingdom. The laſt Verſe ſignifies, that the youngeſt that contended for the Kingdom, ſhall overcome the eldeſt, in the Province of Gaſcony.

ANNOT.

This ſignifies, that the Princeſs born ſo long after her Brother, ſhall be married to a King of France, which is underſtood here by the Kingdom of Libra; therefore the laſt King Lewis the XIII. was called the Juſt, becauſe born under the Sign of Libra

ANNOT.

This ſignifies the late change of ſtate in Portugal, when they threw off the Spaniſh yoke, and choſe a King amongſt themſelves, John the IV. Duke of Branganza, Father to the preſent Queen of England; for by the Luſitanians are meant the Portugals, ſo called from their Countreys name Luſitania; Pactoles is the River that runs by Lisbonne, otherwiſe called Tagus, in Greek [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] from the Sands.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when the people of Albania lying between the Venetian Territories, and Grecia, ſhall come to Rome, by the means of a Biſhop of Langres, who is a Duke and Peer of France; being covered with half Helmets, a kind of a Cap that they wear in War; then ſhall be fire, blood, ſmall Pox, and want of Corn.

ANNOT.

This is ſcarce to be underſtood of any body, but the preſent King of France Lewis the XIV. who was the elder ſon, and born of Queen Ann, Daughter to the King of Spain, who by his valour and fortune made laſt year ſuch progreſs in the Conque[•] of Flanders, that it hath cauſed admiration in every body, inſomuch that if he do the like this year, it may be propably ſuſpected, he will afterwards go deep into Spain according to the contents of this Prophecy.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when Mars is Ecclipſed, the Lightning ſhall fall on ſome of the King of Frances Palaces, then ſhall be a great VVar, for the ſpace of ſeven Months, and many ſhall die by witchcraft; and Rouen the chief City of Normandy, and Eureux another of the [〈◊〉] Province, ſhall ſtick faſt to the Kings Intereſt.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY V.

ANNOT.

This is a further ſpecification of the whole ruine of Flanders, before which it ſhall happen, ſaith our Author, that two ſhall talk together in the Church, and one ſhall ſtabb the other with a Dagger, and then take Horſe, and fly, the dead one being buried without Pompe or Ceremony.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes foretell a Conſpiracy of ſeven againſt three, one of which ſeven ſhall carry both Fleets to ſome eminent perſon, at which time he ſhall be ſhot in the forehead by the laſt of the ſeven.

ANNOT.

By the two firſt Verſes is meant a lawful Succeſſor to the Duke of Tuſcany who ſhall come to recover the ſaid Dukedom, which ſhall then be in the poſſeſſion of the French.

It is hard to gueſs what he means by the Sea-frog, unleſs it be ſome conſiderable Prince at Sea, which ſhall then be in League with the French.

ANNOT.

By the ſtrange Alliance is meant that which Cromwel had with France, to the prejudice of his Majeſty of England, who is here meant by the Maſtif, a Creature, for which England hath been famous.

By the VVolf and the Bear are meant the French King and the Switzers, or thoſe of Savoy.

ANNOT.

The two firſt are plain, and may be referred to the foregoing Stanza concerning Oliver.

The laſt Verſes are plain, and I leave them to the judicious Reader.

ANNOT.

Although the Augur In Latine ſignifieth one that telleth events of matters by the flying voices, or ſitting of Birds, yet it is taken alſo (as here) for a Prelat or Clergyman, who ſhall put his hand upon a Kings head, and pray for the peace of Italy, and ſhall put a Scepter in his hand, and inſtall him Emperour, what King this ſhould be, is eaſie to be conjectured by the Author, being a French-man, and ſetting down a King without any Epithite, and this Prophecy is a confirmation of one before of the ſame nature.

ANNOT.

I ſuppoſe none ſo ignorant in the Roman Hiſtory, but knows, that there was a combination between Octavius Caeſar, M[•]rcus Antonius, and Lepidus, to make themſelves Maſters of the Roman Empire, and to divide it amongſt themſelves, this Plot being made by three, was made by the Triumuiri; the meaning then is, that when they, ſhall go to ſeek for a Treaſure, they ſhall find the bones of one of thoſe three perſons, and in that cavity that they ſhall have digged, they ſhall find Marble and Lead.

ANNOT.

The two Verſes ſignifie, that fire ſhall be hid within Globes, I ſuppoſe them to be Granado's, or a Mine.

The two laſt Verſes ſignifie, that the Fleet in the Harbour, or near it, ſhall ſet the City on fire, and that they ſhall come out of the Fleet to help to quench the fire, and ſo ſhall the enemy be favourable.

ANNOT.

The meaning of the firſt is unknown to me: I leave it to the Reader.

The ſenſe of the laſt is as obvious to the meaneſt capacity, as the two precedent are obſcure.

ANNOT.

This needeth no further interpretation, than that it ſeemeth to be near its event.

ANNOT.

This is ſo obſcure in words and ſenſe, that I can judge no more than that it ſignifies a great change in Africa and Aſia, which I ſuppoſe is already come to paſs by Taffaletta.

ANNOT.

We have ſaid often before, that the Leman Lake is that of Geneva. The reſt is ſo manifeſt, that it needs no interpretation.

ANNOT.

By the Roman Belgick King, is underſtood Philip the ſecond King of Spain; becauſe he was made King in Flanders, by his father Charles V.

The ſecond Verſe ſignifieth the diverſe Nations that his Army was compoſed of.

In the third, by the Lybian people are underſtood the Jews, which he drove away from Spain into Africa

The Pannous are the people of Hungary, called Pannones, and the meaning that he drove them out as far as Hercules Pillar, at the mouth of the Straits, ſignifies the great expulſion he made of them, which were about the number of 200000.

ANNOT.

By the Cock is meant the King of France. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Theſe Verſes ſignifie no more, but that a Pope going by water, ſhall be taken Priſoner, for which, all the Clergy ſhall be in diſorder, and elect a new one, who ſhall conſume his Goods, and ſhall have a favourite Baſtard, that ſhall be killed.

ANNOT.

The Sabaean Tear, is Frankincenſe, ſo called; becauſe it is the Gum of a Tree that groweth in that Countrey, whence the Poet ſaith.

India mittit ebur, molles ſua thura Sabaei.

The meaning therefore of the two firſt Verſes, is, that Frankincenſe ſhall be no more ſo dear as it hath been; becauſe it ſhall be no more uſed, in enbalming and burning of dead bodies.

The third verſe ſaith, the Iſland Pharos (which is that little Iſland that lyeth before the Harbour of Alexandria) ſhall be troubled by Croiſars, that is, Chriſtians, when there ſhall appear a Phantaſme, or a Viſion ſhall be ſeen at Rhodes.

ANNOT.

I could not find what he meaneth by Andronne, therefore I believe it is a barbarous and forged word, which the Author hath foiſted in, to make the firſt Verſes rhime with the word Rhoſne; in the third Verſe, which is a famous River in France

ANNOT.

Victrix is a Latine word, and the Feminine Gender of Victor, and ſignifieth a woman that is victorious: Hecatomb is a sacrifice, wherein an hundred Oxen are killed.

ANNOT.

By the great golden Royal, is underſtood (if I miſtake not) a King rich in Gold and Silver, who being joyned with one rich in Copper, ſhall make open VVar againſt one that ſhall have broken his agreement.

Quaere: VVhether this came not to paſs when Guſtaphus Adolphus King of Sweden and rich in Braſs, being helped by the French Gold and Silver,; was not the General ſo much lamented, after he had almoſt ruined the Emperous, whom he did challenge to have broken his word, and had covered the ground with German and Swediſh blood.

ANNOT.

What the Author meaneth by Vapin, is unknown to me, as for the wrod propin, it is a diminutive of the Latine word propinquns, by the figure of Rhetorick, called Tmeſis.

ANNOT.

Every body may judge of this as well as I, therefore to trouble my ſelf it ſhould be to no purpoſe.

ANNOT.

Here is nothing difficult, but what he meaneth by the two red ones, for my part I ſuppoſe them to be two Cardinals.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth, that two powerful Princes ſhall joyn together, to make VVar in Africa, which ſhall be much terrified at it, but this Duumuirat, that is, this agreement of two Princes ſhall be broken off, and disjoyned.

ANNOT.

I ſhall leave this to be expounded by thoſe that have more skill in Aſtronomy then I have.

ANNOT.

This is of the ſame nature as the foregoing, therefore I leave it to the ſame expoſitors.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy foretelleth clearly and plainly, that the Perſians ſhall come to invade the Turkiſh dominions, a part of which is the Empire of Trebiſond, and that Pharos and Meshelin two Iſlands in the Mediterranean Sea, ſhall quake for fear.

As alſo that the Adriatick Sea, which is that Sea that belongeth to the Venetians ſhall be covered with Turkiſh blood, at which the Author is ſo jocund, as with an exclamation he inviteth the Sun to be merry, and rejoyce at it.

ANNOT.

This manifeſtly foretelleth a conſpiracy of three men againſt the Duke of Genoa, one of which three men, under the ſhew of a ſore Arm, and an impotent Leg, ſhall carry a Dagger in his boſom, with which he ſhall ſtabb the ſaid Duke.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is divided into two parts, the firſt of which is comprehended in the two firſt Verſes, viz. that the liberty of ſome politick body (he nameth not which) ſhall not be recovered, but ſhall be ſeized upon, by a black, fiere, and wicked villain.

The ſecond part is contained in the two laſt Verſes, wherein be ſaith, that the Common-wealth of Venice ſhall be in trouble, when the Bridge made over the River Hiſter ſhall be finiſhed.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the taking and ſacking of Rome, by the Duke of Bourbon, General of Charles V. Forces, therefore he ſaith that Paris ſhall give the Aſſault, becauſe the ſaid Duke of Bourbon was a Frenchman.

ANNOT.

He foretelleth the deſtruction of a famous Bridge in the Countrey of Attica, of which Athens is the chief City, and becauſe it was always famous for learning, he calleth it here the head of VViſdom; and that VViſdom, the Roſe of the VVorld.

ANNOT.

By this dark Stanza, the Author ſeemeth to foretell the woful condition of a Countrey that was happy before, but ſhall fall to ruine, I ſuſpect he intended France, becauſe being a Frenchman he did not name it, for I think there was never ſuch a change in the world as was in that Kingdom, in the time of the Civil VVars between the Roman Catholicks, and the Proteſtants.

ANNOT.

The Author applyeth this Prophecie to the City of Nantes in Britany, but want of Books that treat of the Hiſtory of that Countrey; I could neither ſatisfie my ſelf, nor the Reader, if this hath come to paſs already or not.

ANNOT.

There is a notable and ſenſible error in the French Copy, and without reforming it, the ſenſe is not only obſcure, but alſo impoſſible; for inſtead of Blois, which the Author hath put here, I ſuppoſe to make the rime good, it muſt be written Blaye, which is a sea Town of the mouth of the River Garonne, and Blois is a mid-Land Town, upon the River Loire, about a hundred Leagues diſtant from the other.

The reſt ſignifieth no more, but that there ſhall be ſome VVarlike stratagem made uſe of by the French (underſtood here by the names of Wine and Salt) in puting fire into Barrels.

ANNOT.

What ſhould the Author mean by the free City of the great Seline Sea that carryeth yet the ſtone in the stomach, is hard to gueſs; for my part I believe it to be Venice. Firſt, becauſe by the Seline Sea, he always underſtands the Mediterranean; becauſe the great Turks name in our Authors time was Selyn, who was Maſter of the greateſt part of it. Secondly, there is no other free City ſo conſiderable as this. Thirdly, by the ſtone in the Stomach, may be underſtood, the Pillars that are in the Piazza of St. Ma[•]k, and as it were in the Centre of Venice, as the stomach is in the Body. The ſenſe therefore is this, as I take it, that a conſiderable Fleet ſhall come to Venice, or rather to Molamocco, which is the Harbour, and there take a branch of great open VVar, that is, to be either againſt the Venetians, or againſt the Turk in their behalf.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a notable poiſoning that ſhall be done by a Brother upon his siſter, which, becauſe ſhe died not faſt enough, according to his mind: and therefore called her ſlow, he would ſet her forward with a poiſoned Cake, the Poiſon was Mineral, and therefore Arſenick or sublimate, mixed with Manna, called here Dew; becauſe Manna is nothing but a Dew, condenſed upon the Bark of a certain Tree; the Concluſion is, that the woman ſhall die eating of it, though the meat ſeemed to be ſimple and rural.

ANNOT.

The difficulty of meeting in any Countrey three hundred men of one mind, hath perſwaded me that our Author writ this for England; but by reaſon there hath been ſince a general pardon, I will keep my mind to my ſelf.

ANNOT.

This hath a Relation to the precedetn Stanza, therefore, &c.

ANNOT.

This is only in commendation of the Family of the Medicis, and of their Alliance with the Crown of France; for Catharine of Medicis, wife to Henry II. was Queen of France when our Author lived.

ANNOT.

This only ſignifieth a ſtrict Union between the French and the Spaniards, by ſeveral Alliances.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth the greatneſs and goodneſs of a Prince that ſhall be born in the beginning of the night.

ANNOT.

The Allobrox are the people of Savoy. Thoſe of the Eagle comprehended under Libra, are the ſubjects of the Empire that uſe the French tongue.

ANNOT.

He foret[〈…〉]th the troubles that were to be ſhortly in thoſe Countreys for Religion.

ANNOT.

By the red one is underſtood ſome Cardinal that ſhall be taken by Pyrates, for which the peace ſhall be in danger to be broken, the ſame Cardinal ſhall by a feigned action be guilty of choler and covetouſneſs, and for his recovery and the defending the Rites of the Church, the Pope ſhall have a double Army granted to him.

ANNOT.

By the great Empire is meant that of Germany, which he ſays ſhall be tranſlated near the Forreſt of Ardens, which is near the borders of France. Two Baſtards ſhall be beheaded by command of the elder Brother of the Houſe, and he that ſhall Reign ſhall have a reddiſh beard, and a Hawks noſe.

ANNOT.

By red Hats are underſtood Cardinals of Rome, who ſhall raiſe great quarrels and ſchiſmes, when a Pope of the Countrey of the Sabins which is near Rome) ſhall be Elected, againſt whom many things ſhall be objected, and that Rome ſhall be endamaged by the Albanians, which are a VVarlike people, and for the moſt part ſubject to the Common-wealth of Venice.

ANNOT.

By Biſantine is underſtood the great Turk, Maſter of Conſtantinople, formerly called Byſantium.

ANNOT.

The words of this Stanza are plain, though the ſenſe be ſomething obſcure.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes foretell a ſchiſme in the Church of Rome, underſtood by a tottering Ship, and that a French man ſhall be Elected Pope to remedy it.

The two laſt Verſes are eaſie to be underſtood.

ANNOT.

By the Brethren of the Lillies are meant the Heirs of the Crown of France; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

By Barcins he means thoſe of Carthage, which is now Tunis, and by the Thyrrens, thoſe that live near that Sea.

ANNOT.

Here is Demorritus's Well where the truth may be, but I cannot find it

ANNOT.

This is of the ſame obſcurity with the foregoing one.

ANNOT.

This is ſo plain, that it needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

The Ligurian Nation are thoſe of Genoa.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe and the words are plain.

ANNOT.

The Mountains of Gaulſier and Aventine are two of the ſeven Mountains of Rome, out of which, it ſeems, one ſhall go out to give notice to the Army without, and the Booty of the Pope, called Sextus, ſhall be taken.

But what he meaneth by Manſol, I am ignorant.

ANNOT.

By the Conduit of Gardoing, he means that of the River Gardon, that paſſeth by Niſmes, where there is a famous Conduit.

But what he meaneth by the chief Nemans, I cannot find.

ANNOT.

All the difficulty lyeth in the laſt Verſe: for my part I believe he meaneth by it a bearded Comet, ſuch as the Latines call Cometa barbatus.

ANNOT.

By a ſhaven head muſt be underſtood a Prieſt of the Romiſh Religion; becauſe they all have their heads ſhaven.

ANNOT.

The Apennine Mountains, are thoſe that divide Italy in two parts.

Thoſe under the Sign of Libra are the people of France. Feurs is a City in France, in the Province of Forreſt. Mount Senis is a high Mountain in Savoy.

ANNOT.

I could not find what he meaneth hy Orgon. As by the Trident being taken, I ſuppoſe he meaneth a ship called Neptune, becauſe Neptune is always painted with a Trident.

ANNOT.

Tyber is the River of Rome, the reſt are ſeveral prodigies that ſhall come to paſs

ANNOT.

This paſſeth my underſtanding.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth by the Lady Ambraiſe, I cannot find, the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Monſieur Catel in his ſecond Book of Languedoc Chap. V. ſaith, that there was a famous Aqueduct, which the Romans builded from the River Gar to the Town of Niſmes, which at preſent is ruinated.

Secondly, Near the Town there was a famous Temple dedicated to Diana, where there is a Spring of water ſo great, that it ſeemeth rather a Lake then a Fountain.

Thirdly, I find that the Emperour Adrian cauſed a Temple to be built in the honour of Plotina Trajan's wife.

Fourthly, He relateth that Jean Poldo found in the Town of Aix a Marble with this inſcription: Plotina Trajanis uxor, ſumma honeſtate & integritate fulgens, ſterilitatis defectu ſine prole fecit conjugem, qui ejus opera Adrianum adoptatum in Imperio Succeſſorem habuit, a quo in beneficii memoriam Nemauſiaede ſacra maximo Sumptu, ſublimique ſtructura, ac Hymnorum cantu decorata, poſt mortem donata eſt: That is to ſay, Plotina, Trajans wife, famous for her honeſty and integrity, was barren and left no Children to her Husband, which ſhe perceiving, intreated the Emperour to adopt Adrian for his Son, and to make him his Succeſſor in the Empire, which being come to paſs, the new Emperour in acknowledgement of ſuch a benefit, did build her a Temple of a magnificent Structure, and cauſed it to be Conſecrated with Muſick after her death.

Fifthly, The ſaid Author ſaith, that this Marble was taken out of that Temple, when the River of Gardon did ſo overflow, as we have ſaid.

By all this we ſee, that there was a Temple of Veſtals at Niſmes, Diana the Maid being their chief Patroneſs, which is made now a Nunnery, called la Fontaine. There is alſo to be ſeen the Temple of Plotina, Trajans wife, built by Adrian his Succeſſor. And as it was the manner of the Ancients to put ſome of thoſe inextinguiſhable Lamps in their Graves; it is very likely, there was one of them in this Temple, and becauſe it ſhould be known whoſe Grave it was, he cauſed Trajans name to be Engraven in the foot of the ſaid Lamp.

Let us explain now the Stanza: Under the Ancient Veſtal buildings of the Temple of Diana, not far from the ruined Aqueduct, which carrieth the water from the River Gar to Niſmes, ſhall be found ſhining mettals of Sol and Luna, that is, Meddals of gold and ſilver, with a burning Lamp of gold, wherein the name of Trajan was Engraven. Hiſtories make mention of ſeveral burning Lamps in this manner, that have been found ſtill burning in the ground, and not conſumed, though they had been there above 500. years; certainly the Oil of it muſt have been incombuſtible, and could be extracted out of nothing but gold, quia nil dat quod non habet.

ANNOT.

Perouſe is a City in Italy; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a great incurſion of the Turks into Germany, inſomuch that they ſhall water their Camels in the Rivers of Danubius, and of the Rhyne, to the great terrour of France, wherein thoſe Rivers of Rhoſne and Loire are.

But the laſt Verſe, ſaith the Cock; that is, the French, ſhall overcome and ruine the Turks, near the Mountains of the Alpes.

ANNOT.

This is concerning ſome great Prince, who ſhall raiſe a powerful Army, and conquer Affrica with it.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth the deſtruction of Conſtantinople, anciently called Byzantium, by thoſe that live under the Sign of Libra, that is, the Europeans, and chiefly the French.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

By a Proclamation, favouring or promoting Licentiouſneſs, poiſon ſhall be mixed in the Law, and leachery ſo much countenanced, as it ſhall obſcurate the allay of the Sun, that is, piety ſo much commended in the Goſpel, to all thoſe that will fight under Chriſts Banner.

ANNOT.

The Author could not be miſtaken in this Prophecie; for the Church of God ſhall always be perſecuted, the Apoſtle confirmeth it, when he ſaith, that all thoſe that will live piouſly in christ, muſt ſuffer perſecution: As for the ſpoiling of Churches, and other barbarous actions, it hath been ſeen ſo often in France, in the time of the Civil VVars for Religion, that it needeth no confirmation.

The laſt Verſe concerning a peace between the Turks and the Polonians, was fulfilled in the year 1623. when Sigiſmundus King of Poland, by his Embaſſador the Duke Sbarasky, and by the mediation of the Engliſh Embaſſador, concluded a Peace with the great Turk Muſtapha, the Articles of which you may read at large in the Turkiſh Hiſtory.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth to ſignifie, that by Alliance made between a German Emperour, and a Daughter of France, which derive their Pedigree from the Trojans, a Prince ſhall be born of ſo ſtout and valiant a heart, as ſhall drive away all the Turkiſh power out of Germany, and ſhall reſtore the Church to her former ſplendor.

ANNOT.

I do acknowledge my Ignorance in this.

ANNOT.

Aix, Carpentras, Liſle Volce, Mont Cavaillon, are Cities of Provence:

ANNOT.

All what I can ſay upon this, is, that Dialis in Latine is a Prieſt of Jupiter, and Quirinal is a Prieſt of Romulus, Martial Flamen is a Prieſt of Mars, Vulcanal is a Prieſt of Vulcan, let the ingenious Reader make of all theſe the beſt conſtruction he can.

ANNOT.

The word Satrape is a Perſian word, ſignifying one of the Grandees at Court. By the laſt Verſe is meant, one that ſhall ſave his life and make his eſcape, by the means of a covered Boat or Barge.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to have a relation to the birth of Chriſt, or Chriſtmas-day.

ANNOT.

By the word Ogmion, every where in his Book, the Author meaneth the King of France, who according to his words ſhall come near Conſtantinople, and ſhall break the Barbarian League, and of the two Laws, that is, the Chriſtian and the Mahometan, the Mohometan ſhall yield to the other.

ANNOT.

By the Royal Bird is meant an Eagle, which for ſeven days together ſhall be obſerved upon ſome Eaſtern City, and ſhall be taken for a preſage, that the Eaſtern Wall of that City ſhall fall by Lightning, at which time the enemies ſhall be at the Gate for ſeven days together.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe is, that according to the Articles or agreement made between the Beſieger of a Fort, and the Governour of it, the ſaid Governour by deſpair will not come out, and this ſhall happen, when thoſe of Arbois and Langres, ſhall be againſt thoſe of Breſsia, and ſhall have put an Ambuſcado in the City of Dolle.

ANNOT.

What place is meant by the unparalell'd Kingdom, the Author hath hid as well from me as the Reader.

ANNOT.

VVithout doubt by this Gulf and unmeaſured City the Author means Paris, by reaſon of its greatneſs, and the multitude of its Inhabitants.

ANNOT.

By Leman is meant the City of Geneva, the reſt needeth no further interpretation.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy containeth three things, the firſt is an Inundation by which Paris is threatned, for without doubt he meaneth here that City, at the head of which the River Seine is divided in two heads, and makes an Iſland where the Cathedral Church and the Palace are ſituated, and then parted into three branches, one of which runneth by the Church of the Auguſtines, the other by the Quay of la Megiſſerie, and the third paſſeth under the great Hoſpital; this City then is threatned here of an Inundation, to which it is very ſubject, by reaſon of the lowneſs of her ſituation, and the confluence of ſeveral Rivers that meet at the head of it. The ſecond part of the Prophecy hinteth that at that time, ſome great ones of that City ſhall be baniſhed; and the third, that Conſtantinople, which was anciently called Byzantium; or rather the great Turk by a figure of Rhetorick, called Synecdoche, ſhall be much oppreſſed by the Perſians.

ANNOT.

By Troian blood is underſtood the French Nation, the meaning therefore is, that in the year that a great Inundation ſhall be in France, then ſhall a notable marraige be made, by which the French ſhall be hedged about, or fenced by Spaniards.

ANNOT.

VVhen by the overflowing of the Neighbouring Seas, a Sea Monſter ſhall be caſt upon the Sand, near to that place ſhall be built a Fort, that ſhall make Savona a ſlave to Turin.

Savona is a Town by the Sea ſide, belonging to the Genoſe, Turin is the chief City of Piemont, belonging to the Duke of Savoy.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is divided into two parts; the two firſt Verſes foretell the troubles that were to happen in Hungaria, Bohemia, and Navarre for Religion ſake. The two laſt ones were fulfilled, when the Prince of Condé, who in his Arms wears the flower de Luce with the Bar, did ſeize upon Orleans for the Proteſtant party.

ANNOT.

Cyclades are the Iſlands in the Aegean Sea; Corinth, Lariſſa, Sparta, Peloponeſus and Cherſoneſus, are Countreys of Grecia.

ANNOT.

VVhen Mars ſhall be in the ſign of Leo, and Saturn in that of Aquarius, then the Countrey of Athens ſhall be over-run by light Horſeman of Albania.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when a Pope ſhall have ſat in the Chair, for the ſpace of 17 years, within the ſame ſpace of 17 years, five others ſhall be elected; and after them another, that ſhall not be well approved of by the Roman Clergy, and Nobility. If my memory doth not fail me, this is come to paſs already; but wanting the Popes Chronology, I could not make it good.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie muſt of neceſſity be paſt; for ſince the union of both Kingdoms under one King, ſuch a thing hath not happened, nor is it likely it ſhould be hereafter.

ANNOT.

It is concerning an Emperour that ſhall add all thoſe Countreys to the Empire of Germany,

ANNOT.

This is either Miſtical or Metaphorical, or I underſtand it not.

ANNOT.

The words are plain, out of which every one may make what conſtruction he pleaſeth.

ANNOT.

Condon is a Town in France; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Bearn and Bigorre are two Provinces of France; the reſt is plain;

ANNOT.

The Cities here mentioned are all in Italy.

ANNOT.

Tartas, Cominge, Foix, Auch, Mazere are Towns in France. Heſſia, Saxony, and Turinge are Provinces of Germany.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY VI.

ANNOT.

The Pyrenean Mountains are thoſe that part Spain from France; Garonne is the River that runneth at Bourdeaux, it ſeemeth then, that upon that River a Roman Captain ſhall ſtand in much fear of the new King before mentioned.

ANNOT.

VVhat ſtrange age it was in the year 1580. every one may ſatisfie himſelf by Hiſtory. As for the year 1703. our Author ſaith there will be great wonders, chiefly there ſhall many changes be in Kingdoms, inſomuch, that one ſhall be divided into five.

ANNOT.

This River is the River of Rhyne, becauſe the ancient French when they had a King newly born, they uſed to put him upon a Target, to make him ſwim upon that River, to try whether by his ſwimming he was lawfully begotten or no; the meaning therefore is, that this new born Celtique or French King ſhall be at variance with the Empire, and that in his young years the Clergy ſhall take his Scepter and Crown from him.

ANNOT.

This is a ſtrange prediction, if it ſhould prove true, that the Rhine ſhould change its courſe, and ſhould touch no more the City of [〈…〉]n, which is here called Agrippina; becauſe its name in Latine is Colonia Agrippina, being a Colony of the Romans, built by M. Agrippa, ſon in Law to Auguſtus; others ſay by Agrippina, Mother to the Emperour Nero.

The laſt Verſe ſignifieth no more than an unfortunate poſition and Aſpect of the two Planets, Saturn and Mars, and of the two Signs, Leo and Cancer.

ANNOT.

The two laſt Verſes foretel a great Plague and Famine that ſhall come from the North, by the means of the long Rain.

Samarobryn he calls a people, that ſhall be a hundred Leagues from our Hemiſphere, and ſhall live without Law and Policy.

ANNOT.

Here he foretelleth the apparition of a Commet that ſhall be vertical to the Cities here named, and not far from the Sign of Cancer, at which time a great perſon ſhall die at Rome, about the dawning of the day.

ANNOT.

The difficulty lyes in the word Brothers, which I ſuppoſe to be the United Provinces. The reſt is plain,

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is clear enough, and here the Author hath ſaid nothing, but what doth commonly happen.

ANNOT.

Here the Reader muſt underſtand that the Author was a Roman Catholick, and therefore calleth Holy Temples, the Churches of the Romiſh Religion, which in the beginning of the Civil Wars in France, were much abaſed by thoſe of the Proteſtant Religion, then called Huguenots, whoſe chief was Henry King of Navarre, who was the only man amongſt the Proteſtant party, that could have Money and Medals coined to his ſtamp, as being King of Navarre. But the laſt Verſe of this Prophecie proved too true, when upon St.Bartholomews day, the 24 of Auguſt, in the year 1572. the general Maſſacre of the Proteſtants was made through France.

ANNOT.

By the Temples of the Colours VVhite and Black, I ſuppoſe he means that of Peace, and of VVar; by the Red and Yellow, may be meant the Empire of the Sweads, who ſhall be at variance together; and by their long VVar ſhall bring the Plagues here mentioned, as it came to pa[•]s in the VVars of Germany, between the Emperour and Guſtavus Adolphus, King of the Sweads.

ANNOT.

It is apparent, that he ſpeaks of ſeven Brethren, that ſhall be reduced to three, whereof the eldeſt ſon ſhall be ſurpriſed by death, and two of the reſt ſhall be ſaid to have murdered their Brother, the Conſpirators ſhall afterwards be killed in their ſleep.

ANNOT.

This prediction ſignifies no more, but that there ſhall be a great commotion among the Nations, of Europe, concerning the election of a Pope, which is called here the Empire of the Vatican; becauſe the Vatican is the Popes Palace in Rome.

ANNOT.

What ſhould that doubtful man be, whom our Author doth mention here, is not eaſie to be underſtood; but it ſeemeth that it ſhall be ſome body pretending to the Popedom, who ſhall have a great party for himſelf, and yet for all that ſhall be excluded, and not able to keep his Seat; ſo that this Prophecie is but the ſecond part of the foregoing; for they have both a relation together. The Capitol anciently was the Citadel of Rome, and now is the place where the Courts of Judicature meet, called Campidoglio.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1578. when Don Sebaſtian King of Portugal, went into Affrica, to help and ſuccour Muley Hamet, againſt Muley Maluc, that had expelled him out of the Kingdom of Fez and Morocco, and there fought that famous Battle of Alcaſſerquibir, wherein his whole Army was routed, and himſelf ſlain by the Moores, and his body afterwards ſold to the King of Spain for a 100000. Crowns.

ANNOT.

VVe hear of no Prince that had that advantage upon Nuremberg, but only Guſtavus Adolphus King of Sweden, who took it. The laſt two Verſes ſignifie no more, then that the King of Spain ſhall be waſted at the time when the Sun is in Capricorn.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that what the Normans and thoſe of Picardie ſhall ſave from the hand of a young conquering Prince, the ſame ſhall be imployed in building a Temple in the black Forreſt, which is that part of the Forreſt of Arden, that lies near Bobemia, and another part of it to build a Houſe in Lombardie.

ANNOT.

This ſeems to foretell a perſecution of ignorant men againſt the learned, after which ſhall happen a confuſion amongſt the ignorant perſons, who ſhall be forced to diſguiſe themſelves.

The laſt two Verſes ſeem to be of the ſame ſenſe, for by the Saturnins I underſtand ſtudious people, and by the Millers rude and unlearned perſons.

ANNOT.

This in plain words ſignifieth no more, but that a King ſhall be deſparately ſick and forſaken by his phyſicians, and ſhall recover by the help of a Jew, for which fact thoſe of that Nation ſhall be reeſtabliſhed in his Countrey.

ANNOT.

Seville is the chiefeſt City of Andaluſia a Province in Spain; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

VVhen the things contained in the three firſt Verſes ſhall come to paſs, then Rome ſhall have a new Pope, expreſſed here by the word Leopard from the variouſneſs, that is, in his Pontifical Garments.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth an union between the Europeans, or Nations of the North againſt the Eaſtern people, or Turks, and that the Chriſtians ſhall make choice of ſuch a General, that ſhall make the Eaſt quake, and get ſuch Victories, whereby Rhodes and Conſtantinople ſhall be dyed with Turkiſh blood.

ANNOT.

I think that by the great Coeleſtial Temple, he meaneth that of St. Paul, in which, or in the ground about it, ſhall be murdered a Nephew by his Uncle, which ſhall cauſe great diviſions and diffenſions in the City, compared here to a Boat, and that a diſſembled or fained liberty ſhall be proclaimed.

ANNOT.

The firſt thing here to be obſerved, is the word Rapis, which is the Anagramme of Paris, which he ſaith was never in ſuch a trouble before, as it ſhall be when the people ſhall rebel againſt the King for hatred, and becauſe he ſhall have put low the price and intrinſical value of Coin and Money; he foretelleth alſo that there ſhall be a new Peace made, and that the Holy Laws ſhall be much impaired.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that when the Planet of Mars ſhall be in conjunction with the conſtellation he calleth here the Scepter, that then ſhall be a very calamitous VVar. the two laſt Verſes are plain enough of themſelves.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is concerning a certain Pope, ſignified here by the word of great Fiſherman; becauſe in his Seal is graven a Fiſherman, and therefore in all his Bulls and Expeditions, it is always written, Datum Romae ſub ſigillo piſcatoris: this Pope then it ſeeme[〈…〉] ſhall be brought to ruine, and another it ſeemeth ſhall ſucceed him, having here three Epithetes, viz. Young, Black, and Red, which ſignifieth, that againſt the common election of Popes, he ſhall be elected young, and ſhall be Black in his complexion, and Red in Cloaths, viz. a Cardinal. Hierarchy is a Greek work, ſignifying Dominion over the Church. The laſt Verſe needeth no explication, being plain enough of it ſelf.

ANNOT.

This Prediction ſeemeth to have not only a relation to the foregoing, but alſo a connexion; for the Author ſtill handleth the matter of the Popedome, and ſaith, that after that Pope ſhall have Reigned four years, there ſhall ſucceed one that ſhall be notorious for debauchedneſs and lechery, and that thoſe Towns he mentioneth here (which are all in Italy) ſhall take the Popes part.

ANNOT.

Chyren by tranſpoſition is taken for Henry, and Selin for a King called ſo; becauſe it is the name of a Turkiſh Emperour: So that by this Stanza I ſuppoſe he means Henry II. his Maſter, King of France. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Becauſe this word Celtique is often repeated in this Book, it would not be amiſs to ſatisfie the Reader of the meaning of it; it is properly the Nation of the Flemings, and ſome others of the Low-Countreys as far as the Maſe and the Rhyne, which anciently were called Galli Celtae. by the great Shepheard, is meant the Pope, and by the Cock is meant the French Naion. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

By the holy Widow, is meant the City of Rome, which is called in Italian, Rome la ſanta, becauſe of the blood of ſo many Martyrs that hath been ſhed there, for the maintenance of the Chriſtian Religion, he calleth it a Widow; becauſe at that time there will be no Pope elected, and there ſhall be a kind of interregnum, as it always happens when a Pope is dead, until the new one be elected. What he calleth here Branches, are the Clergy men, and the ſhaven heads the Prieſts.

ANNOT.

Brabant is one of the ſeventeen Provinces, and Liege is a great City upon the River oſ Maze. The reſt is not difficult.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is too indefinite, to admit of a particular ſenſe; for there be ſo many Prelates, ſo many Kings, ſo many Dukes, that it is not eaſie to fix upon any particular one, and therefore we muſt leave this Stanza in Democritus's VVell.

ANNOT.

The words are ſo plain, that every one may make his own interpritation of them.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to be concerning a bloody man, that had killed one Alus, and fought to ſave himſelf by Sea; but was taken between two Rivers, and put to death by the command of one that was a black and Cholerick man.

ANNOT.

It is a Fort or Town beſieged by an Enemy, who ſhall torment the beſieged ſo much with Bombs and Granadoes, and other flying fire, that they ſhall deſpair to eſ[••]pe.

ANNOT.

The meaning of it is, that when by the virtues and meetings of the ſaid Conſtellations, a great plain ſhall be burnt by Rion (which is a City in Auvergne) that then Letters ſhall be found hidden in a wax Candle.

ANNOT.

Peruſa, Piſa, and Florence are Cities in Italy; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

By the firſt Verſe is underſtood an ancient building, which ſhall be finiſhed and brought to perfection, I ſuppoſe it to be the Louvere, which hath been a building in the Reign of ſeven Kings. But before it be throughly finiſhed, ſome ruine ſhall fall upon a great man and kill him; one declared innocent of the fact ſhall be accuſed of it after his death, and he that ſhall be guilty of it ſhall eſcape by hiding himſelf in a VVood in miſty weather.

ANNOT.

A bloody black man ſhall be put into the hands of the vanquiſhed, by thoſe that were enemies to peace, after they have conquered Italy, whence ſhall proceed ſire and blood, and water coloured with blood.

ANNOT.

The Lake Traſymene in Italy, is that near which Annibal got that famous Battle upon the Romans. The reſt is as plain as the words can bear.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth the fall of an Archbiſhop of Ments, in Latine Moguntia, who is the firſt Eccleſiaſtical Elector, and ſhall be deprived of his dignity by a covetous and powerful Prince to ſatisfie his covetouſneſs, at which thoſe of Colen his neighbours ſhall be ſo incenſed, that they ſhall throw that covetous perſon into the Rhine.

ANNOT.

This ſigntfieth onely a conjunction of the Dutch, Daniſh, and Engliſh Forces, to attempt ſomething in Italy, which ſhall prove fruitleſs, and coſt a great deal of Money.

ANNOT.

VVe have ſaid before, that when ever the Author ſpeaks of Ognion, he meaneth the King of France, the meaning therefore of this whole Stanza is, that Henry the II. Son to Francis the I. whom he calls here great Selin, ſhall do more in Italy then his Predeceſſors had done, which proved true, and he governed his Kingdom with a prudent diſſimulation.

ANNOT.

By the two firſt Verſes, he meaneth without doubt the City of Paris, for it is watered by thoſe two Rivers the Seine and Marne, that joyn together at the head of it, but how this City ſhould become unhabited is the great queſtion, and chiefly by the means here alledged, viz. of the Engliſh ſignified by the Thames, and other Martial people, the Guards deceived in thinking to repulſe the enemy.

ANNOT.

Nantes is a City in France, Iris is the Rainbow, Saxony is a Province in Germany; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This ſignifies that the Governour or Vice-Roy of a Kingdom ſhall refuſe to conſent to his Kings Deeds; the reſt needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

I cannot find what he meaneth by Non-ſeggle; by the Eagle he meaneth the Emperour, and by the Frog the King of France, for before he took the Flower de Luce, the French bore three Frogs.

ANNOT.

Bruſsel is a Town of Brabant, and ſo is Maline; Dolle is one of Burgundy, and Langres another of France.

ANNOT.

I know not what he means by the old City, unleſs it be Rome, by reaſon of its antiquity.

ANNOT.

Some parties of the Popes ſide, ſhall ſubdue thoſe bordering upon Danubius, and drive away the Prieſts, turn all things topſe-turvy, make ſlaves, and take a booty above the value of 100000. Rubles. A Ruble is a piece of Gold of the great Mogul, worth two or three pound ſterling.

ANNOT.

It is the ſtrange wickedneſs of a woman, that ſhall inceſtuouſly be got with Child by her Son in Law, and when ſhe is delivered, ſhall kill her Child, and throw him into a VVell; a while after the water beginning to corrupt, a ſearch ſhall be made of the cauſe, and then the Childs Bones ſhall be found, which ſhall cauſe a great ſtir, and for to know this wicked woman, he ſaith, that the Planet of Mars ſhall be the aſcendant in her Horoſcope.

ANNOT.

The words of this prediction are plain and eaſie, and ſignifie no more than what often happeneth, and may happen yet, viz. that where a concourſe of people ſhall be to to ſee a new ſhow, the Pillars and walls of the Building ſhall fall, and people periſh by the ruine, (as if it were by a Miracle) the King and thirty of the ſpectators ſhall be preſerved.

ANNOT.

By the Trojan hope, is meant a King of France, who after he hath been marryed a Months, ſhall have a Child ſtill born.

ANNOT.

The great Celtique Prelate, was the Cardinal of Lorrain, Brother to the Duke of Guizſe, who being ſuſpected by the King, went away by night to Rome.

By fruitfull Brittain, is underſtood the province of that name in France, which by the means of the Duke of Mercure, her Governour ſhall be unſuſpected by the King.

ANNOT.

By Liturgie, I ſuppoſe he meaneth under pretext of Religion. The reſt is eaſie to be underſtood.

ANNOT.

Chelme is a German word, that ſignifies a Rogue. By Marnegro, is meant the Black Sea, or Nigropont. By pulling a Spunge, I ſuppoſe the great quantity of Spunges that ſtick to the Rocks in that Sea.

Tripolis, Chios, and Trapezon, are places in the Turkiſh Dominions.

ANNOT.

A great Army gathered about Narbon, ſhall ſo much terrifie the Spaniards, that Parpignan a Town of theirs ſhall be deſolate, and left empty by the Governour, here called the blind d'Arbon, then Barcelon, which is a Sea-Town in Catalonto, belonging to the Spaniards ſhall come to its ſuccours, and chaſe the enemy by Sea.

ANNOT.

This is a perſon of great quality, and near of blood to a King, who being a Cardinal, cruel and dreadful, ſhall be Elected Pope, I ſuppoſe Clement the VII.

ANNOT.

Here is nothing difficult but the word Selene, which is the Moon from the Greek [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉].

The meaning is, that at ſuch a time when the Sun is Ecclipſed by the Moon, Sienn[•] and the Iſlands about it ſhall be at liberty.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this Stanza and the words are plain.

ANNOT.

We have ſaid many times before, what is meant by the word Celtique. The Port of Blavet is that of the River of Bordeaux.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

The two firſt verſes are too miſtical for me; the third ſignifieth, that by gallops; that is, by Troops of Horſes, the Leaguers, viz. thoſe that held the party of the League, ſhall be routed by the Kings Cavalry. The fourth, that Savone and Albingue, two Towns of the Genoeſes, ſhall be put to much trouble by thoſe of Monech and Monaco, another Town near them, belonging to the Prince of Monaco, a Genoeſe of the houſe of Grimald.

ANNOT.

The ſecond and fourth Verſes perſwade me, that this Stanza came to paſs in the time of Catharine of Medicis, wife to Henry II. becauſe ſhe lived long, and the King died in the bed of Honour, and thus he ſaith, that ſhe was left to Reign alone; becauſe her four Sons were all little ones, ſo that ſhe alone was Regent in France.

The ſecond Verſe ſaith, The holy one being extinguiſhed, firſt, in the Bed of Honour.

By this word the only one, the Author meaneth not the only Son, but the only one living, ſuch as Henry II was to her, who was extinſtuiſhed in the Bed of Honour, and died of the wound he received at Tilting.

The third Verſe ſaith, that after his death, her mourning laſted ſeven years, that is, from the firſt of Auguſt 1559. to the firſt of Auguſt 1566. becauſe that all thoſe 16 Months that Francis II. ſhe had nothing but continual ſorrow, by the conſpiracy of Amboiſe, the ſecret practiſes of the King of Nauarre, and Prince of Cond[•] his Brother, by the inſurrection of the Proteſtants, when Charles IX. viſited his Kingdom, Anno 1556. after which ſhe put off her mourning.

The fonrth Verſe ſignifieth, that ſhe ſhould be long lived; for ſhe lived above 60 years, He ſaith alſo, that ſhe was Regent by great luck, that is, great luck for her ſelf, but not for the Kingdom, for it was moſt unhappy in her time.

ANNOT.

This is a deſcription of the ſad and calamitous eſtate of France, in the time of the Civil wars, when no agreement could be kept on the Roman Catholicks ſide, witneſs the ſeveral Peaces that were made and broken, the Maſſacre of Vaſſa, and that infamous perfidy committed by them on St. Bartholomews day, being the 24 of Auguſt, Anno 1572.

