The history of the city and state of Geneva, from its first foundation to this present time faithfully collected from several manuscripts of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and others / by Isaac Spon ... — Histoire de la ville et de l'état de Genève. English

The history of the city and state of Geneva, from its first foundation to this present time faithfully collected from several manuscripts of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and others / by Isaac Spon ... — Histoire de la ville et de l'état de Genève. English

Table of contents

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Title page

PREFACE.

The Approbation of Monſieur de Mezeray, Hiſtoriographer of France, and one of the French Kings Council.

THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA.

BOOK I. Containing the Hiſtory of GENEVA before the Coming of our Saviour.

THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA. BOOK II. From the Birth of our Saviour to the Year 1536.

[Figure]

ANCIENT INSCRIPTIONS Which are to be ſeen AT GENEVA.

I. At the aſcent of the Trellis.

II.

III. At the great Street.

IV. At the Colledge near the fourth Claſſe.

V. On the Wells du Four de Fer.

VI. At the ſame place.

VII. At the Borough of Four at Monſieur Sarrazin's.

VIII. This Inſcription was ſeen heretofore near S. Peters.

IX. In S. Peter's, over-againſt the Princeſs of Portugals Chappel.

X.

XI. In the great Street over-againſt the Peliſſerie.

XII. In the City-Walls, on the outſide of them, over-againſt la Corraterie▪

XIII. At the Colledge and other places are ſeen ſome fragments of Letters of a foot high; or, Onciales, as they call them.

XIV. This was heretofore ſeen at Monnoye.

XV. At S. Peter's, near the Steps.

XVI. At the Colledge.

XVII. Another in the ſame Colledge.

XVIII. Again.

XIX. At S. Peter's, towards a back Gate.

XX. At the Colledge.

XXI. Under the Clock at Molard.

XXII. Near the ſame place.

XXIII. At the Gate of Rive.

XXIV.

XXV. At Nions.

XXVI. At Geneva heretofore in the Halls was ſeen.

XXVII. At Pragin, near Nions.

XXVIII. At Aix in Savoy.

XXIX. This hath been heretofore in the Walls of Geneva towards Corraterie.

XXX. Beneath the Clock du Molard on the ſide of the Lake.

XXXI. Over the Treillis or Lattice.

XXXII. In S. Peter's Wall.

XXXIII. On the Treillis or Lattice

XXXIV. Under the Hall of the Auditory.

XXXV. In S. Peter's-Wall, on the ſide of the Stairs of Poule.

XXXVI. In the Wall of the ſame Church over-againſt the Biſhops Palace.

XXXVII. Near S. Germains.

XXXVIII. At la Peliſſerie.

XXXIX. This was ſeen heretofore at Geneva.

XL. This was heretofore at S. Gervais.

XLI. This was found in the Year 1678. at the foot of the Tower of the Iſle, and may be ſeen at this preſent at the Houſe of Monſieur Minutoli the publick Profeſſor.

XLII. In the Church of S. Saflorin, neer de Vevay.

XLIII. At Entreroches.

XLIV. At Nions.

XLV. At Coppet.

XLVI. At Seligny, a Village dependant on Geneva, near Coppet.

XLVII. At Annemaſſe, a Village belonging to Genevois.

XLVIII. In the Village of Meyſeri, three or four Leagues diſtant from Geneva, between Beauregard and Nermier, on a Column.

XLIX. At the Caſtle of Monfalcon.

L. This and the following fragment are to be ſeen over the Gate Du Bourg of Four at Geneva.

LI. In the ſame place.

LII. A fragment of the Epitaph of Anſegiſus Biſhop of Geneva, ſtanding at the Corner of the Channons-ſtreet, in Monſieur Tremblet's Houſe.

LIII. At a little Gate of S. Peter's-Church, on the Shoulders of this Apoſtle's Statue.

MODERN INSCRIPTIONS.

I. On a Bell which belonged to the Dominicans, and which hath ſince been uſed for a Clock in Monnoye.

II. In the Philoſophy-School, or Chappel of the Cardinal of Oſtie.

III. At S. Gervaiſes Steeple.

IV. In S. Peter's Church, round a Tomb-ſtone.

V. In Verdaine-ſtreet, on a Gate belonging to the Hoſpital, which was heretofore the Convent of S. Claire.

VI. At S. Peters.

VII. At the ſame place.

VIII. At the ſame place.

IX. Near the ſame place.

X. Near the ſame place.

XI. In the ſame Church in Roman Letters.

XII. Another in Roman Letters.

XIII. Another in Gothick Letters.

XIV. At the foot of one of S. Peter's Towers.

XV. In S. Peter's-Church, in Gothick Letters.

XVI. In the ſame Church.

XVII. In the ſame Church.

XVIII. Another in Gothick Letters.

XIX. In Gothick Letters.

XX. In the ſame Church.

XXI. Another in Gothick Letters.

XXII. In the ſame Church.

XXIII.

XXIV. In S. Peter's Cloyſter there is this Epitaph of M. d' Aubigné Hiſtoriographer of France.

[Figure]

XXVII. On the front of S. John's Bulwark.

THE TABLE OF THE FIRST and SECOND BOOK.

The TABLE of the THIRD BOOK.

THE END.

§

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THE HISTORY of GENEVA

POST TENEBRAS LUX

I. Sturt ſc:

LONDON Printed for Bernard White. M.DC.LXXXVII.

§

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THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA, From its Firſt Foundation to this preſent Time.

Faithfully Collected from ſeveral MANUSCRIPTS of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and Others.

BY ISAAC SPON, Doctor of Phyſick, and one of the Fellows of the Colledge of LYONS.

§

LICENSED,

Dec. 14. 1685.

RO. L'ESTRANGE.

LONDON, Printed for Bernard White. M DC LXXXVII.

PREFACE.

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THE City of Geneva being one of the moſt Conſiderable of the Proteſtant party, we may eaſily believe there is none but will deſire to know its Hiſtory; ſome, that they may underſtand the State of that City with which they are linked in Religion; others, that they may not be ignorant of the ſtrength and policy of a State which they conſider as an enemy. Hitherto we have had but ſcattered fragments, as in the Hiſtory of Savoy or Switzerland, and in the Book called the Cavaleer Savoyard, and in the Genevoiſe Citizen; and indeed in theſe Hiſtorical Relations there is ſo much of ſharpneſs and paſſion, that a man ſhall ſcarce know when to credit any thing.

This I have endeavoured to avoid to the utmoſt of my power, though it be very difficult when it concerns the Religion of People and the pretenſions of Princes, to keep ſuch a juſt moderation as ſhall provoke neither Party: Yet I am apt to think I have done as much in this matter as could be expected. For as to the main of this Hiſtory, if all people ſhall not find ſatisfaction, I ſhall look upon this only as a misfortune uſually attending ſuch ſort of Writings, and not as an effect of my paſſion: ſeeing I have followed as much as in me lay the Counſel given of old to an Hiſtorian, not to be of any Country or Party whileſt the Pen was in his hand. [Page] It is true, I wanted ſeveral things requiſite to a buſineſs of this nature, but on the other ſide I know full well, there is no one could acquit himſelf better in this affair than my ſelf: ſeeing that a Genevoiſe would be ſure to be ſuſpected, and a ſtranger could not be ſo well informed of thoſe things which I have known, and procure thoſe Memoires and Manuſcripts which I have by me, for which both the Publick and my ſelf are obliged not a little to M [...]ſieur Chorier the French Kings Hiſtorian and Advocate in the Parliament of Dauphiné, who long ſince hath been urgent with me to follow this deſign: and had it not been for him, I ſhould not ſo much as have thought of it. Certainly no one could have better performed this, than my Noble Friend; for having Written ſo Excellent an Hiſtory of Dauphiné, with which our Libraries are adorned; this here would have been but an eaſie task to him, would he have undertaken it, and his affairs had permitted him. The Manuſcripts with which he hath furniſhed me, are three Volumes in Quarto▪ taken out of the Library of the deceaſed Monſieur James Godefroy (Jacobus Gothofredus) famous for his Commentary on the Theodoſian Codex: they plainly appear to he Written with his own hand, and I do not believe there is any other Copy to be found of them: (precious Remains) of the Cloſet of this great Man; and which ought to be rankt immediately after the famous Commentaries aforementioned. And being made Counſellor and Syndick of Geneva, his want of leiſure, and other reaſons of State withheld him from publiſhing his Memoires as he had deſigned. I have had moreover [Page] of Monſieur Chorier another Manuſcript, of which I know not the Author. I have likewiſe made uſe of ſome Chronological Manuſcripts of one Roſet which are in every bodies hands: not to reckon other Collections, viz. of the Acts and Alliances with Switzerland and Geneva, and the Printed Books as many as I could find, ſuch as Paradins Hiſtorical Chronicle of Savoy, the Hiſtory of Savoy, the Genevois Citizen, and Pictet's Harangue, the Sieur de Juſſie's Book intitled the Leven of Calviniſm, More's Harangues, Spanheim's and ſeveral others. Theſe are the Materials from whence I have taken my Hiſtory; which I have more need to abridge than amplifie, leſt I ſhould exceed the bounds of a particular Hiſtory, by introducing a thouſand accidents which have hapned in the neighbouring Countries, or even in all Europe. I have added alſo of my own at the end of this Hiſtory, thoſe ancient Inſcriptions which are to be ſeen at Geneva, and thoſe of S. Peter's Chanons, with all poſſible exactneſs, and expect only this fruit of my labour, that [...] ſatisfying my own inclinations, I ſhall alſo gratifie the curious, though I cannot pleaſe the Criticks, who love to try their Wits, and value not a Book unleſs its periods are laboured and ſmoothed to the utmoſt exactneſs, and wholly freed from imperfections, not conſidering that excellent ſaying of Ariſtotle, that the faults of them who begin a Work, do rather claim indulgence than animadverſion.

The Approbation of Monſieur de Mezeray, Hiſtoriographer of France, and one of the French Kings Council.

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I Read this Manuſcript four Months ſince, and find it to be an Excellent Hiſtory, and Licenſe it to be Printed.

Signed MEZERAY.

THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA.

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BOOK I.
Containing the Hiſtory of GENEVA before the Coming of our Saviour.

ALTHOUGH I undertake the Hiſtory of a very mean State, conſidering its ſmall Extent and Compaſs, and the little Noiſe which it hath made in the World, yet my deſign to publiſh it, cannot be juſtly blam'd, ſeeing God himſelf is no leſs admirable in the ſmall works of Nature, than in the great, where the matter is faſhion'd by his hands: neither is he leſs wonderful in the Government of ſmall States, than great Kingdoms; as a Pilot ſhews no leſs skill in reſiſting with a little Bark a Tempeſtuous Sea, than in preſerving a great Ship in the midſt of a Storm.

You muſt not expect here magnificent deſcriptions of Glorious Actions, Eloquent Harangues of Famous Generals, or Battels fought by infinite numbers of Soldiers; but inſtead of this, at every turn, [Page] ſome Miracle of Providence, ſome Hiſtorical or Political paſſage worth your conſideration: In this Scene will appear Actors, who, although they are not array'd in the gliſtering Attare of Princes, nor ſpeak big, as Kings of the Earth on the ſpacious Theatres of their Dominions; yet do they not fail to act that part they have taken upon them, and to ſet before us excellent inſtructions, which are ſo much the more profitable, as they are every mans concern: for every man is either a Soldier, or Citizen of his Countrey. There you'l ſee examples of all kinds of Vertues and Vices; which will not be uſeleſs, if you mind not ſo much him that ſpeaketh, as what he ſaith, whether it be to the purpoſe.

For my part, I ſhall not be ſo ſolicitous after ſmoothneſs in my ſtyle, as after truth in my relations; and ſhall endeavour that no paſſion ſhall make me unworthy the name of an Hiſtorian, who ought chiefly to be a Secretary to Truth, and not to Falſhood or Flattery. He who writes to ſhew his Eloquence, publiſheth rather his own Hiſtory, than that of the States or Perſons, whom he pretends to write of: and it often happens, that ſuch a one climbs upon the Scaffold of his Vanity, that he may make himſelf the more ridiculous, and have the greater fall. Truth hath no need of Varniſh, or any affected dreſs, to make it lovely; and provided it be not unſeaſonably, or careleſly expos'd, its beauty which it borrows from none but it ſelf, can never want hearty admirers.

But before I enter upon the deſcription of this Hiſtory of Geneva, Ancient names of Geneva. it will be expected I ſhould ſay ſomething concerning its Name. Geneva is the moſt ancient it ever had; and the ſame we meet with in Caeſar's Commentaries. A late Author hath miſtook, in ſaying it hath been call'd Geneüa: Volateran. neither do I know upon what grounds he affirms Genes to be a Colony of the Genevoiſes; ſeeing Genes is a very ancient City, and bore that name in Hannibal's time; Livy relating 'twas taken by [...]go, Hamilcar his Son. Genabum as ſome Moderns have call'd Geneva, is the name of Orleans. That of Gebenna, by which Geneva hath been known for ſeveral Ages, began to be in uſe about Charlemain's time: for ſo we find it in that Emperours Life written by Aimoin the Monk in the Chronicles of the Abby of Rheginon, and thus uſed by almoſt all Authors and Publick Acts for above eight hundred years down to 1536.

Notwithſtanding there be ſome who would make us believe, that Lucan meant Geneva under the name of Gevenna in theſe Verſes;

Qua Rhod [...]nus raptum velocibus undis

In Mare fert Ararim,

Marlian Paradin.

qua montibus ardua ſummis,

Gens habitat can [...] pendentes rupe Gebennas.

Where Araris with Rhodanus now meet

Runs joyn'd into the Sea, the Men whoſe Seat

Is on Gebenna Mount covered with Snow.

But there he ſpeaks not of a City, but of the Mountains of Cevennes, which C [...]ſar means by the ſame word. I ſhall likewiſe [Page] make it appear in the ſequel of this Diſcourſe, that it hath never been call'd Colonia Equeſtris. The Genevoiſes reſtored it to its ancient name in the year 1536. taking away that of Gebenna, which the rudeneſs of former Ages had given it.In his Opuſcula. The Learn'd Scaliger hath obſerv'd, that Geneva muſt be ſounded the ſecond ſyllable ſhort; and at this day in the Language of the Countrey 'tis pronounc'd Zéneva.

Geneva is a City of great Antiquity;Munſter calls it Mirae vetuſtatis Ʋrbem. and were we not ſo inform'd by Authors, the Beauty and Commodiouſneſs of its Scituation would incline us to believe it: for it is ſeated on a riſing ground,Scituation of Geneva. waſh'd on one ſide by the Lake Leman and the Rhoſne, which thence takes its courſe; bordered with fruitful Plains and Mountains. Hence we may imagine, a place ſo commodious, as well for neceſſity as delight, hath drawn thither Inhabitants at the ſame time the Countrey began to be cultivated. But Cities and Perſons have the ſame fate: The more any Family is anciently Noble, the more difficult a matter it is to produce its Titles. Antiquity is as a dark Night, whoſe obſcurity cannot be diſſipated, and in which a man can do nothing but ſearch about to no purpoſe. How many Fables do we find mixt with the Original of Troy, Rome or Carthage? And if this hath happened to ſuch flouriſhing States, what can be expected from mean ones, whoſe miſhap having been to have no Author to be the Guardian or Depoſitary of their Hiſtory, they have therefore lain in obſcurity. Julius Caeſar is the firſt who mentions Geneva, yet there is no doubt, but it was then a City under Government, and a place of ſtrength, which kept one of the paſſages out of Gaule into Italy and Germany: For it was undoubtedly the Intereſt of the Allobroges, or Inhabitants of Gallia Tranſalpina, being neighbours to the Helvetians and Latobriges, a people of Gallia Belgica, who held Switzerland and the Country of Vaud at that time, to have a Fort, which ſhould ſhelter them from the Incurſions of this warlike people, and might ſerve as a place of Traffick and Correſpondence.

The Allobroges, Antiquity of Geneva. whoſe chief City was Geneva, held a great part of the Alps and low Countrey betwixt Rhoſne and the Mountains. They were a valiant people, and had gained great reputation by their courage; neither were they inferiour to the reſt of the Gaules in Riches. Stephen de Byzance and Livy, who cannot be ſuſpected of flattery, give them theſe Elogies. Geneva then was a great while before Caeſar's time: And as well his ſilence, as other Authors, inclines us to believe, that its Original was unknown. All that the Moderns have aſſerted concerning this matter, is founded on an uncertain Author, and on a Chronological Manuſcript of the Countrey of Vaud, being about four hundred years ſince it was written, as we may judge by the time which endeth the Hiſtory. The Author of the Genevoiſe Citizen relates, that it was kept in his time in the Caſtle of Chillon on the Lake; and there is now one there to be ſeen, which perhaps is the ſame with that in the City of Orbe in the Countrey of Vaud. The little Book Printed at Lyons in 1614. Entituled A Chronology of the Countrey of Vaud, is an Epitome of it; and 'tis out of one or the other of theſe, that the [Page] Manuſcripts of the Hiſtory of Geneva have taken out ſeveral particulars relating to that City, which are not to be met with elſewhere.

Although to ſpeak ingenuouſly, this Chronicle appears to be nothing elſe but a ſlight exerciſe of ſome half-witted Scribler of former times, and therefore deſerves not much to be credited: howſoever, I ſhall here offer what he aſſerts concerning the Foundation of Geneva, leaving the Reader to his own liberty to judge and believe if he pleaſes that in theſe fabulous relations there is ſome truth. See here then what he ſaith.

‘In the year of the Worlds Creation 2729. and 1073. years after the Flood, the great Hercules coming into Spain to go over into Italy, he paſs'd near the Lake which hath been ſince call'd Leman, where ſeeing ſo fine a Countrey inhabited, he left there one part of his Army which was ſick, under the Command of Arpentinus. This Captain liking the Countrey, built on the ſide of the Lake, a City which he call'd Arpentras or Arpentrine, which was ſeated higher than where lyes now Lauſanne (and in effect there yet may be ſeen ſome marks of a City) this was founded in the year of the Worlds Creation 2730. and fifty three years before the deſtruction of Troy.’

‘Arpentinus was ſucceeded by his Son Rigo: after the deſtruction of Troy, when Francus, Aeneas, Antenor, with many more, came to inhabit other Countreys; about which time Lemannus Paris's Son arriv'd in thoſe parts with his Trojans, driving out Rigo from Arpentras; and being in full poſſeſſion, call'd the Lake after his own Name, Leman. This Lemannus having reign'd a conſiderable time, was at length drove out from Arpentras by his own Subjects who rebelled againſt him, and killed one of his Sons: whereupon he in revenge, having taken again the City, demoliſh'd it; and ſeeking a new place whereon to build another, he came to the end of the Lake, whence iſſues forth the Rhoſne; and finding a little Hill of (Genevriers, or) Shrubs, he layes there the foundations of a City, which he call'd for this reaſon, Genevra or Genebra. This was in the year of the Worlds Creation 2833. and fifty years after the deſtruction of Troy, and three hundred ſeventy nine years before the Building of Rome, and eleven hundred and thirty years before the Birth of our Saviour. After Lemannus (who dyed whilſt they were building Geneva) his Son Eructonius reigned eight and twenty years, leaving three Sons who divided the Kingdom betwixt them, viz. Sequanus, Allobrox and Helvetius.’

This Chronicle likewiſe makes mention of ſeveral other Kings of theſe Countreys, as Milius, Ergogus, Tigurus, Epantalus, Aviticus, Carphas and his three Sons Conodus, Gavotus and Equeſter, Caturigus, Flenans, Arulus, Centronius, Benevits, Algurus Ciricus and Oblius, who built a Fortreſs at Geneva in the Iſle of Rhoſne. Theſe names readily offer themſelves for the finding out the Founders of Cities, and the Etymology of the names of Provinces: which gives us plainly to underſtand, that this is a Hiſtory deviſed at pleaſure, ſeeing there are many of theſe Latin words, although that Tongue was not known till ſome Ages after. Sequanus (ſayes the Chronicle) [Page] gave his name to the County of Burgundy, from whence the people were call'd Sequaeni: Allobrox gave his name to the Countrey of the Allobroges; Equeſter to the Country of Vaud, where was Colonia Equeſtris; Ergogus to that of Ergau; Helvetius to that of Helvetia; Aventica, Helvetius his Concubine, to Avanche; Centronius, to the Centrons, who are them of Tarantoiſe; Arulus, to Arles; Gavotus, to Gavots; Benevits, to the City of the ſame name; and in ſhort, Ciricus, to St. Cierg [...]e.

Now that which I find the worſt contriv'd in all this account,Derivation of the word Geneva. is the Etymology of the word Geneva, which it derives from Genévres, (or Jumper Shrubs) with which this little Hill on which the City was built was over-ſpread; as if the Latin or French Tongue were ſpoken four Ages before Rome was built; for the word Genévre comes from the Latin Juniperus: So it is alſo with the word Equeſtris, which was never heard of in the Countrey of Vaud till Caeſur's time, as we ſhall have occaſion to mention hereafter.

Not that this great Antiquity of eight and twenty Ages need be ſuſpected, ſeeing there are Cities, as that of Athens, ancienter by five hundred years: But we are never obliged to believe without proof; neither do we find Homer to mention Lemannus Paris his Son, although it may well be expected, he ſhould ſay ſomething of him, to inform us of the poſterity of that Heroe in his Poem. 'Tis certainly a very idle humour of ſome people, who would needs perſwade the World, their Anceſtors were ſprung from the Aſhes of Troy, and were no leſs than Founders of Cities; as if Troy had been ſufficient to people all the World, after it ſelf had been ruin'd.

Be it how it will concerning theſe eleven Ages before the coming of our Saviour, we read of no conſiderable matters or Warlike feats performed by the Genevoiſes during that time, but what we have from this Chronicle: They laid waſte the City of Benevits, which ſtood diſtant from that place where now ſtandeth Nyons, becauſe it would Lord it over the neighbouring Countreys, and exact Tribute. It addeth, that this Oblius dyed without Children, and left all theſe Countreys to the diſpoſal of their own people, who by this means became free and under no Monarchy.

The Genevoiſes had the advantage of the Lake and the Rhoſne, The Genevoiſes formidable to the Romans. which ſerv'd them inſtead of Ditches, and the Alps which ſheltered them as Ramparts. They ſeparated them eſpecially from the Romans, whoſe neighbourhood was chiefly to be feared, and againſt whom they have ſignalized their Valour with the reſt of the Allobrogeſes, who extended their Borders as far as Iſere. The Air of the Mountains which they breathed, and the ignorance of carnal delights, which renders us ſoft and effeminate, made them Warlike and Dreadful to their Neighbours. The Romans have tryed them ſufficiently in their Wars againſt them. The firſt proof which they gave of their Courage, was under the Conſul Marcus Fulvius, in the year ſix hundred twenty eight from the Building of Rome, and one hundred twenty five years before the Birth of our Saviour.125. years before the Birth of our Saviour. The Auvergnats and them of Roüergue were joyned with the Allobroges. The Romans bragg'd they had defeated them, though 'tis certain [Page] the Conſul obtain'd not the Triumph; which is a ſufficient proof, that the loſs on the Gaules ſide was not great; and in effect the War broke out again three years after, and the Allobroges raiſed greater Forces.122. years before our Saviour. They fought the Romans near Orange, not far from the place where the Sorgue diſchargeth it ſelf into the Rhoſne: the Romans got the Victory by a Stratagem, after they had for a long time vigorouſly diſputed it. They had brought with them Elephants, which they had cauſed to march againſt the Allobroges, believing the Gaules, having never ſeen them, would be affrighted, as it indeed fell out; their Horſes being ſtartled, ſet a running, after the ſame manner as it had happened heretofore to the Romans themſelves, when Pyrrhus, who firſt brought them into Italy, fought againſt them ſo bloody a Battel, in which they were overthrown: the Gaules loſt in this Conflict twenty thouſand men, and Bituitus King of Auvergne one of their chiefeſt Captains was taken Priſoner, and led away in Triumph by the Conſul Domitius Ahenobarbus, to whom the care of this War was committed. Notwithſtanding this overthrow, the Allobroges who had been overcome rather by their Enemies Craft,Paul. Oroſe. than through their own want of Courage, took again the Field the year following with their Confederates, and advanc'd as far as Iſere, offering the Romans Battel. The Conſul Fabius Maximus who was General, loſt his Quartan Ague in the heat of the fight, and accompanied with his uſual good fortune, obtain'd a ſignal Victory. Twenty ſix thouſand Gaules were cut in pieces, and the Conſul obtain'd the glorious Title of Allobrogick, and the great Triumph at his return to Rome. There might have been ſeen not many years ſince in the Village of Verſoy, about a League diſtant from Geneva, an old Marble Stone, on which was engraven the Elogy of the Conqueror of the Allobroges.

Caeſar hath obſerv'd in the Conference which he had with Arioviſte, that after this Victory, the Romans generouſly forgave the Auvergnats and them of Rouergue, not exacting of them any Tribute, nor ſo much as reducing them into a Province. From whence, 'tis likely, that the Allobroges, who were their Allies in this War, were no worſe us'd: and that the Romans conſidering them rather as Friends than Vaſſals, did let them live after their own manner, and protected them againſt the inſultings of their neighbours.

For not long after,108. years before the Birth of our Saviour. the Tigurits, who are they of the Canton of Zurich, had made themſelves formidable, and ceaſed not to moleſt them, the Romans ſent their Conſul Lucius Caſſius to repell the Tigurins into their own Countrey;The Genevoiſes protected by the Romans againſt the Switzers. but he himſelf was defeated and ſlain near Geneva. Lucius Piſo his Lieutenant General and Father-in-law to Caeſar, had the ſame fortune; and from that time the Tigurins having joyn'd with the Teutons, Cimbres and Ambrons, made dreadful havock in Gaule, and often beat the Romans, till ſuch time as they were ſubdued by the Conſul Marius, who having ſlain great multitudes of them,102. years before the Birth of our Saviour. forc'd the reſt to return into their own Countrey; by which means he ſecured the Allobroges, who lay moſt in danger by their incurſions.

About forty years after the Allobroges took up Arms again againſt the Romans, 60. years before our Saviour. waſting Gaule Narbonnoiſe: the Senate ſent the Praetor [Page] Pomptinus, who caus'd Vence to be beſieged (a conſiderable City of the Voconces) by Manlius Ventinus; but he was forc'd to raiſe his Siege and depart after he had waſted the Countrey. Catugnatus who commanded the Allobroges, came to help the Voconces, and falls into an Ambuſcade laid for him by Ventinus. Pomptinus marches towards the Countrey of the Allobroges, and after ſome skirmiſhes with Catugnatus, he ſubdues them, who remain'd from that time faithful to the Romans.

Two years after,58. years before our Saviour, Helvetians invade the Gaules. the Helvetians thinking themſelves pent up in their own Countrey, invaded the Gaules, burning their Towns and Villages with an Army of ninety two thouſand men, beſides old people and children, which in all were about three hundred ſixty eight thouſand ſouls. They firſt began with the Allobroges, pretending only to paſs thorough their Countrey, but were timely prevented by Julius Caeſar, who was then Proconſul of Gaule; who, as ſoon as he had notice given him, raiſed Soldiers and came to Geneva, where he makes all neceſſary preparation to ſtop this Torrent. There was in this City a Bridge to paſs over into the Countrey of the Helvetians. Caeſar cauſed it to be broken down to hinder the Enemies from coming into the Countrey of the Allobroges and the reſt of the Gaules.

The Helvetians having heard that Caeſar was come, ſent Embaſſadors to him at Geneva, ſhewing him they had no deſign upon any of the Countreys belonging to the Romans, intending only to paſs thorough them. Caeſar remembring how they had uſed Lucius Caſſtus and Lucius Piſo his Father-in-law,There are ſome marks of this to be ſeen near Gingin about a league from Nyons, and four leagues from Geneva. thought it not convenient to grant their requeſt. Howſoever, that he might be better provided, he deſires time to deliberate, and that they would return to him ſome few dayes after: In the mean time he gathers what Forces he could, and paſſing the Rhoſne, he employes his Army in the making a Wall ſixteen foot high, and about twenty thouſand foot in length, with a Ditch of the ſame extent.

The day which he had appointed them being come, he abſolutely refuſes their requeſt: and this was the beginning of that bloody War deſcribed by Caeſar himſelf in his Commentaries, but which belongs not to our ſubject.Julius Caeſar's name yet retain'd in divers Families at Geneva.

There are yet ſome Remains of this great Prince (who by degrees made himſelf abſolute Lord of the Roman Republick) in the Names of divers of the Families of the Julius's at Geneva, which may be ſeen there in ſeveral ancient Inſcriptions. There are mention'd one Cajus Julius Caeſar Longinus a Free-man of this Emperour, and Quintus Julius Sergius, Julius Macrinus, and Julius Brocchus an Aedile and one of the Duumviri, as alſo Julius Marcianus, Julius Capito, Julia Vera, and Titus Julius Valerianus, Overſeer of the Publick Buildings. Although perhaps not one of theſe were nearly related to him; yet this ſhews at leaſt, that he had brought many Romans with him thither, eſpecially them of his own Family, of which he himſelf was at that time the greateſt.

We muſt not here omit one Hiſtorical paſſage, of which ancient Authors have taken no notice; which is, that after the overthrow of the Swedes, and ſpoil of the whole Countrey of Vaud, which [Page] was then comprehended under the name of Pagus Ʋrbigenus, to whom the City of Orbe gave that name: theſe parts were extreamly depopulated;A Roman Colony ſent to Geneva. which cauſed Julius Caeſar to ſend a Colony thither, either to furniſh the Countrey again with Inhabitants, or elſe to withſtand the Helvetians, in caſe they ſhould again ſet upon the Gaules. Now the greateſt ſtrength of this Colony lying in their Cavalry, they were hence called Colonia Equeſtris, or Civitas Equeſtrium, the Colony or Commonalty of the Equeſtres, as we find it in the four ancient Inſcriptions which are at Geneva; and in a fifth Julia Equeſtris; which is an evident proof, that Julius Caeſar had founded it.Deſeruere cavo tentoria fixa Lemanno. For when the Civil War broke out between him and Pompey, he ſent for the Troops which quartered near the Lake Leman, Lucan. to aſſiſt him.

Geneva kept firm thenceforward to the Emperours who ſucceeded Julius Caeſar; and the Stones which are yet to be ſeen there engraven in honour of ſeveral Emperours, witneſs as much. Some there are which are dedicated to Auguſtus, others to Trajan, Antoninus, Marc. Aurelius and Trebonian, which we ſhall recite at the end of this Hiſtory. There is alſo mention of ſeveral Roman Magiſtrates who adminiſtred Juſtice after the ſame manner as in other Colonies. There were likewiſe Sextumviri, who were ſix men eſtabliſhed ſince Auguſtus's Reign; alſo Duumviri to determine Caſes of Equity, and Surveyors of Publick Buildings; Prelats and Pagan Prieſts, and every thing elſe which the Religion and Cuſtom of the Romans were wont to bring into conquered Contreys. There were alſo to be ſeen on theſe ancient Marble Stones ſeveral kind of Vows engraven to Jupiter, Mars and Apollo, whom they worſhipped before the coming of the Romans, after the manner of the other Gaules, under the name of Tamaris, Theautate and Belenus. The little Rock in the Lake ſerved inſtead of an Altar, which was dedicated to Neptune God of the Watry Element: And 'tis from his name, that the Rock called Neiton hath been deriv'd. There's to be ſeen on the biggeſt (for there are two near one another) a hollow place which hath been cut to kindle therein the fire for Sacrifices; and 'tis not long ſince ſome Fiſher-men found at the foot of it two ſmall Hatchets and a Braſs Knife, which is the ſame which they call'd then Securis and Seceſpita, to cut the throats of thoſe Beaſts they ſacrificed.

To finiſh what may be ſaid of Geneva in the time of Heatheniſm, 'tis certain that in Marc. Geneva burnt in Marc. Aurelius his time. Aurelius's Reign the City was wholly burnt, he having taken upon him the care to have it built anew. Others ſay, this was done under Heliogabalus, who likewiſe was called Marc. Aurelius. There are ſome, who attribute its rebuilding to Aurelian: Neither is it to be doubted, but that nearneſs of Names hath occaſioned this confuſion in Hiſtory. There's yet to be ſeen at Geneva an Inſcription of Marc. Aurelius, which gives ſome credit to our firſt conjecture; for Heliogabalus reigned ſo little a while, and behaved himſelf ſo unworthily and cruelly, that this alone is ſufficient to carry us off from believing he had the leaſt thought to become Benefactor to a City, for which he had not any kindneſs.

[Page] The Annual Manuſcripts of Geneve which are not very old,274. years before our Saviour. and the Author call'd the Citizen relate, that when Aurelian had conquered Tetricus, Geneva rebuilt. he re-built Geneva and Orleans; to which he gave the name of Aureliana; but after his death the former of theſe Cities took again its name of Geneva. But all this is uncertain; being not founded on the teſtimony of any ancient Author. Sabellicus is perhaps the firſt who hath brought it to light in theſe laſt Ages:Sunt qui Gebennas in Allobrogibus ab eo conditas expeditione illa Gallica dicant. There are ſome, ſayes he, who aſſert, that Geneva was then built by Aurelian during the War with the Gaules, he means re-built: 'Tis added likewiſe, that this Emperour granted to Geneva ſeveral neighbouring Lordſhips, Fairs and Priviledges, which made it famous, and occaſioned its being called Emporium Allobrogum. But of all the Gifts the Romans beſtowed on them, I find none more remarkable or advantageous, than that of a Roman Lord named Lucius Julius Brocchus, which I read in a neat Inſcription which Mr. Godefrey cauſed to be brought into his Houſe from the Channon's Street: In my opinion it is the curiouſeſt Monument of Antiquity to be ſeen in this City; and which deſerves to be kept as the greateſt treaſure,See the Inſcriptions. in the Common Hall. Guichenon mentions it in his Hiſtory of Savoy, but careleſly according to his manner.

The Scituation of Geneva in former times,Scituation of Geneva. and before the coming of our Saviour, and in the following Ages, was as we ſhall deſcribe it: Its Walls reach'd no higher than the height of the little Hill on which S. Peter's and other Streets are built: they were triangular, after the ſame manner as the City. The Gate of the Caſtle above the Borough de Four, which was one of the Gates of the City, made one point of this Triangle. The ſecond Corner was where hath ſince been built the Biſhop's Palace: and the third was on the higheſt part of the City, near the Buildings which were called heretofore Boyaus Tower. Turris Botuli. So that the circuit of the Walls, was from the Gates of the Caſtle, and reach'd behind S. Peter's Church, very near the foundations; and ſo went thorough Perron's Street, where 'tis likely there was a Gate to come down to the Lake; from thence it reach'd the length of the Channon's Gardens, where there ſtill remain ſome marks in the ruines: and going through the Peliſſerie, they extend to that place which they call the City corner; where may yet be ſeen the ruines of a Gate: from whence it appears, that the Wall was as high as that Hill which reach'd to the Caſtle Gate, and was of the ſame height with thoſe Houſes at this day to be ſeen where the large Palace ſtood: And in effect the ancient Buildings in that part of the City, have Walls in thickneſs equal to moſt Cities. There might likewiſe probably be a Gate on the Walk leading to the large Palace. The Caſtle Gate was ſo call'd, becauſe through it was the ready way to the Caſtle of Gaillard, the uſual Dwelling-houſe of the Earls of Geneva. The Borough of Four in ancient times was only the Suburbs; which in the Language of Savoy, were call'd Borg de Feur, which is to ſay, an Outward Borough: from whence hath remain'd to it the Name of Bourg de Four. The low Streets which are now call'd Les Rivieres, becauſe they were near the Bank of the Lake, and the adjacent parts of S. Magdalene, and the loweſt places of the City, were not then, as now, in the [Page] Heart of the Town; and the Buildings afterwards raiſed, were alwayes heretofore accounted but as Suburbs. Since that time, the City hath enlarged it ſelf; and there is ſtill to be ſeen near Longemale a great Arch, called the Ivory Arch; not that the Gate was Ivory, as ſome have imagined; but becauſe it was the Gate which led to Yvoire, which is a Borough three Leagues diſtant from Geneva on the Lakes Bank on the ſide of Chablais. The Suburb of S. Victor, which was on the ſame ſide with de Rive, was demoliſhed in the time of the Wars with Savoy, and Fortifications raiſed in its ſtead.

THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA.
BOOK II.
From the Birth of our Saviour to the Year 1536.

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THE time when firſt Geneva received the Chriſtian Faith hath been hitherto no leſs uncertain,Geneva firſt received the Chriſtian Faith. than the Original of that City. Obſerve here what the ancient Chronological Manuſcripts written ſixſcore years ſince do tell us: Whilſt the people of Geneva (ſay they) were wholly addicted to Heatheniſh Superſtitions, our Saviour deſirous of their Converſion, ſent thither firſt Nazarius S. Peter's Diſciple, who converted amongſt others, a young man a Genevois named Celſus; who was baptized and ſealed with his Blood the teſtimony of the Goſpel, having ſuffered Martyrdom a while after together with Nazarius. 'Tis thought they were buried in S. Gervais; for which reaſon the next Street joyning [Page] to the Church hath taken its name, from their bodies being interred there. The Manuſcripts, and after them the Author called the Citizen do add, That the Chriſtian Faith newly planted, was watered by the induſtry of Paracodus, or Paradocus, one of our Saviours Seventy Diſciples, who came over into Gaule with Denis the Areopgite; that having together founded the Church of Geneva, Denis went to Paris, and Paradocus tarried at Geneva. This is the tradition of former Ages, in which there appears nothing of ſolidity. Theſe Chronologiſts ſeem plainly to have taken this Story of Nazarius and Celſus out of the Golden Legend, which relates theſe two Saints came to a City of the Gaules called Gemellus, and were there Martyred and Buried at Milan.

I cannot well underſtand how they ſhould take Gemellus for Geneva: this is certain, that S. Nazare hath been heretofore the Patron of the City of Autun, where there is yet a Church which is dedicated to him and S. Celſe; it is called by the name of S. Nazaire. There was to be ſeen an ancient Coin which confirms it; ſeeing we read on one ſide of it S. Nazarius, and on the other Hedua Civitas, which is the City of Autun: Amongſt Monſieur de Peiresk's Papers. The Learned Monſieur Petau was of this mind, thinking the reſemblance between Nazare and Lazare, had cauſed them of Autun in time to receive S. Lazarus for their Patron; whom they would make us believe, dyed in their City ſoon after his arrival in Provence: all which hath no other foundation, but an uncertain tradition.

Concerning Denis and Paracodus, 194. years after our Saviour. obſerve what is ſaid of them; in the year of our Redemption 194. according to Baronius, Victor Biſhop of Rome wrote to Didier Biſhop of Vienna touching the Celebration of the Feaſt of Eaſter: This Didier was ſucceeded by Denis, who was followed by Paracodus, 198. to whom Victor wrote to the ſame effect. So that here is already a great miſtake, to believe that Denis and Paracodus firſt planted the Chriſtian Faith at Geneva: for ſeeing they were both Biſhops of Vienna, then chief City of the Allobroges, it is hence moſt likely, they ſent ſome to Geneva to preach the Goſpel, it lying in their Circuit: But that which gives greater confirmation, is what hath been found written in an old Manuſcript Parchment Bible in the Library at Geneva, viz. Genevenſis Eccleſia à diſcipulis Apoſtolorum Paracodo ac Dionyſio fundata Viennenſibus Epiſcopis: that is to ſay,194. Paracodus and Denis Biſhops of Vienna, who have founded the Church at Geneva, were called the Apoſtles Diſciples, becauſe they taught the ſame Doctrine. So that Paracodus could not be one of the Seventy Diſciples, ſeeing he lived towards the end of the ſecond Century. Likewiſe ſome would make him Contemporary with S. Irenaeus who was Biſhop of Lyons, and ſuffered Martyrdom under the Emperour Severus, about the end of the ſame Age, before which time the Goſpel had made but ſmall progreſs in Gaule, as we may read in Gregory of Tours.

At the end of this fore-mentioned Manuſcript Bible there is a liſt of the names of Biſhops of Geneva, Sundry Biſhops of Geneva. which is now almoſt worn out, with theſe three Verſes towards the end of it.

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Hos menſae Chriſti conſtat libamine paſci,

Vaſcula terra Dei proprio de ſanguine facti,

In templo Domini priſca de Gente notati.

The firſt we meet with in this Catalogue of Biſhops,In the third and fourth Century. is Diogenus, the next Domnus, whom they of S. Martha call Dominius, and ſo in order Salvianus, Caſſianus, Eleutherius, Theolaſtus, Fraternicus, Pallaſcus, all which flouriſhed about the third and fourth Century; but we know nothing more of them than their names.

The fourth Century was lamentable to ſeveral Countreys, by the Invaſions of thoſe Nations which began to tear the Roman Empire. Geneva cruelly ſuffered, ſo that in a Council held at Turin in the year 397.397. there was care taken for its reparation: And from that time encreaſing in Authority, it preſided over the neighbouring Countreys, even to the Alpes; it being agreed in this Council, that the Biſhops of Metropolitan Cities ſhould be acknowledged Primates of their reſpective Provinces:426. ſo that the Primate of Geneva had under him the Chablaiſes and Genevoiſes. About the beginning of the next Century after the death of Theodoſius, the Vandals over-ran the Gauls, one part of them ſetling themſelves in the Countrey of Vaud, to which it is thought they gave the name.440. They built likewiſe ſeveral Borroughs, which occaſioned their being called Bourguignons, at which time there was one Iſaac, called by others Iſarius Biſhop of Geneva, whom S. Euchere mentions in the Life of S. Maurice.

Theſe Bourguignons eſtabliſhed a Kingdom amongſt them,466. whoſe firſt King was Gundicaire or Gonderic; who dying, divided his Realm between his four Sons. Gondebaud had Vienna; Chilperic, Lyons; Godeſigile, Geneva; and Gotmar, Beſançon. Sidonius Apollinaris, who lived in thoſe times, gave them the name of Tetrarchs.

Theſe Brethren being at variance, Chilperic and Gotmar drave Gondebaud from his Territories; but he having vanquiſhed them, returns; in which conflict Gotmar was ſlain, couragiouſly defending himſelf. Chilperic who was taken Priſoner was beheaded, and his Wife thrown into the Rhoſne; But ſome years after Cloüis King of France, having eſpouſed Clotilde Chilperic's Daughter, that he might be revenged on Gondebaud for his cruelty, proclaims War againſt him. Godeſigile, to whoſe ſhare Geneva had fallen, joyned with Cloüis againſt his Brother Gondebaud, who being vanquiſhed, was forced to receive Laws from the Conqueror. He therefore renders himſelf Tributary to Cloüis, and left Vienna to Godeſigile: but Gondebaud re-took Vienna, and the wretched Godeſigile was ſlain in a Church by the Sword. Cloüis moved at this barbarous action, drove out Gondebaud, and gave his Son Sigiſmond the Kingdom. 'Twas this Sigiſmond who founded on the Alpes S. Maurice's Monaſtery, which foundation was ſubſcribed by Maximus Biſhop of Geneva. This ſame Emperour cauſed to aſſemble the Council called Ponenſe, Paunenſe or Epaunenſe, 517. as Mr. Chorier hath very well obſerved in his Hiſtory of Dauphiné and after him, the Abbot in his Epitome of Councils, at Ponas near Vienna in Dauphiné. Maximus was alſo at [Page] this Council: His Succeſſor Pappulus was preſent at that of Orleans. After him,549. the Manuſcript Bible afore mentioned, recites Gregorius, Nicetius, Ruſticus, Patricius, Hugo the Firſt, Andreas, Graecus and Domitianus, whom they of S. Martha call Donatianus. There is an Inſcription in S. Victor relating to this Council, which is this, Haec acta ſunt Epiſcopo Genevenſi Domitiano; Theſe things were done when Domitian was Biſhop of Geneva. 'Twas alſo in his time the Body of S. Victor was tranſported from Soleurre to Geneva. 570. Salonius his Succeſſor was preſent at the Council of Lyons and Paris. 573. There hath been a Biſhop of Geneva of the ſame name in the laſt Age: The Biſhop of Geneva writ himſelf Salonius Epiſcopus Genavenſis.

After him ſucceeded Cariatho one of the Domeſticks of King Gontran of Burgundy. This King encreaſed the Church Revenues, and was the Founder of S. Peter's Cathedral. Monſieur Morus the Author of an Harangue, Entituled, De duobus Genevae Miraculis, proves by ſome paſſages out of Avitus's Homilies, that it was he who conſecrated that Church, there being there before a Temple dedicated to Apollo: But the building was intermitted till the year 990 at which time the Emperour Othon cauſed it to be continued, and Conradus finiſhed it in the year 1024. But I doubt whether we ought to credit thoſe Chronological Manuſcrips, which relate, that under the Reign of Gontran, a certain City named Taurodinum, was overthrown into the Rhoſne by an Earthquake; whoſe courſe being ſtopped, there followed ſuch a great Inundation, that it ran over the Walls of Geneva. But there is not ſo much as any ſingle Geographer who mentions this City. Monſieur la Mothe le Vayer relates the matter after a different manner, and more likely to be true. Marius, ſaith he, Biſhop of Laufare, reports in his Chronicle, that the Hill which he calls Tauretunenſem in Valay, fell ſo ſuddenly on a Caſtle and neighbouring Burroughs, Preſident Fauchel mentions it. that it overwhelmed all the Inhabitants, being followed with ſuch an Inundation of Water, as very much damnified the City of Geneva. Appellinus, whom ſome call Abelenus, ſucceeded Cariatho: The Legend of S. Columban Abbot of Luſſienx mentions him, he lived till the year 613.613.

The French King Clotairius the Second drove out the Burgundians from the Countrey of the Allobroges, 620. and ſetled Magiſtrates at Geneva. Theodorick ſecond Son to the French King builds ſeveral Churches in Geneva. Dagobert his Son ſucceeded him, and Theodoric ſecond Son to Dagobert, built ſeveral Churches, according to the relation of Volfangus Lazius; whoſe words are theſe, Theodoricus ſecundus ultimus Merovingiorum in Burgundia, qui cum ex Brunchilde uxore nihil procreaſſet, multa pro fulcienda ſancta religione apud Gebennam fundavit. Theodorick the Second was the laſt King of the Franks in Burgundy, who having no Children by his Wife Brunchilde, erected ſeveral Churches and Religious Houſes in Geneva.

Soon after the death of Dagobert, 650. Pappolus the Second, whom ſome call Paulus, and the Centuriators of Magdebourg, Papulus Genuenſis, was preſent at the Council of Chalons. The Book called the Citizene, tells us, there was one remained at Geneva, to reconcile the people of the Country of Vavx with them of New Caſtle in the year 726.726. who was ſucceeded by Robertus, Aridanus, Epoaldus, Albo, Huportunus,[Page]Eucherius, Gilabertus, whom they of S. Martha call Gubertus, Renembertus, Leutherius and Galbertus, who held that Seat ſixteen years, and whom ſome call Poſtbertus.

Towards the end of the eighth Century,773. Charlemain came to Geneva, Rhegino, Abbot Genuam Civitatem veniens Synodum tenuit, and Charlemain comes to Geneva and ſets up there his own Statue. where he called a Council of War about his paſſing into Italy, againſt Didier King of the Lombards: He confirmed the Liberties and Priviledges of Geneva, both in Church and State; and cauſed to be ſet up on the great Gate of S. Peter his own Statue of Marble, and under it an Imperial Eagle with two heads: the Eagle remains yet to be ſeen. Some ſay it was Conradus the Second who cauſed it to be carved and ſet up, when he had finiſhed the Church.816. The following Biſhops were Valternus, who held the Seat ſix and thirty years, Apradus the Firſt, whom ſome call Artaldus or Cataldus, About the year 860. Domitianus the Second: Boſo held the Biſhoprick but ſeventeen Months: after him Anſegiſus, half of whoſe Epitaph is yet to be ſeen in a Marble Stone, taken out of the ruines of S. Victor's Church. The Chronological Manuſcripts of Geneva inform us, he was the ſame who was Archbiſhop of Sens: but they of S. Martha affirm the contrary, ſaying he was buried in the Church of Sens, where his Epitaph is yet to be ſeen. They call the aforementioned Biſhop of Geneva Anſeguinus, contrary to the Manuſcripts and Marble Inſcriptions which we ſhall produce at the end of the Book. The Centuriatours of Magdebourg term Anſegiſus only Archbiſhop of Sens; ſaying, that he was declared Primate of Gaule in the year 876.876. The Author call'd the Citizen, tells us, the Biſhop of Geneva dyed in the year 840. but then there would be too great an Interregnum between him and his Succeſſor Optandus, who was not Conſecrated before the year 881. His miſtake lyes in taking Anſegiſus, who hath written a Summary of Charlemain, and was but an Abbot, for him; reſemblance of names oftentimes occaſioning confuſion in Hiſtory.

The Allobroges having been for a long time under Emperours after the death of the Kings of Burgundy (which were) Tranſiurane Gundicaire and his Succeſſors, they fell again under the power of the new Kingdom of Burgundy, of which Boſon of Vienna was the firſt King; who ſometimes took upon him the Title of King of Burgundy, otherwhiles that of Vienna; after the ſame manner as his Succeſſors Lewis, Hugo, Rodolphus I. Conradus and Rodolphus II. with whom ended this Kingdom in the year 1032.

The Geneva Manuſcripts in this particular are full of fabulous relations, mentioning one Boſon the Second, who, in fighting againſt the Genevoiſes, was ſlain; whereas there has been but one of that name. This State of Burgundy, ſayes Monſieur Chorior in his Hiſtory of Dauphiny, after the death of Rodolphus the Second called the Sluggard, fell into a confuſed Anarchy; the Prelates making themſelves Maſters in the Cities of their Reſidency, and Earls in their Juriſdictions. The German Emperours not being able to hinder their Uſurpations, were forced to agree with them, and gave them in truſt, what they ſaw was impoſſible to get out of their hands: and from hence hath happened, (to apply this more particularly to [Page] Geneva) the Original of thoſe Differences and Feuds betwixt the Biſhops and Earls of that City.

During the ninth and tenth Ages, after Anſegiſus the Biſhops of Geneva were Optandus or Apradus II. conſecrated by Pope John the VIII. as we gather by the Letters of this Pope to the Genevoiſes, after whom ſucceeded Bernardus, Riculphus, Fraudo, 879. Aldagundus or Aldagandus I. Aymo I. Girardus I. Hugo II. who joyned S. Victors Monaſtery at Geneva to the Church of Clugny by the conſent of Rodolphus King of Burgundy, 930. and his Brother Burchard Archbiſhop of Lyons, 1050. Conradus, Aldagundus the Second, Bernardus the Second, and Frederick, who was preſent at the Dedication of the Church called S. Stevens of Beſançon by the Popes order, who was Leo the Ninth. Frederick was Biſhop according to the account of them of S. Martha thirty ſeven years, and according to the Annals of Geneva fifty years. Borſadus who ſucceeded him, exerciſed the Epiſcopal Government but five years.

This is the Epitome of the eleven firſt Ages ſince the coming of our Saviour, and is in a manner all we can learn of them: Now the reaſon of this is, becauſe the City hath been ſeveral times burnt, as in the years 1291, 1321, 1334, 1430.

The following Ages will yield us more matter,1050. through the ambition of three Lords,Three Lords lay claim to Geneva. who would become Maſters of Geneva: Which three, were the Biſhop, the Earl of Genevois, and the Earl of Savoy, who have ſeveral times brought it near to deſtruction: But this their ſtriving who ſhould become Maſters of it, hath been a means to continue its Priviledges and Liberties as an Imperial City, which the Magiſtracy claims time out of mind, as well by the death of Oblius, who left his Countreys free; as alſo by the priviledge of a Roman Colony under the firſt Emperours, and by a Confirmation from Charlemain. For they tell us, the Kings of Burgundy were Uſurpers. It belongs not to me to decide the contrary Pretenſions of theſe three above mentioned Lords: Guichenon and other Authors, call the Earls of Genevois, Earls of Geneva; which is contrary to ſeveral ancient Titles of theſe Earls, which name them Comites Gebenneſii, and not Gebennenſes; for it is well known that Gebenneſium is Genevois, which is ſeparate from the Juriſdiction of Geneva. But it is very likely ſome have taken upon them this Title, as may be ſeen on an ancient Coin of an Earl, who lived about the year 1370. who called himſelf Petrus Comes Gebennenſis, which the Biſhops have reſented ill, eſpecially John Lewis of Savoy.