ANNOT.

This Stanza affordeth us a commical Hiſtory, which is, that about the year 1601. when there ſprang up in France a Kind of Friers, who boſted themſelves to be the true obſervers of the Rule of St. Francis, and that the Cordeliers and Capuſhines did not keep it ſo exactly, but they had need of a great reformation; the King Henry IV. granted them a Convent at Beaufort, and upon his example many other places deſired them, they went to poſſeſs themſelves of the houſe of la Blamet, near Angiers; but the Cordeliers being loath to be diſpoſſeſſed by theſe new comers, called Recollets, did beſiege them by main force, broke open the Gates, ſcaled the VValls, the beſieged did not defend themſelves by words or exorciſmes, but with good Stones and Flints, ſo that if the people had not come, the fray would not have ended without murder, ſome of them were put in Priſon, others kept in Cuſtody: this is the meaning of the Author, when he ſaith, There will be half an open War between the Gray and the ſad Gray; for the Cordeliers have a Gray habit, and the Recollets a ſad Gray.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when they ſhall go about to make a foundation of a houſe, for a new Sect of Friers; they ſhall find the bones of a famous Roman in a Marble Sepulchre, and that in April the Earth ſhall quake, whereby many ſhall be ſwallowed up.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Interpretation.

ANNOT.

The Lord de Thou doth judiciouſly obſerve, that the Pope being unacquainted with things belonging to War, as to Money, Victuals, and Ammunition, was eaſily perſuaded by Cardinal caraffa to make war againſt Spain, for without being provided o[•] all theſe things, he put his Armies into the Field, nec ſatis perpendens quám a pecuniâ, milite ac caeteris rebus ad bellum neceſſariis imparatus intempeſtive arma ſumeret.

In the 15. Book of his Hiſtory: the Duke of Urbin had commiſſion to raiſe 6000 Foot and 300. Horſes in the Dukedom of Spoleto, and in Mark of Ancona. John Caraffe the Popes Nephew was made General of the Army, and being but Earl of Mortor, was Created Duke of Palliano, by the confiſcation of the goods of Mark An[•]ony Colonna. Camillo Urſini was made General of the Forces in Rome, and in the Territory thereof; Blaſius of Monluc, the Mars of his time, and by birth a Gaſcon, was ſent by the King to help (with his advice and courage) the Romans, who are always fitter for the Breviary, then for the Sword.

Beſides theſe Forces raiſed within the Church Dominions, Charles Caraffa gathered all the Bandittes of Naples and Florence, and raiſed ſome Regiments of Switzers that came to ſuccour the Pope.

With theſe Troops the Pope ſeized upon the moſt important places and perſons belonging to the Spaniſh party, as the Coloneſes and the Vitelly.

Theſe asked ſuccours of the Emperour Charles the V. who preſently commanded Ferdinand of Toledo Duke of Alba to ſuccour them. He was then tasked in the Piemont and Milanes, to reſiſt the French that were then under the conduct of the Marſhal of Briſſac

To conclude his deſign the better, he wrote many Letters to the Pope and the Colledge of Cardinals, full of reſpect and ſubmiſſion, deſiring them to moderate their paſſion againſt the Spaniſh party, but the Pope being angry by ſeveral reports, anſwered him, complaining of many things, which made the Duke reſolve to the war, and to be there in perſon.

He took his occaſion as a prudent Captain, when the news was brought to him that the Popes Forces were in mutiny againſt their General for want of pay, and made a great tumult in the night, hearing that he was approaching with a great train of Artillery. Bzovius ſaith, that the Earl of Montor regarded more his profit then the Popes Intereſt, and kept back a great part of the money that was to pay the Souldiers, whence proceeded this tumult, which helped much the Duke of Alva's buſineſs.

This is the explanation of the two firſt Verſes of this Stanza, concerning the mutiny of the Souldiers that were in the Popes ſervice, during which mutiny the enemy d'Alba did not fail to vex Rome; this word the enemy d'Alba doth not ſignifie the enemy of the Duke of Alba, as if one ſhould ſay in Latine Hoſtis Albanus. He did then vex Rome; for in a ſhort time he took Ponte Corvino, Fruſino Anagnia, Marino, Lavaci, Pr[••]neſte, Tivoli, Oſtia, Neptuno, Alba Vico-Varro, Monte Fortino, and almoſt all the places of the Roman Territory.

This did ſtreighten Rome ſo much, that the General Camillo urſini made ſeveral Trenches within the VValls of Rome, inſtead of preſerving the outworks, as Montlu[•] would have perſuaded him to do; the alarums were ſo great at Rome, that Montlu[•] was fain to encourage the Romans, and to make a VVarlike Speech to them, which is inſerted in his VVorks.

Moreover, the ſame Duke began to ſeduce the Principals of Rome by his friends that he had in it, but particularly by the cheat that he put upon the Pope; for his deſign being to prevent the French Forces, and to ſurprize the Pope, he reſolved to go ſtreight to Rome, and to bring his deſign the better to paſs, he ſent Pyrrbus Coffrede to the Pope, to ſee if there was any way of agreement, to the end that upon this porpoſition the Pope ſhould miſtruſt nothing. In the mean time the Duke of Alba was coming near Rome, at which the Pope was ſo angry, that he put this Embaſſadour in Priſon, where he was kept till the concluſion of the Peace; in this ſort were the principal men of Rome ſeduced, having no thought of the Spaniards approaches, this is the relation of the Lord de Thou, Lib. 16.

ANNOT.

The words of the firſt Verſe, before it be long, is the Key of the Stanza, becauſe we infer from thence it was ſhortly to happen, as in truth it did at the latter end of the year 1556. when the Duke of Guiſe came into Piemont to joyn with the Marſhal of Briſſac. Then the troops of the Marſhal ſeeing thoſe of the Duke better paid then they were, forſook the Marſhal, the Hiſtory ſaith there was above 1500. of them, and that the Marſhal paid the Souldiers of his own money to ſtay them.

The great pitty was, when he had no more to give, he was compelled by the Kings order it ſelf, and againſt his own inclination to raiſe ſome moneys upon the Countreys. Secondly, to take ſome Towns and give the plunder to the Souldiers. Thirdly, to permit the Souldiers to pillage the Countrey.

The Author was willing to foretell this, becauſe there was never a man more ſtrict in keeping the Martial diſcipline, then this General was.

The Marſhal of Briſſac being thus abuſed, ſome of his troops forſook him to follow the Duke of Guiſe, being for the moſt part naked and ſtarved with cold, hunger and thirſt, which makes the Author to ſpecifie hunger, cold and thirſt; want having compelled them to disband, they went over the Mountains, not of Piemont, but the Apennines of Montferrdt, and whatſoever thing they found was a Fiſh for their Net.

ANNOT.

VVe have ſaid already before, that the Author by the word Cheyren meaneth Henry the II. his Maſter, by tranſpoſition of Letters, who as he ſaith was contented with the bare title of Victorieux, when he had undertaken the protection of the German Princes againſt the Emperour Charles the V.

ANNOT.

In the general Peace made Anno 1559. two Marriages were concluded, one of Elizabeth of France, daughter to Henry II. King of France, with Philip II. King of Spain, which was Celebrated at Paris with an extraordinary magnificence, in the preſence of the Duke of Alba, the Prince of Orenge, and the Earl of Egmont, who came to fetch the Princeſs.

In the Celebrating of theſe Nuptials happened the unfortunate death of Henry II. This brought ſuch a ſadneſs to the Court, that the ſecond match which was between Margaret of France, Daughter to Francis I. and the Duke of Savoy was Celebrated without ſolemnity.

VVe muſt add to this, that the Duke weareth in his Coat of Arms ſome Eagles, ſome Lions, ſome Croſſes, and a Crown of Rue; by this we underſtand this Stanza, which ſaith, that the King being mortally wounded, every one was preparing himſelf to render him the laſt duties, which the Author calleth to Parante, from the Latine word Parentare, which ſignifieth to Celebrate the Funeral duties of a man. Thus the ſecond Verſe ſaith, before the day that he yieldeth up his Soul, in haſt was the Marriage Celebrated, between the Lady Margaret of France, and the Duke of Savoy, who beareth for his Arms ſome Eagles, ſome Lions, ſome Croſſes, and a Crown of Rue.

ANNOT.

Of this fact and others as bad, have been ſeen ſtrange examples, formerly done by thoſe called Enthouſiaſtes, who have committed horrible villanies, under pretence of divine inſpiration, ſome commiting Inceſts, others rapes, others murders, as may be ſeen at large in the Hiſtory of John de Leiden, and other deſperate Anabaptiſts, too tedious to be inſerted here; I ſhall only relate here a little remarkable Hiſtory, in confirmation of this, to diſcover the Wiles of the ſpirits of error, transformed into an Angel of Light.

The 7 day of February 1526. two Brothers, Thomas and Leonard Schyker, living near the Town of St. Gal in Switzerland, did aſſemble together with ſome other Anabaptiſts, in their fathers houſe, where they paſſed the moſt part of the night in diſcourſes, making of faces, and relating of Viſions, which every one ſaid he had ſeen. The next day, upon break of day; Thomas did lay hold on his Brother Leonard, and dragged him in the middle of the company, bid him kneel in the preſence of his Father and Mother, and of all the reſt there preſent, and as all the reſt of the Company bid him take heed to do any thing amiſs; he anſwered, that there was no need to fear, and that in this buſineſs, nothing could be done againſt the Will of the Father; thereupon he drew his Sword, and cut off the head of his Brother, who was on his knees, all beſotted before this murderer. All the reſt being aſtoniſhed, and beſides their wits for this furious blow, and lamenting the dead, Thomas ran towards the Town with a fearful Countinance, as a Phanatick beſides himſelf, without Shooes; and having no Cloaths but his Shirt and Breeches. At that time the Bu[•]g-maſter of St Gal was Joachim Vadian, a wiſe and learned perſon, before whom the ſaid Thomas ſtood, crying a loud with a fearful Countenance, that the day of Judgment was near; ſaying beſides, that ſtrange things had come to paſs, (without telling what) that the will of his Father was done for his part. The Burg-maſter after he had reprehended him very much for his madneſs, and inſolent carriage, commanded a Cloak to be put upon him, and to lead him home ſoftly back again. But in the mean time, news was brought of his deteſtable murder, whereupon he was apprehended, examined, convicted, and executed. The like hath been done many times for Rapes and Inceſts: What is particular here, is, that our Author ſaith, that the Judges being willing to puniſh ſuch Villanies, yet that unhappy accident ſhall fall, that an innocent perſon ſhall be put to death (belike) inſtead of the guilty, to pleaſe the people.

ANNOT.

Paradin maketh mention, that in the year 1552. a Monk deceived the Marſhal of Briſſac, making him believe that he would put him in poſſeſſion of the Town of Quizres, if he would give him ſo much for reward. The Marſhal uſed all the Caution poſſible, not to be deceived by that Impoſter, who took Money on both ſides, viz. the French and the Spaniards; nevertheleſs the Monk plaid the Knave with him, and the undertakings proved prejudicial to the French, though not conſiderably by reaſon of the precaution of the ſaid Marſhal.

The ſame Author writes, that in the year 1555. the 17 of Auguſt, the Spaniard had deſigned to retake Cazal, the ſame way that the French had ſurpriſed it. Firſt, they had got a Widow in the Town, who received the undertakers in her houſe, which was near the Gate, and the Wall. Secondly there was a Marriage to be made between two perſons of quality, where great Cheer and rejoycings were to be. Thirdly they got a woman that carryed Herbs to ſell in the Town, and under the Herbs the Letters were hidden. The Author ſays likewiſe, that there was a Monk and a Tradeſman, that lodged at this VVidows houſe, thoſe two actors in this buſineſs, viz. the Monk ſaid Tradſeman, ſaid ſecretly to the woman that ſold Herbs, Cave, which ſignifies take heed, they ſaid theſe words ſecretly near Matrone, that is, they whiſperd in her ear Cave. Their deſign was to betray the Town, under pretence of a Marriage, but it did not ſucceed; becauſe the Letters in the womans Basket were intercepted, the Vulgar impreſſion hath a fault in the third Verſe, where there is Modene inſtead of Matrone, and another in the fourth Verſe, when inſtead of Treaſon, they have put for betrayed. The Hiſtory obligeth us to correct it, as we have done.

ANNOT.

This is a clear and expreſs prediction of the happy reſtauration of his ſacred Majeſty, and our dread Sovereign Charles II. now Reigning, who after a long exile is come again to enjoy his own Kingdom, and to flouriſh more than ever he did before, by theſe ſeventy appointed to death, are meant the Judges and murderers of his Father, who with ſome few others of the ſame gang made about that number, and ſome of which have payed their ſhot by the hand of publick Juſtice, others have prevented their ſhame by dying before hand, others have been their own Executioners, and thoſe that remain, lead a life worſe then death it ſelf; ſo true it is that vengeance dances the round.

ANNOT.

This needeth no further explanation.

ANNOT.

The City founded by Antenor (who was Companion and came into Italy with Aeneas) is Padua, a Univerſity of the Venetians, of which it is ſaid here, that being no longerable to bear a Tyrant, the ſaid Tyrant ſhall be murdered in the Church with a knife hidden in a haft, and all his Men and Servants killed by the people of the Town.

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes are plain. Florence and Imole are two Cities of Italy, ſeated in the Province of Romania.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe foretelleth ſome conqueſts of the Turks, whoſe Arms is the half Moon. The ſecond Verſe ſignifies, the Romans ſhall move the Emperour to ſuccour them, which is the Eagle. Ticin, Milan and Genoa ſhall refuſe to give help, and afterwards they ſhall call the great Baſil (which in Greek ſignifies the great King, from [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]) to their help.

ANNOT.

Teſin is the River that paſſeth by Milan, Garonne, Soane, Seine, Tar, and Gironde are Rivers of France. Po is the greateſt River of Italy.

ANNOT.

This is a ſtrange Prophecy if it prove true, viz. that the Kingdom of Fez (which is in Africa) ſhall be taken by thoſe of Europe, and the Town put to Fire and Sword, after which the great one of Aſia (meaning the great Turk) ſhall come by Land and by Sea with an innumerable Army, and ſhall drive and deſtroy all before him.

ANNOT.

This foretels bloody Wars only, and needs no interpretation.

ANNOT.

This ſignifies that the Nephew of a Pope ſhall be driven away, and ſhall wander in a deſert place, where he ſhall be knockt in the head by ſeven men, one of which ſhall afterwards enjoy the Papacy; for Scyphe is a Latine word, ſignifying a Cup or Chalue, ſuch as the Romiſh Prieſts ſay Maſs with, and take the Sacrament.

ANNOT.

This is poſitively concerning the Duke of Alencon, Brother to Henry III. King of France, who having been ſent for by the States of the Low-Countreys, and received with much honour to be their General and Governour againſt the Spaniard, did moſt unworthily break his truſt, and being come to Antwerp, he was ſo raviſhed with the beauty and riches of the Town, that he ſeized upon it for himſelf, but was beaten out by the Citizens, and moſt of his men killed.

The fourth Verſe ſaith. He ſhall be againſt the warlike flower; that is, his action ſhall be againſt Military Honour, and common practice of Honourable Souldiers.

ANNOT.

I believe the words of Claudius and Sparta here are Metaphorical, and the Author was unwilling they ſhould be known.

The ſenſe is, one ſhall be hindred from Reigning by another, whom he ſhall accuſe of Treaſon againſt the King.

ANNOT.

Here are two difficulties in this Stanza; the firſt is, what the Author means by the great City Tharſis; the ſecond is in the laſt Verſe, what he meaneth by the Inſtallation of Vrban, I believe he meaneth no more then the election of a Pope, whoſe name ſhall be Urban.

ANNOT.

Monge is a Barbarous word, that hath no relation to any Language in the world, (that I know) unleſs it ſignifies a Monk. Sens is a fine City, about threeſcore Miles beyond Paris, towards the South, and the Seat of an Arch-Biſhop, who it ſeemeth ſhall be elected into ſome eminent place, the next day after he that was in it ſhall dream a dream, that ſhall be interpreted contrary to the ſenſe and meaning of it.

ANNOT.

The Election of Francford is concerning an Emperour; for there they are elected, Crowned. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation, but what any one may give that knoweth where the River Hebrus is,

ANNOT.

This is a deſcription of the puniſhment which the Perſians uſe to afflict upon poiſoners; for they were put between two Troughs, which are here called Boats, from their likeneſs to them, with their face only uncovered, which was daubed with Honey, that the Waſps and Bees might be drawn to it and torment them, they were fed with Milk, which if they refuſed to do, and had rather dye than be ſo tormented, then did the Tormenter prick their Eyes with Needles to force them to their diet, and ſo were they left, till the Vermin eat them up. VVe have an example of this in the Life of Artaxerxes King of Perſia.

ANNOT.

By the two firſt Verſes it ſeemeth that ſome abominable action, after its effect ſhall ſucceed well; the two laſt ſignifie, that a great perſon ſhall be excuſed for not permitting the Fleet to be at peace.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Interpretation, the words being ſo plain.

ANNOT.

The only difficulty lyes in what City he doth mean.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Annotation.

ANNOT.

The words are plain.

ANNOT.

This lacketh no interpotation.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the taking of the Town of St. Quentin in 1557. becauſe the Author ſaith, no tumult was like this, ſo near the year 1555, when our Author writ.

He calleth it great City; becauſe it is one of the moſt conſiderable in France, therefore it was beſieged by the King of Spain with 37000. men, and 12000. Horſes and 8000. Engliſh. The plunder was given to the Souldiers; for it was taken by aſſault.

There was never a mortal tumult ſo near; for the Souldiers taking revenge upon the Inhabitants, and Garriſon, put all to the Sword; the Admiral having much ado to ſave himſelf.

In conſequence of this our Prophet cryeth. O what a fearfull calamity; becauſe the taking of this Town joyned with the loſs of St. Laurence did almoſt ruine France. He addeth, except one offence nothing ſhall be forgiven; that is, the Town ſhould be afflicted in all reſpects, except that it ſhould not be burnt. The taking of this Town was upon the 27 of Auguſt, 17 days after the Battle of St. Laurence.

The loſs was ſo great to France, that the King was fained to call the Duke of Guiſe back from Italy, and Charles V. hearing this news, asked preſently if his Son Philip was not in Paris, as much as to ſay, it was a thing he ought to have done.

But God permitted that the King of Spain went another way, and in the mean time, the King of France ſtrengthned himſelf, and the Duke of Guiſe took from the Engliſh, Calais, Guines, and the County of d'Oye. The Spaniſh Hiſtory ſaith, that Philip had forbidden to touch any old people, Children and Eccleſiaſtical perſons, but above all St. Quentins reliques.

ANNOT.

This ſignifies ſome extraordinary lightning under five and forty degrees, which is about the Southern part of France.

It is not eaſie to gueſs what he meaneth by the great new City, unleſs it be one in the Authors Countrey, called Villa Nova.

The laſt Verſe ſeemeth to intimate, that this ſhall happen when an Army of Normandie ſhall be raiſed.

ANNOT.

The Volſi were a warlike people of Italy joyning to Rome, which makes me believe that by the great City he meaneth Rome, which was plundered and ſackt by the Duke of Burgondy and the Prince of Orange, Generals of the Emperour Charles V.

ANNOT.

The words are plain, though the ſenſe be too obſcure, and I ſhall not endeavour to give an interpretation, when every one may make one himſelf.

ANNOT.

This is an ingenious Stanza, concerning the City of Niſmes in Languedoc, famous for its Amphitheatre built by the Romans, and remaining to this day, which Town he calleth Daughter of Laura, becauſe the Lady Laura, Miſtreſs to the famous Poet Petrache was born thereabout; he alſo calleth it Sanctuary of the ſick, for the ſalubrity of the air.

The meaning of the two laſt Verſes is, that when a prodigy ſhall be ſeen, viz. Civil War in France, it ſhall be taken above four times, as it hath happened by one party or other.

Legis cautio contra ineptos Criticos.

Qui legent hos verſus, maturè cenſunto:

Prophanum vulgus & inſcium ne attrectato:

Omneſque Aſtrologi, Blenni, Barhari procul ſunto,

Qui aliter faxit, is rite ſacer eſto.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY VII.

ANNOT.

By the bow of the Treaſure, is underſtood the Marſhal d'Ancre, Favorite to the Queen Regent of France Mary of Medicis, who was firſt complained of, for his maleverſations by Achilles de Harlay Preſident of Paris, whence followed his death being Piſtolled in the Quadrangle of the Louvre, by the command of Lewis XIII. and his body afterwards dragged through the ſtreets, and hanged publickly by the people upon the new Bridge.

ANNOT.

Arles is a conſiderable City in France; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a Naval victory to the French againſt the Turks, by the means of a Granado, called Anvil, that ſhall be ſhut up in a Barrel by a plot, to which thoſe of Toulou ſhall be privy.

ANNOT.

Langres is a City in France, whoſe Biſhop is a Duke and a Peer of the Kingdom Dole is a City in Burgundy, ſo is Autun and Lion, Geneva is a City by Savoy, Auſpourg, another in Germany, Mirandola is a Countrey in Italy, ſo is Ancona.

ANNOT.

Peruſa, Piſa, and Parma, are three Cities in Italy.

ANNOT.

Naples is a City in Italy, Palermo is a City in the Iſland of Sicily. Corſica, an Iſland in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to the Genoeſe; Salerno is a Town in Italy; Sardinia an Iſland in the Mediterranean. The Reader may eaſily make an interpretation of the reſt.

ANNOT.

By the great half Moon, is underſtood the Turk.

ANNOT.

Feſulan is a Countrey in Italy. Flora is the Goddeſs of Flowers, the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Bar is a principality joyning to Lorrain, which Henry IV. King of France gave for a Portion to his Siſter Catharine, when ſhe married the Duke of Lorrains Son. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Mans is a City in France, chief of the Province called le Main. The reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This was fulfilled about the year 1615. when Lewis XIII. King of France, being then about 15 years of age, by the perſwaſion of ſome Grandees about him, made VVar againſt his own Mother Mary of Medicis then Regent of the Kingdom, whereupon was fought between them the Battle du pont de ſay, where above five hundred on the Queens ſide were ſlain, whereupon it was a good Jeſt of the Prince of Guimena, who being required by the Queen Anna of Auſtria, to lay his hand upon her ſide; and to feel her Child (now Lewis XIV.) ſtirring, after he had felt; now I know, ſaid he, he is a true Son of Bourbon; for he beginneth to kick his Mother.

ANNOT.

Cahors, Moiſſac, Ruffec, Lectonre, Agen, are all Cities of the Province of Guyenne in France.

ANNOT.

This is poſitive concerning the Cardinal of Richelieu, who made himſelf Governor of Havre de Grace, called here the Maritine City, and there kept his Treaſure, and tyranniſed for the ſpace of about fourteen years.

ANNOT.

This is a perfect deſcription of our late miſerable eſtate in England, when there was ſuch multiplicity of Sects, and ſuch a Prophanation of ſacred things.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

A Queen ſhall cauſe ſuch a deep Trench to be made before a Town, that it ſhall be impregnable, and the Army of Lions, that is either Generals, or of a Prince that ſhall bear three Lions in his Arms, ſhall be routed.

ANNOT.

This poſitively concerneth Henry the IV. King of France, who after he had by many Battles and dangers given peace to his Kingdom, was by a Murderer ſnatched away, and the Kingdom put into new troubles, by the war that the Princes had among themſelves.

ANNOT.

This needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

Nice is a Town in Piemont, ſituated by the Sea ſide, now whether this Prophecy came to paſs in the time of the Wars between France and Savoy, or ſhall come to paſs hereafter, it is more then I can tell. As for winning of it by gliſtering Metal, it is no new thing or practice, witneſs Philippus of Macedon, who ſaid no City was impregnable, wherein might enter an Aſs loaded with gold.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe and the words are plain.

ANNOT.

There is no difficulty in this.

ANNOT.

By the Citizens of Meſopotamia, is underſtood a people that live between two Rivers, from the the Greek words [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the reſt is eaſie. We have ſaid before, that by Auſone the Author underſtands the City of Bourdeaux, which he called Auſone, from the Poet and Conſul of Rome Auſonius who was born there.

ANNOT.

This is obvious to every body's capacity.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is divided in two parts. The firſt two Verſes talk of a man that ſhall be taken out of his Grave alive. The two laſt ſpeak, that a great man of Lorrain ſhall be poiſoned by the Marques de pont, in the Row of a Barbel, which according to Phyſitians, is a dangerous meat of it ſelf, and chiefly if it be Stewed, the Poiſoner himſelf ſeemeth to be no other than a Duke of Lorrain, or one of his Sons; for he ſtileth himſelf N. Duke of Lorrain, Prince of Bar, and Marques du pont.

ANNOT.

This maketh me remember the miſerable condition of many Kingdoms, before the Weſt-Indies were diſcovered; for in Spain Lead was ſtamped for Money, and ſo in France in the time of King Dagobert, and it ſeemeth by this Stanza, that the like is to come again, by reaſon of a long and tedious War.

ANNOT.

Paradin ſaith in his Hiſtory, that in the year 1555. towards the end of Auguſt, thoſe of Diepe had permiſſion from the King to fight a Fleet of the Spaniards, which was coming into Flanders, and brought Men, Money, and ſeveral Merchandiſes. They went to Sea, and after much ſearching, they diſcovered the Fleet, wherein were 22 great Ships.

The Diepois had but 19 men of War, and five or ſix Pinnaces, with which they ſet upon them between Calais and Dover. The fight was very bloody, almoſt all the Ships grapled one with another, and being ſo cloſe together, repreſented a Land fight.

The French at laſt did their utmoſt endeavour againſt the Admiral, which was ſuccoured by ſix other Ships, of which two were taken with the Admiral, and carryed to Diepe; this is the Authors meaning, when he ſaith, Fly-boats and Galleys about ſeven Ships. He nameth the Admiral Chief of Madrid; that is, chief Spaniard, which received blows of Oars, whoſe Ship was taken, and four more of his Company, which were brought to Diepe. In this agree the Hiſtorians on both ſides.

ANNOT.

I could not find what he meaneth by this place Vaſt, which being the Key of all the reſt, I could proceed no further, but am conſtrained to go to bed, and leave this for to night, among Inſolubilia de Alliaco.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain.

The meaning of the laſt two is, that the ſaid Captain being encompaſſed with Fire, ſhall make himſelf ſuch a way, that all his men ſhall eſcape, but thirty that ſhall be ſpitted by the enemies.

ANNOT.

Ferdinand of Toledo, Duke of Albo in Spain, a faithfull ſervant of Charles V. and Philip II. his Son, after he had made ſeveral proofs of his Valour, and prudence in the affairs of Piemont and Milaneſs, was commanded to go to Naples and Rome, to ſuccour the Coloneſſe, and others of the Spaniſh party; to obey this command, the Author ſaith, He went about to rebel, not againſt his Prince, but his Grandfathers, viz. the Pope and the Cardinals, upon which the Senate of Venice wrote to him, deſiring that he would not trouble the Pope, ſeeing that all his Predececeſſors had fought for him, as the Lord of Thou ſaith in his ſixteenth Book; but he anſwered, that it was the Pope himſelf that was the cauſe of it, and that he was bound to oppoſe him.

During that rebellion to his great fathers, as the Author calleth it, the great de Guiſe, came with his Troops, and compelled him to a diverſion, and to let alone Marſhal Strozzy, the Cardinal Caraffa, Captain Montluc, Camillo Urſini, Captain Charry, and others; ſo that all the Countrey about Rome was freed, and thus the Author ſaith, the great de Guiſe ſhall come to quell him.

The fourth Verſe addeth two things, that a Priſoner was carryed away, and that a Monument was erected. Hiſtory makes no mention of the Priſoner, unleſs it were that Captain Montluc, having taken by aſſault the Town of Pianea or Corſmian, by a ſink which he broke; the Captain Gougues a Gaſcon being a Priſoner of VVar in the Town, with many others, and hearing the cries of France, France, perſwaded his Comrades to fall upon their Keepers, and to kill them with their own weapons and this Priſoner that was taken at Montiſel, was brought back again into France, as well for his known Valour, as for his VVarlike deliverance, and ſince that made himſelf famous in Florida.

As for the Monument erected, makes me think he meaneth the Conſtable of France, who was taken Priſoner at the Battle of St. Quentin, and by the Monument, he meaneth the Eſcurial, which Philip the II. cauſed to be built in memory of that Victory, which obliged Henry the II. to call back again in all haſt the Duke of Guiſe with all his Forces, or elſe France had been in danger to be loſt.

ANNOT.

The plundering draweth near, here the Author ſpeaketh of things that ſhould happen in his days. He writ this the firſt of March 155[•], and Hiſtory mentioneth that from the firſt of March 1555. till the beginning of 1559. the plundering of Piemont in Italy was very great, ſince the taking of Cazal by the French, for there was nothing but continual fightings, taking and retaking Towns, Skirmiſhes and Battles, and moſt of them by the River Pau, the greateſt of Italy. The reſt of the ſecond Verſe and the beginning of the third ſaith, that the undertaking of Genoa ſhall be by the Herdsmen, by whom he meaneth the Turks, who being called by the French to help them in the taking of Nice, made an action fit for Herdſmen and villanous Traitors, doing nothing, becauſe they had been brided by the Genoeſes.

This was done after the French had ſtay'd long for this infi[•]el, who endeavoured to delude the French, and take all for himſelf; and this is the meaning of, After Nice had ſtayed long, In the mean time the Spaniards increaſed their Victories, as the fourth Verſe witneſſeth to the taking of Foſſan, Thurin, and Savillan.

Foſsan is a Town of Piemont, which that it might be diſtinguiſhed from Marſeilles, which the Author often calleth Foſſen or Phocen, he putteth in the Epithete of Thurin, to ſignifie he meaneth Foſſan in Piemont.

He ſaith that Foſſan of Piemont ſhall have the taking towards Savillan, that is, this Foſſan which belongeth to the Spaniards, will take ſome Towns near Sivillan.

ANNOT.

Languedoc and Guienne are two Provinces in France, from whence many Souldiers ſhall be raiſed to go into Italy, but being diſtreſſed, ſhall wiſh to come back again over the Alpes. By the great Allobroges, I underſtand thoſe of Savoy and Pitmont, who ſhall go againſt Brundis, in Latine Brunduſium; but ſhall be beaten back by Aquin and Breſſes, Cities belonging to the Venetians.

ANNOT.

This needeth no Interpretation.

ANNOT.

The words are plain.

ANNOT.

The words are plain, and the onely queſtion is whither this diſtreſs threatned here to France is paſt or to come.

ANNOT.

The great Pocket which is the Key of this Stanza being obſcure, forceth me to leave the reſt unperfect.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to foretel that the Sacrament according to the Roman Church, ſhall be carried by Cardinals and ſeven Prieſts to Conſtantinople, againſt which three hundred of Trebiſon ſhall diſpute, who ſhall compare the two Laws with horror, and afterwards believe.

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes are plain; as for the fourth I believe it to be the Language of the Antipodes, for I think no man can underſtand it.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of the eldeſt Son of a King, who prancing upon his Horſe, ſhall Spur and run ſo fiercely, that his foot being intangled in the Stirrup he ſhall be dragged and pulled, and die a fearful death.

In the year 1555. upon the 25. of May, this came to paſs in the perſon of Henry of Albret, the ſecond of that name, King of Navarre.

This Prince Henry II. the eldeſt Royal riding upon a horſe did ſpur him ſo hard, that he ran away with him, ſo that he perceiving the danger he was in, pulled the Bridle ſo hard that the horſe's mouth was broken; the pain did not ſtop the horſe, but contrariwiſe, he grew the more untoward, that Henry fell down, and in falling one of his feet hung in the ſtirrup, ſo that he was drawn, and died a horrid death, This I found in the Hiſtory of Naples.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth that a French General, thinking to rout and overcome the chiefeſt ſtrength of his enemy, and going upon a brittle Pavement, made of Slate, ſhall ſink in the ground not far from Genoa, which he calleth a ſtrange Nation to the French.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe of this Stanza are plain.

ANNOT.

I have found the truth of this Stanza upon the place, in my going to Lion, it was my fortune to lye at a Town four Leagues on this ſide of it, called Lapacodier, where this Story was told me to have happened few days before.

It chanced that a Company of Foot was to lie in the Town, and diſtreſſed for quarter, they enquired why ſuch a houſe was empty, and were told it was not inhabited by reaſon of a noiſe heard there every night. The Captain of the Troop reſolved, ſince he feared not the living, not to fear the dead, and thereupon lay in the houſe that night, where Beds were provided for him, and about half a Dozen of his ſtouteſt Souldiers; ſo they laid down their weapons on the Table, and began to be merry at Cards and Dice, expecting the event. The door being faſt locked, about twelve and one they heard as though ſome body knockt at the door, one of the Souldiers by the Captains command, with a Piſtol in his hand, and a Candle, opened the door, then appeared to them a Phantaſm, in the ſhape of an old man, loaded with Chains, that made a great noiſe, this Phantaſm beckened to the Captain at the Table to come to him, the Captain alſo riſing, beckened to the Phantaſm to come to him, this laſted for a while, till the Captain reſolved to go to him, and ſo taking a Candle in one hand, and a Piſtol in the other, bid his Souldiers follow him hand in hand with their Arms, then taking the Phantaſm by the hand, which was exceeding cold, he led them into the Cellar, and through many turnings, till at laſt the Phantaſm vaniſhed, and the Candles went out, then were they conſtrained to remain there till day light, when perceiving where they were, and having taken notice of the Place where the Phantaſm left them, they went out, and related the ſtory to the Townſmen; ſo afterwards they digged in that place, where they found a kind of a Trunk, and the bones of a man in it ſhackled, they buryed the body in a Church-yard, and no noiſe was heard afterwards in that houſe, this came to paſs about 1624.

ANNOT.

Nothing can be more plain and true than this Prophecie, and thoſe that deny it, may alſo deny the light of the Sun, but to make it more evident, we will examine it Verſe by Verſe.

When Innocent ſhall hold the place of Peter; that is, when one named Innocent ſhall be Pope, as he was that preceded the laſt.

The Sicilian Nizaram ſhall ſee himſelf in great honours; that is, the Sicilian Nizarim, for Nizaram, is the Annagramme of Mazarin, letter for letter, who was born in Sicily, ſhall ſee himſelf in great honours, as he did; for he was then in his greateſt ſplendor.

But after that he ſhall fall into the dirt of a Civil War; As every one knows he did, having put in Priſon the Prince of Condé, the Prince of Conty, and the Duke of Congueiulle, can any thing be more plain, and yet when I read this forty years ago, I took it to be ridiculous.

ANNOT.

Lutetia in Latine is the City of Paris, after the death of Henry IV. the Parliament of Paris began to prick up their ears, and to go about to call the great ones to account, amongſt whom was the Marqueſs d'Ancre, favourite of the Queen Regent, that had gathered great riches, and therefore is called here Craeſus, our Author ſaith, that his power ſhall be put down by Saturnus, which muſt here be underſtood miſtically, which proved true, for by the Kings command, then Lewis XIII. he was ſhot with three Piſtols in the Louvre.

ANNOT.

This came to paſs in the time of Henry IV. who was poiſoned at Melan, by two unknown men, who were diſcovered by the Cooks Boy in the doing of it, and were both taken, the Hiſtory is at large in Peter Matthew his Hiſtoriographer, which I could not inſert here for the ſatisfaction of the Reader; becauſe I could not get the Book, the Reader may ſatisfie himſelf upon the place.

Other Stanzas, taken out of twelve, under the ſeventh Century, out of which eight have been rejected, becauſe they were found in the foregoing Centuries.

ANNOT.

The reaſon why I have put no Annotations to theſe, as I have done to the reſt, is, becauſe according to my judgement, and that of the moſt Learned, they are ſpurious.

TO THE READER.

Friendly Reader,

BEfore you Read the following Epiſtle, I would have you be warned of a few things: One is, that according to my opinion, it is very obſcure and intelligible in moſt places, being without any juſt connection, and beſides the obſcurity of the ſenſe, the crabbedneſs of the expreſſion is ſuch, that had not the importunity of the Bookseller prevailed, I would have left it out, but conſidering the reſpect due to Antiquity, the ſatisfaction we owe to curious perſons, who would perhaps have thought the Book imperfect without it, we let it go, truſting to your Candor and Ingenuity.

Farewell.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY VIII. IX. & X.

That had not been Printed before, and are in the ſame Edition of 1568.

TO THE Moſt Invincible, moſt High, and moſt Chriſtian King of France HENRY the Second; Michael Noſtradamus his moſt obedient Servant and Subject, wiſheth Victory and Happineſs.

BY reaſon of that ſingular obſervation, I had O moſt Chriſtian and Victorious King, ſince my Face, who had been cloudy a great while, did preſent it ſelf before your immeaſurable Majeſty. I have been ever ſince perpetually dazled, continually honouring and worſhipping that day, in which I preſented my ſelf before it, as before a ſingular humane Majeſty; now ſeeking after ſome occaſion, whereby I might make appear the goodneſs and ſincerity of my heart, and extend my acquaintance towards your moſt Excellent Majeſty; and ſeeing that it was impoſſible for me to declare it by effects, as well becauſe of the darkneſs and obſcurity of my mind, as for the enlightning it did receive from the face of the greateſt Monarch in the World; I was a great while beſore I could reſolve to whom I ſhould Dedicate theſe three laſt Centuries of my Prophecies, which make the compleat thouſand, and after I had a long time conſidered, I have with a great temerity made my addreſs to your Majeſty, being no ways dainted by it, as the grave Author Plutarch related in the Life of Lycurgus, that ſeeing the offerings and gifts that were Sacrificed in the Temples of their Heathen Gods, durſt not come thither no more, leaſt the people ſhould wonder at the coſts and charges. Notwithſtanding, ſeeing your Royal Splendour joyned with an incomparable Humanity, I have made my addreſs to it, not as to the Kings of Perſia, of whom to come near, it was forbidden, but to a moſt Prudent and Wiſe Prince I have Dedicated my Nocturnal and Prophetical Supputations, written rather by a natural inſtinct, and Poetical furour, then by any rules of Poetry; and moſt part of it written and agreeing with the Years, Months and Weeks, of the Regions, Countreys and moſt part of the Towns and Cities in Europe; touching alſo ſome thing of Africa, and of a part of Aſia, by the change of Regions that come near to thoſe Climats, and compounded of natural faction. But ſome body may anſwer (who hath need to blow his Noſe) the Rime to be as eaſie to be underſtood, as the intelligence of the ſence is hard and difficult, and therefore O moſt humane King, moſt of the Prophetical Stanza's are ſo difficult, that there is no way to be found for the Interpretation of them; nevertheleſs being in hope of ſetting down the Towns, Cities, and Regions, wherein moſt of thoſe ſhall happen, eſpecially in the year 1585. and in the year 1606. beginning from this preſent time, which is the 14. of March 1557. and going further to the fulfilling of thoſe things, which ſhall be in the beginning of the ſeventh Millenary, according as my Aſtronomical Calculation, and other Learning could reach, at which time the adverſaries of Chriſt and of his Church ſhall begin to multiply; all hath been compoſed and calculated in days and hours of Election, and well diſpoſed, and all as accurately as was poſſible for me to do. And the whole Minerva libera & non invita, Calculating almoſt as much of the time that is come, as of that which is paſt, comprehending it in the preſent time, and what by the courſe of the ſaid time ſhall be known to happen in all Regions punctually as it is here written, adding nothing ſuperfluous to it, although it be ſaid; Quod de futuris contingentibus, non eſt determinata omnino veritas. It is very true Sir, that by my natural inſtinct given me by my Progenitors, I did think I could foretel any thing; but having made an agreement between this ſaid inſtinct of mine, and a long Calculation of Art, and by a great tranquility and repoſe of mind, emptied my Soul of all care and carefulneſs, I have foretold moſt part of theſe ex tripode aeneo, though there be many who attribute to me ſome things that are no more mine, then what is nothing at all. The only Eternal God, who is the ſearcher of men's hearts, being pious, juſt, and merciful, is the true Judge of it, whom I beſeech to defend me from the calumny of the wicked men, who would as willing calumniouſly inquire for what reaſon all your ancient Progenitors Kings of France have healed the diſeaſe called the Kings-evil, and ſome other Nations have cured the biting of venemous Beaſts; others have had a certain inſtinct to foretell things that are to come, and of ſeveral others, too tedious to be here inſerted; notwithſtanding thoſe in whom the malignancy of the wicked ſpirit ſhall not be ſuppreſſed by length of time; after my deceaſe my work ſhall be in more eſteem, then when I was alive; nevertheleſs if I ſhould fail in the ſupputation of times, or could not pleaſe ſome, may it pleaſe your moſt Imperial Majeſty to forgive me, proteſting before God and his Saints, that I do not intend to inſert any thing by writing in this preſent Epiſtle, that may be contrary to the true Catholick Faith, in conferring the Aſtronomical Calculation, according to my learning; for the ſpace of times of our Fathers that have been before us, are ſuch, ſubmitting my ſelf to the correction of the moſt Learned, that the firſt man Adam was before Noah, about one thouſand two hundred forty two years, not computing the time according to the ſupputation of the Gentiles, as Varro did, but onely according to the Sacred Scriptures, and the weakneſs of my wit in my Aſtronomical Calculations. After Noah and the univerſal Flood about a thouſand and fourſcore years came Abraham, who was a ſupreme Aſtrologer, according to moſt mens opinion, and did firſt invent the Chaldaean Letters; after that came Moſes, viz. ſome five hundred and fifteen or ſixteen years after, and between the time of David and Moſes have paſſed about 570. years. After which between the time of David and that of our Saviour and Redeemer Jeſus Chriſt, born of the Virgin Mary, have paſſed (according to ſome Chronographers a thouſand three hundred and fifty years. Some body may object, that this ſupputation is not true; becauſe it differeth from that of Euſebius. And from the time of humane redemption, to that of the execrable ſeduction of the Saracens, have paſſed ſix hundred and four and twenty years, or thereabouts. From that time hitherto, it is eaſie to collect what times are paſt, if my ſupputation be not good among all Nations; becau e all hath been calculated by the courſe of the Coeleſtial bodies, joyned with motion, infuſed in me at certain looſe hours, by the motion of my ancient Progenitors; but the injury of the time (moſt excellent King) requireth, that ſuch ſecret events ſhould not be manifeſted, but by an enigmatical Sentence, having the only ſenſe, and one only intelligence, without having mixed with it any ambiguous or amphibological calculation, but rather under a Cloudy obſcurity, through a natural infuſion, coming near to the Sentence of one of the Thouſand and two Prophets, that have been ſince the Creation of the World, according to the ſupputation and punical Chronick of Joel. Effundam ſpiritum meum ſuper omnem, & carnem & prophetabunt filii veſtri & ſiliae veſtrae: But ſuch a Prophecy did proceed from the mouth of the Holy Ghoſt, who was the Supreme and eternal Power, which being come with that of the Coeleſtial bodies, hath cauſed ſome of them to foretel great and wonderful things; as for my part I challenge no ſuch thing in this place, God forbid, I confeſs truly, that all cometh from God, for which I give him thanks, honour, and praiſe, without having mixed any thing of that divination, which proceedeth a Fato, but only of that which proceedeth à Deo & Natura, and moſt of it joyned with the motion and courſe of the Coeleſtial Bodies; inſo much that ſeeing as in a burning Glaſs, and through a Cloudy Viſion, the great and ſad events, the prodigious and calamitous accidents, that ſhall befall the Worſhippers, firſt of God, and ſecondly, thoſe that are Earthly propped up, with a thouſand other calamitous accidents, which ſhall be known in courſe of time; for God will take notice of the long barrenneſs of the great Dame, who afterwards ſhall conceive two principal Children: But being in danger, ſhe that ſhall be added to her by the temerity of age, running a danger in the 18, and not able to go beyond the 36, ſhall leave behind her three females, and he ſhall have two that never had any of the ſame father, the differences between the three Brothers ſhall be ſuch, and then ſhall they be united and agreed, inſomuch that the three and four parts of Europe ſhall quake: by the leſſer in years ſhall the Chriſtian Monarchy be upheld and augmented, Sects ſhall riſe, and preſently be put down again, the Arabians ſhall be put back, Kingdoms ſhall be united, and new Laws made. Concerning the other Children; the firſt ſhall poſſeſs the furious Crowned Lions, holding their Paws upon the Eſcutcheons. The ſecond, well attended, will go ſo deep among the Lions, that the ſecond way ſhall be open, all trembling and furious going down, to get upon the Pyrenaean Mountains. The ancient Monarchy ſhall not be transferred, the third innundation of humane blood ſhall happen, and for a good while Mars ſhall not be in Lent. And the Daughter ſhall be given for the preſervation of the Church, the Dominator of it falling into the Pagan Forces of the new unbelievers, ſhe ſhall have two Children, one from faithfulneſs, and the other from unfaithfulneſs, for the confirmation of the Catholick Church; and the other, who to his confuſion and late repentance, ſhall go about to ruine her. There ſhall be three Regions by the extreme differences of the leagues, viz. the Roman, the German, and the Spaniſh, who by a Military hand ſhall make divers Sects, forſaking the 50 and 52 degrees of altitude, and all thoſe of remote Regions ſhall do homage to the Regions of Europe, and of the North of 40 Degrees Altitude, who by a vain fright ſhall quake, after that thoſe of the Weſt, South, and Eaſt ſhall quake becauſe of their power, inſomuch that what ſhall be done, cannot be undone by Warlike power. They ſhall be equal in Nature, but much different in Faith. After this, the barren Dame of a greater power then the ſecond, ſhall be admitted by two people, by the firſt obſtinate that had power over the others; by the ſecond, and by the third, that ſhall extend his Circuit of the Eaſt of Europe, as far as the Hungarians, vanquiſhed and overcome, and by a Maritine Sail, ſhall make his excurſions into the Trinarrian and Adriatick Sea, by his Mirmidons, and Germany ſhall fall, and the Barbarian Sect ſhall be wholly driven from among the Latines. Then the great Empire of Antichriſt ſhall begin in the Attila, and Xerxes to come down with an innumerable multitude of people, inſomuch that the coming of the Holy Ghoſt, proceeding from the 48 Degree, ſhall tranſmigrate, driving away the abomination of the Antichriſt, who made War againſt the Royal, who ſhall be the great Vicar of I. C. and againſt his Church, and his Kingdom, per tempus, & in occaſione temporis. and before this ſhall precede a Solar Eclipſe, the moſt dark and obſcure that was ſince the Creation of the World, till the death and paſſion of I. C. and from him till then, and it ſhall be in the Month of October, when ſuch a great Tranſlation ſhall be made, that every body will think that the weight of the Earth, ſhall have loſt its natural motion, and be ſwallowed up in perpetual darkneſs. In the Spring before and after this, ſhall happen extraordinary changes, mutations of Kingdoms, and great Earth-quakes, with pullulation of the new Babylons miſerable daughter, increaſed by the abomination of the firſt Holocauſt, and ſhall laſt only 73 years and 7 Months, then from that Stock ſhe that had been long time barren, proceeding from the fifth Degree, who ſhall renew all the Chriſtian Church, and then ſhall be a great Peace, Union and Concord, between one of the Children of the wandring and ſeperated foreheads by divers Kingdoms, and ſuch Peace ſhall be made, that the Inſtigator and Promoter of Military function, by diverſity of Religions, ſhall be tied to the bottom of the deep, and the Kingdom of the Rabious, who ſhall countefeit the wiſe, ſhall be united. And the Countreys, Towns, Cities and Provinces, that had deſerted their firſt ways to free themſelves, captivating themſelves more deeply, ſhall be ſecretly angry at their liberty and Religion loſt, and ſhall begin to ſtrike from the left, to turn to the right, reſtoring the holineſs beaten down long before with their former writing; ſo that after the great Dog, ſhall come forth the biggeſt Maſtif, who ſhall deſtroy all that was done formerly, then Churches ſhall be built up again as before, the Clergy ſhall be reſtored to its former ſtate, and ſhall begin to Whore, and Luxuriate, and to commit a Thouſand Crimes. And being near unto another deſolation, when ſhe ſhall be in her higher and more ſublime dignity, there ſhall riſe powers and Militaty hands, who ſhall take away from her the two Swords, and leave her only the Enſigns, from which by the means of the crookedneſs that draweth them, the people cauſing it to go ſtraight, and not willing to ſubmit unto them by the end oppoſite to the ſharp hand that toucheth the Ground, they ſhall provoke till that a branch ſhall proceed from the barren, which ſhall deliver the people of the World from that meek and voluntary ſlavery, putting themſelves under the protection of Mars, depriving Jupiter of all his honours and dignities, for the free City eſtabliſhed and ſeated in another little Meſopotamia. And the chief Governour ſhall be thruſt out of the middle, and ſet in the high place of the Air, being ignorant of the conſpiracy of the Conſpirators, with the ſecond Thraſibulus, who long before did manage this thing, then ſhall the impurities and abominations be objected with great ſhame, and made manifeſt to the darknes of the darkened light, and ſhall ceaſe towards the end of the change of his Kingdom, the chief men of the Church ſhall be put back from the love of God, and many of them ſhall apoſtatiſe from the true faith, and from the true Sects, the middlemoſt of which by her worſhippers, be a little put into ruine; the firſt, wholly in all Europe, and moſt part of Africa undone by the third, by the means of the poor in Spirit, who by madneſs elevated, ſhall through libidinous luxury, commit adultery. The people will riſe and maintain it, and ſhall drive away thoſe that did adhere to the Legiſlators, and ſhall ſeem by the Kingdoms ſpoiled by the Eaſtern men, that God the Creator hath looſed Satan from his Infernal Priſon, to cauſe to be born the great Dog and Doham, who ſhall make ſo great and abominable a fraction in the Churches, that the Red nor the White, without Eyes and without Hands, ſhall not judge of it, and their power ſhall be taken a way from them. Then ſhall be a greater perſecution againſt the Church than ever was, and in the mean time ſhall be ſo great a Plague, that two parts of three in the world ſhall fail, inſomuch that no body ſhall be able to know the true owners of fields and houſes, and there ſhall happen a total deſolation unto the Clergy, and the Martial men ſhall uſurpe what ſhall come back from the City of the Sun, and from Molita, and the Staechades Iſlands, and the great Chain of that Port ſhall be open, which taketh its denomination from a Sea Oxe, and a new incurſion ſhall be made through the Sea Coaſts, willing to deliver the Caſtulan Leap from the firſt Mahometan taking, and the aſſaulting ſhall not altogether be in vain, and that place where the habitation of Abraham was, ſhall be aſſaulted by thoſe, who ſhall have a reſpect for the Jovials. And that City of Achem, ſhall be encompaſſed and aſſaulted on all ſides, by a great power of Armed men; their Sea Forces ſhall be weakened by the Weſtern men, and to that Kingdom ſhall happen great deſolation, and the great Cities ſhall be depopulated, and thoſe that ſhall come in, ſhall be comprehended within the vengeance of the wrath of God, and the Sepulchre held in ſo great veneration, ſhall remain a great while open to the univerſal Aſpect of the Heavens, Sun and Moon, and the ſacred place ſhall be converted into a Stable for ſmall and great Cattle, and put to prophane uſes. O what a calamitous affliction ſhall be then for women with Child, and chiefly by the principal Eaſterly head, being for the moſt part moved by the Northern and Weſterly men, vanquiſhed and put to death, beaten, and all the reſt put to flight, and the Children he had by many women, put in Priſon, then ſhall be fulfilled the Prophecy of the Kingly Prophet. Ut andiret gemitus compeditorum, ut ſolveret filios interemptorum, what great oppreſſion ſhall be made then upon the Princes and Governours of Kingdoms, and eſpecially of thoſe that ſhall live Eaſtward and near the Sea, and their Languages intermixed very ſociably. The Language of the Arabians and Latines by the African communication, and all the Eaſtern Kings ſhall be driven away, beaten and brought to nothing, not altogether by the means of the ſtrength of the Kings of the North, and by the drawing near of our age, by the means of three ſecretly united, ſeeking for death by ambuſhes one againſt another. And the renewing of the Triumvirate ſhall laſt ſeven years, while the fame of ſuch a ſect ſhall be ſpread all the world over, and the Sacrifice of the Holy and immaculate Hoſt ſhall be upheld: And then ſhall the Lords be two in number victorious in the North againſt the Eaſtern ones, and there ſhall be ſuch a great noiſe and Warlike tumult, that all the Eaſt ſhall quake for fear of thoſe two Brothers, not Northern Brothers. And becauſe, Sir, by this diſcourſe, I put all things confuſedly in theſe predictions, as well concerning the event of them, as for the account of the time which followeth, which is not at all, or very little conformable to that I have done before, as well by Aſtronomical way, as other of the ſacred Scriptures which cannot erre, I could have ſet down to every quatrain the time in which they ſhall happen, but it would not pleaſe every body, much leſs the interpretation of them, till, Sir your Majeſty hath granted me full power ſo to do, that my Calumniators may have nothing to ſay againſt me. Nevertheleſs reckoning the years ſince the Creation of the World to the Birth of Noah have paſſed 1506. years, and from the Birth of Noah to the perfect building of the Ark near the univerſal Flood have paſſed 600. years, whither ſolary, or lunary, or mixed, for my part according to the Scriptures, I hold that they were ſolary. And at the end of thoſe 600. years Noah entered into the Ark, to ſave himſelf from the Flood, which Flood was univerſal upon the Earth, and laſted a year and two months; and from the end of the Flood, to the birth of Abraham did paſs the number of 295. years; and from the birth of Abraham to that of Iſaac did paſs 100. years, and from Iſaac to Jacob 60. years; and from the time that he went into Aegypt till he came out of it, did paſs 130. years; and from the time that Jacob went into Aegypt till his poſterity came out of it did paſs 430. years; and from the coming out of Aegypt to the building of Salomon's Temple in the fourth year of his Reign did paſs 480. years; and from the building of the Temple till Jeſus Chriſt, according to the ſupputation of the Chronographers, did paſs 490. years; and ſo by this ſupputation, which I have gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, the whole cometh to about 4173. years, eight Months more or leſs. But ſince the time of I. C. hitherto, I leave it becauſe of the diverſity of Opinions. And having calculated theſe preſent Prophecies according to the order of the Chain, which containeth the revolution, and all by Aſtronomical Doctrine, and according to my natural inſtinct, and after ſome time, and in it comprehending ſince the time that Saturn ſhall turn to come in on the 7 of the Month of April, till the 25 of Auguſt; Jupiter from the 14 of June to the 7 of October; Mars from the 27 of April till 22 of June, Venus from the 9 of April to the 22 of May; Mercury from the 3 of February till the 24 of the ſame; afterwards from the 1 of June till the 24 of the ſame; and from the 25 of September till the 16 of October, Saturn in Capricorn, Jupiter in Aquarius, Mars in Scorpio, Venus in Piſces, Mercury within a Month in Capricorn, Aquarius in Piſces, Luna in Aquarius, the Dragons head in Libra, the Tail oppoſite to her ſign according to a Conjunction of Jupiter and Mercury, with a quadrin Aſpect of Mars to Mercury, and the head of the Dragon ſhall be with a Conjuction of Sol and Jupiter: the year ſhall be peacefull without Eclipſe, and in the beginning of that year ſhall be a greater perſecution againſt the Chriſtian Church than ever was in Affrica, and it ſhall laſt till the year 1792. at which time every body will think it a renovation of Age. After that the Roman people ſhall begin to ſtand upright again, and to put away ſome obſcure darkneſſes, receiving ſome of its former light, but not without great diviſions, and continual changes. Venice after that with great ſtrength and power ſhall lift up her Wings ſo high, that ſhe will not be much inferiour to the ſtrength of the old Rome, and in that time great Bizantine Sails, joyned with the Liguſtiques, by the Northern help and power ſhall give ſome hinderance, whereby thoſe of Crete ſhall not keep their faith, the Arches built by the antient Martial men, will keep company together with Neptun's Waves. In the Adriatick ſhall be a great diſcord, what was united ſhall be parted aſunder, and what was before, and is a great City, will go near to becom a houſe, including the Pempotan, and the Meſopot amia of Europe to 45, and others to 41, 42, and 37. And in that time, and Countrey, the Infernal power ſhall riſe againſt the Church of I. C. with the power of the Enemies to his Law, which ſhall be the ſecond Antechriſt, who ſhall perſecute the ſaid Church and its Vicar by the means of the power of Temporal Kings,, who through their Ignorance ſhall be ſeduced by Tongues more ſharp than any Sword in the hands of 2 mad man. The ſaid Reign of Antichriſt ſhall not laſt but till the ending of him, born by Age, and of the other in the City of Plancus, accompanied by the Elect of Modone, Fulcy by Ferrara, maintained by Adriatick Liguriens, and the proximity of the great Trinacria, and after that ſhall paſs over the Mount Jovis. The Gallique Ogmyon followed with ſuch a number, that even from afar off the Empire of the great Law, ſhall be preſented to him, and then, and after ſhall be profuſedly ſpilled the blood of the Innocent by the Nocent, raiſed on high; then by great Floods the memory of thoſe things contained by ſuch Inſtruments, ſhall receive an innumerable loſs, as alſo ſhall learning towards the North by the Divine Will, Satan bound once more, and an univerſal Peace ſhall be among men, and the Church of I. C. ſhall be free from all tribulation, although the Azoſrains would fain mix among it the Honey of their peſtilent ſeduction, and this ſhall happen about the ſeventh Millinary; ſo that the Sanctuary of I. C ſhall be no more trodden down by the unbelievers that ſhall come from the North, the world being near to ſome conflagration, although by my ſupputations in my Prophecies, the courſe of the time goeth much further. In the Epiſtle that within the late years I have dedicated to my Son Caeſar Nostradamus, I have openly enough declared ſome things, without prognoſticating. But here (Sir) are comprehended many great and wonderful events, which thoſe that come after us ſhall ſee. And during the ſaid Aſtrological ſupputation, conferred with the ſacred Scripture, the perſecution of the Clergy ſhall have its beginning from the power of Northern Kings, joyned with the Eaſtern ones; that perſecution ſhall laſt Eleven years and a little leſs, at which time the chief Northern King ſhall fail, which years being ended, ſhall come in his united Southern one, who ſhall yet more violently perſecute the Clergy by the Apoſtatical ſeduction of one that ſhall have the abſolute power over the Militant Church of God: And the Holy people of God and keeper of his Law, and all order of Religion ſhall be grievouſly perſecuted and afflicted, inſomuch that the blood of the true Eccleſiaſtical men ſhall float all over, and unto one of thoſe horrid Kings this praiſe ſhall be given by his followers to have ſpilt more humane blood of the Innocent Clergymen, than any body can do Wine, and the ſaid King ſhall commit incredible crimes againſt the Church; humane blood ſhall run through publick ſtreets and Churches, as water coming from an impetuous Rain, and the next Rivers ſhall be red with blood, and by another Sea fight the Sea ſhall be red, inſomuch that one King ſhall ſay to another, Bellis rubuit navalibus aequor. After that in the ſame year, & thoſe that follow, ſhall happen the moſt horrid Plague, cauſed by the precedent famine, and ſo great tribulations as ever did happen ſince the firſt foundation of the Chriſtian Church through all the Latine Regions; ſome marks of it remaining in ſome Countreys of Spain. At that time the Northern King hearing the complaint of the people of his principal title, ſhall raiſe up ſo great an Army, and ſhall go through the ſtraights of his laſt Anceſtors and Progenitors, that he will ſet up all again in their firſt ſtate, and the great Vicar of the Cope, ſhall be reſtored in his former eſtate, but deſolate and altogether forſaken, and then ſhall the Sancta ſanctorum be deſtroyed by Paganiſm, and the old and New Teſtament be thruſt out and burnt, after that ſhall Antechriſt be the infernal Prince, and once more for the laſt all the Kingdoms of Chriſtendom and alſo of the unbelievers ſhall quake for the ſpace of 25 years, and there ſhall be more grievous Wars and Battles, and Towns, Cities, Caſtles and other buildings ſhall be burnt, deſolate, and deſtroyed with a great effuſion of Veſtal blood, Married Women and Widows raviſhed, ſucking Children daſhed againſt the Walls of the Towns, and ſo many evils ſhall be committed by the means of the Infernal prince Satan, that almoſt the univerſal world ſhall be undone and deſolate, and before theſe events many unuſual Birds ſhall cry through the Air, Huy, Huy, and a little while after ſhall vaniſh away: And after that time ſhall have laſted a good while, there ſhall be renewed a Kingdom of Saturn and Golden Age. God the Creator ſhall ſay, hearing the affliction of his people, Satan ſhall be put, and tied in the bottom of the deep, and there ſhall begin an univerſal peace between God and men, and the Eccleſiaſtical power ſhall be in its greater force, and Satan ſhall be left bound for the ſpace of a thouſand years, and then ſhall be looſed again. All theſe Figures are juſtly fitted by the ſacred Scripture, to the viſible Coeleſtial things, viz. Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, and others joyned with them, as more at large may be ſeen in ſome of my Stanza's. I would have calculated it more deeply, and compared one with the other, but ſeeing (moſt excellent King) that ſome ſtand ready to cenſure me, I ſhall withdraw my Pen to its Nocturnal repoſe. Multa etiam O Rex potentiſſime pr[•]clara, & ſane in brevi ventura, ſed omnia in hac tua Epiſtola inne[•]tere non poſſumus, nec volumus, ſed ad intelligenda quedam facta, horrida fata pauca libanda ſunt, quamvis tanta ſit in omnes tua amplitudo & humanitas homines, deoſque pietas, ut ſolus ampliſſimo & Chriſ[•]ianiſſimo regis nomine, & ad quem ſumma totius Religionis authoritas deferatur, dignus eſſe videare. But only I ſhall beſeech you O moſt Merciful King, through your ſingular and prudent goodneſs, to underſtand rather the deſire of my Heart, and the earneſt deſire I have to obey your moſt excellent Majeſty, ſince my Eyes were ſo near your Royal ſplendor, than the greatneſs of my work can deſerve or require.

From Selin this 27 June, 1558.

Faciebat Michael Noſtradamus, Salonae Petreae, Provinciae.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus.

CENTURY VIII.

ANNOT.

The Prophecies of this, and of the remaining Centuries being for the moſt part ſo obſcure, as no man is able to make any ſenſe of them, the judicious Reader muſt not expect from me, what no man elſe can do; let him ſuffice if I give him as much light as I can, and leave the reſt to his own judgement and induſtry.

Pau is the chief Town of the Province of Bearn, in the Kingdom of Navarre, where Henry the IV. King of France and Navarre was born. Nay and Loron are barbarous words, ſo are Surrez, Agaſſas and Pampon. Durance is a River of France.

ANNOT.

Condon, Aux, Mirande, and Marmande are Towns in the Province of Guyenne and Languedoc, Garonne is the River of Bourdeaux.

ANNOT.

Vigilanne and Reſviere being falſly writen here, it muſt be ſet down Veillane and Riniere, which are two ſtrong Caſtles, the firſt being ſeated in Piemont, and the laſt in Burgundy.

Nancy is the chief Town of Lorrain, and Turin of Piemont, Lyon is a famous City in France, ſo that the ſenſe of this Prophecy ſeemeth to be, that the youngeſt Son of Nancy, (that is of Lorrain) ſhall be kept cloſe Priſoner in thoſe two Caſtles of Veillane and Riniera, and that the chief men of Turin ſhall be burnt, when the City of Lyon ſhall be oppreſſed with ſorrow.

ANNOT.

Monech is falſe written here, it muſt be Monaco, which is a Principality and Town in Italy by Genoa, belonging to the Houſe of the Grimaldi, wherein the French were admitted by the policy of Cardinal Richelieu, during the Wars between France and Spain.

Logarion is a Barbarous name, by which he meaneth ſome body unknown to us.

By the Eagle is meant the Emperour, who was very low at that time, and by the Cock, the King of France, who was very powerful, where it is to be obſerved, that by the Eagle the Emperour is always underſtood, becauſe it is his Arms, and by the Cock is meant the King of France, becauſe a Frenchman is called in Latine Gallus, which alſo ſignifieth a Cock.

ANNOT.

Borne and Bretueil are two particular places, the firſt is one of the four Baronies of the River Maſe, viz. Peterſem, Steen, Horne, Borne, the other is a little Town in Britany.

Lucerne is one of the Cantons of Switzerland. VVe have ſaid before what is meant by the great Cock, viz. the King of France. Let the Reader make up the reſt, according to his fancy.

ANNOT.

Maltha is an Iſland in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for the Knights that inhabit it, and take their name from thence. Sardon and Mauris are barbarous words.

ANNOT.

Verceil and Milan are two Cities in Italy, the Tycin, or rather Theſin is a River of the ſame Countrey; Seine is the River that runneth at Paris. Florence is a famous City in Italy, and maye a barbarous word, foiſted up to patch up his Rime.

ANNOT.

Linterne is a ſmall Town in Italy; by Tuns are meant woodden Veſſels, ſuch as they put Rheniſh wines and others in.

Chivas is a Town in Piemont, and Turin the chief Town of the ſaid Countrey.

ANNOT.

By the Eagle is meant the Emperour, and by the Cock the King of France; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Lauſane is a City ſituated in Savoy, by the Lake of Geneva, but now as I take it in the poſſeſſion of the Switzers.

ANNOT.

Vicenza is a Town in Italy, under the dominion of the Venetians. Baſilick is the name of the biggeſt ſort of Canons or pieces of Ordinance. As for Valence there is three Cities of that name, one is Spain, the ſecond in France, and the third in Italy; inſtead of Lunage, it muſt be Lignago which is a Town in Italy.

ANNOT.

Bufalore is a barbarous word; Foix is a Countrey in France, and St. Maure a little Town in the ſaid Countrey.

ANNOT.

Bellerophon and Praytus are two ſuppoſed and fictitious names.

ANNOT.

This is eaſie to be underſtood; for it is frequently ſeen, that Honour is made blind by luſt, and chiefly if that luſt be propped up with credit; and abundance of Gold and Silver,

ANNOT.

By the Pannons is meant the Hungarians. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Jaſon was Son to King Aeſon, who built a Ship called Argos, in which he went to Colchos, to Conquer the Golden Fleece.

Feſulan here is to be underſtood of ſome high and eminent place, which therefore he calleth Olympick, from Olympus a high Mountain in Grecias The place where Jaſon builded his Ship.

ANNOT.

It is not eaſie to tell what them three Brothers have been, or ſhall be, nor that Maritine or Sea City, therefore we leave it to the liberty of every ones judgement, the words being plain enough.

ANNOT.

This is one of thoſe, wherein the Author would not be underſtood, and may be did not underſtand himſelf.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to carry no other ſenſe than a conſpiracy of the Cardinals, called here by the name of the Red, the Red againſt the Pope, who is called the Red one.

ANNOT.

This was ſo falſely printed, and ſo prepoſterouſly ſet in order, that I had much ado to pick out this little ſenſe of it, which amounteth to no more, than that by reaſon of an agreement broken, the Meſſenger, that went to publiſh a ſaigned election (it ſeemeth of the Empire) ſhall be hindred, and that one of the Competitors to the ſaid Empire, ſhall be killed in or near a Chappel, that ſhall be ſoiled by his Blood.

ANNOT.

Agde is a Sea Town in France upon the Mediterranean Sea, which is threatned here of three Galleys, that ſhall come into the Harbour of it, and ſhall bring with them infection and Plague; and beſides carry away thouſands of Captives, by which it ſeemeth, that theſe ſhould be Turkiſh Galleys, till at laſt upon the third reſiſtance of the Townſmen the Bridge ſhall be broken.

ANNOT.

This is another, wherein my beſt skill faileth me; for take away Narbonne, which is a City of France, in the Province of Langucdoc, and Perpignan, which is another in the County of Rouſsilon near Spain. The reſt are either barbarous words or nonſenſical to me.

ANNOT.

This needeth no great explication, being pretty plain, and foretelleth only that a Queens Trunks ſhall be opened, wherein many love Letters ſhall be found without ſubſcription, with many great offers, which by policy being ſuppreſſed, or no notice taken of. The lover was never known.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are clear, though the meaning is hard to be underſtood:

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth nothing but a Lover, who meeting in or by a Brook, his Miſtreſs ſhall enjoy her, for which ſhe ſhall fain a little diſcontent, as if ſhe had been raviſhed againſt her will, but her jealous Father not contented therewith, ſhall kill them both, which is an ordinary Italian trick.

ANNOT.

Barcelona is a Town of a Province in Spain, called Catalonia. Pampelona is the chief Town of the Kingdom of Navarre. Montferrat is an Abbaye in the Mountains of Catalonia; the reſt is inſignificant.

ANNOT.

I can find nothing in this worth interpretation.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth that this gold and ſilver Idols having been ſtoln, were afterwards thrown into a Lake and a fire, which fire being put out, thoſe Idols were found, and the memorial engraven in Marble.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth, that at the fourth Pillar of a Temple that was dedicated to Saturn, which Pillar ſhall be ſplit by an Earth-quake and a Flood, there ſhall be found an Urne, (which is an Earthen Veſſel, wherein the ancient Romans uſed to keep the aſhes of their dead friends) full of gold, that ſhall be carried away, and then reſtored.

ANNOT.

Tholoſe is the chief City of Languedoc, Beluzer is a private place within its precinct, Spectacle is inſignificant, and is onely foiſted in, to Rime with Baſacle, which is a place in Tholoſe, where there is aboundance of Water-mills, that make a hideous and fearful noiſe.

ANNOT.

Peſcaire is a Town in the Kingdom of Naples, belonging to the noble Spaniſh Family of Avalos, of which it ſeemeth one ſhall prove cruel and malicious; but he ſhall be killed in Venice by one young Celin, by which formerly, and in other places the Author underſtandeth the Turk.

ANNOT.

This is a plain warning to a French King to beware of his Nephew, who accompanied with nine others, ſhall cauſe his Son to be murdered when he went about ſome venereal employment.

ANNOT.

Verona and Vicenza are two famous Cities in Italy, under the dominion of the Venetians; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

The Mount Jura is in Switzerland; Lyon is a great City in France; and Ulme another in Germany; the reſt is either barbarous or inſignificant.

ANNOT.

Garonne is the River that runneth at Bourdeaux, and Blaye is the Port Town that lieth at the mouth of it: I ſhould think that inſtead of Dordonois, it ſhould be Printed Dordone, which is another River thereabouts, and is here threatned to be frozen.

ANNOT.

I confeſs my Ignorance, and ſhould be glad that a better Oedipus than I would undertake this.

ANNOT.

The Dream be to them that hate thee, and the Interpretation thereof to thine Enemies, Dan. 4, v. 10.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth that a King of France ſhall take Avignon, which is a City in France belonging to the Pope. And that ſome of the people beginning to murmur and mutiny, he ſhall cauſe five of them to be thrown over the Walls into the Rhoſne, which is a ſwift River that paſſeth by. Nole muſt be ſome place thereabouts.

ANNOT.

I can underſtand nothing elſe by Prince Bizantin, but ſome Prince of the houſe of Gonzagne, who derive their pedigree from that of the Palaeologues, formerly Emperours of Conſtantinople, called in ancient time Bizantium. As for the Prince of Tholoſe, there having been none this two or three hundred years ſince that Country was devolved to the Crown of France; but the King himſelf, I ſuppoſe he muſt be underſtood here; ſo that the ſenſe of this Prophecie, (if any be) is, that the King of France ſhall take ſomething from the Duke of Mantua, who is the head of the Gonzagues, as he hath done formerly ſeveral times.

By the faith of Foix, is underſtood the late Duke of Rohan, who deſcended from the houſe of Foix, and who did war againſt the ſaid Duke of Mantua at that time, when the King of France, Lewis XIII. would not ſuffer his Brother the Duke of Orleans to Marry the Princeſs Mary, Daughter of the Duke of Nevers, of the houſe of Gonzague, and lately Queen of Poland.

ANNOT.

Here the Author hath kept his mind to himſelf, as for my part, being ignorant of his barbarous words, I had rather leave the ſenſe of this to the judgement of the Reader, than by an incongruous and far fetched interpretation make my ſelf ridiculous.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy ſeemeth to regard particularly the Pope, who having played the Hypocrite before his Election, eating nothing but Barley bread, that he might be reputed a Saint, ſhall after his Election tyranniſe upon a ſudden, and trample upon the Throat of the greateſt Monarchs, as they have done formerly, and would do yet if they could.

ANNOT.

The conſtruction of this muſt be thus made. The Chiefs of Orleans, (which is a famous Town in France) ſhall come to vex their own (I ſuppoſe) Citizens And near that place called Saint Memire, ſhall be a fight, where one of thoſe chief ones ſhall be killed, or die in his Tent, and ſhall be denyed under pretence of being aſleep:

ANNOT.

I think that inſtead of deciſion it ſhould be diviſion, and then the ſenſe is eaſily made up, thus; that through the diviſion of two Baſtards, the Nephew of the Blood ſhall occupy the Kingdom, which Nephew afterwards in a fight at Lectoure, (which is a ſtrong Town in Gaſcony) ſhall be put to the worſt, and compelled to fold up his Enſigns.

ANNOT.

A man needeth a good pair of Spectacles to ſee through all this, what I underſtand in it is that this Baſtard of Ogmyon, by whom he meaneth the King of France, ought to ſubmit the Fort of Pau to Navarre, and good reaſon too; for Navarre is the Kingdom, and Pau only the chief Town of one Province of it, called Bearn.

ANNOT.

The Prince of Condè, whoſe name was Lewis, and the youngeſt of the Children of Charles of Bourbon, the firſt Duke of Vendoſme, father to Anthony of Bourbon, King of Navarre, went away from the Court in the time of Francis the ſecond King of France, and came into Bearn to the King his Brother. He was ſummoned many times by Francis II. to come to Court; but finding his name to be amongſt thoſe that intended to ſupriſe Lion, he durſt not venture.

Nevertheleſs he was perſwaded by his Uncle the Cardinal of Bourbon, and came to the Court at Orleans. It is eaſie to believe that he fained himſelf to be hurt by a fall from his Horſe, or that really he was ſo; having his Arm in a Scarf, and his Leg ſwadled up, in which poſture he came to teſtifie his obedience to the Kings commands.

In this poſture of a wounded man, whether really and fictitiouſly he came from Palais, which by miſtake is printed Calais; the Printer being ignorant, that in Bearn, where the Prince had ſheltered himſelf, there is a Caſtle called Palais, which was the place that the Prince uſed to live in.

Being come to Court he was preſently arreſted, arraigned and condemned to death. Nevertheleſs the Kings ſickneſs proving mortal, the execution was ſuſpended, and his life ſaved. After that the Prince ſought all o[•]caſions to revenge himſelf, and began about Eaſter in April following. It was not by an open Rebellion againſt the King, but under pretence to maintain the Proteſtant Religion: therefore the Author ſaith, that this life ſaved ſhall bleed in the Temple; becauſe the Princes pretext was the Temple and the Church; that is Religion. Hence the fourth Verſe is clearly underſtood. Reſteth the third Verſe, which ſaith, that his life was differred till the Watch word; becauſe the Queen ſeeing the King her Son upon his death bed, cauſed ſecretly the execution of the Sentence to be differred, that ſhe might make uſe of the King of Navarre, and of the Prince his Brothers favour, againſt the houſe of Guiſe, for the obtaining of the Regency.

Moreover I obſerve, that in the year 1562. the Prince of Condè began openly to rebel, ſurpriſing the City of Orleans the 29 of March, which was Eaſter day that year, which ſheweth the truth of the fourth Verſe.

ANNOT.

By this Pol Menſolée, he meaneth ſome proper name. Tarare is a great Mountain near the City of Lions, that hath two principal ways to go through, which here he calleth Straights; for indeed they are very dangerous for Thieves and Murderers. The reſt is but a threating of War between the Emperour and France, when there ſhall be three Brothers in France.

ANNOT.

I think that the Impreſſion is falſe here; for inſtead of Deſpolle, which is a barbarous word, and ſignifieth nothing, I would have it in French Deſpoville, in Engliſh robbed of all; ſo that Traſmenian Lake is that Lake in Italy not far from the Town of Perugia, where Hannibal gave that notable overthrow to the Romans, and killed above 20000. of them, with their conſul Flaminius.

That man whom he calleth here robbed of all, ſhall kill ſome Germans; for Tudeſco in Italian, is a German, the two laſt words are barbarous.

ANNOT.

The multiplicity of barbarous and inſignificant words, makes this incapable of any conſtruction, if any body will exerciſe his wit thereupon, I ſhall willingly lend him my ear.

ANNOT.

Satur in Oxe; that is, Saturn in Taurus, Jupiter in Water; that is, Jupiter in Aquarius; Mars in arrow, is Mars in Sagitarius; when theſe things ſhall happen. The ſixth day of February ſhall bring a great mortality. Tardaigne is a fictitious name, unleſs he intended Sardaigne. Bruges is a Town in Flander, Ponteroſe is ſome place, where he ſaith, that the chief Barbarin ſhall die, the chief Barbare was the Pope Urban the eighth; but becauſe I do not know the particularities of his death, and the place of it. I cannot make the reſt good.

ANNOT.

The difficulty here, is what is meant by that word Cappadille, for my part I think he meaneth Italy, for ſome times the Italians uſe by way of admiration to ſay Capoli, or Capadillo. Sagunce is a Town in Spain, which for the love of the Carthaginians withſtood the Romans a great while, till they were brought to an extremity of famine, and then ſet fire in their Town.

ANNOT.

This is an expreſs delineation of Charles the V. Empire, who at the latter end of his days retired into a Monaſtery, reſerving unto himſelf for his ſubſiſtance the revenue of the Kingdom of Caſtille, expreſſed here by Cordua, which is a City of Spain.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe and the interpretation is eaſie.

Amboiſe is a Town in France upon the River of Loire.

The two laſt Verſes being inperfect, admits of no interpretation, onely to let the Reader know that Poitiers is a very great City in France, and Capital of the Province of Poitou.

ANNOT.

There is two Towns called Bolloin, one is in Italy, the other in France, the laſt is that which is meant here; for Cardinal Richelieu who is the man that did ſo high things, and the like of which was never in Hierarchy (that is in the Clergy) a little afore his death had vowed if he recovered his health to go in Pilgrimage to Bulloin, where there is a famous Temple for Miracles, (as they ſay) dedicated to our Lady, which is called here the Sun, by an alluſion to that paſſage of the Revelation: And there appeared a Woman cloathed with the Sun; but the ſaid Cardinal was prevented by death.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognoſtication concerning a King of France, meant here by the great Cheiren Selin, who under pretence of a Treaty of Marriage, ſhall recover in his journey theſe two Towns Saint Quintin and Arras, for the Shambles are called in Latine Macellum. Quodilimactentur pectora quae mercatoribus venundantur.

ANNOT.

It is an accident that hath often happened to a Commander of an Army, to find himſelf either by his own overſight, or by the policy of his enemies, ſhut up between two Rivers, having upon neither of them a Bridge at his command; as it did happen once to the Prince of Condé, the Grandfather of this, in the time of the Civil war for Religion, who was forced by it to diſſolve his Army, and bid every one ſhift for himſelf, ſo that they almoſt all eſcaped by ſeveral ſmall parties, ſome going one way ſome another, at ſuch time it is an ordinary ſhift to make uſe of empty Veſſels and Caskes to make a Bridge, as our Author doth mention here.

ANNOT.

I dare not comment upon this, for fear it ſhould be ſaid of me, what was ſaid of the Gloſe of Accurtius; obſcura per obſcurius.

ANNOT.

I never knew nor heard of any body to whom this Stanza might be better applied, then to the late Uſurper Cromwel, for from a ſimple Souldier, he be came to be Lord Protector, and from a Student in the Univerſity he became a graduate in Oxford, he was valliant in Arms, and the worſe Churchman that could be found; as for vexing the Prieſts, I mean the Prelatical Clergy, I believe none went beyond him.

ANNOT.

This prognoſticateth a great diviſion in England between Brothers, about the Title and Kingdom of England, inſomuch, that in concluſion one ſhall be ſurpriſed by night, and carried away into France.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of ſome conſiderable perſon, who ſhall be twice ſet up, and brought down again. The ſecond Verſe is pronounced after the manner of the old Oracles, as [•]iote Aeacida Romanos vincere poſſe,

For no body can tell here whither the Eaſt ſhall weaken the Weſt, or otherways. The laſt two Verſes are eaſie.

ANNOT.

The firſt in France is the King, the firſt in Romania is the Pope, who it ſeemeth ſhall joyn together by Sea and Land, and come againſt Paris, who ſhall call the Engliſh to its help, inſomuch, that ſtrange deeds ſhall be done by that great company. As for Terax, it ſeemeth to be the proper name of ſome man, who by raviſhing a woman called here the Norlaris, ſhall ſpoil her and cauſe ſad conſequences. Norlaris by tranſpoſition of Letters is Lorrain.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth that one pretending to a Kingdom, ſhall never attain to it by often removing his place, until all his ſeats be ſettled, that is, untill his wandring be ceaſed. And a gift brought by him to the King of France from Portugal, ſignified here by the Tag, which is the River of Lisbon the Capital City of it, from which gift ſhall proceed miſery.

ANNOT.

The greateſt Temple of the Rhoſne, is that of the City of Lion, which is ſeated upon that River of Rhoſne, which when it ſhall be robbed and ſpoiled, then ſhall come a horrid Peſtilence, which our Author attributeth to the injuſtice of the King then Reigning, who ſhall neglect to puniſh thoſe Sacriledges.

ANNOT.

This is the deſcription of a ſad Tragedy, which to underſtand, you muſt joyn all the Verſes together, and make it one ſenſe. The Adulterer wounded without a blow, is one that ſhall get a diſeaſe, (ſuppoſe the Pox) his wife finding fault with it, he ſhall murder her, and her Son; ſhe not being quite dead ſhall ſtrangle another Child (which it ſeemeth ſhe had by this Adulterer) and for this fact eight ſhall be taken priſoners and immediately hanged, by which you muſt ſuppoſe the fact to be done in France, for there they Judge and Hang immediately, whereby in England they muſt ſtay till Seſſions-time.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to have a great relation to our late unhappy troubles in England, when the Princeſs Elizabeth and the Duke of Gloceſter were tranſported into the Iſle of Wight, which are the two of the ſeven, (for the Queen hath had ſeven children) and the Kings Majeſty and his Highneſs the Duke of York, were driven into the Low-Countreis, being in a manner in diſpair of ever coming again, and thoſe Countreys were much the better for the harbouring of them; in the laſt Verſe by Nompelle I underſtand Anagrammatically Monpelier, which being taken, there is no more hope in the League, as it did happen in the time of Henry the IV. King of France, who never ſaw the League or Covenant quite routed, till that Town was taken; for it is familiar enough to thoſe kind of Prophets to make an [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], and joyn things paſt, to thoſe that are to come, to darken the Readers underſtanding, and as the Scripture ſaith, Us videntes non videant.

ANNOT.

The words of this Prophecy are plain enough, and becauſe I cannot learn in Hiſtory that ſuch things have come to paſs yet, therefore I reckon it among thoſe de future.

ANNOT.

In the year 1555. Ferdinand Alvaro of Toledo Duke of Alba, being ſent by Charles the V. into Italy to reſiſt the French, arrived in June at Milan, and having gathered together, all his Forces, Beſieged the Town St. Jago, but Henry II. King of France ſending ſome ſuccours by the Duke of Aumale, he raiſed up his ſiege, and put his Army into Garriſons. The Duke of Alba leaving the Field in this manner, the Duke of Aumale beſieged Vulpian, wherein were 1000. ſouldiers in Garriſon, under the command of Caeſar of Naples, beſides the Inhabitants. Never was a place ſo ſuriouſly aſſaulted, and ſo manfully defended, ſo that the French were many times beaten back; but at laſt after 24 days ſiege the Duke of Aumale did gloriouſly take it.

The Author foretelling the time of this victory, ſaid it was when the writing D M. in big letters was found, that is to ſay, about the II. of September after the Equinox, becauſe in the Ephemerides, the Meridional deſcenſion of the Planets, and chiefly of Sol, Venus, and Mercury is marked with theſe two Letters D. M. which deſcenſion cometh to paſs after the Equinox of Autumn towards the end of September. At the ſame time was diſcovered an ancient Cave, wherein was found one of thoſe Lamps, that cannot be put out, and burns continually without any addition of Oil, by an invention that is loſt. Such another was found in the time of Alexander the VI. and Adrian the VI.

The Town of Vulpian was at that time tried by a King and a Prince, viz. Henry the II. and the Duke of Aumale Prince of Lorrain, and Brother to the Cardinal of Lorrain, and to the Duke of Guiſe.

The Author addeth, that beſides theſe three things, viz. the finding of the letters D. M. The Cave diſcovered the ſiege of Vulpian; there happened a fourth one, viz. that a Queen and a Duke ſhould conſult together in a Summer-houſe, about the important affairs of the Kingdom. To underſtand this, we muſt ſuppoſe that Pope Paul the IV. willing to ſecure his own perſon and the Eccleſiaſtical State againſt the Spaniſh faction, and that of the Coloneſe, did ſeize upon many places belonging to the ſaid Coloneſe, and knowing beſides that the Spaniards being of the Coloneſes party, would not fail to come upon him, he diſpoſed the King of France to come to his ſuccours, ſo that the Queen having a particular confidence in the Duke of Guiſe, did conſult with him about this buſineſs in ſome Summer-houſe, which the French call a Pavillon,

ANNOT.

It is very hard to ſay what the Author meaneth by theſe disjunctives Par. Car. Nerſaf, all what can be gathered by what follows, is, that there ſhall be a great variance and ſtrife about an Election, (I ſuppoſe of a Pope as it uſeth to be) and that Nerſaf ſhall have the good will of the people, and yet none of them ſhall be Elected.

As for the fourth Verſe, it is to be noted firſt that Ferrara is a ſtrong Town in Italy belonging to the Pope, and Colonna is the [••]me of the chief Family in Rome, now whether Ferrara ſhall be a protection to Colonna, or Colonna to Ferrara, we leave it to the Reader to judge, becauſe the Verſe hath a double ſenſe.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are very plain, the two laſt not ſo; therefore obſerve that Arles is a City in France, in the Countrey of Danphine or Provence, famous for antiquity, which is forwarned here not to ſhew its Forts, nor its Aqueducts, (which are buildings to convey water, nor its embalmed Prince, which it ſeemeth lyeth thereabout buried. The Author hath deprived here the Author of the reaſons for why?

ANNOT.

This is the deſcription of a grand Cheat, when an old man called here Angel, ſhall ſtoop before a young one, whom he ſhall overcome at laſt, after they have been ten years equal. The laſt Verſe is Miſtical, for there is four numbers, three, two, one, which make ſix; and eight, which he calleth Seraphin, whether by alluſion to that Quire of Angels, which ſome call the eight, or whether to the Order of St. Francis, who calleth it ſelf Seraphical, is not eaſie to determine.

ANNOT.

Meſopotamia is a Greek word, ſignifying a Countrey between two Rivers; and though there be many Countreys ſo ſeated, yet to this day, it properly belongeth to that Countrey, that lyeth between the two famous Rivers Tigris and Euphrates near Babylon; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is clear, viz. that about the year 1607. the number of Aſtronomers ſhall grow very great, of which ſome ſhall be expelled and baniſhed, and their Books cenſured and ſuppreſſed: the reſt is inſigniſicant to me.

ANNOT.