The firſt Wars wherein Geneva was concerned, happened ſince the twelfth Century, upon occaſion of Wido Biſhop of Geneva's Grant to his Brother Ame. 1120. They were both Sons to an Earl of Genevois, whoſe poſterity for above five hundred years had poſſeſſed this Lordſhip. The Biſhops would have theſe Earls to be but only as Bayliffs in Genevois; but Wido, to ſtrengthen his Family, gave his Brother in this Inveſtiture, beſides his Paternal Inheritance, ſeveral Villages and Caſtles belonging to the Dioceſs of Geneva, as Bonmont and Hautecombe, and what Temporal Offices he had in the City, making him his Rent-Gatherer or Bayliff.

[Page] Wido or Guido who was Biſhop fifty years, and had been preſent at the Council of Tournus in the year 1117. dying in 1120. the ſame year Humbert of Gramont was choſe in his place, who would not conſent to the Grant beſtowed on Ame Earl of Genevois by his Brother, ſaying, He could not conſent to the Churches wrong: So that the quarrel increaſing betwixt the Earl and Biſhop, the Council endeavoured to make them friends: but their obſtinacy hindering, the Archbiſhop of Vienna, Diſagreement between the Earl of Genevois, and Biſhop of Geneva. Metropolitan of the Province, and Apoſtolical Legate, being deputed for that purpoſe, united them. The chief Articles were as followeth; Firſt, That the Biſhop ſhould have the Adminiſtration of Juſtice and Lordſhip in the City, the Coining of Money and Confiſcations of Eſtates, as likewiſe the Fines of thoſe who had dwelt a year and a day at Geneva: That the Earl ſhould not build any Fort without the Biſhops conſent: That he ſhould have a Vidame or Lieutenant for Secular Affairs: That he ſhould moreover do Homage to the Biſhop, not reſpecting any one but the Emperour before him; and ſeveral other Articles touching Toll,1124. Forfeitures and Fines. This Treaty was carryed on at Seyſſell in the year 1124.

After the death of Humbert of Gramont, Ar dutius a Lords Son of Foucigny was elected Biſhop of Geneva. Bernard who was then Abbot of Clervaux, and who was afterwards Canonized, lived in his time, and wrote two Letters to him, which were very remarkable, in theſe terms, calling him Ardutius.

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To Ardutius Elect Biſhop of Geneva.Bernard. Epiſt. 27.

BEing perſwaded your Election comes from God,The firſt Letter. ſeeing you have been choſen by ſuch an unanimous conſent of both Clergy and Laity, we therefore congratulate you for the Grace beſtowed on you. I will not flatter you, ſaying God hath recompenſed your merits; for you ought rather to think, it is not in conſideration of your Righteouſneſs, but his Mercy. If you look upon it otherwiſe, (which God forbid) your riſe will be your fall. If you acknowledge his Grace, take heed leſt you have received it in vain. Be holy in your Life and Office; and if Holineſs of Life did not precede your Election, at leaſt let it follow it. Then we ſhall acknowledge God hath prevented you by his Grace; and we hope you will increaſe and grow in it. We rejoyce that you have been eſtabliſhed as a faithful and prudent Servant over your Lords houſhold, that you may be one day poſſeſſed (as a Son) of all your Fathers Inheritance. Otherwiſe if you mind more the making your ſelf Great than Good, you may rather expect to be puniſhed, than rewarded. But we wiſh and deſire of God this may never happen; being ready to aſſiſt you according to our ſmall power, in every thing which is meet and reaſonable.

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To Ardutius.

CHarity hath inſpired me with the boldneſs to tell you the Seat (dear Brother) which you have lately obtained,Second Letter. requires a man of great merit, which we are ſorry to find wanting in you; or at leaſt, not to have preceded your Election, as was ſitting. In truth, your paſs'd converſation hath not been like that of one who was to take upon him the Epiſcopal charge. But how! Cannot God from theſe ſtones raiſe up Children to Abraham? Is not God able to make thoſe virtuous actions which ſhould have preceded, to follow afterwards? Which we ſhall hear with joy, if it ſo happens: This ſudden change from the hand of God, will be more acceptable and ſurprizing, than if it had preceded by the merits of a paſs'd life. We ſhall acknowledge it is the work of the Lord, and a work worth our admiration. So S. Paul from a Perſecutor, became the Doctor of the Gentiles: and S. Matthew taken from being a Publican, to be an Apoſtle; and S. Ambroſe from the Court, to the Dignity of a Biſhop. Nay, we have known ſome Seculars enter upon this Charge to the Churches great advantage. In ſhort, it hath often happened, that where Sin hath abounded, Grace alſo hath ſuper abounded: You then, dear Brother, being animtated by theſe examples, gird up the loyns of your mind; amend your Life and Studies; call your ſelf to an account at night for what you have done amiſs in the day; endeavour to imitate S. Paul, in being an honour to your Office; You will bring honour to it by Gravity in your Ma [...]ners, and Deliberation in your Counſels, and Juſtice in your Actions: theſe are the chief ornaments of a Biſhop.S. Bernard recommends to the Biſhop the Religiouſes of the two Monaſteries in his Dioceſs. Do all things by deliberate, counſel: Take only advice of virtuous people: Let ſuch have the management of your affairs, who may [...] be [...] of your holy converſation. And in ſo doing, you will procure a good eſteem. We recommend to your Charity our poor Brethren near you, namely, them of Bonmont and Hautecombe; by which means, you may give us proofs of your love towards us and your neighbours.

[Page] THE Biſhop Ardutius, as well as his Predeceſſor, had enough to do to withſtand the Earl of Genevois; who being a Secular Prince, would not acknowledge any dependance on the Biſhop and Chapter of Geneva, poſſeſſing himſelf of ſeveral Lands and Juriſdictions belonging to them; ſo that Ardutius was forced to have recourſe to the Emperour Frederick Barberoſſa, who procured him the Popes Bull for confirmation of all his Rights.

Some time after this,1153. he made an agreement with Amé Earl of Genevois, to the ſame effect as his Predeceſſor had done before him; and in the year following, mention being made of the Earls Office or Duty, it was expreſſed in theſe terms, Comes fidelis Advocatus ſub Epiſcopo eſſe debet; the Earl ought to be the Biſhops faithful Steward. Which was further confirmed by a Bull from Pope Adrian the Third given at Lateran. 1157. But the ſame Emperour who had made ſuch a Grant to Ardutius, gave to the Duke of Zeringuen the Soveraignty over three Cities; namely, Syon, Lauſane and Geneva. Amé the Second the deceaſed Earl Ame's Son, who departed this life in the year 1162 [...] 1162. having inſinuated himſelf into this Dukes favour, had obtained of him the Soveraignty of Geneva; at which Ardutius being allarm'd, goes directly to the Emperour, who was then at Beſancon, to whom he repreſents the Churches Rights; and ſo prevailed on the Emperour, that he repealed this Donation by two expreſs Declarations, as granted by ſurprize. Which Declarations may be ſeen at large in the Book called the Citizen. This Biſhop appeared mighty zealous for the Rights of the Church; but in truth, he deſigned chiefly thereby his own private intereſt. The Emperour remitting the ſole Authority and Rule to the Biſhop, thought to preſerve the Town under a good Paſtor; and by this means, to keep off Strangers from all pretenſions to it.The Biſhops of Geneva's claim of Soveraignty over Geneva. Whilſt in the mean time, on theſe Priviledges and Conceſſions, theſe Biſhops have ſtrengthened their claims of Soveraignty over this City; which, ſay they, the Citizens have conſented to without contradiction, which they would never have ſuffered, had it been againſt their minds. To which they of theſe laſt Ages, who will not acknowledge their Soveraignty, have anſwered in the Book called the Citizen, and in their Chronological Manuſcripts, [...] that the Biſhops have never had any other right to Geneva, but as Governours of the Chruch, to which belonged the City and suburbs, according to an ancient Decree recited by the Author of the Citizen, Notorium quod Eccleſia Gebennenſis domina eſt & princeps unica in ſolidum civitatis & ſuburbii Gebennenſis. It is well known, that the Church of Geneva is the only Dady and Princeſs of the City and Suburbs of Geneva. That the Biſhop himſelf when choſen, was ſworn to maintain the Priviledges and Liberties of Geneva; that the great confidence they had put in their Biſhops, was the cauſe why they took no more notice of the encroachments on their Liberties; that the Emperour could neither grant to the Duke of Zeringuen, nor to Biſhops, the Soveraignty of an Imperial City as theirs was, without the ſuffrage of the whole Empire: That even when the Biſhops were in moſt credit, it then appeared, that the right of Soveraignty was in the people: That [Page] the Biſhop was chief after the ſame manner as the Dukes of Venice and Geno [...]a, for all publick Acts and Declarations ran in the names of the Biſhop, his Vidame (or Steward) the Syndicks and other good Men of the City. The Biſhop was choſen by the Laity as well as Clergy. His Chapter conſiſted of thirty two Chanons of S. Peters Church, the greateſt part of which were Civilians; he had moreover for Aſſiſtants in Secular matters, four Syndicks, twenty Counſellors at Law, and one Treaſurer, who were all choſen by the people: To theſe twenty five were added thirty five more, to adviſe with, upon any important occurrence; and from hence they have riſen to the preſent number of two hundred, and have at length extended to the ta king in one out of every chief Family in the City. The Biſhop was obliged to confirm whatſoever paſſed. They have farther affirmed, that the Syndicks had power to coin Money, and the care and charge of the Town without the Biſhops intermedling, the Juriſdiction and Impriſonment in the Night, and Sovereign Judgment in matters of Life and Death, provided the Priſoners were not Eccleſiaſticks. That in Caſes which called for Mercy, the Biſhop had power of pardoning, but rather by his Epiſcopal and Eccleſiaſtical Authority than Secular; that in buſineſs of great concernment he could do nothing without the people; that the Commonalty and Syndicks ſhould make what Alliances they pleaſed, without the Biſhop intermedling: As in the year 1285. with Amé Earl of Savoy; and in the year 1515. with Fribourg; with Bern in the year 1526. That the City Revenues ſhould be divided amongſt them, and that the Syndicks ſhould have one third, and that in ſhort, Charles V. writing to Geneva in 1530. directed not his Letters to the Biſhop but to the Syndicks, Council and Commonalty of the City, and treating with it as an Imperial City, in theſe terms; Honorabilibus noſtris & imperii ſacri fidelibus dilectis noſtris Syndi [...]is, Conſulibus ac Civibus Civitatis Imperiali [...] noſtrae Gebennenſis: And in other Letters written in French, the ſame year: To out truſty and well beloved Syndicks, Citizens and Inhabitaents of our Imperial City of Geneva. But to return to our Hiſtory.

Ardutius having held the Epiſcop [...]l,1185. See fifty years, left Nantelinus his Succeſſor, who had the ſame difference with William Son of Amé Earl of Genevois. Neither could it be arbitrated by the interpoſition of the Archbiſhop of Vienna; ſo that this Biſhop was forced to enter into a League with Thomas I.Dated Third Earl of Maurienne and Savoy: 1211. Which Earl ſet forth a Declaration, wherein he aſſerted, That he had not the leaſt deſign on the Priviledges and Liberties of Geneva, neither would he accept of that City if offered him. The Biſhop inveſted him with ſeveral Lands and Caſtles about Geneva, which the Earl of Genevois pretended to belong to him. And theſe were the Motives of the War between the Earl of Maurienne and the Earl of Genevois, who had drawn to his ſide the Lords of Focigny, of Gez, and the Dauphin of Vienna. The Earl of Genevois came by the worſt, and was conſtrained to yield (after the death of Nantelinus) 1219. to the Arbitrement of the Archbiſhop of Vienna and Ayme de Granſon then Biſhop of Geneva. But between Nantelinus and this laſt mentioned Biſhop, the Liſt of Biſhops place Bernard [Page]Chabert, who ſucceeded him about the year 1206. and became Archbiſhop of Ambrun, in the year 1212. They of S. Martha, make Humbert II. to ſucceed him, whom we find not in the Annals of Geneva, but in ſtead of him, Lewis of S. Claude, and after him Peter of Seſſons.

Armé de Granſon, 1220. who held the Epiſcopal Seat forty years, built the Fort of Peney, Fort of Peney built by Aymé of Granſon. two Leagues diſtant from Geneva upon the Rhoſne. That of La Baſtie, which is but a Cannon ſhot diſtant from the Town, was built the year before by Gerard of Terny, who did Homage to the Biſhop and Church of Geneva.

Monſieur Lewis Moreri, who made the Hiſtorical and Geographical Dictionary, obſerved when he was at Geneva, in the Arms belonging to the Biſhoprick, ſomething, as he thought, more particularly relating to the Family of the Grandiſon's; whence he inferred, That Fort was built by that Biſhop, and that he was of the Family of the Grandiſon's in Comte. But he found, after he had more narrowly viewed them, that theſe were not the Arms of the Family of the Grandèſon's, which bore a party par pale in Silver, and azure banded with Gules charged with three Shells in Sable, for the Scutcheon of theſe was not party par-paled, neither were there three Shells in them, as Monſieur Moreri imagined, but three Dolphins, which was the Arms of John Biſhop of R [...]chetaille, as we ſhall ſhew in its place.

Henry or Hubric Prior of the Chartreuſe de Portes in Bugey, Biſhop of Geneva quits his Biſhoprick. who was choſen after him, governed that Church ſeven years, and had ſome ſmall difference with the Lord of Gez, called Simon of Joinville concerning ſeveral Villages which he held of the Biſhoprick; but this being compoſed,1261. ſome years after there aroſe the ſame variance between him and the Lord of Terny, 1266. which was ended after the ſame manner:1268. At length this Prelate being ſorry he had left his former manner of life, quitted his Biſhoprick, and betaking himſelf again to the ſame Profeſſion, dyed a Chartreu [...] Monk, in the year 1275. Aymé of Menthonay ſucceeded him, and after him Robert of Geneva, 1282. Channon of Vienna, Son of William Earl of Genevois, but he enjoyed it but two years.

In the mean time here had paſſed ſome acts of Hoſtilty between the Earls of Savoy and of Genevoi [...]. The firſt of theſe, who was Amé IV. came to Geneva, 1285. where with threatnings he demanded they ſhould pay him the charges of the War, which he had been at againſt the Earl of Genevois, upon the Cityes account. William of Conſtant, who was then Biſhop, would have him be ſatisfied with what he had already gotten without the City, fearing to give him footing within:Articles of agreement between the Earl of Savoy and Biſhop of Geneva. He alſo propoſed an agreement to be made with the Earl of Genevois, but that party which was for Savoy carried it. They granted him what the Earl of Genevois poſſeſſed carried fore in the City, and were willing he ſhould uſe the City as a place of retreat, to defend his neighbouring States. In this reciprocal Alliance, he promiſed on his part, to defend them at his coſt. That he would not conclude any Peace without their conſents: And that there ſhould be a free commerce betwin his Courtrys and the City. Which Treaty was obſerved whilſt he and his two Sons Edward and Amé the Great lived.1290. The Biſhop ſeeing the greateſt part on [Page] the Earls ſide, was forced to agree, and confirm it: So that at this Treaty it was concluded, That the Earl of Savoy ſhould become Earl of Genevois. But the name of Earl being hateful to the City, he was content with only that of Vidame, which ſignifies the ſame with Vice-Dominus, he had alſo a Bayliff, who was called in the Language of that Country Chatelatn du Vidomne. But he acknowledged his dependance, notwithſtanding, on the Biſhop and Church of Geneva, who granted him this during their pleaſure. But in proceſs of time, the Princes of Savoy encreaſing in power, ſcorned to be acknowledged by a Word importing Subjection, wherefore they gave their Bayliff this Title of Vidame.

Six years after Humbert Dauphin of Viennois, 1291. who was one of the Earl of Genevois's Confederates,Humbert Dauphin of Viennois aſſaults the City of Geneva. ſet upon the Town, whilſt the Earl of Savoy was fortifying it, that he might make him quit ſo advantagious a Poſt. B [...]atrix of Savoy, Mother-in-law to this Dauphin, aſſiſted him with a conſiderable number of Souldiers, which ſhe had cauſed to be raiſed in Focigny. He would have ſecretly ſurprized the City on Sunday after the Aſcenſion; but he could not carry it ſo ſliely, but his deſign was diſcovered. Notwithſtanding which, he fell on the Suburbs, and burnt a great part of them, and encamped before the City, intending to beſiege it and win it by Aſſault. The Earl of Savoy was not in the City, and the good Biſhop, William of Conſtance, knowing not which way to turn himſelf in this affair, writ to the Dauphin very ſubmiſſive Letters, entreating him to deſiſt from his purpoſe; but all his ſubmiſſions and Tears were ineffectual: For the Dauphin attacked the City with all his Force, and had near won it, had not the Citizens defended themſelves moſt gallantly, and forced him to raiſe his Siege; but in requital he pillaged the Caſtles of Thy and Sala, belonging to the Biſhop, and placed therein Garriſons. The Biſhop finding himſelf not able to encounter him with Secular Weapons,1291. makes uſe of the Spiritual Sword, and Excommunicates him and his Mother-in-law. About the twenty ſeventh of October, in the ſame year, and a Month after, he aggravated his Excommunication. The Earl of Savoy having taken the Field to repel the Duke, marched to L'Ecluſe and the Caſtle of Laye, which places were very advantagious to him.

William of Conſtance being dead,1303. one called Martin ſucceeded him, who held that Seat but a very ſmall time, and had for Succeſſor Aimé du quart, William of Conſtance dies. who had been Chanon and Chanter of the Church at Lyons. He found himſelf likewiſe to be in the ſame troubles as his Predeceſſors, occaſioned by the differences betwixt the Earl of Savoy and Genevois, and inclining ſometimes to one ſide, and ſometimes to the other, he cauſed himſelf to be ſuſpected by both parties. Amé Earl of Genevois built the Caſtle of Gaillard, 1304. a League diſtant from Geneva; from whence he made inroads into Savoy: Nevertheleſs, he paid Homage to the Church for ſeveral Lands, and made an Alliance with the Biſhop and Commonalty of Geneva. This Biſhop made a remarkable Decree, to wit, That they ſhould begin the year from Chriſtmas, and not as heretofore from Eaſter. 1306. And in the year following, he made a Declaration, by conſent [Page] of the Earl of Savoy, touching the Office of the Vidame or Steward.

The enmity continued betwixt the two Earls. Amé III. Son of Amé the II. Earl of Genevois, would drive away Edward, who was then Earl of Savoy, and hinder his ſettling himſelf in Geneva, where he continually ſtrengthned himſelf. Fain would he have gotten the other out, that he might come in; and joyning with the Dauphin Hugues, 1307. he deals with the Governour of the Caſtle of Entremont, who was the Earl of Savoy's Vaſſal, and ſo far prevails with him as to obtain liberty to put in there a Garriſon from the Dauphin. Whereupon the Earl, to whom this place was of importance, leaves Geneva, to take, if poſſible, this Caſtle again: But whilſt he was buſied about this Siege,Earl of Genevois treats with the City. the Earl of Genevois accompanied with the Dauphin, Lord of Focigny, came to the Bridge of Arve, where he deſired to ſpeak with ſome Chanons and Citizens who inclined to his ſide: He ſhews them they could promiſe to themſelves no advantage, in driving him away, and receiving in his ſtead the Earl of Savoy, who had deſerted them in their neceſſities, that he could if he pleaſed, enter by force, and put all to Fire and Sword, were he not withheld by the fear of God, the reſpect which he had for S. Peter, who was Patron of the City, and the kindneſs which he had for them, who took his part in it. That he had more right than his Enemy, and that if they would not receive him as a Friend, he would treat them as Enemies. The Deputies finding his requeſt reaſonable, made an alliance with him, under which they alſo comprehended the Dauphin, mutually promiſing to defend one another, and maintain the Priviledges of the City. But when it came to have the peoples conſent, they of the Faction of Savoy would by no means hear of it, ſo that one half of the Town took up Arms againſt the other. The Captain of the Caſtle in the Iſle was for the Earl of Savoy, and he of the Borough of Four for the Earl of Genevois. Each of which parties betook themſelves to theſe two Captains. The firſt of theſe puts in a Garriſon into S Peters and under the Piazzas; whilſt the others introduce the Earl of Genevois and Dauphin into the City by the Iv [...]ry-Gate, called then by the name of Porta aquaria, with both his Horſe and Foot.1307. Notwithſtanding all which, the Faction of Savoy prepares to encounter them, animated by Widon, Tavel, Guiges of S. Apre, Vincent, Frombert and Periſſodin of Bourdignin, who were principal Men amongſt them.Earl of Genevois defeated. The Earl of Genevois was routed, one hundred thirty and two being left dead upon the place. The Conquerors lay hold on the chief of the contrary Faction, cauſing Jacquemet and Peter Boſſelets to be hanged, and confiſcated the Goods of ſeveral others of their accomplices.

In the Month of Auguſt theſe two Lords return, and having been repelled, they plunder the adjacent parts of the City, and demoliſhed the Caſtle of Ville le Grand, which belonged to the Biſhop.

The year following was remarkable for ſeveral Jars between Lewis of Savoy, 1308. Lord of Vaux, and the Biſhop of Geneva: The firſt of theſe had cauſed Money to be coined in Nion, which was within the Dioceſſe of Geneva, which the Biſhop would not ſuffer: [Page] But referring the Caſe to Arbitrators, it was declared, That the ſaid Lord might coin Money of mixt Metal, of a different Stamp from Geneva, even within the Liberties of the City, provided he did Homage for this, to the Biſhop and Church of Geneva, a fourth part of the Profits whereof ſhould go to the Biſhop.Earl of Genevois dyes. This happened about the beginning of April, and in the following Month dyed Amé Earl of Genevois, Son of William II. and was interred at Montagny, after a long War with the Earl of Savoy for the recovery of his right.

Neither ought the year 1309.1309. to be forgotten, being remarkable for the wrangling of the people with the Biſhop,The Biſhop and City diſagree. for the Citizens having made open complaint againſt him, pretending he had uſurped over them, he therefore cites them to appear before the Metropolitan of Vienna; and they notſtanding to his deciſion, he excommunicates them, and by this means made them condeſcend to his will. The people were aſſembled by the found of a Trumpet and ringing of the great Bell, together with the Biſhop and Clergy in the Church of S. Gervais, where the Biſhop was acknowledged Lord and Prince, with all Juriſdiction and mixt Empire, and that the Syndicks ſhould not do any thing to the prejudice of his Authority: Being moreover ordered to ſatisfie for the damages which came by the aggreſſions of the Citizens, ſince the War with the Earl of Genevois; and farther, to build Halls at Molard, a two thirds of the profits of which ſhould come to the Biſhop, and the other to the Citizens,The Biſhop of Geneva's Authority over the City conſidered. for reparation of the City Gates. And this was like a clap of Thunder to the liberty which Geneva hath, and doth yet pretend to. Reminding one day a Genevoiſe of this, he anſwered me; That this Paſſage made rather for their Liberties than againſt them: For ſays he, The complaint of the people was a certain token of the Uſurpation of this Prelate, and that Excommunication ſhewed very well the violence they ſuffered; that what was forced was invalid, and might juſtly be repealed. That the Burgundians had after the ſame manner uſurped over their City, which had not therefore loſt its Right. But we may obſerve, that it was not only the Biſhops of Geneva, who had poſſeſſed themſelves of the Temporalities of their Dioceſs, according to Monſieur Chorier in his Hiſtory of Dauphine, where he tells us: ‘The Prelates alone were the obſtacle to the ambition of the Dauphins, reſpect to their Authority carried it. Frederick I. had given the Citys of Gap, Valence, Grenoble and Die, and that of S. Paul, three Caſtles to be held by Homage to their Biſhops, with all the Rights of the Regale. In the Letters Patents of theſe Conceſſions, he gives them the Titles of Princes, which was an honour common to all Biſhops: But nevertheleſs their Succeſſors have eſtabliſhed pretenſions to falſe and imaginary Principalities.’ Howſoever the caſe was, this Aimé du Quart enjoyed not long the effect of his Excommunication,1310. nor the Grant of Henry the Eighth, who gave him the Aſſeſſment of a Denier on every Buſhel of Corn, and two on every Gallon of Wine which was tranſported out of the Town, in conſideration of thoſe great ſervices he had received from him. This Priviledge was given him from his Camp before Breſſe, the third year of his Reign on the firſt of October. 1311.

[Page] Peter of Focigny Provoſt of the Chapter of S. Peter, 1312. was choſen in his place the Thurſday after Eaſter; A new Biſhop choſen. and the year following William the Third,1313. Son of Amé Earl of Genevois did him Homage for his Earldom, for his Commiſſion of Terny, Balleyſon, Remilley in Albany, Monfalcon, Les Eſchelles, and for all that he held in the Courts of Arve and Rhoſne, the Marches of Thonon, and Dependances on the Caſtle of Chatillon, ſave the Fidelity due to the Emperour; whereupon he fortifies Gaillard on the Arve and places there a Garriſon, which might ſerve for a place of retreat to his Souldiers returning from their Inroads into Savoy. On the other ſide, the Earl of Savoy cauſed the Caſtle of Malvaz on the Marches of Gex to be re-built:1317. But two years after they were both demoliſhed upon the occaſion of a Murder.1319. Edward of Savoy, Son of Earl Amé, did likewiſe homage to the Biſhop Peter of Focigny; and they promiſed mutual aſſiſtance. But this hindered them not from demoliſhing ſome time after the Caſtle of Genevois in Focigny belonging to the Biſhop:1320. on the other ſide, William Earl of Genevois enraged againſt the City, cut down the Vines on the ſide of S. Victor; and Edward in requital, took the Caſtle of Seyſſel, almoſt at the ſame time, that the ſaid William dyed: after whom ſucceeded his Son, who continued his hoſtility againſt Geneva, coming oftentimes with them of Focigny, plundering the Countrey-houſes about the City.

The eighteenth of March in the year following,1321. a great Fire happened at Geneva; A great Fire at Geneva. all the Lakes ſide burnt down, as likewiſe the New Street called De la Riviere, which from that time was named La Rotiſſerie. The Book called the Citizen, mentions another fire, which happened in the year 1330. but he is miſtaken by a whole Age, as we ſhall make apparent in its place.

This year 1330.1330. was remarkable, by a Battel fought under the Caſtle of Monthouz, A Battel fought between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy. between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy; two thouſand men lay dead on the place, but he Earl of Savoy kept the Field. The Chanons of S. Peter made their advantage of it, by an Anniverſary which was eſtabliſhed to pray for the ſouls of the ſlain; and the Prebend of that day was of ſeven Florins value to every one of them. Hugues of Genevois took the Caſtle of Ville le grand, part of which he demoliſhed; the Earl Amé of Savoy, and Lewis of Savoy purſued him, but he had already made his retreat, and they reduced the Caſtle to its firſt ſtate.

The City had never been well ſetled ſince the laſt Conflagration, which was alſo followed by another greater than the former: For on the fourth of September being Sunday, 1334. there was two thirds of the City burnt down, together with the Cloiſter and Chanons houſes, and Biſhops Court, and S. Magdalens quarter, the whole Church and Pariſh of S. Germains, with the Bells, Reliques and Veſtments belonging to the ſaid Church: there periſhed eighty perſons beſides.

Peter of Focigny being dead,1342. was ſucceeded by Alamand of S. Joire, after he had governed one and thirty years.

In the ſame year dyed Amé the Fifth Earl of Savoy, The Earl of Savoy dycs. who left his Son Amé the Sixth his Heir, who ſince was the Earl of Verd, becauſe at a Tilting in Chamberey, he and his company were attired in Green; and being very young when his Father dyed, he had for [Page] Governours, Lewis of Savoy Sieur of Vaux his great Uncle, Vaſſal of the Church of Geneva, and Amé Earl of Genevois his God-father.

He did Homage to Alamand in the Caſtle of Clermond, 1346. upon condition this ſhould not hinder the Rights of the Church of Geneva; foraſmuch as the ſaid Earl could not by reaſon of ſome urgent affairs, be preſent at the ſaid Church or Cloiſter, according to the manner of his Predeceſſors.

The Earl of Savoy likewiſe promiſed great matters,1356. and charged his Vidame or Bayliff, and all his Officers at Geneva, to obſerve the agreement made by him, and to ſuffer the Citizens to enjoy their full Priviledges.1365. But in the ſame year he requeſted of the Emperour Charles the Fourth,Gerard Tavel, Rodelphus de Poſtella, Peronnnet of S. Germain, Perret Copounay, Syndicks. the Vicaridge of the Empire in that Countrey, and obtained his deſire: ſo that ſtrengthened with this Title, and with that of Vidame or Steward, he laid claim to the Temporalties of Geneva, as Amé the Firſt Earl of Savoy had done before him.

The good Biſhop Alamand being deceaſed, William of Marcoſſay obtained this Dignity; and a while after the Emperour Charles the Fourth came over to Geneva: 1366. The new Prelate and Syndicks by order from the great Council,Charles the fourth comes to Geneva. humbly beſought him to revoke the Grant of the Vicaridge given to the Earl of Verd: neither had they any difficulty to obtain their ſuit. For the Emperour, by a Decree in Council, declared he meant not that the Vicaridge given to the Earl of Verd, ſhould extend it ſelf to the Temporalties of the Church, and particularly of Geneva: whereupon he iſſues out an Order, like unto that made by Frederick: but he Earl of Verd refuſing to obey it, he was ſuſpended by the Emperour, till he quitted his claim, after the ſame manner as it had heretofore happened to Earl Amé, in the time of Nantelinus the Biſhop. This Emperor made two Deeds of Revocation the firſt at Francfort on the 10. of Sept. 1366. and the other in the ſame City, on the fourth day of the aforeſaid Month. In the firſt he annulls and makes void the Vicaridge granted by error to the Earl Amé of Savoy, by conſent of the Princes of the Empire, and reſtores them to their ancient Liberties. The ſecond was in the nature of a Mandate to the Archbiſhops and Officers of the Empire, to publiſh it in all parts, to the end the ſaid Earl might not pretend ignorance. In the year following there was a third Declaration made at Hertingfeld, 1367. in which he expreſly revokes the Vicaridge heretofore granted at the importunate ſuit of his dear Couſin Amé Earl of Savoy, making for ever void all Power, Juriſdiction and Right, which either he or his Succeſſors might claim on Geneva or its Dependencies, qualifying the ſaid City with the Title of Noble Member of the Empire. Finally, upon the Contumacy of the ſaid Earl, there was iſſued forth a fourth Decree given at Prague the fifteenth of February, to ſtrengthen this Revocation, under penalty of one thouſand Marks of Gold, the one half forfeited to the Treaſury, and the other part to others.

Yet the Earl reſtored not what he poſſeſſed to the Church of Geneva; 1371. whereupon the Biſhop of Marcoſſay applys himſelf to Pope Gregory the eleventh, whoſe Seat was then at Avignon, into whoſe hands they both reſigned the difference, promiſing to ſtand to his [Page] deciſion. The Pope enjoyned the Earl to relinquiſh whatſoever he had belonging to the Church, and to deliver to the Biſhop the Imperial Letters relating to the Vicaridge; continuing to him the right the ſaid Earl had to the Vidomnat or Stewardſhip, and to the Caſtle of the Iſle, which he did by an Act made at Thonon; reſtoring to the Biſhop and Church of Geneva, whatſoever he had taken from them, promiſing inviolably to obſerve the ſaid agreement. This was Publiſhed on All-Saints day, in S. Peters Church: ſo that William having ſettled the Church in peace, died and was buried in S. Peters, on the left hand of the Quire; having preſided eleven years. John of Murel or Morellis ſucceeded him, and was made a Cardinal by the Antipope Clement the Seventh.John of Morellis choſen Biſhop. After him Ademarus Fabry, a Domic [...] Fryer was Elected, and only ruled three years: The Author of the Book called the Citizen, ranketh him thirty five years before; but it is certain then Alamand of S. Joire held that ſeat; and they of S. Martha, 1385. cite the Acts of the Conſiſtory of the Vatican, of the 17. July, 1385. And moreover a Bull of the Antipope Clement the Eighth, of the 21. of August in the ſame year, which make it plain, that he lived much about that time.

He publiſhed an Act to confirm the Liberties and Priviledges of the City, 1387. directed to Jaquement of the Hoſpital, and James Ramus, promiſing for himſelf and ſucceſſors, truly to obſerve it. This was Printed ſince the year, 1507. And contains ſeveral Articles, ſome of which are not worth our notice; the chief of them are, That all Proceſſes brought before the Vidame or Steward; Priviledges of the City. ſhall not be tranſacted in Writing, but by word of mouth in the Mother Tongue. That Criminal Caſes ſhould be Tryed by the Syndicks choſen by the Citizens. That no one ſhould be put to the Rack by them. That it ſhould be lawful to none but Citizens to ſell Wine. That the care of Watching the Town, ſhould be committed to none but Citizens: And that niether the Biſhop, or any other deputed by him, ſhould exerciſe any Authority after Sun-ſetting. That the Citizens Burgeſſes, and Freemen of the City, might chooſe every Year Syndicks or Recorders for the Town; [...] to whom the Commonalty ſhould give full Power and Authority.

In the mean time the Earls of Savoy, 1389. that they might get footing by degrees in the City, and procure the peoples favour; ſometimes applied themſelves to the Biſhop,The Earl of Savoy endeavors to inſinuate himſelf into the City. otherwhiles to the Syndicks; and ſometimes to both together, that they and their Court might be admitted to ſojourn there; prefixing commonly a certain time, which, when expired, they deſired a prolongation of it; declaring they had no deſign on the City by theſe permiſſions. Sometimes alſo, they would require leave to do juſtice on their Subjects; who now and then were found in the City during their abode. There is to be ſeen a dozen of theſe Acts and Conceſſions, ſince the Year,1391. 1390. to 1513. The Earl made moreover an Authentick Act, dated the 26. of April, 1391. By which he Declared that alſo what concerned the exerciſing of Authority by Lewis of Coſſonney, and his Council reſident at Geneva by the Conceſſion of the Biſhop and City: He did not mean this ſhould derogate from their Power and Priviledges; nor by this Deed, they had obtained to aſſume any power or advantage over the ſaid City. Made at Geneva the ſaid Year, in the [Page] preſence of Coſſonney, R. of Chalens, G. Marchandy, Galey of Very, and ſigned with the Seal of the abovementioned Earl.

William of Lornay, The Earl of Genevois charged with Felony. choſen after Ademarus, preſided twenty years. This Biſhop Cited by his Chancellor Humbert of Villars, the Earl of Genevois and Lord of Terny, upon caſe of Felony; for which he was declared an Outlaw,1398. and his Lands forfeited to the Church. It was thought the Biſhop could not be judge in his own Cauſe, but it being not his, but the Churches intereſt; the ſentence was held valid.

About the end of the Fourth Century,1400. the Emperor Wenceſtaus, made a declaration to the ſame effect as Charles the Fourth,The Citys priviledges confirmed. touching the Revocation of the Earls Grant, and farther confirmed the Cities priviledges in ſuch terms, that no Emperors or Kings of the Romans ſhould at any time violate them; which was done at Prague, the 22. of June, 1400.

Humbert of Villars Earl of Genevois dying without male iſſue in the month of March, The death of Humbert. 1400. le [...]t his Countreys to Odo of Villars his Uncle,1401. who after hehad held them a year, agreed with Amé the Eighth, who laid claim to them; and ſo ended the quarrel between the two Earls. Nevertheleſs Blanche, Humbert's daughter,1402. laid claim to the ſucceſſion, and appeared before the Biſhop by proxy, requiring poſſeſſion of Remilly, promiſing him to do homage for it. She was anſwered that the ſaid Lands were fallen to the Church.1404. That moreover Amé the Eighth Earl of Savoy, terming himſelf alſo Earl of Genevois, had already requeſted this inveſtiture, and promiſed homage for all the Lands of the ſaid Earldom: ſo that they could proceed no farther till ſhe had agreed with the above mentioned Earl, which done, ſhe ſhould be gratified in any thing reaſonable, as it appears by an Authentick Act of the 13 of March.

Amé the Eighth got the better in this conteſt,Amé does homage. and did homage in the Church of S. Peter, before the great Altar according to Cuſtom, and becauſe the Lordſhip of Terny was judged lapſed to the Biſhop and Church of Geneva, the ſaid Biſhop and Chapter willing to gratifie the Earl, gave it to Girard of Terny, on condition he ſhould hold it from Amé the Eighth; and the ſaid Amé ſhould pay homage for it to the Biſhop and Church of Geneva.

William of Lornay dying,John of Bertrandis choſen Biſhop of Geneva. John of Bertrandis was choſen in his ſtead, who was Doctor in the Laws, and Chanon of S. Peters; he was ſworn on the great Altar, and promiſed the Chapter, and four Syndicks deputed by the Commonalty,Jan. 10. to maintain the liberties and priviledges of it;1409. which was confirmed alſo at the ſame time by the Emperor Sigiſmond againſt the Earldom of Savoy's Vicar General;Allemand Willlet. ſhewing him likewiſe how unreaſonable he was in requiring homage of the Biſhoprick and Citys of Lauſane, will. de Worey, John de Eonnet, Mermet de Vuflans. Geneva, and Valay, of whom none was due, that the ſaid dignity was revoked by Charles the fourth his father; wherefore he admoniſht him to deſiſt from ſuch a demand, not troubling any more the ſaid Cities,Syndicks. which belonged only to the Empire.

The Biſhop of Bertrandis was preſent at the Council of Conſtance, 1414. where John Huſs was burnt,The Biſhop a favourer of John Huſs. and had ſome place of eminency there; for he was a Cardinal, and very learned, being ſuſpected to lean towards Huſs his Opinions. From Conſtance, he went into Spain to the [Page] Antipope Benoiſt, and paſſing over to Monpellier he obtained of the French King Charles the Seventh, that the Genevoiſes ſhould not be moleſted by his Subjects, under pretence of the difference betwixt them and the Earl of Savoy; ſetting before him, that they not being ſubject to that Earl, they therefore ought not to be dealt with as Savoyards.

The year following he accompanied the Emperor Sigiſmond to Geneva, 1415. in honour of whom there was made for three daies together ſolemn proceſſions.The Biſhop builds Halls. The ſaid Prelate built new Halls, to the Charge of which the Syndicks offered to contribute, provided they might have a third part of their Revenue. Some ſay that he alſo founded the Chappel of the Maccabees joyning to S. Peters Church; but it was more likely, John of Brognier, as we ſhall make it appear afterwards who was alſo Cardinal of Oſtie. John of Bertranais became at length Archbiſhop of Tarentaiſe, having been nine years Biſhop of Geneva.

It was this Emperor Sigiſmond who erected Savoy into a Dukedom,1417. and created the Earl Amé the Eighth,The Earls of Savoy created Dukes. Duke at Monluel. About a year after he came to Geneva with Pope Martin the Fifth, in company of Fifteen Cardinals: He had his Lodgings at the Cordeliers de Rive, and ſometimes after preſented his requeſt to Pope Martin, to obtain the Soveraignty of Geneva, pretending it was the Churches Intereſt in general.1420. This was granted him, provided he could get the Biſhops conſent; whereupon he addreſſeth himſelf to John of Pierrecize the preſent Biſhop, promiſing him, if he gave his conſent, ſuch a Reward as he ſhould never have occaſion to repent of his kindneſs: The Biſhop replied, he was newly entered in that Office, and not being as yet ſufficiently acquainted with it, he referred the matter to the Clergy and people, of whom notwithſtanding he would ask advice. He cauſed the people then to aſſemble in S. Peters Cloiſter on the laſt of February, the Biſhop opens to them the Dukes ſuit; and firſt produces the Requeſt preſented to the Pope for that purpoſe, which contained what follows.The Duke of Savoy writes to the Pope. That at Geneva, and the adjacent places, there were ſeveral Gentlemen of conſiderable Eſtates, who protected them, who had been guilty of crimes in the City, and thereby eſcaped unpuniſhed; the Biſhop wanting power to make himſelf obeyed, if the Duke of Savoy did not interpoſe; which is the reaſon they could not live peaceably in the ſaid Town, for which cauſe the ſupplicant would willingly give the Biſhop a recompence far exceeding this Lordſhip in value: And for aſmuch (added he) as it is impoſſible, holy Father, to prevent theſe diſſentions, That it would therefore pleaſe your Holineſs, to inform your ſelf of the truth of the matter; ſo that the Temporal juriſdiction may be transferred to your devoted Son Amé Duke of Savoy, who paſſionately deſires to remove theſe ſcandals; preferring above all things, the exerciſe of Juſtice, and publick Peace. Which requeſt was paſſed by Pope Martin on the 28. of March, 1419. And at the end of it was written; So let it be, if expedient and pleaſing to the Biſhops of Grenoble, Maeon, and the Abbot of S. Sulpice of the Order of Ciſtern Monks in the Dioceſs of Belay. He ſet before them likewiſe, how the Duke not content with this, had required a Commiſſioner to execute the Commiſſion which he had withſtood; and in fine he had made him an offer of exchange, whereupon he deſired their opinion, and whether he [Page] ſhould continue his Oppoſitions with the aſſiſtance of the Church and City alone. The Citizens and Syndicks having heard the forementioned buſineſs, and having withdrawn to conſider on it, unanimouſly made anſwer in the name of the Commonalty by Hudriol Heremite a Citizen; that ſeeing for near four hundred years the City and dependances had been under the power of the Church, under which they and their predeceſſors had received gentle uſage, and been governed in peace; it ſeemed to them, neither profitable nor honourable for the Church and Prelate; but rather dangerous and of bad conſequence to the State and Commonalty, to think of any Tranſlation or Alienation; and although that in times paſt, there have been greater occaſion for it, than at preſent; ſeeing there were Territories and Lordſhips contiguous to Geneva, ſuch as of the Earl of Vaux, Lord of Statigny; and the Lord of Gex, brother of the Earl of Genevois, and ſeveral others then living, who diſturbed the peace and quiet of the Prelate. But now all the ſaid Lordſhips being ended, and reduced under one ſingle Prince; the Duke of Savoy, who exerciſes Juſtice in his own Dominions, and keeps a good correſpondence with them his Neighbours. They would never permit any alteration, but would remain both they and their ſucceſſors, under the Government of the Church and Prelate; Requiring him therefore according to his duty, and Paſtoral charge in purſuit of the Oath which he had taken at his entrance; well and faithfully to govern the Church, and keep its Rights as he had hitherto done; promiſing for their parts, to afford him any requiſite aid and aſſiſtance againſt any who ſhould moleſt him.The Biſhop and Citizens make a contract. The Biſhop thereupon, makes an accord with the Citizens and Syndicks, never to ſuffer any alteration or change in the State, without the expreſs conſent of the Syndicks and Citizens: Which he ſolemnly vowed, to obſerve according to the uſual Ceremony at his firſt entrance, with his hand upon his breaſt; and the Syndicks and Counſel took their Oath on the four Evangeliſts. This Treaty is intitled in Latine, A Tranſaction between the Reverend father John Patriarch, and Miniſter of the Biſhoprick of Geneva on the one part; and the Citizens, Burgeſſes, and Commonalty of Geneva on the other, againſt the endevours and ſuit of Duke Amé to Pope Martyn. At the bottom of which are written the moſt part of the Names, and Sirnames of them who were preſent at the ſaid Council general, who repreſented the Commonalty; being in all to the number of 727. There being likewiſe the four Syndicks, Aymé Sallanche a Lawyer, Peter Gaillard, Nicod of Vigier, and John of Juſſy. After whom ſome of the principal Chanons ſet their hands, Namely, John and Amé of Arenthon, Anſelm of Cheſnay, Chanon of S. Peters; Rodolphus of Porta, and John of S. Thomas, Divinity Profeſſors; Bartholmew Lombard Dr. of Laws, Aymé Maillet, Raymond of Orſieres, Henry of Barmes Lawyers; Mounſieur Authony Dr. of Phyſick, Peter Roſet, Pancaſel de la Rive, Aymonet Fabry, Nicolas of New-Caſtle, Mermet Lulin, Jaquemet Gautier, John de la Roche, James Revilliod, Henry Chevalier, John of Boloz, Girard Milliet. In ſhort, the ſaid Act was ſigned by four Notaries, Fulſend of Bruille, John of Vaud, Nicholas Chevrier, and Anthony Fontanelle; in the year and month aforeſaid.

[Page] All perſons who were intereſſed in the City,1420. were very well ſatisfied at this days work;The Emperor declares Geneva an Imperial City. and they had new cauſe to rejoyce ſome months after, by a declaration from the Emperor Sigiſmond which contained that Geneva was an Imperial City; terming it, Nobile Imperit Membrum; wherein are mentioned at large the priviledes of Geneva, which he declares he would take into his protection; ſtrictly charging all Princes, Barons, Captains, and all other Officers of what quality ſoever; and eſpecially Amé Duke of Savoy, not to moleſt in any ſort the ſaid Patriarch, and Biſhop of the Church of Geneva; unleſs they would incur the indignation of the ſacred Empire; given at the Monaſtery of the Royal Court near Prague the ſixth of June, 1421.1421. Signed Michael Chanon of Prague.

It is likely it was this Prelate who built the Biſhops Palace,John of [...]ierreſcize, the founder the Biſhops Palace. his Arms ſtanding on the outſide of it; which is a Band charged with three Dolphins. For Friſon, in his Book intitled Gallia Purpurata, blazons the Arms of this Biſhop, with Gules on a golden bar, charged with three Dolphins in azure; moreover in theſe Arms there's behind the ſhield an Archbiſhops Croſs, which cannot agree with Amé of Granſons, as we have already mentioned, ſeeing he never was an Archbiſhop; whereas John of Pierre-ſcize, hath been Archbiſhop of Beſançon and Roüen.

After John of Pierre-ſcize, whom others call John of Rochetaillé; there was choſen in his place John of Brievecuiſſe, or of Courtecuiſſe, Confeſſor to the French King Charles the ſixth, and Biſhop of Paris, who was Biſhop of Geneva but one year; he was of the Country of Normandy, and had left Paris becauſe he had oppoſed the K. of Englands intereſt; there hath been one of this ſame family Biſhop of Grenoble. This laſt Biſhop of Geneva was ſucceeded by John of Brognier, who was born in a mean Village near Annecy, called Brogny; where when a Boy, he kept Swine: A Cardinal paſſing by, took a likeing to him and carried him with him to Avignon; where he brought him up to Learning. It is reported before he went thither, he came to Geneva, to buy a pair of Shooes at the Taconnerie, which is the ſtreet wherein is ſold Leather and Shooes; for Tacon in the ancient Language of the Savoyards, The prediction of a Shooemaker concerning John of Brognier. ſignified Leather: but he having not mony enough to pay for them, the Shoomaker obſerving his perplexity; ſaid to him, Go go, friend, you ſhall pay me when you come to be a Cardinal: which proved a kind of a Prophecy, for being one, he called to mind this man, and requited him with the Office of Steward of his Houſhold. He was called Cardinal of Oſtie; and it is for this reaſon, that John of Bertrandis having had the ſame Title, it was thought it was he who built the Chappel joyning to the Maccabees; which at preſent is called the Philoſophy School: for it is certain, it was John of Brognier who founded it; ſeeing there is yet ſeen a little Hog carved on the outſide of it, which he cauſed to be ſet up for a memorial of his profeſſion; and in ſeveral parts of his Arms, which are a Croſs doubly traverſed, covered with a Cardinals Cap. The ſame Arms are in a Chappel at Brogny, which he likewiſe founded, as Mounſieur Morery hath obſerved paſſing through this Village; he lies buried in the Chappel of Geneva, 1426. and had for his ſucceſſor Francis of Mies, Prieſt of S. Marcel, his Nephew or Siſters ſon; ſome name him Francis of Savoy, Severt [Page] would have him called, though I know not with what reaſon, John of Chalan, which is the name of a Noble Family in the Country of Vaud.

In the Year 1430. there hapned a great Fire at Geneva; which1430. the Book,A great fire in Geneva. called the Citizen, affirms to have happened in the Year 1330. telling us, he had it out of a Manuſcript belonging to the Library at Geneva: ſeveral others have mentioned it after him; for moſt Authors in this particular are like ſheep, who when one hath leaped into a ditch, they all follow without obſerving whether their leader hath been miſtaken. Three great Fires hapning in thirteen years ſeemed improbable, which cauſed a friend of mine to go and inform himſelf by the Original from whence this hath been taken. It is a Manuſcript in Parchment, Entitled, the Dial of Wiſdom, written in the year 1417. but at the bottom of it was written ſome years after, an account of the Fire which hapned in the year 1430. on the 21. of April. Theſe are the very words which though barbarous, yet are authentick as having been written about the ſame time.

Anno Domini milleſimo quadringenteſimo tregeſimo die viceſima prima menſis Aprilis, quae fuit dies veneris, fuit integraliter combuſta Eccleſia ſancti Petri Gebenn. excepta turri à parte lacus, que permanſit illeſa. Ipſa ſiquidem die igne ruit ſeu cecidit altumThe Steeple called the Spire. campanule vocatum Avullieta, in quo fundita fuerunt duo cimbala communia: in turri vero à parteOf the Townhouſe or Borough of Four. curie ſeu Burgiforis, fuerunt fundita, licèt non totaliter, duo magna & groſſa cimbala. Ipſa ſiquidem die ibidem ſuccubuit Campanule Orologii exiſtens in ſummitate turris anterioris prope crucem lapideam, ſupra fores ipſius Eccleſiae, fuitque ibi deſtructum groſſum, magnum & optimum Orologii cimbal [...]m. Ipſa etiam die fuit incendio eodem combuſta Eccleſia Marie Magdalenes, & multe domus alie, quas noloHere. ibi ponere: cepitque ignis peſſima horâ in quadam grangia prope ripam lacus fortiſſimo borea tum regnante, ſitâ circa domum Petri Curtillieti, aliter Pecolati: conſumavit predictum incendium curſum in predicta Eccleſia ſancti Petri, nec ultra tranſivit.

This Fire was ſo great, that it burnt intirely S. Peters Church, except the Tower on the ſide of the Lake, and it melted down the Clock and Bells; that end of the Town which is called S. Magdalens, was likewiſe deſtroyed by it, the fire having begun in a Farm near the Lake, the wind lying Northward carried it into the very heart of the Town; and this was without queſtion the ſame conflagration of which Bogge Florentin relates himſelf to have been an eye-witneſs. The time anſwers exactly,Lib. de miſ [...]rid conditionis humanae. for he ſays, it was during Martin the fifths Popedom, and he died but in 1431. for his nocturno quoque igne is without doubt the ſame in meaning with the Manuſcript,Nocturno quoque igne in urbe Gebenna tempore Martini Quinti ſummi Pontificis plurimae egregiae que domus exuſtae ſunt. Ipſi conſpeximus rem viſu miſeram & fletu dig [...]am. Hujus ignis calamitas multos everti [...] bonis. cepitque ignis peſſimâ horâ.

During the Regency of Francis of Mies, 1432. the Duke of Savoy, Amé the Eighth, aged fifty ſix years, took a reſolution to retire from the world that he might the more freely ſerve God, and turns Hermit at Ripaille near Thonon; he reſigned to his eldeſt ſon Lewis, 1435. the Dukedom of Savoy; The Duke of Savoy turns Hermit. and to Philip his youngeſt ſon, the Earldom of Genevois. He would not howſoever let go the Revenues, left they [Page] ſhould grow extravagant; he therefore cauſed his ſon Lewis to dwell at Thonon with ſmall attendance, and he being a Hermit, beſure ſpent little; ſo that he gathered vaſt ſums of mony which helped him to the Popedom, having been elected by the Council of Baſle, in requital of Pope Eugene his obſtinacy.

The report of his holineſs of life,1439. together with the Duke of Milan his ſon-in-laws diligence, did not a little contribute to his advancement. He was named Felix the fifth, and was Crowned at Baſle by the Archbiſhop of Arles; but by the oppoſition of Pope Eugene, who was then upheld by the Princes of Germany and Italy, it was ſome conſiderable time before he was acknowledged Pope, unleſs it were in Switzerland, Savoy and the neighbouring Countrys, for he had not yet arrived at Rome. After Eugenes death, thoſe Cardinals who had been faithful to him, would not yet acknowledge Felix; they therefore made Nocolas the fifth Pope, ſo that Felix's Authority was very much leſſened, inſomuch that he was ſcarcely acknowledged Pope in his own Country; although he was at great expence to keep up his Authority,1444. having ſtript Francis of Mies of the greateſt part of his Revenues, after whoſe death he makes himſelf Adminiſtrator of the Biſhoprick of Geneva and Lauſane. He reſided ſometimes in one City, and ſometime in the other; but oftner at Luſane, where he built the Convent of Cordeliers. During his Popedom and Adminiſtration of theſe two Biſhopricks, he diſpatcht ſeveral Letters and Bulls, dated from Geneva and Luſane; which are all collected into ſix great Volumes kept in the Library of Geneva. Felix the fifth deſirous to maintain his Authority againſt Nicolas the fifth, ſollicited very much his ſon-in-law Galeazzo Duke of Milan to help him to the utmoſt of his power; but he did but laught at him, ſaying, he hath given me a wife without a portion, and I have given him a Popedom without a Revenue. For Amé had promiſed him much, but had given him nothing, he would alſo keep himſelf in favour with the Emperor Frederick III. who had conſented to his Election. It was this Emperor who when he was at Geneva, cauſed to be painted on the top of the Arch at the entrance of S. Peters Court, the Imperial Eagle plum'd with ſable in a golden Scutcheon. The Clergy had received him in proceſſion, and had made ſolemn prayers for him during three days together, as the golden Writ of Frederick II. imported; Pope Felix hoping to draw him to his ſide, offered him his daughter with 200000. Crowns of gold for her portion, which the Emperor refuſed, and adviſed him further to lay down his pretence to the Papal dignity; which he did in the year 1449.1449. and for a recompence was ſent Legat into France, and Cardinal of S. Sabine. Whileſt he enjoyned the Biſhoprick of Geneva, which was ſince the year 1444. to the year 1451. he had a Patriarch who ſerved as a Vicar in Geneva; for there is to be ſeen in the ſixth year of his Popedom a tranſaction between John of Groleé, Prior of S. Victor, Adminiſtrator for Felix in the Biſhoprick of Geneva on one part, and between the Syndicks on the other; and Richard of Terny Lord alſo of Terny, and the Lord of Montchenu on the contrary part; by which it is agreed that the ſaid Adminiſtrator, Syndicks and Commonalty might make ditches and trenches at Vernets, to turn the Arve from its uſual paſſage, the whole Courſe of this River [Page] belonging to them, and that the ſaid Lord of Montchenu ſhould quit, upon conſideration of a certain ſum of mony, all the right which he could pretend to the ſaid Vernets; there is likewiſe to be ſeen the names of Francis of Savoy, 1445. and of one Amé of Monfalcon, during the Popedom of Felix the fifth.

It is obſervable the houſe of Savoy, Duke Lewis quits his claims to Geneva. although then ſufficiently powerful, did not diſturb Geneva by pretenſions of dominion over it; for Duke Lewis, Felix's ſon, made certain contracts wherein he quits all claim to the Soveraignty of that City and places adjacent,16. May. peaceably reſigning them to the Church and Commonalty: And Felix the fifth,1446. although enjoying the Popedom and Biſhoprick of Geneva, declared by an Expreſs; but that his dear ſons, the Syndicks, Citizens, Burgeſſes and Commonalty of Geneva, having been by him requeſted to ſend him ſome Companies of Soldiers to the aſſiſtance of the City of Lauſane, 1448. where he then made his reſidence, having no obligation thereto; they had ſent him upon ſpecial favor a Company of 600. men, which have been very ſerviceable to him; and foraſmuch as this may be made an inſtance of the Cities ſubjection hereafter, he therefore being deſirous to obviate whatſoever may be diſadvantagious to it, atteſted with Apoſtolical authority, in truth and certain knowledge, affirms, that this aſſiſtance hath not proceeded from any acknowledgement of ſervitude, but meerly out of a filial and kind liberality, without any preſident or ancient cuſtom; and that the ſaid Citizens, Syndicks, Burgeſſes and their Succeſſors, are no ways obliged to ſuch things, unleſs it come from their own free-will, leaving them in their ancient liberty. Two years after he was aſſiſted by them againſt the Fribourgers, 1450. under the Conduct of Captain Burdignin, who was then principal Syndick. Felix dies. Felix died ſoon-after at Lauſane, and was interred at Ripaille. It is reported he had lying under his head in his Tomb inſtead of a Pillow,1451. an old Parchment Bible, at the end of which were found theſe words touching Geneva. The City of Geneva ſituated between the Mountains; of ſmall extent, and encompaſſed about with Sand: Its people are ever deſirous of Novelty. Geneva Civitas ſituata inter montes, Arenoſa, parva, gentes ſemper petentes aliqua nova. There was choſen in his ſtead, Peter of Savoy his young ſon of eight years of age, having left Thomas Cyprian Archbiſhop of Tarantaiſe, his Adminiſtrator, and Vicar of his Biſhoprick. But this young Biſhop died in Piemont ſeven years and eight months after his election, and there ſucceeded him in the ſaid Biſhoprick, John Lewis of Savoy his youngeſt brother, laſt ſon of Duke Lewis; he was as yet very young, his father had deſigned him for ſome Eccleſiaſtical promotion; but his inclination lay not that way, for he wore always the garb of a Soldier and was much eſteemed for his skill in Warlike affairs, defending Geneva from all oppreſſion of its neighbours: none daring to violate his Authority, nor touch the liberties of the people. He had a brother called Janus, who was Earl of Genevois, and who took on him the title of Earl of Geneva; but he made him reſign his Title and pretenſions. He had another brother named Philip, The Story of Philip. commonly called Philip without Lands, who, troubled that his father ſhould leave him without any proviſion made for him, believing his mother was the cauſe of it, endeavoured to ſet his father againſt her, accuſing her to him, as having ſome Gallants on whom ſhe beſtowed her riches. He was ſeldom ſeen with his father,1460. who lay for the moſt part at Thonon ſick of [Page] the Gout. This young man grew ſo inſolent, that at length he killed the Maſter of his Mothers houſhold, whilſt he was hearing Maſs, and cauſed his fathers Chancelor to be ſeized on, and carried away to Morges; where by falſe accuſations, he procured his being drowned in the lake: which diſorders continuing, the Duke thought himſelf not ſafe in his own Country, and deſired his ſon John Lewis Biſhop of Geneva, and the Syndicks and Council to receive him into their City, as in a place of ſurety; which having obtained of them, he came and had lodgings in the Convent of Gray Fryers of Rive, his Court being likewiſe at Geneva; he lived ſome time in peace, only diſturbed with the pain of the Gout.

His Dutcheſs Anne of Chypre, being ſhe had an opportunity of concealing her treaſure, whether ſhe feared ſome diſgrace might befall her, or whether ſhe was willing to gratifie ſome friends, She cauſed ſeveral large Cheeſes to be bought, the inſide of which ſhe made to be taken out, that ſhe might put therein ſeveral pieces of gold, and lading them on mules ſent them into her own Country; of which her ſon Philip being informed, and having learned through what parts they were to paſs, he got before them near Fribourg, and cauſed the men to unload, and took away with him their carriage; he payed with one part of this booty thoſe he had taken with him for his aſſiſtance, and ſecretly conveys himſelf to Nions; whence he ſent to Geneva ſome of his company to treat with the young men of his acquaintance, and with the Syndicks and others, deſiring them to let him enter by night, which he obtained; and had no ſooner entred, but he went directly to Rive to his fathers lodgings without the leaſt ſtop, and having knocked at the door, one of the ſervants came and asked who was there; he anſwers, I am Philip of Savoy, who would ſpeak with my father upon buſineſs of concernment; the ſervant returning to his Maſter with this anſwer; Open, ſaith he, let what will happen. Philip then being entred, ſalutes his father, ſaying, good morrow father; his father replies, God grant thee unhappy days and years too; what Devil brings thee hither at this time? to whom Philip modeſtly anſwer'd, Sir, it is not the Devil, but God almighty who occaſions my coming here for your good; for I come to give you notice, you are robbed, and you do not know of it: Here is Madam my Mother who will leave us nothing; ſo that if you do not take care, ſhe will leave not onely your Children the poorest Princes in Chriſtendom after your death, but even your ſelf whilst living; in ſaying which he ſhewed and gave him all the Treaſure, ſave that which he had ſpent, which (added he) if you will ſuffer, I will not, but will puniſh theſe Thieves, whereſoever I find them. At the ſame time he began to look under the Bed, if there were any of the Country of Cyprus; for he mortally hated them, eſpecially ſince this trick of his Mothers, for he imagined they were the inventors of it. From thence he makes ſearch in every chamber; but as it hapned, they having gotten notice of his coming, had timely ſaved themſelves in ſeveral houſes in the Town where Philip durſt not attempt to look for them, fearing to raiſe a tumult amongſt the people, which occaſioned his return without doing any hurt. The Duke his father enraged at this, deſired the people to aſſemble in the Church where he was lodged; which they did, and he made his complaints: [Page] but the Syndicks dared not to appear; the people excuſed themſelves, and laid the blame on the Syndicks whom they ſent for. The two firſt of them were found innocent, the third ſaved himſelf and departed the City; and the fourth, who had hid himſelf in the loweſt rooms of the Convent of Rive, A Syndick hanged. was convicted, confeſſing his intrigue with Philip, and was immediately hanged.

This having not yet appeaſed the Duke, he leaves Geneva, and goes to his Son-in-law Lewis the Eleventh at Lyons; with whom having treated concerning certain places of Dauphiné, which he had held ever ſince the Reſignation of the laſt Dauphin Humbert, The affairs removed from Geneva. he remitted the Titles of the affairs of Geneva to the King, of which he had poſſeſſed himſelf, to be revenged of the Genevoiſes, the Biſhop his Son having given him the Records. So that the King transferred them to Bourges in Berry, and from thence to Lyons, where they are kept at preſent; and all Merchants paſſing through his Countrys were forbid to go to Geneva, 1463. but to France; and moreover the Duke obtained of the King, that his ſon ſhould be apprehended and kept in priſon till he grew wiſer. The Genevoiſes did all they could to have their affairs reſtored, having gotten the chief Citizens of Ligues, to be their interceſſors to the King, and at that ſame time humbly beſought Philips enlargement. The King having heard their requeſt, conſented to it, provided they would obey the Duke as their Prince; to which they would not agree.

This Duke died a while after,1465. and his ſon Amé the ninth, ſucceeded him; who ſet effectually on the eſtabliſhment of the affairs again in Geneva, as being indeed his intereſt, but in vain; whereupon he granted leave to the Merchants of Geneva to bring in, and carry out through his Dominions for ever,1466. all Merchandizes; which ſhews, ſay the Genevoiſes, that he accounted them as Strangers and not as Subjects.

There was held the year following an aſſembly of Maſters and Workmen in the art of Coyning at Bourg, 1467. in Breſs; where John Chabot, otherwiſe Porter, was choſen chief intendant on that work. There came thither from Geneva, Aymard, Faury, and Amé Blondel, with twenty ſeven of their workmen. We read in the Records of thoſe times,1469. of one Philip de Compois, Vicar General of the Biſhoprick; and after him Anthony of Malvenda, 1473. who were ſworn to keep the Liberties and Priviledges of the Town; the ſame did one, called Claude of Spain.

Amé the ninth being dead in 1472. the laſt of March, left his Wife Yoland his Childrens guardian, who was Siſter to King Lewis the 11. and the King had eſpouſed the deceaſed Duke her Husbands ſiſter; yet all Amé's Brethren had greater kindneſs for the Burgundians than French.

The Duke of Burgundy having been defeated by the Switzers in the famous Battel of Morat, retreated to Gex; the Dutcheſs of Savoy who was then at Geneva, The Duke of Burgundy conveys the Dutcheſs of Savoy into Burgundy. gave him a viſit with her children, after ſome diſcourſe, took leave to return again in her Chai [...]; but the Duke fearing ſhe ſhould take part with his enemies, bethought himſelf, and commanded one of his Captains to follow her, and carry her into Burgundy; whoſe deſign was perceived by a Gentleman of Piedmont, Maſter of the Dutcheſſes houſhold, who endeavoured to [Page] ſave her, but all he could do was onely to hide the young Duke in a heap of Corn, charging him to lie quiet. Whilſt this was doing, Malcomanda being come up to them, commands the Dutcheſs to turn her Horſe, and follow the Duke of Burgundy. She made ſome reſiſtance; and it is reported this Captain who was a rough fellow, gave her a box on the Ear, and conveyed her to S. Claude, where he kept her four months priſoner, and was from thence carried to Rouvre; where ſhe remained for a while longer. In the mean time the Duke of Burgundy being vexed he had miſt of the young Duke, commanded ſome Troops of his Lombards to forrage the Country about Geneva; whereupon the Biſhop cauſed all the Lombards in the Town to the number of two hundred to be hanged and drowned for a requital. The Switzers after the overthrow of the Duke proſecuted their victory, and fell the ſecond time upon the Country of Vaux; neither ſpared they them of Geneva, becauſe the Biſhop John Lewis, had made War with the Valeyſans their Allies; but the Deputies of the Town with the Savoyards, went out to meet them, deſiring them to deſiſt; that if there were any miſunderſtanding betwixt them, it might be eaſily rectified at ſome appointed meeting, which was agreed to be held at Fribourg, where it was determined, the Switzers ſhould reſtore whatſoever they had taken from the Dutchy of Savoy, upon conſideration of a certain ſum of mony, and ſome places which they ſhould ſtill keep in their hands. So that they of Geneva were forced to pay 2800. Crowns of gold as a reimburſment to the Switzers, for their expences in the War. But the City being impoveriſhed by reaſon of the removal of the Fairs, could not ſuddenly raiſe this mony, deſiring the Switzers to allow them time for payment;The Switzers mu [...]iny for want of their pay. to which the Chief of them conſented, but the Soldiers mutinied; ſaying, they would have their pay, let it come from whence it would; accuſing them who had the management of affairs, that they had already received the mony and ſpent it, whilſt they muſt undergo all the hardſhip of War. The common Soldiers then thus mutinying had private Cabals, wherein it was agreed to fetch their pay by main force. They therefore to the number of ſeven hundred of them, on the firſt day of Lent came to Zug; marching along the Road with flying colours without their Superiors leave, and in their march met with others who joyned with them with intention to plunder Geneva. So that being come to Fribourg, they found they were two thouſand; but the Embaſſadors from Ligue interpoſing appeaſed them, upon condition the Genevoiſes ſhould pay both uſe and principal, which amounted to near ſix thouſand Florins of gold, and give Hoſtages for the more certain performance of it, to which they were forced to give their conſent; only obtaining ſome ſmall time,1476. which being expired, they were as much put to it as before to raiſe the mony, being forced to borrow of the Citizens their Rings and Jewels, and to melt their Chalices and Croſſes and to lay great Taxes on the people.

The Biſhop John Lewis ſenſible of the miſeries of War▪ 1477. endeavors a perpetual▪ The Biſhop John Lewis makes an alliance with the Switzers. Alliance with the Switzers, to which they conſented; but the people were ſo ſtupid as to ſlight the benefit procured them by the Biſhop; which he perceiving, was contented to let it be only in [Page] his name and during his life, by which means he ſecured himſelf from his enemys abroad, but not from his own Domeſticks. He had two Favorites, the firſt of which was Prothonotary, and of the Family of Terny, whoſe name was Pommieres, Governour of Renel in Piedmont; and the other a Gentleman of the houſe of Chiſſy. Theſe two Favorites being jealous one of another as to their Maſters favour, could never agree, ſo that Pommieres not able to brook his Rival, betakes himſelf to the French Court, where he diſcovers himſelf to the King; telling him as a great ſecret that his brother-in-law the Biſhop of Geneva, and the whole State of Savoy at Chiſſy's ſollicitation were about taking the Duke of Burgundy's part. The King liking this advertiſement, recompences him with the Biſhoprick of Viviers. De Pommieres not content with this, would carry it on further, and would have Chiſſy ſeized and brought to the King, that he might be made to diſcover all the Biſhops intrigues. He came then to Geneva with three or four of his brethren, and ſtaid there about fifteen days, pretending their journey was only to ſee their friends, and recreate themſelves awhile. In the mean time there came ſeveral into the City to help his undertaking, and to lay hold on Chiſſy; they being advertiſed where he lay with the Biſhop, as Pommieres himſelf was accuſtomed to do when he was in favour,3. January. they ventured to take him in the very Biſhoprick.1477. For though the Biſhop had guards as is uſual with great perſons, yet he minded not whether they kept ſtrict watch, but permitted them to go about the Town at their pleaſure; ſo that they ſerved only for ſhow. In the morning as ſoon as ever the gates were opened, Pommieres and his company made a ſhift to get entrance into the Chamber, where the Biſhop and Chiſſy lodged; the latter of which they made riſe, and drew him out of the room in his ſhirt into the ſtreet where their horſes were ready; they ſet him on one, his hands being pinioned, and carried him thus out in his ſhirt through the gate of Rive, the Biſhop not daring to utter a word; but the youngeſt of Pommieres brothers was wholly taken up in the entertaining ſome Ladies whilſt his brethren were getting away. The noiſe of this rape being ſpread over the Town, they were immediately all up in arms; which the young Pommieres perceiving too late, he ſets ſpurrs to his Horſe thinking to paſs through the gate of Rive, as they did before him; but finding it ſhut, he turns his horſe thinking to get through Corraterie, but it was too late, for they had began already to faſten it; he endeavoured nevertheleſs to get out, but as he was under the wicket, they let fall the Portcullices, which lighting on his horſes crupper ſtruck him to the ground; ſo that he was taken, and led to the Biſhop, who put him into the hands of Chiſſy's relations,1479. to keep him till the other ſhould be reſtored, as they were forced to do a while after.The Biſhop John Lewis kills the Biſhop of Viviers. The Biſhop John Lewis was reſolved not to paſs by this affront, but to be revenged; whereupon he cauſed the Biſhop of Viviers to be watched; notice being given him, that on a Sunday he had appointed to treat ſome Ladies in Piedmont; he thereupon takes horſe with about forty more, and arrives at Piedmont where De Pommieres was, enters without oppoſition, for little did they think of him, and finding him at Table, immediatly killed him and ſome of his companions.

[Page] In the ſame year there was a great ſcarcity of proviſion, ſo that a Buſhel of Corn was valued at fourteen ſhillings; which was likewiſe followed by ſo great a mortality,The ſaid Biſhops Character. that 7000. died in the City. The Biſhop John Lewis went the year following to Turin, and died alſo a while after of a Peſtilential feaver.1481. This Biſhop was a younger brother, of a couragious and undaunted ſpirit, a lover of War, but unfortunate, yet of a free and generous temper, amorous, and revengeful againſt thoſe who had affronted him; but on the other ſide very ready to forgive, when there was occaſion, as he made it appear by this inſtance; for being in love with a Millers wife, and the husband finding him in the Chamber with her, could not refrain from thraſhing him ſoundly, till he had left him near dead on the floor; yet John Lewis paſſed it by, and gave him the Cloaths he wore when he beat him.

After his death, there roſe a great conteſt between the People, Pope, and Chapter,1482. concerning the choice of a Succeſſor. The people would have Francis of Savoy Archbiſhop of Aux, The diſagreement of the Genevoiſes in the choice of their Biſhop. brother to the deceaſed, and the Chapter would have Ʋrbain of Chivron; but the Pope not liking either of their choices, gave the Biſhoprick to the Cardinal of S. Clements his nephew, called Dominique of la Rovere. This Cardinal thinking it a hard matter to ſettle himſelf in this Biſhoprick againſt the will of both People and Chanons; he therefore makes an exchange with John of Compois Biſhop of Turin. 1484. But Chivron who was choſen by the Chanons not willing to reſign his pretended right, thereupon aroſe a great ſtrife; but at length this laſt carryed it, and enjoyed it for ſome time. Ʋrbain of Chivron in requital reſigns his right to Francis of Savoy whom the people approved of, who entred by force with his brother Philip Lord of Breſſe. Compois having heard of his coming,1485. got away in the night, ſo that on the 25 of July, Francis and Philip made their entrance into the Town, and put therein a Gariſon; a while after came their Nephew Duke Charles, who was highly honoured and treated by them; for they ſpent at one entertainment above four hundred Crowns, which was a great deal of mony in thoſe days.

On the other hand Compois goes to Rome to make his complaint to Pope Sixtus, who judged he had right to the Biſhoprick from which he had been unjuſtly thrown out; which Francis not yielding, the Pope excommunicated the Town, which laſted three months; but at length Chivron having gotten to be Archbiſhop of Tarantaiſe, by Francis of Savoy's means, all was pacified; for Compois had given him the next preſentation to this Archbiſhoprick, whereupon he reſigned the right which he had to the Biſhoprick of Geneva to Francis, who being ſworn, took upon him only the title of Adminiſtrator or Protector of the Church of Geneva.

Duke Charles the ſecond of that name,1487. Duke of Savoy, ſon of Charles the firſt, and Godſon to Amé the ninth; advertiſed by his Uncle the Biſhop of Geneva of ſome Acts and Decrees ſet forth by his Council held at Chambery, to the Church of Geneva's prejudice; he therefore repeals and makes void the ſaid Acts, ſtrictly charging his Officers to forbear proceeding thereupon, which was given at Pignerol the 14. of December, 1489. 1489.

[Page] Theſe Letters were delivered to the Council of the Earl John of Genevois, 1490. Uncle by the Fathers ſide to the ſaid Charles. 13 March The Duke deſires leave to remain for ſome time at Geneva. The Earl diſpatched Letters of Credence, promiſing more care for the time to come. The Duke likewiſe ſent to the Council of Geneva, intreating them to let him remain there ſome time, as his Predeceſſors had done before him.

The Biſhop being dead at Turin, 3 Octob. the Chapter choſe Charles of Seyſſel, who enjoyed the Biſhoprick for ſome time: but Anthony Champion Preſident of Turin and Chancellor of Savoy, Two Biſhops choſen to ſucceed in Geneva, who are therefore at variance. who had been married, and was then Biſhop of Mont-Devis in Piémont, obtained of the Pope the Biſhoprick of Geneva, and Charles of Seyſſel having been choſen in due form and manner, would not give him place; whereupon there aroſe a great ſtrife and Law-ſuit betwixt them; ſo far, that Champion having gotten a Decree from the Metropolitan of Vienna againſt Seyſſel, and aſſiſted by the Lord of Breſſe, came reſolved to obtain his right, either by fair means or foul. There were ſeveral ſmall skirmiſhes on both ſides on the Bridge of Chancy, where ſome remained on the place,1491. and Seyſſel was forced to yield to the ſtrongeſt.

Duke Charles the Second being dead, there ſtarted up in Foucigny one John Gay of Megiva, 1492. who raiſed the Peaſants into a Mutiny againſt the Nobility who oppreſſed them; ſetting before them the hope of Liberty,John Gay cauſes the Peaſants to take up Arms againſt the Nobility. and the example of the Cantons of Switzerland, with whom and the City of Geneva they might make a League. Theſe Peaſants to the number of ſixſcore, wore Red Coats, who ſet upon the Gentry of the Countrey without any exception: but the Lord of Breſſe having gotten them of Berne and Fribourg, to ſend to them Deputies; they drew to Geneva the chief promoters of theſe Tumults, and with fair promiſes ſoftned them, and ſent them home; but being ſcattered, they were laid hold on and hanged.

Biſhop Champion after the uſual Oath called a Synod,1493. in which the Decrees and Conſtitutions of the Biſhops were reviewed and amended; which were Printed in the ſame year, under the Title of Conſtitutions of the Synod of the Biſhoprick of Geneva.

He dyed two years after,1495. having held the Seat but four years. Philip of Savoy being but ſeven years of age, Son of the Lord of Breſſe, was choſen in his ſtead, at the ſuit of Blanche Mary of Montferrat, Widow of Charles the Firſt. Pope Alexander the Sixth, who confirmed his Election, aſſigned Aym [...] of Monfalcon Biſhop of Lauſane, and the Biſhop of Nice▪ to be his Guardians: which Philip was Biſhop under four Dukes of Savoy, Charles his Uncle, Philip his Father, and Philbert and Charles his Brethren. As he increaſed in years, he grew more fit to be a Soldier than a Church-man, as his Uncle Lewis before him. 'Twas commonly ſaid of him, that he was more fitting to be made a Duke than his Brother. Whilſt he was young and his Father alive, he was forced to wear an Eccleſiaſtical Garb; but after his death Charles then being Duke, and very familiar with him, he threw it off, but not the Revenue.

Return we now to the Government of Philbert. 1498. This Duke came to Geneva with his Baſtard Brother René. The Duke of Savoy comes to Geneva. They were ſo greatly pleaſed with the City, that they deſired leave of the Biſhop and [Page] Council to keep Courts of Juſtice in it only for their own Subjects, which was granted them for ſome time. Philbert giving himſelf over to pleaſure,René the Dukes baſtard brother endeavors to make him Soveraign over Geneva. left the management of his affairs to René, a fierce and imperious young man, and who watched all opportunities to make his brother Maſter of Geneva, that he might be revenged on the Syndicks who had refuſed to let him have ſome Writings wherein the City were concerned; his firſt attempt was the impriſoning of a Genevois, called Peter Levrier, by virtue of Letters Decretory from the Duke. The Lieutenant of Gex, had laid hold on him near the Townhouſe, from whence he carried him to the Caſtle of the Iſle which was the Dukes abode; whereupon the Attorny-General and Syndicks made their complaints to René, ſhewing him that ſuch an impriſonment was wholly unlawful, foraſmuch as that juriſdiction and power belonged only to the Biſhop, his Vicar or Steward, or other ſecular Officers; ſo that not being able to ſuffer ſuch an action, they deſired the Lieutenant ſhould bring back the Priſoner to the place from whence he had taken him,1498. upon which there was an Act made in favour of the Biſhop,24. of May. Church and Syndicks. Theſe laſt returned him the ſame meaſure, for being informed that a Savoyard called Thomas Papuli, had coyned braſs mony in the City, having given notice to René of the power and juriſdiction of the Church and City; they ſentenced the malefactor to have his right hand cut off before his own door, and from thence to be led to Champel where he was beheaded, and his body to hang on the gallows, and his hands and head to be ſet up in the place called the Liberties.1499.

A marriage was reſolved upon between the Duke of Savoy, 12. of June. and Yoland of Savoy his Couſin German, the better to ſtrengthen him in his Countrys, but ſhe died before the marriage could be conſummated; and was buried in the Chappel ſituated at the Cordeliers of Rive. 1500.

René who had the ſole management of affairs intruſted him by his brother, endeavoured to ſtrengthen his Authority and make him abſolute in Geneva; Eyria accuſed by René. both publick and particulars had every day ſome new oppreſſion laid upon them, although he received from both more reſpect than he deſerved, for he had every day Preſents made him in hopes they might at length win him by kindneſs, and keep him from enterprizing any thing againſt them, by which means he received more profit than the whole revenue of that City amounted to;1601. all which could not make him deſiſt from his violences. For remembring there was a gentleman called Eyria, who in the time of the deceaſed Duke had been in great credit, and whom he could not then injure, he was reſolved now together with his whole family. He therefore accuſes him to have deſigned to poyſon the Duke, by a perfumed Apple, & for a confirmation of this produces two witneſſes who make Oath, they heard him together with a Phyſitian at Lyons contriving how they ſhould effect it; the Duke being eaſie to be wrought on, believed it, whereupon it was reſolved that they ſhould ſurprize the Phyſitian: they ſent therefore to Monl [...]el the Provoſt of the Dukes houſhold, who deſired the Phyſitian by his man, to viſit him; the poor Phyſitian who miſtruſted nothing, as being innocent, came to him without delay; where inſtead of a Patient, he finds a Provoſt, who [Page] ſeized on him,1501. and carried him away bound hand and foot to Geneva, where he was thrown into the Priſon of the Iſland, and Judged by the Provoſt. At which the Syndicks and people were exceedingly moved, and complained to the Duke; ſhewing him this was an infringement of their Liberties and Juriſdiction, which the Duke himſelf was ſworn to obſerve; yet did not René forbear to paſs on putting him to the Rack and made him confeſs, and accuſe whom he pleaſed; which done, he cauſed him to be beheaded, and ſet up his Quarters in the Liberties notwithſtanding the Citizens oppoſition. Afterwards he ſeized on Eyria, and moſt of his kindred and friends, whom he had cauſed to be accuſed by the Phyſician, and would have dealt after the ſame manner with them; but ſeveral Perſons of Quality having interpoſed, their ſentence was deferred, and René began to grow odious to the people.

The Duke after his affianced Ladies death, eſpouſed Margaret, Maximilian's daughter, who was firſt betrothed to the young King Charles of France, but being repudiated by him, and married afterwards to the King of Caſtile; after his deceaſe ſhe was married to this Duke Philbert. They made their publick entrance together into Geneva, which put the Town to great charge, in Plays, Maſquerades, and other divertiſements. This drew inſenſibly the Youth into debaucheries, and the Duke being young himſelf, and a great lover of theſe pleaſures; it is no wonder if theſe pomps and divertiſements were as ſo many charms to lay aſleep the Genevoiſes.

Eyria eſcaping out of Priſon at Chilon flies to Berne, and makes his complaint to the Council there againſt René; beſeeching them to ſhelter him under their protection, and to ſhew to the Duke his brothers oppreſſions; which they did, ſo that he began to leſſen his affection towards him.A Preacher declaims againſt René. There was at that time a Preacher belonging to the Dukes Court of the Order of Dechauſſer, or bare-legged, called Frater Mulet; who ſet before him one day in his Sermons, The poverty and miſery of his Subjects; exhorting him to help them thenceforward, in driving away the Thieves from about him, the real blood-ſuckers of the People. He compared the Duke to a great purſe full of little purſes filled with mony, the biggeſt of which was empty; meaning thereby them who enriched themſelves at the Dukes coſt, and adviſing that all the little purſes ſhould be emptied into the great. The Duke and thoſe preſent, perceived very plainly that he deſigned the Baſtard by theſe words, who was the greateſt of thoſe Tyrants that robbed the people;René begins to grow, the fourth of March, out of favor with the Duke his brother. and indeed his credit from that time diminiſht, as well for what had paſt in the Pulpit, as his great pride; for he had ordinarily a greater attendance than his Maſter. The Duke beginning to ſlight him, his followers likewiſe deſerted him; this abated a little his pride, and fearing he ſhould be ſhamefully ſent away, he thought it was better handſomely to ask leave, than to ſtay till it was granted him without asking. He came then one day to the Duke to whom he held this diſcourſe: My Lord, I have ever been, and am ſtill your moſt humble Servant and Subject, and moreover your poor Baſtard brother; for your deceaſed father acknowledged me as ſuch. I have ſerved you hitherto with that zeal and devotion as might be expected from a ſervant and brother; ſo that if my ſervice hath not been ſuch as you deſerve,[Page]yet hath it been to the beſt of my power; but for as much as I perceive of late that my ſervice hath not been acceptable to you, therefore I am not willing to trouble you any longer; wherefore I beſeech you to ſuffer me to retire into my own houſe, notwithſtanding which you ſhall find me moſt ready to obey you as often as you ſhall pleaſe to command me. To whom the Earl thus anſwered, Baſtard, you ſay you have truly and faithfully ſerved me; be it ſo, yet am I glad you ask leave to be gone, and I will have you depart not only from the Court, but likewiſe out of my Dominions in three days upon pain of death. The wretched René finding his brother ſo angry departed weeping attended only by his Domeſticks, and made what haſte he could to be gone; of which the Syndicks having notice, notwithſtanding his oppreſſions, came to take leave of him, offering him their ſervice. He went into France to King Lewis the Eleventh, whom he endeavoured to exaſperate againſt the Savoyards. 1502. At the ſame time Duke Philbert and Margaret his Dutcheſs departed for Chambery, being informed by the Preſident of Divonne, and Amblard Goyet Deputies of the Town, that they had no right to that City. The Dutcheſs then perceiving Geneva belonged not to the Duke; ſhe built not there a Church and Monaſtery as ſhe intended, but at Brou, near the Borough in Breſſe.

After René's departure, Eyria was called home, and entertained in the Princes Service; and thus Geneva was freed from a great deal of trouble and vexation by René, and the Dukes departure: but inſtead of this it had worſer ſorrows;A malefactor dies under the torments he ſuffered to make him confeſs his crime. for beſides the plague which raged violently in the City, there hapned another ſad accident: the Syndicks kept in Priſon one called Cotton, ſufficiently convicted of a crime deſerving no leſs than death; but it being cuſtomary not to pronounce ſentence, before the Priſoner confeſſed his crime, he was therefore put upon the Rack; but whatſoever torment he ſuffered, he would not make any acknowledgement. At length a certain Perſon of the Country of Piedmont informed them, that the way of his Country was in ſuch like caſes to put a napkin with water in it down the throat of the malefactor to his ſtomach, and then at one jerk they pulled it out again. The Syndicks would needs try this fellows experiment, which was immediately followed by the death of the Malefactor, which put the Council and City into a great fear, le [...]t their enemies ſhould lay hold on this occaſion to trouble them, as indeed it happened; for ſome belonging to the Duke, and who had the ſame kindneſs for the City as René, repreſented this miſhap to the Duke with the greateſt aggravations imaginable, adding, they deſerved to have their priviledges taken away from them, and that moreover he might juſtly do it, ſeeing the City by right belonged to him; the Duke hearkning to them, Commanded his chief Attorny to undertake the buſineſs; the Syndicks ſent Bonna and Levreri their Deputies, who ſhewed the Duke it neither belonged to him or his Council to take cogniſance of that affair. The Duke not much moved by this tart reply, tells them it ſhould be put to Arbitration. He for his part chuſes ſome of his Counſellors, who with the reſt of the Arbitrators were ſworn to be impartial, and judge according to Right. The Titles of both parties were diligently enquired into, but they of Geneva got the better; the Arbitrators declaring by joynt [Page] conſent, that he had no right or title to the ſaid Town; which having ſaid, he plainly declared himſelf in theſe words: I have been given to underſtand otherwiſe, but ſeeing it is as you ſay, I vow to God, and S. Peter, to conteſt no farther; and touching this particular cauſe I confeſs and acknowledge it belongeth to the Biſhop my brother to take cogniſance of it, and not to me; ſo that I refer the whole matter to him when he ſhall be of age to judge of it. After this manner all was pacified.

The plague which continued at Geneva, A Famine in Geneva. was attended with a great want of rain, which brought along with it a ſcarcity of proviſion; which forced the Country people (who dared not before approach the Town) to come into it, whether moved by devotion or urged by want; for they came in proceſſion from all parts to our Lady of Grace, to deſire of her Rain, but they could not obtain it; and the ſcarcity continuing the next year following, a buſhel of Corn which was worth before but two ſhillings, was now valued at a Crown, the Crown going but for three ſhillings and two pence, ſo that the poor Peaſants were forced to live on herbs and roots, which ſometimes they had not patience to dreſs.

One Le Mortel a famous Thief made himſelf much talked of in thoſe times,Mortel a famous Thief. it was known by all what trade he followed, the people about the Town ſecuring their goods in the City for fear of him;1504. where likewiſe it was no ſooner night, but the Maſters called to their men to keep faſt their doors for fear of Mortel, which afterwards became a proverb; but all their care did not avail them, for he broke in every where, eſpecially where they were moſt cautious of him; he ſeemed to be not ſo much ſollicitous after the mony, as how he ſhould do his work dexterouſly, for he took but ſmall ſumms only to ſpend with his Comrades; whether he did his work by ſlight of hand, or by charms it is uncertain, yet it is reported of him that he ſo enchanted the people, that they loſt all ability of ſpeaking or reſiſting. The firſt thing he did when he came in, was to take the Keys even from under the Maſter of the houſes pillow although awake; he opened the Cup board, Sellar door, lighted a Candle, laid the Cloth, eat and drank, no body hindring him. The next morning after this he uſually went to the Tavern with his companions, the Vintners received him gladly, for beſides his being a good Cuſtomer to them, he never defrauded them of any thing; when he wanted mony, he would bid his Hoſt to ſeek in the Corner of ſuch a Chamber, which perhaps no body had entred a long time, where they were ſure to find their due to a farthing.

Every body wondered he was not puniſhed by the Magiſtrates: he was indeed ſeveral times impriſoned; but the Syndicks dared not act contrary to their Laws and Cuſtoms, which were to condemn no man without his own Confeſſion; for when he ſuffered the Rack, he was more firm and conſtant in denying the truth, than a Martyr could be in confeſſing it; whether this came through want of the ſenſe of pain, or that he was ſo ſtout as to deſpiſe it, ſo that he valued the Rack no more than a fillip; for when he was ſtretched upon it, he would pretend to have been exceedingly tortured, and would deſire them to take him off, promiſing to confeſs the fact; but when he was queſtioned [Page] about it he would anſwer, Well, what would you have me ſay? repeating their words after them, and deſiring them to give him the other ſtroak for the ſake of the Ladies. He died not ſuch a death as he deſerved, though dreadful enough, for he was ſeized with the Plague ſo vehemently as that it took away his ſpeech; his Mother who attended him in his ſickneſs fearing he ſhould eſcape it, and come one day to be hanged, put him into a Coffin, and cauſed him to be buried alive.

Duke Philbert died in the flower of his age of a cold gotten in hunting,10. of S [...]pt. and being a good and virtuous Prince,1504. he was much lamented; by Geneva eſpecially,Duke Philbert dies. who met not with the ſame good qualities in Charles the ſecond his ſucceſſor. It was four years before he came to Geneva, though he had often promiſed it, which put the City to a needleſs charge in their preparations for him, whilſt in the mean time his Officers frequently violated the peoples Rights and Priviledges. The Duke had daily complaints made of this, but he did not regard it.

Monaton Secretary to the Biſhops Chancellour having been diſpatched to Ancy, 1505. (where the Duke then kept his Court) to obtain Letters in favour of the City as to the maintaining of its Priviledges,6. of June. brought others exceeding his Commiſſion. There were ſent other Deputies to annul what the former had done, and were commanded to carry the Preſident of Divonne a preſent, who then governed, to the value of one hundred Crowns.

Duke Charles being at difference with them of Valey, required help from Geneva, who ſent him two hundred men under the Command of Captain Burdignin. The Duke not contented with this, ſent for ſix piece of Ordnance which was fairly denied him, being anſwered, that thoſe few they had were only ſufficient for the guard of the Town; upon which Rollet Nicholas who held a correſpondence with the Duke,22. of April. ſent him an account of thoſe who had chiefly oppoſed his requeſt,1506. who were Peter Faccon, Levrery, de Fonte, Hurich, and ſome others whom the Duke vowed to deſtroy. The three firſt of theſe warned of this withdrew to Fribourg, where they purchaſed the freedom of that City, only paying a Crown every year, by which means they might live ſafely at Geneva, under the protection of this Canton, and ſo avoid the Dukes diſpleaſure who would not enter the Town, nor ſwear to maintain its priviledges, till Levrery was delivered into his hands. The Prothonotary of Aux who was ſince Biſhop, ſucceeding Amblard Goyet, Abbot of Filly, in the charge of the Biſhops Chancellor, caſt Levrery into Priſon; but his friends giving notice thereof immediately to Fribourg: that City ſent their Deputies with all ſpeed to procure his releaſe, and from that time the Duke ceaſed his violences on Geneva, fearing the Confederates; yet his Officers brought in divers innovations contrary to the Cities Priviledges,27. of July. for which cauſe Levrery was ſent to complain to the Biſhop who was then in Piedmont, 1507. and Anthony Pecolat to the Duke, who having after long expectation now reſolved to come to Geneva, 1508. 6. of April. they preſented him with two little barrels of Silver,The Duke and Dutcheſs of Savoy come to Geneva. and the Dutcheſs his mother with a Vermilion Cup gilt with Gold, weighing nine ounces. At length he comes, having firſt taken an Oath to obſerve the Priviledges and Liberties [Page] of the Town, and made farther declaration wherein he acknowledged he had no power or juriſdiction in Geneva in theſe following Terms. For aſmuch as our well beloved the Syndicks and Council of the City of Geneva, at our requeſt have permitted us to keep our Court in the Hall over againſt the Statehouſe, during our reſidence; we therefore atteſt and acknowledge this conceſſion not to have proceeded from any ſenſe of duty or acknowledgment of right from the Syndicks and Council, but purely out of good will; which we do not deſign ſhall extend to the prejudice of the Liberties of the ſaid City. After this he ſoon returned to Anecy.

Philip of Savoy Biſhop of Geneva, 1510. not liking the Eccleſiaſtical State, having preſided fifteen years, gave his place to Charles of Seyſſel brother to the Baron of Aix, who had been choſen ſeventeen years before, but driven out by Champion. Philip was by his brother made Earl of Genevois, and afterwards betook himſelf to King Francis the firſt, who gave him the Dukedom of Nemours, marrying Charlotte of the houſe of Longueville in the year 1528. he died at Marſeilles, and was buried at Anecy.

Charles of Seyſſel was of a ſweet and pleaſant temper, but unlearned and imprudent.November. He made a journey to Strasburg at the Cities charge,1510. to requeſt of Maximilian King of the Romans a Confirmation of the Cities Liberties, Authorized by an Edict made by the Emperor Frederick Barberouſſe, by which it appeared the City was free, and exempt from ſome certain dues which were claimed at that time from her.

It was in the year following,1511. that the Walls about the Suburbs of S. Gervais were finiſhed;The Walls of S. Ge [...]vais finiſhed. for the neceſſary expences of which there was an Exciſe laid on Wine and Mony raiſed by way of loan. The Duke likewiſe gave his aſſiſtance,18. March. but they procured a Writing under his hand that he ſent workmen to advance the work, not as a Prince who had right to the Town, but onely out of kindneſs as a neighbour; but his after-carriage anſwered not theſe his declarations. He was a Mediator of the Peace made betwixt the King of France, and the Confederate Switzers; 1511. which induced him to believe his credit was ſo great with the King,The Duke endeavors to re-eſtabliſh Fairs in Geneva. that with the joynt ſollicitation of the Confederate Switzers, he ſhould be able to procure the eſtabliſhment of the Fairs in Geneva, from which he promiſed himſelf a double advantage. Firſt, for that he ſhould have Toll paid him for the goods brought through his Country. And Secondly, get footing in Geneva, and by degrees ſubject it to himſelf. He got then the Confederates to inſert this Article in their Treaty, and to ſend at the ſame time Deputies to Geneva, promiſing them again their Fairs, if they would agree to theſe following Articles.

Firſt,Articles of agreement betwixt the Duke and City. That the City and Biſhop ſhould appoint an Officer to keep account of the profit of each Fair, one third part of which ſhould be given to the Duke, Biſhop, and City.

Secondly, That the City ſhould once a year make a Preſent to the Duke.

Thirdly, That the warding the Gates ſhould belong to the Duke, during the time of the Fairs.

Fourthly, That the Duke ſhould have henceforward Fines paid for every new building, both in City and Suburbs.

[Page] All which was propoſed to the Conſideration of a general Council aſſembled the twenty ſecond of July, 1512. and was as generally rejected; the Duke gave not over his purſuit for this, but tried other ways, which were likewiſe to as little purpoſe; the meeting held at Baden no more anſwered his expectation than the former.

Corn being very dear in this year,Francis Mallet his liberality. Francis Mallet Governor of Berne, and Dean of the Chappel of the Maccabees, a native of Chambery, lent to the Lords of the City his Plate, which they cauſed to be Coyned to buy Corn, which was given to the poor, and for a requital was made a Citizen gratis.

In this year there was an inſurrection of the people againſt the Vidame or Steward Aymé Conſilii; the occaſion of it was this, There were two Priſons in Geneva, and to each of them a Jaylor; one was only for the Clergy and was called the Biſhoprick, the other for Laymen in the Iſle of Rhoſne, of which the Vidame was Governor having under him a Jaylor; who having been excommunicated for a certain ſumm of mony which he owed, and not obeying, the ſentence was aggravated, and the Creditor would conſtrain him by the Biſhops Authority; the Biſhops Treaſurer went to the Iſle to take him, and carried him to the Biſhoprick, giving him in Charge to the Jaylor of that Priſon; the Vidame ſuppoſing the Biſhops Officers had not any ſuch power on the Dukedom, demanded his Priſoner of the Biſhops Jaylor, which he refuſed, excuſing himſelf in as much as he dared not do it without his maſters conſent. The Vidame enraged at his denial, cauſed his Sergeant to ſeize on him, and carry him to the Priſon of the Iſle, which coming to the Treaſurers ear, he ran about the City crying out like a mad man, help, help, Gentlemen, againſt the Vidame, who impriſons our Princes Officers for doing their duty: The Vidame impriſoned. the people thereupon tumultuouſly gather about the Vidame's houſe, and would break open the doors, but ſome in Authority coming in the mean time, the Vidame ſurrendred himſelf to them, and ſo there followed no other miſchief, he was carried to the Biſhops Priſon; but at length this breach was made up, and the Priſoners on both ſides releaſed▪ notwithſtanding the Duke when he heard of this was not ſatisfied▪ but came from Chambery to Geneva with the Biſhop, deſiring to have theſe mutinous perſons (as he called them) puniſhed; but the Biſhop having made full inquiry into the buſineſs, found that the Vidame was in the wrong; which he ſhewed the Duke, but he was not thereat ſatisfied, for that which was reaſon to the Biſhop, was not the ſame to the Duke. The former of theſe thought they which had laid hold on the Vidame had reaſon to maintain his Authority, as being their Prince: and the Duke on the other ſide believed they had proceeded contrary to equity, foraſmuch as he eſteemed himſelf Prince of Geneva, he would therefore have the Biſhop put to death the Authors of this Sedition, whom he thought were thoſe who had obtained the freedom of Fribourg, for he would not do it by his own Authority, leſt he ſhould provoke this Canton; and the Biſhop not conſenting, he was ſo enraged againſt him, as to tell him he had made him Biſhop, but he would deprive him of that dignity, and make him the pooreſt Prieſt in his Dioceſs; but the Biſhop dying at Moirane, ſome time after his return from our Lady of Puy, 1513. ſaved him that labour. [Page] Geneva much lamented his loſs, having been ever a maintainer of the Priviledges both of Church and State. The Pope and Duke having heard of the Biſhops deceaſe, were both concerned in the choice of a Succeſſor.

The Pope would diſpoſe of it as he had done heretofore, but the Clergy and Laity of Geneva, would not loſe their right in this affair; whereupon they betake themſelves to their Arms, and ſhut the City Gates, aſſembling in S. Peters Church to chuſe their Biſhop; they could not pitch upon a fitter perſon that Amé of Gingins Abbot of Beamont, Amé of Gingins choſen Biſhop of Geneva. and they were induced to ſuch a choice by theſe following conſiderations. He was a Chanon, and of a noble and ancient family, and moreover allied and beloved by the Confederates, who held at that time a good correſpondency with Pope Julius the ſecond; he was alſo very zealous for the Liberties and Priviledges of both Church and State, and of a very comely perſonage, whoſe onely fault was, that he was too great a lover of the female Sex. The Chapter then having choſen him by the peoples conſent, diſpatched a Meſſenger to the Confederate Cantons, deſiring their commendatory Letters to the Pope to obtain his Confirmation, which being obtained, the Envoy ſets forward to Rome, all at this good Biſhops charge: but the Lords of Savoy were not all this while aſleep, for John of Savoy Prothonotary of A [...]x, whom we have heretofore mentioned, got the ſtart of him, who is the ſame whom the Author of the Book, called Chriſtian Gaul, terms John Francis of Savoy, and whom Severt takes for the Biſhop John Lewis.

John of Savoy was born at Angers, John of Savoy obtains the Biſhoprick of Geneva. being ſon to a poor woman of the ſaid Town, who could not be laviſh of that which ſhe never had, although free enough of her body; ſhe lived in the ſame condition, when the Biſhop of Geneva, Francis of Savoy, was Arch-biſhop of Aux and Angers. This woman was kind to this Prelate as ſhe had been formerly to ſeveral others, ſhe had a Child by him which he was loth to own, whom his Relations brought up in the Court of Savoy. The Duke ſeeing this young man as he grew in years, to become neither amiable in body nor mind, only gave him ſome lean Benefices, which he held till Charles of Serſſel Biſhop of Geneva died; upon which he determined to procure that place for him, that he might uſe him as a fit inſtrument to obtain the temporal juriſdiction of Geneva, when he ſhould have advanced him to that dignity, as having neither courage nor conduct enough to oppoſe his deſign. It is reported before his inſtalment, he took an Oath to reſign him the juriſdiction which he deſired. The Duke at the ſame time, to give leſs ſuſpicion to the Syndicks, requeſted them to grant him leave to keep his Court in the Town,July. that he might adminiſter Juſtice to his Subjects whilſt he ſhould ſtay there;1513. giving them a declaration in which he atteſts this Conceſſion to have proceeded meerly from good will, and not from any obligation, neither did he intend by it any invaſion of their Liberties.

Pope Julius not penetrating into this intrigue, gave the Biſhoprick at the Dukes ſollicitation, to John of Savoy, whom the City was obliged to accept to avoid the thunderings of the Vatican. 31. of Auguſt. He made his entrance in as great pomp as the reſt,1513. although with leſs welcom; [Page] yet howſoever they diſſembled it the beſt they could, and made their excuſe for oppoſing his reception.

The Biſhop likewiſe diſguiſing his deſigns, anſwered them with a great deal of mildneſs, (for he would not ſpur his horſe before he was well ſeated in the Saddle;) farther, when he had taken the uſual Oath, to teſtify he had forgotten all, he beſtowed Offices and Penſions to thoſe who had been his greateſt opponents, amongſt others to Berthelier, whom he made Bayliff of Peny even againſt his will, and to the Abbot of Beaumont for a reimburſment of the charge of his Election on the day of his entrance, he produced the Dukes and Confederate Cantons Patents for to bring the Fairs from Lyons to Geneva, with the ſafe-conduct for traders who ſhould come there, which were publiſhed, yet were they kept at Lyons, ſo that this appeared plainly to be but an amuſement: on All Saints-day having read his firſt Epiſcopal Maſs with great ſolemnity, he beſtowed largeſſes on the people, where that of Pardons was not the leaſt.