Perugia is a City in Italy, and ſo is Ravenna, by which it ſeemeth there ſhall be a notable Battle fought, as was once before in the time of Lewis the XII King of France between Gaſton de Foix his Nephew, and Don Raimond de Cardonne Vice-roy of Naples, for there the French got the Battle; in conciuſion of which, the ſaid Gaſton de Foix purſuing a Troop of Spaniards that were reti[•]ing, was unfortunately kill'd, and ſo the victorious were vanquiſhed.

ANNOT.

Theſe words are ſo plain that they need no interpretation.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this ſeemeth to be, that a certain King being far got into a new conquered Countrey, where he ſhall deal perfidiouſly with his Subjects, that then he ſhall meet with ſuch an accident, as to his Citizens ſhall be inſtead of feaſt & welcom

ANNOT.

There is nothing hard here but the laſt Verſe, whereby it is ſignified, that after ſuch an inceſt of the Mother with the Son in the City of Tours (wich is a Town in France) the fruit of it ſhall be ſecretly buryed, and green Turfs laid upon the place, and Leaves upon them, to take away the knowledge of it.

ANNOT.

Macelin, is a Butcher or cruel man, from the Latine word Macellum, which ſignifieth the Shambles, it is without contradiction that by this Prophecy is plain concerning the late tyrant Cromwel, and his unlawful Government.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth here by Antichriſt is not eaſie to determine, for he cannot mean the Pope, himſelf being a Papiſt, nor the great Antichriſt, whoſe Reign, according to the Scripture, ſhall laſt but three years and a half, it is more likely then that this Stanza hath coherence with the precedent, and that by it he meaneth Henry the VIII. who for the ſpace of about 27 years before he dyed, did handle ſomething roughly the Clergy and Clergy-men.

ANNOT.

Bragamas is the ſame thing that we call now Bragadocio. By the Gods Sanctuary, he meaneth the Temples of the Romiſh Religion, who are reputed Sanctuaries, and are full of Images, which they worſhip as Gods, praying and offering Incenſe to them.

ANNOT.

Nonnaire and Gorgon are two barbarous words, as for the ſenſe of that and the reſt, he that ſhall be able to read the words, ſhall be as wiſe as my ſelf.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth by the great Rogue is not obvious, but the main drift of this Stanza ſeemeth to be, to foretel the abuſes that ſhould be offered to the Popiſh Images by the Proteſtant party, as it was done in the time of the Civil VVars of France, and a little while after our Author had written his Prophecies.

By the great Rogue, he meaneth ſome chief Commander of the Proteſtant party, that were in thoſe days, as the Prince of Conde, the Admiral of Caſtilon, or his Brother Dandelot.

ANNOT.

This threatneth the Empire that now is in Germany, of a great deſolation, and to be removed from its place, and threatneth alſo the Iſland of Sicily of a fearful commotion, which ſhall trouble the undertakings of Philip, that is, King of Spain, becauſe they uſually are called by that name.

ANNOT.

The words of this are eaſie to be underſtood, but not who ſhould be that man to whom he giveth theſe four famous Epithetes of Long-gnawer, dry, cringing and fawning.

ANNOT.

By Zara I ſuppoſe that the Venetians are meant, who have a very ſtrong Town of that name, ſituated in Dalmatia. Bizance is Conſtantinople, as we have ſaid before; now whether this Prophecy was fulfilled when the Venetians took the Iſland of Tenedos, ſome 20 years ago, which is not far from Constantinople, or whether it is to come, I dare not aſſert.

ANNOT.

It hath been impoſſible for me to make any ſenſe of this, and therefore I believe that it is falſely printed, and that inſtead of Paterne, it ſhould be Palerme, which is the chief Town in Sicily. Trinacry is Sicily it ſelf, ſo called, quod tria habeat, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] ſeu promontoria.

ANNOT.

Bayonne is a Town in France, upon the ſtontiers of Spain, and Saint John de Lux is the utmoſt frontiere of France, that way, (that being ſuppoſed) he ſaith, that about Saint John de Lux, the promoting of the war ſhall be ſet down; that is, that peace ſhall be made, as it was about ſeven or eight years ago between France and Spain, and the Marriage concluded between the King and the Infanta. The two laſt Verſes are nonſenſical, and only ſet down to make up the rhime.

ANNOT.

Arnani, Tholoſe, and Villefranche are Towns of a Province in France called Languedoc. Mont Adrian is a Mountain thereabout, and Hutin is an old French word, ſignifying noiſe and ſtrife, the ſenſe then of this Prophecy is, that by thoſe Towns and Mountains, ſhall paſs an infinite multitude of people, with a great noiſe and ſtrite, and ſhall come and enter into Bayonne, every one crying in that Countrey Language Bichoro, which is as much as to ſay, Victory.

ANNOT.

There is no miſtical ſenſe in this, and the words are plain, although of crabbid conſtruction.

ANNOT.

Sardinia is an Iſland in the Mediterranean Sea, now in the poſſeſſion of the Spapaniard, ſince he took the Kingdom of Naples, the three firſt Verſes are ſomething intelligible, the laſt is altogether impoſſible and barbarous.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth that an Uncle ſhall murder his Nephews Children, that he may Reign, and that the ſaid Nephew ſhall withdraw, and ſave himſelf from the ſaid Uncle. The reſt is altogether obſcure, if not abſurd.

ANNOT.

By the croſſed is underſtood ſome order of Knight-hood, who for the moſt part wear that Badge, one of which being mad, and ſeeing in a Church a Horny Oxe come, by a Virgin Hog ſhall be kept from harm, or reſcued by a Hog or Sow that was a Virgin, and it ſeems croſſed the ſaid Oxe, that he ſhould not gore the Knight, that then ſuch order of Knighthood ſhall be no more maintained nor upheld by the King of that Countrey, wherein ſuch thing ſhall happen.

ANNOT.

Rhodanus in Latine is the River ef Rhoſne, which cometh from Switzerland, and paſſing through the Lake of Geneva, runneth to Lyon, it ſeemeth then that in thoſe Fields that are about that River there, will be a fearful inundation, when the Braſſiers (or rather Croziers, which is a conſtellation ſo called) ſhall meet in Piſces, which is one of the twelve Signs of the Zodiack.

ANNOT.

Theſe obſcure words ſignifie no more but that a King ſhall ſend a great Army far from his Kingdom, the Commander of which Army ſhall make the Army his own, which the King hearing, ſhall ſeize upon the Commanders Relations, and keep them Priſoners and Hoſtages, for which the ſaid General being angry, ſhall at his return ſpoil the Countrey.

ANNOT.

By this Prophecy three things are foretold, the firſt is of a Pope that ſhall fit but ſeven months, at whoſe death there will be a great Schiſme; the ſecond is of a great Governour or Chief Juſtice, ſuch as were called by the ancient Romans Praetores, ſhall be in authority alſo but ſeven months; and the third, that hard by Venice all theſe differences ſhall be compoſed, and peace made again.

ANNOT.

It is very difficult, if not impoſſible to tell what our Author meaneth by the Lake, wherein the moſt dear was thrown, and loſt his Army. The Albaneſes are a Nation between the Venetians and Greece, now for the moſt part ſubject to the ſaid Venetians.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain, the two laſt Verſes not ſo, which ſeemeth to foretell of a great union among the Clergy, which ſhall draw to them thoſe that were peaceably affected.

ANNOT.

A Synagogue is a place where the Jews aſſemble for Divine VVorſhip, as the Chriſtians do in Churches or Temples, the ſaid Jews Synagogue is threatned here to be unfruitful and barren, and chiefly in Babylon, by the means of a woman, daughter of one perſecuted; belike of ſome of their own tribe, whom the reſt did perſecute.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe being made of inſignificant words, as Var and Pompotans cannot be underſtood; the other three doth foretel of three handſom Children, that ſhall be born near the Shore, which when they have attained a competent Age, ſhall change the Kingdom of that Countrey, and ſuppeſs it.

ANNOT.

This is eaſie to be underſtood, which foretelleth a very great perſecution to the Clergy-men, viz. Papiſts, of which Religion our Author was, if this be not already paſt in the Civil Wars of France, that were made for Religion, in the beginning of Reformation, where abundance of Clergy-men did periſh on both ſides.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is very remarkable, for the thing it foretelleth, viz. a tranſlation of the See of Rome, that is, the Popedom into another place by three Temporal Kings, and not only that, but it ſeemeth by the ſenſe of the laſt two Verſes, that theſe will keep the Eccleſiaſtical authority to themſelves.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is, that by reaſon of a great Army that ſhall be much ſcattered, and occupy a great deal of room, water will be ſo ſcarce, that ſome ſhall die for thirſt, it is that he calleth here, To die by thirſt, through abundance of want.

Other Stanza's heretofore Printed, under the VIII. CENTURY.

ANNOT.

This is plain, and needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

VVe are juſt now at the Eve of this Prophecy, when ſo many Princes and Potentates do buſie themſelves about a Mediation between the two Crowns of France and Spain, &c.

ANNOT.

It is indeed a great fury and pity to ſee how wicked people, and chiefly Uſurers and falſe dealers, (underſtood here by the name of VVolfs) are diligent in doing miſchief, and to make good the old Proverb, Homo homini [•]upus, there being no other Creature but the VVolf that devours thoſe of his own kind.

ANNOT.

This carrieth its ſenſe with it, and is plain.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to point at this preſent conjuncture of affairs, where there is ſo many buiſying themſelves about the relief of Flanders, of which I ſee no great likelihood.

ANNOT.

There is two Towns called Vienna's, one is in Germany, in the Province of Auſtria, and is the Emperours Seat, the other in France, a metter of twenty miles beyond Lion, the reſt is eaſie.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY IX.

ANNOT.

It is not eaſie to underſtand what he meaneth by the Tranſlator of Boure, unleſs it be ſome mean and pittiful fellow, that lived by Tranſlating things from one language into another, becauſe the French uſe to call a man that is inconſiderable, un homme du boure, that is a man of Flocks, and ſo much the more I am of this opinion, becauſe of the ſcurvy Epithetes, he attributeth to the ſame perſon, by which he might eaſily be known as of blind of one eye, red, white, beary, &c.

ANNOT.

Mount Aventine is one of the ſeven Mountains of Rome, from the top of which our Author ſaith that a voice was heard crying and repeating, get you gone, and the reaſon is, becauſe choler and anger ſhall feed upon the blood of the Cardinals, underſtood here by the name of red ones.

Arimini and Prato are two Cities in Italy.

The Colonna is the chiefeſt and ancienteſt family of Rome.

ANNOT.

This word of Magna vaqua is either falſly printed, or altogether barbarous and inſignificant, and ſo is that of Fornaſe, which maketh the two firſt Verſes incapable of tranſlation; the other are eaſie.

ANNOT.

Our Author meaneth, that the year after the former Prophecy is come to paſs, this ſhall alſo be fulfilled, whereby two Chief Commanders ſhall be choſen, the firſt of which ſhall not ſtand, but ſhall be compelled to run away, and to ſeek his ſecurity in the open Fields, and that houſe that did uphold the firſt ſhall be plundered.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that ſome body pretending to mend the Government of thoſe two places that are in Italy, ſhall tyrannically make himſelf Maſter of them.

ANNOT.

Here is foretold a famous invaſion, that ſhall be made by the Engliſh upon that part of France called Guyenne, and in Latine Aquitania, of which Bourdeaux is the chief City, inſomuch, that the Engliſh afterwards ſhall call that Countrey Angl'Aquitaine.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is perſpicuous.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe are plain.

ANNOT.

The ancient Veſtals, were a Kind of Religious Virgins in the ancient Romans time, who if they did forfeit their honour, were buried alive in a Cave, with a little Bread and Water, and a Lamp burning, our Author would have, that when a Lamp ſhall be found lighted with an unquenchable fire, in that place where then their Temple was, that then Niſmes (which is a City of Languedoc, ſhall periſh by Water, and the Market-hall of Tholouſe ſhall fall, whether ſuch a Lamp may be contrived as to burn with an unquenchable fire, is too long and tedious a diſcourſe to be diſputed here.

ANNOT.

Foix and Panniers are two Towns in Languedoc, and ſo are Tholouſe and Caraſſonne, called here Carcas, for the abbreviation of the Verſe, the ſenſe then of this prophecy is, that when the two firſt Verſes ſhall come to paſs, that then an Army ſhall lie about thoſe Towns, and Carcaſſonne ſhall be againſt Thoulouſe.

ANNOT.

Many underſtand this of the late King, and laſt Plague.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning a Potter, who ſeeking and digging for new Clay, ſhall find in a drained Lake the Statues of Diana and Mercury all of ſilver, beſides other great riches; ſeeing this Prophecy is not come to paſs yet (that I know) it will not be amiſs, for the divertiſement of the Reader, to relate here a notable and authentical Hiſtory of a Potter that hath much reſſemblance with this, and will be a convincing Argument, that Mines grow in the Earth as Turfs do, and as Virgil ſayeth of the golden branch:

Uno avulſo non deficit alter.

It is written by Doctor de Rochas, Phyſitian to the preſent Chancellor of France, who was upon the place, and an eye witneſs of the circumſtances of it, having alſo an intereſt in it, in the behalf of his Father, who was overſeer of the Mines in that Province, therefore I ſhall relate it in his own words, as they are in his Book of Mineral Waters.

In Provence near Thoulon, is a Mountain called Carquairené, at the foot of which and near the brim of the Sea, there dwelled a Potter with all histools about ^[2] him; It chanced that on a day as he went to fetch Wood in that Mountain, to bake his wares, he heard a voice of a little Kid, which ſome Shepherd had left behind them unawares, and was fallen in a little hole that anſwered to natural, great and deep Caves; this man ſeeing no Shepherds about him, thought preſently it was a ſtrayed Kid, therefore he followed the cry with his ear ſo directly, that he came by the orifice of that hole, where he heard and ſaw the Kid, which he reſolved to carry away with his Wood, therefore he took the Cords that were at his Mules Saddle, and that he uſed to bind his Load with, and with the help of them, and of ſome big pieces of VVood he got down, where, he did obſerve round about him many other Caves, contiguous and ſeparated from this, which his curioſity cauſed him to view, and found in the chief of theſe Caves a great quantity of ſtones heaped upon one another, & of a ſubſtance and colour of Braſs, and among the reſt there was one that came forth out of the Rock, about the bigneſs, ſhape, and length of a mans arm, when it is ſtretched out; he did apparently judge that the weight and brittleneſs of that matter had cauſed thoſe ſtones to fall down, and that the ſame that he ſaw come out of the Rock in this manner, was already looſe and like to fall; this man finding himſelf among ſuch an abundance of rich Lingots, which fortune did offer him, did not know the value of them, but did like the Cock of Aeſop which left the precious Pearl to take the Corn of VVheat; thus this Jaſon took very little of this Golden Fleece, and only a ſmall piece, which he broke from a bigger with one of his Tools, and imployed all his induſtry to carry away his Kid, which at laſt with much ado he got out, and carried upon his Mule, believing certainly that this proviſion would be more profitable to him and his Family, then the yellow ſtone which he had in his pocket, weighing about five pounds, and which he intended to give to a Tinker of Thoulon, his Goſſip and good friend, in hope that for the ſame he might be preſented with a bottle of VVine, to keep company to his Kid; and accordingly the next morning by break of day he went to Thoulon, and ſtayed in the Shop of his friend, who did look with admiration upon ſo reſplendent Braſs; a Gold-ſmith who lodged over the way, and obſerved the ſplendor of that Divine mettal, drew near, and preſently would have bargained for it, with a great deal of tranſportation and alteration. The Potter asked him only twenty pence, which the Gold-ſmith would have given him preſently, but the Tinker making ſign to him to retract his words, he put his lingot in his pocket again, with proteſtation that he would not part with it, unleſs he had ſomething that were worth the pains of going where he had it; in concluſion, after many conteſtations and diſputes, the Potter who did ſuſpect that it might be gold, would not ſell nor deliver it under the ſum of thirty Crowns, which the Gold-ſmith paid him preſently, and which he carried away with more joy, then if he had been poſſeſſor of greater riches; the Gold-ſmith on the other ſide, who thought that his profit would be above a hundred pounds ſterlings, did refine this ſtone, that was about five pound weight, out of which he drew four pound weight, of very good and pure gold, the reſt was a kind of droſs, that made it thus brittle; one ought not to think that the Mine is all of the ſame perfection, but it purifieth it ſelf, according as nature thruſteth it out of the Rock, as we ſee that Rubies and Emeralds are purer, then the Rock from whence they come. This Gold-ſmith having found ſuch fortune, and being reſolved to make the beſt uſe of it, went to the Lord Scaravaque, then Governour of the Town, and imparted unto him this new diſcovery, that he might have his afſiſtance and favour in it, and that under his power and authority he might follow and wait upon this precious buſineſs without being diſturbed by any body, to which the Governour did ſo much the eaſier conſent, that this Tradeſman did obli[•]ge himſelf to give him the beſt part of the profit that ſhould ariſe from thence, and that ſhould exceed any Travels into the Indies or Peru.

In the mean time the Potter was not aſleep, the Gold-ſmiths money had ſtirred his appetite, and the charm of this witchcraft that worketh generally upon all ſpirits, did put him upon new hopes. He went into the Mountain with his wife, and with the help of a rope Ladder, which he had provided, and ſome Iron tools, wherewith he had loaded his Mule, he went down into the Caves, and with much endeavour did at laſt break that piece, that came out of the Rock like a mans arm, becauſe all the other that were tumbled upon the ground, were ſo big and heavy that he could not remove them, when he had broken it down, though it were about fourſcore and two pounds weight, nevertheleſs with the help of his wife and of his Ropes and Ladder he got out again, and ſtopt the hole with a large ſtone, and ſome Earth, upon which he planted ſome ſmall Buſhes ſo ingeniouſly, that this hole could never be found out again.

The Lord Scaravaque who was moſt imptaient, to conquer like another Jaſon this Golden Fleece, and who was ſet on by the perſuaſions of the Gold-ſmith, ſent for the Potter, under pretence to employ him in the making and furniſhing of ſome Tiles and other ſmall commoditeis that depended on his art. The Potter obeyed preſently, drawn by the hopes to ſell his wares well, and miſtruſting nothing at all what they would ask him. As ſoon as he came, the Governour asked him and perſwaded him with the beſt and moſt flattering words he could, to tell where he had the yellow ſtone that he ſold to the Gold ſmith? The Potter who more and more began to know the value of this rare Treaſure, invented preſently a lie, to free himſelf of the importunity of them that would have deceived him; therefore with an ingenuity, as ſimple as artificial he anſwered, he had found it upon the brim of the Sea, where may be ſome Ship had been caſt away, or the Waves had caſt it upon the ſhore.

The Governour anſwered that this could not be, and therefore threatned him of violence, and to ſend for all that he had in his Houſe, which put the fellow into a great perplexity, becauſe of the other ſtone that ſhould be found there, therefore he choſe rather to give it them out of his good will, then to put himſelf in danger of looſing all, and perchance of being abuſed to boot, without any more ado, he ingenuouſly confeſſed he had another piece of the ſame ſtuff as the former in his Houſe, which he had likewiſe found in the ſame place, which he was ready to put into their hands, provided he might have his ſhare of it, and be ſuffered to get his livelihood peaceably. The Lord Scaravaque did promiſe him all what he deſired, and gave him ſome men to keep him company, with command to bring him back again, and to take ſpecial care he ſhould not make an eſcape. At laſt this poor man came back again with that piece, which did more inflame the paſſion that the Governour had to know the place whence came that rich treaſure; but neither for prayers, promiſes, or threats he would never reveal it, which did oblige the Governour to ſhut him up cloſe in a Chamber, where nevertheleſs they gave him Victuals and made ready a Bed, but he refuſed both, and by an extraordinary ſadneſs, gave ſhew that ſome notorious miſchance was waiting on him, which proved true, for he was found dead in the Morning; which did put the Lord Scaravaque in a grief unexpreſſible, to ſee himſelf deprived by this accident, of the fruit that his hopes had made him conceive. He had recourſe to the Potters wiſe for this diſcovery, but ſhe could never attain to it, whatſoever exact ſearches ſhe could make: yea, and after ſhe was married again with a young man, who had ſpent in that ſearch moſt of his time. The Lord Scaravaque and other perſons of quality have employed all their skills and endeavours, but all their induſtry and charges have been without effect, as well as of many others, who attempted the ſame; about that time my Father who was overſeer of the Mines in Provence, having received the news of a buſineſs of ſuch conſequence, that did concern his place, went preſently unto that Mountain, to ſee if he could diſcover thoſe wonders, I was then in his company, as alſo that woman, viz. the Potters wife, who carried us in ſeveral places for many days, without any ſucceſs at all, although ſhe gave noti[•]e that ſhe could here the Waves of the Sea, when ſhe was in the Cave with her firſt Husband, ſo that all our endeavours proved fruitleſs and unprofitable, becauſe my Father fell ſick, which made us forſake our queſt, which is of ſuch a conſequence as not to be neglected.

During the time of our painful viſiting that Mountain, I did conſider the particularities of that rich Mountain, and obſerved that the top of it was almoſt all Az[•]r, which tokens are the beams of that golden Sun and are the hairs of that fair goodneſs, under whoſe feet all things ſubmit; in a word, are the true and infallible ſigns that underneath are Mines of Gold and Silver. And as I have directed all my thoughts many times to find out the means to compaſs ſo excellent a work, whoſe profit would ſurpaſs all what the Indies furniſh unto ſtrangers, and that with ſo much leſs charges and danger, that there is no need of Ships or Fleet to croſs over the Sea, from one Pole to the other, nor fight againſt any enemies: at laſt I have attained to a certain knowledge▪ which putteth me in hope, and makes me promiſe and engage my word, that at leaſt I ſhall find a thred of that golden Mine, which may chance to lead us to the Centre of all theſe Treaſures, but the Royal Authority being neceſſary to prop up this deſign, it belongeth to his Majeſty to take what courſe he thinketh beſt for this, and to me to obey, execute his will. This digreſſion which is an aſſured experiment, (that is a certain truth, is not come into this diſcourſe, but only to prove that Mines grow by augmentation, in converting into their own nature the more ſubtle parts of the Neighbouring Earth. Thus far Doctor de Rochas.

ANNOT.

Sologne is a Province in France, between the Perche and the Main. Auxois is a Countrey in the South of France, ſo called of its chief Town called Auch, the ſeat of an Archbiſhop. Modena is a Town in Italy, and Bolonia another not far from it. Buranceis is a part of the Province of Dauphini. The meaning then of this Prophecy is, this being known, the Reader may eaſily find out the reſt of the ſenſe.

ANNOT.

This hath a relation to the puniſhment, which in ſome parts of France and Flanders is inflicted upon falſe Coiners, which are commonly boiled in Oil, in a great Kettle, ſuch as our Author here ſaith belong to Dyers. The Author then will have that the time ſhall come, when ſeven of that gang ſhall be ſo puniſhed together in a Plain, where a great Kettle ſhall be ſet for that purpoſe upon a Furnace.

ANNOT.

Parpan is either a barbarous or fained name, by the red ones, he hath hitherto underſtood ſome Cardinals, the Reader may expound the reſt according to his fancy.

ANNOT.

Caſtel France is a Town in Piemont; Riviere is a ſtrong Caſtle in Burgundy, but what he meaneth by the great Gulfe, is more then I can tell.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy pointeth directly at our Authors Maſter Charles the IX. King of France, whom he calleth he the third firſt, becauſe he was the third ſon to Henry II. and came to be King, uſing more cruelties then ever Nero did, for he was the cauſe of the Maſſacre of the Proteſtants in France in the year 1572. where above a hundred thouſand people were murdered. Forneron is a barbarous word, put here to make a Verſe, and to rhime with Neron. At that time he ſaith the Golden Age was dead, and upon the coming of a new King, who was Henry III. great tumults did happen, and great Wars, as is to be ſeen in the French Hiſtory.

ANNOT.

Although the words and ſenſe of this Prophecy be moſt obſcure, nevertheleſs we ſhall endeavour as much as we can to render them ſomething intelligible to the Reader.

By the firſt Verſe is to be underſtood that Dauffois, or rather Dauphinois, which is the Title of the Kings of France eldeſt Son ſhall carry the Lillie, which is the Arms of France into Nancy, the chief Town in Lorrain, which came to paſs in the time of the laſt King Lewis the XIII.

By the ſecond Verſe is underſtood the Elector of Triers, who was taken by the Spaniards in his own Town, and carried priſoner to Bruxelles.

By the third and fourth is expreſſed the ill luck of the Duke of Montmorency, who having taken part with the Duke of Lorrain, and the Duke of Orleans the Kings Brother, was routed in a Battle, taken priſoner, and afterwards beheaded at Thoulouſe.

ANNOT.

Fougeres is either the name of a Town in little Britanny, or that of a Noble Houſe, the words are very plain, therefore I leave the ſenſe to every ones capacity.

ANNOT.

Rennes is the chief Town of little Britanny; the ſecond Verſe being made of barbarous words, is impoſſible to be underſtood. The third and fourth Verſe ſignifieth, that when a black Monk in that Town of Varennes ſhall put on a gray ſute, he ſhall be elected Captain, and cauſe a great tempeſt or broils by fire and blood.

ANNOT.

There is a miſtake in the firſt Verſe, for inſtead of Salonne, it muſt be written Soulaire, which is a Priory and Church at the top of Blois, all the reſt ſignifieth that in one night theſe ſhall happen, viz. that the Bridge, the Prelat, and a pernicious King with a ſmart victory ſhall periſh, whence the Prelature, that is the place of Command upon the white ones, viz. Canons and Prebends in their Surplices) ſhall be void and empty.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is very obſcure, for, firſt no body can tell what he meaneth by langue halbe, which is the foundation of all the reſt of the ſenſe; Secondly, what this Duke of Montor and Mantor ſhould be, which has been unknown in the Hiſtories hither to; and thirdly, what conſtruction and ſenſe can be made of theſe disjunctives: Albe, Mantor, Dagger, Tongue, Palate, Therefore i'le leave it free to every bodies opinion to make his conſtruction.

ANNOT.

By this is meant, that the youngeſt Son of a King, ſhall be knocked in the head, while he is a playing under a tun; his Father being at the ſame time in the Temple of Saint Soulaine at Maſs.

ANNOT.

Theſe two or three laſt Stanzas have been concerning the City of Blois, to which it ſeemeth that this hath alſo relation, for he ſaith that two little Royal Children ſhall be carried at the top of the Caſtle, and ſhall be conveyed beyond Aurelle (which is Orleans in Latine Aurelianum) Lutece, which is Paris; S. Denis Cloiſters, which is beyond Paris, and a Nunnery beſides, where it is like they ſhall be left to eat green ſtones of fruit, which is not eaſie to be underſtood, no more then the word Mollods.

ANNOT.

Beziers is a City in Languedoc; the reſt may be conſtrued by the meaneſt capacity.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth that there ſhall be a ſilly ſurrendring of a Town, cauſed by ſharp and threatning Letters that ſhall be ſent into it. By the great Cap he uſeth to underſtand the Pope, who he faith ſhall give what is not it, as he hath done many times Vultry, in Latine Velitrum, and Piombino are two Cities in Italy, which are threatned here with mighty winds.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth that a woodden Bridge ſhall be broken by a cloſe wind, as did happen to the Millers Bridge, and the Birds Bridge in Paris.

The ſecond Verſe ſeemeth to foretel the conſpiracy of the Mareſhal of Biron, againſt Henry IV. his Dolphin and Eſtate.

The third and fourth, the Wars and Conqueſt which the ſaid King (whom he called old Teccon, made upon the Duke of ſavoy, who had corrupted the ſaid Marſhal of Biron.

ANNOT.

What he meaneth by Symaclian Sail, is not eaſie to determine; Maſſilian Port is that of Marſeilles in France, called in Latine Maſſilia, the ſenſe of this Prophecy then if any be, is, that a great Fleet ſhall go from thence to Venice, to carry ſuccours to the Hungarians, who it ſeemeth ſhall be much diſtreſſed at that time by the Turks, and that Sicily and Genoa ſhall add to this Fleet a conſiderable ſuccour of Men, and Warlike Munition.

ANNOT.

He that giveth place to no body is the Pope; as for the laſt Verſe, I had rather read St. Quintin and Cales, which are two conſiderable Towns in France, then otherwiſe.

That place taken, not taken was the City of N[•]yon in Picardy, which was taken by the Spaniſh Cavalry, cloathed after the French Mode, which ſtratagem deceived the Citizens and Soldiers that defended it: ſo he ſaith taken, becauſe it fell into the hands of the Spaniards, and not taken, becauſe it was by a ſtratagem or deceit.

ANNOT.

Puola is for Paulo here, and by it is underſtood the Port of Malta, which being Beſieged by the Turks, Philip the II. King of Spain, ſent an Army to relieve it, which made thoſe of Byzantium (which is Conſtantinople) cry alas, &c.

ANNOT.

Mortara is a Town in Italy, by Caſſich and St. George he meaneth two other places.

ANNOT.

Porphir[•] is a kind of hard red Marble ſpeckled with white ſpots, which is very ſcarce, and chiefly in great pieces; our Author then faieth that a great Colomn of that ſtuff ſhall be found, and about the Baſis of it ſome words in Roman Characters, and that about that time a great Fleet ſhall be a gathering at the Port of Methelin, which is an Iſland in the Archipelago, belonging now to the Turks; as for the third Verſe, I cannot tell what to make of it.

ANNOT.

All theſe intricated words and ſenſe foretell that, when a King of Denmarck named Hercules ſhall be made King of the Romans, that then Italy and Venice it ſelf ſhall ſtand in great fear of him; and that he ſhall be as great a Prince or Monarch as ever was in Europe; and that very likely, for by his dignity of King of the Romans he conſequently ſhall attain to the Empire.

ANNOT.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth, that ſome certain man who was married; ſhall be parted from his wife, and ſhall attain to ſome great Eccleſiaſtical Dignity.

The ſecond Verſe is, that in coming back from ſome place or entrepriſe, he ſhall be met and fought with, and compelled to eſcape over the Tyles of a Houſe.

The third Verſe is, that a man of great account ſhall be betrayed by five hundred of his men.

And the laſt, that when theſe things ſhall come t[•] paſs, Narbon and Salcer, which are two Cities of Languedoc, ſhall reap and make a great deal of Oil.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy ought to be underſtood of an Emperour of Germany, whoſe name ſhall be Ferdinand, who being accompanied with many Germans, that for the moſt part are faire haired people ſhall come and War againſt Gracia, which is expreſſed here by the names of Macedon and Myrmidon, the firſt of which is a Countrey, and the laſt [•] Nation, both in Graecia.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1560. when Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, and his Brother Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Condé, coming to King Francis W. at Orleans, upon the 29. of October, the Prince of Condé was put in priſon, and the King of Navarre arreſted. The Lord And[•]ew Fauyn in his Hiſtory of Navarre, ſaith, that the opinion of the Councel was, that the Prince of Condee ſhould be beheaded, for having been the chief of the conſpiracy at Amboiſe, and the King of Navarre ſhould be ſtabbed in the Kings Chamber by the King himſelf, aſſiſted by others for that purpoſe. The Lady of Montpenſier gave notice of it to the King of Navarre, who being ſent for by the King, charged expreſly Cattin his waiting man and an old ſervant of his Father to take a care and preſerve his bloody ſhirt after his death, till his ſon came to Age, to revenge it upon the murderers God be thanked this came not to paſs, for the King having called him, and going about to provoke him with [•]oul words, he anſwered ſo meekly and humbly, that the Kings anger was appeaſed, where upon the Duke of Guiſe going out of the room, ſaid, O what a cowardly Prince is this. Theſe things are expreſſed in the firſt and ſecond Verſe, when he ſaith that a great King ſhould be put in Priſon by a young one, becauſe Antony of Bourbon, though he was not a great King in Lands, yet he was a great one in courage and prudence. And it was not far from Eaſter, ſith it was but five months before, viz. from the beginning of November, to the ſixth of April 1591. which was Eaſterday, the Author putteth in this circumſtance, becauſe the next Eaſter after, the King of Navarre was made General of France under the Queen Regent.

He addeth the blow of a Knife, as we have ſhewed; he alſo ſaith a laſting bad time, which proved very true, moreover, he ſaith, what lightning in the Hune o[•] Topmaſt, becauſe King Francis died preſently after. In the fourth Verſe he ſaith, that three Brothers ſhall be hurt and killed, thoſe three Brothers were Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, killed at the Siege at Rouen, the Cardinal of Bourbon, and Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Conde, killed at the Battle of [•]arnac.

ANNOT.

Here is foretold a prodigious inundation of the River Caronne, in the month of December, by which the Walls, Building, and the City of Thoulouſe is threatned to be overturned. The laſt word of all is barbarous, and added to make up the rhime.

ANNOT.

For the better underſtanding of this, the hard words muſt firſt be made plain; Blaye is a City upon the River Garonne, and the Port-Town to Bourdeaux; Rochel is a City upon the ſame Coaſt; Agen is a City in Gaſcony not far frm Bourdeaux, and Narbonne is a City in Languedoc, by the Mediterranean Sea; Aemathian was formerly the Countrey of Macedonia, wherein Julius Caeſar and C. Pompeius fought their laſt Battle in the Pharſalian Fields, and therefore ſaith the Latine Poet Lucanus: Bella per Aemathios pluſquam civilia campos.

Theſe things being conſidered the ſenſe is, that there ſhall be an Invaſion made by the Engliſh, to whom thoſe of Rochel ſhall joyn, upon the Town of Blaye, which ſhall proceed as far as Age[•], and that thereabout will be a bloody Encounter between the Engliſh and French, beyond that which was fought in the Aemathian Fields, and that the ſuccours that ſhould come from Narbonne to the French, ſhall be deluded and hindered by the ſpeech and diſcourſe of ſome.

ANNOT.

Arbiſſella is a Town ſituated by the Sea-ſide above Savona, going towards Genoa. Vezema and Crevari are in the Inland Countrey, and a li[•]t[•]e further remoted from the Sea then Arbiſſella. The quick Gaſcon was Blaſius of Monluc, one of the Vallianteſt men of his time, who came from a ſingle Souldier to be Marſhal of France. Guiry and la Charry were two of his Companions. This Stanza doth Prophetically foretell two things, one is, the deſign that the Marſhal of Briſſac, then Governour of Piemont had upon Savona: the other, the taking of Pianca by Blaſius of Monluc, as to the firſt, the Lord of Villars writeth in his Memorials, that the Lord Damzay ſent advice to the King, that the taking of Savona was more probable then any other deſign, which ſignifieth that the Marſhal of Briſſac had of a long time eyed that Town, and therefore he ſent by night ſome Troops into thoſe three little Towns, to ſee if they could ſurpriſe Savona, but the deſign did not ſucceed: The Hiſtories only mention that the Marſhal of Briſsac went from Court in the year 1557. with a deſign to take Savona; but this Stanza ſpeaketh of the ſame deſign 1556.

At the ſame time in the year 1556. the 29. of June Blaſius of Monluc, as he relateth in his Commentaries, did ſurpriſe the Town and Fort of Piance, called in Latine Cor[•]in[•••••], he had with him the Captain la Charry the Captain Bartholomew of [•]ezero, and the ſon of Captain Luzzan. At firſt the French were beaten back, but the valliant Mo[•]lu[•] did encourage them again by his example, going the firſt in, and ſaying only, follow your Captain.

Which having ſaid, he thruſt himſelf under the Gate, where three or four men might ſtand ſheltered by the planks of the Fort, and having his Sword in the left hand, and his dagger in the right, he began to break and cut the Brick and made a hole, which opening by degrees, he thruſt his arm through, and pulled the gap ſo ſtrongly, that he cauſed all the Wall to fall down upon himſelf, without being hurt by it. This is the meaning of the Author in the fourth Verſe, when he ſaith, the quick Gaſcon was behind the Wall; In proſecution of this, the Switzers did beat down the reſt of the Wall, and all came into the Town crying, France, France, Monluc ran preſently to the Fort, and with the help of His men took it, that is the meaning of the Author, when he ſaith, old and new Pallace to graple. The old Pallace was adjoining to the Market-place of the Town, in which the French were priſoners with the Captain Gourgues, to the number of fifty or ſixty tied two and two, and ſo kept by twenty Souldiers, whom they did kill as we have ſaid. The new Pallace was the Fo[•]t. The Author uſed that ancient word grapper, which in the [〈◊〉] languague ſignifieth, to pull down with ones hands, and in the contrary ſenſe, to ſhut and plaiſter ſo well ſome thing, that there will be a neceſſity of the help of the hands to open what was ſhut up.

ANNOT.

This is a peculiar accident that happened before the taking of the Town of Saint Quentin by the Spaniard in the year 1557 and fell out thus. News being come to the King of France, that the pow[•]rful Army of the Spaniard was gone to Beſiege St. Quentin, he made all imaginable diligence to ſuccour it; the Spaniards to hinder the relief had ſeized upon an ancient Abby of the Vermandois, which is in the next Forreſt, that was anciently called the Forreſt Bourlis, and is at preſent called the Forreſt of the Abbay Vermandois, called in Latine Auguſta Veromanduorum, builded by an ancient Hungarian Captain called Vermandig. In proceſs of time it was all ruinated, and only one Abby left, wherein was the Epiſcopal See, which afterwards was transferred into the City of Noyon. After the ruine of this Town, that of St. Quentin next to it became the chief City of Vermandois; It was named St. Quentin, becauſe the Emperor Diocleſian having ſent St. Quentin a Roman Senator to be Governour of it, he did convert the Inhabitants to the Chriſtian Faith, and after he himſelf did ſuffer there Martyrdom.

In that Abby a great many Flemmings had i[•]tranched themſelves, but the French going to relieve the Town, did force their Trenches and Fortifications, and in the heat of the fight the two younger Sons of the Captain being armed Cap a pée, though they were not killed, yet were aſtoniſhed with blows they did receive upon their heads, their followers and Guards being all cut in pieces.

ANNOT.

This did happen lately, viz. ſome five or ſix years ago, when the Duke of Crequy Embaſſadour at Rome was affronted by the Corſes, which are the Popes Guard: for which the King of France demanded reparation, and ſeized upon Avignon, till the Pope granted him that all the ſaid Corſes ſhould be baniſhed, and a Pyramis erected in Rome to the perpetual infamy of that Nation.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of theſe words is very plain and ſignifieth onely, that there will be an union and League between theſe Towns, viz. Barcelona, Genoa, Vinice, and the Kingdom of Sicily againſt the Turks, whom they ſhall encounter near Monaco, and put them to flight, and follow them as far as Tunis.

ANNOT.

By the Crucigere Army is underſtood the Chriſtian Army, becauſe the word Crucigere ſignifieth one that beareth a Croſs, from the two Latine words Crux and gero; the Iſmaelites are the Turks, who boaſt themſelves to be deſcended from Iſmael, the ſon of Abraham and Agar, the meaning of this is, that the Chriſtians going about to attempt ſome landing place, the Turks ſhall watch them, and ſet upon them by Land and Sea, in which Sea fight he mentioneth only ten choice Galleys, and a notable Ship called Raviere, (if it be not falſe printed) I am much of an opinion that this came to paſs when Philip the II. King of Spain made an attempt upon Algeirs, by his Admiral André d'Oria, who had to do with the Moores upon the Land, ready to receive him, and ſome part of their Fleet that watched him, but croſs and contrary winds cauſed him to return re infecta.

ANNOT.

This is a Prophecy concerning Geneva, out of which he warneth every one to come; his reaſon is, that the golden Age of that Town ſhall be changed into an Iron one; and that there ſhall be one againſt Raypos, that ſhall extermine them all, before which there ſhall appear ſome ſigns in Heaven. Now the Author being a rank Papiſt, it is to be ſuppoſed that he warneth out of Geneva all thoſe of his Faith, becauſe of ^[3] the coming of Calvin, whom he foreſaw was to come into that Town, and to change the Government thereof, and to extermine them all, which is to be underſtood, in point of Religion, as for what prodigies did precede that change; I had no time to conſult Authors upon it, the judicious Reader may chance to find them in thoſe that have written of this matter.

ANNOT.

By Mendoſus, is Anagrammatically to be underſtood Vendoſme; but who is that ſhall never be weary of asking, or whoſe Dominion Vendoſme ſhall have, or what is meant by the laſt two Verſes, paſſeth my underſtanding.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy doth onely and properly belong to the City of Thoulouſe; and by it are warned all the red ones, that is, all thoſe that uſually wear Red or Scarlet Gowns, as thoſe of the Parliament and the Capitols to come out of it, becauſe ſaith he, i here ſhall an expiation be made of the Sacrifice, meaning that there ſhall be a great ſlaughter among the Citizens, as it did happen at ſeveral times, the firſt Anno 1563. another time when the firſt Preſident Durauti, and ſeveral other of the red Gowns were put to death, &c. The two laſt Verſes ſignifie, that the chief contriver of this uproar ſhall be ſtrangled, and many others beſides him.

ANNOT.

This is plainly to be underſtood of thoſe Traytors, that delivered and ſigned the death of King Charles the I. of bleſſed Memory, againſt the ſenſe and adviſe of at leaſt three parts of four of the Nation, and who afterward ſaw themſelves for the moſt part ſhut in Priſon for this fact, and brought to a ſhameful end.

ANNOT.

By the great Maritime City of the Ocean, Encompaſſed with Cryſtaline Fens, is ot be underſtood the City of London, for as for that of Venice, it is ſituated upon the Mediterranean or rather Adriatick Sea: London then is threatned here of a fearful wind, which whether the Author meaneth for the time that is paſt now, and that ſhall come hereafter I know not, ſure I am, that I have within this fifteen years ſeen two ſuch winds in London, as I never ſaw the like any where elſe; the firſt was that day that Olivier the Uſurpator died, the other was about ſix or ſeven years ago, cauſed by the lightning that fell in Hereford-ſhire, and did mix with a Weſtern wind and came as far as London, carrying the tops of houſes, and doing then for above 10000, pounds dammage.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy taken with all its circumſtances, and the ſubject it treateth of, is the moſt remarkable of all thoſe that ever Noſtradamus was Author of, for here we ſee a concatenation of circumſtances linked together, to make it true to any bodies eyes, for firſt the number of this Stanza being 49. ſignifieth the year wherein the King died, for although by the Engliſh account, who begin their year at the 25. of March, it may be ſaid it was in 48, becauſe it did happen upon the 30th. of January, yet according to the general account of the moſt part of the World, the year begin upon the firſt day of January, ſo that the King dying on the 30th. of January, it may be ſaid it was in the year 1649.

The firſt Verſe ſignifieth, that at that time there was no good intelligence between the Cities of Flanders and Brabant, as I remember very well that there was not, but upon what ſcore, I have forgotten.

The ſecond Verſe is plain to any body that can either read or hear it.

The third Verſe by the Salt and Wine, underſtandeth France, who was then in War with the Spaniard, and in ſome diviſions among themſelves, ſo that they could not take the Kings part as to relieve and free him by force, but ſent Embaſſadours to mediate a compoſure of the difference.

The fourth Verſe intimateth that by reaſon of the ſaid Wars that were in France, the ſaid murdering Parliament had liberty to do what they lifted for the bringing the Kingdom into ruine.

ANNOT.

Menſodus is the Anagramme of Vendoſme, by which is meant Antony of Bourbon Duke of Vendoſme, brother to the then Prince of Condé, and father to Henry IV. Norlaris is the Anagram of Lorrain; now any body that underſtandeth any thing in Hiſtory, knoweth what diſſention and ſeud there was between the Houſe of Bourbon, and that of Lorrain in the time of Francis the II. for the Houſe of Bourbon, though next to the Royal blood, was the leaſt in favour, and thoſe of the Houſe of Lorrain did Govern all, and had ſo far prevailed as to have got the Prince of Condé into their hands, and had him condemned to have his head cut of, which would have been executed, had not the King that very day fallen ſick of the diſeaſe he died of. Now this being underſtood our Author will have that Menſodus, which is Vendoſme ſhall lay aſide the Norlaris, that is Lorrein. By the red pale is meant the Cardinal of Lorrain, brother to the Duke of Guiſe, who grew pale at this. By the male at the interreigne is ſo obſcure, that we leave it to the judgement of the Reader.