Towards the end of the year the Syndicks and Councellors being met in the Common-Hall,1513. where certain perſons of Berne and Fribourg entred into the Council,29. of Novem. who had followed Monſieur de Villenefve Preſident of Dijon, and the moſt Chriſtian Kings Embaſſador to the Switzers, requiring he ſhould be ſtopt at Geneva, making proteſtation if they ſhould let him eſcape, of the reſentment of the Confederate Cantons. The Council knew not what to reſolve touching this matter, foreſeeing that if they ſhould detain the Ambaſſador, they ſhould incur the Kings diſpleaſure; and if they ſhould let him go free, they would diſoblige the Switzers; ſo that not knowing what courſe to take,The French Ambaſſador confined. it was adviſed to have recourſe to the Biſhop upon this affair; but he being abſent, it was concluded he ſhould have guards ſet over him in the name of the City, Biſhop, and Vidame; and for greater ſecurity he ſhould be lodged in the Biſhoprick, that the City gates ſhould be kept ſhut, and a ſufficient guard ſet to hinder violence either from one ſide or other, and in ſhort that a Meſſenger ſhould be ſent to the Biſhop to know his pleaſure; but before they could receive his anſwer, Deputies ariſe at Geneva from Bern and Fribourg; requiring that the Preſident ſhould be delivered to them. On the other hand the King of France, the Duke of Angouleſme, and the Duke of Bourbon writ to the City to releaſe him; in this ſtrait the Biſhop was ſent to, who ordered this anſwer to be given the Deputies, that the Biſhop being a Churchman, he could not ſurrender the Preſident, for ſhould he be put to death, he ſhould be guilty of an irregularity, and degraded from his Epiſcopal dignity, and the City deprived of its Paſtour; and if the Syndicks ſhould do it in their own names, it would prejudice their Liberties and Priviledges, which made them Judges in Criminal cauſes without appeal to any perſon; and that in granting the Confederate Cantons requeſt, they would acknowledge them their ſuperiours, by which means they would be eſteemed betrayers of the peoples Liberty, adding withall they would do the King wrong, who perhaps might one day give them cauſe to repent it; ſo that the Confederates Deputies ſhould be deſired to forbear their requeſt. That yet if they could convict the Preſident of that which they accuſed him, they ſhould ſoon have juſtice done them, rather out of reſpect to the divine Law than any other conſideration. Which [Page] anſwer was delivered them by the Syndick Levrier, but the Deputies replied, that the buſineſs was a matter of that nature as could not be ended by ordinary courſe of Law, inſtantly urging them again to deliver the Preſident into their hands, which if they would not, their Superiors ſhould highly reſent it. To which it was anſwered, that they for their parts would not deliver him to them, but if they would take him, they would not reſiſt them. They were contented with this ſhift, and went to the Biſhoprick to take him by force, they carried him bound hand and foot to Fribourg, and from thence to Berne, where he underwent the Rack, and afterwards was releaſed upon an agreement.

The year following died John Amé of Bonnivard Prior of S. Victor, 1514. and ſecular Abbot of the Abbys of Pignerol and Payerne, December. to whom ſucceeded by reſignation his Nephew Francis Bonnivard. He had ordered in his Will, that five great Culverines ſhould be broken in pieces after his death, which he had cauſed to be made to ſerve him in his Wars againſt the Baron of Viry, Five Culveri [...]s left by the Prior of S. Victor to Geneva. and that one half of the metal ſhould make Bells for S. Victors Church; the Syndicks deſired his Executors to let them have theſe pieces of Artillery, and they would give them the ſame quantity of metal to make Bells; which they refuſed, alledging the intention of the Teſtator was to have them employed in the ſervice of God and his Church, for an amends of the evil he had done, having made them with the Churches Treaſure; but the Syndicks to take away this their ſcruple, brought to them a Divine, who proved that in doing what they requeſted, they would do God and the Church greater ſervice than in that manner the Teſtator had enjoyned, becauſe the Bells ſhould be made howſoever, and thoſe pieces of Ordnance would ſerve to defend the Town which was the Churches Land, whereupon they were granted them.

Pope Leo's Brother having eſpouſed the Duke of Savo [...]'s Siſter, he thereupon intreats the Pope to confirm the Conceſſion which the Biſhop had made him of his Rights over Geneva, 1515. which he granted him; but it was oppoſed by the Conclave of Cardinals, affirming the Prelate had not power to renounce his Temporal Juriſdiction, neither could the Pope confirm ſuch a renunciation, unleſs the Subjects had conſpired againſt their Prelate, and that he had not ſtrength ſufficient to chaſtiſe them, ſo that this deſign could not take effect.

The Duke remaining in Piedmont, and the Biſhop of Geneva in his Abby of Pignerol which fell to him by the deceaſe of Bonnivard, he abode there with ſmall attendance, taking mony from all hands to pay the Pope and Duke the firſt-fruits of his benefice, and the charge he had been at in the Court of Rome at his Election; a certain perſon beſeeching him one day to be favourable to a friend of his Condemned to pay a Fine; he anſwered that he could not remit it, for as for his part he had nothing but a Croſiers Staff and a Mitre, the Duke of Savoy having the Biſhoprick and Abby: and in effect the Duke had appointed one to receive the Revenue of the Abby, allowing him only enough to maintain him; he would have done the ſame with the Biſhoprick, had not the Biſhop hindered him by returning to Geneva, where he was no ſooner arrived, but he quarrelled with a certain perſon named Paſquet, who was accuſed of Uſury; but [Page] this was contrary to the Laws of Geneva, which forbad Citizens ſhould be brought in trouble for this reaſon; There was great formalities upon this point between the Biſhop and Citizens, who could not obtain the Priſoners deliverance. His relations found out an expedient, which was, that having married his Daughter to a Citizen of Berne, his Son-in-law came with letters in his behalf from his Superiors, and managed ſo well his Father-in-laws cauſe, that he was delivered for ſmall charge.

The Biſhop John of Savoy conceived a mortal hatred againſt a Lawyer called Claudi [...]s Vandel, Vandol impriſoned. becauſe he had pleaded a Cauſe againſt one of his Servants, whereupon he impriſons him upon a falſe accuſation, being eſteemed a very honeſt Man; the Syndicks and Counſel deſired that the Informations ſhould be put into their hands to proceed thereupon, as Judges in criminal Caſes; on the other ſide the Biſhop and Vidame would have it brought under their cogniſance, and fearing a ſedition, they would have conveyed him privately out of the Town, that they might deal with him as they thought fit. But Vandel had four Sons, one of which named Thomas, Curate of S. Morges, knew how to uſe a Sword, as well as a Prayer-book. Robert was of his Fathers calling, who with the other two having notice of the deſign, reſolved to reſcue their Father; but they loſt their aim by miſtaking the time, but the next morning they failed not to diſcover to the people what was become of him; the people enraged at this action, ſet upon the Biſhops Penſioners, telling them, they loved their Mony better than the Cities Liberties. The Council being Aſſembled, the people made their Complaints to them, that the Priviledges of the City were violated, and that the Biſhops Penſions occaſioned it; the Penſioners informed of the buſineſs, preſented themſelves, bringing with them the Letters of their penſion, which they tore before the Council, proteſting they were not ſo much the Biſhops ſervants,Popular tumults. as to forget their Obligations to the City, deſiring nothing more than to manifeſt their zeal for the publick intereſt, for which they were willing to ſacrifice both their lives and fortunes. The people flocked from all parts, John Bernard ran to the Steeple to Ring the great Bell, and Convocate the general Council, which was then of as dangerous conſequence as to fire the Beacon in the Valley, which was a ſignal of ſome great emotion; Bernard finding the Steeple door ſhut would have broke it open, had not he been withheld by much entreaty.

The Syndicks went to the Biſhop, beſeeching him not to anger the people, whoſe rage was ever to be feared; but to preſerve their Liberties according to the Oath taken at his entrance, delivering to them his Priſoner. The Biſhop being alarmed at theſe Tumults, would not be obſtinate but releaſed Vandel, and deſiſted from proſecuting him. He bore notwithſtanding a deadly hatred againſt Bernard in his mind for his forwardneſs, and not daring to meddle with him in Geneva, he watcht him one day when he was gone out of the City upon ſome occaſion; where ſome perſons planted by him for that purpoſe ſeiſed on him, and led him away bound to Juſſy where he determined to puniſh him; yet he releaſed him at the requeſt of the Earl of Genevois, and ſome Ladies, the Earl being then in the City, only making him to ask him forgiveneſs.

[Page] The Biſhop and his Steward could not inrich themſelves in Geneva, ſeeing the City had ſo little kindneſs for them; but their Covetouſneſs ſet them on the poor Prieſts of the Dioceſs, which rendred this Prelate extream odious; his perſon could not be acceptable to them, and his mind was as ill ſhaped as his body, ſo that he became the ſubject of every mans raillery. One John Pecolat a pleaſant fellow and boon companion, dining one day with the Biſhop of Maurienne, Chantre and Chanon of Geneva, incompany likewiſe of the Abbot of Beaumont, who diſcourſing of ſome unjuſt dealing which he had received from the Biſhop John of Savoy; Pecolat jokes on the Biſhop. Pecolat bids him not be troubled, for ſays he, non videbit dies Petri, he will never live to S. Peter's days, as is commonly ſaid of all Popes, meaning he was taken with an incurable diſtemper, to wit the French Pox, and ſo by conſequence he could not live long; which words were taken notice of by two ſpyes who made report of them to the Biſhop, interpreting them, as if he had a deſign to take away his life, which he either believed or pretended he did, that he might make this ſerviceable to his purpoſe, which was to bring the City into ſubjection.

He diſſembled his reſentment the beſt he could in expectation of a fit opportunity, which at length thus offers it ſelf after the Duke had been a while at Lyons, to viſit the Queen his Neece; he ſent to the Biſhop to come to him, which he did, commanding his Caterer to provide Fiſh-pyes to eat as they travelled; the Caterer to ſave charges had bought ſtale fiſh, one of which pyes being brought to the Table, the Biſhop either not having a ſtomack, or diſliking the fiſh, would eat none of it; it therefore fell to the ſervants ſhare, who eat it up every bit; now there was not one who had eaten of it, but either died or fell dangerous ill. The Biſhop glad of this occaſion, although ſorry for his ſervants loſs, cauſed his Vidame to draw up an accuſation privately againſt Pecolat, who was not a man of that temper to throw water on this fire; yet they proceeded no farther in it, being hindred by more urgent affairs which the Duke had then beyond the Mountains.

This Prince willing to try the Syndicks affections towards him, deſired them to ſend him three pieces of the Cannon left by Bonnivard; which being refuſed him, he thereupon conceived a deadly hatred againſt the City, which was fomented by one of his Courtiers called Claudius of Seyſſel, who had been Profeſſor of the Civil Law at Turin, and ſince Maſter of the Requeſts under the French King Lewis the twelfth, afterwards Biſhop of Marſeilles, and laſtly Archbiſhop of Turin. He Counſelled the Duke not to ſuffer two Biſhopricks in the heart of his Countries, to wit, Geneva and Lauſane.

The City was frequently diſturbed by diſagreements among themſelves. There was no ſmall ſtrife once amongſt them upon a very ſilly occaſion, about a Mules skin. The Biſhop had an Officer called Claudius Groſſi, who was at variance with a young man of the City, who was related to his wife,Groſſi's Mule hamſtringed. named Andrew Malvenda, his father came of a Noble Family at Valence in Spain. This young man aforementioned having one day hamſtringed Groſſi his Mule in the Stable, ſpread a report, it was the Children of the houſes Maſter who had done it; and not content with this, he gets ten or twelve young men of the [Page] Town, of which Berthelier was one, and took along with them a fool called little John, with whom they walked about the City all night, making him bawl out at every turning, O yes, if any perſon wants a skin of the groſſeſt beaſt in all the Town, they may be furniſhed at a very reaſonable rate, alluding to the name of Groſſi; whereat he makes his complaint to the Vidame and Epiſcopal Council, telling them that they were not content in putting this trick upon him who was in Office, but they muſt needs expoſe it in raillery throughout the Town. The Council ordered the Vidame to ſearch into the matter, which having done, he found Berthelier whom he mortally hated to be one of the Crew; he would have apprehended them, but fearing they would be too ſtrong for him, he requires the Syndicks and Council to aſſiſt him, which they did, but the young men hearing of it hid themſelves. They were publickly ſummoned to appear in the Caſtle of the Iſle, on forfeiture of a hundred Florins a piece, which turned to their advantage; for it being contrary to the cuſtom of the City to lay any greater Fine than a Crown, unleſs in caſe of Felony or ſuch like; they complained by their Attorny, that they obſerved not the Statutes in their particular, this not being a Orime: their complaint was brought before the Epiſcopal Council, where it was declared they might defend themſelves being at liberty, pede non ligato: they came forth therefore from the places where they had hid themſelves, and came and followed their ſuit; in the mean time the Duke and Biſhop being informed of the matter, came to Geneva with the Archbiſhop of Turin, who adviſed them not to be too haſty in taking vengeance; that this was not ſufficient to make the Cardinals conſent to the taking away their Temporalities, but this might ſerve to continue the diſunion amongſt the people. The Biſhop ſends for the perſons accuſed, and particularly thoſe whom he knew were not againſt him, to whom he makes a remonſtrance by the Archbiſhop of Turin, ſhewing them they had committed an action, for which they might be juſtly puniſhed, having affronted the Biſhop and his Lieutenant; yet their Paſtour was more inclinable to mercy than juſtice, having reſpect to their youth; and would therefore pardon all but the Authors, whom he ſaid were Berthelier and his Confederates, deſiring them not to take part with him: which having heard, they thanked him, and promiſed him they would ſubmit to what he had enjoyned them, being glad they had thus eſcaped.

The Duke returned to Chambery, from whence he ſent his Brother the Earl of Genevois, to Geneva. He makes a hunting match, and the place appointed to meet in was at Wache. The Biſhop, the Abbot of Beaumont, and ſeveral other perſons of quality accompanied him, whom he liberally treated; conſulting privately with the Biſhop about what they were ſuddenly to enterprize. The Biſhop withdrew to a ſeat he had in Focigny called Thy, accompanied with ſome gentlemen belonging to the Earl, whom he ſent to the Village of Preſinge, where were two Genevoiſes, Claudius Servant, and John Pecolat, whom having apprehended, they brought them to the Biſhop, who committed them to Priſon; but he ſoon releaſed the firſt of theſe, which cauſed it to be ſuſpected that the ſaid Servant had betrayed [Page] his companion, which made him odious to the people. Pecolat was queſtioned about the Fiſh pyes, and the words he had ſpoken, non videbis dies Petri, Pecolat put upon the Rack. it being laid to his charge that he and his companions (whom they charged him to diſcover) had a deſign to poyſon the Biſhop, he was Racked three times without confeſſing any thing; at length the Biſhop cauſed him to be hanged up by the arms all the time he was at Dinner, his ſervants blaming him for his folly, in ſuffering himſelf to be thus tormented rather than confeſs the truth; telling him, Servant had confeſſed the whole matter, and named particular perſons, amongſt others the Biſhop of Maurienne, and the Abbot of Beaumont, whom his accomplices would make their Biſhop, after they had diſpatched John of Savoy; and entertaining him with theſe words, they made him ſay what they pleaſed, not being able any longer to endure the torments.

After this the Biſhop chiefly deſired to get Berthelier into his power,Berthelier ſought after by the Biſhop. but he kept in the City and ſtood upon his guard, and at length got away, being attired like a Herald of Fribourg, where he went in company of ſome Merchants of that Canton; the Biſhop and Vidame hearing of his eſcape, ſummoned him publickly to appear and anſwer to his Accuſation. He addreſſeth himſelf to the Council of Fribourg, complaining to them of the unjuſt dealings he met with at Geneva, adding moreover that all this had hapned to him for no other reaſon, but becauſe he had been a Citizen of Fribourg; that they would entreat the Council of Geneva to inform the Duke and Biſhop, that if they would ſend any one to Fribourg to impeach him, he would render himſelf Priſoner, or if he could obtain of them a ſafe-conduct to make his defence at Geneva before the Syndicks his lawful Judges he would there make his appearance, provided they of Fribourg would depute ſome perſon to be preſent at the hearing of the Tryal: the Fribourgers granted his requeſt, and ſent an Expreſs to the Princes, lodging Berthelier in the mean time who was but poor, in the Hoſpital. The Meſſenger found the Princes at Geneva, who had purpoſely come there in expectation of meeting with Berthelier. They returned anſwer, that they would gratifie them of Fribourg in any reaſonable requeſt, but as to the ſending one to proſecute Berthelier, they could in no wiſe conſent to that. That if he would have Juſtice done he muſt come to Geneva, where he ſhould not fail of it, provided no ſtranger aſſiſted at the Tryal, it being contrary to the Cities priviledges, which aſſert the Syndicks to be the only Judges in criminal Caſes, not ſuffering any others to aſſiſt at the Judgment but their own Council.

In the mean time the Duke reſolves upon a journey to the Cantons for ſome reaſons of State, particularly about the difference which was not only at Geneva betwixt the Biſhop and the Citizens thereof, but likewiſe betwixt the Citizens of Lauſane and their Prelate. The Biſhop of Geneva had the Duke on his ſide, and the Genevoiſes, the Confederate Cantons; on the contrary, the Biſhop of Lauſane had the Cantons for him, and the people the Duke of Savoy for them. He went firſt to Fribourg about Bertheliers buſineſs, fearing they might decide the buſineſs in his favour; from whence he went to Berne to confirm the ancient Alliances, and to add ſome new Articles. He [Page] had paſſed through Lauſane in his way to Switzerland, and had offered his mediation to them of that City, which they accepted; but he deferred it till his return, after which he gave his judgment, which was far from contenting both parties as he had promiſed himſelf; for there was neither of them but was very much diſſatisfied: for inſtead of calling himſelf an arbitrary Judge, he terms himſelf a natural Judge, as if he had been their Prince and Soveraign; at which both the Biſhop and People were ſo offended that they agreed without him, and began to ſeek an Alliance with the Cantons.

After this the Duke returned to Geneva, 1517. where he awhile about Pecolat and Berthelier's buſineſs, although his occaſions required his preſence in Piedmont; and it having been ſhewed him at Fribourg, that the Biſhop of Geneva had acted contrary to their priviledges in impriſoning Pecolat out of the City; he therefore cauſed him to be brought back, and to be impriſoned in the Biſhops name in the Iſle, cauſing him to be examined again by the Syndicks; he retracted his former confeſſion being before them as having been extorted. The Duke and Biſhop would have him again be put on the Rack, but the Syndicks refuſed it without greater evidence: the Princes propoſed the matter to the conſideration of ſeveral foreign Lawyers, as well as to their own Council, to ſhew they were not carried away by paſſion; but theſe differed in their judgment: for the Civilians being led by their Maſters the Biſhops intereſt, condemned him, and on the contrary the others acquitted him. The Syndicks whoſe Province it was to pronounce judgment, knew not what to reſolve of, temporizing as much as poſſible to juſtifie theſe two Lords deſire of revenge: the Duke and Biſhop haſtning this buſineſs to a concluſion, ſtarted a matter which they were not aware of, viz. That the Priſoner was a Clerk, and by conſequence a Subject of the Eccleſiaſtical Court, and belonged not to the Syndicks juriſdiction. They tranſported him then out of the Priſon of the Iſle to that of the Biſhoprick, where they were reſolved not to ſpare him, but being ſick, he was viſited by the Phyſitians, to ſee whether he was able to endure the Rack; they differed in their opinions, but they who affirmed he was able to endure it, were ſooneſt believed; but becauſe at Thy, he was obſerved to be very conſtant in enduring the Torment, and being ſuſpected to have ſome Magical charm in his beard, which rendred him inſenſible, he therefore had a Barber ſent him to ſhave him cloſe, for his beard was very long. Pecolat in this extremity ruminated in his mind how to keep himſelf from being overcome by theſe torments,Pecolat cuts out his own tongue. which he ſaw were making ready for him, the Barber having waſhed his chin, turned aſide to empty his Baſon, careleſsly laying down his Razor near him, which Pecolat ſnatching up, cut out a great part of his tongue; the Barber ſeeing him bleeding in the mouth, wholly aſtoniſhed called up the guards and Jaylor, notice being ſent to the Princes of this, they took care to preſerve him for greater ſorrows; being recovered, they would have him again to the Rack, and becauſe he could not ſpeak, they would therefore have him write; but the Epiſcopal Council could never agree, and particularly the Judge of the Clergies exceſſes, whoſe office was to pronounce ſentence, being the Syndick Levrer [...]'s ſon, whom the Duke hated as [Page] much as his Father, whoſe head he at length cauſed to be cut off. This Judge told his Friends in private, what a dreadful thing it was to let this poor Man be ſo long miſuſed, that for his part he would never give his conſent that he ſhould be again put on the Rack; and that were it not out of reſpect to the Princes, he would have long ſince acquitted him; and to procure his Releaſe they muſt have recourſe to the Archbiſhop of Vienna, Metropolitan of Geneva. His counſel was followed, and an Order was obtained from Vienna, by which the Advocate of the Treaſury was cited to give an account of the detaining of Pecolat, and forbidding him and all other Epiſcopal Officers, yea the Biſhop himſelf, to touch the Priſoners perſon.

Which Order being brought, there was no Body found who durſt publiſh it, although the Duke and Biſhop were not at Geneva; the bringers of theſe Acts were cudgelled for their pains: One Bonnivard, Governor of S. Victor, was ſo bold as to carry it to the Biſhop; this Victor was a young Man more daring than wiſe, a Citizen of the confederate Cities, of good Kindred as well in Savoy as Piedmont, ſo that he valued neither Duke nor Biſhop, but hated the later, and favoured Pecolat, and was very zealous for his Countries Liberty. He took then a Serjeant along with him, and as the Biſhop came from parting with the Duke, he delivered to him the Archbiſhop of Vienna's Order. The Biſhop being galled at it, complained to the Duke; the Duke ſent for Bonnivard, and told him the Biſhops Complaints. To which he boldly anſwered, My Lord, 'tis true, That the Biſhop of Geneva detains one of my Servants, and hath put him on the Rack; and I have protected him in acknowledgement of his Services; but what I have done is juſtifiable by Law, having not ſuffered my ſelf to be carried away by Paſſion; neither do I think you can take it ill that I have executed the Metropolitan's Order; you who are a Prince, and a lover of Juſtice, and who would not hinder Right though your own Intereſt lay at Stake. The Duke pretended to be ſatisfied, and parted the next Morning for Piedmont; having firſt cauſed Pecolat to be removed into the Caſtle of Penay.

We read in the Chronicles of Geneva, That in this Year, before the Dukes departure, the Biſhop John of Savoy lying ſick of the Gout, and hearing a noiſe in the Street, asked what was the matter? His Nurſe anſwered him, 'Twas a Thief who was led to be Hang'd; whom (added ſhe) if you will pardon (my Lord) he will all his life time pray for your Health; Whereupon he ſent him his Pardon.Decemb. We find likewiſe an Act made this Year, in which the Vidame is termed the Biſhops Officer, although the Duke pretended he was his; for uſually thoſe who bore this Office were of Savoy.

The Biſhop about this time ſet out for Piedmont; and after his departure, the term allowed the Advocate of the Treaſury being ended wherein he was to appear at Vienna, he ſtirred not, leſt he ſhould do any thing to his Maſters diſhonour.1518. Whereupon he was again cited: and at the third time this Clauſe was inſerted, That if he did not appear, the Priſoner ſhould be releaſed, upon [Page] Penalty of Excommunication. And not appearing, there lacked only the Excommunication to be taken out; which being effected, it was ſet up in the Night over the Church doors. Three Days before Eaſter (in thoſe times they did the ſame for ſimple Debts) the Chanons and Prieſts coming to ſay Maſs, found this bar forbidding them to go farther.Geneva Excommunicated. The People being informed of the Matter, began to murmur, and laſtly to gather in Tumults, exclaiming againſt them who were the Promoters of this Excommunication. The Clergy and dependant Officers, who made up a conſiderable Party, ſeeing themſelves deprived of the Sacraments, joyned to the People, and all together ſet a crying, To the Rhoſne, to the Rhoſne with thoſe Villains and wicked Officers, who hinder us from Receiving our Lord.

The Syndicks ran to appeaſe them, ſeeking the Epiſcopal Officers, beſeeching them to releaſe Pecolat, otherwiſe they would be expoſed to the Popular rage. They being affrighted at this, wrote to the Lieutenant of Penay to releaſe him ſpeedily; but the People not truſting to them, joyned with the Meſſenger to ſee Pecolat releaſed; which fell out well for him, for immediately after came Letters from Rome, which made void the Metropolitan of Vienna's Cenſures, and forbad the Priſoners enlargement. Meſſengers were ſent to hinder the firſt Order; but the People valued not the Popes Letters, bringing Pecolat along with them, whom they lodged at the Gray-Friers, as in a fit place for ſhelter, where he remained a long time before he could ſpeak, by reaſon of the mutilation of his Tongue, but at length he recovered his Speech, at the interceſſion of a Saint to whom he was more particularly devoted, (if we may believe his own relation.)

Whilſt they were ſoliciting his deliverance,Berthelier propoſes an Alliance to the Fribourgers. Berthelier did the ſame at Fribourg, to be recalled from his Exile: and moreover negotiated an Alliance between the Cities of Geneva and Fribourg, diſcourſing ſeveral of both Cities about it, ſhewing them the advantage which would accrue thereby; and not only to them, but to all the other Cantons, as well for the free Tranſportation of all Merchandizes, as alſo to make uſe of Geneva as a Fortreſs againſt their Neighbours, eſpecially againſt the Duke of Savoy, he being always to be ſuſpected, notwithſtanding his pretences to the contrary, being not able to forget their Forraging his Country in the Wars he had with the Duke of Burgundy, they having at that time a part of it in their poſſeſſion; that by means of this Alliance the Duke would be fruſtrated in his Deſign of Soveraignty over Geneva; which Diſcourſes fell not to the ground, for they were taken into conſideration by the Council; who ſent to him, telling him, They would procure his Safe-conduct; which having obtained,Febr. 24. he ſhould endeavour to effect this Alliance. They obtained then of the Duke and Biſhop a Safe conduct for Berthelier to make his Defence at Geneva. He preſented himſelf to the Epiſcopal Council, and afterwards to that of the City, requiring his Accuſers to appear and declare what they had againſt him, and he would endeavour by Gods aſſiſtance to clear himſelf, and make it appear that he was an honeſt Man. This hapned awhile before [Page] Pecolat was releaſed. The Vidame, who had formerly proſecuted him, was cited, and made his appearance before the Syndicks, with the Solicitor Navis, who produced ſeveral Articles againſt Berthelier, March 4. containing all the extravagancies and debaucheries of his youth; which indeed were not a few; and his frequenting Seditious Meetings, amongſt whom he was ever the chief. He excuſed himſelf touching this Article, alledging they were Perſons who maintained the Liberties of the City againſt Uſurpers; that he aſſociated with them in nothing but this their juſt deſign. Then they accuſed him as having conſpired to take away the Biſhops life; which they grounded upon the Confeſſion of Pecolat, and one called Carmentrant. Berthelier juſtified himſelf in this particular, alledging that Pecolat had been illegally Impriſoned, and that this Confeſſion had been extorted by the Rack, which he had ſuffered on ſimple conjectures: And as to what concerned the other charge, it was evident 'twas but a trick deviſed by his Adverſaries, Carmentrant having been hired by the Biſhop (whoſe Penſionary and Domeſtick he was) for this purpoſe. The Vidame not having ſufficient matter againſt Berthelier, ſent every day an account of his proceedings to the Princes who were in Piedmont; who fearing the Syndicks would clear him, deſired them to admit ſome of their Party to aſſiſt at his Trial: But the Fribourgers having underſtood it, wrote to the Duke how greatly they were ſurpriſed at his intention, ſeeing both himſelf and Biſhop had but lately declared, That the Cuſtoms and Rights of Geneva would not ſuffer any to be Judges in Crimianl Caſes but themſelves. The Princes perceiving that they were diſappointed in this contrivance, offered Berthelier and his Accomplices their Pardon, if they would requeſt it; which had been proffered him before at Fribourg. To which he returned the ſame Anſwer as before, That having not been guilty of any Offence, he had no need of Pardon; wherefore he intended to ſtand by the deciſion of Juſtice. The Princes conſidering his Trial would end in thier diſhonour, would have Judgment ſuſpended, forbidding them on great penalties to proceed therein, till they ſhould either come or ſend; which the Syndicks did to avoid the diſpleaſure of theſe two Lords, whom they rather feared than loved.

In the mean time Berthelier began again privately to carry on the Alliance with Fribourg, gaining as many Citizens on his ſide as he could: But the Duke had ſeveral Favorites at Geneva, amongſt whom was the Syndick Monthion, who bore a great ſway both amongſt the Council and People. Moreover one part of the City being Savoyards by their Original, and being accuſtomed to have the Duke for their Maſter, preferred his Dominion before the Alliance with the Switzers, valuing their profit more than their Liberty. Two young Men of Geneva coming to Thurin in expectation of ſome employ, were immediately laid hold on by the Provoſt and carried away to Pignerol, before the Biſhop of Geneva, who was the Abbot of that place. They were accuſed for being Berthelier's Accomplices, although one of them was his Enemy, and Son of Navis the Vidame's Attorney; the other was John Viterman or Blanchet. [Page] They met at firſt with gentle uſage, to make them accuſe thoſe who were the objects of the Dukes and Biſhops hatred. But they anſwering, They knew nothing of that matter, were again ſent back to Priſon. In the mean time Bonnivard of S. Victor, whom we have already mentioned, paſſing through Turin in his Journey to Rome, recommended their cauſe to a Lawyer his Friend, and wrote to them a Letter before he parted, which he ſent to the Jaylor to deliver it to them; who conveyed it to the Biſhop; who upon the receit thereof was exceedingly enraged againſt Victor, who had already occaſioned Pecolat's Releaſe, he therefore cauſed them to be kept cloſe Priſoners, and put them on the Rack. The great Torments they underwent made them confeſs the pretended Conſpiracy of Pecolat, and to bring in Victor as a party. At the ſame time the Biſhop ſent this Depoſition to the Syndicks, and withal, that if they would not believe it, they ſhould ſend two Perſons to hear their Confeſſion; but not giving credit to the matter, they ſent no Body. This forced Confeſſion declared that Victor, with two other Perſons in cuſtody, had determined to poyſon him; which if they could not effect, they would after this manner one Evening come a Mumming to his Houſe, and raiſing a quarrel, he ſhould be ſtabbed in the tumult; by which means Victor might ſucceed him. Which plainly appeared to be ill contrived, ſeeing Victor was not ſo familiar with the Biſhop as to give him ſuch kind of divertiſement, being rather his profeſſed Enemy: and farther, the Biſhoprick was not ſo eaſily obtained, ſeeing the Abbot of Beaumont elected by the Clergy at the Peoples requeſt, could not obtain the Papal Confirmation, who certainly would never have gratified an Aſſaſſin.

Theſe two poor Creatures then were by beheaded by the Dukes Authority,Two young Men beheaded having publickly retracted their Confeſſion, and asked Almighty God forgiveneſs for their other ſins. The Provoſt haſtened their Execution to ſilence them. Their Bodies being quartered, Three of them were ſent into ſeveral parts of Piedmont, and the Fourth part parboiled with the Heads to be ſent to Geneva. Victor returning awhile after from Rome paſſed through Turin, where the Biſhop had given order to have him apprehended; of which having notice, and having many Friends, he walked near eight days about the City to affront the Biſhop; at the end of which he chouſed his Spies, pretending to ſtay there longer, but took Poſt one fair Morning for Geneva; whither within a ſhort time were brought the Heads and Quarters of the Two fore-mentioned young Men in Two Barrels, marked with the Arms of the Earl of Genevois the Dukes Brother: they who brought them lodged that Night on this ſide the Bridge of Arve, and the next Morning early they ſet them up on a Walnut-tree, with a White Croſs and this Inſcription: Theſe are the Traitors of Geneva. The firſt who ſaw them ran to carry the News about the Town; a great part of which came to behold them. This was a ſad Spectacle, eſpecially to the Father and Mother of Navis. The Father was ſtill the Vidame's Solicitor againſt Berthelier, and ſaw himſelf ſo ill requited for his Services. The good Citizens were grieved, but durſt not [Page] ſhew their indignation, contenting themſelves only with the Renovation of the Propoſitions made them by the Burgers of Fribourg.

The Council of the City,Deputies ſent to the Duke. as likewiſe that of the Biſhop, being met together to conſult of the means to appeaſe the Princes, whoſe diſpleaſure they feared, deputed the Vidame Aymé Conſilii, Michael Nergaz, and Francis Talichet, all three of the Dukes Faction, to ſhew the Prince in all Humility, that the City was very much amazed that they had thus uſed Two of their Citizens, and that the generality of the City had given them no occaſion of offence, but if any particular Perſon had, they might have had him puniſhed at Geneva: and therefore deſired them to declare who had offended them, and if they were in fault they ſhould be obliged to a ſpeedy reparation. They departed then to find the Duke, who openly gave them but ſlender welcome, but privately conſulted with them as Friends, treating them with the greateſt reſpect. He ſent them to Pignerol towards the Biſhop, who gave them as kind entertainment; at length he made a Speech to them in publick to this effect: That he was very ſenſible there were ſeveral good People at Geneva, from whom they had received faithful Service, and which they ſhould be ready at all times to acknowledge; but that there were alſo ſeveral Mutinous and Seditious Perſons, guilty of the higheſt Crimes, even of Conſpiring the Death of their Prince, of whoſe number were theſe two who had been made Examples: that there were ſome in the Town, who to avoid the puniſhment due to their Crimes, endeavoured to perſwade the People to make an Alliance with Fribourg; which would not only tend to the Princes diſadvantage, but to the City's it ſelf, which would loſe by this means the Cuſtoms which were paid for the Carriage of Merchandizes into Fribourg. That if the Cities did embrance this offer, they would certainly moſt ſeverely puniſh the Authors of it; in which if the body if the Town would aſſiſt them, they ſhould reſpect them for good and faithful Subjects: adding, they deſired that the Principals, who were Berthelier and Ten or Twelve others, ſhould be puniſhed with the greateſt ſeverity.

The Deputies, who had themſelves dictated this Anſwer, deſired it ſhould be committed to Writing, being directed to the Council. To which the Princes conſented,Deputies preſent the Dukes Letter to the Council. on condition they would not deliver it to them till they were ſworn to execute what it contained. They at their return offered it to the leſſer Council; the greateſt part of which liked not the condition, ſaying, There might be perhaps ſomething which reſpected the publick Intereſt, and therefore they could reſolve of nothing without the general Council, which was aſſembled the next Morning, where the Deputies appearing, related they had no other Anſwer than that which was contained in the Letter, and that they had in charge not to open it but upon the fore-mentioned condition. The People would not agree to the Propoſal touching the Oath, but determined to ſend back again the Letter whence it came. Nergaz then tells them, Gentlemen, ſay he, The Duke of Savoy hath declared, That if his Letter be not read, and the Contents obſerved, no Genevoiſe ſhall enjoy his Poſſeſſions in ſafety. The People inraged [Page] at this cried to the Deputies, Have you ſtaid five or ſix weeks on the other ſide the Mounts, making your ſelves merry at our coſt to bring us this news? To the Rhoſne, to the Rhoſne, with ſuch Traitors; and it wanted but little but they had been ſacrificed to the popular fury, but for fear of the Princes the Council appeaſed them: they returned the Letter to the Deputies, after they had ſeverely reproached them with it, bidding them do what they would with it, for it ſhould not be read on the condition offered.

This advanced not a little the deſign of the Alliance with Fribourg, it being the only private and publick diſcourſe of the Town,Beſancon Hugues together with ſome others make an Alliwith the Fribourgers. but all would not conſent to it; ſo that Beſançon Huges one of the Syndicks, and ſeveral of the Council approved of it, and had ſeveral meetings about it with thoſe who were men of courage and reſolution. They concluded that if a general Alliance could not be effected, there ſhould be a particular one made in behalf of thoſe who had ſubſcribed to the number of three hundred, with charge to the Deputies, to confer abut it with thoſe Fribourgers on whom Berthelier had prevailed, which was done not without oppoſition from them who were Penſioners to the Duke, for he had ſuch as well in Fribourg as Geneva. The Deputies had this anſwer both from the great and leſſer Councils: that if the City, or at leaſt the greateſt part of it would make ſuch a contract, it ſhould be accepted on reaſonable terms, provided no foreign claim hindred them, eſpecially that of the Duke of Savoy; for if Geneva was ſubject to him, this could not be done without violating the Alliance with him; they then would be ready to conſent to this Alliance or Burgerſhip, and from that time would protect them as their own Citizens. The Deputies returned with an Expreſs from Fribourg, to make relation of their negotiation; ſome accepted it, others refuſed it; ſo that this heated them one againſt another, notwithſtanding the remonſtrances made them by the Deputy of Fribourg. There were continually ſeen Aſſemblies of both parties, which day and night circuiting about the Town, made ſongs of one another, with mutual gibes and reproaches.

Thoſe on the Dukes ſide termed them who had accepted the Burgerſhip Eignots, Eignots or Huguenots whence derive [...] meaning Eidgnoſſen: which they counted not injurious but rather honourable, this being a Dutch word ſignifying Allyed by an Oath, it being the ſame the firſt Switzers made uſe of when they mutually aſſiſted one another againſt the Tyrannical uſurpations of the gentrv of their Country, and from hence hath ſprung the word Huguenots, of which there hath been ſuch different and ridiculous Etymologies: for ſome affirm that this term Huguenot came from the two firſt words which were delivered in an Harangue of ſome deputed Switzers to the French King, beginning thus, Huc nos venimus. Others imagine it is derived from a certain Gate called Hugon, in I know not what City, near the which Gate they held the firſt Synod; the learned Monſieur Peteau, found out another original derivation, as I have read in the Memoires of M. de Pieresk. He tells us then that at Tours or Amboisé, where as is pretended this name firſt began to be uſed, the people have a tradition of I know not what kind of ſpirit who ran in the night about the ſtreets, whom they called Frier Bourru, and afterward King Hugues Ghoſt. It is well known [Page] the Proteſtants at firſt went only to hear Sermons by night, not daring to aſſemble in the day, and for that reaſon were called Huguenots, which is as much as to ſay Spirits; people who appeared only in the night like King Hugue's Ghoſt: but the true Etymology is that which we have already given; they who underſtand not the Dutch Language differently pronounce it. The Boys of the Town ran about the ſtreets hollowing, Long live the Eignots. The note of diſtinction was a Croſs marked on their Doublet. They called the Dukes party Mammeluſſes by the name of thoſe Souldiers who were the Soudan of Egypt's ſlaves, who having been Chriſtians had renounced their Chriſtianity, and abjured the liberty of their Country to joyn with Tyrants; deſigning by this name to accuſe them of the Dukes faction of the ſame baſeneſs, and from hence hath ſprung the Original of theſe factions which laſted ſeveral years. Theſe Eidgnots aſſembled in the night, took upon them to watch the City, and feaſted one another.

Which the Princes underſtanding ſent Embaſſadors to Fribourg to make their complaints,The Princes complain againſt the Burgerſhip. ſaying, they perverted their Subjects contrary to the ancient Alliances, in admitting them Citizens, entreating the Magiſtrates to deſiſt; to which they anſwered, that they had not done any thing to the prejudice of their former agreements with them in treating with Geneva, for as to what concerned the Biſhop, they had no Alliance with him, and conſequently might contract with the Citizens, who although they acknowledged him their Prince, yet did not that hinder them from being free and at their own diſpoſal, he having accepted them upon this, and not any other condition; yet would they do him no wrong, for if he could prove them of Geneva to be others than what they termed themſelves, the Alliance ſhould be void; that they were ſo far from diminiſhing his Eccleſiaſtical Authority, that they were rather on the contrary for maintaining of it to the utmoſt of their power, and as to the Duke of Savoy, they would make a reſerve in what concerned his Rights in the Treaty, and that if he could make it appear the City was ſubject to him, they would proceed no farther. And laſtly, if both of them had found themſelves aggrieved, they were content to ſtand to the judgment which ſhould be given, and not to act contrary to their Alliance.

The Deputies from Savoy not ſatisfied with this came to Geneva, where by flattery and threatnings they required there ſhould be no farther contracting of Burgerſhip, and after all their endeavours perceiving they could not obtain their deſign, they complained againſt the Fribourgers in the general Aſſembly of the Conſedrate Cantons, declaring the wrong which was done the Duke of Savoy in admitting them of Geneva into the Burgerſhip of their City, ſeeing they were his ſubjects; which was contrary to former Treaties: for ſuppoſing the Genevoiſes were not his ſubjects, yet were they comprehended under the title of Hinderſaſſen, which is as much as to ſay, inhabitants of their own Country, which the Treaties of Alliance forbad to change into Burgerſhip. The Deputies of Geneva anſwered that their City had never been ſubject to the Duke or any of his Predeceſſors; that by this word Hinderſaſſen, was not ſo much meant a City ſurrounded [Page] by his Countrys, as ſtrangers ſetled in his Dominions; that it was rather the Duke who dwelt with them, ſeeing the Country he held about Geneva had heretofore belonged to the Biſhop, of whom the Dukes held it, for the confirmation of which they produced their Titles. Theſe conteſts and proceedings held a long time before the War broke out.

The Abbot of Beaumont, and Francis Bonnivard Prior of S. Victor, young Citizens, were zealous for the liberty of their Country; they together with ſeveral others ſent to Fribourg, to requeſt the priviledge of Burgerſhip; which was granted them upon condition the general Council of Geneva conſented to it, which was ſworn to by the greater number of ſuffrages which carried it.

In the mean time the Duke and Biſhop united in their intereſt,May 7. gave Commiſſion dated at Montcallier, to the Sieur de Salleneufve, a man expert in buſineſs, to be their temporal Deputy in Geneva, but the Citizens refuſed him, alledging it to be a new and unheard of thing to ſend them a Governor, ſeeing they never had any before but their Biſhop.

Berthelier had ſtill ſollicited for a definitive judgement of his Caſe,1519. Feb. 24. which had been ſuſpended by the Biſhops command;Berthelier acquitted by the City. but after the Alliance made with Fribourg, he was no more fear'd, the City declaring ſhe would reaſſume her liberty; and that it belonged to the Syndicks, and not to the Biſhop, to try Berthelier. He was judged in the preſence of the Vidame, and a definitive ſentence pronounced in theſe Terms. That as to what concerned the Crime of High Treaſon, having examined the proofs, they were found invalid, and therefore they acquitted him; declaring him innocent of this crime: but touching the exceſſes he had committed, ſuch as Aſſaults and Batteries; they had Fined him according to the tenour of the Statute in that caſe provided.

Some days after Duke Charles the third, fearing leſt the Proſecutions which he had began againſt the Genevoiſes before the Cantons, ſhould turn to his prejudice, and that inſtead of acknowledging him for their Prince,The Duke raiſes an Army. they ſhould pretend he was their Vaſſal, he determined to deal with them after a more violent manner. He raiſed then ſecretly an Army beyond the mountains, that the Fribourgers might take no notice of it, and the better to conceal his deſign he ſent the Preſident Lambert to the Cantons, deſiring the buſineſs might be friendlily ended. The Genevoiſes having gotten intimation of the deſign, diſpatched Beſancon Hugues, and John Malbuiſſon to Fribourg; but Lambert entertained the Fribourgers with ſuch fair ſpeeches, that they knew not whom to credit; he endeavoured alſo to perſwade Beſancon Huges who was his kinſman, that his Maſter had no ill intention; which cauſed Hugues to be ſuſpected of corrupt dealings. In the mean time the Duke had gathered an Army of ſix or ſeven thouſand men at S. Julien, before the Fribourgers could be perſwaded to believe any ſuch thing.

He ſent immediately an Herald to the Syndicks called Chablais, An Herald ſent to Geneva. who required that the Council ſhould be aſſembled, which being done, he was introduced. He had on his left arm, a Coat of Arms, and a wand in his right hand, and entered after this manner without diſcovering [Page] himſelf, or ſo much as ſaluting the Council, he was requeſted to ſeat himſelf by the Syndicks, and make known his Meſſage, which he thrice refuſed; but at length he ſat down not by the Syndicks, but in a ſeat above them, and ſpake to them as follows: Let it not ſeem ſtrange to you, O ye Lords, Syndicks and Council of Geneva, if I would not ſit down at your command, and that I do it now of my own accord, for this is the reaſon; I am come here from the part of my moſt dread Prince, yours and my Lord and Maſter, the Duke of Savoy, whom it belongeth not to you to bid ſit down, but to him to ſit where and when he ſhall think fitting, above you, as your Soveraign Prince and Lord, and as repreſenting his Perſon I have done. So from my ſeat I make known to you my Meſſage, which is, That he biddeth and commandeth you to make ready his Lodgings in the State-houſe, with that ſplendor and magnificence which becometh a Prince of his quality; likewiſe that you furniſh him and his company with victuals, which are about ten thouſand footmen, beſides horſe: for he deſigns to come in this equipage to do Juſtice: Which ſpoken, he was deſired to withdraw, till they had conſulted on the anſwer to be returned him, which he did, and awhile after he was recalled, and anſwer made him in theſe words.

We are equally ſurprized, Seigneur Chablais, at what you ſay and do: when we offered you a ſeat, you refuſed it, and after your refuſal have taken it of your own accord, ſaying, you did it as repreſenting the perſon of Monſieur the Duke of Savoy your Prince and ours: That he is your Prince we believe, but not ours; for although we reckon our ſelves his humble ſervants, yet are we not his Subjects or Vaſſals, nor do we underſtand upon what ground it is pretended: yea, we are willing to believe that he is a more dutiful Son to his mother our holy Church, to whom we have ſubmitted our ſelves, than to uſurp her juriſdiction; ſo that it belongeth neither to him, nor to you repreſenting him, to ſit where you do. As to that part of your Meſſage whereby you command us to prepare his Lodgins in the Town-houſe, and not only Lodging for him, but for ten thouſand foot, beſides horſemen, adding that he will come hither to do Juſtice: truly we underſtand not the meaning of it, for he did not uſe to lodge in the Town-houſe, much leſs with ſuch a kind of attendance; and if his coming be as you ſay to do Juſtice, there is no need of ſo great multitude. For it belongeth not to him to do it here, but to the Biſhop, Syndicks and Council, according to the Cuſtoms and Priviledges which he hath ſworn to obſerve; and if there be any one amongſt us who hath done him or any perſon elſe any wrong, we are ready to do him all the right he can deſire; but our Kitchin is not large enough to entertain all his Company, yet if be pleaſes to come with his uſual train, nay were there five hundred men more than ordinary, he ſhould as heretofore be welcome, and chuſe what Lodgings beſt pleaſe him, except our Town-houſe, which we cannot ſpare; he ſhall be entertained if not according to his merit, yet according to the beſt of his power.

Which Diſcourſe ended, the Herald replied, Gentlemen, you will not then great my Lord his requeſt, nor obey his commands. No, ſaid they. Whereupon he put on his Coat of Arms, and told them from himſelf, I declare you to be Rebels to your Prince with fire and ſword, and for a proof of this, I throw before you this Wand, let him that dares take it up. Which ſaying, he threw it in the middle of the Hall, and went his way. He had no ſooner departed, but twelve Gentlemen booted and ſpurred, [Page] who came on the ſame errand, entred into the Council Chamber, and ſpake thus to them, Syndicks and Council of Geneva, reſolve to obey my Lord, otherwiſe you will have cauſe to repent. Which they had no ſooner ſaid but they ſet ſpurrs to their horſes and departed.

The Syndicks and Council ſhewed to the people what had hapned, at which they were much amazed; yet the greateſt part conſidering, either they muſt be ſlaves or loſe their lives, generouſly choſe the latter, reſolving to ſell their lives at a dear rate. The Syndicks commanded them to Arm themſelves, conſtraining the Dukes faction to do the like; the Gates were ſhut, the Chains extended, and Sentinels placed. The Duke having received his anſwer by the Herald, drew near to Geneva, coming to Gaillard with all his Army, which encreaſed by the addition of thoſe of Chablais and Focigny; he blocked up the paſſages leſt any thing ſhould be carried in or out of the City.

Yet the Genevoiſes ventured to ſend a Meſſenger to Fribourg to give them notice of their condition; but he was taken at Verſoy, and led to Gex, where he under went the Strappado, to make him give an account of the ſtate Geneva. A Merchant named Marmet returning out of Germany had the ſame uſage.

The Biſhops Officers and Chanons would needs make tryal what they could do to keep off this tempeſt which threatned the Town, ſaying,The Fribourgers ſend an Herald to the Duke. they would go to the Duke to try whether they could appeaſe him. The Gates were opened then, and they were accompanied with ſeveral Citizens of the Duke factions. In the mean time the Fribourgers finding the paſſages to Geneva blocked up, preſumed they underſtood the Dukes deſign, and therefore ſent in haſt to him Frederick Marty with an Herald, to know his pretenſions; for if he injured Geneva either in general or particular, they would reſent it. Marty arrived at Geneva, and was much aſtoniſhed to find affairs in ſuch a poſture, his coming bringing along with it ſmall conſolation, they having more need of Soldiers than Deputies. He comforted them the beſt he could, departing immediately to expoſe his charge to the Duke. A Deputy from Zurich who was going into France, The Dukes anſwer to the Deputies. accompanied him; and both addreſſed themſelves to the Duke, who was then at Gallard upon the point of terminating the buſineſs with the Chanons. He at firſt entertained them but ſlightly, and gave Marty ſome contemptible terms; at length by the advice of his Council, he anſwered that he had determined to enter into Geneva, not to injure the Town or any particular perſon of it; but to aſſiſt it to the utmoſt of his power: that having been informed of their diſſentions, he very much feared their ruin, in whoſe deſtruction, his Country muſt bear a part: for this cauſe he deſigned to come into the City to make them agree by fair means, or otherwiſe by force: that his Cannon lay ready againſt the City in caſe of reſiſtance; which indeed was falſe, he having not one piece throughout his whole Army bigger than an ordinary Musket; and that they would do well to perſwade the Syndicks to come to a parly with him, that ſo they might appeaſe theſe quarrels without further tumult, and for this purpoſe there ſhould be no act of hoſtility offered during that night. The Deputy returned to Geneva with this anſwer, which he imparted [Page] by his Herald whom he ſent poſt to Fribourg to his Maſters, ſending after him a footman, to the end that if one failed, the other might paſs. In the mean time they promiſed themſelves ſecurity for that night upon Marty's mediation with the Duke, but the Earl of Genevois the Dukes brother, marched up as far as S. Anthony's Gate, whic [...] alarm'd the City, and a lighted Torch was ſeen on the Pinacle of the Steeple which ſome of the Dukes party had ſet there for a Signal. All the Citizens put themſelves in Arms, but they were ſo little experienced in Martial affairs, that every one forſook the place he was poſted in, to run where the alarm was given, as if they enemy could enter no where elſe.

Whilſt theſe things were doing, there was heard three dreadful claps of Thunder, the laſt of which fell on the Dukes houſe at Gaillard, and was ſo extraordinary, that it aſtoniſhed both parties, who attributed to it ſome bad preſage.

The Genevoiſes conſulted with the Deputy of Fribourg, whether they ſhould give the Duke entrance, to which he anſwered, The Duke your Enemy is with his Army and Artillery at your Gates, and my Superiors your friends will not ſee you wronged; but I know not whether they can come timely enough: at the hearing of which they all threw down their Arms, as if the City had been already taken. The Syndicks with the Deputy went the next morning to the Duke at Gaillard, and agreed he ſhould enter into Geneva with his Train, and five hundred men for his Guard, promiſing to hurt no body: which being concluded, all the Gates were opened, and the Chains taken down; the Duke declaring there ſhould enter with him but five hundred men,The Duke enters with his Army into Geneva. and that he would make no long ſtay there. But the Earl his brother entred firſt through S. Anthony's Gate, armed from head to foot well mounted, and after him ſeveral Companies of Foot; he cauſed the Gate to be thrown down, that the Duke might paſs over it as in triumph. The Duke entered likewiſe armed at all points, but his head; his Page James de Vatteville, who was afterwards made Avoyer of Berne, March 6. carried his headpiece.

The Prior of S. Victor not truſting to the Dukes promiſe, got immediately out of the City, but at Vaud he fell into the hands of two falſe friends Francis Champion, Sieur of Vanbrun, whom he truſted as a brother; and a Monk named Briſſet, Abbot of Montheron, who carried him to Eſchallans, which was ſubject to the two Cities of Berne and Fribourg, and delivered him to the Duke, who cauſed him to be tranſported to Gex, Victor impriſoned. and from thence to Groleé, where he kept him two years priſoner.

The Duke then being entred Geneva, brought in not only thoſe he mentioned, but his whole Army. The Earl of Genevois took up his quarters in the Town-houſe, and at two of the Clock in the night he commanded them to deliver him the Keys of the Gates, their Artillery and other Ammunition; in this Conſternation he was refuſed nothing. He quartered his men in this manner, Montrotier with his Company of Focigny at S. Gervais; them of the Country of Vaud, from S. Leger as far as our Lady of Grace. Monſieur de Coudrees Troop, which was raiſed at Chablais, at our Lady Du Pont, as far as Molard. Them of Savoy and Genevois lay in the ſuburb of Four, and the Nobility [Page] from the Molard to the Rive. Theſe Soldiers being ill diſciplin'd committed a thouſand inſolencies in the City, being not content to drink the Wine without paying for it, but ſet it a running about the Cellars, cut the Beds and ſcattered the feathers in the air: and yet were bu [...]neer cowards; for to try them the Earl cauſed a falſe alarm to be given, which made theſe paltry Raſcals hide themſelves up and down in holes. Montrotier cauſed the Chain poſts to be taken up, and to be carried to the Dukes quarters, who to compleat the Citizens mortification, cauſed to be proclaimed in the chief parts of the City, the next morning after his arrival, Our Sovereign Lord the Duke of Savoy, gives notice that no perſon of ye ſhall dare to bear any Arms either offenſive or defenſive under pain of undergoing the Strapado; and further let what will happen, no perſon ſhall dare to appear in the ſtreets, or put his head out of the window, becauſe my Lord will do Juſtice.

They who were not in favor kept themſelves cloſe; ſome there were who would needs brave it, and wear their Swords contrary to the Dukes order, but were forced to undergo the penalty, there being no remedy but patience. The Deputies from Geneva at the ſame time were urgent with the Fribourgers to aſſiſt them;The Fribourgers ſend aſſiſtance to Geneva. they granted them one company, which was very inconſiderable in reſpect of their need: but the flower of the youth of Fribourg, having liſted themſelves for this expedition, their number encreaſed where ever they paſſed, ſome of the Dukes Subjects joyning themſelves to them; ſo that they immediately grew to the number of ſix or ſeven thouſand men, making themſelves other colours, and advanced as far as Geneva, without doing any other hurt than victualling on free coſt. Being come into the Country of Vaud, they apprehended the Governour the Sieur of Lulins, and having notice that the Duke was in Geneva, they bad him ſend his Maſter word, that whatſoever hurt ſhould be done their fellow Citizens, ſhould be returned them again. They carried him along with them, and entred in Morges without the leaſt reſiſtance, the inhabitants of which were fled, and had traverſed the Lake. They encamped there, and Lulins advertiſed his Highneſs what had paſſed; this was on the day after this Proclamation had been made. The Duke judging he muſt change his note, cauſed it to be publiſhed that no Genevois ſhould be moleſted either in his perſon or eſtate upon pain of death and ſent Maylian Captain of the horſe to keep the paſſage of Nyons. He likewiſe ſent for the Deputy of Fribourg, The Dukes Proclamation. and told him,The Deputies anſwer to the Duke. ſaying, Mr. Deputy, I deſire you would endeavor to paciſie matters; The Deputies anſwer to the Duke. you ſee I have not injured anybody, and give you my word not to do it hereafter. Go you with my Deputies to the Camp, and let them ſafely return. The Deputy who remembred the entertainment the Duke gave him at Gaillard, anſwered him, Sir, do you believe ſuch a man as I can do this? and continuing his jargon of Fribourg, Alas Sir, ſays he, would you have me go to my Lords and Superiors to carry your Meſſage, pray employ your own ſervants to carry your jokes, for my part I will not do it, you have not kept your promiſe with men or my Superiors, no more will you now. In ſhort he refuſed.

The Duke ſeeing this, left him, yet ſent his Deputies, who in a ſhort time arrived at Morges, and demanded of the Captains wherefore they came in a hoſtile manner into the Dukes Country; to [Page] which they returned the ſame anſwer, why they had entred Geneva, their confederate City, in Arms. Which when the Duke had heard, he commanded his Deputies to go to the other Cantons, to intreat them to ſend to the Fribourgers to retire.

The Duke Army all the while lay upon the Genevoiſes, and that of Fribourg at Morges, and in the reſt of the Country of Vaud, which was ſubject to the Duke. 'Twas in the time of Lent: and becauſe all Proviſion was ſcarce but Herrings, ſome termed this Campagne, The War of Herrings.

The Duke aſſembled at Genevat he General Council, and demanded two things: Firſt that they ſhould renounce the Bourgerſhip of Fribourg, and f [...]nd into the Camp as from the body of the Town, to aſſure them that neither the Duke, nor any of his Men, had committed any outrage, to occaſion their coming in ſo Hoſtile a manner. That Hogues and Malbuiſſon had not been ſent by them as publick Deputies, but that they went of their own Authority without the Councils leave. All which was granted him, becauſe they dared not do otherwiſe, and they ſent whom he was pleaſed to nominate. But when they came to Morges, the Fribourgers and the other Cantons gave no credit to them, becauſe the former Deputies had ſhewed them the contrary.Articles between the Duke and Fribourgers. Yet the buſineſs was ſo throughly proſecuted, that an agreement was concluded on theſe following conditions: Firſt, Becauſe the Fribourgers required 15000 Crowns to defray their Expences in coming, they ſhould have 4000 paid them in hand, and ſhould return without hurting the Country, only Victualling as they paſſed on free coſt. Secondly, That the Duke on his part ſhould draw out his Army from Geneva, without damnifying the City either in general or particular, leaving it in full poſſeſſion of its former priviledges; and concerning other differences, they ſhould be decided as heretofore. The difficulty lay in providing the 4000 Crowns, for the Duke would not pay them nor the Genevoiſes: but the Prince having called the General Council, they were forced to engage for the payment of 2000 of them, and for the other half the Earl of Genevoiſe delivered his Plate to the Fribourgers, upon condition the Genevoiſes would redeem it the next S. James's and S. Chriſtopher's day. So the two Armies withdrew, but the Duke ſtaid behind at Geneva, till the Plague, which ſwept away ſeveral of the People, obliged him to retire to Thonon; and immediately after Hugues and Malbuiſſon returned to Geneva, The Duke ſends for Hugues and Malbuiſſon. believing themſelves ſecure; yet the Duke ſent for them to Thonon, by the Vidame Conſilii, whom that he might the more eaſily perſwade to go along with him, he brought them a Letter of Safe conduct. They knowing the Dukes temper, would not carry his Letter with them, but left it with Hugues's Wife, enjoyning her, if ſhe heard they were detained, to ſend it ſpeedily to Fribourg. They went then with the Vidame, who believed he had them ſafe enough, and that they might eaſily be diſpatched when their Letter of Safe-conduct was taken away from them. They had ſcarcely gotten half a mile from the City, but he asked them whether they had it not about them? They anſwered him, they had not; at which the Vidame falling into a paſſion replied, [Page] Wretches, as you are, wherefore have you ſet out then? How dare ye appear without it before my Lord, who ye know is enraged againſt you? and if any miſhap ſhould befal you, you would not receieve more hurt than I ſhould diſhonour. Return and fetch it then, otherwiſe I will not go along with you. Truly, Mr. Vidame (replied they) we can go no where to fetch it, but at Fribourg where we have ſent it as ſoon as we received it, to the end if your Lord ſhould miſuſe us, he ſhould have in requital at leaſt ſome trouble for violating his Faith. But if you are for returning to Geneva, with all our hearts, for we had rather be with our Wives and Children than to go turn Courtiers. To which the Vidame replied, Well if it be ſo, we had as good continue our journey; my Lord hath paſſed his word, which is of more value than a Letter. They kept on then their way, and being arrived at Thonon, the firſt word the Duke gave them was, Whether they had the Letter of Safe-conduct? but was vexed when he heard them anſwer no. He committed them to the keeping of the Provoſt of his Houſhold, forbidding them to be ſuffered to ſpeak to any body but in preſence of the Guards. The Provoſt led them to his Houſe, ſounding them about the ſecret concerns of the Town, where in the way they were followed by the clamors of the rabble, who cried out they ſhould be thrown into the River.

The Duke ſeeing all his endeavours could not obtain from them their Safe conduct, diſmiſſed them, having firſt made them ſwear on the Altar of S. Hippolyte, Patron of the place, not to think any more on the Burgerſhip of Fribourg, nor to do any thing againſt his Authority, nor to concern themſelves in affairs of the State, without his conſent: and moreover made them to do him great ſubmiſſions. A while after he ſent to the Council of Geneva, that they ſhould borrow mony in Switzerland to redeem his Brothers Plate. The City ſent in effect Secretary Porral, who had been a Syndick, and gave him Monathon for his guide, with the City Seal, to ſign the Obligation. But paſſing through the Country of Vaud, this Secretary was taken and carried to Thonon, and being examined where the Letters lay relating to the Burgerſhip of Fribourg, the Secretary through fear revealed it; upon which the Duke ſent immediately to Geneva, to demand them. Anſwer was returned him, They dared not enter in the Town-houſe, becauſe a Servant-maid had lately died of the Plague there. But being not ſatisfied with this anſwer, he reiterated his demand, that notwithſtanding he would have them, ſo that they were forced to obey him. This done he releaſed Porral, and ſuffered him to continue on his Journy with Monathon. They met with mony upon intereſt at Berne and Lucerne to redeem the Earls Plate.

In May there was a general meeting of the Cantons at Zurich, 1519. where the Duke and Deputies of Geneva promiſed to ſtand by their deciſion;May. which was as follow: That the Duke henceforward ſhould not attempt any thing againſt the Biſhop and Cities Juriſdiction. That the Burgerſhip of Fribourg and Geneva ſhould be ſuſpended, neither party making any uſe of it; and that the Fribourgers ſhould reſt ſatisfied with the 4000 Crowns received for their aſſiſtance, for they claimed more. This ſecond Peace was [Page] thus concluded betwixt the Duke and two Cities, and laſted Six years with much ado. The Eidgnots and Mammeluſſes began to be reconciled, and feaſted one another, making Alliances by Marriage, and forgetting ancient differeces.

The Duke conſidering Berthelier as a perſon who ever withſtood his Intereſt in Geneva, Auguſt. reſolved to leave no means untried to be rid of him: but being deſirous not to appear in it himſelf, he would therefore make uſe of the Biſhops name, who was wholly at his ſervice.Berthelier apprehended, by the Duke. To which end he ſent ſeveral of his Subjects from Focigny to Geneva, who joyning with the Mammeluſſes, lodged at the Eidgnots, and made almoſt as much diſorder as the Army had done heretofore. All which had no other end but to take Berthelier. He was ſenſible of it, every one giving him warning; yet he valued it not, declaring he was ſo far from fearing Death, as he rather deſired it, as a Haven of reſt after all his troubles. He had a Garden out of Town, where he went every day to walk, carrying along with him a Squirrel in his Boſom, with which he was wont to recreate himſelf. Three days after the arrival of them of Forigny, the Vidame Conſilii, with his attendants, had gotten before him in expectation of his coming. Berthelier ſaw him making towards him, and not being at all daunted at it, kept on his way. The Vidame laid hold on him in the Biſhops name, according as he was ordered, and took away his Sword. Berthelier boldly bid him keep it well; for ſaid he, You ſhall give an account of it. He was carried to the Iſle, no body interpoſing, and had Guards aſſigned him: whereas he to ſhew how little he was concerned, commonly diverted himſelf with his Squirrel. They adviſed him to beg my Lords pardon. What Lord? ſaid he. The Duke of Savoy, replied they, our Prince and yours. He is not my Prince, anſwered he, and if he were, I would not ask Pardon, being innocent. It belongeth to Malefactors to beg Pardon, not to honeſt Men. You muſt die then, ſaid they to him ſeveral times; but he, without anſwering them, wrote on the Priſon-wall: Non moriar, ſed vivam & narrabo opera Domini. That is, I ſhall not die, but live and declare the Works of the Lord.

The firſt day of his Impriſonment there were ſent to examine him, not the Syndicks, but a Provoſt made in haſte, who had been heretofore a Tooth drawer, called John des Bois; (An honeſt Man would not have accepted a Commiſſion of that nature.) who gave him notice, that he was commanded by the Prince to examine him, and to require his Oath. Berthelier boldly replied, When the Syndicks, who are my Judges, ſhall queſtion me, I will anſwer them, but not thee, who haſt nothing to do in the matter. The Provoſt ſummoned him to deliver his anſwer the next Morning, and ſent Poſte to the Princes to advertize them of the proceedings. The next Morning the ſaid Provoſt, accompanied with them of Focigny, marched in Battle-array, carrying along with them a Confeſſor and an Executioner, to the Priſon, wherein was Berthelier, where his company drew up the Bridge. The Provoſt commanded him again to make his anſwer. Whereto he replied, He would not. The Provoſt added, Then I command you on penalty [Page] of loſing your head; and Berthelier anſwering as before, he pronounced this Sentence againſt him: Seeing then, Philbert Berthelier, that is in this, ſo in other matters, thou haſt always ſhewed thy ſelf rebellious againſt mine and thy dread Soveraign, having been guilty of the Crime of High Treaſon, and ſeveral other matters worthy of death, according to the Tenor of thy Indictment and Accuſation: We therefore Sentence thee to have thy Head cut off, and thy Body to be hanged on the Gibbet of Champel, and thy Head to be ſet upon a Spike, and faſtned upon a Gallows near the River of Arve. Which Sentence thus pronounced,Auguſt 5. he offered him the Confeſſor, with whom he had not much diſcourſe. Afterwards he was delivered to the Executioner, who led him out of the Caſtle, in a place betwixt the Tower and Bridge; where, having made a ſhort Prayer, he would have made a Speech to the Citizens before he died; but the Provoſt would not ſuffer him, bidding the Executioner, Diſpatch, and do his Office. The Hangman cauſed him to kneel down, which Berthelier having done,Berthelier Executed. he cried out, Ah! Gentlemen of Geneva; which he had ſcarcely ſaid before his Head dropped on the Ground. which done, the Executioner put his Body in a Hearſe, on which he got up, holding in his Hand Berthelier's Head, and crying out to the People, Behold the Head of the Traitor Berthelier, take all of you example by him. Beſides the Soldiers, who were ſtrangers, there were ſome of the Town who followed the Hearſe, and made a mock at their own evils: but good People kept within doors. The Head was ſet up near the Heads of Navis and Viterman, and ſome years after it was taken down and buried in Holy Ground by ſome Soldiers from Fribourg who paſſed by that way. There have been ſome, who conſidering the Heroical conſtancy of Berthelier, and the tyranny of his Judges, have given him this Epitaph:

Quid mihi mors nocuit? virtus poſt fata vireſcit.

Nec cruce, nec ſaevigladio perit illa Tyranni.

How can death hurt? ſince virtue death ſurvives,

And Tyranny of Gibbets, Swords, or Knives.

His death affrighted them of Geneva, who did not then dare to deny the Duke and Biſhop any thing; but it enraged the Fribourgers, who had a great deſire to revenge it. Yet they thought it not convenient to raiſe an Army every time the Duke gave them cauſe of offence, they made their complaints to the Cantons, and demanded their Pay due to them for the former Levies, and that he ſhould give them ſatisfaction for Berthelier's death. The Duke acquitted himſelf from this Article, laying the blame on the Biſhop, aſſuring them he did it unknown to him; and as to the payment, he denied that he was obliged to it, ſeeing the War had been unjuſt, referring them to the Genevoiſes, and demanding on his ſide reparation for the Damages done in his Country of Vaud. This ſet the Genevoiſes in an uproar, and the Princes took the advantage of their Diſſentions to ruine the Eidgnots party, and bring their own in credit. They required the Council to be aſſembled, [Page] and cauſed Euſtache Chappuis the Biſhops Chancellor, who was afterwards ſent Deputy into England, to ſhew the people that the Election of Syndicks for that year had not been duly made, by the violence of ſome, who preferred their own private intereſt before the publick, and who had brought into the general Council perſons excluded by the Statutes and ancient Cuſtoms, it belonging to none to ſit there but thoſe who were of principal Families: that they did this to have perſons of their own Faction, which tended to nothing but to foment Rebellion: that the people for this effect had made an Alliance with Fribourg, which had put the Biſhop their Prince upon calling in the Duke of Savoy his Couſin to his aſſiſtance, who had ſpared neither his eſtate nor his perſon to hinder ſuch a bad effect, which would not only fall on his Countries, but likewiſe the City it ſelf, as hath been found already by experience; ſeeing the Fribourgers demanded yet great ſumms of mony, which could not be raiſed without impoverſhing the City. The Duke endeavoured to hinder them from paying the mony, and withal ſhewed them there could be no good correſpondence between him and them, whilſt they were governed by the Authors of this Alliance; and concluded, deſiring the people to declare the ſaid Syndicks not duly elected, and to put others leſs ſuſpected in their places.

The people deſirous of Peace,Syndicks put by their Office. and that the mony ſhould be paid, eaſily embraced this propoſal. The Syndicks were diſcharged of their Office, after a declaration made to ſhew this, diſmiſſion proceeded from no other cauſe but only for want of a due Election, which done they laid down their ſtaves, and others were choſen in their places; they ſubſtituted likewiſe ſome Councellors, who were beſt acceptable to the Princes;Preter Verſonex, Peter Monthyon, Peter de Fernex junior, Will. Daguet. eſpecially them who were for breaking off with Fribourg: They cauſed the general Council to retract that Alliance, and deputed Richardet, and Goulaz, as from the Syndicks, to meet the Cantons aſſembled at Zurich with this inſtruction: Firſt, that they ſhould excuſe the Duke touching the execution of Berthelier, and acquaint them it was done againſt his knowledge, the Biſhop having puniſhed him according to his deſerts, as a Seditious perſon, and as one guilty of the crime of High-Treaſon, the term likewiſe of his Safe-conduct being expired. Secondly, concerning the payment to be made to them of Fribourg; they ſhould require it of them who called them, who were ſince put out of their Office, as Authors of theſe diſturbances. Thirdly, that they ſhould be urgent with the Fribourgers to renounce the Burgerſhip contracted with Geneva.

The Aſſembly being ſat, the Deputies from Fribourg made their complaints, and were anſwered by them of Geneva and Savoy, according to the inſtructions given them.Fribourgers demand ſatisfaction for Bertheliers death. The Fribourgers replied, that whoſoever had put Berthelier to death had done unjuſtly, ſeeing he had been cleared by a definitive ſentence of the Syndicks, who were his lawful judges, and he who had pronounced ſentence againſt him being but a pitiful Tooth-drawer; and that the Princes had broken their promiſe, which they made them before they left Morges, that they would introduce no innovations till this difference was accommodated; that they had reaſon to deſire a re-imburſement of their [Page] charges, they having taken up Arms on juſt grounds, it being to help their fellow Citizens, received into their alliance according to Law, the Duke nor Biſhop having no power to hinder them. They likewiſe maintained that the former Deputies were perſons of worth, neither would they acknowledge theſe latter, whom the people ſay they have choſen by conſtraint. There were ſome replies made by both parties, but the Cantons decreed it after the ſame manner and form as at Morges, to which they were forced to yield, and agree with Savoy. The Duke ever ſince he had married Beatrix the Infanta of Portugal, kept his Court at Geneva, and deſirous to leave a man of Authority for his Lieutenant, he diſplaced Conſilii, and put the Sieur Salaigne in his room, who was of the family of the Beauforts.

In the Year following,1520. before the Election of the Syndicks, on the twelfth day the Chanons were accuſtomed with other Eccleſiaſticks to chuſe one of the Chapter King by a bean with great expence: now it hapned to fall to Marcoſſay's ſhare who was Governour of Pillounay, and being of the Country of Focigny, Marcoſſay's lot to be King. he had brought along with him as King ſeveral of his Countrymen for his Guard; at which the Townſmen who bore them ill will were diſpleaſed, and ſpecially one Matthew of Confignon, Sieur of Marglie, who having been heretofore wounded by one of Bonne whoſe name was Goudard, reſolved then to be revenged; and being accompanied with about a dozen reſolute fellows, ſlid through the preſs, and ſingled out his man, who bore the Standard, ran him through the back for want of armour, and having left him dead on the place, made his eſcape out of the Town through the Halbards. The Duke and Biſhop laid this Murther to the Charge of the Eidgnots though guiltleſs, but they who had done it returned two years after into the City, having obtained their pardon through Confignon's means.

The Biſhop John of Savoy lived not long after theſe troubles,1522. he died in the Abby of Pignerol, before he could arrive to S. Peters years,John of Savoy dies of the Pox. that is to ſay, before he had finiſhed the twenty fifth year of his Office according to Pecolat's prediction; it was thought he was poyſoned, ſearch having been made accordingly: but a ſcandalous Chronicle relates he died of the Venereal diſtemper, which brought him into the Gout, which was accompanied moreover with filthy Ulcers, that left him nothing but skin and bones. It is reported likewiſe that after his deceaſe, his body was found to weigh not above twenty eight pound: before his death he reſigned his Benefices to Peter of Baume, who was of the family of the Earls of Montevel in Breſſe; Regent of the Abby of Sure, and St. Claude, who declared his Predeceſſor died with great remorſe, eſpecially for the diſturbances he had occaſioned in Geneva, which he intended to bring wholly under the Dukes ſubjection.

Soon after him died Conſilii, who a while before had been diſcharged of his Office of Vidame. His death was as tragical as his life infamous, his houſe was the rendezvous of all debauched perſons, his wife ſerving as a Bawd, by which trade ſhe got wherewithall to keep houſe. De Sardet one of the two hundred Gentlemen belonging to the Court of France, and of the Family of the Vitry's, frequented there with a hundred others more: he lodged in the houſe whilſt his mony [Page] laſted, but having conſumed it all in feaſting and extravagant entertainments, Conſilii pretending to be jealous of him, thought by that means to get rid of him; but the Gentleman enraged at his baſeneſs, their quarrel proceeded ſo far that Sardet's Valet meeting one day Conſilii in the open ſtreet, accoſted him with theſe words, 'S Death▪ Mr. Whoreſon, You have made my Maſter beat me, and therefore now I will be revenged of you for it; which ſaid, he ſtruck him into the belly with his knife,Conſilii ſtabbed. and fled out of the City. Conſilii was carried home, and died immediately upon it. The good Gentlewoman his Wife counterfeited great ſorrow, and pretended to be very much incenſed for awhile againſt Sardet, but he made his excuſes to her, and the better to make his peace with her they were married together. Sardet died ſome time after, and ſhe becoming a widow the ſecond time, made uſe of that little beauty ſhe had left her, to draw young men to her houſe, till Old Age finiſhing his ſpoils on her, had wiped out all her charms, and ſhe ended the reſt of her daies in an Hoſpital.

On the twelfth of April in the year following Peter of Baume, 1523. having been choſen Biſhop,Peter of Baume choſen Biſhop. made his entrance, and took the Oath given him by the Syndicks on the Bridge of Arve; the people made great preparations for his reception, but he would have them reſerved for the Dutcheſs who was ſhortly to come there, as indeed ſhe did awhile after with the Duke,Preparations made for the entertainment of the Dutcheſs and were magnificently received. The Youth of the City were ſumptuouſly apparelled in Damask Silk, and in Velvet, and Cloth of Silver, armed each of them with a Half-Pike. But the comelieſt ſight was a Company of Amazons, who were Women richly attired; their Petticoats truſſed up to their knees, carrying a Dart in their right hands; and in their left a Buckler or Shield gilded with ſilver after the manner of the ancient ſhe-Warriers. They were led by a Spaniſh Dame, the wife of Francis of S. Michael Sieur of Avoully, who was to complement the Dutcheſs in her own Language. They bore in their Colours the Effigies of a large handſom Woman the Daughter of an Apothecary called great James, who could flouriſh a Colours with the moſt expert Enſign.

The Dutcheſs had deſired for her welcome to have her lodgings in the Townhouſe, but it was denied her. A rich Merchant offered her his own houſe, which was more ſtately and convenient than it, but ſhe would not accept of it. Their entrance was after this manner: The Dutcheſs was carried from the Bridge of Arve in a triumphant Chariot drawn by four Horſes, which were covered with cloth of gold, ſet with precious ſtones, which dazled the ſight of the beholders. The Duke her Husband followed mounted on a Mule together with the Abbot of Beaumont, and one of his Gentlemen, all three cloathed after the ſame faſhion with gray Clokes and Caps to pull over their necks. The Dutcheſs having paſſed over the Bridge was met by theſe Amazons, whoſe Captain preſented her with a Spaniſh Sonnet full of Elogies, high Encomiums and offers of the Towns ſervice; but ſhe was ſo far from thanking them, that ſhe would not ſo much as caſt her eyes towards them. Afterwards ſhe was met by the young men, who receiv'd as little reſpect from her as the former; at which the [Page] Citizens were diſpleaſed; ſaying they paid her not theſe reſpects out of any ſenſe of duty, but only to teſtify their affection to her as friends. Whereas on the contrary the Dutcheſs who was a Portugais ſhewed ſhe eſteemed them not only as Subjects, but as Slaves, after the Portugais faſhion. There were ſome who were of opinion that they ſhould do well to pull down the Theatres and Scaffolds erected for their divertiſement; ſeeing ſhe ſeemed to take no delight in what they did for her; ſaying further, It were better to employ the mony ſpent on theſe entertainments in fortifying the Town, and keeping them out, than in drawing of them in: After which ſort they wounded themſelves with their own weapons.

Yet they continued to feaſt them, being attended by the whole City with all the ſigns of mirth and jollity. The Dutcheſſes reſervedneſs was excuſed by ſome, ſaying, che eran los coſtumbres de Portugal, that it was the Portugal faſhion. Yet ſhe did make the Ladies a ſumptuous Feaſt, attended with Balls and Maſquerades and Farces, ſo that ſince Philberts time the City had ſeen no ſuch divertiſements. There was likewiſe a Turney kept, in which the Townſmen ſhewed themſelves as expert as the Courtiers: in ſhort this year was ſpent in deviſing how to make the Duke and Dutcheſs welcome, furniſhing both them and their train with proviſion and houſhold ſtuff, as well for delight as neceſſity. It may be truly affirmed, that they were better obeyed and ſerved at Geneva on courteſie, than they would have been at Chambery by obligation.

The year following,1524. the Dutcheſs was delivered of a Son who was baptized at Geneva. He was named Charles, and died awhile after in Spain, before his father could make him as he had vainly promiſed Prince of Geneva; the Dutcheſs paſſionately deſiring ſhe might enjoy with this ſon the Sovereignty of that City: for ſhe uſed to ſay in her own Language, che era muouch buona poſada, that it was a very good place to make an Inn of.

About this time the Emperor and King of France were at variance,Emperor and King of France at variance. and would each of them fain draw the Duke over to their ſide but he kept himſelf Neuter, being the Emperors Brother-in-law and Vaſſal, and the King of France his Uncle. The differences between Luther and the Pope began to break out about this time. The Duke making uſe of this juncture of affairs to fiſh, as we ſay, in troubled waters, and wholly to ſubdue Geneva to himſelf. The Walls and Ramparts were no ways amended; and the Biſhop although well affectioned to the liberties of the Town, and the priviledges of the Church, yet might eaſily be prevailed on, being very amorouſly inclined, and addicted to thoſe pleaſures which ſoften the ſevereſt minds, and ſtifle the moſt commendable virtues; having moreover ſeveral conſiderable Benefices in the Dukes dominions, of which he might be deprived if he oppoſed the Duke. Moreover the Youth of the City were ſo effeminated by Courtly delights, that they were more deſirous of a Licence for their Debaucheries than paſſionate for the Liberties of the City.

The Vidame Salaigne being deceaſed, the Duke had put Verneau in his ſtead, who was cauſed according to ancient Cuſtom to ſwear to be true to the Biſhop; but the Duke pretended, it was to him or [Page] his he ought to do it; the Biſhop made ſome ſmall oppoſition, and appeaſed the Duke the beſt he could. The Duke to pluck this thorn out of his foot, found out a means to ſend the Biſhop into Piedmont in the Emperors ſervice, which he dared not refuſe as belonging to the Emperor. He left his brother S. Sorlin at Geneva to govern in his abſence, who being likewiſe addicted to his pleaſures, left the management of all affairs to the Epiſcopal Council. It was conſulted one day whether the Vidame his appeal ſhould be carried to the Dukes Council or not; the greateſt part of the Councellors were his Subjects born, and leaned to the affirmative; Levrery alone, Judge of exceſſes, ſon of the other Levrery whom we have aforementioned, maintained, the Duke had no Authority in Geneva, and that the Appeal ſhould be brought before the Biſhop: of which the Duke having notice by his Favourites, he ſent for the Epiſcopal Council, who all went except Levrery. Levrery ſent for by the Duke. He made ſeveral complaints, and uſed ſome threats toward them, but they laid all the blame on Levrery, whom he commanded to bring along with them, promiſing he ſhould have no ill uſage; who coming into his preſence, the Duke ſpake thus very huffingly, There are ſome among you who ſay, I am not Lord of Geneva, and no body anſwering, he added, it is one Levrery, is it not? will not he be here? Levrery preſenting himſelf, it was I my Lord, ſaid he, but when I ſaid this, it was in Council, for which I am not to be queſtioned. Get you gone, ſaid the Duke, and make it appear by good ſufficient proofs in three days time, otherwiſe look to your ſelf. Levrery departed the more troubled, by how much the more he ſaw it difficult to produce the City Writings, ſeeing they were in the hands of thoſe who were affectioned to the Duke; ſo that his friends could not better adviſe him than to get out of the way: but he would not take their advice, chuſing rather, as he ſaid, to die in maintaining S. Peters Authority, and the Cities priviledges, as Berthelier had done before him. He remained in the City beyond the time prefixed by the Duke, coming and going as before, which the more enraged his Highneſs, who believed he did it out of contempt: he cauſed him then to be laid hold on by his Bayliff and ſome Gentlemen as he walked out of S. Peters Gate: they brought him to the Duke, who coming out of his Palace, was going to our Lady of Grace's Church to hear Maſs, to the end he might be near the Bridge of Arve, and ſpeedily retire into his own Countrys in caſe the people ſhould attempt his reſcue; but there was no danger of that, for they were afraid of making the matter rather worſe than better, ſhould they have appeared in his behalf. S. Sorlin had withdrawn himſelf to Remilly, that he might avoid the obligation of defending Levrery. The Priſoner clothed as he was in a Velvet Jacket, was ſet upon a ſorry horſe, as if he were ſome raſcally fellow, with his hands tied behind him, and his legs faſtned under the horſes belly, and was led in this equipage to Bonne, accompanied with a crew, who ceaſed not all the way to injure him; but eſpecially one Francis Noel, (who to ennoble himſelf would be called Mr. de Bellegard, by the name of a certain Farm.) This perſon although formerly he had been his great companion, yet was more ſevere upon him than any of the reſt; but his baſeneſs was well requited, having broken his leg before he came to Bonne, where [Page] they delivered Levrery to the Bayliff, after they had ſearched him.

The next Morning the Ladies who had honoured the Dutcheſs at her entrance into Geneva, came to intreat her to pacify the Dukes anger againſt poor Levrery: but in vain; for he had already ſent the Provoſt of his Houſhold, the Confeſſor and Executioner to Bonne. Where they were no ſooner arrived, but the Provoſt according to his Inſtructions cauſed him to be put on the Rack, and required him to confeſs his Accomplices. He anſwered, he had none; at which the Provoſt reſting ſatisfied, without further diſcourſe, Sentenced him to be beheaded; which was executed the ſame Night by Torch-light,Levrery put to death. after he had confeſſed himſelf to his Ghoſtly Father, and that he had written on the Priſon wall the ſame words as Berthelier had done before him. It is ſaid when the Executioner led him to the place of Execution in the Caſtle, he ſpake aloud as he went theſe words: God give me grace to die, for S. Peter's Authority, and my Countries Liberty. This buſineſs aſtoniſhed the Citizens, who complained of their Paſtors forſaking them: and in this general conſternation the Duke might eaſily have made himſelf Maſter of the City: but by good hap, he withdrew to Thonon, and from thence to Piedmont, where Francis the Firſt being taken before Pavie, he left his ſide and came over to the Emperor Charles the Fifth.

In this Year Claudius Richardet, 1525. one of the Syndicks of the Eidgnots Party, declared in Council, That the City had been at great charge in entertaining the Duke, the Revenues thereof being exhauſted they knew not after what manner, and that it was fitting Boulet the Treaſurer ſhould be called to an account for it. Who being one of the Faction of the Mammeluſſes, and enraged at the matter,Claudius Richardet breaks his Staff on the Treaſurers Head. cried out in a paſſion, What muſt we ſtill be governed by theſe Eidgnots? The Syndick taking now his turn to be angry, broke his Syndical Staff on the others Head. Boulet thereupon makes his complaint to the Dukes Council at Chambery, who granted him a Writ to cite them of Geneva to make their appearance. He ſet it up at the Bridge of Arve. The Syndicks regarded it not▪ ſaying, That neither the Duke nor his Council had any authority over them. But they were condemned for their contempt; and in purſuit of this, their Eſtates which lay in Savoy were confiſcated. The Genevoiſes ſent their Deputies to the Duke and Biſhop, deſiring them to maintain, according to their Oaths, the Liberties of the City. But the Duke made them no ſatisfaction. The Biſhop pretended to be troubled at it; although it may be judged he was very well pleaſed, as we may believe by what follows: For having gotten 300 Crowns of the Genevoiſes to carry their Appeal to Rome, he ſtirred not in the buſineſs. Some private Perſons deſigning to do it ſecretly, the Duke hindred them, and made them fly into Germany.

And not content with this, he ſent Judge Bartalais and the Vidame Hugues of Rogemont to Geneva, to the end the Genevoiſes ſhould renounce this Appeal, and remit the Recogniſance of criminal Caſes to himſelf. Which Article was delivered to the General [Page] Council, and the chief Syndick Nergaz paſſed it, ſaying, That matter brought no great advantage to the City: Bonier another of the Syndicks ſtrongly oppoſed it, ſaying, He would never conſent to it, and called them Traitors who would. But he remained not long in this mind, for a while after he took part with the Duke.

Upon this refuſal the Vidame, by the Dukes order, deſigned to weaken the Eidgnots Faction in apprehending ſome of the chief of them,Eidgnots Faction endeavoured to be weakned. who were Beſançon Hugues, Peter and Claudius Baud, Amy Gerard the Treaſurer, Francis Roſſet Inn-holder at the Blacks-head, John Lulin Inn-keeper at the Bear, Peter of Toy, aliàs Poulain, and one Chabot. Which two laſt intending to ſave themſelves by flying to Fribourg, fell at Verſoy into an Ambuſcade laid by their Enemies. Poulain being well mounted made his eſcape, but Chabot was carried to Gex. Notice was given to the reſt to ſtand upon their Guard. Williet the Bayliff of Gex intending to apprehend Hugues, who was his Goſſip, came and lay at his Houſe at Chatelaine; but he being informed of his deſign, was too cunning for him: for having received him the Night before with the greateſt outward expreſſion of joy, he made his eſcape the next Night with ſome Friends, and took the Bayliffs Horſe along with him. They were purſued by the Provoſt and his Men, and by his Highneſs's Guards, but they could not overtake them, having gotten already to Fribourg, where they made their complaints of the Dukes violences, beſeeching the Lords either to continue the Alliance, or to make another. They had fair promiſes made them; after which they went and Addreſſed themſelves to the States of Zurich, who notwithſtanding the troubles which began at that time about Religion, gave ear to them, and diſpatched two Deputies to the Duke at Anecy. The Duke at their ſuit granted a Releaſe to the Priſoners, and a Safe conduct to the Eidgnots, who had withdrawn themſelves into Switzerland. Yet they would not accept of it, ſeeing it contained ſome dangerous points: wherefore they were more urgent to make an Alliance with the confederate Cantons; which was promiſed ſhould be effected by them of Berne and Fribourg, when they ſhould have leaſure to conſider more narrowly of the Articles of that Treaty.

In the mean time the Duke being arrived at Geneva, The Duke deſires to be acknowledged Sovereign over the City of Geneva. cauſed a General Council to be aſſembled in S. Peter's Cloiſter, a place deſigned for that purpoſe, where he aſſiſted in Perſon, ſitting in his Chair, his Chancellor behind him, and his Guards round about him, for fear of any Popular Tumult; which Council hath been ſince called, The Council of Halbards. The Chancellor, Gabriel de Lande, demanded of the People, as from the Duke, that in conſideration of the pains and trouble his Predeceſſors had underwent to maintain their State, they ſhould therefore acknowledge him Soveraign Protector of the City, and that they ſhould diſown the Fugitives and Burgerſhip, which they were contracting with the Switzers. Which Propoſals amazed the People, and yet they granted him nothing; he therefore ſeeing his endeavours fruitleſs, returned to Piedmont. Auguſt. Yet he came there again a while after, and [Page] began to ſpeak more gently to the Syndicks, aſſuring them he had expreſly commanded that the Eſtates belonging to the City ſhould be reſtored; adding moreover, that he would not in the leaſt manner derogate from the Liberties and Priviledges thereof; for which they thanked him.

The Vidame and Judge Barralis preſented themſelves before the Council,Octob. ſhewing them as Friends to the City, who deſired nothing more than its Repoſe and Eſtabliſhment, That ſeeing the Duke was Vicar of the Empire, and Soveraign in all his Country, he might alſo be acknowledged Soveraign in Geneva, without any prejudice to the Biſhop or City; by which means he would watch over it for its preſervation: and that moreover it would be a difficult matter to hinder him, if he were minded, to take by force this Soveraignty upon him: that they might eaſily perceive the Biſhop would not help them in their neceſſities: that the Duke was a mild and generous Prince, who would defend and maintain them againſt any who ſhould oppoſe them. Upon which it was anſwered, They would deliberate on the matter, and confer with the Epiſcopal and General Council, and with M. of Geneva. In the mean time the Vidame and Barralis plied the Councellors ſo faſt with good words, or threats, that the greateſt part of them told the Syndicks, If ye will acknowledge him, we will likewiſe. But they held firm, and troubled themſelves no more about it.

Twelve days after came the Deputies from Fribourg and Soleurre, who ſhewed the Council, That if they ſhould be any more troubled about their Priviledges,Council divided. their Superiors would take them into their Protection. The Council were very much divided, and thoſe who took part with the Duke oftentimes carried it from the reſt, as they did then; for the anſwer given the Deputies was this, That they who had made their complaints to them, did it without the conſent of the Town, and ſo they were diſmiſſed with this anſwer. They wrote to the Cantons of Berne at the ſame time; as alſo to Fribourg, Soleurre and Lucerne, that they ſhould not give heed to all complaints made them, without the conſent of the City. The Fribourgers wrote back again, deſiring to ſee the Cities Charter; which was refuſed them, ſaying, They had no cauſe to complain againſt the Duke of Savoy.

On the 10th of December the Duke cauſed another Council to be held,1525. of whom he demanded three things by his Chancellor:Decemb. Firſt, That nothing ſhould be done againſt his authority nor the Biſhops. Secondly, That the Syndicks ſhould be choſen according to the manner uſed ſix years ago. And Thirdly, That they ſhould renounce all Foreign Alliance; which was promiſed and publickly proclaimed: but this being not gotten by common conſent, on the 22d of the ſame Month,Bandieres appears before the Council. appear'd before the Council John Bandieres, accompanied with the Children of thoſe who had withdrawn themſelves into Switzerlamd, together with Secretary Vandelli, and above 200 others who preſented a Writing to this effect: That they and their Party owned and acknowledged the Fugitives in Switzerland to have done a good office, both to the Biſhop and City, in endeavouring an Alliance with the confederate Cantons, [Page] proteſting againſt the injury done them in their diſowning of them, ſaying, They deſired no anſwer, but only Letters teſtimonial from the City Secretary; which the Council would not agree to. On the ſame day a Letter was directed to the Biſhop then at Pignerol▪ to come and ſet the Affairs of the City in order, which ſeveral of the Citizens had deſerted: and the Fugitives ſent for their Wives and Children.

The Biſhop upon notice of this news returned,1526. and was received by the whole City with great joy.Feb. 1. Two days after he ſent for the Syndicks, to know how they had carried themſelves; who having given him an account of all the Traverſes they had met with,The Biſhop returns to Geneva. he ſaid unto them, Neither have I been exempt from the like troubles, for the Duke told me once in his Brothers preſence, That he intended to have the Soveraignty of Geneva: but reſolving with my ſelf to maintain the Rights and Priviledges of my Church, even to death, I made him this anſwer, That being Peter of Baume, I was his humble Servant and Subject; but as being Biſhop of Geneva, I was not his Subject, and that he had no Right to the City. He moreover ſhewed them it would be very neceſſary the deliberations in Council ſhould be carried on more privately, and that in buſineſs of conſequence they ſhould make uſe of little Balls, as they do at Venice.

Eight days after new Syndicks were choſen.Feb. 8. The Fribourgers and Bernoiſes were very glad that John Philippe', Philippe choſen chief Syndick. one of the chief of the Eidgnots, was choſen Principal Syndick: whereupon they who were fled to Fribourg, to procure the Alliance of that State and of Berne, Feb. 21. returned to Geneva. They informed the Council, by Beſançon Hugues, of what they had done concerning the Burgerſhip, effected with ſuch great labour, and ſo many obſtacles from the Duke; which Alliance was agreed to, provided it ſhould laſt 25 years, or rather for ever, if it pleaſed both Parties, it being to be renewed and confirmed every Five years.Alliance made with Berne. The Articles were theſe: viz. That the Three Cities of Berne, Fribourg and Geneva, ſhould be faithful one to another; that if one ſhould be invaded, the others ſhould aſſiſt it to the utmoſt of their power.1526. Three days after the General Council was aſſembled, at the ringing of the great Bell,Feb. 25. where there were not above Five or Six Perſons who would not conſent to this Alliance: The Biſhop being preſent proteſted againſt every thing which might prejudice his Authority in this affair.

The Chapter of the Cathedral were ſtartled at the matter,Feb. 27. the Chanons and Clergy deſiring to know of the Syndicks, whether they might repute themſelves ſafe in the City? It was anſwered, They had no cauſe to fear, for if the Chanon of Lutry had received any ill uſage, it was becauſe he refuſed to deliver the Keys of the Church, when they would have aſſembled the laſt Council.

Eight Deputies parted from Geneva to ſwear to the Agreement, and Eight others from Berne and Fribourg arrived to do the ſame at Geneva; they were met by the Syndicks out of Town, and ſaluted with all the Cannon.

[Page] The next Morning the Oath was taken in preſence of the General Council,1526. the People crying out,March 12. Thus would we have it, thus would we have it; in a good hour were they born, who have procured us ſo great good. At Night the Deputies were entertained and treated with Plays and Bonfires at Molard, in token of joy; after which they returned, carrying with them the Copy of the Oath ſealed.

Not long after the City had advice, by an Expreſs from Berne, that Monſieur de Lulin had addreſſed himſelf to the Duke in a Council held at Lucerne, Mar. 14. to cauſe the Burgerſhip to be revoked; and the ſame did Nergaz, Mar. 28. Servant, and Forty other Mammeluſſes. The buſineſs was referred to be tranſacted at Berne, in a Council there, where appeared the Deputies of Geneva, Hugues, and du Molard. The concluſion was, That the three Cities would by no means revoke their Alliance,April 7. and that if the Duke would not reſt ſatisfied, he ſhould have the Letters of the Alliance, which he had made with Berne and Fribourg, returned him.

The Eidgnots, who were at that time the moſt powerful, ill reſented this appearance of the Mammeluſſes, who were forced to leave the Town by an emotion of the People. They withdrew to the Dukes Dominions.Mammeluſſes's Conſpiracy. A while after they ſent to know whether they might return? Anſwer was made them, They might, if they could prove themſelves honeſt Men. But they dared not venture. At length, upon inquiry, it was found, That they, together with the Vidame, had conſpired to ſeize on the chief Eidgnots, and to cut off their Heads. Peter Gruet, the Biſhops Vicar, was ſuſpected to be of the Dukes Party: whereupon he was depoſed, and the Abbot of Beaumont put in his place. The 42 Mammeluſſes were ſummoned by ſound of Trumpet to make their appearance; but not one of them obeying this order, they were condemned for their contumacy, and their Eſtates forfeited; which produced a long Lawſuit before the Confederates. The Vidame, upon information given him that he was accuſed of a Conſpiracy, left the City, ſubſtituting his Bayliff Dulcis in his room. Neither did he remain long in power; for the People would ſuffer no more pleadings in the Stewards Court, but would have all matters decided by the Four Syndicks, ſo that he retired into the Country of Focigny. The Jaylor of the Iſle did the ſame, leaving a Perſon to look after the Priſoners; One of whom, being convicted of Felony, was by the Syndicks condemned to die. The Vidame's abſence was well known: but to take away all occaſion from the Duke to complain, he was ſought for in his Houſe, by a Notary and Witneſſes; where they were told, that he had left the Town. They had the ſame anſwer at the Bayliffs Houſe. Whereupon it was concluded in Council, notwithſtanding, to proceed on to Execution. The common Serjeant was ordered to ſupply the Vidame's place, which he did, and after the ſentence was read, he led the Malefactor towards the Caſtle gate, cauſing the Bayliff of Gaillard to be called: according to cuſtom the Duke had beſtowed this office on Servant, as a recompence for his Services and Exile from Geneva. Servant ſent a Man in his place to receive the Priſoner, who demanded of [Page] the Serjeant whether he was Vidame? he anſwered no, but that he was the City and Councils ſervant. Then the Bailiffs Deputy replied, I will not receive him at your hands, ſeeing you are not my Lords Officer; for neither you nor your Syndicks have power to command me: which having ſaid, he ſet ſpurrs to his horſe, and returned. The Common-Serjeant gave notice of this to the Syndicks, who bad him proceed, and gave him order for the Execution, which he obeyed, and ever ſince that time,1526. the Duke of Savoy hath held no Office in the City.

The Dukes Arms ſtood over the Caſtle-gate in the Iſle,The Dukes Arms battered down. but in the night they were battered to pieces with a hammer by an unknown hand. The Bridge in the Iſle over againſt the great Bridge, was likewiſe found broken down. The Duke joyned this amongſt other complaints againſt Geneva, and it was debated before the Cantons, till the year 1530. All outrages on either ſide were forbid during this proceſs, but there always hapned ſome diſturbances. For to hinder the inſulting of the Dukes party by the fear of diſobliging the Switzers, there were ſix perſons conſtantly reſiding at Berne, and as many at Fribourg.

The Biſhop undertook to bring in again the exiled Mammeluſſes; June 21. the Council agreed to receive the moſt moderate of them, paying as a Fine Eighteen thouſand Crowns of gold; but the Duke hindred, ſometimes threatning to deal with them as enemies if they did, and otherwhiles promiſing to introduce them all in general upon honourable terms.

The Articles of Burgerſhip being made ready, when they were to be ſigned, ſeveral of the Dukes party abſented themſelves, and from that time they were ſuſpected: a little while after, there was a Diet held at Soleurre, in which the Confederates anſwered the Dukes Embaſſadors, that they ſhould not mention any more that matter, ſeeing he could not prove that he had any right to Geneva and Lauſane, who on the contrary had produced their Titles.

The Duke meditating revenge,1526. prohibited all Merchandiſes and proviſion to be carried out of his Dominions to Geneva; Octob. 19. but a Herald from the two Cities of Berne and Fribourg, paſſed through Geneva in his journy to Chambery, to give notice to the Duke that his Ambaſſadors,Nov. 17. would not be heard in the general Aſſembly in Switzerland till he had taken off this prohibition, and reduced things to their former ſtate;Decemb. 3. which he did ſome days after publickly in appearance, but he ſent notice about privately, that he would have the former Order obſerved, and that his Subjects ſhould be ready in their Arms at the firſt ringing of the Bell, and beat of Drum.

Towards the end of this Year aroſe a difference about a Priſoner of the Mammeluſſes faction,1526. whom the Syndicks condemned to be beheaded as a Taytor to the Biſhop and City;Decem. 13. but his kindred obtained their conſent to requeſt the Biſhops pardon, which ſhould be produced at the place of Execution, with this proviſo, that he ſhould remain in Priſon till he had paid a Fine; but the Biſhop ſtood at the Caſtle gate,1527. and gave him his Pardon, and the Officers unbound him and let him go;The Gout cured. at which the poor man was ſo tranſported with joy, that although full of the Gout, he ran to the Priſon, and entred [Page] into it joyfuller than he went out,Feb. 20. having never ſince felt his diſtemper.

The Dyet held at Berne, on the 22. of December, 1526. had again ratified the Burgerſhip with Geneva, and concluded to return the Copy of the Alliance made with him, becauſe it was made without the peoples conſent. In the month of May another being held, the two Cities of Berne and Fribourg ſent to the Duke who was at Chambery, May 1. to demand the Letters of Alliance, which he would not grant, no more than he would make ſatisfaction for the damages done to Geneva, and do juſtice on the Murtherers, his Subjects, who had killed a Genevois named Gentil, and ſome other perſons: neither would he ſuffer the fugitive Mammeluſſes to plead their cauſe at Geneva, 1527. upon Letters of Safe-conduct offered by the Biſhop.

The Syndicks being informed that there were Soldiers lying in Ambuſcade at Lancy, July 13. beyond the Bridge of Arve, An Ambaſſador at Lancy. commanded Beſançon Hugues, Captain-General of the Town to take care accordingly; who cauſed the Gates to be ſhut, the Chains to be extended, and an Alarm to be ſounded. Which the Enemies perceiving, and finding they were diſcovered, withdrew. It was known afterwards that it was the Captain of the Dukes Guards, who had gathered ſome Troops to take the Biſhop Peter of Baume, at our Lady of Grace's Church, where he went uſually to Maſs every Saturday, but by good fortune he was not there that day: it is thought they deſigned to put him to death,1527. and to chuſe another in his room; which obliged him to withdraw ſecretly into the Franche-Comt [...], Auguſt 1. having firſt cancelled the Letters Teſtimonial, which he had heretofore made againſt the Alliance of the Town with the Confederates.

Fifteen days after he ſent the Syndicks a Copy of a Letter,Aug. 18. dated the firſt of April, which the Emperor had written to the Duke of Savoy, which fell into his hands in paſſing through S. Claude; the Contents of which were, that his Imperial Majeſty having underſtood that they of Geneva had made an Alliance with the Cantons for to maintain themſelves againſt the Dukes oppreſſions,The Emperor injoyns the Duke to deſiſt from his endeavors after Soveraignty over Geneva. and his Officers, who had violated the Biſhop and Cities priviledges; it enjoyned the ſaid Duke to forbear his pretenſions for the time to come of Sovereignty, otherwiſe he would make it appear that this diſpleaſed him, for he would maintain whatſoever his predeceſſors had eſtabliſhed in this Imperial City.

The two Cantons of Berne and Fribourg, wrote likewiſe to the Duke not to moleſt their Allies of Geneva. The Mammeluſſes finding they could not prevail with the Cantons, to enter again the City, removed their ſuit to Vienna; but the general Council being met, there was a Copy of the Imperial Letter read, by which they were in hopes to find that Geneva was not ſubject to Vienna, and from thence forward, it was concluded that no perſon for the time to come ſhould proſecute any cauſe in that Court. The Biſhop Baume deſirous to ſhew his affection to the City, and the care he took for its intereſt, made himſelf a Citizen thereof, as appears by an Act dated the fifteenth of July, 1527. at which the Duke being enraged, ſeized on the Abbies of Sure and Pignerol which belonged to him, which he offered to him again for the Vidomat or Stewardſhip. [Page] The Biſhop likewiſe at the ſame time remitted the cognizance of civil Cauſes to the Syndicks, to leſſen the charge which perſons were at in his Court.

After the Mammeluſſes faction,The fraternity of the Spoon. there aroſe another out of the City, which did much hurt to the Citizens, which was the Confraternity of Gentlemen of La Cuillier, or the Spoon, with whom were joyned ſome diſaffected Chanons of the Dukes party. This Fraternity was inſtituted in the Caſtle of Vaud, where ſome Gentlemen being at Table, eating amongſt other things Broth with Wicker Spoons; they bragged that they would make them of Geneva do the ſame. They hanged each of them their Spoons about their necks for a note of diſtinction, and thoſe Francis of Pontverre, Sieur of Terny, a man couragious and skilful in warlike affairs, for their Captain; they had from that time ſeveral meetings to conſult on their deſign, at which the Duke was not at all pleaſed; fearing it would end in his prejudice. They did great hurt to Geneva, waſting the Country thereabouts, and miſuſing them whoſe buſineſs led them to the City. Complaints of this were made to the Cities, who inſtead of Soldiers ſent Embaſſadors, which theſe Gentlemen valued not. They excuſed themſelves on account of the troubles which the change of Religion had produced in Switzerland; yet they ſent at length two Companies conſiſting of about 800. men. Theſe two Companies being arrived, they were deſired to ſet upon the Enemy, but the Captains refuſed to do it; ſaying, that they were Allies of the Duke as well as Geneva, and that they were only ſent to guard the City, ſo that they were forced to have patience, and to provide them good quarters.