ANNOT.

The name of red Sects, may very well be applied to the Proteſtants of France, againſt whom in thoſe days it ſeemed that fire, Water, Iron and Rope had conſpired, for they were put to death by each one of thoſe fatal inſtruments for their Religion ſake. This is a lively expreſſion of the unhappy Maſſacre of the Proteſtants in France upon St. Batholomews day 1572.

The two laſt Verſes ſignifie, that all the Contrivers of that Councel, were of opinion at firſt to proceed ſome other way, but only the Duke of Guiſe, who was the principal actor in it, and whom our Author ſaith, did undo the world; for he was the cauſe of miſchief, not only then, but afterwards.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the Reign of Charles the IX. in the year 1558. when the peace was treated of, and concluded the year after 1559. the VVar on the other ſide begun to appear by the raiſing of the Proteſtants, who begun publickly their opinion in the time of Francis the II. and Charles the IX.

There was never ſeen ſuch a proſecution of VVar and of Peace together; for there was never an eſtate more embroiled in VVars than that of Charles the IX. was, nor where Peace was more ſought after; for there was nothing but VVars and treaties of Peace, Men and VVomen did complain on all ſides, for the wrong and dammages they received from both parties, the Proteſtants believing to do God a good ſervice in deſtroying Images, and killing Prieſts and Monks. And the Papiſts on the other ſide thinking to make a ſweet Sacrifice unto God, in practiſing the ſame cruelties upon the Proteſtants, and ſo in all corners of France every one did ſet himſelf to do evil.

ANNOT.

A young Tyrant called here Nero, ſhall cauſe ſome Pages to be burnt alive in three Chimneys, and afterwards himſelf ſhall be put to death by three of his own blood, this fact ſavoureth ſo much of beſtial cruelty, that I cannot belive any Chriſtian Prince can ever be guilty of it.

ANNOT.

The Port of Corſibonne, muſt of neceſſity be that of Ancona; firſt becauſe there is no Port of the former name near the City of Ravenna. Secondly, becauſe Ancona is near Ravenna.

By the Lady is meant the Chappel or Church of our Lady of Loretto, which is threatned here to be plundred by ſome Turks or Pyrates, inticed thereunto by the manifold riches that are ſaid to be therein.

The third Verſe ſpeaketh of a Portugues Embaſſador, who it ſeemeth ſhall be drowned or buried in the main Sea.

The fourth Verſe giveth warning of ſome Robbers and Pyrates, very like to be Turks, who being in Ambuſcado, and ſhrouded among the Rocks by the Sea ſide, ſhall carry away ſeventy Souls.

ANNOT.

That word a preparing in the firſt Verſe, ſignifieth that he ſpeaketh of a time, wherein War was a making ready, when he was a writing.

The Weſt, of which our Author ſpeaketh, is not formerly the Weſt which is Spain, but is the Weſt reſpectively to his Countrey of Provence, which is Picardy, Lorrain, and the Countrey of Mets, in all theſe Places that are VVeſterly from Provence, there was great VVars in the year 1557 in Picardy in the year 1558. at Calais and Thionville, and at laſt from the middle of that year to the end of it, were ſeen two great Armies of both Kings, which threatned a horrid ſlaughter, had not God Almighty provided againſt it by the treaty of Peace of the 3d. of April 1559 the year following, which was 1559. there did happen what he foretelleth, viz. the Plague ſo ſtrangely terrible to Young, Old, and Beaſts, &c.

And in thoſe quarters there was nothing but Fire and Blood; that is, Maſſacres and ruines of all ſorts, then did Rule in France, the three Planets of Jupiter, Mars and Mercury, Jupiter and Mercury, for the peace that was then concluded, and Mars for the VVar that was then on foot.

The Hiſtory of Provence mentioneth, that that Peſtilence was called by the Phyſitians, Febris erratica, by which within the ſpace of five or ſix Months, died almoſt an infinite number of people.

ANNOT.

Theſe three words of Noudam, Gauſſanville, and Maiotes are three little inconſiderable Countrey Towns, ſituated near one another; the meaning then of it is, that an Army near Noudam, ſhall go through Gouſſanville; and ſhall in an inſtant convert, that is, draw to his party above a thouſand of the contrary party, the buſineſs being about the procuring of a good underſtanding and amity between two great ones.

ANNOT.

Drux is a City in Normady, near which Henry the IV. got a memorable victory: It is ſaid that in that place a King ſhall reſt himſelf, and ſhall endeavour to change Religion; but at that time it ſhall Thunder and Lighten ſo much, that by the fall of a new ga[••], the King himſelf ſhall be killed.

ANNOT.

What is meant here by the three red ones of France is hard to decide, whether they be Cardinals or Judges; becauſe both wear commonly Scarlet Gowns, or ſome Noblemen cloathed in Scarlet; but it ſeemeth by this that there ſhall be a lying in wait for four men, three of which ſhall be cloathed in Red, and one in Black, thoſe in Red ſhall be knockt down dead, but he in Black ſhall not, and this is to be done on the left hand, over againſt Vitry, which is a City in Champagne.

ANNOT.

This Stanza wanting both quantity in the Cadence of the Verſe, and Connexion in the ſenſe, ſheweth that it is either falſly printed, or elſe the Author had no mind it ſhould be underſtood; we ſhall only ſay, the Ferté is a Town in Champagne. Vidame is a Lords Title in France, of which there are but four of that ſort, and are called in Civil Law Vicedominus, who by his firſt Inſtitution, was temporal Judge of the Biſhop; the firſt of thoſe Vidames, or Vicedomini in France, is that of Amiens, the ſecond of Chartres, the third of Rhemes, and the fourth of Gerberon.

ANNOT.

This Prochecie foretelleth divers accidents in ſeveral places, without determination of any preciſe time; as for example, I underſtand by that Barbarian conflict, near the black Corner, to be ſome famous Battle among the Infidels themſelves, ſome were about the Black Sea; then he ſaith, that abundance of Blood ſhall be ſplit, and Dalmatia ſhall tremble, which is a Province belonging to the Venetians, and bordering upon Gracia; by great Iſmael he underſtandeth the great Sophy of Perſia, whoſe name hath been often ſo. By the Frogs it is not eaſie to know whether he meaneth France or Spain, for both abound in that kind of Inſects.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth that this Plunder made upon the Sea Coaſt, ſhall be about Meſsina, by the Maltheſes, who afterwards ſhall rue for it, being taken Priſoners, and ſeverely puniſhed.

As for the expreſſion Incita nova, it is a barbarous derivation of the Latine, to ſignifie the ſtirring of new troubles.

ANNOT.

The word Cheramonagora, is either altogether barbarous and inſignificant, or muſt be derived from theſe three Greek words, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] manus, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], ſolus, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], duco, and ſo it may ſignifie one that leadeth along by the hand, in which ſenſe may be underſtood the King of France, who alone leadeth his people by the hand, without any help of Councel.

The ſecond Verſe ſignifieth the Oppoſitions he ſhall meet with among his Neighbours, combined together to hinder him.

By Oppi, he meaneth here Opium the Juice of Poppies, which he calleth here Pertinax; becauſe of its pertinacious quality in procuring ſleep, as alſo Mandragora.

By Raugon, he meaneth ſome other ſoporiferous Herb; ſo that it ſeemeth that thoſe three things ſhall be given upon the third of October to ſome body, it ſeemeth to that Cheramonagora, by whom ſome underſtand the King of France, others Oliver the laſt uſurpator.

ANNOT.

Narbonne, Bayonne, and Foix are Towns of Languedoc, a Province in France; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

The Aemathian properly ſhould be the Macedonian, but by it is underſtood here the Spaniard, whoſe Countrey is on one ſide fenced by the Pyrenean Mountains; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

This Stanza hath relation and connexion to the precedent, and by it ought to eb underſtood, that the ſaid Aemathian or Spaniard ſhall come as far as the corner of Luna, wherein he ſhall be taken and ſent into a ſtrange Countrey, at which time the green Fruits and Graſs ſhall be much damaged, for which one of the parties ſhall receive great ſhame, and the other great praiſe. But what he meaneth by the Corner of Luna, I muſt leave the judgment of it to the Reader, for I do ingeniouſly confeſs that I neither know City nor Countrey of that name.

ANNOT.

This is eaſie to be underſtood, many interpret it of the downfall of Rome, at which time all quarrels both of Religion and States would be laid aſide, if the world were all of one mind.

ANNOT.

This is a peculiar Prophecy for the Provinces of Dauphiné and Languedoc, in which all the Towns and Rivers here mentioned are ſituated.

ANNOT.

There is a notable fault in the impreſſion of the firſt Verſe of this Stanza, for inſtead of Mount Aymar, it muſt be Montlimar, which is a Town in Provence or Languedoc, ſituated by the River Rhoſne, the ſenſe therefore of this, is, that from Montlimar ſhall proceed ſome notable and obſcure deſign, and that ſhall reach as far as Lyons, which is the City where the Saone and the Rhoſne meet, and that for that purpoſe, there ſhall be hidden a great many Souldiers in a Wood on St. Lucy's day, which is the 13th. of December.

ANNOT.

The Mount Bailly, and the Countrey of Breſsia, are by Savoy, in which place (our Author ſaith) the fierce ones; that is, ſtout men of Grenoble, the chief Town of Dauphiné, ſhall be hidden, and that ſuch a Hail ſhall fall upon them, as not one third part ſhall be left.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth a notable Treaſon that ſhall be acted at Lyons, upon the Sacraments day, otherwiſe called Corpus Chriſti day, upon which the Roman Catholicks are wont to make a Proceſſion with the Sacrament about the Town, with abundance of burning Torches, of fearful bigneſs, inſomuch that ſome (as at Angeirs) require 20 or 24 men to carry them, in thoſe Torches (our Author ſaith) ſhall VVeapons be hidden, by means of which the fact ſhall be committed. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

Whether the Author did underſtand himſelf here I know not, I am ſure I do not; Carcaſſonne is a City of Languedoc, and Trixe is a barbarous word.

ANNOT.

This is, when the Planet Saturn hath finiſhed twice three Ages; that is, 600 years from the time that this Prophecy was written, then the Senates of Thoulouze, being men of a new Leaven (meaning being Proteſtants) ſhall cauſe the Romiſh Churches to be polluted and depredated in the Months of April and May.

ANNOT.

Foix is a Countrey of France, near Gaſcony, where the Author ſaith, a King with a Blew Turbant ſhall come, and ſhall govern leſs then an Age, that is 100 years, after which another King with a VVhite Turbant ſhall come, and ſhall Conquer Bizance (which in Latine is Conſtantinople) the Blew or Green Turbant is attributed to the great Turk, and the VVhite one to the King of France, by whom the Turks have a Prophecie, their Monarchy ſhall be ſubverted.

ANNOT.

VVhat is that City of Fertſod, is hard to gueſs, there being none of this name in Europe that I know. The reſt of the words are plain, though the ſenſe be abſt[•]uce enough, therefore we ſhall leave them to the liberty of the Reader.

ANNOT.

VVhat Countrey this Ambraxia ſhould be, is yet unknown, for my part I take it to be a forged word, as for Thracia it is a Countrey between Hungary and Greece.

Obſerve here that Evil is not an Epithete, to either People or Sea, but a word of admiration by it ſelf, as malum in Latine, which is called vox admirantis.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie portendeth the death of a black, bloody, and ravenous man (which in Latine is Rapax) who ſhall be murdered between two Rivers, by one whoſe proper name ſhall be Joyne Chaulveron.

ANNOT.

You muſt obſerve, that there is a word falſe printed, which is Pellix, inſtead of which ſhould be Pellex, which in Latine ſignifieth a Whore or Concubine.

The ſenſe therefore of this is, that a certain King having taken another Kingdom, ſhall put the Queen of it to death, as alſo her own Son, after which, he ſhall make his Concubine Queen.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is concerning the Lady Elizabeth of France, Daughter to Henry the II. and Siſter to Charles the IX. who being promiſed firſt to Don Carlo Infante of Spain, was afterwards Married to his Father Philip the II. at which the young man being vexed and diſcontented, began to raiſe combuſtions in the State, for which, and his too much familiarity with his Mother in Law, he was ſtrangled by his Fathers command, and ſhe poiſoned.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are plain, the third ſignifieth, that theſe fearful ones being come out of their Galleys, part of them ſhall be murdered, and among them the Captain, a renouncer of his Baptiſm, or Renegado, and the reſt afterwards by an Ambuſcado, ſhall requite in the ſame Coin thoſe that had uſed them ſo.

ANNOT.

There is a great fault in the impreſſion of the French Copy in this Stanza, which maketh the ſenſe altogether inexplicable, it muſt then in ſtead of Bize and Luc, be written Piſe and Lucques, which are two Towns in Italy, near the Duke of Florence's Dominions; one of theſe Towns, viz. Piſa he hath taken already, and from a Common-Wealth made it ſubject to himſelf; the other though ſeveral times attempted by him, hath preſerved its liberty to this day. The laſt Verſe ſignifieth, that after this is come to paſs, the Barbarians, that is, the Florentins ſhall make Vintage without Wine; that is, ſhall plunder and ſpoil at their pleaſure.

ANNOT.

The only difficulty here is to know who that Lamprin ſhould be, who ſhall be diverted from following a Traitor (which he meaneth here by the French word Traducteur) and ſhall be diverted from it by the Tears of Fryers, which are meant here by the ancient French word Coqueluches, which ſignifieth a Fryers Cool or Capuchon.

ANNOT.

This is very plain, if by the great City you underſtand Paris, who is ſubject to frequent Innundations and Plagues.

ANNOT.

This famous Earth-quake having not yet happened in Europe, it is like to happen within few years, for our Authors Prophecies (by his own confeſſion) do not extend further than the year 1700.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie is divided into two parts,: The firſt two Verſes are concerning a King, who ſhall perform the Funeral Rites and Ceremonies to his Parents, when he is come to the knowledge of them, having been expoſed for loſt before.

The two laſt Verſes are concerning an ancient Sepulcher of a Roman, that ſhall be digged up and found out by a Torrent, and the Arms of the ſaid Roman ſhall be ſomething like the head of Meduſa, whoſe Hairs were Serpents, and was ſo fearful to behold, that by ſeeing of it, the beholders were turned into ſtones.

ANNOT.

The whole of this Prophecie ſignifieth no more, but that an Army ſhall paſs through all theſe places, and that at laſt there will be a Battle ſought by that place, called St. Paul de Manſeole.

ANNOT.

Bourg lai Reyne is a little town within ſix Miles of Paris, Chartres is the chief City of the Province Beauſſe, Pont Antony is a little Town between them both, ſo that the ſenſe of the whole is this, that ſeaven men, crafty like Martres (which are thoſe Ruſsia Foxes that afford the richeſt Furres, called Martres Zibellines) ſhall go from Bourg la Reyne to Chartres, making a little ſtay at Pont Antony, and then ſhall come with an Army into Paris, which ſhall be beſieged at that time, I believe this Prophecy is come to paſs already in the time of the Civil VVars of France; but for want of the Hiſtory I could not quote the time.

ANNOT.

Here is a fault in the Impreſſion, for inſtead of Touphon, it muſt be written Torſou, which is a Forreſt ſome 30 Miles from Paris towards Beauſſe, near which is ſeated the Town of Montlebery, in the the ſaid Forreſt is ſeated an Hermitage, and not far from thence the City of Eſtampes, which carryeth the Title of Dutchy; ſo that the ſenſe of it is this, that this Forreſt being cut off (as it is now for the moſt part) in the place where that Hermitage was, ſhall be built a Church or Convent, as it is now Coeleſtins friars, called Marcouſſy, and that the ſaid Hermitage ſhall be taken from the juriſdiction of the Town of Montlehery, under which it was before.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy did happen in the time of Henry the II. King of Fra[•]ce, about the year 1559.

The laſt Verſe ſaith, that thoſe two Towns Calais and Arras gave ſuccours to [〈…〉]roane, that is to the Countrey where Theron[•]nne was ſeated, which was deſtroyed by Charles the V. Emperour. This Countrey was called Ponthieu, of which Therouenne was the chief Town.

The ſecond Verſe doth determine the time where about this came to paſs, when he ſaith, peace or the like ſhall diſſemble the hearing; becauſe in the year 1556. in the beginning of February there was a Truce for five years between the two Crowns of France and Spain, concerning the Low Countreys, and this Truce ſignified not much, nor was well cemented, ſo that the Author ſaith, Peace or the like ſhall diſſemble the hearing; that is, ſhall fain not to hear that the Cardinal Caraffa did endeavour in France to have the Truce broken.

The third Verſe is obſcure, becauſe of a fault in the Impreſſion, wherein they have put Rouane inſtead of Noanne, that is Hannone by tranſpoſition of letters, but that being corrected, the Verſe is clear, ſuppoſing that Philibertus Emanuel Duke of Savoy was General of the Army, againſt France in the Low-Countreis, and wandering about to do ſome notable exploit, he came down through the Province of Hainault, called in Latine Hannonia, and came to Mariembourg, as if he would have Beſieged it, but after ſome light skirmiſhes he laid Siege to Rocroy, and this is the meaning of the third Verſe, when he ſaith, Souldiers of Allobrox ſhall deſcend by Noanne, that is, Souldiers in the Army of the Duke of Savoy, which in Latine is Allobrox, came down to Mariembourg, and turned back again to Rocroy.

The fourth Verſe mentioneth what did happen at the Siege of Rocroy; that place being not yet very well fortified; the King was unwilling to put any of his beſt Souldiers therein, but the Duke of Nevers undertook the defence of it, which he did really and gloriouſly perform, in ſo much, that the Duke of Savoy was compelled to raiſe up the Siege, and going back towards St. Quentin, he took Vervins by ſtorm, and gave the booty of it to his Souldiers, who took heart upon it, having been much diſcouraged before by the reſiſtance of the Duke of Nevors. This is the ſenſe of the fourth Verſe, People perſuaded ſhall poil the march; that is, the people of Recroy perſuaded to hold out by the courage and preſence of the Duke of Nevers, ſpoiled the march that the Duke of Savoy had propounded to himſelf, inſomuch, that raiſing the Siege he went to Vervins, and from thence to St. Quentin.

ANNOT.

This Stanza was made concerning Philip the II. King of Spain, who for the firſt ſeven years that he came to his Crown, had proſperous fortune, did brave exploits againſt the Barbarians, and chiefly in the perſon of his Brother Don Juan of Auſtria, who got the memorable Battle of Lapantho againſt the Turks, but in the middle of his Noon, that is of his Age, fell into great perplexities and croſs buſineſſes, being conſtrained to put his onely ſon Don Carla to death, and to poiſon his wife, and after that never proſpered, when young Ogmion (that is Henry IV. King of France) came to the Crown.

ANNOT.

Pannonia in Latine is Hungary, there is nothing hard in this, unleſs it be what he meaneth by the King of Kings, whether it be the great Turk or the Emperour.

ANNOT.

There is ſeveral faults in the impreſſion here, for inſtead of Perynthe, it muſt be Corinthe. For Marceloine, it muſt be Macedoine: the ſubſtance of the whole is, that there ſhall be a great plague in all theſe Countries of Aſia. The refuſal of Antony is foiſted here to make up the rime with Macedony.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of all theſe words ſo ill jointed, is no more but that a certain King ſna[•]l deſire to enter into a new City, and there they ſhall come and Beſiege him, where he ſhall both act and ſpeak deceitfully to get his liberty, which he having obtained, ſhall keep far from his foes.

ANNOT.

Bourges is the chief City of a Province in France called Berry.

There is nothing difficult in this, but onely what he meaneth by Hercules beating the Aemathion, unleſs by Hercules he meaneth the French, and by Aemathion the Spaniard.

ANNOT.

Breſlaw, Lubeck and Miſne, are three Cities of Germany; the reſt is plain.

ANNOT.

Apamé is a barbarous word, at leaſt I cannot tell what language it is, the reſt is plain enough, and ſignifieth that a Duke ſhall be deprived of his eyes, and ſhall be put in an Iron Cage at Milan.

ANNOT.

Clam here is in Latine praepoſition, ſignifying ſecretly; the reſt is eaſie:

ANNOT.

A Fleet being divided into three parts, the ſecond diviſion ſhall fall into want of victuals, for which being deſperate, they ſhall attempt the Town of the enemy, and ſhall enter it by the breach, and get the victory.

ANNOT.

This is the moſt nonſenſical thing that is in all the Book, for neither the words nor the connexion is intelligible, therefore it being ſo much out of the common road of our Author, I am apt to believe that it was at firſt very falſly printed, and that thoſe that came after, were loth to alter it for the reſpect of antiquity.

ANNOT.

Here is deſcribed a notable ſtratagem of a Beſieged Town, who againſt rainy weather caſt ſo much aſhes, lime and duſt, that the rain coming thereupon, it made ſuch a mire, as the Beſiegers were not able to aſſault it.

ANNOT.

He foretelleth of a Sea-fight in the night, wherein by the light of the burning Ships night ſhall be overcome, the Ships that came from the Weſt ſhall be worſted, and by a ſtratagem of a great Ship painted in colours, anger ſhall remain to the vanquiſhed, and the victory ſhall be got in a Miſt.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY X.

ANNOT.

Theſe words are plain, though the ſenſe be a little intricated, and the contents being of ſmall concernments, deſerve no further explanation.

ANNOT.

Theſe are ſome particularities of a Sea fight between a great Fleet and a ſmall one, wherein he ſaith, that ſome had hid their Sails, belike they were unwilling to come out of the Harbour and to fight; but he ſaith, that the great Fleet will compel the little one to come out; but ten great Ships will come to help the little Fleet, and after the great one hath been overcome, will joyn themſelves to the little Fleet.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is either nonſenſical or falſely printed, and what he meaneth by Penelon, is utterly unknown.

ANNOT.

This is plain of a General of an Army, who ſhall for ſake his Army, and ſave himſelf, and yet ſeven years after when he cometh back, his reputation ſhall be as clear, as if he never had committed ſuch an errour.

ANNOT.

Albi, Caſtres, Carcaſſonne, and Thoulonſe, are Cities of Lang[•]edock, which our Author ſaith, will enter into a confede racy among themſelves, and joyn with Lisbon and the Portuguez, and this ſhall happen when the general of the Army, ſhall be one born in Lauragais, which is another of the ſame Province.

ANNOT.

Near Niſmes there is the River called Gardon, which cometh from St. Romans, and diſchargeth it ſelf into the Rhoſne at Beaucaire, there is to be ſeen in that City abundance of Antiquitez, which the Goths had built 1150. years before; there is alſo many Roman Antiquities, as an Amphitheater, ſo well builded that neither the Goths nor the Saracens, nor Attila, nor Charles Martel, with all their power, could not utterly demoliſh it. The Author nameth it Coloſsus, becauſe its building appeared like a Coloſsus for ſolidity.

There is alſo an ancient Temple which is called the Fountain, builded as a Quadrangle, and ſupported by two rows of great Pillars, which at preſent is a Church of Nuns.

This being ſuppoſed, the River of Gardon did overflow ſo much, that its VVaters joyning with that of a Flood that happened there the ninth of September 1577. every one thought that Dencalion had been born again. The Author ſaith this; becauſe in the fables of the ancients. Deucalion is thought to be the Author of the Flood which Ovid mentioneth. During this Flood which was like to overflow the Town, as well as the Countrey, many did retire themſelves into that Amphitheater.

And in that ancient Temple of the Fountain, the VVaters overthrowing a great many old buildings did diſcover abundance of Antiquities, and amongſt the reſt one of thoſe Lamps that burneth always, in the Sepulchre of a Veſtal, which went out as ſoon as it felt the freſh Air.

In confirmation of this, the Hiſtory of Provence ſaith, that the ſtorm began about five of the Clock in the Morning, and laſted till Eight of the Clock at night, and that theſe waters did uncover abundance of Antiquities that were hidden 1100. years before, as Pillars, Portico's, Med[•]ls, Jaſper ſtones, and serpentine-ſtones, pieces of broken Veſſels, Epitaphs, lodging Rooms, and Caves, and all other things that uſe to be found in the ruines of a Palace.

There was alſo heard in the Air Dogs barking, Pillars of fire, Armed men fighting, and were ſeen two suns in the Clouds of the Colour of Blood, all which were the ſad preſages of the Civil VVars of France preſently after, and chiefly that of Provence.

The ninth Century in the ninth stanza, ſpeaketh almoſt the ſame, and ſheweth that Niſmes ſhall periſh by VVater.

ANNOT.

Nancy is the chief City of Lorrain, and by the Aemathien is underſtood the French, the Britiſh Iſle is England, which is ſaid here, ſhall come into great diſtreſs by Salt and VVine, becauſe the Countrey aboundeth in thoſe two Commodities. The laſt Verſe I do not underſtand, ſave that Mets is a great City in Lorrain.

ANNOT.

Senegalia is a Town in Italy, all what can be gathered out of the obſcurity of this Stanza, is, that the ſon of the Earl of that Town ſhall have his forehead broken, and within ſeven days after, three more ſhall be wounded to death.

ANNOT.

Caſtilon figuieres is a petty Town in Provence, in which he ſaith that a Severaign Prince ſhall be born of an infamous Woman, and ſhall be a poſthume, which in Latine ſignifieth one that is born after his Fathers death; he ſaith alſo that his name ſhall be derived from Breeches, and that never a King was worſe in his Countrey, whether by worſe, he meaneth in manners or fortune, I know not.

ANNOT.

This Stanza as well as the next hath relation to the precedent, making mention what a wicked perſon ſhall that Poſthume be of which he ſpoke before.

ANNOT.

This is ſtill concerning the ſame poſthume or Baſtard, who ſhall cauſe his Army to paſs at Jonchere, and his Bagage to go over the Pyrenean Mountains, which parts Spain from France, and that upon the fear of him a Duke ſhall run from Perpignan, which is the chief City of R[•]uſſillon to Tende, which is a little Town in Provence.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was fulfilled in the perſon of the Cardinal Santa Severina, who in the Conclave of Cardinals after the death of Pope Innocent IX was Elected Pope, and preſently after was baffled by the ſame Cardinals, and Clement the VIII. choſen in his place, for which the other a little while after died for grief.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is, that ſome Souldiers diſguiſed like Herds-men, ſhall lead Oxen into a place where were hidden before Weapons in the Graſs, but the Weapons making a noiſe by their claſhing they ſhall be diſcovered, not far from a place that he calleth here Antipolique, purpoſely to rime with Herbipolique in French, which word Herbipolique ſignifieth a Town of Paſture.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is an Horoſcope, which the Author made upon that Gentleman named Urnel Vaucille, and ſignifieth that the ſaid man ſhould find himſelf in ſuch perplexity that he could not be able to take advice what to do, and that fear ſhould make him hide himſelf, to be apprehended, in a place where he ſhould be taken.

When he was taken, he was preſently convicted of thoſe crimes that he was accuſed of: therefore the Officers of Juſtice did conduct him to the Charter-houſe of Barcelone, which is four miles from the ſaid Town, in a place called Campoalegre, for the beauty and ſituation of it, to that place many Whores did accompany him to receive the puniſhment they had deſerved, therefore the Author ſaith that he went thither pale, as foreſeeing the terrour of the puniſhment he was to undergo.

ANNOT.

It is a Duke very aged who ſhall die of a Dropſie, or of ſome other burning diſeaſe, which will make him very thirſty, the Phyſitians ſhall forbid any water to be given him, therefore this Duke ſhall preſs his ſon very much to give him the Ewer, that he may drink his fill, but his ſon refuſing, the Father ſhall fall into ſuch a rage, that being alone he will go and throw himſelf into a Well, where he ſhall be drowned.

This unhappy death will be the cauſe of much murmuring, and the Senate or Parliament of that place will make enquiry after it, by which enquiry the ſon will be found guilty, therefore for his puniſhment, he ſhall be condemned to a long and eaſie death, as to live all his days in ſome Monaſtery.

ANNOT.

This is a prognoſtication of a King of France, who though happy in his Reign and Life, and being given to no great vices, as blood, fury, or taking by force, yet ſhall be much envied and robbed by his Subjects, and chiefly by thoſe he [•]ruſteth about his Kitchin.

ANNOT.

It is unknown what Queen he meaneth by the name of Ergaſte; the reſt is eaſie. Angoleſme is a City of Gaſcony or Languedoc.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes of this Prophecy were fulfilled in the time of Henry the third King of France, in whoſe time the Duke of Guiſe, and Houſe of Lorrain were grown ſo powerful in France, that they drove the King from Paris, and aſſumed themſelves a rank and authority over the Princes of the Blood, ſo that the King was forced to cauſe them to be ſlain, after which Henry IV. who was King of Navarre and Duke of Vendoſme took his place again as firſt Prince of the Blood.

The two laſt Verſes are too obſcure to be interpreted, and I believe were onely forced by our Author to make up his Rime, as he hath done in ſeveral other places.

ANNOT.

It is a woman (be like of a ſmall Fortune) who coming to be a Queen by her humility, the next day after Evening Prayer ſhe ſhall appear ſo proud, as the like was never ſeen.

ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is, that a great man that took part with all thoſe that were unlearned ſhall be put to death, and their goods praiſed and ſold publickly, upon which goods another great man ſhall ſeize, and this is to be done in Rome.

There is fault in the Impreſſion of the third French Verſe, for inſtead of fixe it muſt be fiſc, and inſtead of Neanty it muſt be Nancy.

ANNOT.

This is a King who with his ſon taking the peoples part againſt the Nobility ſhall be killed, in preſenting to him Jewels, and he and his ſon ſhall be dealt with all as the Magi, that is the Grandees of Perſia uſed to do with their Kings, whom they were wont to murder, or depoſe.

ANNOT.

This is plain concerning England and the late calamities thereof, when our gracious King for not conſenting to the wicked factions of the Parliament then, and that have been acknowledged ſo ſince, was expelled by force, and an Uſurpator that had not the leaſt ſign of a King ſat in his place.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth that at the ſame time that the remonſtrances ſhall be made to an ungrateful people; the Army ſhall ſeize upon the Town of Antibe, which is a Sea Town between France and Italy, and that there ſhall be great complaints at Monaco, which is another Sea-Town near it, and at the place called Freius, both parties ſhall either agree, or divide their ſhares.

ANNOT.

A Prince vanquiſhed in Italy, and taken Priſoner ſhall come through Genoa to Marſeilles, where he ſhall be once more overcome by ſtrangers, but that a Barrel of Honey ſhall ſave him from being burnt. This is the ſenſe of the words as near as I can judge, the judicious Reader may make what conſtruction he pleaſeth upon them.

ANNOT.

Here once more I loſt my Spectacles, and could not ſee through, therefore I had rather be ſilent then coin lies, I ſhall only tell you, that Orcheſtra in Latine is the ſeat wherein noble Perſonages ſit at the beholding of Stage-plays.

ANNOT.

This is plain enough of it ſelf, without any interpretation.

ANNOT.

Charles the V. was the Emperour, and that great Hercules was Henry the II. King of France, whom he calleth Hercules, becauſe he was King of France, and the Author nameth often in his Stanza's the Kings of France Hercules or Ogmions, becauſe that great Captain of the Antiquity left his name glorious in the Gaules, whence the ancient Hiſtorians have given him the name of Hercules Gallicus. Henry the II. alſo was not only an Hercules by being King of France, but alſo a great Hercules, becauſe of his Warlike humour, and for his great feats in Arms.

To open the Temple, ſignifieth to make War, becauſe the Romans in ancient time were wont to ſhut the Temple of Janus in time of Peace, and kept it open during the War. Caeſar Auguſtus did ſhut that Temple once in his time, which was never done before but twice, the firſt under Numa Pompilius, the ſecond after the overcoming of Charthage.

ANNOT.

Notwithſtanding the obſcurity of this ſenſe, and the bad connexion of the words, we may perceive that by this Stanza is meant, that a King having two Miſtreſſes ſhall exalt them in great honour, till by a report made by a fat woman and a lean one, that is in a conſumption, that the ſaid Ladies prove unfaithful to the King, he will depreſs them as low as they were before.

ANNOT.

Here and in ſome other places of this work is to be obſerved, that the Author doth ſometimes put two Towns inſtead of one, that he may diſtinguiſh it from others of the ſame name, as here he calleth Pol Manſol to diſtinguiſh the Town of St. Paul, which is three Leagues from the Rhoſne, over againſt the Town of Pont St. Eſprit, from that which is in the lower parts of Provence.

The ſenſe therefore of this Stanza is, that this Begourdans (a proper name of a man) ſhall pull out another by the beard, that was hidden in a Goats Den, and ſhall lead him captive as far as Tarbe, which is another Town of Provence.

ANNOT.

Here I confeſs to be at a loſs, as may be a wiſer man then I.

ANNOT.

By the Iſmaelites he meaneth the Turks, who brag to be deſcended from Iſmael. Caramania is a Province of Turky, ſo that the ſenſe of this Stanza is, that there ſhall be a great Invaſion of the Turks into Germany, and that thoſe of Caramania with their Aſſes ſhall come to their help, and ſhall be in ſuch numbers, as that the Earth ſhall be covered with them.

ANNOT.

This is plain enough without interpretation.

ANNOT.

This is the Prognoſtication of a conſpiracy againſt the Duke and City of Florence, by thoſe of the long Gown, which ſhall be diſcovered by Countrey fellows, that live in places without Walls.

ANNOT.

This foretelleth of a Frenchman, who ſhall by War obtain an Empire or Kingdom, and ſhall be betrayed by his Brother in Law a Pupil, whom afterwards he ſhall treacherouſly cauſe to mount a fierce prancing Horſe, who ſhall throw him down and drag him, for which the ſaid King ſhall be hated long after.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the younger ſon of a King, who being extreamly in love with his Coſen German, ſhall diſguiſe himſelf in a womans apparel, and ſhall go ſo diſguiſed to the Temple of Artemide, (that is of ſome Church Dedicated to the Virgin Mary) to meet her, but in going, ſhall be murdered by an unknown man named du Marne.

ANNOT.

The two firſt Verſes are concerning Philip the II. King of Spain, who is called here the King of the South, whom after his vain and fruſtrated Invaſion of 88. the Harmotique Iſland (that is England) ſhall deride, and he after that ſhall have ſome good years, that is of Peace, ſtill pillaging and plundering his Subjects, and ſhall change the price of England, that is, make it of a higher value, and more flouriſhing then ever it was before, as it did prove in Queen Elizabeth's time.

ANNOT.

This Lake of Borget is in Savoy, as alſo Montmelian Chambery, Moriene, and St. Julian; the meaning of it then is, that a great Army ſhall be gathered about that Lake, which ſhall go through Chambery, Moriene, and Montmelian, and ſhall fight at St. Julian.

ANNOT.

The firſt two Verſes are inexplicable; the two laſt ſignifie that there ſhall be an Army of Frem, with whom Hadria (that is Venice) and the Urſini the nobleſt Family in Italy ſhall take part, inſomuch, that many of the contrary party ſhall run for fear to the Griſons, which is a Nation dwelling in the Valteline and other Countreis there about, between the Venetians and the Switzers.

ANNOT.

Although the words be intricate, nevertheleſs the ſenſe is plain, concerning Francis the II. King of France, who being married young, and before he was 18. years of Age, to Mary Stuart Queen of Scotland, died preſently after, and left her a widow, and alſo England and Scotland (which he calleth here two Iſlands) at variance among themſelves; of the laſt Verſe the ſenſe is very obſcure, and hath relation to what did happen afterwards to the ſaid Mary Queen of Scots and Dowager of France.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is plain, concerning his Majeſty King Charles II. now Reigning, who having been recommended by his dying Father to his Subjects, preſently after his death they turned tail, and took the Kingdom from him for a good while.

ANNOT.

Cauſſade, Charlus, and Villefranche are little Towns in Provence, not far one from another; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

This is only a foretelling of ſome Gallant Prince, who ſhall maintain his Subjects in great peace and tranquility.

ANNOT.

This is concerning another King, who through his too much goodneſs, ſimplicity and negligence, ſhall make and unmake thoſe about him, and being fickle, ſhall believe falſe reports, made concerning his own wife; and at laſt by his to much goodneſs, ſhall be put to death.

ANNOT.

Blois is a City in France; Ligures are the Genoeſes, in Latine called Ligures; as for Mammel I cannot tell what to make of it; Cordua is a City of Spain, and the Dalmatians is a Nation near the Adriatick Sea, and under the Venetians; I leave the interpretation of the laſt Verſe to the ingenious Reader.

ANNOT.

The Reign or Kingdom of Navarre is called not true, becauſe the King of Spain doth poſſeſs it, and not the King of France, who is the lawful King thereof, as alſo in regard of the Kings of France, and before of Jane of Albret, and Antony of Bourbon.

This Kingdom being not true in regard of the ſaid ones, the title and quality is called here ſhadow. The Author ſaith that the quality of the King of Navarre ſhall make the life of illigitimate chance, becauſe after the death of Francis the II Catherine of Medicis being not oppoſed in the Regence by Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre, ſhe was willing to gratifie him in what ſhe could.

And becauſe his Brother Lewis Prince of Condé had been condemned to death, and not executed, it was a fair occaſion for her to ſhew the King of Navarre how much ſhe did defer to him. Therefore twelve days after the death of King Francis, he was freed out of Priſon, and was admitted to juſtifie himſelf under the King of Navarre's Bail.

Thus the ſhadow of the Kingdom of Navarre not true, did cauſe the life of a Prince to be ſaved, but that life was illegitimate, and that Kingdom not true by chance, that is, by accident, becauſe of the death of King Francis.

Leaving off the third Verſe to be explained after the fourth; King (ſaith the Author) ſhall give Orleans for legitimate, becauſe Cha les the IX. who during the life of Francis the II. did bear the title of Duke of Orleans, did ſucceed his Brother; thus the Verſe ſaith that Orleans ſhall give a King for legitimate.

Now for the third Verſe, you muſt ſuppoſe that by the Treaty at Madrid 1526. and after this by that of Cambray, the King Francis the I. did part with the Sovereignty of Flanders, and of all the Low-Countreis in favour of Charles the V. Emperour, it is of that uncertain allowance of Cambray, of which the Author talketh here, and ſaith, that in that time viz. of the death of Francis the II. that allowance ſhall be uncertain, becauſe Francis the I. having no power of himſelf to renounce the rights and dependance of the Crown of France, the Parliament that was aſſembled then, would have made void that allowance without breaking the Peace, declaring that the Kings of France ought to preſerve the right they had upon the Low-Countreis, and to require them again upon any occaſion, and upon that France did not refuſe the Election which the Low-Courtreis made of the Duke of Alencon for their Sovereign Prince and Duke of Brabant.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning an old Elector of Saxony, who being in health before, ſhall die ſuddenly, being poiſoned in a golden Cup by a woman, whom he calleth here infamous ſlut.

And that from Brunſwick (a Countrey adjacent to Saxony) ſhall come a Meſſenger, upon pretence of Love, who ſhall perſuade the people that the ſaid Elector was a Seducer.

ANNOT.

I believe that there is a fault here in the impreſſion, and that inſtead of Bourze it muſt be Bourges, which is a famous City in France, and Capitol of the Province of Berry, for I do not know any Town in Europe called Bourze. What he meaneth by the Lady Garlant is unknown. I believe alſo that inſtead of Leon it ſhould be Lyon, which is another famous City, and the firſt Archbiſhoprick of the ſaid Kingdom. Formande is a barbarous word, and I believe put in only to make up the Rime, as he hath done in ſeveral other places, as much then as can be gathered out of the ſenſe is this, that from that City Bourges, which uſually is a Dowry for a Queen of France, which is called here Garlant, ſhall a treaſon be hatched againſt the Archbiſhop of Lion, which I ſuppoſe came to paſs in the time of Henry the III. when Peter of Pinac Archbiſhop of the ſaid Lion, being accuſed by the Deputies of Bourges for ſiding with the League, eſcaped narrowly to be killed, when the Duke of Guiſe and the Cardinal his brother were. Queen Catherine of Medicis the Kings Mother having then the ſaid Province and Town of Bourges for her jointure.

The laſt Verſe hath no relation to the three foremoſt, and hath its interpretation by it ſelf, which is plain enough.

ANNOT.

Every Traveller knoweth that Caſtille (which is taken here for Spain) is divided into two parts viz. Caſtilia la Vecchia, and Caſtilia la Nuova, our Author then ſaith that out of Caſtilia la Vecchia, which is ſituated at the further end of Europe on that ſide, ſhall come a band of men, who ſhall deſtroy the Thieves that robbed and vexed the Travellers by the Bridge of Laigne, which it ſeemeth was an infamous place for robbing.

ANNOT.

This word Garden of the World, doth ſignifie a particular perſon, ſeeing that this Garden of the World was ſeized on and poiſoned in a Tub of Sulphurous water, in which he was thrown.

The Hiſtory may be this, that Noſtradamus paſſing for a Prophet and a great Aſtrologer in his time, abundance of people came to him to know their Fortunes, and chiefly the Fathers to know that of their Children, as did Mr. Laſnier, and Mr. Cotton, Father of that renowned Jeſuit of the ſame name, very like then that Mr. du Jardin having a ſon did ask Noſtradamus what ſhould become of him, and becauſe his ſon was named Coſmus, which in Greek ſignifieth the World, he anſwered him with theſe four Verſes

Garden of the World, for Coſmus of the Garden, In his travels ſhall be taken hard by the New City, in a way that hath been digged between the Mountains, and there ſhall be thrown into a Tub of poiſoned Sulphurous water to cauſe him to die, being forced to drink that water which thoſe rogues had prepared for him.

Thoſe that have learned the truth of this Hiſtory, may obſerve it here. This ought to have come to paſs in the laſt Age, ſeeing that the party mentioned was then born when this Stanza was written, and this unhappy man being dead of a violent death, there is great likelyhood, that he was not above forty years old.

There is another difficulty, to know which is that new City, there being many of that name in Europe, nevertheleſs the more probable is, that there being many Knights of Maltha born in Provence (the native Countrey of our Author) it may be believed that by the new City he meaneth the new City of Maltha called la Valete, hard by which there is paths and ways digged in the Mountains, which Mountains are as if it were a Fence and a Barricado againſt the Sea, or elſe this Coſmus might have been taken by Pyrats of Algiers, and there in the new City of the Goulette be put to death in the manner aforeſaid.

ANNOT.

The Maes is a River that runneth through a part of Lorrain and Luxembourg; as for the words Lurne and hurne I do not underſtand them, neither do I think they are to be found in all the French Language, both obſolete and modern; all what I can gather out of this, is, that a great overflowing of the River Maes, ſhall be both in Luxembourg and Lorrain, inſomuch that three Leaden Mines (which is meant here by Saturn) ſhall be diſcovered, and after that, a great Treaſon ſhall happen in the ſaid Lorrain.

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ANNOT.

The ſenſe of this is, that the lower Lorrain and Germany being united together, ſhall have War with the other three Nations, of Picards, Normans, and Manceaux, which having Beſieged a Town, ſhall conſtrain the Lorrainers and Low germans, to unite themſelves with the Cantons of Switzerland.

ANNOT.

There is fault in the Impreſſion, for inſtead of Laye it muſt be Lis, which is a River that runneth through Flanders, and diſchargeth it ſelf into the Scelde, which is the River that paſſeth at Antwerp, the ſenſe therefore of this Prophecy is, that in the place where the River of Lis joyneth with the Scelde, there ſhall the Nuptials be conſummated that were long a doing, and the place of Antwerp, where they unload the Wines, there ſhall a young unſpotted Lady Marry, and comfort an old man.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning the Turkiſh Empire, where three of the great Turks Concubines, which in Latine are called Pellices, ſhall make War one againſt another, the great Turk himſelf favouring neither party.

ANNOT.