The Deputies in the mean time went to the Dukes party, and concluded ſuch a kind of Peace, that made theſe two Factions in ſome ſort agree. Six weeks after they were called back again, by reaſon the Enemy continued his inſultings: but the Soldiers inſtead of fighting him, fell upon the Capons and Partridges. The Dukes party making a jeſt of it, ſaid, That theſe Soldier▪s had made the Genevoiſes real Huguenots, ſeeing they eat the Birds and left the Feathers to the Genevoiſes, who wore them in their Hats for a token of their Alliance; for we have already mentioned that Eidgnots or Huguenots, as it was indifferently pronounced, ſignified Allies.

It ſeemed the two Cities were very apprehenſive leſt they ſhould break off with the Duke; for from the year 1527. to 1530. there was nothing enterprized againſt theſe Gentlemen of the Spoon, but onely one ſally made on the ſide of Gaillard, which was effected by the contrivance of Amy Girard the Syndick, who ſent word to him who watched in the Bell-Tower, that the Enemy was ſeen at the Gate de Rive, although there was then a Truce made, which put the City into an alarm. Three Companies of Foot iſſued out of the City in very bad order,Geneva alarm'd. there being but two Horſemen in the whole Army, which were the Prior of S. Victor and a Prieſt belonging to him. Baſtien of Dieſpach Deputy of Berne, followed them with full ſpeed on Horſeback, who ſeeing the night approaching, by the conſent of Victor cauſed the Townſmen to march back: awhile after the Captain of the Company of Fribourg, who was at Cartigny, was ordered [Page] to quit the Village and Caſtle. No ſooner had they left it, but Guigues of Grenant, Captain of the Dukes Guard took poſſeſſion of it.

The Mammeluſſes who were fled not returning after ſo many ſummons,1528. had at length ſentence of death pronounced againſt them by the Syndicks, Feb. 21. to the number of forty four of them, and their eſtates for feited.

On Sunday the fifth of April, A Meteor ſeen at Geneva. was ſeen at Sun-ſetting, a Meteor ſeldom appearing, and which the people making no diſtinction call a Comet; it was a flying torch in the form of a fire-brand, which went from the Eaſt to the Weſt, and left behind it whereſoever it paſſed, ſparks as it were of fire; a quarter of an hour after it had diſappeared, there was heard a noiſe like the report of a great piece of Ordnance, which coming from between the Weſt and the Eaſt ended it ſelf towards the North; and for at leaſt an hours ſpace afterward there was heard ſuch a kind of noiſe as comes out of a fiery furnace, at which the very beaſts being affrighted, wandered bellowing from one ſide to the other.

It was in this Year that the Bernoiſes after ſeveral diſputes and diſcourſes,1528. baniſhed the Roman Catholick Religion from their City,Bernoiſes embrace the Proteſtant Religion. and embraced the Proteſtant Faith. Zuinglius and Oecolampadius Preached it up in Switzerland, and Bertholdus Haller at Berne, whilſt Luther did the ſame in Germany. The Bernoiſes would have certain Villages which the Fribourgers pretended belonged to them, to receive the ſame Doctrine, which raiſed a diſturbance betwixt theſe two Cities, who both demanded aſſiſtance from Geneva. The Genevoiſes fearing leſt in pleaſing one they ſhould diſoblige the other, ſent to each of them a Company of Muſqueteers, conſiſting of about one hundred and fifty men a piece: John Philippe went Captain of them who were deſigned for Berne, and Richardet Captain of thoſe who were ſent to Fribourg. It was obſerved that theſe two Companies began to quarrel, and annoy one another at Geneva; but at length theſe two Cities were reconciled, and the Forces ſent home again.

Some Roman Catholicks of Berne were forced to flie to Genevà, amongſt others Conradus Wilhermin, and Anthony Biſchebach, who farm'd the Revenues of S. Victor, who being gone to Cartigny with eight Horſemen, and thirty two Foot Soldiers, to gather his Tithes, had the boldneſs to attaque the Caſtle. He loſt Thiebald Loffer there, but took Priſoner de Grenans whom he kept Priſoner three months in S. Victor. The Gentlemen of the Spoon deſirous to try whether they could draw Bonnivard out thence, came one night with four or five hundred men beyond the Bridge of Arve, The Fraternity of the Spoon appear before Geneva. crying out, Treacherous Eidgnots, and you Cows of Switzerland, come over here and fetch Fodder: And at the ſame time they diſcharged their Carbines, which did no other hurt than the alarming the Town▪ the Bell rang, and Bonnivard came to Coquet, Captain of the Borough of Four, who immediately got together five or ſix hundred men, maugre Hugues the Syndick then Captain General, who was thought to hold intelligence with the Enemies, to do Bonnivard an ill turn; there were ſome skirmiſhes, and ſo the Gentlemen withdrew.

[Page] From that time the Bernoiſes frequented more Geneva than the Fribourgers, and in all their diſcourſes were ſtill inveighing againſt the Prieſts, and their forbidding to eat Fleſh in Lent, and on Wedneſdays and Saturdays; ſo that they perſwaded ſeveral to diſobey them. The Fribourgers on the contrary vehemently exhorted them to follow the Religion of their Anceſtors, or otherwiſe they would forſake their Alliance.Victor his advice to the Genevoiſes. In this confuſion the Genevoiſes obſerving how Mens minds began to be divided, and that there were ſome who talked of Reforming the Clergy, and the corruptions which they ſaid were crept into the Church, they addreſſed themſelves to Bonnivard, Prior of S. Victor, who had the reputation of an honeſt and knowing Man, to have his advice in this matter. Who made them this bold anſwer, If you will be ruled by me, you ſhall do one of theſe two things: That is, If you continue debauched, as ye are at preſent, you muſt not wonder if others be ſo too. And, Secondly, If you will reform the Clergy, you muſt firſt ſhew them the way by your good examples.

Theſe and other Remonſtrances, which he afterwards made them, gave them occaſion to pry more narrowly into Religious matters. The Fugitive Mammeluſſes had obtained of the Archbiſhop of Vienna, a Writ of Excommunication, upon their complaints againſt the Genevoiſes, which they cauſed to be ſet up. It hapned that Bonnivard travelling to Berne, with the Deputies of Geneva, was minded to read this Excommunication, ſet up on the Church porch, in the Road to Switzerland. But the Deputies bade him have a care what he did: For as ſoon as ever you ſhall have read it, ſaid they, you will ſtand excommunicated. Bonnivard, ſmiling at their ſcrupulous ſimplicity, replied, You are much miſtaken, for if ye have condemned the Mammeluſſes unjuſtly, ye are excommunicated by God himſelf; but if juſtly, what power has the Archbiſhop of Vienna over your Conſciences?

Theſe ſolid Diſcourſes, together with the Exhortations of the Bernoiſes, inſpired the Genevoiſes with courage to deny firſt obedience to the Pope, although they had not then renounced the Doctrine of the Roman Church; and theſe Sparks were the preſages of a greater Fire which would be kindled amongſt them.

About the end of this year, before Chriſtmas, the Fraternity of Gentlemen of the Spoon were to have a meeting at Nyons, Fraternity of the Spoon hold a meeting at Nyons. concerning Geneva. They were permitted to paſs through the Town, as they were wont heretofore. Their Captain Pontverre came laſt. He entred through the Gate of La Corratiere, and would have went through that of S. Gervais. But finding it ſhut, although the Porter was endeavouring to open it, yet he falls into a Rage, abuſing the poor fellow, and gave him a box on the Ear after he had opened the Gate, ſaying, 'S Bud, You Rogue, muſt Gentlemen wait all this while? and continuing to ſwear, it ſhall not be long firſt, ſaid he, before we ſhall beat down your Gates, and march over them as we have done heretofore. Which having ſaid, he ſet Spurs to Horſe and rode away.

The Porter failed not to relate this to the Council and City; at which the People, moved with inſtigation, ſaid, Will it not ſuffice [Page]them to do us all the injuries they are able out of our Walls, but they muſt needs come in the City to affront us? Let what will happen, this muſt not be ſuffered. Yet the Council durſt not openly ſhew their indignation, the Suburb of S. Gervais being only incloſed with Turfs of Earth, patched up in haſte upon report of Wars. Yet Guards were placed there, as likewiſe on the Bridge of Rhoſne.

In the beginning of the following year,1529. about twilight, Pontverre, accompanied with three other Horſe-men,Jan. 2. entred again into the Town.Pontverre enters Geneva. He was diſcovered on the Bridge, although he muffled himſelf in his Cloke; when immediately there aroſe a cry, Here is Pontverre, here is Pontverre. They who were neareſt him, clapped their Hands to their Swords, as he for his part did the like, endeavouring to defend himſelf in his retreat: but he could not ſo well guard himſelf, but that he received an ugly blow on his Noſe. Yet he, together with his companions, makes his way through the crowd; one of them who was with him was Monſieur de S. Simon, who endeavouring to get to the Gate of la Corraterie, he found it ſhut. Pontverre knowing not where to betake himſelf, he climbs up the Stairs of the Hoſpital de la Monnoye, upon his Horſe; and being at the top, he lights off and hides himſelf under a Bed. They purſued him; and having found him, they made at him with their Rapiers, one of them pricking him in the Thigh, which made him crawle out in a fury; he wounded Amy Bandiers with his Dagger. But he was immediately ſo beſet on every ſide with blows, that he was ſoon killed in the place. The Syndick, Amy Girard, being preſent, cauſed the Clothes and Arms of Pontverre to be delivered to his Companions, whom they conducted beyond the Arve, leſt the People ſhould ſerve them as they did the Captain; his Body was conveyed to the Chappel of the Hoſpital of Monnoye, and viewed by the Syndicks: but being dead, there was no remedy. Two days after he was interred by mada de Brandis; who having obtained leave, ſhe cauſed him to be carried to the Convent of Rive, and to be buried in the Chappel belonging to the Family of the Terny's. There was found about him Orders relating to his Military Office, ſummoning his Men to appear at ſuch a place of Rendeſvous, apparelled in White.

The Gentlemen of the Spoon were extreamly inraged at his death,Fraternity of the Spoon inraged at Pontverre's death. eſpecially the Baron of La Sara, who threatned more than he could do: and Francis of Beaufort, Governor of Bellevaux, who afterwards laid down his Gown, and took up the Sword, naming himſelf Monſieur of Rolle, (from a Mannor he had purchaſed, known by that Title) They made their complaint to the Duke, who was not much moved at the matter, yet he ſent Deputies into Switzerland to have ſatisfaction. The Genevoiſes were willing to go there to juſtifie themſelves; but the ways were ſo blocked up by the Dukes Party, that it was impoſſible to get ſafe paſſage. Yet Vandelly ventured on the Lake, taking the advantage of the Wind, and got to Berne; where he ſo well anſwered the Duke of Savoy's Deputy, that the Bernoiſes remained ſatisfied that the Genevoiſes Fact was not ſo hainous as it was repreſented. The [Page] Bernoiſes made up an agreement betwixt them, and Vandelly returned.

Yet the Confraternity of the Spoon ceaſed not to moleſt the City,1529. intercepting their proviſion,Jan. and making inroads even as near as the Suburbs. Berne and Fribourg granted ſome Troops to the City, and ſent, together with them of Baſle and Zurich, Deputies for a day which they intended to hold at S. Julien. Theſe paſſing over to Geneva, informed themſelves of the Rights of the Town, and found them much to the Inhabitants advantage. The Deputies made ſeveral Journies from Geneva to S. Julien; in all which they did nothing elſe but obtain the Dukes conſent to the payment of a certain ſumm of mony towards the removing the Troops of Berne and Fribourg, who were about Seven hundred Men.

Yet the Gentlemen continuing their onſets,March 18. Eighteen Cavaleers amongſt them apparelled in White,The Suburbs of S. Victor alarmed. alarmed the Suburb of S. Victor, but there iſſuing out ſome Troops of the Genevoiſes and their Allies, they were forced to retreat. They returned on Thurſday before Eaſter, coming up to the Gates to the number of 800, with Ladders to ſcale the Town.March 25. But their courage failed them; a Gentleman who had promiſed them 1400 Men, having failed in his promiſe. The Dukes declarations, which enjoyned theſe Gentlemen to forbear moleſting the Genevoiſes, were not obſerved: for the Confraternity, having the whole Country at their command, did but laugh at theſe orders. Several Houſes about Geneva were plundered.

The remaining part of the year was ſpent in Deputations from the Allies of the Duke of Savoy and the Biſhop, in order to the diſannulling of this confraternity; on which theſe two laſt mentioned inſiſted as prejudicial to their Liberties. The Duke produced his Reaſons in the Aſſembly at Payerne, which were anſwered the beſt they could by them of Geneva. July 13. His Highneſs's Right was alſo examined: and this meeting was continued to the firſt of October. There were ſent from Geneva, Beſançon Hugues▪ and Nicolin du Creſt; the Earl of Gruyers being choſen chief Arbitrator, who determined that this Confraternity ſhould be diſannulled. The Deputies of Geneva made their Addreſſes to the Bernoiſes and Fribourgers, who told them they would break off with the Duke, and continue the Alliance with them. Which they did, having cut the Seal of the Treaty of the Alliance made with Duke Philbert. Octob. 3.

About this time there was held a General Council, wherein the Syndicks complain'd they could not attend ſo much to the Government of the City: and ſeeing the Biſhop laid aſide all buſineſs, it were better to depute Judges for this matter. Which propoſal being approved, Claudius Richardet was choſen Steward, and had Four Aſſiſtants allotted him,Nov. 14. who have been ſince called Auditors.Nicolin du Creſt, Girardin of La Rive, Claudius Savoy, John Balurd. This having been heretofore the Vidame's Office, the Biſhop was ſent to for his approbation of this choice, who was at that time in the Franche-Comté. He privately told the Deputies, He was very well ſatisfied, but he would have his conſent concealed [Page] from the Duke, becauſe he did not like to be troubled with him: for he had promiſed never to come into Geneva but in the Dukes company. There were ſent other Deputies to him, who were not ſuffered to ſpeak with him.

In the year following,1530. the Plague raging in Geneva, there was one Michael Caddoz, who pretending to be ſtruck with it, deſired to be put into the Hoſpital.Caddoz ſpreads a Plague in Geneva. Which being granted, and his forty days expired, he began to acquaint himſelf with the Keeper of the Hoſpital, with the Prieſt, and ſeveral poor People belonging to it, who commonly for a ſmall gain were wont to perfume and clean the Sores of the infected. Caddoz finding them diſpoſed to hearken to his pernicious deſigns; he thereupon propoſes to them an infallible means to get mony in bringing the Plague where it had not yet been, eſpecially in great Houſes, whoſe Eſtates might fall to them by Inheritance; or otherwiſe they might pilfer without controul. They needed not much entreaty, all the difficulty lay in the manner how they ſhould effect this. They concluded then to make a peſtilential powder of Linen-rags, with which they had wiped the Sores of the ſick, and to diſperſe them in ſeveral places. Caddoz paſſing then one day over the Bridge of Rhoſne, let fall a Linen-Cloth, thinking no body had ſeen him; but a certain Perſon, perceiving he had dropt ſomething, cried out, This Raſcal Caddoz hath let fall a Cloth, in which I believe there's not any thing of value; which ſaid, he would have taken it up. Another more cautious, bid him have a care what he handled. They therefore with a Stick tumbled open this packet, from whence proceeded ſuch a ſtink as infected the whole Bridge, no Body knowing whence it came. There was a Woman ſent for, lately recovered of the Plague, who ſeeing it, ſaid, It was the matter of a Plague-ſore. The Syndicks informed of the buſineſs, cauſed Caddoz to be apprehended and carried to the Biſhoprick, where he was examined. It being asked him, what was in that Cloth he had dropt? He replied, It was the Corruption of a venereal Cancer in his Leg. Being queſtioned what moved him to do it, He anſwered, There were ſeveral who jeared him, becauſe he had the Pox; whereupon he in revenge would give it them. The Magiſtrates not content with this anſwer, ordered him to be put upon the Rack. He then confeſſed it was deſigned for to breed the Plague. He was examined again wherefore he did it: and having told them who were his Accomplices, and their deſigns, they were apprehended: and he and the Keeper of the Hoſpital had their Fleſh torn off with red hot Pinchers, their Heads cut off, and their Bodies quartered; the Prieſt was degraded, and afterwards executed. The Keeper of the Hoſpital's Son was much pitied, being very young; but a word ſlipt from him, which coſt him his life: for being demanded if he knew how to make this Drug as well as his Father: He replied, Yes; and ſo was beheaded: and immediately after the Plague ceaſed.

In the Month following, the Genevoiſes having granted to Ronnivard a monthly allowance of four Crowns and a half, in conſideration of the loſs of the Revenues of S. Victor, which the Savoyards [Page] had ſeized on, and which he had bequeathed, after his Death, to the City of Geneva. The Duke being informed thereof, endeavoured to do him an injury. He had, to draw him into his Dominions, given him a Letter of Safe-conduct, with which he went to Se [...]ſſel, to viſit his Mother who lay ſick, being very ancient. A while after he went to the Biſhop at Modon, where there was held an Aſſembly. He became acquainted with Francis Neel, who called himſelf Monſieur of Bellegarde: Bonnivard betrayed. he truſted a Gentleman whom he gave him for his Guide and Companion to Lauſane; but he was betrayed by this perfidious Wretch. For he had no ſooner come up to the top of Mount Jura, but he was ſet upon by one called Roſey of Thonon, who had eſpouſed one of D. Philberts Baſtards, and Biſhop Eyries the Duke of Beaufort's Baſtard. Theſe were two deſperate Villains, who having ſpent their Eſtates needed a Recruit which they expected from Bonnivard. Their Accomplices at Modon had obſerved his Purſe, and it being full of Parpilloles, which was a Coin uſed in thoſe days, of ſmall value, all of them which he had about him, not amounting to above twenty Crowns of Gold; they believed each piece was a Crown. It was known ſince, the Duke did not give order to take him, but Bellegarde and the others having written to him about it, he conſented he ſhould be detained. Bonnivard perceiving he was like to be ſet upon, ſpur'd on his Horſe, but being not well mounted, he could not ride far, they ſoon overtaking him. Nevertheleſs he loſt not his Courage, but clapt his hand to his Sword: but his guide planting himſelf before him, gave the others opportunity to encloſe him; they took him, and then carried him away to Chillon, where he remained Priſoner ſix years and an half: the firſt two years he was not kept cloſe Priſoner, but the reſt of the time he ſpent in a Dungeon which lay lower than the Lake, in which the Duke, when he was at Chillon, cauſed him to be put. During all which time he was not examined, nor put upon the Rack. At laſt when the Bernoiſes had taken the Country of Vaud, they drew him out thence. It was obſerved that he had hollowed and worn the Rock by much walking in the Dungeon.

The Biſhop favoured the Inſultings of the Gentlemen of the Spoon:Auguſt for his Letters dated from Arbois were intercepted,1530. in which he gave Commiſſion to chaſtiſe his rebellious Subjects of Geneva, who intrenched upon his Authority.The Fraternity of the Spoon favoured by the Biſhop. One of the hotteſt of theſe Gentlemen was called Monſieur of Aluſſans, who killed one day a Merchant of Geneva's Servant in the Country of Vaud. The Deputations from the Allies to the Duke availed nothing, becauſe he could not hinder this diſorder,Septemb. and was moreover glad to ſee the Genevoiſes damnified. Notice was given that theſe Gentlemen having gathered Soldiers from all Parts, were reſolved to make themſelves Maſters of the Town, three days after the Feaſt of S. Michael, and to put all to the Sword. An account of which was ſent to Berne and Fribourg, the City in the mean time ſtanding upon their guard, and continued to ſtrengthen themſelves. There was a Skirmiſh paſſed betwixt them and the Citizens in the Suburb of S. Victor, Octob. 2. near la Corraterie, where the Enemy had [Page] the boldneſs to preſent himſelf. In the night they came to the very Walls, but were not ſo reſolute as to ſcale them. The next Morning they plundered the Suburb of S. Leger. Some Priſoners taken by the City,Bernoiſe ſends Forces to the aſſiſtance of Geneva. diſcovered their deſign. In the mean time the Allies underſtanding in what extremity Geneva lay, by meſſages continually ſent them, there ſet out from Berne ſeven thouſand Men and twelve pieces of Ordnance, under the conduct of the Governour of Erlach; from Fribourg two thouſand with four pieces of Cannon: and ſome time after five hundred from Soleurre with two pieces of Cannon. Two or three thouſand Voluntiers joyned to this Army; which being arrived at Morges, ſtayed there four days, being given to underſtand that the Enemy was returned back. At the ſame time arrived Deputies from the ten Cantons and du Valey, to propoſe ſome Articles in order to an Agreement between the Duke of Savoy and Geneva. De Vauru, Ambaſſador from his Highneſs, approached the Bridge of Arve, to parly with the Deputies of Fribourg and Berne. He deſired them to ſend to their Maſters to call home the Army, telling them the Duke knew nothing of this laſt enterprize againſt Geneva, nor he neither: although it was well known he was one of the Captains.

The Commanders of the Army of the Confederates ſent to Geneva, bidding them appoint a place of Treaty, but they deſired they might be excuſed, deſiring to ſpeak with them firſt, to conſult together what was needful to be done. The Army then began to diſincamp from Morges, The Caſtle of Rolle burnt. having fired, as they paſſed, the Caſtle of Rolle, and moſt of the other Caſtles which belonged to the Gentlemen of the Spoon, whoſe Garriſons were retreated to Thonon or into Burgundy; all the Goods in them were burnt, and the Country of Vaud almoſt ruined. A Party of Fribourgers, with the Genevoiſes, pillaged the Villages about the City, and could not be withheld, alledging for their excuſe, That they would not dye with Hunger. Six ſcore Musketeers belonging to Geneva, came to ſeek Forage at Megrim, where the alarm Bell ſounding, they perceived they were diſcovered by a Body of eight or nine hundred Foot, and fifty Horſe, who had divided themſelves into three Companies, one of which lay in ambuſh in the Wood, and the two others lay along the ſide of the neighbouring Mountains; they came to the Wood, and ſet upon them there ſo vigorouſly, that they left ſixty dead on the place, the reſt were either taken or fled. Which affrighted the two other Companies ſo, that they retreated as faſt as they could, the Genevoiſes having loſt in this Encounter but one young Man, who was killed, having parted from his Company to fly away.

Two days after came the Army of the two Cities,Octob. 8. and were quartered both of them in Geneva; where it was no ſooner arrived, but there was a Diſcourſe of a Treaty of Peace with the Duke. S. Julian was pitcht upon for the place,Octob. 10. where the Deputies were to have ſafe Paſſage.A Peace concluded. A Peace was haſtily concluded, leaving the Differences about the Vidomnat or Stewardſhip, to be determined in the next Aſſembly, which was to be held in Switzerland, as alſo the Charges of the War. It was agreed, that Priſoners ſhould be releaſed on both ſides, and that no acts of Hoſtility [Page] ſhould paſs from either Party, under Penalty on the Dukes part of the Forfeiture of the Country of Vaud; and on the Genevoiſes, of the revocation of the Alliance. Which done, the Army departed home, having remained ten days in the City, which had been eaten up within by Friends, and plundred without by Enemies. The Gentlemen of the Spoon threatened it continually, becauſe their Caſtles were burnt.

Neither did the Duke of Savoy ceaſe from raiſing Soldiers. The Confederates ſent notice to the City, that there were 10000 Lancers at Montbeilliard, whom the Earl of Genevoiſe had raiſed to deſtroy Geneva. Upon which they deſired them to ſend a Company of two hundred Men to ſtrengthen the City Guards.

At the ſame time there was an Aſſembly held at Payerne, 1530. where both the Genevoiſes and his Highneſs had their Deputies.Dec. 3. The Duke required that the Alliance with Geneva ſhould be cancelled,Aſſembly at Payerne. as it was determined by the Earl of Gruyeres; and that the Vidomnat or Stewardſhip, and other Rights which he had in the City, ſhould be reſtored; that the Exiles ſhould have their Honours and Eſtates returned them, and that the two Cities ſhould pay him two hundred thouſand Crowns for the Charges of the War. The Deputies of the Cantons would have put the matter to Arbitration, chuſing the Emperor Judge in the caſe: but the Genevoiſes refuſed to ſtand to his deciſion, chuſing rather that their Cauſe ſhould be legally debated before the Cantons, who promiſed to determine it without partiality.

On the 21th of December they thus decided it touching the Stewardſhip,Dec. 21. that it ſhould be reſtored to his Highneſs: that the buſineſs of the Exiles ſhould remain as it was: that the Alliance with Geneva ſhould hold firm, and that Bonnivard ſhould be releaſed: that the Duke of Savoy ſhould pay to the three Cities concerned in the Charge of the War one and twenty thouſand Crowns at three Payments; which Summ he might require of the Biſhop and his diſobedient Gentlemen, who could never raiſe ſo many Soldiers without his knowledge; and in ſhort, that the Treaty of S. Julian ſhould be obſerved.

The Duke conſented only to thoſe Articles which favoured him, but he would not hearken to thoſe Propoſals which concerned the Payment of the Money, nor the releaſement of Bonnivard, whom he looked upon as a Perſon able to do him miſchief. He choſe a Steward, and ſent him to be eſtabliſhed at Geneva. The Council demanded the ſeven thouſand Crowns which remained due, and why Bonnivard was not releaſed: to all which they had no anſwer. Upon this there aroſe new Troubles, and there were continual Deputations on both ſides to remove this Difference.

Theſe Jars made the Syndicks think of fortifying the City,Geneva fortified. and to encompaſs S. Gervais with Walls, and farther to joyn the Borough of Four to the City, and to pull down the other Suburbs, which were only a hinderance to its defence. Wherefore it will not be needleſs to ſhew the Condition it was then in. There were at that preſent, beſides the Boroughs of S. Gervais and de Four, which are now incorporated into the City, theſe four other following [Page] Suburbs, viz. the Borough of Rive, which reached from the Gate, bearing the ſame name, to Eaux Vives. That of S. Victor, as far as S. Legier, which reached beyond the large Palace, even to the Bridge of Arve; and the other which extended from La Corraterie as far as the Poſt-houſe. Theſe four Boroughs contained near as many Houſes as the City, and were almoſt all of them pulled down, to bring it into a round Form, and to make it compact, and inſtead of ſix Gates which it had, there were only left two. The Bulwarks were made of the Materials of the Suburbs: The City, with its out parts, contained ſeven Pariſhes; the firſt was that wherein ſtood the Cathedral of S. Peter, under the Title of the Holy Croſs;Deſcription of the City. the ſecond, a little diſtant from S. Peter's, was called our new Ladies Pariſh, which ſerves at preſent for an Auditory, wherein Divinity Lectures are read: the third was S. Magdalens; the fourth S. Germans; the fifth S. Gervais's; the ſixth S. Legier's; and the ſeventh S. Victor's, where ſtood the Church of the ſame Name. Theſe two laſt Pariſhes were demoliſhed. There were three Monaſteries in the City, and two in the Suburbs: thoſe in the City were the Convent of the Grey Friers at de Rive; and the Nunnery of S. Clare, where now ſtandeth an Hoſpital; the white Friers were ſeated in the Street of La Corraterie, in a Convent called the Palace, by reaſon of its largeneſs; wherein the Dukes of Savoy have been often entertained, and where ſtood the Clock on the Bridge of Rhoſne, which was conſumed when the Bridge was burnt in the year 1670. Without the City there was the Monaſtery of S. Victor, of the Order of Clugny, with a Prior and nine Monks, who lived on its Revenue. It is thought that formerly this was a Temple dedicated to Mars, Jupiter and Mercury, which was ſince conſecrated to S. Victor, S. Vincent, and S. Ours, although the firſt was its right name. Though there was a Convent of Auguſtin Monks near the Bridge of Arve, called, our Lady of Grace; becauſe the Baſtard René had cauſed a fair Picture of our Lady to be drawn, which he ordered to be ſet up in the Chappel he had built: and from the gracefulneſs of this Picture, hath the name been derived, as it is commonly received: but it is more likely this name hath proceeded from the Graces which ſhe hath beſtowed: for it was declared that ſhe wrought great Miracles, and particularly raiſed up Children to Life, which were brought from all Parts to be baptized in that Chappel; there was likewiſe another Abby of rich Monks at S. John's in the Groves, over againſt the Tower; there were ſeveral other Chappels, as beyond de Rive, one called the Temple, otherwiſe S. John of Jeruſalem's Chappel, where ſtill-born Children were buried; another Called S. Margaret's, another S. Laurence's, and another of our Ladies of the Bridge, where at preſent ſtands the coining Houſe. There were beſides ſeven Hoſpitals, which have ſince been reduced to two, the common Hoſpital, and the Hoſpital for the infected near the large Palace.

Theſe Differences with the Duke ſtill continued; he had prohibited all manner of Proviſion to be brought into the City.1532. There was a report that he had ſent for ten thouſand Italians and three hundred Lancers to aſſiſt him againſt Geneva.

[Page] Theſe Differences were followed by others,June 9. which aroſe amongſt the Citizens about Religion.Proteſtant Religion begun to be maintained by ſome young men in Geneva. Some young Men of Geneva had ſet up, at every corner of the Streets, certain Articles whereby it was apparently ſeen, they were inclining to the Proteſtant Religion; upon which one Verly a Chanon of Fribourg, having taken a young Man named John Goulas, who had paſted up a Bill on the Pillar before S. Peter's Church; he gave him a box on the Ear, and drew out his Sword: for at that time the Chanons wore Swords in Geneva. Goulas put himſelf in a poſture of defence, and wounded the Chanon in the arm. There were two perſons of the Borough of Four, who taking the Chanons part were likewiſe wounded; the Syndicks obſerving theſe diviſions among the people, made a Declaration enjoyning all perſons to live peaceably, and to ſet up no more of thoſe kind of Writings, nor broach any novelty without their permiſſion.

During theſe tranſactions,1532. two Miniſters came to Geneva, viz. William Farel of Gap, Septem. and Anthony Saunier, who came from preaching in Piedmont. Farel comes to Geneva. They had Letters of recommendation from Berne, and being ſettled at Geneva, they held ſeveral diſcourſes in their houſes to make the people underſtand the Doctrine they taught. There were ſeveral who hearkned to them, and wiſhed the City would follow the example of Berne: but this being noiſed abroad, the Chanons and Prieſts reſolved to remedy this for the future. They cited then Farel and Saunier before the Epiſcopal Council, where were preſent the two Syndicks, who had promiſed to ſhelter them from all danger, if they would maintain their Doctrine before the Prieſts.

After ſeveral diſputes and diſcourſes on both ſides,1532. it was decreed by the Epiſcopal Council,Saunier and Farel baniſhed the City. that they ſhould leave the Town upon pain of Impriſonment. They departed then, being accompanied by ſome Citizens who favoured them, and went and Preached at Orbe and at Granſon.

A while after came to Geneva a young man of Dauphiny, named Anthony Froment, Fromènt comes to Geneva. who had been a diſciple of Farel, who had earneſtly perſwaded him to make this tryal.1532. This Froment had cauſed Bills to be ſet up in the City,Novemb. wherein he promiſed to teach people to Write and Read in a Months time; and under this pretence he inſtructed both young and old in the Proteſtant Religion: the forwardeſt of them leading along with them ſeveral perſons of their acquaintance both men and women, whoſe number every day encreaſed notwithſtanding the peoples muttering; ſaying, that Froment enchanted the women after him. There was a Grey-Frier called Chriſtopher Bouquet, who was a Proteſtant in his heart, for he was ſo far from oppoſing that Doctrine then ſpringing up, that commonly one part of his Auditors after Sermon, went into a Hall to hear Froment.

One New-years-day Bouquet having ended his Sermon,1533. ſo great a multitude thronged into the Hall to hear Froment, Froment Preaches at Molard. that all the ſtairs and corners of the houſe were full of people: ſo that they cried, To Molard, to Molard, where thoſe who were next him carried him, ſo great was the throng, the people calling out to him, Preach [Page]to us the word of God. Froment then having begun again his diſcourſe, the City Serjeant came thereupon and commanded him to forbear. He anſwered, it was better to obey God than man, and ſo held on his diſcourſe: the Council being Aſſembled upon this occaſion, gave Order that he ſhould be ſpeedily apprehended; and ſent men well armed to lay hold on him, but he eſcaped into a Citizens houſe where he lay concealed. There was an Order from the Magiſtrates forbidding ſuch kind of Preaching upon penalty of undergoing the Strapado; a while after Froment not being able to ſtay any longer in ſafety at Geneva, left the Town in the night, and returned from whence he came.

The Fribourgers informed of this,Feb. 23. ſent Deputies to Geneva; declaring, that if they received this new Doctrine,Proteſtant Doctrine oppoſed by the Fribourgers. they would break off their Alliance: the Council anſwered, they had done their endeavour to hinder it, and had moreover requeſted the Grand Vicar vigorouſly to proſecute this Eccleſiaſtical affair; and ſo they returned ſatisfied: yet the Proteſtants ceaſed not to Aſſemble themſelves in ſeveral houſes, where ſtrangers and the moſt knowing amongſt themſelves, interpreted the holy Scripture. They received their firſt Communion in a Garden out of Town, where one called Mr. John Guerin a Capmaker diſtributed it; the Common people eſteemed him learned in Divinity, although he was but a Mechanick; ſome days after, ſearch being made after him, he fled, and was afterwards Miniſter of New Caſtle.

It hapned likewiſe that a Frier Preaching in the Convent of the Palace, and railing againſt the Lutherans, a perſon named Peter Robert Olivetan, Tutor to the Children of John Chantemps, aroſe up and diſputed againſt him; which cauſed a great diſturbance: ſo that if he had not been defended by ſome of his own party there preſent, he would certainly have come by the worſt of it. This was that Olivetan, who firſt Tranſlated the Bible into French, which Tranſlation hath been received by the Proteſtants. He cauſed it to be Printed at New Caſtle in the Year 1538. and it is thought he was poyſoned at Ferrara.

Olivetan having been baniſhed,1544. another ſtranger who had dwelt near a year at Geneva, openly maintained that they who went to Maſs were Idolaters; which cauſed the Magiſtrates to baniſh him from the City upon pain of death.

The Bernoiſes who had already embraced the new Doctrine,March 24. being informed of all theſe tranſactions,B [...]rnoiſis threatned the Genevoiſes if they oppoſed the Proteſtant Religion. ſent a Herald to Geneva, with Letters to this effect, That they did ill to perſecute thoſe who Preached to them the Goſpel, as they had done in the perſon of Farel; that if they would not ſuffer them, they who were their Allies would reſent it. Whilſt the Council had this matter in deliberation, came above two hundred perſons, who deſired Juſtice to be done on thoſe who had obliged the Bernoiſes to write this, who they ſaid were Lutherans; the Council had much ado to appeaſe them, promiſing to take care in the buſineſs; for they continually cried out, that if they would not puniſh thoſe perſons who would hinder them from living after the manner of their fore fathers, and as they had promiſed the Fribourgers, they would take a courſe with them themſelves.

[Page] Four days after,Mar. 28. whilſt the Syndicks were yet in conſultation, notice was given them of a great Aſſembly of people at S. Peters, as alſo of a conſiderable company in the ſtreet of Allemands at Baudichon's of New-houſe, where ſeveral had withdrawn themſelves, who had procured theſe Letters from Berne. Two of the Syndicks went immediately to S. Peter's, and the two other to Baudichon's, to appeaſe theſe two parties and hinder any diſorder. The Eccleſiaſticks and other Catholicks who were at S. Peters, having underſtood that the Proteſtants at Baudichon's houſe were well armed, rang the great Bell, and took up Arms likewiſe. Peter Vandel whom they believed to be their enemy,Vandel wounded. was wounded with a Dagger, and had been killed without the interpoſition of a Syndick. A general Alarm being given, [...]he Eccleſiaſticks aſſembled in Molard with all them of their party, and were encouraged by ſeveral perſons of the Council who were there preſent. Claudius Balleſſerd paſſing from S. Gervais to go to Molard, was hurt before the houſe of Baudichon, and had been killed without the Syndicks aſſiſtance, who appeaſed the multitude the beſt they could. The City was near falling into a ſad confuſion; the air was filled with the clamours of the people animated by the Prieſts, and the lamentations of the aged, who expected to ſee their children kill one another, or they themſelves to periſh by the hands of thoſe to whom they had given life. The City gates were ſhut, and the great Guns made ready to beſiege Baudichon's houſe, wherein there were near two hundred reſolute men: The City being in this condition, no body dared ſo much as to ſpeak of Peace, left he ſhould be ſuſpected to be a Lutheran. By good chance there were in the City ſome Merchants who were Fribourgers, perſons of known honeſty and reputation; who interpoſing, and calling both parties fellow Citizens, exhorted them to agreement. The Proteſtants conſented, but the Catholicks would have executed their enterprize; but underſtanding the others were conſiderable for their number and preparedneſs, they gave over and conſented to an agreement. Hoſtages were given on both ſides, the Proteſtants delivered Michael Sept, John Lullin and Stephen Redhat, into the hands of the Syndick Malbuiſſon: the Catholicks gave the Chanon Goyet, John Malbuiſſon, and John Peſmes, who were kept in the houſe of the Syndick John Philippe.

The Syndicks cauſed to be publiſhed on the Morrow theſe following Articles of Peace.Articles of agreement between the Proteſtan's and Romaniſts in the City.

That all enmity on either part ſhould be laid aſide, and that they ſhould live in peace without offending one another, either in word or deed.

That no perſon ſhould offer to ſpeak againſt the Sacraments of the Church, and that all perſons might uſe their own Liberty.

That no Fleſh ſhould be eaten on Wedneſdays and Saturdays.

That none ſhould Preach without Licence from the Syndicks and Supe [...]iors, and that nothing ſhould be maintained in Sermons which could not be proved out of the Holy Scriptures. At which every one lifted up his hand, the Seculars before the Syndicks, and the Clergy before the Vicar, promiſing to obſerve theſe Articles.

[Page] In the Month following the Bernoiſes ſent an Herald to Geneva, April 7. deſiring the Magiſtrates not to permit Paſte and Baudichon to be moleſted, who called themſelves Goſpellers. After Eaſter they ſent Deputies along with Farel to Geneva together with another Miniſter, to diſpute againſt him who had preached the Lent Sermon.

On Sunday the fourth of May towards the Evening,May 4. notwithſtanding the Articles of Peace which were to be obſerved ſworn, there was a diſturbance raiſed at Molard between certain particular perſons of both parties who drew their ſwords, and yet a while after drank together and were friends. Whilſt they had their ſwords drawn, Marin Verſonnex ran to the Prieſts at S. Peters for help, who cauſed the Bell to be rung. The Chanon Verley came one of the firſt, ſaying, he would loſe his life for the Chriſtian Faith: he was Armed from head to foot, holding his naked ſword in both his hands, crying out, Follow me good Chriſtians, dear God, where are theſe Lutherans? This alarm raiſed indifferently both parties to the number of one thouſand five hundred, ſome ſwords were drawn; and Verly who ſaw the place too hot for him,Verly ſlain. when he would have gotten away, was killed; it was not known who did it, becauſe it was dark. The Syndick John Coquet having run in to part them, was wounded in the head. At length both parties withdrew at the sollicitation of the Syndicks; Verſonnex and Marguillier were impriſoned for alarming the City.

The next morning Verly was honourably buried;May 5. and becauſe he belonged to Fribourg, Letters were ſent to the Magiſtrates of that Canton, informing them how that they were making ſearch after them who had killed him, to do juſtice on them. Two of his kinſmen, together with an Herald came with Letters from Fribourg to demand his body, which was granted them. Some days after they came again requiring juſtice to be done, not only on thoſe who had killéd him, but who were likewiſe preſent, and who did not hinder the Murther; and amongſt others on the Syndick Coquet. He anſwered that he was preſent with his Syndicks-ſtaff according to the duty of his Office, and that he had endeavoured to the utmoſt of his power to ſuppreſs this tumult.

After this Deputies from Berne preſented themſelves before the Council,May 27. to offer their mediation, and propoſed that every perſon might be at liberty either to go hear Maſs or Sermons.Liberty of Conſcience granted. A month after an Oath was taken to obſerve this propoſal for the future, and the agreement made on the twenty eighth of March, that they might not appear diſunited at the Biſhops coming, who was ſhortly expected at Geneva, who in effect arrived on the firſt of June, the Syndicks having gone a league out of Town to meet him, he immediately cauſed ſeveral Prieſts to be releaſed, who were impriſoned for ſome miſdemeanors. The General Council being held, after a Maſs of the Holy Ghoſt was celebrated, and a general Proceſſion, at which the Biſhop aſſiſted with the Deputies from Fribourg, a Preſident of the Franche Comté ſpake in the Biſhops behalf, exhorting the people to be faithful to him,Verlys Relations bring with them 120 Soldiers to revenge his death. entreating them to live in unity, and not to entertain the new doctrine. At the ſame time Verly's kindred had brought with them ſix ſcore Soldiers to revenge his death; and having paſſed over the Lake, they came and encamped themſelves at Gaillard, [Page] from whence they ſent to demand juſtice Their ſuit was delayed upon the account of a difference betwixt the Biſhop and Syndicks about Juriſdiction in Caſes of life and death, which the Syndicks would not yield to the Biſhop. The Syndicks at the inſtance of the Attorny-General drew up an Indictment againſt nine Men and Woman, the greateſt part of which were found not guilty: at night there was a Watch kept left the Biſhop ſhould take away the Priſoners, and bring them to anſwer it at his Bar. But whilſt theſe things were doing, he left the Town about the midſt of July, July 15. to take part with the Duke of Savoy againſt the City, although he was ſo ſtrictly bound to the contrary by the Oath which he had taken not only at his Election to the Biſhoprick, but likewiſe in making himſelf free of the City. The Council earneſtly beſought him to ſet the City in Order, but whether he feared ſome Tumult upon the account of the Priſoners, or that he had ſome other ſecret deſign, he coloured over his departure with a pretence of going into Franche Comté, where the Emperor held an Aſſembly of the Eſtates, and he promiſed that he would ſhortly return.

Verly's relations returned home all but two who remained at Gaillard with about twenty Soldiers, who ſued for juſtice to be done on them who were guilty of the Murther. They who returned met on mount Jura, Thomas Baudichon together with ſome Merchants of Stratsbourg. Peter Verly brother to the deceaſed ſet upon him calling him Traytor, and had it not been for his company, his life had been in danger, his horſe having been already killed under him.

The Syndicks declared one part of the Priſoners innocent, which cauſed the Attorney-General to make an Appeal; but he was immediately told,Auguſt 6. we having no Superiour, do therefore admit no Appeal: but at the ſame time Peter Thoberet was found guilty of the Murther of Verly, Thoberet ſentenced to loſe his head. having ſtabbed him in the back as he went up the Stairs of a Houſe and was ſentenced to loſe his head.

Towards the end of the Year,Decem. 2. Guy Furbity Dr. of the Sorbon, was ſent for from Montmelian, Furbity oppoſed by Froment to Preach during the Sundays in Advent at S. Peters Church, who ſpeaking againſt the doctrine of the Proteſtants was contradicted by Froment, who was returned; and by another named Alexander Camus: the laſt of theſe upon this, was baniſhed the City, but Froment was ſecured, and yet theſe diſorders ceaſed not.

The Bernoiſes ſent a Herald with Letters to the Syndicks, Decem. 27. requiring firſt, To be paid their dues according to the agreement made in the Aſſemblies held in Switzerland: and in the ſecond place, They complained that their ſervants who had Preached Gods Word to them, were driven away by them; whereas they ought rather to have expelled Furbity, Furbity complained againſt by the Bernoiſes. and ſuch as he who Preached erroneous and blaſphemous doctrine; and thus they expreſſed themſelves. The people before ever the Letters were read, imagined there were Luther an Miniſters come to Town, whereupon there aroſe immediately a great diſturbance, the greateſt part taking up Arms, and ſticking ſmall branches of Trees in their Caps for diſtinction. The Proctor General likewiſe cauſed the Clergy to Arm themſelves. The Council having debated the matter, would have delivered Furbity, againſt whom the Bernoiſes had complained, into the grand Vicars Cuſtody, [Page] but he would not receive him. He left not off Preaching, and affirming continually, that all thoſe who received the new doctrine were people who lived ill, and that they were worſe than others. The Syndicks wrote to Berne, the Furbity was under an Arreſt, and yet they knew not wherein he had offended them, but if they had heard him, they would not have ſuffered him, ſo greatly did they value their Lordſhips friendſhip.

Some days after this came an Herald from Fribourg, Decem. 27 who delivered Letters to the Council to this effect,The Fribourgers threaten to break off with Geneva. That the States of Fribourg undèrſtanding that Farel and others were at Geneva to Preach the new Law as they termed it, they therefore requeſted them not to ſuffer him, otherwiſe they would break off with them.

The firſt day of the following Year,1534. the grand Vicar publiſhed through all Pariſhes,Jan. 1. that none ſhould Preach either in publick or private without the Biſhops or grand Vicars Licence, and that they who had any French or Dutch Bibles ſhould burn them, upon pain of excommunication.

Four days after arrived other Deputies from Berne and Fribourg. Jan. 4. Theſe laſt ſaid they underſtood there had been a great Tumult occaſioned by the Luther an Preachers, and that if they intended to ſuffer them, they would break off with them. They were anſwered, that they deſigned to live as heretofore, according to what they had formerly determined. The Deputies from Berne urged the payment of the charges of the former War, and demanded ſatisfaction for what Furbity had ſaid againſt them. The Syndicks made anſwer they were ſorry, if Furbity had done them any wrong, but that they had no power over any Eccleſiaſtical perſon. The Deputies were not content with this anſwer, threatning ſtill to break off with them; and in effect they would have returned them the Letters of Aſſociation which they flung on the Table. The Council inſtantly beſought them to take them again; and to ſatisfie them, Furbity was cauſed to anſwer for himſelf in the Town houſe, the Syndicks having firſt declared that they intended not thereby to prejudice the Biſhops authority, nor the Clergies priviledges. The Tryal was proſecuted upon condition both parties ſhould ſubmit to the Syndicks deciſion, in the mean time a Meſſenger returned, who had been ſent to the Biſhop into Franche Comté, who brought word that the Biſhop would have Furbity ſent back to the Spiritual Court.

The Deputies from Berne returned,Jan. 18. and made the ſame demands as heretofore, telling them moreover that their Superiors meant that Furbity ſhould be tried by the Syndicks, and not by any others. They required further, that a Miniſter ſhould be permitted to Preach in the City to them who would hear him, and in caſe of refuſal to renounce their Alliance.

In the mean time there continually hapned ſome quarrel between the Citizens of both parties. Amy Perrin of the Proteſtant party, almoſt mortally wounded a Catholick Preacher called Beſancon, Quarrels about Rellgion. and Nicholas Pennet Warder of the Biſhoprick, of the Catholick party, killed with a Dagger, Nicholas Porral on the contrary ſide; which made both parties take up Arms; and had not the Deputies of Berne interpoſed, there had been more miſchief: yet they would not lay [Page] down their Arms till Juſtice was done on the Murtherer, who had gone and hid himſelf with Portery the Biſhops Secretary in S. Peters Steeple,1534. that he might at midnight ring the great Bell; but the Syndicks underſtanding where he was, went thither and took him at eleven of the Clock at night, and the next morning condemned Pennet to loſe his head,Pennet ſentenced to be beheaded. which made all quiet again. There were found in Portery's Cloſet blank Bills ſigned with the Dukes Coat of Arms, as alſo an order for the conſtituting of a Governor over Geneva in Temporals as the Biſhops Lieutenant, with power to puniſh the Lutherans. There were likewiſe found Letters from the Biſhop, dated the twelfth of January, Feb. 10. 1534. which were read in the general Council at the time of the Election of the Syndicks; upon which occaſion the Bernoiſes earneſtly exhorted the Council, not to ſuffer after this manner their priviledges to be invaded, ſeeing they alone were Judges in matters of Life and Death, putting them in mind of the laſt War which the Biſhop had been the chief inſtrument of in promoting it: that for their parts they would maintain the Alliance with all their power.Feb. 29. Whilſt Portery's Indictment was privately drawing up, his Relations produced the Biſhops pardon; but the Syndicks would take no notice of it, ſaying, he ſtood convicted of Manſlaughter, Sedition and Conſpiracy, together with the Biſhop, againſt the liberties of the City; ſo that he was executed.

They had a while before appointed a diſputation to be held betwixt Furbity and the Miniſters,Feb. 13. before the 200. which was afterwards Printed;Furbity enjoyned to Recant. the Council after it was ended condemned Furbity to a publick Recantation to be made in the ſame place where he had injured the Bernoiſes and their party; and according to this ſentence he was led on the Sunday following to S. Peters Church, where was given him, what he was to ſay, in Writing; but-when he was got up into the Pulpit, he began as he was accuſtomed with the ſign of the Croſs, and implored the aſſiſtance of the Holy Ghoſt, through the interceſſion of the bleſſed Virgin. The Bernoiſes and Proteſtants of the City ſeeing this, hindred him from proceeding in his Sermon; ſaying, he came there to make his Recantation: and immediately he was haled down from the Pulpit and kept cloſe Priſoner.

The Deputies from Berne were inſtant with the Council touching four Articles.Feb. 22. Firſt, They demanded juſtice to be done on the Preacher, who they ſaid had injured them.Articles of the Bernoiſes, and their anſwer. Secondly, They repreſented that the Lent Preacher in the Convent of Rive taught erroneous Doctrine, which they delivered in Writing. Thirdly, They required that one of their Miniſters who had been expelled the Town, might be recalled. Fourthly, That a Church might be granted them for one of their Miniſters to Preach in during their abode in the City. To which the Syndicks and Council thus replied.

Firſt, Concerning Furbity, that he ſhould receive ſuch puniſhment as his faults deſerved.

Secondly, That the Preacher of Rive ſhould be warned to Teach no other Doctrine but what is maintained in the Holy Scripture.

Thirdly, That they could not Repeal the Sentence of the Miniſters baniſhment.

Fourthly, That they might chuſe what place they liked beſt for their Chaplain to Preach in.

[Page] In this ſame day there aroſe a great diſturbance in the Church of S. Francis de Rive, occaſioned by a Proteſtant Miniſter's contradicting a Catholick Preacher on the firſt Sunday in Lent, and it ſeldom hapned otherwiſe at all Sermons.

On the firſt day of March, March 1. after this Preacher had ended his Sermon, the Proteſtants animated by the preſence of Baudichon, Farel Preaches publickly. Amy Perron, and ſeveral other Citizens who had heard him, cauſed Farel to get up into the Pulpit.Mar. 30. And this was the firſt Sermon the Proteſtants heard in publick, at which ſome Counſellors made their complaints to the Council, ſetting before them the danger that might enſue thereupon. Deputies from Fribourg likewiſe came to make their complaints to the general Council, upon the leave granted to the Lutherans to Preach, notwithſtanding they had promiſed to live as heretofore; and that they had already given them notice, that if they ſuffered any innovation, they would break off their Alliance. They were anſwered, that they approved not of it, yet could they not withſtand the deſires of the Gentlemen of Berne, who had brought theſe Miniſters along with them; and that they ought not for this to break off with them, but rather aid them againſt the Biſhop, who would deprive them of their priviledges.Fribourgers break off with the Genev [...]iſes. There were alſo Deputies ſent from Geneva to Fribourg on purpoſe to appeaſe them, but to no effect, for they broke off the Seals from the Articles of Agreement; ſaying, they would have nothing to do with Lutherans, nor with people who would not obey their Biſhop, and ſent to Geneva for their Articles of Agreement.

The Proteſtants had taken poſſeſſion of the Church of Rive, in which they Baptized, Married, and Adminiſtred the Communion. The two parties about this time were equal in power;Proteſtants and Papiſts equal in number. great was the diviſion in families; here the wiſe againſt her husband, and there the father againſt his ſon, who uſed one another perhaps like Turks or Jews. It was obſerved that on Whitſun-Eve, the heads of all the Images ſtanding over the Church gates were cut off in the dark, no body knowing the Author. Theſe heads were found in a Well; at which the Syndicks being troubled, cauſed them to be ſet together the beſt they could; the Proteſtant party every day gained ground. Lewis Bernard Prieſt of S. Peter's Church, laid down his Gown, and having taken to wiſe Amy Perrin's ſiſter, was married by Peter Viret.

The Biſhop of Baulme coming to Chambery towards the Duke of Savoy, notice thereof was ſent to them of Berne, who writ to his Highneſs that they had been informed, the Biſhop came purpoſely to Chambery to reſign his Biſhoprick to Monſieur of Breſſe his ſon,June 23. which would be a means of involving their Allies of Geneva in farther troubles; wherefore they intreated him to let them live in peace, and to obſerve the Agreements made at S. Julien and Payerne.

A Plot was diſcovered of ſome Citizens dealing with the Biſhop about his coming again,July 29. and extirpation of the Proteſtants. The Syndicks having learnt the day before the enterprize was to begin,A Conſpiracy to bring in the Biſhop, &c. that the Biſhop was at Salleneure, and that the Nobility of Savoy had raiſed great numbers of Soldiers, who were to ſurprize the Town very early the next morning; they thereupon at nine of the Clock at night, cauſed the people to arm themſelves, and to keep ſtrict watch. The Conſpirators were to give notice to them without by a fire to [Page] be made in ſome place from whence it might be beſt ſeen. The City Smith was deſigned to open the Gates, and ſeveral Pieces of Ordnance, which commanded the Lake, were left on purpoſe without Ammunition The Biſhop was within two Leagues of the City, near the Village of Leluyſet, and every thing ſeemed to favour them. But they within, from whom moſt was expected, and who were to meet together at Molard under a Red Colours, were conſtrained to keep within doors for fear of the Guards, which were doubled. The Enemies had ſent two perſons, to ſee if the Gates of Rive and S. Anthonie were open: But when they ſaw they were faſt ſhut, and that there was a Torch in S. Peter's Steeple, which ſhewed that they within expected their coming, they cried out one to another,1434. We are betrayed, we ſhall never enter into Geneva, ſeeing we have failed this bout. So that this contrivance was rendred ineffectual by the care of the Syndicks. The Enemies finding themſelves, next Morning, near Gergonant, retired, Drum beating and their Colours flying, contenting themſelves with only plundering ſome Country houſes, and leading away Priſoner Peter Vandel; who was returned by way of exchange for Monſieur of Coudreé, Vandelled away Priſoner. who was detained at Geneva upon his account. The Biſhop withdrew into Burgundy whence he came, and ſome time after, turned his Officers at Geneva out of their places, chuſing new ones in their ſtead, and removed his Court to Gex. He deſigned to have had the Seal of the Biſhoprick from Geneva, but the City would not ſend it him.

The Deputies of Geneva repreſented their grievances to the General Aſſembly held at Baden; and the Bernoiſes ſent to the Duke to have them redreſſed. But he gave them no ſatisfaction: he likewiſe complaining againſt the Genevoiſes, who had battered his Arms in the Caſtle of the Iſle, and pulled down his Altar at S. Francis of Rive, and had excluded him from the Vidomnat or Stewardſhip, which he would have reſtored him. He required moreover that they would receive their Biſhop again. The Genevoiſes made anſwer, they would ſtand to the Agreement made at S. Julien and Payerne. And as to what concerned the Biſhop, they durſt not truſt him, and therefore would not permit his entrance. There was a meeting held at Thonon, and another at Lucern, where the Deputies of Berne and Geneva could effect nothing.

The City received Letters from the French-King, informing them that out of reſpect to them and the Bernoiſes, Octob. 5. he had ſet at liberty two Genevoiſes, Furbity's enlargement requeſted by the French-King. who had been apprehended at Lyons for their Religion, viz. Baudichon, and Cologny: entreating them to do the like by Furbity; which they would not conſent to before they had leave from the Bernoiſes, through whoſe means he had been all this while detained. Their conſent was obtained, yet he was not ſet at liberty, till the end of the year by way of exchange for Mr. Saunier a Miniſter,Feb. 12. whom the Duke kept Priſoner in Piedmont. In the Month of February in the Year following, a Grey Frier of S. Francis's Order, came and preſented himſelf to the Syndicks, that he might be permitted to preach;A Frier preaches in Lent at Geneva. who having requeſted the Chanons of S. Peter to lend him their Pulpit, they would not grant [Page] it. But the Curate of S. Germans offering him the uſe of his Church, he began to preach on the firſt Sunday in Lent, and held on till Eaſter. It was known before-hand that he was a Proteſtant, as well as the Curate of S. Germans, Thomas Vandel, who had been one of the Chanons of S. Peter. About this time the Proteſtant party was the ſtrongeſt, there being three Syndicks of it. They kept conſtantly with them a Captain and a Herald of Berne, 1535. under pretence of the differences between the Duke and them, but in effect to authoriſe their party, and prevent their being moleſted. They likewiſe encreaſed by the additional numbers of Proteſtants in France, who being perſecuted in their own Country, withdrew to Geneva. April 4. There was amongſt others a Woman of the Borough in Breſſe, who came there under pretence of Religion, but was executed for attempting to take away the lives of three Miniſters, by putting poyſon in their Meſs of Broth: but there was none but Viret who eat of it,Viret almoſt poyſoned. and thought he ſould have died with it. She accuſed the Chanon of Orſiers for confederacy with her, who was by the Syndicks order impriſoned.

On Aſcenſion Eve the Genevoiſes, May 5. at Eleven of the Clock at Night,Penay Caſtle aſſaulted by the Genevoiſes. went to ſurprize the Caſtle of Penay with 500 Men, and 7 pieces of Cannon. They within, although they were but few in number, yet defended themſelves moſt couragiouſly: they loſt but one Man, but the Genevoiſes two or three, beſides ſeveral that were wounded. The Night being ſpent to no purpoſe, and the Country round about being alarmed by break of day, they prepared to relieve the beſieged, which made the Aſſailants withdraw. This cauſed them of Penay to begin again to moleſt Geneva; and that the more eagerly, becauſe the chiefeſt of them were for their obſtinacy condemned to pay a Fine to the City of 100000 Crowns. Theſe diſorders obliged them to finiſh the walling in of S. Gervais, and to pull down the other Suburbs.

Some days after, the Biſhops Chancellor, and the Judge in Secular Matters, who had removed themſelves to Gex, cited the Gray Friers of Rive to make their appearance, becauſe on the firſt of May Father James Bernard, Guardian of the Convent, who was Lewis Bernard's Brother, who had forſaken the Convent the year before,Bernard makes publick profeſſion of the Truth. had cauſed Bills to be paſted up in the principal places of the City, wherein he openly declared his acknowledgment of the truth, and that he determined to maintain publick Theſes, touching the Maſs, the Invocation of Saints, and ſuch like points. Theſe Diſputations were to begin on the 30th of May in the Convent of Rive. May 30. The Biſhop ſtrictly forbad the Catholicks of his Dioceſs, and the Duke his Subjects to appear there. On the contrary, the Syndicks encouraged both Parties to meet there, promiſing both ſhould have a fair Hearing. Theſe diſputations laſted till S. John's day. There were but two Perſons who vigorouſly maintained the Catholick Doctrine, viz. Caroli Dr. of the Sorbon, and a Dominican Frier of the palace, called Chapuiſy. The Syndicks had ordered Four Secretaries to write what ſhould paſs on either ſide, to the end that the whole debate being conſidered by the Council, they might thereupon adviſe what was farther to be done. After this [Page] the ſame James Barnard embraced the Proteſtant Religion. And within a while Married a Printers Daughter, on whom he ſettled a Joynture.

On the Feaſt of S. Magdalen, July 22. Farel, accompanied with a great number of hearers,Farel preaches at S. Magdalens. having cauſed the Bell to ring according to cuſtom, came and preached in S. Magdalen's Pariſh-Church, the Prieſts not having time to make an end of their Maſs, and the People who were there running away with them.Aug. 5. Six days after he preached at S. Gervais, where the Syndicks had ſet a Guard of 50 Men to prevent any diſturbance. On the 5th of Auguſt he preached at S. Dominick's of the Palace, and on the 8th day of the ſame Month at S. Peters, notice being firſt given by the ſound of the great Bell. In the ſame day the Reliques and Images of the ſaid Church were defaced and ſpoiled by the common People. The Statue of Charlemain, which ſtood at the entrance of the Church, was likewiſe overthrown, whereat underſtanding Men were much diſpleaſed.

The next Morning the three Captains, Nicholas Baudichon, Peter Vandel, Aug. 6. and Amy Perrin, marched with their Companies, beating their Drums as they went to S. Gervais, and to S. Dominick; where they did yet worſe, for they ſpoiled a ſtately Picture which had coſt 600 Ducats. And from thence they went to the Bridge of Arve, to our Lady of Grace's Church, where the Syndicks haſtned with their Staves, to hinder them from demoliſhing the Chappel of René of Savoy.

On the next day, Farel came and preached to the Council of 200,Aug. 10. and mightily inveighed againſt the Prieſts and their Maſs. It was thereupon ordered that the Diſputations held at Rivè ſhould be looked into.Farel preaches before the Council. Two days after the Syndicks ſent for the Auguſtin Monks, Dominicans and Grey-Friers, and cauſed the chief Heads of the afore-mentioned Diſputations to be read before them, asking them whether they had any thing to object againſt them? They anſwered, It belonged not to them to meddle with Articles of Faith, which had been received and believed by their foreFathers.

At length the Syndicks made an order,Aug. 27. That all the Citizens and Inhabitants ſhould embrace the Proteſtant Doctrine,Maſs aboliſhed in Geneva. utterly aboliſhing the Roman-Catholick Religion. The Nuns of S. Clare kept to their old Priciples. There was only one Blaſine, the Daughter of Dominick Varembel, who forſook the Monaſtery, and preſented her requeſt to the Lieutenant, to the end the Siſters might give her a Dowry. Which they refuſed, ſaying, She had brought nothing to the Convent: yet to avoid all Suits of Law, they were content to put the matter to a reference. There were ordered her 200 Crowns to be paid out of the Houſholdſtuff of the Convent. They a while after requeſted the Syndicks to have Maſs permitted them as heretofore, or otherwiſe leave to depart the City. The Syndicks anſwer was, That they might either ſtay or go. So that they determined to depart to Vitry, and from thence to Anecy, where the Duke cauſed a Convent to be fitted up for them.

[Page] They left Geneva, Aug. 30. being accompanied by the Syndicks and the Lieutenant as far as the Bridge of Arve, The Nuns leave Geneva. according to their requeſt, leſt they ſhould have any rudeneſs offered them. There were but Nine, and there were ſome of them who for 30 years together had not ſtirred out of the Convent. They reached no farther than S. Julien all that day, which is but a League diſtant from Geneva. And they were moreover ſo aſtoniſhed to find themſelves in the open Fields, that in ſeeing either Cows or Sheep they took them for Lyons and Bears, according to Siſter Juſſie's relation, who hath deſcribed this Sally, in a little Book called, The beginning of the Hereſie of Geneva. This Book is written with all the ſimplicity and confuſion, which could be expected from a poor Nun; for ſhe was, as well as her Companions, in great fear before ſhe got away, thinking every minute they ſhould have ſome violence offered them. Yet, as may be ſeen in this relation, they were more afraid than hurt. The greateſt miſchief they received, was an Exhortation to leave their Veils and Marry. Farel preached in their Convent, and took his Text from theſe words of the bleſſed Virgin, Exſurgens Maria abiit in montana: And Mary aroſe and went into the hill country. Shewing them, That ſhe was never a Recluſe, although a perfect pattern of Holineſs. But this ſhook not their conſtancy.

Baudichon a while after was choſen Captain General,Beudichon made Captain General. in the place of John Philippe, and made a general Muſter of them who had voluntarily Liſted themſelves under him, who amounted to the number of 400. This Militia being not ſtrong enough to take the Field againſt the Enemy, Claudius Savoy, who was ſent to Berne from Geneva, not obtaining help, went to Newcaſtle to raiſe Men for Geneva, who in their march thither had ſome skirmiſh near Nions with them of the Country of Gex: but the Deputies of Berne cauſed them to be disbanded, promiſing to reconcile the differences between the Genevoiſes, and the Duke and them of Penay. This did not at all pleaſe the Genevoiſes, becauſe the Savoyards had detained their Three Deputies, Darlod, Lambert, and Tocquet, whom they had carried away Priſoners to the Caſtle of Chillon.

There came another ſupply from Lyons of about 600 Men,Nov. 16. who found the paſſages blocked up by the Savoyards as far as Salleneuve. This Levy of Soldiers were for the moſt part People ſprung Originally from Geneva, who were moſt of them Printers and other Artiſts,The French come to the aſſiſtance of Geneva. whoſe Commanders were a Printer named Roboan, and a French Captain called Francis of Montbel, Sieur of Veray. The latter of theſe ventured to give notice to them of Geneva of the Aid they had brought them. He was ſeen firſt at the Gate of Cornevin, where he was in great danger of being killed, having been taken by them of the City for a Spy. He ſhewed them he had left 400 Horſe and 200 Foot at S. Claude and on the Mountain, deſiring them of the City to ſally out, for the facilitating of their entrance. The Genevoiſes then took the Field, with 400 Men and four pieces of Ordnance.Decem. 14. They advanced as far as the Village of Ornex, where the night having overtaken them, they returned, till they ſhould have farther notice. The firſt account they received [Page] [Page]

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[Page] was, That a part of them venturing to come to Geneva, and being ignorant of the way, had fallen into the Enemies hands, who lay about Gex. The reſt gained, as well as they could, the Town.

The Savoyards and M. de Rolle having entred the Caſtle of Pency as Friends, they carried away thoſe within Priſoners to Gex, accuſing them of Treaſon. They likewiſe abuſed the Women and Children of ſtrangers, who were ſent out of the City as unprofitable mouths; they ſtripped them to their Shifts, and cauſed them to return back again. There were ſeveral little conflicts on both ſides, while the Cantons endeavoured to reconcile theſe differences.

The Proteſtants continued to pull down the Images, and ſpoil the Reliques of Churches.

Some days after the Officers of the City,Farel cauſes a Faſt to be proclaimed. at the inſtigation of Farel, publiſhed by ſound of Trumpet, a Faſt, enjoyning all perſons the next Morning to Aſſemble themſelves in S. Peter's Church,Dec. 18. to pray to Almighty God to ſend them Peace. Farel preached, and the Congregation was greater than ordinary.

About the end of this Year, with which we will finiſh this our firſt Part,Mony Coyned in Geneva with the City Stamp. the City being ſurrounded with Enemies, wanting Proviſion, and deſtitute of Mony; this put the Magiſtrates upon Coyning ſome with the City Stamp, the Savoy Coyn having been moſt currant before amongſt them. And for better aſſurance in this point of Priviledge, there was ſearch made for all old pieces of the City Coyn. At length there were found ſome pieces, on one ſide of which there was S. PETRƲS, written round S. Peter's Head; and on the other ſide a Croſs, with this Motto, GENEVA CIVITAS, the City of Geneva; after the ſame manner as we have repreſented it in the next ſide. And becauſe the ancient device of the City in its Arms was Poſt tenebras ſpero lucem, I expect light after darkneſs; there was Coyned on one ſide of the new Mony Poſt tenebras lux, or lucem, After darkneſs, light. On the other ſide was the Arms of Geneva, the Key and Eagle, with this device, DEƲS NOSTER PƲGNAT PRO NOBIS, 1535. Our God fights for us. There were likewiſe ſome Coyned the Year following, which inſtead of this Superſcription, had this about the Name of Jeſus, MIHI SESE FLECTET OMNE GENƲ Every knee ſhall bow before me. Here you may ſee both ſorts to ſatisfie your curioſity.

The End of the Second Book.

A VEIW OF THE Country Round about GENEVA

THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA.
BOOK III.
From the Year 1536. to this preſent.

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THE Change which hapned at Geneva in Religion,1536. contributed not a little to encreaſe the differences betwixt the Duke and Genevoiſes; there paſſed ſeveral skirmiſhes from the begining of the Year near the Bridge of Arve; 1536. and the enemies made themſelves Maſters of the Convent,Jan. 3. called our Lady of Grace, on the third day of January at night, but at break of day they quitted that poſte, which made the Magiſtrates reſolve to raſe that Convent,Jan. 4. and the houſes thereabouts. Some days after,Jan. 14. the Enemy came at ten of the Clock at night, and approached the Walls to ſcale the City on the ſide of S. Gervais de Rive, Jan. 16. and S. Victor; but the Alarm being given, they were beat back with ſome loſs.The [...]ernoiſes promiſe the Genevoiſes their aſſiſtance. In the mean time the States of Berne having notice of all theſe proceedings, promiſed them of Geneva their aſſiſtance, [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] ſtance, and wrote to the Duke a Letter to this effect, That ſeeing he would not keep to the Agreement made at S. Julien, and the decree of Payerne, but on the contrary had injured their Allies, and blocked up their City,They break off with the Duke. they therefore had ſent back his Articles of Agreement, and proclaimed War againſt him; whereupon the Duke prepared to ſend his Troops into the Country of Vaud, to expect them there.

The Genevoiſes ſeeing themſelves blocked up,Jan. 24. and preſſed with hunger, made a ſally out with three hundred men to diſorder their Enemies.The Genevoiſes ſally out. Now between Chené and Colony, there lay a Party of about five or ſix hundred men of the Enemies forces, which they ſet upon ſo briskly, that having routed their horſe, the foor loſt their courage, and ſuffered themſelves to be ſlain without reſſiſtance. So great was the ſlaughter, that Captain De Verey, who was chief in that enterprize, moved with compaſſion, deſired his men to forbear, ſaying, Ah Sirs, let us leave ſome alive to till our grounds. The Duke of Savoy's Provoſt was found dead amongſt a hundred more of his Company, ſeveral taken Priſoners; the Genevoiſes having onely loſt three or four of their men.

Two days after,Jan. 26. having notice given them by ſome Priſoners that there were ſeveral Troops gariſon'd in the Caſtle of great Sacconez, they marched thither, giving them a falſe Alarm to draw them into an ambuſh, but they would not ſtir out before they had freſh ſupplies; whereupon they returned back after they had taken ſome plunder.

In the mean time the Genevoiſes having heard no news of the Troops which the Bernoiſes had promiſed them,Jan. 29. and there being no way to bring them proviſion by land,A Bark fitted out by the Genevoiſes. they thereupon ſet forth a Barque, and four other Boats man'd with eight hundred Soldiers commanded by De Verey, and ſo make to the Lake, on which they had no ſooner arrived, but the Country of Savoy ringing their Bells, ſounded an alarm; as they were about landing on Bellerive, they found three Companies ready to receive them: wherefore they tacked about to the other ſide of the Lake, and ſet their men on the ſhore of Gentoux and Verſoy, where finding none but old people and children, they carried away with them all they could, even to the very Bells of theſe two Villages, and this was all this whole days exploit.

The next Morning having learned that the Enemy at the approach of the Bernoiſes, Jan. 30. had quitted Sacconez and Peney; they marched out with De Verey, and put in them Gariſons. They found in theſe Caſtles great ſtore of proviſion, which they cauſed to be tranſported into the City, and not long after they blew up that of Peney, which had been ſo often a ſhelter to their Enemies,Peney blown up. and diſcontented Citizens.

The Bernoiſes advanced as far as Nions, burning and deſtroying all the Fortreſſes and Abbies along the Country of Vaud; Jan. 31. but Morges and Nions, although ſubject as well as the reſt to the Duke, had been already plundered by ſeven hundred Italians belonging to the Troops of his Highneſs of Savoy. Gex ſurrendred. The City and Caſtle of Gex rendred themſelves upon compoſition, thoſe of Thonon did the like of their own [Page] accord, paſſing over the Lake that they might joyn with the Bernoiſes. The Caſtles of Juſſy and Gaillard, Feb. 1. being ſummoned, ſurrendred in like manner to the Genevoiſes.

The Forces of Berne, Feb. 2. having joyned with thoſe of New Caſtle, made up 700 men,Bernoiſes arrive at Geneva who arrived at Geneva. The chief Commander Hans Franez ſhewed his Orders to the Senate of 200, and asked their opinion, whether it were not beſt to continue their Alliance with Madam De Nemours the Counteſs of Geneva, who had offered to furniſh them with Victuals. Whereupon it was agreed they ſhould not break off with her. The Troops marched forth on the ſide of S. Julien and Du Wache to batter the Fort of La Cluſe, whilſt thoſe they had ſent on the Mountain ſhould roll great Stones upon them.La Cluſe ſurrenders. After the Cannon had played, they rendred themſelves, and the Gariſon which was about 500 Soldiers, being moſt Italians, were carried Priſoners to Gex. They returned laden with Booty and Proviſion: But the Genevoiſes could hardly ſatisfy the Bernoiſes, who demanded the Vidomnat, the Revenues of the Biſhoprick and its dependances, to defray the Charges of the War. The Senate conjured them, That ſeeing they had generouſly aſſiſted them in maintaining their Liberty againſt the Duke and Biſhop, they ſhould not ſully ſo glorious an action by a demand which tended to their oppreſſion: and that they would endeavour to gratifie them in any other way that was reaſonable.

Duke Charles the Third was overwhelmed with misfortunes from all ſides. The French-King, Francis the Firſt, being incenſed againſt him, had poſſeſſed himſelf of Savoy, de la Breſſe, and Piedmont, and had ſent his Grand Provoſt from Paris to them of Berne, deſiring them to Bound their Conqueſts by the Countries of Vaud, du Chablais, Feb. 18. and thoſe on this ſide la Cluſe. The Fribourgers, who had no difference with the Duke, notwithſtanding ſeized on the County de Romant (which was much to their advantage) under pretence of preventing the Bernoiſes from doing it. Theſe took the laſt good places which remained in the Country of Vaud, Chillon Caſtle beſieged. viz. Lauſane and Yverdun, which ſurrendred on compoſition. The Caſtle of Chillon gave them more trouble, and the Genevoiſes ſent thither their Frigate to beſiege it likewiſe by Water. It being at length ſurrendred, there were found in it ſeveral Priſoners,March 29. amongſt whom was Bonnivard Prior of S. Victor, who had been a long time confined to his Dungeon, as we have already obſerved.Bonnivard ſet at liberty. The Valeſans taking the advantage of theſe diſorders, took up Arms and poſſeſſed themſelves of one part of Chablais, which reached as far as the River of Dranſe. The Genevoiſes having made themſelves Maſters of Juſſy, Thy, Peney, Gaillard, Bellerive, and Seligny, ſettled Officers in theſe places, having firſt demoliſhed the Caſtle of Gaillard.

The Syndicks publiſhed an Order,May 21. enjoyning every one to go to Church and hear Sermons, utterly aboliſhing the Maſs: An Oath having been adminiſtred to the People,Maſs aboliſhed. and an Inſcription ſet up over the Town-houſe, in Letters of Gold, in memorial of this, and their deliverance by ſuccours from Berne. Saunier teaches School. They erected a Free [...]School at Rive, and choſe Anthony Saunier chief Maſter of it. [Page] The Country People kept ſtill to the Catholick Religion. The Magiſtrates cauſed a Convocation of all the Prieſts in their Juriſdiction to be held, who were told by the Principal Syndick, Farel and Bonnivard being then preſent, That if they did not make it appear from the Holy Scriptures, before Whit-Sunday, That the Maſs, and other Popiſh Inſtitutions, were approved of by God, they ſhould no longer be permitted the exerciſe of them. The ancienteſt of them, in the name of all the reſt, made this ingenious reply: My Lords (ſaid he) We are not a little ſurprized at this ſuddain command, to forſake without any farther deliberation a Religion, which hath been received for ſo many Ages as holy and ſafe, without the leaſt conviction of the contrary. Ye have indeed left this Religion, but not in a moment of time, as ye expect we ſhould do, ſeeing ye have had ſeveral Sermons for your inſtruction. And although we are your moſt humble Subjects, yet are we nevertheleſs Chriſtians, Redeemed by the Blood of Chriſt, as well as your ſelves, and as much concerned for our own Salvation as ye can be for yours. We therefore intreat you for our Saviours ſake, our common Lord, That you would give us the ſame liberty ye have taken your ſelves. Send us Preachers who can inſtruct and ſhew us wherein we err, and then, if they can convince us, we ſhall without further delay follow your example, and ſubmit our ſelves wholly to your diſpoſal. The chief Syndick having heard this anſwer, cauſed them to withdraw, that he might conſult on the matter. Bonnivard was of opinion it were expedient to grant their requeſt, and not to force their Conſciences, but to inform them: for if they ſhould ſhew themſelves ſo light, ſaid he, as to paſs ſo ſoon and eaſily from one Religion to another, it was to be feared they would on the next occaſion return to the old one again. Whereas Farel on the contrary, being leſs moderate, anſwered him, ſaying, Will you hinder the immediate work of God? And proceeding in his Exhortations, he made the Lords conſent to his opinion. The Prieſts were again ſent for in, and had the ſame command laid on them as before. Some who ſaid Maſs privately in the City, were found out and brought to Farel, who ſharply reprehended them. The Country People were enraged at this, and would have returned as bad, or rather worſe, uſage to the Miniſters who preached about in the Villages, had they not been well guarded.

The Bernoiſes inſiſted ſtill on their old demands,1536. and there was a Meeting appointed to be held in Berne to decide fairly this difference.Aug. 7. The Alliance between the two Cities was confirmed to laſt for 25 Years on theſe conditions: That the Genevoiſes ſhould pay in ſix Months time, to the Bernoiſes, the ſumm of ten thouſand Crowns, for the charge of the War: that they ſhould give them entrance into their City as oft as they had occaſion: and that they ſhould quit to them the Lordſhip of Gaillard, the Abby of Bellerive, and the Caſtle of Cholex. The Genevoiſes keeping in their own poſſeſſion the Vidomnat or Stewardſhip, the Revenues of the Biſhoprick and of the Priory of S. Victor, which they deſigned as a maintenance for Miniſters and the Hoſpital.

It was about this time that John Calvin of Noyon in Picardy, Calvin comes to Geneva. accompanied with his Brother Anthony Calvin, intending to retire into [Page] to Baſle or Strasbourg, and leaving, by reaſon of the Wars, the direct Road, came to paſs through Geneva, not intending to tarry there. Yet Farel knowing him to be a learned Man, would needs retain him. Which he would not a long time conſent to; till Farel was ſo urgent with him as to admit of no denial, deſiring him only to read Lectures in Divinity.Sept. A while after the Bernoiſes cauſed publick Diſputations to be held at Lauſane, to which he was called, together with Farel and Viret, who was now become a Preacher. The Proteſtant Religion was confirmed by theſe Diſputes, and the Catholick baniſhed. The Bernoiſes would have had the Monks of Payerne to receive the Proteſtant Doctrine: but they refuſed it, being upheld by the Fribourgers, who had an equal right with the Bernoiſes in this Abby: And upon this account theſe two Cantons were like to have engaged in a War. The latter of theſe had already ſent to Geneva for 200 Men to aſſiſt them, but the other Cantons interpoſing they were made Friends.

In the Month of March, 1537. in the Year following, there came a ſtranger out of the North Country,An Anabaptiſt diſputes with Farel. who publickly diſputed againſt Farel, and the other Miniſters, before the great Council, maintaining, amongſt the reſt, That the Baptizing of Infants was unlawful, and that the Sacrament of Baptiſm ought not to be adminiſtered to any but to thoſe who could give an account of their Faith. Farel proved the contrary, and convinced him of ſeveral other Errors held by the Anabaptiſts. He was, together with his Companions, baniſhed the City; from whence they went to Switzerland, where the Bernoiſes cauſed ſome of them to be put to death.

The Miniſters had another Diſputation with one Carolyn, March 10. who undertook to prove the lawfulneſs of the Maſs,Carolyn maintains the lawfulneſs of the Maſs. and Prayers for the dead. The Magiſtrates of Berne, having heard both Parties at Lauſane, baniſhed Carolyn out of their Dominions. Farel compiled a form of Confeſſion, which was read every Sunday in S. Peter's Church. But the Bernoiſes complained that theſe Conſtitutions were not agreeable with theirs, for they obſerved ſtill ſome chief Feſtivals, and uſed unleavened Bread in the Sacrament, and married Women after the old cuſtom with their Hair diſcheveled; which Farel did not approve. He was preſent at the Synod of Berne, conſiſting of 300 Divines from Switzerland, Strasbourg, and other neighbouring Countries, who rejected the opinion of Conſubſtantiation, or Corporeal preſence of Chriſt in the Sacrament, which ſome at that time held,Calvin compiles a Catechiſm. eſpecially the Lutherans. Calvin compoſed a Catechiſm for the inſtruction of Youth: whilſt they who had ſworn to live according to the Proteſtant Diſcipline, becoming unruly, made a diſturbance in the Council, crying out, They had made them Perjured.

The Syndicks for that Year favoured the diſcontented Party,1538. and indeed were yet Catholicks in their heart.The Syndicks ſtill Catholicks in their hearts. Calvin, Farel, and Courant, who was blind, but accounted learned, preſented themſelves before the Council, offering to make good their Confeſſion of Faith. But this not prevailing, they under pretence of preſerving [Page] the Liberties and Priviledges of the City, and becauſe they would not conform to the cuſtom of Berne in Celebrating the Communion, they therefore made an Order in Council, enjoyning theſe three Miniſters to leave the City in three days.April 23. Calvin had no maintenance from the City,Calvin with others baniſhed the City. living at his own charge there; wherefore he went to Baſle, and from thence to Strasbourg; where being entertained by Martin Bucer, Capito, Hedio, and other learned men, he obtained leave of the Magiſtrates to ſet up a French-Church, and became the Paſtor of it, and had a competent maintenance allowed him. Farel withdrew to Neuf-Chatel.

After the departure of theſe three Miniſters,Mare committed to Priſon. the Miniſter of Juſſy, Henry la Mare, refuſing, as the reſt had done before him, to Adminiſter the Sacrament with Wafers, was thrown into Priſon. But he was ſoon releaſed,Decemb. and ſerved the City, together with the other Miniſters, who were ſent for. out of the Villages. Their opinion was required, before they were admitted, concerning the old Ceremony of Womens being Married with their Hair hanging down looſe about their Ears. They made anſwer, (for fear this trifle ſhould hinder their entrance) That they did not find it forbidden any where in the Holy Scripture. Whereupon they were admitted, and gave the Communion, in the Eaſter following, with Bread without Leaven; which cuſtom continued a long time after at Geneva.

They who had been the chief inſtruments of the Miniſters baniſhment, did not a little triumph at the matter, carrying along with them throughout the City a Stove, on which things are wont to be broiled, and the Wick or Cotton of a Candle, which is called in that Country Language Farets; as much as to ſay, they had broiled Farel. Calvin writes to Geneva. Yet this hindred him not from writing to them, Exhorting them to Union in Doctrine: the ſame did Calvin, one of whoſe Letters had this Superſcription: To my well-beloved Brethren in the Lord, the remnant of the ſcattered Church of Geneva: By which and what he wrote at the end of his Letter, it ſeemed that he foretold the confuſion in which his Enemies would be involved 16 months after.Saunier with others baniſhed. At Chriſtmas, Anthony Saunier, Maturin Cordier Maſter of the Free-School, and ſeveral others, refuſing to give the Sacrament with Wafers, were ordered to depart the City.

In the Year following there was a Decree made in the General Council,1539. That whoſoever ſhould ſo much as adviſe a change of Government ſhould loſe his Head.Nov. 5. In another Seſſion of the ſaid Council,1540. three Deputies were condemned for having made an agreement with the City of Berne touching the Lordſhip of S. Victor, June 5. which they demanded, and upon other Articles which tended to the oppreſſion of the City. Two of theſe three Deputies had been Syndicks in the Year 1538, and had procured Farel and Calvin's baniſhment.

This condemnation made a great noiſe, and moved the People to Sedition, becauſe theſe Perſons were ſome of the Principal Men in the City, and had great Friends. John Philippe, who was Captain General, and had been Syndick in that Year, and moreover [Page] joyned in Friendſhip and in the ſame Faction with them, ſpake publickly againſt it, and was the firſt Author of the Sedition:Philippe kills a Man with his Leading-ſtaff. He killed a Man with his Leading-ſtaff in this quarrel. And a German on his ſide was ſlain in the place. The Council iſſued out a Warrant to apprehend Philippe, who having ſhut himſelf up in his Houſe, made ſome reſiſtance, there having been a Man ſhot dead in this tumult; he got away at laſt over the tops of the Houſes, and hid himſelf in the Stable belonging to the Tower of Perſe, amongſt the Hay, where having been found out, he was carried to Priſon. The Syndicks, with the Watch, guarded him from the violence of the People, who otherwiſe would have torn him in pieces. Whereupon we may obſerve the inconſtancy of the vulgar, and how little their Friendſhip is to be relied on. It was not eight days ſince Philippe was exceedingly reſpected, and had more credit than all the reſt of the Syndicks beſides; but now every body exclaimed againſt him, and deſired he ſhould be put to death, even thoſe who were moſt obliged to him. He had made a Party who were no friends to the Proteſtants, and who had already procured the baniſhment of ſeveral Miniſters.Artichauds Faction. The two Syndicks who were condemned, were of it. They were called Artichauds or Artychokes, becauſe this Faction had taken theſe Plants to diſtinguiſh themſelves, having cut down as many of theſe Roots as they could find in the Gardens. It was likewiſe a word uſed in the Wars amongſt them. Others ſay this word of Artichaud came by corruption of Speech from Articlers, by reaſon of the Articles which they had inſerted in the Treaty at Berne. The contrary Faction had green Flowers for a mark of diſtinction, and their word was Farel, which name was often heard about Streets, and likewiſe that of Artichaud. Claudius Richardet, chief Syndick in the Year 1538, one of the Principal of the Artichaud Faction, having been ingaged in this Sedition, would have made his eſcape over the City Walls,Richardet dies by a fall. but being a corpulent Man he was ſo bruiſed by the fall that he immediately killed himſelf. Theſe are the miſfortunes uſually attending diverſity of opinions in Religion. Philippe was condemned to loſe his Head, notwithſtanding the interceſſion of the Bernoiſes. June. So that this Faction of the Artichauds was very much daunted by the diſgrace of the four who were Syndicks in the Year 1538, and who had been the chief upholders of it. Yet the three Deputies at length obtained favour by the interceſſion of them of Berne and Baſle, and were only enjoyned to make an humble acknowledgment of their fault before the Council of 200, and had a ſmall Fine laid upon them. Theſe differences made them think of calling back Calvin, who was buſied in the Eccleſiaſtical Synods of the Empire.

About the end of theſe troubles,Auguſt. the Genevoiſes received Letters from Charles the Fifth, Dated the eighth of Auguſt, 1540. by which he gave them to underſtand, that he had been informed, That they of Berne ſollicited Geneva to do them Homage, which he did not believe they would conſent to, ſtrictly charging them the contrary, upon pain of his high diſpleaſure; expecting likewiſe that the Bernoiſes, to whom he intended to write, would deſiſt from theſe [Page] demands, and enjoyning the City of Geneva to remain as heretofore in obedience to the Empire, as an Imperial City, not permitting the Liberties and Priviledges thereof to be loſt which were granted them by his Predeceſſors, which adminiſtred matter of no ſmall joy and comfort to the City.

The baniſhment of the three Miniſters was repealed by the General Council,The baniſhment of the three Miniſters repealed. it being openly declared, they might come again into the City when they pleaſed. A while after, there was an Order made, forbidding all undecent Dancings and profane Ballads. There was a diſcourſe of Eſtabliſhing a Conſiſtory.May. 1. Calvin was ſent for to Geneva, Calvin ſent for to Geneva. at the ſuit of them of Zurich to the Strasbourgers, who could ſcarcely be perſwaded to part with him. Neither was he, indeed, willing to come, finding his endeavours ſo ſucceſsful at Strasbourg. But Bucer threatned him with Gods Judgments, if he obeyed not this call, ſetting before him the example of Jonas, who refuſed to preach to the Ninevites: but at length, with much entreaty, he was prevailed on and came to Geneva, having firſt made a journy over to Ratisbonne. He immediately fell to work with unwearied diligence,Sept. 13. preached almoſt every day in the Week, read Lectures in Divinity, and never miſt being preſent at the Conſiſtory on the days in which it was held.Calvin's painfulneſs. And anſwered multitudes of Letters which were ſent to him from all parts for his advice in points of Learning and Controverſie.1541. About this time he ſet up Catechiſing according to the Form he had compoſed.Nov. 21. He eſtabliſhed that Eccleſiaſtical Policy, the Liturgy and publick Prayers, which have been ever ſince in uſe: there came ſeveral French Men and their Families, who had embraced the Proteſtant Religion, to ſettle in Geneva, as a place of refuge.

The Plague raging at Geneva, ſeveral of the infected were put into the Hoſpital of the large Palace;1542. the Magiſtrates deſigned to ſend a Miniſter there to comfort them.Plague at Geneva. But ſome refuſed to go, which Calvin and Caſtalio obſerving, they offered to undertake it. But the Council would not permit the former of theſe, in conſideration of his ſerviceableneſs both to the Church and City. Peter Blanchet was appointed, who quickly loſt his Life in that ſervice.

A while after Calvin went to Strasbourg, to diſpute with Carolyn, who had been heretofore Miniſter at Lauſane, 1543. where having been condemned for Preaching up the Maſs and Prayers to Saints,Calvin Diſputes with Carolyn. he fled for it, and endeavouring to be reconciled with the Bernoiſes, he made his Recantation at Strasbourg: But he turned his Coat the ſecond time, oppoſing Farel who had preached at Metz. From thence he went to Strasbourg, where he would not diſpute with Calvin. Death put an end to his inconſtancy, and puniſhed him for his fickleneſs: for he died at Rome in an Hoſpital.

The Biſhop Peter of Baume, dying in Franche-Comté, Auberive was ſubſtituted in his place by the Pope.1544. He took on him the Title of Biſhop of Geneva, and kept his Reſidence at Annecy.

[Page] About this time Sebaſtian Caſtalio of Chaſtillon in Breſſe, Caſtalio his Opinions. Regent of a College, who formerly had preached, propounded and agitated ſeveral queſtions in Divinity. He diſliked the Canticle of Solomon as profane and laſcivious, and did not approve of the Miniſters interpretation of that Article touching Chriſts Deſcenſion into Hell; for which being reprehended in a full Congregation, he accuſed the Miniſters of pride, raſhneſs, and other vices: which the Council having diſapproved, he was depoſed, and withdrew to Baſle. He broached ſeveral Errors, and made a Tranſlation of the Bible into Latin and French, wreſting ſeveral places thereof to countenance his own opinions. He wrote likewiſe a Book which he Intituled Theologia Germanica, and a Treatiſe of the old and new Man.

The City began again to be overſpread by the Plague,1545. it being firſt brought thither (as it was thought) by ſome Switzers Soldiers who went to Italy in the French-Kings ſervice. A certain Perſon, named Lentilles, who had been a Servant to the Keeper of the Hoſpital in Caddoz's time,Lentilles ſpreads the Plague in Geneva. began to practiſe what he had learned of him, carrying about the Plague in Rags and Linen-Cloths, which had been bound about the Sores of the infected. He had prevailed upon almoſt the Nurſes and Women who cleaned and perfumed the Houſholdſtuff of the infected. They had gotten a bie-word amongſt them, by which they ſignified the Plague, calling it Clauda, rejoycing upon the encreaſe of it. When ever they met, they were wont to enquire one of another how Clauda did. The anſwer was commonly, She is goood for nothing, ſhe doth nothing but ſleep; or if there was any Houſe newly infected, they were wont to anſwer, She is very well, ſhe makes way in ſuch a place. A certain perſon named Bernard Tallent, one of Lentilles Accomplices, was apprehended by the Bayliff of Thonon, to whom he confeſſed the whole deſign; who ſent a Copy of his confeſſion to Geneva. Whereupon Lentilles was laid hold on and examined, but he would confeſs nothing whatſoever torment he ſuffered. He was ſent to Thonon to be confronted by his Companion, who maintained the charge againſt him; yet he ceaſed not to deny it, for all the torments of the Rack which he again underwent, even to that extremity as to have his Shoulder broken; at which being let down, and put to Bed, he immediately died, without ſaying any thing more, than only adviſing them to ſeize upon all them who attended the Hoſpital. Which was done, and the greateſt part confeſſing the Fact, were burnt alive, to the number of ſeven Men and twenty four Women. They declared, that Lentilles had obliged them by horrid Oaths to execute their miſchievous deſigns, to beſmear the Gates and encreaſe the Plague, ſo far till they of Geneva were reduced to that extremity, that the remainder of them might be maintained with a Buſhel of Corn. A Man would ſcarce believe that ſo great a number of Perſons ſhould be prevailed on to work ſo horrid a villany, had they not all ſeverally confeſſed it, without communicating one with another. The Surgeon and two others had their Skins pulled off from them alive with red hot Pinchers; ſome of theſe Wretches [Page] were taken in the very Fact whilſt their Companions were leading to Execution. After this the Plague ceaſed by degrees about All-Saints-day, it having ſwept away near Twenty thouſand People.

The Diviſions of the City,1546. another kind of Cont [...]gion, and no leſs dangerous than the former, ſucceeded. For the young People would not ſuffer themſelves to be deprived of their Sports, Taverns, and other places of debauchery; and the Miniſters inſiſted earneſtly upon it, both in the Council and Pulpit, threatning the Contumacious with no leſs than Excommunication. One of the Council accuſed Calvin, Calvin accuſed for teaching falſe Doctrine. That he had for the ſpace of Seven Years taught falſe Doctrine: but the Council committed him to Priſon, without Calvin's ſollicitation, enjoyning him to do Penance by carrying a Torch in his Hand throughout the City. Viret's Servant receiving a Letter from Calvin, inſtead of carrying it to his Maſter as he was directed, he delivered it to the Syndicks, who having broken it open,1548. were not a little diſpleaſed at ſome paſſages in it; eſpecially where he tells Viret, That they of Geneva would govern without God, and that he had to do with Hypocrites. Being ſent for to anſwer for this before them, he juſtified his complaint, by the inſtances of ſeveral debauched Perſons who were ſuffered to ſcoff at the Word of God, and to ſlight their Inſtructions. He left the City at the ſame time Farel departed from Neuf-chatel to go to Zurich, to be preſent at a Synod compoſed of Divines from Switzerland and Griſons: the Points debated there have been ſince Printed. At his return, he ſet forth his Commentaries on the Epiſtle of St. Paul to Titus, which he dedicated to Farel and Viret, in conſideration of the ſtrict friendſhip and unity betwixt them.

Galeacius Caracciola, 1550. Marquiſs of Vico in the Kingdom of Naples, where he had left his Eſtate and Family,Marquiſs of Vico comes to Geneva. withdrew to Geneva upon the account of Religion. Before his arrival, ſome Perſons ſpread a report that he came as a Spy, but his converſation gave ſufficient proofs of the contrary.Bolſec charges the Miniſters with preaching falſe Doctrine. Bolſec a Carmelite, who had left the Order, and under pretence of embracing the Proteſtant Religion, had betook himſelf to the profeſſion of Phyſick and Divinity; contradicted the Miniſter in a full Congregation, charging the Proteſtants with making God the Author of ſin,1551. and by that means contributing to the condemnation of the wicked, as if God had been a Jupiter or a Tyrant;Octob. 6. alledging farther, That S. Auguſtin was forcibly drawn into be a Patron of this Doctrine, although 'tis certain he was not of that opinion, of which he warned them to take heed, it being a new and dangerous Doctrine, and of which he charged Laurentius Valla to be the Author.Calvin cleareth himſelf and Brethren. Calvin, being preſent at the Meeting, he heard Bolſec diſcourſe, with an admirable patience, and after he had ſaid as much as he could, Calvin preſented himſelf, and anſwered moſt ingeniouſly to every Article for the ſpace of an hour: and beſides an infinite of places which he cited out of the Holy Scripture, he quoted ſo many paſſages out of S. Auguſtine as would make any Man believe he had ſtudied no other Author; ſo that every one admired it, and ſhut up all with this ſaying, [Page] Would to God that he who hath ſo much cited S. Auguſtin, had ſeen more of him than his covering. Farel, who was then at Geneva, made a diſtinct Oration to confirm what Calvin had ſaid before him, and to ſhew that they were to blame who charged them with error. Bolſec was thereupon committed to Priſon, where Calvin endeavoured to convince him of his error, as well by perſonal Conferences as by Letters. A while after, by the conſent of the Churches of Switzerland, he was baniſhed the City. 'Tis reported, That ten Years after,Bolſec writes Calvin's Life. he recanted in a full Synod at Orleans: but yet writ a Book of Calvin's Life, wherein he very much injures his Reputation: which occaſioned Calvin's ſetting forth a Treatiſe concerning Predeſtination and Providence, which the Magiſtrates of Berne did neither approve nor condemn: prudently forbidding1552. their Miniſters to preach to the People a Doctrine which they and all Men elſe ſo little underſtood. Troillet, who had been an Hermit, openly cenſured likewiſe Calvin's Inſtitutions. The Council enjoyned him to be ſilent, but yet this hindred not often diſturbances about this matter. The young people of the City accuſing Calvin of Pride and too much Severity.

About this time came Michael Servetus, Aug. a Spaniard, who had eſcaped out of Priſon from Vienna, 1553. to Geneva, where he began to dogmatize.Servetus comes to Geneva. He had compoſed a Book, Intituled Chriſtianiſmi reſtitutio, full of execrable Hereſies. He annulled the diſtinction of the three Perſons in the Godhead, affirming the Son and Holy Ghoſt to have been Created in the beginning of the World. That the Eſſence of God was common to all Creatures, even thoſe who were inanimate, which brought forth in Man a free will, yet did not this hinder, but that the knowledge of good and evil was ſtifled in him till he was twenty years of age; before which time a man could not commit any mortal ſin. That it was ſufficient to believe that Jeſus Chriſt was the Son of God, it not being abſolutely neceſſary to lay hold on his promiſes; All men, both Jews and Heathens, being juſtified by their good moral works. That Baptiſm of Infants was but a meer foppery. At firſt he was countenanced by ſome of the Magiſtrates who hated Calvin: ſo that beſides his natural maliciouſneſs, he was ſo rude in maintaining his Blaſphemy, as to give Calvin the lye above fifty times in one diſcourſe, and as often calling him wicked wretch, and Simon Magus. The Council could no longer endure his impudence, and therefore committed him to Priſon; and Articles were drawn up againſt him, which were ſent to the four Proteſtant Cantons for their concurrence; after which he was burnt alive, not ſhewing the leaſt ſign of repentance, but only a great fear of death. Several were not diſpleaſed that ſo dangerous a perſon was rooted out, who had ſowed his wicked Doctrine for the ſpace of thirty years amongſt Chriſtians. Others thought he was puniſhed too ſeverely, his Fact being only a matter of opinion, which was at the bottom of it but only a mixture of Judaiſm and Anabaptiſm, and that it were better to have expected his repentance; which occaſioned the ſetting forth of a Book, De non puniendis haereticis gladio, compoſed, as it was thought, by Caſtalion, under the name [Page] of Martin Bellius, which Book was anſwered by Theodore Beza. The Magiſtrates of Geneva and Switzerland, who had condemned Servetus, conſidered him as an Apoſtate, a Seducer, and an Atheiſtical perſon. Calvin likewiſe ſet forth a Book wherein he confuted his Hereſies,Grybalde propagates Servetus's errors. and expoſed all the proceedings againſt him. In the Year following Matthew Grybalde Sieur of Farges ſpread the ſame errors, but he would not enter into a publick conference with Calvin, but withdrew into the Countries of Berne, where he made his Recantation, yet living, as before, to the Year 1564. when he died of the Plague.

The City was fortified,1554. and the poor People of Merindol and Cabrieres, who had fled for refuge to Geneva, were employed about the work; the reaſon of this precaution was, That they had notice given them by the Bernoiſes, that the French had ſome deſign upon them; and that which occaſioned this ſuſpicion was, The great multitude of French men who had withdrawn thither. The Libertines of thè City bore them ill-will, and were not willing to grant them the Burgerſhip,The French deſigned to be maſſacred in Geneva. as they had done to others. They deſigned one Night to maſſacre them all, the Captain-General, Amy Perrin, a ſeditious and factious Perſon, being the chief of their Party. But the Council getting notice of it, took care to hinder them. There were ſome of them made ſevere examples. Thirty of them fled, and were ſentenced though abſent. And thus the City was cleared of theſe ſeditious People:1554. but yet they made ſeveral diſturbances in the City, and towards the Bridge of Arve, endeavouring with all their powers to be permitted to return by the ſollicitation of the Bernoiſes: which laſted for ſome time.

The number of ſtrangers viſibly increaſing in the City,The Engliſh Church in Geneva. ſeveral Engliſh came and ſettled themſelves there, and founded a Church of their own Nation,1555. as the Italians had done before them in 1551. and the Spaniards ſome time after; but Queen Elizabeth having ſucceeded Queen Mary, and bringing in again the Proteſtant Religion, the Engliſh returned again into their own Country, and thanked the City for their protection.1560. The firſt Miniſter of the Italian, Church was Maximilian of Martinengue, brother to the Earls of Martinengo, an illuſtrious family in Italy; he was a very learned man. The French Church at Francfort had ſome difference which Calvin went thither to pacifie.

The term of the Alliance with the City of Berne being expired,1556. Geneva endeavoured to renew it, which was not effected without a great deal of trouble.1557. The other Cantons were buſied in the Dyet of Baden, it was at length concluded that it ſhould laſt for ever.Octob.

Some Italians began to diſturb the Churches peace by their opinions of the Trinity; for to remedy which,1558. the Council enjoyned them to ſubſcribe to the Churches general Confeſſion;Jan. but there were ſeven perſons of them who abſolutely refuſed it, ſome of them leaving the Town upon it, the others ſigned it but by conſtraint, keeping ſtill the ſame mind,Gentil diſputes againſt Calvin. amongſt whom was Valentin Gentil, who gave not over dogmatiſing. He was thereupon committed to Priſon, and diſputed before the Lords againſt Calvin, whom he charged with oppreſſing the Truth. Gentil had run himſelf into Arianiſme and his [Page] drift was to ſhew that the Divine Eſſence belonged properly to none but the Father. It was the opinion of ſome Lawyers, that his Hereſie was of that nature, as to deſerve death; but he thought to eſcape all puniſhment by a ſeeming repentance, retracting his opinion by a writing made for that purpoſe; which the Magiſtrates taking notice of, inflicted on him no other puniſhment beſides the burning his Writings, and a command not to ſtir out of the City without their leave, which he obeyed with much ſubmiſſion and ſeeming compliance; after which he had leave granted him to go about the City; but at length he withdrew with ſome of his followers into the neighbouring Countries at Grybald's, where he taught the ſame Doctrine as before. The Bayliff of Gex obliged him to a new recantation: but he ſtill returned to his old error, whereupon he was at length executed at Berne in the Year 1566. Calvin wrote a Book againſt him, wherein he excellently confuted this Hereſie.

The number of the Youth encreaſing who came from all parts to ſtudy at Geneva, A Colledge founded at Geneva. the old School was not large enough to hold them, wherefore the Council thought fit to raiſe a new Colledge. There were immediately ſettled in it ſeven Claſſes, and three Profeſſors of Greek, Hebrew, and Philoſophy; beſides Divinity Lectures which Calvin read himſelf, to whom was joyned Theodore Beza, who Preached the following week after Calvin. The Statutes of this Colledge were firſt publiſhed in S. Peters Church, the Council being preſent, together with the Miniſters and Scholars,1559. which Statutes have been ſince Printed.June 5.