This is concerning ſome Lady of quality, born of a Concubine, who ſhall be ſet up by reaſon of ſome ſad news that ſhall be brought, and afterwards ſhall be taken Priſoner, and carryed to Malines and Bruxelles, two Cities of the Low-Countreys.

ANNOT.

If by Phybe we underſtand the Admiral of Chaſtillon, and by Nore, Queen Margaret of Valois, the reſt will be eaſie. For in the year 1572. a Match was made between Henry the IV. then King of Navarre, chief of the Proteſtant party, and Margaret of Valois, Siſter to Charles the IX. to this Wedding were the chief of the Proteſtant party invited, who were there Maſſacred, and among the reſt Gaſpard of Coligny, Lord of Chastillon, and Admiral of France, whom he calleth here Phybe. And when he ſaith, that Husband and Mother ſhall ſcorn Nore, he ſheweth the ſlight Opinion and regard that the Queen Mother had for her Daughter, and Henry the IV. for his Wife, whom he after repudiated.

ANNOT.

A Prelate, is a man of eminent dignity in the Church, the Royal Prelate muſt be a Churchman of the Royal Blood, who bowing himſelf too much, ſhall fall into an Haemorhagie or Flux of Blood at his Mouth. The third Verſe ſignifieth, that the Kingdom of England ſhall be relieved from ſome diſtreſs by another Kingdom or Prince that had been a Slave a great while at Tunis, and lyen there, dead alive like a Log of Wood.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a great Tyrant, who being exalted to the dignity of a King, ſhall not know how to govern; but ſhall ſlight and put to ſhame the Children of the greateſt Nobility, and ſhall baniſh their Wives out of the Land; this hath a relation to the late Tyrant Cromwell.

ANNOT.

You muſt obſerve here, that by Aemathien the Author meaneth the King of France, as he doth in many other places; and by Selin, he meaneth the great Turk, becauſe ſuch was the name of him that lived in his time, this being preſuppoſed the meaning of this is, that the great Turk ſhall fight againſt the King of France, and ſhall attempt Phocens, which is Marſeilles, as being a Colony of the old Phocenſes in Graecia, which ſhall cauſe all France to quake, and the Ship to be in danger, which is Paris, who beareth a Ship for its Arms.

ANNOT.

The Marſhal of St. André, Governour of Lyon being abſent, the Proteſtants undertook the taking of it, at the ſollicitation of ſome principal Lords at Court, among whom were named the Prince of Condé, and the Vidame of Chartres, Francis of Vendoſme, Knight of the Order. The Abbot of Savigny, who did ſupply the place of the Governour, and was named Antony of Albon, ſince that Archbiſhop of Arles, having diſcovered this Conſpiracy, went to ſurpriſe the undertakers, but as he was going upon the night of the 5 of September, he met with ſome of the confederates upon the Bridge of Saone, which made him retreat with ſome loſs.

The next day having gathered moreForces, he took three of them that were ſtrangers and young, the reſt eſcaping, thoſe three were hanged the next Saturday, which was the 7 of that Month.

The Marſhal being come to Town, there was Execution made upon ſome of the Inhabitants, to the number of 4 that were hanged.

After that there were informations made concerning the Authors and Abettors of the ſaid conſpiracy, and many other Citizens and ſtrangers were put to Priſon, and beſides them the Vidame of Chartres, who was carryed to Paris, and put into the Baſtille, and after that in the Tournelles, where he died before his proceſs was ended, the 23 December 1560.

It is what our Author ſaith in this stanza; in the firſt Verſe he ſaith, that there were five and twenty of a breadth, of whoſe five and twenty there was five Citizens of the Town, and the reſt were Germans, Breſſans and Italians, of theſe Citizens 4 were hanged, and three of the ſtrangers.

Thoſe 25 undertakers, of which the Author ſaith, that under Noblemen they ſhall conduct a long Train; that is, that under the ſupport and favour of many Noblemen, they would undertake a thing that ſhould not end ſo ſoon as it proved afterwards; for although this enterpriſe did fail, yet was the beginning of horrid combuſtions that followed afterwards.

This enterpriſe it ſeemeth was diſcovered by barking of Maſtiffs.

The Apology for the City of Lyon treateth at large of this, and nameth all thoſe conſpirators, who for the moſt part were of Germany and Geneva.

ANNOT.

All theſe Cities are ſituated by the Mediterranean Sea, and moſt of them upon that part of it, which is called the River of Genoa, and are threatned here by all the plagues above mentioned,; as for the word nolte it is a barbarous one, forced here to make up the Rime in French.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth that there will be a conſpiracy of ſome men out of all the above mentioned Cities, to ſurrender Hungary (which in Latine is called Pannonia) to the great Turk, but that conſpiracy ſhall be diſcovered by a Matron, that is, a grave ancient Woman.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to have a relation to the precedent, and that near that place he calleth Sorbin, preparations ſhall be made to Invade Hungary, but they ſhall have notice of it by ſome body of Buda.

He that is called here Chief Bizantin, is the great Turk or his grand Vizir, who hath his abode in Conſtaninople, anciently called Bizantium.

ANNOT.

The meaning of this is, that when thoſe three Cities named in the firſt Verſe ſhall have need of ſuccours, and that a Kings Son ſhall die in flying two Herons, then ſhall Arabia and Hungary be under the ſame Maſter.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy ſeemeth to portend the change of the See of Rome in ſome place near to Venice, and this is to happen when the great Duke of Tuſcany ſhall aſcend upon a Triumphant Chariot, and that the Houſe of Colonne (which is the more powerfull in Rome) ſhall take his part.

ANNOT.

This is a confirmation of the foregoing Prophecy, by which it is ſaid that the deſtruction of Rome ſhall not be in her Walls, blood or ſubſtance, but onely by Letters or Doctrine that ſhall put quite down the Roman Religion.

ANNOT.

I conceive this Prophecy can be appropriated to no body better then Oli. Cromwel, who is called here the Chief of London by Reign of America, that is, by Reign of confuſion, whoſe projects and treaſons were all brought to nought, by the victorious Mars of the ever renowned General Monck, who came with his Army from Scotland to London in the VVinter time, he is called alſo a falſe Antichriſt, becauſe he was an enemy to King and Reb. that is Reſpublica or Common-wealth.

ANNOT.

The meaning is, that when all theſe Coeleſtial bodies ſhall be ſo diſpoſed, that there will be a fearful Earth-quake and Hail.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth here he ſpeaketh of two Fleets, one of which ſhall ſtand a little while before a Town, and carry a great many Citizens away, but that the other Fleet ſhall come in the mean time, and redeem them.

ANNOT.

The queſtion here is, whether this neuf vieux in French or new old in Engliſh be the proper name of a man, or be a Metaphor, to expreſs a young man of an ancient Family, when the Reader hath ſatisfied himſelf upon that, the reſt is eaſie enough.

ANNOT.

All this is nothing but an extraordinary great Snow that ſhall fall about Rhegio a City of Italy, whereby the Fields ſhall be drowned and fall to decay; inſomuch, that the chief men, called here Primate ſhall fall to poverty.

ANNOT.

This ſignifieth an exceeding great froſt, which ſhall happen on a Holy Thurſday, where the ground and sky ſhall be ſo clear, that men may come from the four parts (viz. of the Earth) without trouble for to worſhip.

ANNOT.

He that is called here King of Angouleſme was Francis the I. as gallant a Prince as ever France had, who before he was King went by the title of Duke of Angouleſme, the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy concerneth meerly Francis Rabelais, who was the greateſt Jovialiſt, that is, Merry-man that ever was, and did ſo laſh and cenſure the abuſes of every profeſſion, and chiefly of the Clergy, that to this very day he goeth among them for an Atheiſt, and a Prophaner of Sacred and Civil things.

ANNOT.

Hecatombe ſignifieth a Sacrifice, wherein a hundred beaſts were killed.

The ſenſe therefore is this, that when the year a thouſand ſeven hundred is paſt, that ſuch ſport of Hecatombe ſhall be ſeen again, not far from the ſixth Millenary, when the day ſhall riſe, for it is a common opinion among the Learned, that as God Created the VVorld in ſix days, and reſted the ſeventh, ſo when the VVorld hath laſted ſix thouſand years, for a thouſand years before God are as one day, there ſhall be an Eternal Sabbath and a Reſurrection, both of the juſt and unjuſt.

ANNOT.

All is plain, but only this, whether he taketh Hermes as a King of Aegypt, or as the Father of the Hermetick Philoſophers.

ANNOT.

What Senate and particular man he meaneth, is the only difficulty in this.

ANNOT.

I could not find any man or Author that knew what is meant here by Quirettes, which is only the difficulty of this Stanza.

ANNOT.

There is nothing difficult here, but what he meaneth by Embraced graces, for my part I believe them ſome new married Couples, who in the middle of their jollity ſhall fall into theſe diſaſters.

ANNOT.

This word Somentress, being altogether barbarous, is the reaſon that neither ſenſe nor conſtruction can be made of all theſe words.

ANNOT.

The words and the ſenſe are plain, though the parties be unknown.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a Treaſure hid by Spaniards (called here Heſperian Citizens) in a Church, which the people of a Town being poor, and almoſt ſtarved, cauſed to be open, and did ranſack it, but in the middle of it they found a ſtrange prey, but what it was God knows.

ANNOT.

This ſeemeth to have a relation to the Scalado of Geneva, of which you ſhall have a full account in the 69 Stanza, of the twelfth Century.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie was fulfilled in the year 1556. by the Marſhal of Briſsac in Piemont, when he took the Town of Vignal by aſſault, where 1200. Neapolitans were put to the Sword, who were called the braves of Naples; becauſe they were all very gallantly habited, and the Governour being wounded, caſt himſelf deſperately into a Well, whence the Marſhal cauſed him to be taken up, and to be cured of his wounds.

In this conflict there was no ſign of Battle given; becauſe it was done by the raſhneſs of a Souldier, Baſtard of a Baſtard of the houſe of Boiſsy, who without expecting the command of the General, went alone upon the breche, and after he had [〈…〉]o[•] againſt the Enemies, drew his Sword, and did fight a great while hand to hand without being wounded.

Some of his Companions ſeeing his valour, did follow him, and others came to to their help, and theſe carryed along with them all thoſe that were appointed to give the aſſault; inſomuch that by a kind of Warlike emulation, all did carry themſelves ſo valliantly, that after a long and ſtout reſiſtance, they routed the Enemies, and put all the Garriſons to the Sword.

It is what the Author ſaith in the firſt and ſecond Verſe, ſeeing that thoſe that were appointed to give Battle, every one in his Regiment or Squadron, were compelled by emulation to come out of their Park; that is, from the Precinct of place wherein they were. The third Verſe addeth, that round about the Enſign of Gaſp. ſhall be known; that is, in the aſſault the Captain of that place, named Gaſpar Pagan, was remarked to fight valliantly every where the French did aſſault, which the Marſhal of Briſsac ſeeing, as alſo the forwardneſs of his men commanded the general aſſault to be given. The Captain ſeeing the Town taken, though he had above twenty wounds, for marks of his Valour, yet by that deſpair threw himſelf into a Well, near which the Marſhal paſſing, heard his voice, and cauſed him to be drawn out, and cured of his wounds.

This Captain being reſolved to periſh in this aſſault, did cauſe all his own to be put to death, as the fourth Verſe ſaith. The Hiſtory of this Town was famous, for which the Marſhal of Briſſac did preſent Gifts to the moſt Valiant, and among the reſt to this Baſtard, after he had put him in jeopardy of his life, for having violated the Military Orders in a matter of ſuch concernment. That Town of Vignal is ſituated upon a Mountain of the Countrey of Montferrat, of a difficult acceſs, where no pieces of Ordinance can be brought up, but by the help of Mens Arms; after the taking of it, the Marſhal did cauſe it to be raiſed even to the ground, becauſe it could not be uſeful to the French, that had many other places to keep, and might have been very beneficial to the Spaniard.

ANNOT.

The Recloing, being a forged word, without ſignification, and being the Key of all this Stanza, no body can tell what to make of it.

ANNOT.

The old Treban is an old Captain or Governour of a Town, who ſhall be much entreated not to deliver at the end of the Trehemede (that is, three Months) one that he kept priſoner, but will they or not, he ſhall lawfully deliver him to his friends.

ANNOT.

This is concerning the King of Swedeland, Guſtavus Adolphus, who is called here the King of Europe; becauſe he lived in a part of it, and becauſe he was one, if not the moſt gallant Prince of his time, who with a great Army of his Subjects, named here thoſe of Aquilon, invaded Germany, and made War againſt the Emperour, whom he calleth here the King of Babylon, either becauſe he is a great favourer of the Roman Church, or becauſe the Empire, by reaſon of ſo many Sovereign Princes in it is like a Babel and confuſion.

The great Troop of Red and White, where his own Souldiers, whom he diſtinguiſhed by their ſeveral habits, Clothing them with ſeveral Colours, to breed an emulation among them, there being the Red Regiment, the White, the Blew, the Yellow, the Green. &c.

ANNOT.

A great King ſhall land hard by Nice, which is a Sea Town in Savoy, but he ſhall have a great loſs of his men by death, and the Sea ſhall ſwallow all his plunder.

ANNOT.

This is ſo clear that it needeth no interpretation.

ANNOT.

After ſo many calamities Prognoſticated by the Author, he promiſeth here ſeven and fifty year of a golden Age, but when? he maketh no mention.

ANNOT.

This Prognoſtication is eaſie to be underſtood, only it is indeterminate, and ſpecifieth neither time nor perſons.

ANNOT.

Wanting the Chronology of the Popes, I have not ſet down who that Pope was, then whom our Author ſaith there never was a worſe, but the time being ſo punctually prefixed, it will be an eaſie matter for the Reader to find out ſatisfaction in this point:

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is twofold, the two firſt Verſes foretel of a man that ſhall have his ſon killed before his eyes, and himſelf afterward ſhall be ſtrangled by a rope made of Ruſhes.

The two laſt Verſes are concerning the people of Geneva, who (as he faith) ſhall luſtily beſtir themſelves, while their Captain, Chief, or Commander ſhall careleſly lie like a log.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning three things, the firſt is of a conſiderable new Ship, that ſhall ſail ſeveral times into a place where the Empire ſhall be tranſlated.

The ſecond is concerning two Towns of Languedot, Beaucaire, and Arles, who ſhall not ſurrender the Hoſtages that they had.

The third is concerning two Columns of Porphiry that ſhall be found there about.

ANNOT.

It ſeemeth that thoſe three aforenamed Towns will reſuſe to obey a Spaniſh Proclamation, that would compel them to condemn a great man; as for Labouriez it is a barbarous and non-ſenſical word.

The laſt Verſe ſignifieth, that ſix ſhall eſcape, cloathed in Franciſcan habits, called here Seraphical, becauſe the Franciſcans believe that a Seraphin did appear to St. Francis their Patron, from whence their Order is called by many the Seraphical Order.

ANNOT.

A great and potent King ſhall come out of Spain, who by Sea and Land ſhall make great Conqueſt towards the South, that is Barbary, which ſhall be a great prejudice to the Turkiſh Empire, who hath for his Arms a new Moon; And ſlack the wings of thoſe of Friday, that is, of the Turks, becauſe they keep the Friday for their Sabbath. This Prophecy was fulfilled by Philip the II. King of Spain, who drove away all the Moores out of the South part of it, and took a great many places in the Coaſts of Barbary.

ANNOT.

I confeſs my ignorance in the intelligence of this Stanza.

ANNOT.

Triremes are Galleys with three benches of Oares, the reſt is much of the nature of the former.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a famous beauty, who in her latter age ſhall proſtitute her ſelf to all comers.

ANNOT.

This is a Prognoſtication of a general peace all Europe over.

The ſweet Manna ſhall no more fall to them, ſignifieth that the Europeans ſhall be fed no more with Manna, as the Jews were in the Deſert, but ſhall paſs to the Land of Promiſe, that is of peace and quietneſs.

ANNOT.

This is a favourable one for England, for by it the Empire, or the greateſt Dominion of Europe is promiſed to it, for the ſpace of above three hundred years, at which the Portugueſes or Spaniards ſhall much repine.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY XI.

ANNOT.

Theſe are names of particular perſons that are here threatned of the Plague, as alſo the City of Aix Capital of Province, and the Countrey about it, and after that the City of Marſeilles named here Phocens, becauſe they are a Colony of the old Phocenſes in Greece.

ANNOT.

Ville Franche is a Town five Leagues from Lion; and Maſcon another about the ſame diſtance from Ville Franche, and Chalon from Maſcon, and Moulins from Chalon.

The meaning of it is this, that there ſhall be an attempt from Ville Franche upon Maſcon, by Souldiers hidden in Faggots, that ſhall be cut off by the ſuccours of thoſe Cha[•]ons and Moulins; which like did happen in the time of the Civil Wars in France, between the King and the League, when the Towns ſtood one againſt another, but becauſe I can find nothing of it in the Hiſtory, I ſuſpend my further judgement therein.

THE PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus. CENTURY XII.

ANNOT.

The curioſity of the Author in ſtriving to begin all his words, in the two firſt Verſes hath made the ſenſe of this Stanza ſo obſcure, that I believe no body ever did or ſhall truely underſtand it, all what can be gathered out of it, is great threatning of ſeveral calamities, that were to happen upon Provence his native Countrey, as it did a little while after his death, by the Civil Wars for Religion.

ANNOT.

The words and ſenſe of this are plain.

ANNOT.

A cruel Aſſault is preparing, ſignifies the ſhortneſs of the time in which it was to happen, for our Author Prophecied 1555. and Cyprus was taken by the Turks in the Month of Auguſt 1571. Selymus the II. fifth Emperour of the Turks, where the perfidiouſneſs of the Baſſa Muſtapha that Beſieged it is remarkable, for having the Town delivered him upon Articles; Firſt, that the Inhabitants of the City yet alive ſhould enjoy their lives, liberty, and goods, with free exerciſe of Chriſtian Religion, that the Governour Bragadinus with the reſt of the Captains and Souldiers might in ſafty depart with Bag and Baggage, and at their departure take with them five pieces of Ordinance, and three Horſes, which ſoever it ſhould pleaſe them to make choiſe of, and that the Turks ſhould ſafely conduct them into Crete, finding them both Victual and Shipping; yet all theſe matters agreed upon, and commenced into Writting, as alſo by ſolemn Oaths on both ſide confirmed; the prefidious Baſla nevertheleſs cauſed Bragadinus to have his Ears cut off, then cauſed him to be ſet in a Chair, and his skin to be flain off from him quick, his head to be cut from his dead body, and upon the point of a Spear to be ſet upon a high place, his skin alſo ſtuffed with Chaff, he cauſed to be hanged up at the Yards Arm, and ſo to be carried about.

ANNOT.

Out of this crabbid Stanza we ſhall pick what we can, and leave the reſt to the judgment of the judicious Reader. Firſt,

The two bodies, one head may be underſtood either a Monſter that was ſo, as it did happen once in Italy, as Pareus witneſſeth; or of the union of the two Kingdoms of France and Navarre, under Henry the IV. or of England and Scotland under King James.

The Tower of Aiguemortes was ſtrucken with the Lightning, a while after our Author had put out his Prophecies.

ANNOT.

This is plain.

ANNOT.

This is a true picture of the miſeries of the Civil Wars in France, when Charles the IX. King of France, was againſt Henry King of Navarre, and the Duke of Guiſe againſt the Prince of Condé.

ANNOT.

This is a ſecond part of the foregoing.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning the Civil Wars of France between the King and the League.

He ſaith, at Blois War and tumult; becauſe the Duke of Guiſe, and the Cardinal his Brother were both killed there, at the convention of Eſtates by the Kings command, which he calleth here acknowledgment unexpected, becauſe the Kingdom did own the fact.

The laſt two Verſes are concerning the two Caſtles or Fortreſſes of Bourdeaux, who in thoſe days were ſometimes by one party, and ſometimes by another.

ANNOT.

The two laſt Verſes ſeem to have a relation to the foregoing Stanza, and to import, that the Governour of Bourdeaux ſhall compel them to hold our, and becauſe Langon, a Town 20 or 30 Miles diſtant from Bourdeanx, was of the contrary party, and did annoy ſometimes thoſe of Bourdeaux, it is threatned here to have a thouſand kicks for one.

Gironde and Garonne are the two Rivers of Bourdeaux.

ANNOT.

This is a notable one, directly foretelling the Enterpriſe or Scalado made by the Duke of of Savoy, upon Geneva: for the better Intelligence of which, we ſhall firſt give the ſenſe word for word, and then ſet down the whole Hiſtory as a piece of Cabinet, that the Reader after ſo much tedious and crabbid reading, may have ſome field to ſpatiate and recruit it ſelf.

Eiovas near, Eiovas by Anagram is Savoy, or the Duke of it, who at that time was near Geneva; yet ſeemeth far from the Lake Leman, which is the Lake that paſſeth through Geneva, called in Latine Lacus Lemannus. Very great preparatives; becauſe at that time he made great preparations to Scale the Walls of Geneva Return, becauſe he was forced to retire. Confuſion; becauſe he was confounded in his undertaking. Far from the Neveux of the great Supelman; that is, an action much unworthy the Kindred of Henry the IV. called here great Supelman, to whom he was Allied. All of their Train; that is, all that were with him in that undertaking, did partake of his return and confuſion. Now the Hiſtory is thus.

About the latter end of the year 1600. the Duke of Savoy having done before all his endeavours to take the City of Geneva by force, did reſolve at laſt to have it by craft, and ſtratagem. He did frame a deſign full of Courage, Underſtanding, and Conduct, as well as of misfortune; it was long a hatching without being diſcovered, and although it was known that he cauſed Ladders to be made, and that he bought every where men of courage and reſolution, and had a great number of them alread[•] at Chambery, well payed and maintained, waiting for the ripeneſs of the deſign, though Ignorant of it. No body could believe that it was againſt thoſe of Geneva; becauſe at that time he did treat with them of the manner of living friendly, and of the liberty of Trade, having ſent to them for this purpoſe a few days before the Preſident Rochette, to treat and adviſe of a manner of living friendly together, for the eaſe of the people. They did ſo much hearten and reliſh his propoſitions and promiſes, that although Cities of ſuch condition, do not lightly believe them that have been their Enemies, nevertheleſs they truſted to that, and grew careleſs of their own preſervation, thinking that there was nothing more powerfull for their ſecurity than the treaties of peace between France, Spain, and Savoy, in which they thought themſelves included, under the name of the confederate with the Cantons of Switzerland; inſomuch that the Dukes Subject; went thither ſo familiarly, that the day before this Execution ſome Gentlemen that knew ſomething of the deſign, being come into the Town to buy ſome Horſes, ſaid they would come again the next day to conclude the Bargain, and others had kept the ſame Language for other Wares, ſo fully perſwaded were they of a ſucceſs, though Heaven, who laugheth at the thoughts of the proud, had reſolved to humble and abaſe them.

The Governour of Lion had preſently notice that the Duke of Savoy was coming on the ſide of the Mountain, and carryed with him ſcaling Ladders, of which he ſent notice to the King, and provided what was neceſſary for the defence of Lion, although the ſame Advice ſaid it was not for France; yet all this could not hinder the Execution which was in the mean time a doing. D'Albigny Lieutenant General of the Duke in thoſe Countreys he had on this ſide of the Mountains, had made the Troops to paſs, and for that purpoſe had aſſigned them of their Quarters in the Towns of Geneva, in ſeveral places, that they might not be ſo ſoon diſcovered. The Randezvous was at a place called Chambery, the time of the Execution was reſerved to the prudence of the Leader. The time was not according to the precept of the Parthians, who ever fought by night, nor of the Lacedemonians, who undertook nothing but in the time of the full Moon; for it was one of the darkeſt and longeſt nights of all the year, the Troops began their March about ſix of the Clock. Brignolet Governour of Bonnes, a ſmall Town in Foſsigny, diſtant three Leagues from Geneva, was the man that had contributed moſt of his own for the performance of this deſign, whom he thought ſo certain, that he ſaid he would die to the world, if he did not live in Geneva. D'Albigny had ſet up Watches upon all the paſſes, to ſtop all Travellers, for fear notice ſhould be given of their coming; and of that of the Duke of Savoy, to whom the Execution had been repreſented ſo ſure and certain, in that he ſhould be there himſelf to reap the Honour and profit of it, and to end the Triumph that his Grandfather had begun. He came over the Mountains with five Gentlemen only in his Company, and the ſame day came to Tremblures▪ a Village diſtant from Geneva about three Miles; and for all that they could not hinder, but an unknown Trooper did ride as far as the New gate, and asked to ſpeak to him that commanded there, bidding him look to themſelves, becauſe the duke of Savay, wiſhed them no good, and ſo retreated galloping. This News was brought to Blondel, the fourth Syndic of the Town, and who had the charge of the Guard that year; he anſwerd, he would provide for that. Another came afterwards, and told him that the Dakes Forces were about the Town, but knew not upon what deſign, and that himſelf was at Bonne; he anſwered, that they were not Birds, and could not fly, Miſtruſt is not always to be commended; but too much confidence in ſuch buſineſs, is exceedingly dangerous.

Thoſe that were to do the Execution, and to get up firſt upon the Ladders, went along by the River of Albe, that the noiſe of the Waters might hinder the Sentinals to hear them, Two things did happen, that were an ill Omen for them, they ſaw in the Skies unuſual fires, a Hare did many times croſs their way, and gave them a falſe Alarm, and as many things being conſidered in the night time, do trouble the imagination, and that fear maketh one think that Buſhes are Squadrons, and Thiſtles Pikes, as it did happen once at the Siege of Paris by the E[•]rgundians. They did diſcover about Eleven of the Clock ſome Poſts, to whom the Cloth-workers of Geneva uſe to nail their Stuffs to dry them. Thoſe that went formoſt would have Charged them, thinking they had been an Ambuſcado; from thence they went all along the Rhoſne to the Meadow of Plain Palais. Brignolet, and thoſe that were ordained for the Scalado followed d'Albigny, who led them down into the Town-Ditch, on the ſide of the Corraterie, without being diſcovered by the Sentinals, although the Ducks that were in the Ditch, did (for to awake thoſe of Geneva) what the Geeſe did at Rome againſt the French. They went over the Ditch upon Hurdles for fear to ſink in the Mire, and did ſet up three Ladders of a wonderful invention; becauſe they could be eaſily carryed upon Mules, and they could be folded into ſo many pieces, that they could reach the higheſt wall that is; and beſides that, ſo ſtrong and firm, that no Ladder of one piece could be more; they had beſides that provided Hatchets, Hammers, Pincers, and other ſuch Tools, to cut Iron Chains, break Locks, draw Nails and Bars, they had beſides ſeveral Petardoes and Petardo-Maſters. Fortune, who hath a great power in ſuch undertakings, did fail them in their need, after ſhe had brought them to the middle of the City, and made them maſters of the ſtreets for above two hours.

By one of thoſe Ladders went up about two hundred men, Brignolet was the firſt, followed by d'Attigna[•] and Sonas, and did carry himſelf more valliantly and prudently; having got over the Wall, he ſu[•]prized the Sentinal, and drew from him the Watch-word, and his Life, then threw him over into the Ditch, and ſtood in his place to ſtay for the Round, that he might do as much to him, as he did when it came near him to give him the Watch-word. D'Albigny, and one Father Alexander a Scotchman, and a Juſuite, were at the Ladders foot, incouraging thoſe that went up. The Boy that carryed the Lanthorn ſaved himſelf, and gave notice to the Court de Garde of what had betallen his Maſter, at which the Court de Garde was not much moved. This was a doing between One and Two of the Clock, expecting that of four, at the which they had propoſed to make their greater attempt, and in the mean while to give time to the ſuccour to draw near, and to the day to break▪ becauſe all Warlike Executions done by night, carry always ſome confuſion with them. No body had gone to bed in the Town with a thought to be awakened ſo ſoon, they reſted upon the aſſurance of the Peace. The undertakers had a whole hours time to get up, and as much before they met with any oppoſition. It d'Albigny had been Within to husband that time better than did Sonas, Brignolet, and d Attignac, they might have cried, the Town is won. About half an hour paſt two of the Clock, a Sentinal that was in the Mints Tower, having heard ſome noiſe in the Ditch, ſhot off his Gun to give the Alarm, which compelled Brignolet to diſcover himſelf, charging all that was in the Court de Garde of the New-gate, that he might Plant the Petard, and make way for the main Body that was in Plain Palais. They got very well the Court de Garde, but againſt the Rule of War, which commondeth to kill all, they let one eſcape that had ſo much wit as to get up, and to let down the Port-Cullis, to fruſtrate the effect of the Petard. The Town was at that time full of Cries and horrid Houlings, of which the Savoiards ſhould have made their profit, and increaſed their courage, as it did weaken that of the Townſmen, that knew not where to run, ſome crying one way, ſome another. The undertakers loſt themſelves in the appearance of ſo happy a ſucceſs, thoſe that were without ſhould have given the Alarm at ſome other Gate, to divide the Forces of the Town, thoſe that were within made no uſe of their Hatchets, Hammers and Pincers, they forgot to ſet ſome Houſes on fire; the ſpirit of aſtoniſhment ſeized upon them, having in their thoughts the Sack and Plunder of the Town, more than the perfection of their Conqueſt; they made only uſe of a certain croaking like Frogs, as the Turks uſe the Bret, Bret, to animate and rally themſelves. Brignolet being compelled to diſcover himſelf, marched towards the New Gate, diſtant from that place about 200. Paces, and there was wounded, and died a little after; the Fight began in the dark, and the Court de Garde was diſperſed, one Souldier hearing them call for the Petard, got upon the Gate, and cut the Rope that held the Port-Culis, and ſhut up the Petard between the Port-Culis, and the Gate which they went about to break open, with their Hatchets and Hammers, at the firſt reſiſtance the Petards Maſter was killed. The Order is ſuch at Geneva, that in all extraordinary accidents, every Citizen knoweth the place of his Randezvous, and there goeth with his Arms, and the Town Houſe is never deſtitute of Souldiers.

In the mean time the Magiſtrate cryeth, He that loveth me let him follow me. Some Countrey Fellows of the Neighbouring Towns, who kept their Watch by turns, being led by ſome Captains and Citizens, did preſent themſelves at the New Gate, where they were ſtoutly received, and beaten back, and yet the firſt ſhot of theirs killed the Petard-Maſter, who was much troubled with his Tools. This firſt Charge would not have driven them back, if the body of the Citizens had not come, and Charged them ſo furiouſly, that they loſt all their Courage; Neceſſity which ſtrengthens even thoſe that want Courage, did ſo animate the Citizens to their defence, that the undertakers were fained to give back. The more nimble went again to their Ladders, which proved uſeleſs; becauſe the Canon that was Planted in the Fort of Loye, near the Ditch, had broken them; ſo that they left four and fifty dead upon the place, and upon the Curtain of the Corraterie, and thirteen that were taken alive. If the Town had had Souldiers in readineſs to make a Sally in that And[•]b[•]tiſm, the night being ſometimes favourable to ſuch expeditions, thoſe that were at Plain Palais, would not have retreated in ſo good an Order.

There were thirteen taken alive, among whom were the Baron of Attignac, the Lord Sonas, the Lord Chaffardon, upon promiſe of their Lives, and to be Priſoners of War, or elſe they had preſerved an Honourable death to all the promiſes, to be ſpared in laying down their Arms; among them was d'Attignac, who fought valiantly, and gave his Order of St. Maurice to his man, bidding him ſave himſelf, being reſolved to die with his Sword in his hand.

The Lords of Geneva would not uſe them as Priſoners of War; but as Thieves and Robbers come into the City over the Walls. They ſaid that the Duke was too generous a Prince for ſo wicked and perfidious an action: there was ſeveral Opinions concerning their Sentence of Death, the more moderate would have them be put to Ranſom, others would have them be kept Priſoners, that they might ſerve for exchange, if ſome of the Town were taken in the continuation of the War; but the more violent did ſtir the people, in repreſenting unto them the loſs of their Religion, the raviſhing of their Wives and Maids, the Maſſacre, the Sack and Plunder of the Town, and their perpetual ſlavery, and the complaints of the Widows and Children of thoſe that had been killed, were ſo much conſidered, that the more moderate Opinions did not appear injuſt, but in how much they tended to Death. They were Condemned to be Hanged, which is thought the moſt Ignominious Death: they deſired to have their Heads cut off as Gentlemen, which was granted, but it was after they were Hanged. Fifty nine were found killed and wounded, who had all their Heads cut off. In the Ditch there were ſome Arms found, thirty dead, and four wounded, all their Heads were cut off, and ſet with the reſt upon the Gallows. Of the Citizens of the Town there were ſeventeen found dead, moſt of them killed by their Companions in the dark. Their Names were John Canal, one of the Lords of the Councel, Lewis Baudiere, John Vandel, Lewis Galatin, Peter Cabriol, Mark Cambiagua, Nicolas Ba[•]gueret, James Mercier, Abraham de Baptiſta, Daniel Humbert, Martin de Bolo, Michael Monard, Philip Potier, Francis Bouzeſel, John Buignet, James Petit, Gerrard Muzy, and about twenty wounded. The Sunday after Dinner, about two of the Clock, 67 Heads, as well of thoſe that were killed, as of thoſe that were Hanged, were faſtened upon the Gallows, and the Bodies thrown into the Rhoſne. The next Tueſday there was a ſolemn Faſting day kept, and they began to publiſh every where the wonders of this Deliverance.

Here followeth the Copy of their Letter, to the Governour of Lion.

My Lord,

You have known before this by many of your Letters, how his Highneſs of Savoy; notwithſtanding he knew, and had confeſſed that we were included in the Peace made in the year 1600 between his Royal Majesty of France, and him; hath neverthleſs divers times oppreſſed us, by detaining our Rents, prohibiting of Trade, other violences and extorsions, refuſing to hearken to the juſt and preſsing remanſtrances, which his Majeſty hath made him ſeveral times in our behalf; but hath alſo contrived many defigns to ſurpriſe us in time of Peace. Now it is ſo, that for the encompaſing his pernicious deſign, the Lord d'Albigny, Saturday laſt, the Eleventh of this Month, did bring before our Town, on the ſide of Plain Palais, about two Thouſand men, Horſe and Foot, all choice men, and hath cauſed to paſs about 200. of them over our Ditch, by the Corraterie, and having ſet up Ladders one within another, hatb cauſed them to come into our Town about three of the Clock in the Morning, upon Sunday the Twelfth of this Month, encouraging them himſelf, b[•]ing in the Ditch; ſo that being come down into the Town, ſome went towards our New Gate to force it open, and give entrance to their Companions, who were in the [•]lain of Plain Palais, others went towards the Mint Gate, that they might by this means come into the middle of the Town. But i[•] hath pleaſed God to look upon us with his favourable Eye, and to give ſuch a Heart to the Citizens, that they beat them back, and killed the beſt part of them taken upon the place, the rest hath been taken, and ſince that Hanged by our Order, the reſt threw themſelves down from the wall; ſo that we hear, many of them are either dead or grievouſly wounded. It is a wonderfull deliverance of our God, for which we are particularly bound to Praiſe him. But as it is probable, that the ſaid Lord d'Albigny will continue his ill deſigns, by ſo much the more that we hear his Highneſs is not far from us, we do intreat and requeſt by all our affection, that you would be pleaſed to conſider what prejudice the taking of this place would be to his Majeſty, and to continue us your favour, and aſsiſt us with our wiſe and prudent adviſe, &c.

Many did judge of the ſucceſs of this enterpriſe by the beginning, and were more forward to write, than to perform well. The King had notice that the Duke was Maſter of the Town, and the manner of doing was repreſented with ſo much felicity and facility, that there was leſs reaſon to doubt of it than believe it. The Truth was not known, but by the adviſe of the Governour of Lion, which came before any diſcourſe that the Town did publiſh after its deliverance:

The Duke went Poſt back again over the Mountains, and left his Troops within three miles of Geneva in three places, at Tournon, Foſſigny, and Ternier, he cauſed his Embaſsadours to ſay to the Lords of Be[•]ne, that he had not made that enterpriſe to trouble the Peace of the Cantons; but to prevent l'Eſdiguieres to ſeize upon it for the King of of France, who ſhould have been ſo powerfull a Neighbour, as would have given them great occaſion of fears and jealouſies.

The ſucceſs of this undertaking made it appear, that God will not have thoſe Treaties to the aſſurance of which his name hath been called for a Witneſs, to be violated, whatſoever appeararance or pretext of Religion there be.

Thus Gentle Reader thou ſeeſt by all theſe Circumſtances the Truth of our Authors Prognoſtication.

ANNOT.

This hath a perfect relation to the miſeries that followed the general Maſſacre of the Proteſtants in France in the year 1572. when the Rivers were a ſtop to the cruelty of the Perſecutors, and when ſo many Houſes, Mannors and Palaces belonging to thoſe of the reformed Religion were demoliſhed, and to ſignifie the certainty thereof, he ſaith in the third Verſe, take this as an oracle.

To the Curious READER.

Gentle Reader,

THou ſhalt take notice, that in this place the covetouſneſs of Bookſellers and Printers, hath in the modern Copies vented new Prophecies, which they call Prognoſtications, drawn out of thoſe of Michael Noſtradamus, which are ſo abſurd and nonſenſical, that they have been rejected, both by his Son, and the beſt Wits of this age; therefore I would not ſoil the Paper with them, for fear to put ſuch a courſe Liſt upon ſo fine a Cloth, but ſhall proceed on to give you the reſt of thoſe Prophecies, which truly and undoubtedly belong to our Author.

Wonderful Prognoſtications for the Age 1600. Gathered out of the Notes of Mr. Michael Noſtradamus, Phyſitian to King CHARLES the IX. and one of the moſt excellent Aſtronomers that ever were. PRESENTED To the Moſt Victorious and Merciful PRINCE HENRY the IV. King of FRANCE and NAVARRE, at Chantilly the Conſtable of Montmorency's Houſe the 15th of March 1605.

By Vincent Seve of the Town of Beaucaire in Languedoc.

To the King.

Sir,

HAving ſome years ago recovered certain Prophecies, or Prognoſtications, made by the lately Deceaſed Michael Noſtradamus, from the hands of Henry Noſtradamus his Nephew, which he gave me before his death, and which I have kept ſecret till now, that I ſaw they treated of the affairs of your Eſtate, and particularly of your Perſon and Succeſſors, as your ſelf may ſee if you pleaſe tó take the pains to look upon, and wherein you ſhall find things wor[••]y of admiration. I have taken the boldneſs (though unworthy) to preſent them to you, tranſcribed in this little Book, no leſs wonderful then the other two which he made, for in it he hath treated of what ſhall happen in this Age 1600, not ſo obſcurely as he hath done formerly, but by aenigmes, ſpecifying ſo clearly the things he ſpeaketh of, that one may certainly judge of them, as of things that are already come to paſs. Being therefore deſirous that your Majeſty ſhould have the firſt notice thereof, I thought to diſcharge my duty in this as one of your moſt obedient and faithful Subjects, which I intreat your Majeſty would be pleaſed to agree, obliging ſo not onely the body of one of your faithful Subjects already yours, but alſo the Soul who ſhall continue to pray for the health and proſperity of your Majeſty, and of all thoſe that have relation to it, as one that is, and ſhall ever be,

SIR,

Your moſt humble, moſt obedient and faithful Servant and Subject, SEVE.

From your Town of Beaucair[•] in Languedoc.

OTHER PROPHECIES OF Michael Noſtradamus For the Years of this Age 1600.

ANNOT.

By New Age is meant the Age 1600. to the end of the Century, each age containing a hundred years.

The new Alliance was the match between Henry the IV. and Catherine of Medicis, made and celebrated that year.

A Markdom put into a Boat, was the Markdom of Saluces in Italy, which the Duke of Savoy had ſurrepticiouſly taken from the Crown of France, in the time of the Civil Wars, and would not reſtore it, for which there was great Wars between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, till at laſt they agreed that the Duke of Savoy ſhould give in exchange of it the Countrey of Breſcia; and this is the ſenſe of the ſecond, third, and half the fourth Verſe.

Galley of Florence in the Port of Marſeilles, a Maid in France, ſignifieth the arrival of Mary of Medicis in the Galleys of France, and her Landing in the Port of Marſeilles.

Of the Fort Catherine the head ſhall be demoliſhed; the Duke of Savoy to plague and bridle thoſe of Geneva, upon whom he hath had always pretentions, had built a ſtrong Fort two leagues from Geneva, called the Fort St. Catherine, which did ſo annoy the Town, that they made their addreſſes to Henry the IV. who was then in War with the Duke of Savoy, repreſenting to him that they were not able to relieve his Army with Victuals, becauſe of the ſaid Fort, whereupon Henry the IV. took it, and demoliſhed it to the ground.

ANNOT.

This Stanza and the next are concerning the Town of Oſtend, which was Beſieged by the Arch-duke, and defended by the States of Holland, under the conduct of Earl Maurice of Naſſaw.

In a ſtronger he ſhall put his foot on ground, ſignifieth that Earl Maurice during the ſaid Siege, took the Sluys another Town of the Spaniards, thought ſtronger then Oſtend. A Pygmie helpeld by the Cenſuarts, ſignifieth that Prince Maurice whom he calleth here a Pygmie in compariſon of the Arch-duke, was helped by the French and Engliſh, whom he calleth here Cenſuarts, to rime with the word Soldats in the foregoing Verſe.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is as well as the former concerning the Town of Oſtend, which after three years Siege inſtead of five (which is falſly printed here) was ſurrendred to the Arch-Duke, and preſently after like to be drowned by the Sea.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy was concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, ſon of Henry the IV. who was born under the Sign of Libra, and therefore called the Juſt; the reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a Governour of the Principality of Orenge, under the authority of a Prince, which Governour having been long in poſſeſſion of that Government, and the Prince being buſie in the Wars of the Netherlands, the ſaid Governour plaid Rex in his abſence, ſo that the Prince was forced to have him made away privately.

ANNOT.

Two notable Hiſtories are contained in this Stanza, the firſt is of the Marſhal of Biron; the ſecond is of Nicolas, High Secretary to the Lord Villeroy, who himſelf was chief Secretary of State to Henry the IV. and becauſe they are curious ones, and not to be met every where, we ſhall ſet them down:

The firſt four Verſes are concerning the Duke of Biron, who by tranſpoſition of letters is called here Robin; this man by his Military Valour and experience, had from a private Gentleman aſcended to the higheſt degrees of honour and preferment, that his condition was capable of, for though he were not forty years old, he had attained unto the greateſt dignities of the Kingdom; being fourteen years old, he was made Colonel of the Switzers in Flanders; a little while after he was made Marſhal of Camp, and after Marſhal General: he was admitted Admiral of France in the Parliament of Tours, and then Mareſhal of France in that of Paris; at the Siege of Amiens he was ſole Lieutenant of his Majeſty, though there were many Princes of the Blood in the Army, and to compleat his greatneſs, he was made Peer of France, and the Barony of Biron erected into a Dukedom, not contented with all that, he ſaid, he would not go to the retaking of the reſt of the Towns in Picardy, unleſs his Statue were erected in Braſs before the Louvre; and in concluſion, that he had rather die upon a Scaffold, undertaking ſome great matters, then to live idle in his own Houſe, and always among theſe Bravadoes, he did mix ſome bold and dangerous words, which he would have every body to approve of.

When he ſaw that after the Siege of Amiens the War was at an end, that Britany was reduced, and that all the Swords were ſheathed for a good while, he thought that having no more occaſion to exerciſe his valour, he ſhould grow out of credit, and that he ſhould have no more that power, by which he plaiſed the King, and do without fear all what he did without Juſtice. The fire of that great courage finding no work without, began to work within, that burning deſire of being always the firſt, did fill his head with flames and ſmoak of a great deſign, he complained of the King, and of the unequal reward of his deſerts and ſervices, did publiſh his diſcontents, adding threatnings to his complaints, and ſpoke of the King with little reſpect, that his moſt intimate friends did judge his words inſolent and dangerous.

It is true it was the vice of his nature, but there were alſo ſome of Fortune, for finding himſelf filled with all the proſperities, that a moderate man might wiſh for in his condition, he found that men looſe themſelves by too much happineſs. He began then to lend his Ears unto flatterers, and when they told him that he was the greateſt Captain in France, he anſwered that he would die upon a ſcaffold, or he would go beyond the condition of a ſingle Gentleman, that the goodneſs of his ſword ſhould give him what Fortune had denied; and the Aſtrologers to whom he gave great credit, had foretold him in ambiguous terms, that nothing could hinder him from being a Sovereign, but the blow of a ſword given by a Bargundian, and though all his life time he had ſhewed but little Devotion and Zeal to Religion, yet from that time that he prepared his ſoul to the motion of his ambition, he fained himſelf very devout and zealous, and began to wear beads, that the Baron of Lux had given him in a Tennis-Court, and to declare himſelf an irreconcilſable enemy to the Proteſtants, ſeeking every where ſome diſcontented Spirits, whom he did encourage with the hopes of a profitable change.

La Nocle Lord of la Fin was then for the troubles of Prevence, and for the quarrel he had with [〈◊〉] Eſdigvieres, retired into his Houſe, threatned of ill uſage by the King, enemy to ſome great ones, loaded with debts and Sutes in Law. The diſcontented meet always, either by deſign or by chance. The Duke of Biron who knew that he had been deeply engaged in the buſineſs of the late Duke of Alencon, that he had Negotiated with the Miniſters or the King of Spain, and of the Duke of Savoy, during the Siege of Amicns, that he was full of diſcontents, thought that ſuch a one was ſeeking for a Maſter. They ſpoke together and mixed their grievances, propounding to ſeek out of the Kingdom what they could not find within, and to contract an intelligence with the Duke of Savoy; thus after ſo many examples of unavoidable dangers, the Duke of Biron did venture upon a Journey full of Rocks and Shelves, under the conduct of one who was yet wet with the Shipwrack he had lately made.

The Duke went into Flanders, for the execution of the Treaty of Vervins, where one Picoté of Orleans ſpoke to him, and inſpired into him ſtrange deſires of raiſing his Fortune, with thoſe that knew and admired his deſerts. The Duke of Biron did hearken to him, and told him he would be glad to hear him ſome other time upon that ſubject. From that time forwards the Spaniards thought themſelves ſure of him, and grew confident, either to have him, or to deſtroy him: a French Gentleman, who becauſe of the Civil Wars was retired into Flanders, and had ſome imployment in the Arch-Dukes Court, gave the firſt intelligence of it to the King, who took it kindly, but ſent him word that the Duke of Biron had too much courage and honeſty to harbour ſuch a wickedneſs; being come back again from Flanders the King wiſhed him to Marry, but he ſhewed that his inclinations tended to ſome other party, then that which was offered unto him, and though he made ſhew to court the Daughter of my Lady Lucé, he nevertheleſs intended to have the natural Siſter of the Duke of Savoy, of which the Knight Breton had ſpoken to him. La Fin had in charge from the Duke of Biron, to do all what he could for his ſatisfaction. Picoté had made a Journey into Spain, only to know and receive the propoſitions. Farges a Monk of the Order of Fifteaux, went into Savoy, and from thence to Milan to receive Orders how to pluck of this Plant out of France. Things went very ſlowly; for the Spaniards do not eaſily believe the words of the French, unleſs they be with great effects of rebellion and change; but the Duke of Savoy being at Paris, did wholly put out the Flower de Luces he had in his Heart, and did diſpoſe him to diſturb the King ſo much at home, that he ſhould have but little time to diſpute him the Markdom of Suluces, upon that hope the Duke of Savoy neglected the Execution of the treaty of Peace made at Paris, the War was proclaimed, and the Duke of Biron took the chief places in Breſse. Being at Pierre Chaſtel in the beginning of September, La Fin came to him, and by his order made two Journeys to St. Claude, where Roncas was. The King had notice of it, but thought it better to diſſemble it than to ſurpriſe a man he loved in his infidelity, he thought enough to bid him come into Savoy, and to rid himſelf of La Fin. He did believe that what the King ſaid to him out of his affection, proceeded from fear, and kept company ſtill with La Fin, and never went to ſee the King, but with great many attendants, refuſing to take his lodging near his, that he might have more liberty; he perſwaded the King being at Anneſſy, that he did deſire to diſcover ſome paſſages, and therefore deſired to have ſome guides of the Countrey, but it was to ſend ſafely Renaze, La Fin's Secretary to the Duke of Savoy, to give him intelligence in what ſtate the Kings Army was, and to bid d'Albigny retreat, who otherwiſe had been defeated. This was about the time that the Duke of Biron did intreat the King to beſtow the Government of the Citadel of Bourg on him, whom he ſhould name. It is the Nature of the great ones that ſerve Princes to believe they deſerve all, and to become more dangerous than Enemies if they are refuſed what they ask for. The King did declare, that he would beſtow the place upon de Boiſſes. This denial did ſo trouble the mind of the Duke of Biron, and put him upon ſuch a ſtrange and diabolical reſolutions, that he reſolved one Morning, being yet in his Bed at Chamo[•]t, to kill the King, as it is expreſſed in the depoſitions of La Fin and Renazé, but this took no effect, himſelf afterwards did abhor the thought of it. La Fin alſo went from the Army to conclude the Bargain with the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes, he treated firſt with the Duke of the Spaniſh Embaſſador at Yurée, afterwards at Thurin with Roncas, where alſo came Picoté, bringing the anſwers of the Councel of Spain, upon the propoſitions of the Duke of Biron, with order to confer with La Fin, and to perſwade him to make a Journey into Spain. He ſaid plainly, that the King of Spain was reſolved to have the Duke of Biron at any rate. The Duke of Savoy and the Earl of Fuentes appointed a day to be at Some with La Fin and Picoté; there the minds of every one were clearly expreſſed and underſtood.

La Fin, who was acquainted with all his ſecret Councels, told the King, that the Marriage of the third Daughter of the Duke of Savoy, was the ſodder and cement of all the treaty, with a promiſe of five hundred thouſand Crowns, and all the rights of Soveraignty in Burgundy.

While La Fin treated in Italy the capitulation of the Duke of Biron, the treaty of Peace was concluded at Lyons.

The Duke of Biron had been always againſt this Peace; when he ſaw that it was concluded, and that the King had heard ſomething of his dealings with La Fin, he fained to be very penitent of it, and asked the King forgiveneſs in the Cloiſter of the Franciſcan Friers at Lyons, and intreated him moſt humbly to forgive the evil intentions that the denial of the Citadel of Bourg had put into his mind. The King did forgive him, and told him, that he was glad he had truſted to his clemency, and in the affection he bore to him, of which he would always give him ſuch tokens, that he ſhould never have occaſion to doubt of it. Leaving the King, he met with the Duke of Eſpernon, and told him, that he would impart unto him as unto his beſt friend, the beſt fortune that ever he had in his life, which was, that he had diſcharged his Conſcience to the King, and that he had forgiven him all what was paſt. The Duke of Eſpernon told him, that he was glad of it, but that it was neceſſary he ſhould have his pardon in writing; for ſuch faults could not be ſo eaſily blotted out. What, ſaid he, upon what can I rely better than upon the Kings word; if the Duke of Biron wanteth an abolition, what ſhall others do? So they parted, one thinking that his Lyons Courage ought not to be uſed ſo meanly; the other wiſer, remembring that a Lyon is never ſo well tamed, but one time or another he will prove ſtill a Lyon, and at laſt biteth the hand of him that hath wronged him ſo fiercely, that he is for ever avenged of him. The Duke of Eſpernon had reaſon to adviſe him to take an abolition in writing, and the Duke of Biron was not too blame to truſt to the Kings Word, who certainly would have forgiven that fault, if he had done nothing ſince to renew the Memory of it. But here is once more to be obſerved a paſſage that containeth all the ſigns of an implacable Spirit The Duke of Biron being ſent for by the King to receive his commands, and the effects of his clemency, went from Bourg, and came to lie at Vimy. From thence he wrote a Letter to La Fin that was at Milan, and then went to Lyons, where he was received by the King as the prodigal Son, he ſtayed ſome time at Lyons, and went to Vimy again, from whence he wrote another Letter to La Fin by Farges. As ſoon as he came to Bourg, he ſent to Boſco, couſin of Roncas to advance the buſineſs. This negotiation did continue at Some between the Duke of Savoy, the Earl of Fuentes, and La Fin. The Earl of Fuentes carryed La Fin to Milan, and being deſirous to be better informed, upon ſome points, and finding La Fin not ſo firm in his anſwers, he thought it not good to truſt him wholly with the ſecret, and reſolved to rid himſelf of him, therefore he ſent him back, and intreated him to ſee the Duke of Savoy in his way. He had the good fortune to go by the way of the Griſons, and ſo through Baſle, Porentru, and Beſancon, for Renazé his Secretary, that went through Savoy, was there Arreſted and made Priſoner. The work nevertheleſs went on; Alphonſus, Caſal, and Roncas, did continue it with the Baron of Lux, and in the mean time the Duke of Biron plaid his part, having ſent an expreſs into Spain, though he were then with the King, who loth to looſe him, kept him near, carryed him to ſee the Frontier Towns, and ſent him Embaſſador into England, where he ſaw the head of the Earl of Eſſex, a late example of juſtice upon thoſe who will be feared by their Maſters, and abuſe their favour. At his return he made a Journey into Gaſcony, where he was viſited and honoured by the Nobility of the Countrey, as a Prince; and being come to Dijon, he went into Switzerland, to make an end of the renewing of the Alliance between the King and the Switzers, where he continued ſtill his practiſes with the Earl of Fuentes, to whom he ſent his ſecretary, under pretence to ſend his Pages into the Garriſons of Palma, for the Venetians. Being come back from Switzerland, he came not to the King to give an account of his negotiation, excuſing himſelf upon the convocation of the Eſtates in the Province. The King, that had ſome notice of theſe broils by Combelles, was infinitely deſirous to ſpeak with La Fin to know the truth of it. La Fin, who was highly incenſed, that the Baron of Lux would have all the fruit of this negotiation, and that Renazée is kept Priſoner in Savoy, ſent Cerezat to the Duke of Biron to let him know that he could be no longer his Servant, if his Secretary was not fet at liberty, and that he could no longer defer to go to the King, deſiring alſo to know what he ſhould ſay upon the things that were paſt. He ſlighted the firſt of theſe propoſitions, and ſpoke of Renazée as of one that was not to be reckoned among the living; concerning the other, he told Cerezat that he was of opinion he might go to the Court with a ſmall train, and that he ſhould prepare himſelf at the firſt to receive ill language and contempt from the King, which he ſhould ſweeten by intreating him to believe, that the Journey he had made into Italy had no other deſign than to viſit our Lady of Loretta: And that paſſing through Milan and Thurin he had been charged to propound the Marriage between him and the third Daughter of Savoy, to which he would not hearken, becauſe the King would take care to provide for him. He did intreat and adjure Cerezat to tell La Fin, that he ſhould rid himſelf of all thoſe that travailed with him, and chiefly of a Curate, and that he ſhould ſecure his Papers, if he had not rather to burn them. In a word, to conſider, his life, his fortune, his honour, were in his Hands.

La Fin came to Court at the end of Lent, and ſaw the King at the Wine-preſs of Fountainblea[•], and after that at the mid way. He ſpake firſt to the King, after to Villeroy, and after to the Chancellor in his houſe at Fontainbleau, and with Rhoſny in the For[•]eſt, and with Sillery in the Wine-preſs; all with horror ſaw the writings, and heard his deſigns. The King could hardly believe ſuch a wickedneſs; for who could have believed that he, who had driven the Spaniard from the Frontiers of Picardy, would let him in again by that of Burgundy? that he who had a hundred times beaten and defeated them, could contract a friendſhip with them, and conſpire with them againſt the ſervice of his Prince, and the love of his Countrey? that he who hated them to death, would have truſted his life in their Hands? He had ſhewed himſelf ſo much their Enemy, that ſeeing his Father would not charge the Prince of Parma in an advantagious place, ſaid aloud, that if he were King for 24 hours, he would cauſe the head of the Marſhall of Biron to be cut off. He pronounced againſt his Father the Sentence that was to be executed once upon him.

La Fin ſhewed the King ſo many true and undeniable tokens of this conſpiracy, that he was fained to believe more than he deſired. He told him all what did paſs in his Journeys to the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes concerning the Duke of Biron, ſaying, that for his part he would have been glad that the War had continued, that he might have benifitted himſelf therein; but finding that his ſacred perſon was not excepted, and that there were cruel deſigns made againſt it, either to kill him, or to carry him priſoner into Spain, he was reſolved to give him notice of it, chooſing rather to diſoblige the Servant than the Maſter. The King full of clemency and goodneſs, was extreamly ſorry to ſee ſuch an unnatural conſpiracy: Nevertheleſs he ſaid, that if the Con pirators did their duty, and gave him means to prevent the deſigns of his Enemies, he would forgive them. If they remember what they owe me, I will not forget what I owe them; they ſhall find me as full of clemency, as they are void of affection: I would not have the Duke of Biron to be the firſt example of my Juſtice, and to be the cauſe that my Reign, which hitherto hath been like an Air, calm and pure, ſhould upon a ſudden be diſturbed with Clouds and Lightning, and ſo made a reſolution, that if the Duke of Biron ſhould tell him the truth, he would forgive him, his Councel was of the ſame advice, provided he would ſhew himſelf thenceforth as forward for his ſervice againſt his Enemies, as he had been earneſt to do miſchief.

Out of many Papers that la Fin put into the Kings hands, there were ſeven and twenty pickt out, which onely ſpoke of him; the King being unwilling to diſcover the reſt of the Conſpirators, and intending that the puniſhment of one ſhould ſerve for example to all the reſt.

The Chancellor kept thoſe Papers with ſuch care, that he cauſed them to be ſowed in his Doublet, that no body might have a ſight of them till it was time. The Baron of Lux was yet at Fountainbleau, when la Fin came thither.

The King told him that he was very well pleaſed, that la Fin had ſpoken to him ſo honourably and wiſely of the Duke of Biron, and that he was confident now, that the intentions of the Duke of Biron were righteous and ſincere. The Baron of Lux did not perceive the Kings anger, ſo much the more dangerous that it was hidden; he went back again to Dijon very well pleaſed, that the things were always in the ſame ſtate. La Fin did write to the Duke of Biron that he had ſatisfied the King concerning his actions, and had told him onely what might ſerve for his juſtification. The King did manage this buſineſs ſo prudently, that the ſucceſs of it was fortunate, he was well informed of all the Dukes deſigns, and deſired to hear them out of his own mouth, that he might have occaſion to forgive him, for that purpoſe he ſent to him the Lord d'Eſcures, bidding him to come, becauſe he had a mind to truſt him with the Army that he was raiſing upon the Frontiers, he excuſed himſelf, and ſaid that the enemy being ſo near, it would be a ſhame to him to turn his back, and that the States of the Province were convented at Dijon, and therefore could not for ſake neither the Frontiers nor the States. The Vidame of Chartres made a Journey to him, and aſſured him that his Uncle la Fin had ſaid nothing to his prejudice.

The perſuaſions of the Preſident Janin were more powerful for flattering the Duke in his humour, he alſo made him ſenſible of the Kings power and anger in caſe of refuſal; his friends gave him contrary advices, and deſired him not to ſtir, and to make his peace afar off; the Baſtille is a repairing ſaid they, and the common talk is, that it is for ſuch one as leſs thinketh upon it: the King hath been heard ſay, that they cut heads in England, and that ſome ſhall compel him upon that example to change his wonted Clemency into a juſt ſeverity: in concluſion, they adviſe him to miſtruſt all things, and to beware of thoſe that perſuaded him to come; others did aſſure him of the contrary, and that his coming ſhould diſſipate all miſtruſts, ſuſpicions and jealouſies.

The Duke of Biron holdeth here the Wolf by the ears, for let him come or not, there is danger; by not coming he accuſeth himſelf, and the King ſwore he would fetch him himſelf; and in coming, his conſcience was a witneſs againſt him, that the ſame fault can hardly be forgiven twice. He ſeeth la Fin retired into his Houſe and living in peace, and hath ſo good an opinion of his own Valour, that he thinketh no body ſo bold as to ſeize upon him. The diſcourſes of reaſon, the diſcerning of the truth, ſerve no more to a wicked and paſſionate man, then the Wings ſerve to a Bird, when they are clogged with Bird-lime. But now we talk of Birds, there were ſeveral ill Omens of his journey, one Bird of Prey called a Duck was found in his Cloſet, no body knowing which way it was come in; he commanded it to be carefully kept and lookt to, but aſſoon as the Duke was upon his journey the Bird died. Preſently after the Horſe that the Arch-Duke had given him, called the Paſtrave, became mad, and killed himſelf, ſo did another that was given him by the Duke of Florence, another that the Duke of Lorrain had given him, fell into a conſumption. He came to Fountainbleau when he was no more expected, and the King was reſolved to get on Horſeback and to fetch him. As his Majeſty went about ſix of the Clock into the great Garden, he was heard to ſay unto the Lord of Sonvray, he will not come, he had no ſooner ended the words, but the Duke appeared among ſeven or eight, he drew near, and being yet a pretty way off, he made three great Congies, the King did embrace him, and the firſt words he ſpoke to the King, were about the delaying of his coming. The King heard but few words of it, and took him by the hand to walk, and to ſhew him his buildings; as he paſſed from one Garden into another, the Duke of Eſpernon took occaſion to ſalute him, and to whiſper him in the ear, that in his coming he had believed his courage more, then the Councel of his friends.

In all the diſcourſe he had with the King, there was obſerved a great coldneſs in the Kings face, and a great deal of fire in the Dukes words. The King told him of the evil way which he had taken, the end of which could be nothing but ruine, deſpair and confuſion. The Duke anſwered that he was not come to ask forgiveneſs, nor to juſtifie himſelf, with many other frivolous and impudent words, which the Kings preſence and his own duty ought to have reſtrained. The time of dinner being come, he asked the Duke of Eſpernon to dine with him, becauſe his Train was not yet come; this was the firſt fault of his carriage, for he ought to dine at the Table of the great Maſter, and to harbour in no other Houſe then that of the King, ſeeing his own was not open.

After dinner they came to ſee the King, who having walked one turn or two about the dinning-room, entered into his Cloſet, bidding two or three to go in with him, and ſaying nothing to the Duke of Biron, who was at the corner of the Bed near the Chair, taking notice that he was not looked upon as formerly.

The Marqueſs of Rhoſny went into the Cloſet, paſſing by the Duke of Biron without taking notice of him, and after he had ſtayed there about half an hour, he came and ſaluted the Duke of Biron, and told him the King asked for him; there he was exhorted not to conceal what time would ere long diſcover, and of what he was ſo well informed, that the deſire he had to know it from himſelf, was meerly becauſe no body elſe ſhould take notice of it. The Duke of Biron who thought that la Fin had revealed nothing, ſtood ſtill upon the proteſtations of his own innocency, beſeeching the King to do him juſtice, of thoſe who went about to oppreſs him with unſufferable calumnies, or to permit him to do himſelf reaſon. The King carried him to the Tennis-court, where the Duke took upon him to order the match, and ſaid that the Duke of Eſpernon and himſelf would hold it againſt the King and the Earl of Soiſson, the Duke of Eſpernon anſwered preſently: you play well, but you do not make your matches well; which was obſerved by the King and the ſtanders by. Supper time being come, he did ſup at the Table of the great Maſter, to repare the fault he had done in the morning. Every one did perceive that he was not contented, for he eat little or nothing, and no body ſpoke to him, every one holding him already for a caſt-away. The King in the mean while was walking in his Chamber, meditating ſome great reſolution, and he was heard to ſay theſe words, be muſt either bow or break.

That evening paſt away ſo quietly, that many thought it would be a Thunder with much noiſe and little hurt. The King commanded the Earl of Soiſſons to go to the Duke of Biron, and to do his beſt to break the hardneſs of his heart, and to draw the truth out of him; he went and intreated him to ſatisfie the King in what he deſired to know from him, and to be afraid of the Kings diſpleaſure and indignation. The Duke of Biron for anſwer told him, that the King could not complain but of the good ſervices he had done to him, and that he himſelf had great occaſion to complain of the King who miſtruſted him after ſo many trials and experiments of his faithfulneſs, and that he ſhould never have more of him then he had at his firſt coming; the Earl of Soiſſons, ſeeing his obſtinacy, left him.

The next day early the King walking in the little Garden, ſent for the Duke of Biron, and ſpoke to him a great while, thinking to overcome his obſtinacy, and to give him means to eſcape the danger he was running into; he was ſeen a great while with his Hat off, his eyes lifted up to Heaven, ſmiting his breaſt, and making great proteſtations to uphold his innocency; there appeared then in the Kings face a great deal of anger, and in that of the Duke of Biron a great deal of fire and violence, all his words were nothing but threatnings, lightnings, ruines, and Hell againſt thoſe that had ſpoken ill of him; from thence he went to dinner, and met with a man who brought him a Letter, to adviſe him to look to himſelf, he ſhewed it to the Captain of his Guards, and made ſlight of it, and ſaid, he would be beholding to his valour for his life, and not to a flight; all the afternoon the King ſtayed in the Gallery, and ſpoke four hours to the Lord of la Curée; the Queen being preſent and ſpeaking never a word; the King was in a great perplexity of mind, before he could reſolve himſelf. The Lords of Vileroy, Sillery and Geure were ſeen often to go to and fro, which made ſome ſuſpect, that it was to begin by the execution in ſo great a crime; but the King was againſt that, ſuch proceedings had been blamed in his Predeceſſor, he would have every body to know that he had authority and power enough to exterminate his enemies, according to the Laws.

The reſolution was taken to have him arreſted, and alſo the Earl of Auvergne, the King would not have them to be taken in the Caſtle, but in their own Lodgings; the Duke of Biron, who was in ſome ſuſpicion of it, and had prepared himſelf to what he could, neither prevent nor hinder, did imagine that there was no fear of any thing in the Kings Chamber, and that all the danger ſhould be at the going out, and therefore by time had provided himſelf with a ſhort Sword, with which he promiſed to make himſelf room through all dangers. They repreſented to the King, that if he were Arreſted any where but in the Caſtle, it could not be done without bloodſhed, and that it was no matter where the Lyon was taken, ſo that profit might ariſe of his prize.

It was perceived that in the ſame Gallery the King ſent for Vitry and Pralin, two Captains of his Guards, and gave them the order he would have to be obſerved for the execution of his commands, and then called for his Supper. The Duke of Biron was at ſupper in the Lord Montignys Lodging, where he ſpoke more highly and bravely then ever of his Deſerts, and of the friends he had made lately in Switzerland; then began to fall upon the praiſes of the late King of Spain, extolling his Piety, Juſtice and liberality; Montigny ſtopt him, ſaying, that the greateſt commendation that could be given to his memory, was, that he had put his own Son to death, for endeavouring to trouble his Eſtate; this word ſtopt thoſe of the Duke of Biron, who anſwered only with his eyes, and thought upon it with ſome amazement. After ſupper the Earl of Auvergne and the Duke of Biron came to the King, who was walking in the Garden, the King making an end of his walk did invite the Duke of Biron to play at Cards, they went into the Queens Chamb[•]r; the Earl of Auvergne paſſing by the Duke of Biron told him ſoftly, we are undone; the Game begun at the primara, the Queen was one of the Gamſters, the Duke of Biron another, and two more. The King went into his Cloſet, divided between two contrary paſſions; the love he had formerly for the Duke of Biron, the knowledge he had of his valour, and the remembrance of his ſervices, excluded all thoughts of his Juſtice; on the other ſide, the fear of troubles in his Eſtate, the hor[•]id effects of ſo unnatural a conſpiracy did accuſe his Clemency of cruelty, if he went about to prefer the particular good to the publick, he prayed to God to aſſiſt him with his Holy Spirit, to appeaſe the troubles of his ſoul, and to ſtrengthten him with a Holy reſolution, that he might do what was for the good of his people, upon whom he Reigned by his only Grace; his prayer being ended, all the difficulties that troubled his ſoul vaniſhed away, there remained only a firm reſolution, to put the Duke into the hands of Juſtice, if he could not draw the truth out of him; the Game went on ſtill, the King took ſometimes the Queens Cards, expecting the appointed time. The Earl of Auvergne was gone to his Lodging, the King ſent for him, and walked in the Chamber, while the Duke thought upon nothing but his play. De Varennes Lieutenant of his Troop faining to take up his Cloak, whiſpered him ſoftly that he was undone; this word did trouble him ſo much, that he neglected his play, and overſaw himſelf, the Queen gave him notice of it; the King did bid them to give over playing, and commanded every one to retire, he went into his Cloſet, and took the Duke of Biron with him, whoſe good and bad fortune depended from an anſwer pleaſing his Majeſty, who bid him once for all to tell what he had done with the Duke of Savoy and the Earl of Fuentes, aſſuring him, that his clemency ſhould be greater than his fault. The Duke of Biron anſwered the King more proudly than eyer, that it was to proſs an honeſt man too much, that he never had any other deſign, but what he had told him already. Would to God it were ſo, ſaid the King. You will not tell me: Farewell, good night.

As he went out of the Cloſet, and had paſſed the Chamber door, he met Vitry, who with his right hand ſeized upon the Hilt of his Sword, and with his left upon his right Arm, ſaying, The King [•]ath commanded me to give him an account of your Perſon, give up your Sword. You jeer, ſaid the Duke. No my Lord, he hath ſo commanded me. The Duke of Biron anſwered. I pray thee let me ſpeak to the King. No my Lord, the King is gone to Bed. He ſaw the Duke of Monbazon, and deſired him to intreat the King, that he might ſurrender it into his own Hands. The King ſent word to Vitry to obey his commands. The Duke was fained to ſuffer his Sword to be taken from him; ſaying. My Sword that hath done ſo many good ſervices! Yes my Lord, give me your Sword, ſaid Vitry. To me, ſaid the Duke, that have ſerved the King ſo well, that my Sword ſhould be taken from me, my Sword that hath made an end of the War, and given Peace to France, that my Sword, which could not be taken by my Enemies, ſhould be taken away by my Friends. All theſe complaints availed nothing; he ungirted his Sword with his left hand, and gave it to Vitry, looking about if he could ſeize upon any other, out care was taken for that.

When he ſaw all the Guards in order in the Gallery, he thought he ſhould have been Maſſacred upon the place, and cryed to them, fellow Souldiers give me a little time to pray to God, and let me have ſome Firebrand or Candleſtick in my hand, that I may have the Honour to die deſending my ſelf. He was anſwered, that no Body would offend him, that his beſt defence was to obey the King, who commanded to lead him to Bed, you ſee ſaid he, how the good Catholicks are uſed. He was carryed into the Arms Cloſet, where he neither ſlept nor lay down, but paſt the night in blaſphemies againſt God, and reviling words againſt the King.

Pralin was ſtaying for the Earl of Auvergne at the Caſtle Gate, and when he offered to go out to his lodging; ſtay my Lord, you are the Kings Priſoner. The Earl aſtoniſhed, anſwered I, I? and Pralin anſwered, yes my Lord, you, I Arreſt you by the King, and make you his Priſoner, give up your Sword, take it ſaid the Earl it never killed any thing but Boars, if you had given me notice of this, I ſhould have been in Bed and aſleep two hours ago.

The next day about dinner time the Duke of Biron ſent word to the King, that if he did not take care of the Province of Burgundy, it would be loſt, becauſe the Baron of Lux would let in the Spaniards as ſoon as he ſhould have notice of his detention. The King was very much offended at this meſſage, and ſaid, ſee the impudence and boldneſs of the Duke of Biron, who ſendeth me word that Burgundy is loſt, if I do not look to it. His obſtinacy hath undone him, if he would have confeſſed the truth of a thing that I have under his hand, he ſhould not be where he is. I wiſh I had paid 200000. Crowns, and he had given me the means to forgive him. I never loved any man ſo much, I would have truſted him with my Son and my Kingdom. 'Tis true, he hath ſerved me well, but he cannot deny but that I have ſaved his life three times; I reſcued him once from the hands of the Enemy at Fontain Francoiſe, ſo wounded and aſtoniſhed with blows, that as I plaid the part of a Souldier to ſave him, I was alſo fained to make that of a Captain to make the retreat; for he told me he was not in a caſe to do it.

The Saturday next the priſoners were carryed to Paris by water, and put into the Baſtille in ſeveral Chambers. The Duke of Biron was put into that, called of the Saints famous, for the Priſon of the Conſtable of Saint Paul, executed in the time of Lewis the XI. and the Earl in the Chamber above him.

The care, the order and vigilancy, with which he was guarded, did put him in ſome amazement; for his Guards waited on him without Arms, and ſerved him with a Knife without a point, which made him ſay, that it was the way to the Grave (the place of Execution.) But when he knew that the Hangman of Paris was a Burgundian, he remembred that La Broſſe an Aſtrologer had foretold him ſometimes, ſeeing his Horoſcope, which he fained to be that of one of his friends, that he ſhould be beheaded, and Caeſar a Magician, that a blow of a Burgundian given behind, ſhould hinder him to attain the Kingdom

The Arch-Biſhop of Bourges went to ſee him, and endeavoured to ſettle his Conſcience, and to diſſwade him from ſome Atheiſtical opinions that he had: Villeroy and Sillery went alſo to ſee him, and by the Kings Command, and at his requeſt.

Few days after, the King being at St. Mourder Foſſez, the Lords la Force, the Earl of Rouſſy, Brother in Law to the Duke of Biron, Saint Blancard his Brother, Chaſteau-neuf, Themines, Salignac, St. Angel, Longuac, Friends and Kinſmen of the Duke of Biron, went and caſt themſelves at the Kings feet, to implore his Mercy, and that he would be pleaſed to moderate the ſeverity of his Juſtice, requeſting that the ſame clemency which he had ſhewed to many others that had as grievouſly offended him, would at leaſt ſave his life, and confine him into ſuch a place, where he might do no harm, that their whole Kindred might not be branded with Inſamy, and have a regard to his Fathers ſervice and his, which though they were not equal to his offence, yet at leaſt to conſider, that he was only guilty for his intention.

The King bid them riſe, and told them, that their requeſts were not diſpleaſing to him. That he would not be like his Predeceſſors, who would not ſuffer any body to intercede for thoſe that were guilty o high Treaſon. The King Francis II. would never give a hearing to the Wife of the Prince of Condé my Uncle. Concerning the clemency you would have me ſhew to the Duke of Biron; it ſhould not be clemency but cruelty, if it were only my particular Intereſt, I would forgive him, as I do now with all my heart; but my Kingdom and my Children, to whom I owe much, are concerned in it; or they might reproach me hence forwards, that I have tollerated an evil which I might have prevented; my Life, that of my Children, and the preſervation of my Kingdom, are concerned in it. I will leave it to the courſe of Juſtice, you ſhall ſee what Judgement ſhall be given: I will contribute what I can to his Innocency, I give you leave to do the ſame till he be found guilty of high Treason; for then the Father cannot intercede for the Son, nor the Son for the Father; the Wife for the Husband, nor the Brother for the Brother. Do not become odious to me for the love you bear him: As for the note of Infamy, there is none but himſelf. Have the Conſtable of St. Paul, from whom I derive my Pedigree, and the Duke of Nemours, of who I am Heir (both beheaded) left any note of Infamy upon their Poſterity, ſhould not the Prince of Condé my Uncle have been beheaded the next day, if King Francis the II. had not dyed? Therefore ye that are Kinſmen to the Duke of Biron, cannot be noted with Infamy, if you continue in your faithfulneſs, as (I aſſure my ſelf) you will. And I am ſo far from depriving you of your Offices, that if any new one ſhould fall, I would beſtow them upon you: I am more ſorry for his fault than you can be; but to conſpire againſt me that am his King and Benefactor, is a crime that I cannot forgive, without loſing my ſelf, my Wife, my Son, and my Eſtate, I know you to be ſo good French men, that you would not have the laſt, and ſhall take Patience for the firſt. Thus the King diſmiſſed him, and ſent his Commiſſion to the Court of Parliament, to decide the buſineſs. The Proceſs was framed in the Baſtille, by the Lords of Achilles de Harlay, firſt Preſident in the Court of Parliament of Paris, Nicolas Potier ſecond Preſident, Stephen Fleury, and Philibert of Thurin, Councellors in the ſame Court. They asked him if he did not write in Cyphers, he denyed it, then were ſhewed unto him ſeveral Letters, written and ſealed with his own hand, which did witneſs his Intelligences with the Spaniard and the Duke of Savoy, and contained advices that he gave of the wants that were in the Kings Army; How little Money he had to maintain the War, and to ſatisfie the Switzers of the diſcontent of the French Nobility, and how ſeveral French Troops might eaſily be defeated, and that to divert the Kings forces it was neceſſary to invade Provence, and did much preſs upon the 50000. Crowns, and the 4000 men promiſed, or elſe ſaid, all is loſt. Some of theſe things he confeſſed, and did ſo intangle and contradict himſelf, that the Commiſſioners had pity on his indiſcretion.

He was asked what opinion he had of La Fin; he ſaid he took him for an honeſt Gentleman, his Friend and Kinſman, his Evidnces being read to him, and himſelf brought face to face, he did with the moſt horrid Imprecations and Blaſphemies in the World deny them, and charged La Fin with the moſt horrid Crimes that can be Imagined, calling ſtill God for a Witneſs of his Innocency: La Fin ſtood firm in the confirming of his Evidence, and did more particularly declare the whole conſpiracy. The Duke anſwered, that if Renazé were there he would tell the contrary, Renazé, who had a little while before eſcaped his Priſon in Piemont, was brought before him, and confirmed all what La Fin had ſaid.

Next to that was brought one of the Kings waiting men, who witneſſed, that having lyen in his Chamber by the Kings command, the firſt night of his Impriſonment he had adjured him, by ſeveral offers and promiſes of rewards, to give notice to his secretaries to be out of the way for ſome days, and to tell the Earl of Rouſſy his Brother in Law, that he ſhould ſend preſently to Dijon, to give the ſame advice to thoſe that were left there, and above all, that if they were examined; they ſhould all conſtantly deny that ever he did write in Cyphers.

Thus the buſineſs having been thorowly examined, it remained only to proceed unto Judgment; but the Priſoner being a Peer of France, (the King having erected the Baroay of Biron into a Dukedom) by the Laws the Priſoner could not be judged, but by his Peers, which being ſummoned, and not appearing, the Court of Parlament being authoriſed by the Kings Commiſſion, proceeded to Judgment.

The 23 of July 1602. the Chancellor, with the Maiſſes and Pontcarré, Privy Councellors, went to the Parliament, where all the Chambers were aſſembled together. There he made known the Kings intention, in a buſineſs, wherein the good of the Kingdom was ſo much concerned, and repreſented on one part the quality of a Perſon, commendable for his ſervices; but on the other, the ſoulneſs of the Crime, for the Judgment of which the King did rely upon the integrity and prudence of the Court. The Kings Attorney, and Soliciter, having repreſented to the Court, that the Peers ſummoned, gave no appearance, and that the Priſoners petition (who asked for Councel, was not to be received. The Court proceeded to examine the Evidences, whereupon they ſat three times, after which the Priſoner was brought from the Baſtile, by Montigny Governour of Paris, and Vitry, Captain of the Kings Guards, in a cloſe Barge, covered with Tapiſtry, and followed by two other Barges full of Souldiers, and Switzers. He entred into the Palace, through the Garden of the firſt Preſident, and reſted himſelf in one of the Chambers, where he was offered a Breakfaſt.

The time being come, he was to be heard, the Recorder went and called him into the Guild-hall, where when he ſaw one Hundred and twelve Judges before his face, he was ſome thing daunted, and was made to ſit within the Bar upon a joint ſtool; where he ſat in ſuch a poſture, as ſtretching forth his right foot, and having his Cloak under his arm, and his left hand upon his ſide, he kept the right one free, either to ſtretch it forth to Heaven, or to ſmite his breſt, when occaſion ſerved. The Chancellor did ſo frame his diſcourſe, that he never named him by his name, nor that of his qualities.

Of many evidences there was five chiefly urged againſt him.

• The firſt to have been converſant with one Picotée, born in Orleans, and refugied in Flanders, to keep intelligence with the Arch-duke, and to have give him 150. Crowns for two journeys to that end.
• The ſecond to have treated with the Duke of Savoy, three days after his arrival to Paris without the Kings leave, and to have offered him all aſſiſtance and ſervice againſt any perſon whatſoever, upon the hope or promiſs of marrying his third daughter.
• The third to have kept intelligence with the ſaid Duke in taking of the City of Bourg and other places, giving him advice how he might defeat the Kings Army, and deſtroy his perſon, with many other circumſtances to that purpoſe.
• The fourth to have ſent by Renazée a note to the Governour of the Fort of Saint Catherine, promiſing to bring the King before the ſaid Fort, ſo near that he might be either killed or taken, telling what cloths he himſelf would wear, and what Horſe he would ride, that he might be diſtinguiſhed.

To have ſent ſeveral times la Fin to treat with the Duke of Savoy, and the Earl of Fuentes againſt the Kings ſervice.

Theſe are the firſt confeſſions and acknowledgements that the Priſoner made before the Commiſſioners in the Baſtille, but now he thinketh, he may as lightly deny them, as he had unadviſedly before confeſſed them.

Upon the firſt Article he anſwered, that Picoté being once his Priſoner, had offered his ſervice for the reduction of the Town of Seurre in Burgundy, and that the King had approved of it, that it is true he had given him the ſaid ſum, but it was as a reward for his pains and charges in this negotiation, which ſum he hath charged upon the Kings account, with ſome other ſmall ones, laid out by him for the King; that ſince the reduction of the ſaid Town he had not ſeen Picoté but in Flanders, when he went thither Embaſſadour for the confirmation of the Peace, where the ſaid Picotée came to him with many others, intreating him he would be pleaſed to mediate with the King, for the liberty of returning into their Countrey, and enjoying their Eſtates, and that he did wiſh them to go to the Lords Belieure and Sillery, who would preſcribe them what orders they were to follow in this buſineſs, and never had any other converſation with Picoté.

Upon the ſecond, That he could not have treated with the Duke of Savoy three days after his arrival at Paris, ſeeing that himſelf did not come there but a formighafter, and that la Fin came but after him, that all his diſcourſes with him were in publick and before witneſſes, and therefore could not be ſuſpected; that Roncas had ſometimes mentioned to him the Marriage of the third daughter of the Duke, and that he did impart it to the King; that his Majeſty having ſent him word by la Force his Brother in Law, that he did not approve of it, he never thought of it ſince; that the intelligence he is accuſed to have kept with the Duke of Savoy, is confuted enough by what he did, for when the King had commanded him to wait and keep company to the Duke in his return from France, and to ſhew him the ſtrongeſt places upon the Frontiers of Burgundy, he did humbly excuſe himſelf to the King of it, ſaying, that he foreſaw well enough that the Duke would not keep the Treaty of Peace, and that it would be a great grief to him to make War againſt a Prince, with whom he ſhould have kept company, and made good cheer; and that he did adviſe the Baron of Lux to let him ſee only the weaker places, that he might not know the ſtrength of the Countrey.

Upon the third, That if he had kept correſpondence with the Duke of Savoy, he would not have undertaken the taking of Bourg, almoſt againſt the Kings will, without any other help then of thoſe that were ordinarily with him; that of fourty Convoys that were brought to relieve the Town, he had routed thirty ſeven, and the other three entered in his abſence; that the King knoweth very well he was offered 200000. Crowns to let the ſuccours enter into the Citadel of Bourg; that although his Majeſty had commanded him in the time of a Truce made with the Duke of Savoy, to let thoſe of the Citadel of Bourg have every day 400. Loafs of Bread, 50. bottles of Wine, half an Oxe, and ſix Sheep, he did only let them have fifty bottles of Wine and one Sheep, by which means the Town was ſurrendred within the time promiſed▪ that if he had had any evil deſign againſt the King and Kingdom, he would not ſo freely and willingly put the Town into the hands of him that is now Governour of it; that the Governours of Places that were in the Duke's ſervice, and are now in that of the King, can witneſs whether he ſhewed them any favour; that for his giving advice to the Duke to defeat the Regiment of Chambauld, he will prove that Chambauld did not come into the Army, but one Month after the time mentioned in his Calumny; beſides that, this advice was without appearance of reaſon, for from Chambaula's quarters to his, there was at leaſt ſix days journey, and as much to go to the Duke, and as much to come back, beſides the time required for the marching of the Forces; therefore all that was a meer invention of la Fin.

Upon the fourth, That he intreated his Majeſty to call to memory, that he was the onely man who diſſuaded him to go and view the Fort, repreſenting unto him that there was in it [•]xtraordinary good Gunners, and that he could not view it without great danger, and upon that he offered the King to bring him the next day the Plat-form of it, and to take it with 500. Muſquettiers, and that himſelf would be in the Head of them.

Upon the fifth, That it was true all the evil he had done was in two Months time that la Fin had been with him, during which, he did hearken and write more then he ought: but that with the ſame he had written, he had ſo long ſerved the King, that it was enough to prove the ſincerity of his intentions; that the refuſal of the Citadel of Bourg, which he thought the King had promiſed him, had put him into ſuch a diſcontent, that he found himſelf in a capacity to hearken to any thing, and to do any thing; that if he had been a Proteſtant, it may be the place ſhould have been refuſed him no more then it was to de Boaiſse, who was ſuch an one, as he told the King himſelf at Lyon; that la Fin had alſo once told him, that the King ſpeaking of him, and of his Father, ſaid, that God had done well for to take him out of this world when he was killed, for he was a very chargeable and unprofitable ſervant; and for the Son, it was not all Gold that ſhined; that theſe words had ſo much incenſed him, that he could have found in his heart to be all covered with blood. Upon that the Chancellor asked him of what blood he meaned? he anſwered, of my own: deſiring not to live any longer, after he had heard ſuch reproches, as blemiſhed the ſervices of his Father and his onw; that nevertheleſs his anger and diſcontent went never ſo far, as to attempt upon the King; that his fault was only in words, and it may be little in Writting; that his Majeſty ſeeing with how much ingenuity he did acknowledge his fault, had forgiven him all what was paſt, in the preſence of the Lords Villeroy and Sillery, and that if ſince that time he was found to have done any thing amiſs, he would blame his Judges of Injuſtice, if they did not condemn him to death, that if he had done nothing amiſs ſince, he thought the Kings pardon to be ſufficient for what was, and if there was need to ask for it again, his knees were as ſupple and ply able as ever.

But a Letter, which he had written to la Fin ſince the pardon of Lyon, and the Birth of the Dolphin, did ſpoil all, for it was a manifeſt evidence of the continuation of his ill deſigns, and the Chancellor having produced it, he anſwered, he would never deny his hand, but that Imbert and Renazée Domeſtick Servants to la Fin could counterfeit it; that though he might have had ſome ill thoughts, he had always well done; that although the King would not forgive him this fault, it was not in the power of men to condemn him juſ[•]ly for ſingle words, which were contradicted by the effects; that his conſolation was in his misfortune, his Judges were not ignorant of the ſervices he had done to the Kingdom, which he had Sealed with five and thirty wounds; that his body whoſe life and death was in the diſpoſition of their Juſtice, had not a vain but had bleeded for their ſervice, and to reſtore them into their places, from whence the League had driven them; that the hand which had written the Letters produced againſt him, was the ſame that had done contrary to what it did write; that he had written and ſpoke more then he ought, but that it could not be proved he had ever ill done; that there was no Law that puniſhed with death the lightneſs of a ſingle word or motion of the thoughts; that anger and diſcontent had made him capable of ſaying and doing any thing, but that his reaſon had not given leave to ſay or to do, ought but what deſerveth to be commended; which words were as carefully conſidered, as he repeated them often with ſeveral Oaths and Imprecations.

Upon that the Chancellor having asked him why then he did not open himſelf more to the King, who deſired him with great affection to do it at Fountain-bleau, ſeeing he knew in his conſcience to have done nothing againſt his duty ſince his pardon. There he cut himſelf in his anſwer, and ſaid he thought la Fin had revealed nothing of what was between them, and that he had lately aſſured him ſo with Oaths and fearful imprecations, that he would never have thought la Fin had been ſuch a damnable man, as to reveal that which with ſo many deep Oaths and Imprecations they had promiſed to keep ſecret between themſelves; that having propounded the queſtion to a Monk of the Order of Minimes at Lyon, whether he might with a ſafe conſcience reveal what was between t[•]em, and what he had promiſed with Oath to la Fin to keep ſecret, becauſe he ſuſpected that la Fin would deceive him, and tell all to the King, and ſo ruine him. The Minime had anſwered, that ſeeing they had no more intention to put in execution the things they had projected, he was not to reveal them, and if la Fin did it, he ſhould go to Hell, and himſelf to Heaven; that he did ſo firmly believe this, that although the Archbiſhop of Bourges had viſited him in Priſon, and alledged many reaſons to the contrary, yet his ſoul was ſo ſettled in that belief, that he thought it was only the part of an Atheiſt to ſwear with int[•]ntion to deceive.

Upon this he begun to accuſe la Fin of the moſt execrable crimes that a man is capable of, ſaying that he made uſe of Renazée for Sodomy that he was a Witch, and had ordinary communication with the Devils, that he had ſo be witched him with enchanted Waters and Wax Images, that ſpoke, that he was conſtrained to ſubmit himſelf to all his will; that he never ſpoke to him but whiſpering, and in unknown words, and a[•]ter he had kiſſed him in the left eye, and he could not deny but he had ſhewed him a Wax Image, ſpeaking and ſaying, Rex impie morieris, thou ſhalt die ungodly King, and called him continually his Maſter, Lord, Prince and King; that he was a falſe Coiner, and had perſuaded him man[•] times to attempt upon the King, but that he would never hearken to it; that the quality of the Accuſators was to be conſidered, who not only were partners, but inſtigators of the Fact; that certainly the Duke of Savoy was his mortal enemy, for having ſince his pardon left of all his intelligences with him, and ſeeing that after a long detention he had releaſed Renazée, to come and to be a witneſs againſt him; that the King had forgiven him at Lyon, and that upon his acknowledging many times to the King, that the refuſal of the Ciradel of Bourg had very much incenſed him, his Majeſty did comfort him with theſe words: Marſhal never remember Bourg, and I will never remember what is paſt, that in 22 Months after he had not offended, that if he had continued his ill deſigns, he might have done it eaſily in England and Switzerland. That above 100. Gentlemen ſhall be Witneſſes of his firſt Embaſſy, and for the ſecond, he deſireth no other Witneſſes than the Kings Embaſſadors themſelves, that if they would be pleaſed to conſider how he was come, and in what what caſe he had left the Province of Burgundy, it was impoſſible to have an ill opinion of his deſigns; for there was not one Souldier in all the Countrey, and at his going away he gave no other charge to the Commanders and Captains, than to ſerve the King faithfully, that every one diſſwaded him to come to Court, and in the way he received many Letters to that purpoſe, that he was come upon the Kings word, truſting upon his own Conſcience and Innocency. If the King be not pleaſed to conſider my ſervices (ſaid he to the Court) and thoſe aſſurances he hath given me of his Mercy, I acknowledge my ſelf guilty of Death, and do not expect my life from his Juſtice, but from yours, (my Lords) who will remember better than he what dangers I have undergone for his ſervice. I confeſs I had a mind to do ill, but I never proceeded to effects: It would be a hard matter if I ſhould be the firſt in whom thoughts ſhould be puniſhed; Great offences require great ciemency. I do implore that of the King, and nevertheleſs I am the onely one in France, that is made an example of his ſeverity, and that can have no hope in his clemency, which he never denyed to thoſe that had done worſe: However I truſt more in you my Lords, than I do in the King, who having heretofore looked upon me with his Eyes of love, looketh upon me now with thoſe of his anger, and thinketh it a Vertue to be cruel unto me, and a Vice to excerciſe upon me the act of clemency.

Thus pleaded the Priſoner, with ſo much eloquency and boldneſs, that if his Judges had not ſeen evidently the truth of the fact, under his own Hand and Seal, the reſpect of his firſt condition might have perſwaded them to believe his Innocency, and to take compaſſion of his ruined fortune.

The Court did hear him as long as he would ſpeak, with ſo much patience, that never a man had the like audience. The Priſoner ſpoke ſo much, that his laſt reaſons were found contrary to his firſt, his allegations did not ſhew his Innocency; for the Embaſſadors themſelves which he took for Witneſſes of his carryage in Switzerland, did report many words of his, which ſhewed his anger and paſſion. Beſides the King had not given his word, that he might come in ſafety, and thoſe Letters which he alleadged for his juſtification, did prove the continuation of his treacherous deſigns, ſeeing that he had ſent la Fin and Hebert, to Turin and Milan, ſince the pardon, He could not then expect but Juſtice, in a caſe where neither paſſion nor favour could alter Judgment: Nevertheleſs he ſhewed himſelf much ſatisfied with his anſwers, and therefore being come back again to the Baſtille, he paſſed the reſt of that day, and the two next, to relate unto his Guards the queſtions of the Court, and his anſwers therereunto, counterfeiting the geſture and the words which he Imagined the Chancellor had ſpoken after his going away, though that grave and venerable old man neither ſaid nor did any thing, but what was becoming to his Age and quality, having ſhewed himſelf as full of compaſſion, as the priſoner was of his vanity; for when he was nearer to death he thought leſs upon it, and thinking himſelf the only man capable of commanding an Army, he found ſome fault in thoſe that were thought capable of it, ſaying, that one was unhappy in his undertakings, the other was not reſpected by the Souldiers, ſuch a one was a brave man, but he wanted experience, and another that hath both was a Poteſtant. To conclude, he did ſo pleaſe himself with his own praiſe and deſerts, that he thought no body could come near him, and that he was ſo uſeful to the Kingdom, that it would be a great Crime to think to undo him.

He had ſpoken ſo long the 27 of the Month, that there was no time left to gather the Voices: The Chancellor therefore went into the Palace the 29 following to gather the Voices of the Judges. Fleury the reporter of the Proces, did conform his opinion to the concluſions of the Kings Attorney, all the reſt agreed to it, either by Words or by Signs, and all the proofs neceſſary for the verification of a Crime meeting in this caſe, as his Anſwers, Confeſſions, Writings, Letters, Inſtructions; and Evidence of Witneſſes not reproached; It was found, that the unnatural Conſpiracy againſt the State, the deteſtable attempt upon the Kings Perſon, makes him guilty of high Treaſon in the firſt and ſecond degree.

He confeſſeth he had evil intentions, it is enough, the Laws do puniſh the Councels, the reſolutions, and the effects; for if the Traitor be not prevented, time may give him the opportunity to accompliſh his Deſign and Will, and the Will of a Subject in point of State, doth depend immediately upon that of the Prince. He ſayeth moreover, that without the Kings Mercy he is undone, and that if he would have put in Execution the ill deſigns that were propounded to him againſt his Majeſty, he ſhould have been gone long ago: Did he ever give notice of them to the King or to any body elſe. If the Priſoner had brought to paſs his intent, we might have ſaid, farewell State, farewell Juſtice, it is too late to believe the Conſpiracy againſt Princes, when they are murdered by the Conſpirators.

He hath well ſerved the King, it is true; but his Offices and Dignities did call him to that Duty, he hath had notable rewards for it, and from the time that he hath ſhewed himſelf ſo unfaithfull, he hath diminiſhed the luſtre of his deſerts. His deſerts had made him capable of the firſt dignities of the Kingdom, but the merit of them is vaniſhed away, by the greatneſs of his Crime.

And what is the State beholding to him, if after he hath contributed ſo much for its reſtauration, he goeth about to turn up ſide down the Foundation of it, and to betray it to the Enemies, It is nothing to begin well unleſs you end well, the actions are judged by the end: Thoſe that have deſerved beſt of the States, are the moſt ſeverely puniſhed when they fall into Sedition and Rebellion. There is many sheets of Paper in the Hands of the Court, containing in them one hundred advices given to the Enemy, the leaſt of which is capable to make him guilty.

The Priſoners quality is not conſiderable in this caſe; Juſtice is blind to all diſtinctions, and rather conſidereth the offence according to the quality of the offender; Crimes of high Treaſon are not conſidered by things paſt, but by things preſent and that are to come; we muſt not put in an account what he hath done, but what he had a mind to do. The quality of a Duke and Peer of France, of Knight of the Kings Order, of Marſhal, doth not exempt him from the Law, and from being judged as an Enemy to the State, and to the Majeſty of the Prince, ſeeing he would have troubled the State, and attempted upon the Kings perſon. Who in France beſides is more obliged to the King? the greater then is the Obligation, the greater the ingratitude. God forbid that the reſpect of the quality ſhould ſtop the courſe of Juſtice: a Limb muſt be cut off to ſave all the body.

But his offence hath been forgiven: The pardon cannot extend but to the things that are confeſſed; but he acknowledgeth himſelf that he hath not told all, therefore he hath confeſſed as little as he could, his onw confeſſions Witneſs, he only asked forgiveneſs, that he might continue his Crimes with more ſecurity: Beſides he would not acknowledge his fault to the King, for all the King promiſed to forgive him, and lately he told the Court, he did not believe that la Fin had revealed what was ſecret between them; and thought he would have kept his word, which he had confirmed with ſo many Oaths, and that if he had doubted of it, he would have caſt himſelf at his Majeſties Feet as readily as he, and asked him forgiveneſs, It followeth then that there was ſome thing left behind that was not confeſſed: Thus he accuſeth himſelf, thinking to excuſe his fault; beſides, he miſtaketh himſelf thinking to perſuade the Court, that ſince the pardon he hath done nothing amiſs, for the Pardon was in January 1600. and here be Letters of September laſt, by which he recalleth la Fin, telleth him, he will think no more upon the Vanities that were paſt ſince, God was pleaſed to have given the King a Dolphin. It is apparent then that he hath employed la Fin at leaſt ſince the Pardon, till the birth of the Dolphin, and la Fin maintaineth that there was a note quite to the contrary, and that they did continue their intelligences and practiſes unknown to the King. That the Duke did recal him, fearing he ſhould diſcover the Conſpiracy, when a man continues in his faults and abuſeth his Pardon, the laſt fault payeth for all.

Beſides, the Court hath not ſeen that Pardon, he oughted to have produced it in writing under the Kings Hand and Seal, and to forgive him once more, would put him into ſuch a condition, as to contrive always Treaſons againſt the State; the remedy of a preſent evil is not to be neglected upon the hope of an uncertain good; he is in a caſe to be no more uſeful; nothing can be expected from his courage but revenge; he that can bring no profit by his virtue and faithfulneſs, muſt do it by being made an exemple.

Such were for the moſt part the reaſons of the Court, according to which, and to the concluſions of the Attorney General, the Chancellor did pronounce Sentence of death againſt the Priſoner; ſome were of opinion that la Fin ſhould be arreſted, as one that could not juſtifie himſelf, for having concealed ſuch a damnable Conſpiracy, till he ſaw that the Spaniſh affairs went to wrack. The Chancellor did moderate theſe opinions, repreſenting that the Conſpiracy was not yet wholly diſcovered, and that ſuch things would hinder the reſt of thoſe that knew ſome thing of it to reveal it; that a man that ſaveth the Kings Perſon and his Eſtate, ought rather to berewarded then puniſhed. And in confirmation of this, the King ſent Letters to la Fin, by which he aſſured him, that ſuch a ſervice done to him and his Kingdom, ſhould never prove his ruine.

The Court ſtayed onely for the Kings intention upon the execution of the Sentence, which Sillery had carried to St. Germain. The Scaffold was ready to be ſet up in the place of Greve, but the execution might have proved dangerous, in the middle of ſo much people of different humors and tempers; and already there was a rumour, as if ſome body ſhould throw him a Sword, with which he ſhould make himſelf a paſſage, or elſe have died with a blow leſs ſhameful then that of the Hangman; upon his friends intreaty the execution was ordered to be done in the Baſtille.

The next day about noon, the people knowing that the Sentence was paſt, went ſome to the Greve, thinking that the execution ſhould be done there, others to St. Antony ſtreet, to ſee the Priſoner paſs by; he ſaw from his Chamber that multitude, and gueſſed that he was to be the Spectacle of thoſe Spectators; here the anguiſh of the Grave began to beſet him, and drawing a conſequence from the ſhadow of death, that the body was not far of; he ſent Baranton a Scotiſh Gentleman to intreat the Marqueſs of Rhoſny to come to ſee him, or if he could not come, to ſue for his Pardon to the King. He ſent him anſwer, he could do neither, and that he was extreamly ſorry for his misfortune, that if he had believed him at his coming to to Court, he ſhould have confeſſed what the King did deſire to know of him, for by concealing of it, he did hinder the King to give him his life, and all his friends to ſue for it.

The next day laſt of July 1602. the Chancellor, the firſt Preſident, Sillery, three Maſters of Requeſts, ſome Officers of the Chancery, Rapin Lieutenant of the ſhort Gown, his Lieutenant, Daniel Voi[•]in Regiſter of the Court of Parliament, ſix Sergeants, and ſeven or eight more went to the Baſtille, about ten of the Clock in the morning, as ſoon as they were come in the Chancellor commanded that the Priſoners Dinner ſhould be carryed, without giving him notice of his coming, and in the mean time he and the firſt Preſident made a Liſt of thoſe whom they would have to be preſent in that action. Some Preſidents, three Maſters of Requeſts, three Auditors, ſix Serjeants of the Parliament, the Lieutenant Civil, the Kings Attorney at the Chaſtelet, Rapin and his Lieutenant, the Knight of the Watch, the Prevoſt of the Merchants, four Aldermen, four Councellors of the City, and ſome few others, to the number of fifty.

About noon the Priſoner looking through the Grates of his Chamber Windows, perceived the Wife of Rumigny, Caption of the Caſtle, weeping with her hands up and gueſſed that thoſe Tears were drawn by the compaſſion of his Fortune. Hewas confirmed in his opinion, when he ſaw the Chancellor followed by the Serjeants, Rapin and his Lieutenant, and ſome others go through the Baſtilles Yard into the Chappel, then he began to cry aloud, O my God I am a dead man, ah, what injuſtice it is to put an Innocent Perſon to death, thereupon he intreated Rumigny to tell his Brothers, Siſters and Kindred, that they ſhould not be aſhamed of his death, becauſe he was Innocent of that he was accuſed.

The Chancellor commanded he ſhould be brought down into the Chappel, where as ſoon as he ſaw the Chancellor, are you come, ſaid he, to pronounce me my death: The Chancellor ſaluted him, then put on his Hat, the Priſoner ſtood bare headed, and began to ſpeak firſt. Ah my Lord Chancellor, is there no pardon? is there no Mercy? ſuch and ſuch (whom he did name one after another) have committed ſuch offences and yet have been pardoned. What? you that look like an honeſt man, have you ſuffered that I ſhould be ſo miſerably condemned? ah! my Lord, if you had not told the Court that the King would have me to die, they would not have condemned me ſo. My Lord, my Lord, you could have hindred that evil, and you have not done it, you ſhall anſwer for that injuſtice before all the reſt of the Judges that have condemned me, and ſaying ſo, he ſtroke the Chancellor upon the Arm. Ah! what a great ſervice the King doth this day to the King of Spain, to rid him of ſuch an Enemy as I was, might I not have been kept within four Walls, till ſome occaſion had offered where I might have been uſeful? Ah my Lord, have you forgot my fathers love to you ſo much, as not to give notice to the King of what I ſay, and what dammage he ſuffereth in looſing me. I am yet as willing as ever to do ſervice to the Kingdom, you could let him know ſo much, he hath ſo good an opinion of you, I am ſure he would believe you: A Meſſenger could quickly go thither [•]ud back again, what ſhall a thouſand Gentlemen my Kinſmen ſay? doth he think that a ter my death they can do him any ſervice? and what if I had been guilty, would I have come upon thoſe falſe aſſurances that Preſident Janin that great Cheat gave me, when he told me, that buſineſſes were ſo ill mannaged in France, that it was fit I ſhould ſee the King and tell him of it, who at my perſwaſion would ſettle them in bettter order: I have neglected all the advices of my friends to hearken unto his perſwaſions. I have truſted to that curſed Traitor la Fin, who writ to me that I could eome in all ſafety, and that he had told the King nothing but of the Marriage that was propounded to me with a daughter of Savoy, that the King would receive me with all Kindneſs. What then? the goings to and fro of many, the reaſons of thoſe who adviſed me to come, and the Kings Letters, were they all baits to catch me: I am well ſerved to have truſted to much upon his Word, I could have ſought and got other ſecurities, if I had not truſted to my Innocency; I am come upon the confidence of my integrity ſince his pardon. Ah! doth he not know that he hath forgiven me; I have h[•]d ſome evil deſigns, I have hearkened, I have written, I have ſpoken, I confeſſed them all at Lyon, he did aſſure me never to remember it, and did exhort me that from hence forwards I ſhould commit nothing that might compel me to have recourſe to his clemency: Nevertheleſs I am now accuſed of things that are blotted out by his pardon; I have not offended him ſince, unleſs it be in that I deſired War rather than Peace, becauſe my humour is not peaceable, had not the King at that time reaſon to approve of it? if this Crime deſerveth death I fly to his clemency, I implore his Mercy. The Queen of England told me, that if the Earl of Eſſex would have humbled himſelf, and asked forgiveneſs, he ſhould have obtained it: I do, being Innocent, what he would not do being guilty. Ah! ſhall all Mercy be put out for me; thoſe that have done worſe have found Grace and Mercy: I perceive what it is, I am not the more guilty but the moſt unhappy, and the King, who hath been ſo ſparing of his Subj[•]cts lives, hath a mind to be prodigal of mine.

To conclude, he forgot nother of what might be ſaid by a Soul pierced with grief, ſpite, anger, and violent threatning, in exclamations and revilings againſt the King and his Parliament, in reproaches againſt the Chancellor, that he had more contributed to his condemnation than to his abſolution, in words that are not fit to be ſpoken nor related.

His words ran ſo falt that the Chancellor could not ſtop them: Nevertheleſs he took occaſion to tell him, his paſſion ſuggeſted him many things without appearance of reaſon, and againſt his own jadgment, that no body had known his deſerts better than he, and that he could have wiſhed his faults had been as unknown as diſſembled, that the knowledge of them had been ſo viſible and apparent, that his Judges had more ado to moderate his puniſhment than to inflict it. That S[•]ntence was given upon the proofs of ſeveral attemps he had made againſt the Kings Perſon and his Eſtate, and for having kept intelligence and correſpondency with the Enemies of the Kingdom, of which he had been found guilty, that if he had concealed the truth in the anſwers to his accuſations, he ſhould now reveal it being ſo near to his end, and that for theſe cauſes the King did ask his Order of Knighthood, and his ſtaff o[•] Marſhal of France, with which he had formerly honoured him: He pulled the Order out of his Pocket and put it into the Chancellors hands, Proteſting and Swearing upon the Salvation of his Soul, that he never had broken the Oath he made in receiving it; that (it is true) he had deſired War more than Peace; becauſe he could not preſerve in Peace, the reputation he had got in War, as for the Staff, he never carryed it: Nevertheleſs by the Oath that the Knights of the Holy Ghoſt take, they are bound to take no Penſion, Wages nor Money from forrain Princes, and to engage themſelves in no bodies ſervice but the Kings, and faithfully to reveal what they ſhall know to be for or againſt the Kings ſervice.

A[•]ter that the Chancellor exhorted him to lift up his thoughts from Earth to Heaven, to call upon God, and to hear patiently his Sentence.

My Lord (ſaid he) I beſeech you do not uſe me as other men; I know what my Sentence beareth, my accuſations are falſe, I wonder the Court would Condemn me upon the Evidence of the moſt wicked and deteſtable man that is alive; he never came near me without Witchcraft, nor never went from me till he had bewitched me, he did bite my left ear off, and made me drink inchanted waters, and when he ſaid, that the King had a mind to rid himſelf of me, he called me his King, his Benefactor, his Prince, his Lord, he hath communication with the Devils, and hath ſhewed me a Wax Image, ſpeaking theſe words in Latine, Rex impie morieris, ungodly King thou ſhalt die. If he hath had ſo much power by his Magick, as to make an inanimate body to ſpeak, it is no wonder that he ſhould make my Will conformable to his.

Here the Chancellor ſtopt him, and told him, that the Court had well conſidered his anſwers, and his Letters, that he ought not to find fault with his Sentence, that it had done him the ſame Juſtice as a Father ſhould do to his son, if he had offended in the like manner. He had ſcarce ſpoken theſe words when the other anſwered, what Judgment? I have been heard but once, and had no time to tell the fiftieth part of my juſtification; if I had been heard at large, I could have made it clearly appear that la Fin is ſuch a one as I ſay; what Judgment upon the Evidence of a Bougerer? of a Rogue that hath forſaken his Wife, of a treacherous and perfidious man, that had Sworn ſo many times upon the Holy Sacrament, never to reveal what was between us, of a Knave that hath ſo often counterfeited my Hand and Seal: It is true, I have written ſome of thoſe Letters that were ſhewed me, but I never intended to put them in Execution: and the reſt are falſified: Is there not many that can counterfeit ſo well the Hand and Seal of others, that themſelves can ſcarce diſtinguiſh them. It is well known that the Lady Marchioneſs of Vernevil hath lately acknowledged that to be her own hand, which ſhe had never written. My Heart and my Actions have ſufficiently countervailed the faults of my Hand, and of my Tongue. Beſides, the King hath forgiven me, I do implore his Memory for a Witneſs. You ſay I have been found guilty to have attempted upon the Kings Perſon; that is falſe, that never came into my mind, and I knew nothing of it till that la Fin did propoſe it to me before St. Katherines Fort, ſix or ſeven days after the Siege, if I had been thus minded, I could have eaſily brought it to paſs; I was the only man that hindred the King to go before the Fort: If my ſervices had been taken into conſideration, I ſhould not have been thus condemned: I believe that if you had not been preſent, the Parliament would not have judged me ſo rigorouſly; I wonder that you, whom I thought to be prudent and wiſe, have uſed me ſo cruelly; it would have been more honourable for your quality and old age to implore for me the Kings Mercy, than his Juſtice. There is Dungeons here where I might have been kept bound hand and foot; I ſhould have at laſt that comfort to pray for thoſe who ſhould have got me that favour from the King. If I had been but a ſingle Souldier, I ſhould have been ſent to the Galleys; but becauſe I am a Marſhal of France, I am thought to be as dangerous a man to the State, as I have been uſeful heretofore. My life is ſought after, I ſee there is no Mercy for me; the King hath often forgiven thoſe, who not only intended to do evil, but had done it; this Vertue is now forgotten, he giveth occaſion now to the World to believe, that he never uſed clemency or forgiveneſs. but when he was afraid. I was of opinion, that if I had killed one of his Children he would have forgiven me. Is it not pity that my Father ſhould have run ſo many dangers, and at laſt died in the field to keep the Crown upon his Head, and that now he ſhould take my head off my Shoulders, is it poſſible he ſhould forget the ſervices I have done him? doth he not remember the conſpiracy of Mantes, and the dangers he ſhould have been in if I had taken the Conſpirators part? Hath he forgotten the Siege of Amiens, where I have been ſo often among the fire and Bullets, neglecting my own life to preſerve his, I have not a Vein but hath been open to preſerve his own Blood, I have received five and thirty wounds to ſave his life; he ſheweth now that he never loved me but when he had need of me, he taketh away my head, but let him beware that the Juſtice of God doth not fall upon his. My Blood ſhall cry for revenge for the wrong that is done me to day, I call the King of Spain and the Duke of Savoy to Witneſs, if I know any thing what is laid to my charge. La Fin himſelf did ſhew me ſometimes a Catholick Liſt of about fourſcore Gentlemen, who received Penſion from the King of Spain, I had never ſo much curioſity as to read it; let him be put to the rack he ſhall tell many particularities of it; the King within a litttle while ſhall perceive what he getteth by my death; I ſshall at laſt die a good Catholick, and conſtant in my Religion, I believe that's the cauſe of my death.

The Chancellor ſeeing that all his diſcourſes were full of paſſion, vanity and repetitions, and void of reaſon, and were like an impetuous Torrent that cannot be ſtopt, and that all his words were nothing but reproaches againſt the King and the Court of Parliament, blaſphemies againſt God, and execrations againſt his Accuſers; ſaid that his buſineſs called him away, and that in his abſence he would leave him two Divines to comfort him, and to diſpoſe his ſoul to leave quietly this World, for the enjoying of a better.

As the Chancellor was going out, the Priſoner begged of him that he might have the liberty to make his Will, becauſe he did owe much, and much was owing to him, and he deſired to ſatisfie every body. The Chancellor anſwered, that the Recorder Voiſin ſhould ſtay with him to write his Will under the Kings good pleaſure. And as the Chancellor ſpoke to Voiſin, the Priſoner turning to Roiſſy, Maſter of Requeſts, asked him if he were, one of thoſe that had condemned him: my Father hath loved you ſo much, that though you were one, yet ſhould I forgive you. Roiſsy anſwered, my Lord, I pray God Almighty to comfort you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now follows the two laſt Verſes of this Prophecie.

A Poſt overtaken in the Countrey,

And the Scrivener ſhall caſt himſelf into the water.

Which as we have ſaid before, were concerning Nicolas [〈…〉]ſte, Secretary to the Lord Villeroy, chief Secretary of State. The Hiſtory therefore is thus.

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

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

T[•]e pride and pre[•]umption of this young man was ſuch as to perſwade him he deſerved one of them, and chiefly becauſe one of his fellows was thought worthy of it, but his Maſter did not think ſo, and thus he was neglected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

Charles the IX. King of France, the laſt of the Houſe of Valois left only one natural Son, called the Earl of Auvergne, who had a Siſter by the Mothers ſide, that was called Henrietta de Balzac Ducheſs of Verneuil, once Miſtriſs to Henry the IV, by whom ſhe had upon promiſs of marriage one Son, at this time Duke of Vernueil, and Governour of Languedoc; but this promiſs being made void by Act of Parliament, Henry IV. married Mary of Medicis, by which he had iſſue Lewis the XIII. and other children: now upon the diſcontent of the Marſhal of Biron, the Dutcheſs of Verneuil, the Earl of Auvergne her Brother, and their party joyned with him for the promoting of the Duke of Verneuil's intereſt to the Crown, whereupon the King ſent for the Earl of Auvergne, who was then in his County a hundred Leagues from Paris; but the Earl truſting more the good will of the Citizens of Clermont in Auvergne who loved him, then to the Kings Clemency, neglected to come, whereupon the King ſent again the Lord d'Eſcures, with a pardon for what was paſt; he promiſed to come when he ſhould ſee his pardon Signed and Sealed in good form; the King was offended at his proceeding, and took it very ill that a Subject of his would capitulate with him, who intended to deal plainly and ſincerely; the King nevertheleſs paſt that over for many conſiderations, one of them was that the Earl was of the blood of France, and brother by the Mother to one that had been his Miſtreſs; beſides that he was a Prince endowed with many good qualities, moſt of which did Sympathiſe with thoſe of the King, thus the King ſent him his Pardon as well for what was paſt, as for the preſent, but with this proviſo that he ſhould come; for all this, he did not ſtir out of Clermont; the King ſeeing that, did reſolve to have him at any rate: there was ſeveral propoſitions made for to take him: at Hunting, at running of the Ring, at ſome Banquet, in the Fields, in the City; all theſe ways might be ſuſpected by the Earl, but a new one was found out, of which he himſelf was the Author; the Troop of the Duke of Vendoſme was preparing for to Muſter, the Earl intreated d'Eurre Lieutenant of the ſaid company, that it might be in the Fields by Clermont towards Nonnain, becauſe he intended to take revenge in the behalf of a Lady, upon the Inhabitants of that place. The King ſent directions and orders to d'Eurre, how he ſhould govern himſelf in that action, and gave him for Aſſociates, la Boulaye, Lieutenant of the Marqueſs of Vernueil's Troop, and Nereſtan Colonel of a Foot Regiment. By the Kings advice they imparted the buſineſs to the Viſcount of Pont du Chaſteau, to the Baron of Canillac and ſome others, that had authority in that Province, and were devoted to the Kings ſervice, and all keeping religiouſly the Laws of ſilence. The 12 of November the Troop met at the Rendezvous; the Earl came thither by times with two only of his followers, thinking that the Troop ſhould not be ready ſo ſoon, and ſo he ſhould have pretext either to go back to Clermont, or to go on further to viſit his Miſtreſs. The prudence and diligence of thoſe that managed the buſineſs did prevent him, and begot a ſuſpition in him, for he was ſeen to truſs up his Cloak and to try whither his ſword did not ſtick to the Scabbard. D'Eurre went to him, and having complemented him rode on his left hand, while the Troop was ſetting in order; Nereſtan came to ſalute him on the other ſide, and rode on his right hand, being followed by three ſtout Souldiers, habited like Lackeys, and appointed for this action. The Viſcount of du Pont du Chaſteau and his brother rode out of the Troop and encompaſſed him on all ſides. One of the Souldiers laid hold on the Horſes Bridle; d'Eurre at the ſame time laid hold on his Swords Hilt, ſaying, my Lord, we are commanded by the King to give him an account of your perſon, and we intreat you to ſubmit unto his Majeſties good pleaſure, that we may have no occaſion to uſe you otherways then we deſire. Maiſon-ville and Li[•]erne who were his two followers drew their Swords, thinking to make him way to eſcape, but ſome ſhot ſpent upon them, made them preſently retire and run away. He was put upon a Trumpeters Nag as far as Briare, and thence conducted to Montargis in a Coach, and afterwards by water to Paris and put in the Baſtille.

By this Hiſtory, and the explication of the word Cenſuart, which is an ancient word derived from the Latine word Cenſor) and taken here for the Kingly office, the whole Prophecy is eaſily underſtood, and obvious to the meaneſt capacity.

ANNOT.

This Prophecy is concerning Mary Stuart Queen of Scots put in Priſon by Queen Elizabeth, who is called here the opponant Queen, to the Embaſſy that the ſaid Queen of Scots ſent for relief to the King of France, called here the great Phyſitian.

ANNOT.

An Age is the ſpace of one hundred years, the meaning therefore of this is, that within the Age following, his Prophecies namely as he ſaith after, in the year 1664. there ſhall be great Inundation in Languedoc, cauſed by the overflowing of two ſmall Rivers, beſides that of Gardon, which Inundation ſhall drown theſe following places, Coups, Monfrein, Becoyran and Alais, beſides, and Abbey wherein there was 30. Monks, but of this I could find nothing in the Hiſtory, therefore thoſe that live about thoſe places muſt make it good.

ANNOT.

This (like the former) is a particuler accident, of which the publick Hiſtory taketh no notice; it ſeemeth that in the year 1665. in Gevaudan, a Province of France near Langnedoc, there was a great quarrel between two Lords who meeting at Church, did about the time of the Offering ſet one upon another, and one of them was killed, whereupon the Prieſt being terrified, ran away.

ANNOT.

This Prophecie was concerning the Duke of Savoy and Henry the IV. for about that time mentioned by the Author, after the death of Marſhal de Biron, who ſided with the Duke of Savoy (which death is called here Gall put into an Egg;) the Duke of Savoy refuſed to perform the treaty concerning the reſtitution of the Marquiſate of Saluces, wherefore Henry the IV went and ſubdued moſt of his Countrey, and compelled him to give the Province of Breſſe inſtead of the ſaid Marquiſate.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is about the ſame ſubject as the precedent. By the great Siege here is meant the Siege of Montpelian, the ſtrongeſt place in Savoy, which Henry the IV. took, and by it compelled the Duke of Savoy to an agreement. The reſt is [•]a[•••].

ANNOT.

The three firſt Verſes are concerning Clement the VIII. who was elected Pope about that time, and was Inſtrumental to make a Peace between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, and was Pope a good while.

By the great Ship is meant the Church, of which he is called Maſter. The reſt is eaſie.

ANNOT.

In the year 1606. the 14 of September, inſtead of which the Printer hath put October, the Dolphin of France, Lewis the XIII. ſon to Henry the IV. was Chriſtened with his two Siſters at Fountainbleau, and becauſe the Ceremonies were extraordinary, and our Author calleth this a great Baptiſm, it will not be amiſs for the ſatisfaction of the curious Reader, to give here ſuccinctly a deſcription of it.

In the great quadrangle of the Caſtles Yard, was erected a great Theatre, all ſpread and hanged with moſt rich Carpets and Hangings, in the middle of which Theatre was a ſquare of thirty foot on each ſide, with rails about it, all covered with Carpets, in the front of it was erected an Altar, adorned with the Ornaments belonging to the Order of the Holy Ghoſt, behind the Table was a Footſtool of three ſteps, ſpread with Carpets, and in the middle of the Footſtool was a kind of a Stand, covered with a Silver Cloth, upon which were the Fount, covered with a moſt exquiſite Towel, and a Canopy over it, on both ſides of the Altars were two Scaffolds for two Quires of Muſick, and a little lower on the right hand a Bench covered with Carpets for the Prelates to ſit, among which were three Archbiſhops, nine Biſhops and three Abbots, on the left hand were the Lords of the Councel, and before the Altar was the Cardinal of Gondy, encompaſſed with Almoners and Chaplains, and a great multitude of Spectators ſeated upon Benches, in form of a Theatre, round about the Theatre were the guard of Switzers, having every one a Torch in his hand

The Dolphin and his Siſters were in their Chambers upon Beds of State, with their Robes lined with Hermines, and were brought to the quadrangle, the waiting Gentlemen going before with Torches in their hands, with the Bed Chamber men, and Gentlemen of the Chamber, five Drums, Waits, and Trumpeters, Heralds, and the Knights of the Holy Ghoſt, with the three Honours; in the firſt, for the youngeſt Daughter, the Ewer, the Baſon, the Pillow, the Wax Taper, the Chriſme, the Saltſeller, were carryed by the Baron, Son to Marſhal de la Chaſtre, by the Lords Montigny, la Rochepot, Chemerand, Liencourt, Fervacques, and the Lady was carryed by the Marſhal of Bois Dauphin, followed by Charles Duke of Lorrain Godfather, and of Don Juan de Medicis, Brother to the great Duke of Tuſcaky, repreſenting Chriſtian, Daughter to the Duke of Lorrain, and Wife of the great Duke. After that followed the Dutches of Guiſe, the Counteſſes of Guiche, of Saulx, the Marchioneſs Monlaur, and other Ladies.

The Marſhals of Laverdin, and of la Chaſtre, the Dukes of Silly, of Monbazon, of Eſpernon, of Eſguillon did the ſame office for the elder Lady. The Lord of Ragny carryed her for Diana Dutcheſs of Angouleſme, who did repreſent the Infanta, Clara, Eugenta, Euſabella, Archidutcheſs or Auſtria, followed by the Dutcheſs of Rohan, Montmorency, Mayenne.

The third Honour for the Dolphin was carried by the Earl of Vaudemont, the Knight of Vendoſme his elder Brother, the Duke of Menſier, the Earl of Soiſſons, and the Prince of County, all three Princes of the Blood, and the Dolphin was carryed by the Lord Souvray his Governour, in the room of the Prince of Condé, firſt Prince of the Blood, who becauſe of his ſickneſs could do him no other ſervice then to hold him by the hand. The Duke of Guiſe carryed his Train, and the Cardinal of Joyouſe followed him, repreſenting the Pope Paul the V. then followed Eleonor Wife to Vincent Duke of Mantua, and the Princeſs of the Blood, all richly attired.

The Dolphin being brought upon the Table of the quadrangle, the Cardinal of Gondy appointed for this Ceremony, came near him, and having heard him anſwer pertinently to the queſtions asked by the Almoner according to the uſual forms, and to ſay the Lords Prayer and the Creed in Latine, he was exerciſed, appointed, and by the Cardinal of Joyouſe Legat, named Lewis.

The Ladies were afterwards brought upon the Table, and the eldeſt, named Elizabeth by the Dutcheſs of Angouleſme, repreſenting the Archidutcheſs her Godmother, without any Godfather:

The youngeſt was named by Don Juan of Medicis (repreſenting the great Dutcheſs) Chriſtierne.

At Supper the King was waited upon by the Princeſs of his Blood; the Prince of Condé ſerved for Pantler, the Prince of Compty for Cupbearer, the Duke of Monpenfier for Squire Carver, the Earl of Soiſſons for high Steward, the Duke of Guiſe and the Earl of Vaudemont waited upon the Queen, and the Duke of Sully waited upon the Legat. The Godfathers ſat, and after them the Princeſſes, Ladies and Lords of high quality, at the great Ball the Duke of Lorrain did precede by the Kings order, for the only conſideration that he was Godfather.

The next day there was a runing at the Ring, and at night the Duke of Sully cauſed an artificial Caſtle to be aſſaulted with an innumerable quantity of Squibs, Chambers, Canon ſhots, and other Fire Works, but never any thing was ſeen more incredible or wonderful, then the beauty, ornament and luſtre of the Princeſſes and Ladies of the Court; The Eyes could not ſtedfaſtly behold the ſplendor of the Gold, nor the brightneſs of the Silver, nor the glittering of Jewels; the Princes and Lords did out vie one another who ſhould be moſt richly attired, among the reſt the Duke of Eſpernon had a Sword valued at 30000. Crowns, and upon the Queens Gown were 32000. Pearls, and 3000. Diamonds.

ANNOT.

This Stanza hath relation to the precedent, for about the time of, or a little before that famous Chriſtning died Pope Leo the IX. formerly called Cardinal of Florence, who did not live a whole year in the Papacy, and is called here Joyful, Sickly, becauſe though infirm, he did much rejoyce in the obtaining of it; thoſe others that were of the Feaſt, were ſome Cardinals of his party, who died alſo within the ſame year.

The two laſt Verſes ſignifie the differences that happened between Paul V. his Succeſſor, and the Common-wealth of Venice preſently after his death.

ANNOT.

This ſad Philomela was Henrietta of Balzac Daughter to Francis of Balzac, Marqueſs of Entragues, and Miſtreſs to Henry the IV. who being found guilty of a Conſpiracy againſt the State, was confined to the Abbey of the Nuns of Beaumont lez Tours, where ſhe was ſeven Months, after which the King taking pitty of her, paſſed a Declaration, wherein in reſpect of his former Love, and of the Children that he had by her, he forgave her all what was paſt, did aboliſh and ſuppreſs for ever the Memory of the Crime that ſhe was accuſed off, and did diſpenſe her from appearing before the Parliament, who in her abſence did Regiſter her Letters of Pardon the 6. of September 1605. Thus Reader you may ſee how punctual was our Author in his Prognoſtications.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is ſo difficult, ſignifieth nothing but the confuſions that have happened in France from the year 1605. to the year 1917. which would be too tedious and prolix here to relate, the Reader may ſee them in the French Hiſtory.

ANNOT.

This is yet concerning the Earl of Auvergne half Brother to the Dutcheſs of Verneuil, who for his miſdemeanours having been put ſeveral times in the Baſtille, and ſet free again, nevertheleſs was attempting ſtill ſome new thing, which might have endangered his life.

ANNOT.

The Author being a zealous Roman Catholick, calls here the Hollanders the Authors of evils, who in the year 1607. and 1608. made a grievous War, and had ſeveral ſucceſſes againſt the Spaniard, with the help of the French and Engliſh, till the year 1609. when by the mediation of the French and Engliſh Embaſſadors, the Truce was concluded at Antwerp, between the Arch-duke and the States of the United Provinces, the Articles of it to the number of 38. were ſolemnly proclaimed and publiſhed the ninth of April, and ratified by the King of Spain in the Month of July next enſuing.

ANNOT.

This Stanza is wholly abſtruſe and Enigmatical, therefore I will not pretend to expound it, but leave the interpretation to thoſe that have more time and leaſure then I.

ANNOT.

This Stanza ſigniſieth the great troubles that were in France from the year 1610. in which Henry the IV. died, to the year 1617. in which the Marſhal d'Ancre was killed.

This man was named Concino Concini a Florentine born, who in a little time was grown very great, and from a baſe extraction had aſcended to the dignity of Marſhal of France, by the favour of the Queen Regent Mary of Medicis, and grew ſo rich, that he offered to the King to maintain at his own charge 6000. foot, and 800. Horſes for four Months together; he had made himſelf Maſter of many ſtrong Places in Picardy and Normandy, went about to buy the Government of ſeveral Provinces, did diſpoſe of the Kings Exchequer at his pleaſure, and ſpent vaſt ſums of money at his Maſters charge. His inſolencies were the cauſe of his ruine, when he thought leaſt of it; for he threatned every one with words and deeds, ſo far as to ſay, that he would cauſe them to eat up their fingérs, that ſhould oppoſe his Will, and ſo cauſed many Officers and Souldiers of the contrary party to be put to death. The King Lewis the XIII. was particularly informed of the unſufferable pride and miſdemeanors of this Marſhal, and that his deſign was to keep up the War in France, to continue his Authority and Power; therefore the King commanded Vitry, the Captain of his Guards, to apprehend him. This was a difficult thing, becauſe that the Marſhal (beſides his Menial ſervants) had always twelve Guards wearing his Livery, that were deſperate fellows; there was alſo another difficulty, becauſe no body could tell, when or at what time he would come to the Louvre; nevertheleſs at laſt he came to it, upon the 24. of April 1617. attended with a great Train and his Guards; the great Gate was opened to him, and preſently ſhut again, Vitry drew near to him, and holding his ſtaff to him, ſaid, I arreſt you in the Kings name, upon theſe words the Marſhal ſtept back, as if it were to make reſiſtance, ſaying, Me? whereupon thoſe that were with Vitry ſhot three Piſtols at him, one did hit him in the Heart, the other in the Head, and the third in the Belly, ſo that he fell down dead immediately upon his left ſide, a certain Lord that was on his right hand ſpeaking with him, fell down alſo without any hurt, but his followers ſeeing him dead run away.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

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

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

ANNOT.

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

ANNOT.

What that great Lady was, that ſhould die in the year 635. is not eaſie to gueſs, there being many in every Countrey that died that year. The reſt is eaſie, and we have ſeen the truth of it in our days, and may ſee it hereafter.

ANNOT.

This may be underſtood of the death of Anna of Auſtria, Queen of France, who left in mourning two great ones, viz. her two Sons Lewis the XIV. King of France, and Philip of Bourbon Duke of Orleans.

Or of the death of the Queen Dowager of England, Henrietta Maria, who alſo was much lamented, and left in mourning two great ones, viz. Charles the II. King of England, and James Duke of York his Brother.

ANNOT.

The Elephant is the Emperor, the Purveyor the King of France, the Griffin the Hollanders; the meaning then is that the Emperor ſhall go to ruine, when the French and the Hollanders ſhall joyn together.

And that there ſhall be great Wars and Fightings in the Holy Lands, both by Sea and Land, when two Brothers of great quality ſhall go in one Ship.

ANNOT.

This is concerning a match that ſhall be made between the French King, and ſome Lady of another Countrey, which Match ſhall be diſturbed by the Emperour, and the Bride ſhall die a little while after her Marriage.

ANNOT.

The Leech was Philip the IV. the laſt King of Spain, who died a little while after he had Married his Daughter to Lewis the XIV. now King of France, by which Marriage the Peace was made between the two Kingdoms, in the Iſland of the Conference, upon the Borders of France and Spain. By his death and that Match is foretold the encreaſe and happy condition of the Kingdom of France.

FINIS.

Marginal notes

1. The Hiſt[•••] of a [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] o[•] p[•]trified child. ↩
2. A notable Hiſtory. ↩
3. Called here againſt Raypos. ↩