Duke Emanuel Philbert entring again upon one part of his eſtates, of which his father had been almoſt wholly diſpoſſeſſed, required the Bernoiſes in a Dyet held at Neuf-Châtel, to reſtore him thoſe places they had taken from him, which he obtained but in part: ſome years after he endeavoured likewiſe at an Alliance with all the Cantons, but there were none but the ſix Cantons who granted it him.

In the Year following the Genevoiſes made two perſons ſevere examples of Juſtice after the manner of the ancient Romans, 1560. a Citizen having been condemned to be whipt by the leſſer Council,Adultery ſeverely puniſhed. for the crime of Adultery, he made an appeal to the Council of two hundred, from whom he hoped to obtain favour. His Indictment being reviſed, and the Council obſerving that he had been guilty of the ſame crime heretofore, and had been reprehended for it, condemned him to die, to the great aſtoniſhment of the Offender, who complained he was too ſeverely dealt withal. Some time after there was executed for the ſame fact a Banker, who died very penitent, bleſſing God that Juſtice was ſo ſtrictly obſerved.

The young King Charles the ninth writ to them of Geneva by an expreſs,1561. Jan. complaining that the ſource of all the diviſions in his Kingdom ſprung from the Miniſters whom they had ſent into France, The French King complains againſt the Genevoiſes for ſending Miniſters into France. deſiring them to recall them, and to take a courſe that for the future they ſhould come there no more. To which they anſwered, that indeed they had not hindred any perſons from coming into their City to ſtudy there, in order to the fitting themſelves for the Miniſtry; but they were ſo far from fomenting the troubles of France, that on the contrary they had endeavoured to keep back them who would [Page] have went to Amboiſe, as knowing well that Holy Scripture recommends to Subjects obedience to their Prince. But the King not ſatisfied with this, gave not over threatning them. The Duke of Savoy likewiſe laid to their charge, that they had privately aſſiſted his Subjects of the Valleys of Angrogne and Luzerne, although they proteſted to be no farther concerned in it, than in praying to God to deliver them from the Soldiers cruelty.

The Proteſtants of France enjoying again the clams of peace (whom the Catholicks call Huguenots) the chief Cities of it ſent to Geneva for Miniſters, who did not refuſe them. Theodore Beza and Peter Martyr, Divinity Profeſſors at Zurich, were ſent for by Letters from the King of Navarre, dated the twelfth of Auguſt, 1561. to be preſent at the Conference of Poiſſy.

On Saturday the twenty ſeventh of May, 1564. 1564. died John Calvin aged fifty ſix years,Calvin dies. having by overmuch ſtudy brought upon himſelf ſeveral diſtempers. He was buried the next morning in the common Church-yard of the large Palace, according as he had deſired in his Will, without any Pomp or Epitaph; his Corps was attended by almoſt the whole City. Simon Goulard of Senlis who came to Geneva, a while after was choſe in his place. Theodore Beza wrote a Diſcourſe of his life and death, which was publiſhed in the ſame year together with his Teſtament.

His death was followed two years after by another more Tragical,1566. James Paul Spiffame Biſhop of Nevers having left his Biſhoprick,Spiffame his Tragical end. and forty thouſand Livres a year, had withdrawn himſelf to Geneva, to live according to the Proteſtant Doctrine. He had preſented a Requeſt to be admitted Citizen, which he obtained, having been received into the Council of two hundred, and of ſixty. The Magiſtrates and Scholars eſteemed him for his Learning. A while after he was ſent into France to ſerve there in quality of a Miniſter, but they had notice that he privately endeavoured to get ſome other Biſhoprick, which was the occaſion that at his return he was more narrowly obſerved, and his former life ſearched into. It was found that he had a child before he was married, of her whom he had eſpouſed, and to the end it might not be declared a Baſtard, he had forged a Contract of an antedated Marriage, and falſe Seals, for a greater confirmation to make his Son capable of his inheritance, which was very conſiderable; for all which he was impriſoned,1566. and having confeſſed the whole matter, he was beheaded at Molard, being very penitent for what he had done, expreſſing his ſorrow by an excellent ſpeech which he made on the ſcaffold. Some perſons have thought that theſe accuſations were only for a colour, when in effect it was to gratifie Catherine de Medicis, who had prevailed on the Syndicks, at the inſtance of the Pope.

Duke Emanuel Philbert, 1567. who had been a long time urgent with the Bernoiſes to reſtore him his lands, prevailed ſo far by the Emperors interceſſion, that they releaſed to him Gex, Gaillard and Terny with Chablais, on condition they ſhould remain in the ſtate they were in, having the free exerciſe of the Proteſtant Religion permitted them; which agreement when he was in poſſeſſion, he did not obſerve. The Country of Vaux fell to them of Berne, as it was agreed by the Decree [Page] made at S. Julien and Payerne in caſe he violated the agreement.

The Duke D' Alva being to paſs through Savoy, and near Geneva, Emanuel Philbert would have laid hold of this opportunity to make himſelf Maſter of that City, and therefore raiſed great numbers of Soldiers on this ſide and beyond the Mountains. The report of his enterpriſe being ſpread in France, there came in a ſhort time ſeveral French men eſpecially Burgundians and them of Provence, to offer their ſervice to the City;May. the Magiſtrates likewiſe took all poſſible care for its preſervation, they made out ſeven Companies of theſe ſtrangers, four of which were commanded by Captains belonging to the City, and the three others by them of Provence, beſides the inhabitants who mounted the Guard by turn. I. F. Bernard ſecond Syndick was made Captain-General, Amy Varro Sergeant-Major, Amblard Corne Colonel of the Infantry, and Paul de Mouvans his Lieutenant. The Duke De Alva being informed of the nature of the place would not ſtop there, but traverſing the Franche Comté he paſſed over into Flanders, where there were affairs expected of greater concernment,Sept. the Hollanders having taken up Arms, the Troops compoſed of ſtrangers which were at Geneva were not willing to remain idle, but took likewiſe the ſame road to aſſiſt them of the Religion; they Alarm'd Gex and Verſoy as they paſſed by, the inhabitants being ſeized with a panick fear forſook theſe two Boroughs, this exploit hath been ſince called The battel of Gex, no ſooner begun than ended, concerning which there is a poem extant in Burleſque Verſe in that Country Language. It was about this time that the Arſenal of Geneva was built.1567.

Theſe rumours of War were followed by the Plague which ſwept away ſeveral people:Grimaud endeavors to ſpread the plague. there was again a diſcovery made of ſeveral perſons who endeavoured to ſpread the infection about the City, and who had learned this curſed art in Lentilles School. There were divers burnt for this fact, amongſt others one called Grimaud and his Accomplices;1972. yet the Plague ceaſed not till 1572. which year being very cold put an end to it, being one of the ſharpeſt as could be remembred to have hapned in Geneva. People paſſed over the Lake on the Ice almoſt over againſt Cologny, and the Mills could not work, which cauſed a great ſcarcity of flower.

The City was likewiſe twice ſhaken with Earthquakes,May 3. April 24. the firſt of which overthrew the Gate of Cornevin into the Ditch,1574. and in the years 1576 and 78. there appeared two Comets which were followed by the joyful news of an Alliance which Henry the third made with the Switzers, 1575. in which Geneva was compriſed, it being ſtipulated that for the defence of the ſaid City,Novemb. which was ſtiled the Key and Bulwark of Switzerland, 1578. H [...]n. the 3. of France makes an Alliance with the Switzers, &c. the Cantons ſhould ſend in caſe it ſhould be beſieged a ſufficient number of men to its aſſiſtance at the Kings charge, and on the other hand the City ſhould ſuffer his Troops to paſs through it, marching orderly in rank and file, granting no retreat or paſſage to his Majeſties enemies. This Treaty was concluded at Soleurre betwixt the King and the Cities of Berne, Aug. 29. Soleurre and Geneva, Zurich was afterwards comprehended at the ſuit of the Sieur of Cocumartin Ambaſſador from the King to the Switzers. 1579.

[Page] This hindred not the Duke of Savoy, 1582. from making a new Tryal upon Geneva. The Duke of Savoy makes attempts on Geneva. A Dauphinoiſe who lived at Thonon informed him that he held intelligence with the chief of that City, which put the Duke upon raiſing ſome Regiments of Horſe and Foot out of Piedmont, Provence and Savoy, under the conduct of Bernardin of Savoy Earl of Raconis. Theſe Forces lay hid in ſeveral Caſtles and Monaſteries, the place of their Rendezvouz was to be the great Wood of Ripaille, which was encloſed with Walls, where they were to have Arms and other neceſſaries. In the mean time they tampered with ſome of the City, who let themſelves be won: but they more eſpecially applied themſelves to the Captain Lieutenant Lance, who commanded at S. Gervais. He took what mony ſoever they brought him, and promiſed great things; but he informed the Council of the whole tranſcation. The Dukes Forces marched through Terny, and came to Gex, from whence they were to march to S. Gervais, Lance having promiſed to ſet open the Gates to them. The day appointed being come, the Earl of Raconis told the Dauphinoiſe, that he would not have him leave him; but he fearing if the enterprize took not effect, it would go hard with him, got away and came to Geneva; ſo that Raconis perceiving how the matter went dared not to approach the Town, although the Gate ſtood a long time open, and he had the appointed ſign given him, but he withdrew to Terny, and S. Julien; his conjecture was not ill grounded, for beſides the inhabitants of the City who were all in Arms, there were five hundred Muſqueteers with other Companies who waited his coming.

The Earl having miſt his mark, and conſidering what a gallant Army he had under his command, there being beſides others, one thouſand five hundred Switzers belonging to the Catholick Cantons, whom he had raiſed (maugre their Allies) for to ſet them by this means at variance; he reſolved not to return home, without doing ſomething.

On the other ſide,1582. the City was very well mann'd with Soldiers both French and Switzers who were Proteſtants, a conſiderable number of which they poſted near the Bridge of Arve, where there paſſed ſome skirmiſhes. The Enemy was worſted, which made him withdraw, having firſt plundered and waſted the Villages about Geneva. After their departure the Genevoiſes permitted their Troops to range at pleaſure,Aug. 16. 1582. and ſent away others who came to their aſſiſtance.

Inquiry was made after thoſe who had dealt underhand with the Enemy.1582. a Traytor to the City.Des plans April 18. One called Des plans of Thonon, had ſettled himſelf in Geneva for that purpoſe. He was made free of the City, having purchaſed an houſe near the Gate of Rive, where he ſold Wine to the Soldiers of the Guard. He had ſent to the Duke the height of the Walls, and had introduced ſome Officers, and made a Mine in his Cellar to let in Soldiers into the City who were to ſurprize the Guard: he was beheaded with three of his Companions. They who ſaw them executed, related a ſtrange and incredible accident, which was, that one of the heads which was cut off, made a leap on the Scaffold, and fell on the ground, from whence it leaped upon a perſon there preſent, and ſo faſtned its teeth in his Cloak, that it [Page] was not poſſible to looſen it otherwiſe than in cutting off a piece of it; now if this be true, this head was of the nature of the Viper, who is no leſs dangerous when his head is ſeparated from his body, than before.

During theſe Tranſactions,The Jews requeſt to Geneva. the Sieur of Candole returning out of Germany, brought along with him a requeſt from the Jews who were threatned to be baniſhed out of the Empire; they proffered to come to Geneva, to the number of eight or ten thouſand, to build houſes at their own coſt, towards S. Johns or S. Victors, and to cloſe in their apartment with walls where the City ſhould ſet a Guard at their charge. They promiſed, moreover, to be the firſt in fight when occaſion required, and to pay a yearly tribute to the Republique, and to undergo any other Taxes which ſhould be laid upon them, deſiring onely to have this place for a retreat, and as a convenience for Trade into Piedmont and Valais. Some were of opinion to accept of their propoſals, repreſenting to themſelves and others, the enriching of their Country by this means, and that they would be as ſo many good Soldiers who would do the City ſervice for nothing; and that they might be tolerated, ſeeing they were permitted in Italy. They who were of the contrary opinion alledged that the Proteſtant States found them dangerous, and that they could not be truſted in any ſtrait; that they would make proviſion ſcarce, and thereby enrich themſelves by impoveriſhing the Citizens with their Uſury, and that they had been already driven out of France for that reaſon, as they were now about to be out of Germany. This laſt advice was followed, and they on their ſide agreed with the Germans, who permitted them to live where they were.

On the firſt of March 1584.1584. on Sunday about noon, the skie being very clear,March 1. there was felt on a ſudden a great Earthquake, which laſted ten or twelve minutes,An Earthquake. and ſhewed it ſelf not only by the clattering of the Windows, Tiles, and Pent-houſes; but ſhaking the very foundations of the Houſes, throwing down ſeveral Chimneys; it ſhattered the Houſes about the Lake, and waxed greater three days following, producing at length this unheard of diſaſter. Half a League diſtant from the City of Aigle in the Canton of Berne betwixt nine and ten in the Morning, there was ſeen a prodigious quantity of Earth driven out by the exhalations of a Rock, which divided it ſelf into two parts, which poured down like a ſhowre of rain, and overwhelmed in an inſtant the Valleys and neighbouring Plains. The Hamlet of Corbery was all of it immediately buried ſave one houſe, the Maſter of which aſtoniſhed at the ſtrange clatter he heard, told his Wife, he believed the end of the World was at hand. They fell to their prayers, and in the mean time the Earth paſſed like a wave over their houſe without hurting any body but the Maſter, who was ſlightly bruiſed in the head by a ſplinter. There was found in another houſe a Child ſafe in the Cradle, and the Mother of it killed by the ruins of the houſe, lying with her arms ſtretched over it; moreover the Earth augmenting, as it rowled like a Snow-ball, overwhelmed in the Village of Yvorne ſixty nine Houſes, one hundred ſix Barns full of Corn, a hundred perſons, and a great quantity of Cattel: This Village being one of the beſt in Switzerland, inhabited [Page] by Farmers, who maintained themſelves by their labour, moſt part of the men were out at work and ſo eſcaped, there was no houſe out of which ſome one or other was not ſaved. The Earth was mixed with a kind of hail ſtones, and with a cloud of ſparks and ſmoak, which ſpread a ſmell of Brimſtone thereabouts. The ſhowre of Earth, being as wonderful as thoſe of the Ancients have been ſuſpicious, covered at leaſt a League in length, and about twelve Acres in breadth; it was unequal in thickneſs, but the ſhalloweſt place was ten foot deep. All the ground which it covered, was made ſo ſmooth, that a man would have thought it to have been run over by a rowling ſtone, there being not the leaſt appearance of any houſes.

This Earthquake was moreover ſo violent, that near the Village of Morteru, the Lake overflowed its uſual limits at leaſt a quarter of a Mile, and at Ville-neuve at the head of the Lake there were found Tuns of Wine ſtanding upright on their bottoms. Near the City of Aigle, a piece of a Rock was unlooſned and ſtopped without doing any harm in a cleft of a Mountain.

In the Month of October in the ſame Year the City of Zurich, Zurich makes a perpetual Alliance with Geneva. conſidering Geneva as a place whereon depended the Safe-guard of Switzerland, made with it a perpetual Alliance; for a Memorial of which, there was ſet up a neat Latine Inſcription in the Town-Houſe.

If this Alliance was matter of rejoycing to the City, the miſhap of the year following gave them ſufficient cauſe of ſorrow.1585. A famine and ſcarcity of Proviſion befel them,1586. which laſted a whole year.A Famine in Geneva. The worſt of it was, That what was eaten did not ſatisfie, and it was then it might be pertinently ſaid, That God had broken the ſtaff of Bread: For People were as hungry, an hour and a half after they had taken their repaſt, as before. There were ſeen ſeveral poor Villagers expiring in the Fields. They who had Bread in the Oven were forced to go and guard it home, leſt it ſhould be ſnatched away. And the extremity was ſo great, that the young Men of ſeveral good Families were forced to rob and ſteal to ſuſtain themſelves.1587.

In the beginning of the Year 1588.Vita di Sixto V. the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emanuel, ſent an extraordinary Ambaſſador to Rome, under pretence of paying his acknowledgment to the Pope:The Pope requeſted to aſſiſt the Duke againſt Geneva. but the real intent of it was, To deſire his aſſiſtance againſt Geneva, reſolving to leave no means untried whereby to become Maſter of it. The Pope received the Ambaſſador with the greateſt ſigns of reſpect: but as to the buſineſs of Geneva he would not concern himſelf with it, whether he feared the charge would be too great, or that he thought the enterprize too difficult. There was then at Rome a Genevois named Francis Fabry, Son of Peter Fabry, of one of the chief Families in Geneva, who was Biſhop de la Cave. Sixtus had ſome conferences with him, which proved not ineffectual: for the Pope anſwered, at length, the Ambaſſador, That if it were a War wherein Religion was concerned, it were then fitting he ſhould be intereſted in it, as being head of the Church: but if it was a War which concerned the State, he could not in Conſcience employ the Churches Treaſure in maintaining other Peoples intereſt.

[Page] The Duke was not a little diſpleaſed at this anſwer, and being of a cholerick temper, he could not forbear ſaying in a paſſion, That Sixtus had rather ſhed the blood of Catholicks at Rome, than that of Hereticks at Geneva.1588. At the ſame time he wrote to his Ambaſſador to return home: And that if he could not ſubdue the Genevoiſes by the help of the Spiritual Sword, he would try what he could by the Temporal one, which no Prieſt was able to withſtand.

The Count Olivarez, who had received Orders from Spain to promote, as much as in him lay, Olivarez's Counſel to the Dukes Ambaſſador. his Highneſſes intereſt, comforted his Ambaſſador in this following manner, after he had in vain endeavoured the ſame thing: Alas, ſaid he, I know very well the temper of the Eccleſiaſticks of this Court, and eſpecially of this Pope whom I have often dealt with. His Highneſs ought not to expect any thing from him towards the War with Geneva. For ſhould be take the City, he would keep it himſelf. Wherefore I believe it would be better to let that City alone: for theſe Hereticks reſpect the Duke, and bring him profit by trading with his Subjects: whereas if it ſhould fall into the hands of the Eccleſiaſticks, they would not fail to trouble the Duke and Neighbouring Princes. So that the Dukes Subjects would be loſers by it, and would find ſuch a Neighbourhood uneaſie to them.

The Duke taking advantage of the diſorders which the League occaſioned in France, 1588. had ſeized on the Marquiſdom of Saluces; at which the French-King, Henry the Third, requiring ſatisfaction, ſent Nicholas Harlay Sieur of Sancy to the Genevoiſes, to ſtir them up to make War againſt the Duke,Sancy animates the Genevoiſes againſt the Duke. knowing well the differences betwixt them. Sancy promiſed on the Kings part, to ſend them Men, and to bear all the charges of the War, and to let them hold whatſoever they ſhould take from him. The Council was divided about the matter, ſome alledged, That Henry might die, and his Succeſſors forget the kindneſs received from them. That the Duke would be ſure to remember it, and be revenged when he was able. That War was hazardous, and that the City was not in a capacity to hold out long in caſe it ſhould he beſieged. Others on the contrary repreſented, That in obliging a great King they might thereby procure an able Friend in their time of need; that the Duke had declared himſelf an open Enemy; that the French-Churches would be more kindly uſed upon this account; and that the Prince Palatine, and the Switzers would furniſh them with mony ſufficient to carry on this deſign. This laſt advice was followed, and afterwards Sancy went to ſtir up the Switzers, whom he promiſed that the Duke ſhould be attached on the other ſide from Dauphiny. The Prince perceiving this tempeſt which threatned him, would have made himſelf Maſter of Lauſane and the Country of Vaud, under the conduct of the Baron of Hermance, whoſe Troops lay about Thonon and Ripaille. The Bernoiſes perceiving the Dukes deſign on their Country, were eaſily won to enter into a War with him.

In the mean time the Genevoiſes edged forward by Sancy's Letters, ſet out from the City, with ſix Companies of Foot, and three [Page] Troops of Horſe, in the Evening, under the command of the Sieur Quitry a French-Gentleman, and a Knight of the Order who was ſent to them, together with the Sieur of Baujeu, by the French-King for to command their Forces, who in the ſame Night ſeized on the Caſtle of Monthoux, having forced open the Gate, with a Petard. In the Morning they took the Town of Bonne, with its Caſtle ſtanding at the entrance of Focigny. And from thence marched along the River of Arve, Bonne taken by the Genevoiſes. where they broke down the Bridges of Tremblieres and Buringe to hinder the Enemies paſſage. They preſented themſelves before the Caſtle of S. Joire a place of ſtrength, and the Key of the Baillage of Chablais, with a deſign to win it, not only for the importance of the place, but likewiſe to find Letters and Commiſſions concerning the enterpriſes on the States of Berne and Geneva, of which the Baron of Hermance, the Lord of this Caſtle had been the principal promoter. The Caſtle being taken, theſe ſaid Inſtructions were found in it, and great ſtore of Arms and Proviſion beſides. They returned, having left a Gariſon in this place, without the loſs of a Man, becauſe that the Duke ſeeing neither Switzers nor Griſons in the Field,1589. did not imagine the Genevoiſes had dared to brave it thus in his Dominions. But the Country ſounding an Alarm, he ſent away ſeveral Troops from Remilly to obſerve the Enemies motion.

The Genevoiſes, April 7. animated by this ſucceſs, marched out the next Night after their return, to beſiege Gex, and in the Morning made their approaches to it. But the beſieged pretended to capitulate: yet after ſeveral meſſages from both ſides, this Treaty proved ineffectual, ſo that the Soldiers in the Caſtle began wholly to defend themſelves againſt the Aſſailants, ſome of whom were wounded, and two or three killed.Gex ſurrendred. Yet at length, foreſeeing their ruin if they held out till the Cannon played, they ſurrendred it up, and received a Gariſon that Night. The next Morning Claudius Pobel Baron of Peter, and Governor of Gex, rendred himſelf to Quitry at his diſcretion, who made him Priſoner of War, together with two Captains, an Enſign and eighty Soldiers, who were all Piedmontoiſes, and were carried away the ſame Night to Geneva. Theſe laſt were all ſoon releaſed, except thoſe who would again take part with their Enemies. But the Baron had his lodgings aſſigned him in a Councellors. Houſe till he paid his ranſom.

The Duke having notice of this ſiege, ſent away Sonas Governor of Remilly to ſuccour the place. He ſet forth with eight Troops of Horſe, and nine Companies of Foot: but hearing of its ſurrender, he came and preſented himſelf before Bonne, having firſt repaired the Bridge at Buringe. There were not above ninety Soldiers in this Town; and ſome Peaſants who were ſent thither to work on its Fortifications: one Captain Bois was left Governor of the place. Sonas perceiving they were prepared to receive him, turned aſide to ſeek other more favourable occaſions.

In the mean time the Genevoiſes had made an attempt on la Cluſe; La Cluſe attempted by the Genevoiſes. which is a Fort made out of the hollow of a Rock of Mount Jura, and bounded by the Rhoſne, which ſlides along at its foot. They fixed their Petards againſt the Gates; but taking wet, [Page] they had no effect. Quitry marched thither after the taking of Gex. 1589. He met at Cologne with ſome Soldiers belonging to la Cluſe, whom he, with twenty nine Men, beat back to their Trenches and brought up the Cannon; which played in the Morning, but being ill placed and ordered, it could do no execution. They of la Cluſe had poſted ſome Muſqueteers on the Mountain, to hinder all approaches to the Fort. Quitry ſent the Sieur of Ville-Neufe with a Party of Foot to beat them off. He immediately ſet upon them ſo vigorouſly that he routed them. There were ſeveral killed with the Muſquet-ſhot, and others precipitated from the Rock. He came down thence from the other ſide of the Mountain, and went and fortified himſelf in the Village of Longerray in the way to Lyons, to the end he might the ſooner end the ſiege: but beſides that he had no recruits ſent him, the moſt part of the Soldiers being tired withdrew in great numbers; and there remained with him but a hundred Men, who being charged by Sonas, at the head of 300 freſh Soldiers, were forced to retire.

On the other ſide,1589. the Bernoiſes and Genevoiſes endeavoured to take the Fort by aſſault, reſolutely attempting it, although there was no conſiderable breach made: the latter of theſe loſt ſeveral good Soldiers, and amongſt others the Baron of S. Lagier, whoſe loſs was much lamented as well for his Valour as Piety.Baron of S. Lagier ſlain. The Bernoiſes loſt likewiſe ſeveral of their Captains: and it was well ſo deſperate an attempt coſt them no more.

Sancy being returned to the Camp at Cologne, April 12. where were arrived ſeveral Companies from Berne, under the conduct of Colonel Erlach, having called a Council of War there, it was determined to leave the ſiege of la Cluſe, ſeeing their attempts upon it had been all this while ineffectual, and to go joyn with the Forces which came from Soleurre and Griſons, to conſult together what was farther expedient.

So the Army returned in good order to Geneva, April 16. expecting the promiſed recruits; which being come, they marched on the ſide of Thonon, which is a little City ſeated near the Lake, having neither Walls nor Ditches, but a good Caſtle ſtanding on the higheſt part of the Town. The Cannon was brought by Water, to avoid the difficulties of the way, and was three days before it came, by reaſon the Wind was contrary: the Enemies in the mean time appeared on the top of Pinchat, which is a riſing ground about a quarter of a League from Geneva. They were beat back and came and forraged the Bailywick of Terny.

Whilſt the Caſtle of Thonon was beſieged, that of Baleyſon, and the other of Yvoire, were taken, together with the Tower in the Village of Conciſe. There were not above ſeventeen or eighteen Soldiers in this Tower, who held out ſome hours againſt Erlach's Regiment. The Colonel having ſet fire on the neighbouring Houſes, they ſurrendred themſelves, and five of the chief of them were hanged for their raſhneſs. The Sieur of Dingy who was Governor of the Caſtle of Thonon capitulated, and was permitted to depart with eighty Soldiers, their Swords and Daggers hanging by their ſides,April 26. and their Muſquets on their ſhoulders, their Matches [Page] not lighted, nor Drums beating, nor Colours flying.

The next Morning the Hoſpital of the Fort of Ripaille began to be built,April 27. the Wood having been gained by the Lancers: ſome of the out parts of it were taken; but the Fort had a good Trench, and was very well fortified with a thick Wall, and ſeven Towers ſtanding in the midſt of it, whence the beſieged might eaſily kill the choiceſt Soldiers in the Army: moreover they relied on the ſuccours the Duke had promiſed them. In effect he came the next Morning within two Leagues of Thonon, with 1500 Lancers, 1000 Foot, and 500 Argoulets, commanded by the Earl of Martinengue and de Sonas. Theſe Argoulets were a kind of light horſemen, much in requeſt at that time, without any Breaſt plates, armed with Piſtols and a Carbine, which hath ſince occaſioned their being called Carbineers. The Lancers were another kind of Cavalry, armed Cap-a-pe, with a Spear and Piſtols.

Sancy and Quity ſent out ſome Troops to obſerve the Enemies motion:The Royal Army conſiſted of 10000 Foot and three Troops of Horſe. but not agreeing, they did nothing, although the Enemy was the weakeſt by two thirds: for the Royal Army conſiſted then of 10000 Foot, Switzers, Griſons, French-men, and Genevoiſes, together with three Troops of Horſe belonging to the latter, and ſome Horſe of the Retinue of the two Commanders.

Two days after, Quitry having poſted the three Geneva Cornets on a riſing plain,1589. called Creſte, near Thonon, they ranged themſelves into the form of a Hedge,April 29. expecting till they ſhould be ſheltred by ſome Muſqueteers or Pikes: but they not coming in, and the Enemy having diſcovered them, came and attacked them with three or 400 Lancers; who finding the Match unequal, drew back with full ſpeed to Thonon. They were purſued as far as the Bars by the Enemy, who loſt the Baron of Vitry. After this the Cornets returned to their Poſt, and with ſome Foot, drawn out in haſte, made the Enemy give ground; but they being reinforced by a body of Lancers, beat them back the ſecond time as far as Thonon. Puffed up with this ſucceſs,The Regiment of Soleurre re-attacked. they attacked the Regiment of Soleurre, which had in the Front and Flank ſome Genevoiſes and German Foot: the Pikes of that Regiment bore up bravely againſt the Effort, and compelled the Enemies to retire with ſome loſs, and the Earl of Martenengue their General was wounded in the Leg, not having been able to put in ſuccours into Ripaille.

Theſe skirmiſhes did them a kindneſs: for the Switzers finding themſelves attacked ſo briskly, by ſo ſmall a number of the Dukes Forces, reſolved thereupon to forſake thoſe quarters, and to paſs over into Franche-Comté. The building of Ripaille was continued, but they within it, perceiving no ſuccours coming, rendred upon compoſition.May 1. There came out 500 Men, who were permitted to depart with their Rings, their Swords and Daggers by their ſide, and the Captains Compois, Bourg and Sinalde on Horſeback. After which the place was demoliſhed. They of Thonon, who had a Gentleman of the Country of Vaud for their Governor, were ſworn to be true to the King.

The Army removing,May 14. paſſed through Geneva to the Franche-Comté: the three Cornets and Companies of Geneva-Foot tarried [Page] behind with ſome Soldiers drawn out from the Garriſons of Bonne and of Monthoux, and thoſe beyond L'Arve, and five Colours of Erlach's Regiment; beſides which the Bernoiſes ſent immediately three thouſand men to defend the two conquered Bailliages. The departure of this Army put the Genevoiſes to a great deal of trouble, who ſaw themſelves by this means burthened with the charge of the War, their Treaſure, Proviſion and Ammunition being almoſt exhauſted.

In effect the Duke made greater Levies, and was reſolved to have his revenge. The Baron of Hermance began with Focigny, and took the Caſtle of Boege, Boege taken. in which there were not above eighteen Soldiers, who after they had a while ſtoutly defended themſelves, were permitted to depart with their Matches lighted, and retired to Bonne. The Caſtle of S. Joire in which there were not above 30. Soldiers with a Serjeant was taken likewiſe, who was very much blamed for leaving ſo ſoon ſo tenable a place, having held out but two daies; but he was killed a while after in a skirmiſh, and the remembrance of his fault was buried together with him. The Baron holding on his career ſat down before Marcouſſey, giving the Captain who commanded there a ſummons: he returned him an anſwer with Muſquet ſhot, and made a Sally out wherein ſeveral of the Enemy were killed. The next morning there ſet out from Geneva about three hundred Soldiers, with the Garriſon of Bonne, to its aſſiſtance, which the Enemy underſtanding withdrew in haſte.

In the mean time the Duke advanced with his Vaunt-guard of one thouſand five hundred Foot,May 25. and five hundred Horſe to attack the Fort which the Genevoiſes had begun to raiſe near the Bridge of Arve. The Duke advances to attack the Fort near Arve There was a Sally made out upon them, and they were conſtrained to give back in diſorder with the Petards and Ladders which they had made ready, the City not loſing a man; they took one of Sonas's Trumpeters. Afterwards the Enemy made two attempts on the Caſtle of Terny, where they loſt Charles of Gr [...]noble, one of their Commanders.

The Genevoiſes at the ſame time forſook Marcouſſer, May 27. having ſet it on fire, it being a place too troubleſome for them to keep, being four Leagues diſtant. Yet the Savoyards came and quenched it, and found ſome proviſion left there; they did the ſame to ſeveral other places of ſmall importance, reſerving only Bonne and Monthoux. The Enemy to be revenged for the ſpoil made in their Country, waſted the Bailliage of Terny. The Duke himſelf came in perſon with two great Cannons and four Field-pieces before the Caſtle of Terny, which was but an ancient Tower without any fence, only encloſed with a thick Wall. The beſieged having refuſed to render after Summons, the aſſault began,June The Caſtle of Terny ſurrendred to the Duke. and after ſix ſcore ſhot of Cannon bullets, which wounded the Lieutenant who commanded in the Captains abſence, the beſieged ſurrendred upon promiſe of their lives; yet they were no ſooner come out, but they were by the Dukes order hanged, although thoſe about him ſet before him the ill conſequence of it.

There was ſome daies after a skirmiſh near the Fort of Arve, June 3. where his Highneſs was worſted, although his Army conſiſted of eight thouſand men; the Baron of Breſſiac, who commanded a [Page] Party of the Regiment of Maurevel was taken. There was on the third of June, The Genevoiſes engage the Enemy. a very remarkable encounter on the plain of Oüattes. Half a League from this Fort five hundred Muſqueteers having diſcovered the Enemy, went out with a deſign to attack them, but they had immediately three thouſand Foot and a thouſand Horſe to deal with, yet did they reſolutely fight them for four hours together, killing 200. of them, beſides ſeveral Captains and perſons of quality amongſt whom was the Earl of Salenove maſter of the Camp, one of the beſt Soldiers in the Army; he had raſhly ſworn to enter that day into the Fort, and ſo he did, being carried in dead, after the ſame manner as another Spaniſh Earl. Strange it is that the Genevoiſes ſhould loſe on their ſide but two men, and only four or five wounded. There was ſolemn thanks returned to God in all the Churches for this Succeſs, and from that time the Enemy fearing this ſmall handful of men, who had given them ſuch ſharp entertainment, barricadoed themſelves up in Villages, and built a Fort in Sonzy, which they called S. Katherines Fort by the name of the Dutcheſs.

The Duke having notice that one part of the Army from Berne, which was ſent to the aſſiſtance of Geneva, was advanced within a League of La Cluſe, The Savoyards attack the Forces from Berne. ordered ſeveral Companies of Foot to attack them. The Switzers keeping their cloſe order ſuſtained vigorouſly the onſet in the Village of Eſcoran, and forced the Enemy to retreat with loſs in diſorder. Colonel Erlach fearing they would come the ſecond time to ſet upon them with more Forces, ſent to Gex for ſuccours, to Nyons and Geneva, where he came after he had ſent back this reinforcement, of which he ſaw he had no need.

The Dukes affairs were little better in Focigny, his Troops were recruited by a Party of the Breſſans, and came and quartered in the Village of Felinge, June. near Bonne, in which commanded a Captain of great valour who often alarm'd them; challenging the Baron of Hermance or any other principal Officer to fight in ſingle combate, who receiving a reinforcement of ſome Troops, he conſtrained them to leave that poſt, where they would have made an effort to block up Bonne.

The Army of Berne, which approached, conſiſting of forty Companies, and commanded by the Advoyer of Vatteville, put the Duke upon other reſolves. He concluded by the advice of his Council, that it were beſt to ſet upon the Genevoiſes before the arrival of this Army, and to waſte the Bailliage of Terny, and endeavour to draw them into an ambuſh. There being ſome propoſals afterwards made by ſome of his Highneſſes Council, and the Lords of Berne, in order to a peace, the Duke finding himſelf ſtrong enough, demanded reſtitution of the Bailliages which had been lately taken from him, as likewiſe the Bailliage of the Country of Vaud as far as the gates of Berne, and required ten Millions for the charge of the War; but the Bernoiſes gave him to underſtand, that they were able to make him more moderate in his pretenſions. The reſt of this Month was ſpent in ſeveral encounters near the Fort of Arve and Bonne, which the Earl of Maurevel would have taken one morning by ſurprize with his Regiment,June 28. and Troops from Focigny. The Garriſon conſiſted of not above one hundred and fifty men, and they believing that they [Page] were already ſure of the place, called out to them in raillery, That they ſhould make ready their Dinner, but they were feaſted with nothing but hard Pruins, which forced them to ſound a retreat, having loſt ſeveral of their men.

In all theſe rencounters and ſome others that followed,July 14. the Genevoiſes could get no help from the Bernoiſes, The Bernoiſes agree upon a ceſſatlon of Arms. becauſe they had agreed with the Duke upon a ceſſation of Arms which held three weeks, which being expired, they paſſed by Geneva, and battered down the Bridge of Buringe, and came before the Caſtle of S. Joire, having the Genevoiſes for their vauntguard. They took ſeveral Forts, ranſacked Focigny, and eſpecially the Priory of Pilloney; the Enemies doing as much in the Lordſhip of S. Victor, July 26. where they burnt the Village. There were ſeveral light skirmiſhes, and the Genevoiſes loſt one of their beſt Captains named Bois, a gallant and ſtout Soldier, who was killed with a Lance which ran into his mouth.

The death of Henry the third, which hapned about this time, filled the Duke of Savoy with great hopes, eſpecially conſidering his great intelligence in Provence. He deſigned firſt to make an end of the War with Geneva, 1589. and afterwards to march with a great Army againſt Bonne, Aug. 22. which was kept by three Companies of Foot. The Switzers finding themſelves not ſtrong enough to relieve the beſieged ſat ſtill, and the place having been battered with two hundred Cannon ſhot, the Garriſon ſurrendred upon promiſe of their lives ſaved;Mercier the Miniſter flead alive. but in coming out they were encloſed by the Horſe, and cut in pieces, reſerving only Mercier the Miniſter to be flead alive, which was done two years after in Bonne. Some counſelled his Highneſs to proſecute his Victory, and to ſeize upon part of the Bernoiſes Country, whom he had quelled; but he choſe rather to come to an agreement with them, that he might afterwards go into Provence: He endeavoured likewiſe to get the Genevoiſes to make him ſome offers of ſubmiſſion, but they would not yield to it; ſo that to keep them in, he erected a Fort called S. Maurice at Verſoy and raiſed a platform on the ſide of the Lake, for to batter with his Cannon the Barks, which ſhould venture,Octob. to ſet out from Geneva; he left the Baron of Serra Governor there, and he withdrew his Army beyond the Mounts.

The Genevoiſes having this thorn in their foot, called a Council, wherein it was reſolved to obtain this Fort at any rate; having gathered then all their Forces, viz. 800. Foot, two Troops of Horſe, two Troops of Argoulets of Light-Horſmen, and 150. Volunteers, under the Command of the Sieur Lubigny, whom the King had ſent them, they ſet out about ten of the Clock at night, after they had been at publick Prayer, being furniſhed with Petards and ſcaling Ladders.Verſoy beſieged and taken. The Garriſon of Verſoy who had been harraſed all day on purpoſe by falſe Alarms, were a good part of them aſleep. The Genevoiſes being arrived at two of the Clock in the morning before Verſoy, divided themſelves into four Companies. The Horſe made a halt, and the body of Foot went to the Gate which looks directly to Copet to ſet the Petard, againſt it. The other party climbed up the Walls, and ſeventeen of the reſoluteſt of them followed a Peaſant who was their guide, with iron barrs on their ſhoulders; he led them between the Lake and the Borough, to a paſſage where there was a [Page] private entry into the place. The neareſt Sentinel gave the alarm to the Corps du Guard, but theſe ſeventeen Soldiers not giving them time to bethink themſelves, knocked down ſeveral of them with their Partiſans and Cutlaces. Some Captains being awaked would have put themſelves into a poſture of defence, but they were ſoon diſpatched; the Baron endeavouring to rally the reſt, ſaw himſelf attacked by thoſe who had broken open the Gate, and ſcaled the Walls. All that he could do before it was day, was to retire in haſte with about two hundred Soldiers into the Caſtle, having left in the Borough near two hundred of his men dead on the place.Nov. 8. This ſame Baron, who had often threatned the Genevoiſes to force them by Famine to come with halters about their necks to cry the Duke mercy, found himſelf then not a little in trouble, being deſtitute of both Wine and Water, and the moſt part of his Soldiers having nothing but their Waſtecoats. Yet to divert the Aſſailants, and to give notice to the neighbouring Garriſons to come and help him, he made his Cannon thunder the next morning till night againſt the houſes of Verſoy; having continued thus the day following to little purpoſe againſt the beſiegers, and ſeeing no ſuccours coming, he came to compoſition. They marched out with their Drums on their back, their Matches put out, and their Colours rolled up, and were conveyed as far as Gex; great ſtore of Ammunition which was found there was carried to Geneva. Sixty Turkiſh Slaves who had wrought at the Fort were permitted to depart, the Fort was afterwards demoliſhed, and the greateſt part of the houſes burnt. The remaining part of the Year was paſſed over in ſeveral exploits of ſmall conſequence.

On the firſt day of the following Year,Jan. 2. a party of Horſe from Geneva beat a party of Savoyards; 1590. and a body of Genevoiſe Foot attacked the Caſtle of the Baſtie on the ſide of Verſoy, from which they were vigorouſly repelled; but twelve days after they returned again, bringing along with them their Cannon. The Garriſon ſurrendring, the place was demoliſhed. Some days after the Genevoiſes ſurprized the City of Gex, Gex ſurprized. and ſo ſtraitly beleaguer'd the Caſtle, that it was ſurrendred the next morning.Jan. 18. The Caſtle, of Monthoux which was full of reſolute perſons, ſworn Enemies to Geneva, was forced to yield, and all thoſe who were in it were put to the ſword.March 29. The Savoyards on their ſide attacked the Fort of Arve, from which they were twice beat off.

The Genevoiſes, after the taking of Gex and ſome other ſmall places, reſolved to attack the Caſtle of Pierre, which had often moleſted them. Lurbigny then marching out with ſome Troops, there were 50 Argoulets or light-horſemen,April 16. who ſet upon the firſt, and met about 30 Harquebuzieres or Carbineers, belonging to La Cluſe, near the Village of Farges: they had taken away the Bell of the Church, which they paid dearly for: for the light-horſe ſet upon them ſo fiercely that ſcarcely four of them eſcaped, the Genevoiſes having only one of their Serjeants wounded. D'Arſene, who was Governor of the Caſtle of Pierre, pretended he would come to their aſſiſtance; but ſeeing the Troops come upon him ſo faſt, he ſhut himſelf up, and ſurrendred two days after, without offering any great reſiſtance.

[Page] Lurbigny laying hold of this opportunity, determined to try what he could do on la Cluſe. He diſpatched away for this purpoſe three Companies to the other ſide of the Fort to block up the paſſages. He placed, at the ſame time, People on the Mountains to roll thence great Stones on the beſieged, cauſing the Cannon to play from his ſide, which beat down the murthering Pieces, and the Cloiſter of Ravelin, which lay before the Fort. This Ravelin was won three days after notwithſtanding the vigorous reſiſtance of the beſieged, and the frequent ſhot from the Fort of Wache on the other ſide the Rhoſne. The next Morning the Aſſailants ſeating themſelves at the foot of the Fort, they plied the beſieged with Petards, Mines, and Granadoes. Moreover, there was thrown down into the Fort lighted Straw, which almoſt choaked the beſieged with ſmoke. Their fellows from Wache encouraged them, telling them their relief was approaching; as indeed it was. The Troops from Savoy gave notice of their coming to their relief from three ſeveral parts.La Cluſe ſurrenders. Yet notwithſtanding [...], Lurbigny perceiving his Men in good heart, and reſolved to carry away the place, more vigorouſly continued his Mines; ſo that the beſieged ſeeing themſelves in this extremity, and upon the point of being taken by main force, capitulated, promiſing to leave the place if they were not relieved before ſuch an hour the next day, which was conſented to. The Troops from Savoy being tired, and having reſted that Night at Chatillon, came not within the time. Lurbigny uſed a ſtratagem, to the end the beſiged might not hear the hollowings and ſhouts of Joy, which they of the Fort of Wache made, ſeeing the ſuccours approach; for he cauſed the Drums to beat, and the Trumpets to ſound continually near the Fort: ſo that the Captain, a Piedmontois, who commanded it, marched out with 28 Soldiers,April 21. being all that were left; and at the ſame time Lurbigny entred into the Fort. The Savoyards coming near, and believing the place ſtill belonged to them, called the Captain by his name, and were much amazed to be anſwered with Muſquet-ſhot. Yet after ſome skirmiſhes, Dom Amedée Baſtard of Savoy, having ſeized on an advantagious Poſt on the neighbouring Mountain, through the cowardiſe of Captain Eſgaillon who was left there, Lurbigny ſaw plainly he could not hold la Cluſe againſt a whole Army and in an Enemies Country, which cauſed him to leave it, having blown up part of it. He brought back his Troops to Geneva, and at the ſame time the Enemy made a furious ſpoil in all the Bailiwich of Gex, and put the Fort again in a poſture of defence. Eſgaillon was afterwards ſentenced by the Council of 200 to be beheaded;Eſgaillon beheaded. which Sentence was executed, notwithſtanding the interceſſion of many Perſons of quality for him.

Eight days after the Gariſons of Thonon and other neighbouring places,May 21. having notice that three Barks were ſet out from Morges bound for Geneva, laden with Merchandiſes, and had in them 10000 Crowns beſides,The Savoyards ſet upon three Barks bound for Geneva. and that they ſailed ſlowly without any Convoy; they thereupon began to deviſe how to take them. For this effect they imbarked 130 Soldiers on two Frigates and ſome Boats: but the Bayliff of Nions having notice of their deſign, gathered [Page] immediately what Forces he could to prevent them. Colonel Dieſpach, attended by a Party of Horſe, advanced towards R [...]ll [...], where the Barks then gently ſailed. Yet could not he come there ſo ſoon, but that the Savoyards had already ſeized on a Bark, and began to divide the ſpoil, having for their greater ſecurity planted 30 Muſqueteers on the ſhoar. But ſeeing People from all parts coming in upon them, they let go their Prize, and were contented to carry away only ſome Cheeſes and other Proviſions to the value of 50 Crowns. They retired in diſorder, but for want of Boats they could not be purſued; there were only two of them killed. And Geneva thanked their Allies of Nyon for their ſo ready help.

There ſeldom paſſed a Week without ſome act of Hoſtility on one ſide or other. Captain Guiche, who was Governor of the Caſtle of Creſt for Geneva, going out to Doveine and the neighbouring Villages,Guiche aſſaulted by the Peaſants. to receive the contributions laid on the Peaſants, they began to [...] their Beacons, and in a little time there were gathered 300 Men, who ſet upon this ſmall Company of ſeventeen Foot-Soldiers, and ſeven Horſe, who having been ſeveral times routed, rallied again by the valorous Conduct of two of theſe Horſmen, and in a ſtrait paſſage knocked down the chief of theſe Peaſants, and killed three others, having taken three more who were wounded. But fortune did not always favour the Genevoiſes: for marching forth two days after to ſurprize the Gariſon of Brant in the Bailywick of Thonon, they were vigorouſly repelled, having loſt twenty of their Men.

In the Week following there was a very conſiderable encounter, the Peaſants having alarmed the City by break of day upon account of the Savoy Troops, who had ſet fire on the Bailywick of Gex, and had driven away 300 head of Cattle: an hour after ſome Horſe and Foot purſued them, being 400 Foot-men, and 150 Lancers. The light-horſemen of Geneva frequently skirmiſhed with them as they retired, Lurbigny not intending to hazard a Battle with them. The Savoyards finding it difficult to carry off their prey, there being ſeveral of the hindermoſt of their company already ſlain,Lurbigny defeats the Savoyards. left their Booty and kept cloſe together. Lurbigny taking good notice of them, and judging them to be weary, gave the Lancers a rough charge: who amazed at ſo fierce an onſet, and ſeeing ſeveral overthrown, fled, having good Horſes and better Spurs, leaving their Foot behind, who finding themſelves no longer guarded, endeavoured to get on the ſide of la Cluſe: but being hemmed in by Lurbigny, he gave them ſuch a fierce charge, that in the Village of Farges, or thereabouts, there remained 120 dead on the place, both Spaniards and Italians, and the reſt were put to flight. The Geneva Troops, wearied and almoſt ſpent with heat, having performed all this, faſting from five of the Clock in the Morning, returned back into the City towards ſix of the Clock in the Evening, bringing along with them three Drums, two Colours, and great quantity of Arms, and five Priſoners. Lurbigny loſt but one Man: but he being hot in purſuit, and coming in to the reſcue of one of his Troopers who had advanced too far, he [Page] got a fall off his Horſe, and being a corpulent Man, he bruiſed his Body in ſeveral places, which cauſed him a great while to keep his Bed.

Two days after Dom Amedée, the Duke his Brother's Lieutenant, ſent a Drummer to Geneva, to know the number of the Priſoners, ſaying, That he found his Army diminiſhed by 400 Men, complaining he was too rudely dealt withal, they having not ſo much as ſpared his Drummers. Anſwer was made him, That they were found, as the others, with their Arms in their hands: ſetting before him the cruelty which his Troops had exerciſed in all the Villages, where they had made War againſt the weakeſt of their Subjects, ſetting upon old Men, Women, and Children, who were not able to reſiſt them. They hindred him not from doing yet worſe in all the Country of Gex.

Another time, when the Light-horſe and Cavalry made a ſally out of Geneva, the Enemy made himſelf amends for his former diſgrace. They were gone with a Company of Foot, and ſome Volunteers, on the ſide of the Fort of Wache to Forrage the Country. Half a League diſtant from Vourban they ſpied 120 Lancers, who were ſtrengthened by four diviſions of Foot. One of the Captains of the Horſe would not tarry till they were advanced near them, but cauſed the Trumpets to ſound, ſo that the Light-horſemen began to run in upon them a full gallop, and overthrew them, having likewiſe put the Lancers to flight. But inſtead of proſecuting the Victory, this Captain who had been too haſty in ſounding the Charge, was as haſty in ſounding the Retreat, being affrighted at ſome ſhouting which he heard afar off, which he thought was an Army making up to them. Having then ſeveral times cried out, Let us turn back; theſe words being reiterated, ſo greatly diſmaied his Party, that they began to retreat diſorderly. The Lancers perceiving that they began to turn backs, rallied themſelves and purſued the Genevoiſes for two Leagues together,Genevoiſes worſted. as far as Bernay, ſlew twenty of them, and carried away forty of them Priſoners to Wache. It is certain that this defeat had been greater, had they purſued but half a League further theſe Runaways, who were ſtupefied with ſhame and a panick fear. There were endeavours made to wipe off this diſgrace by ſeveral inroads into Savoy.

The abſence of the Sieur Lurbigny, who ſtill kept his Bed, was partly the occaſion of this rout, and of another more to be lamented, which hapned awhile after: for the Soldiers wanting an experienced Captain,1590. and one whom they might reſpect, obſerved no order.July 6. Dom Amedée coming into the Country of Gex, with 500 Horſe, and 1500 Foot, placed a Guard in ſeveral Villages a League diſtant from Geneva. The next Morning he laid an Ambuſh near Bouchet and Chatelaine of ſeveral Squadrons of Horſe and Companies of Foot,Amedée ſays Ambuſhes about Geneva. leaving the Plain which lay betwixt theſe two Villages at liberty. A Company of Foot, coming out of the Town by break of day, had been incloſed by them, but they defending themſelves, by means of the Hedges and Ditches, got off. Dom Amedée, deſirous of drawing a greater number of the [Page] Genevoiſes into theſe Ambuſcades, commanded a Party of Horſe to drive away openly ſeveral Herds of Cattel, and to kill ſome Peaſants: An alarm being given to the City thereupon, both Horſe and Foot croud out of it in throngs, half armed, and without any Leader, to the aſſiſtance of their Companions, who diſcovering no Body in the Plain between Chatelaine and Bouchet, kept on their way to the end, not minding how they ſhould return, and in an inſtant ſaw themſelves ſurrounded by the Savoy-horſe, attended by ſeveral Companies of Foot who thundered upon them. This skirmiſh was exceeding ſharp,The Genevoiſes defeated. and laſted almoſt an hour: at length the Geneva-horſe finding themſelves weakened, and unable to hold out, began to give back; and ſo did the Foot, when the Enemies having diſordered them, wholly defeated them. An hundred Citizens and Inhabitants lay dead on the place, and as many Peaſants who bore Arms. They who could reach the Town, died for the moſt part of their wounds, and eſpecially thoſe who were carried to the Hoſpital, whoſe Phyſician inſtead of curing them poyſoned their wounds. The villain ſome ſeventeen or eighteen Years after received the reward of his crimes. This defeat gave ſuch an alarm to the City, that they within thought the Enemy was at their Gates, as indeed he drew near, and was ſaluted by the Cannon: But moreover in this encounter there was nothing but confuſion, there being neither Cannoneers nor Ammunition at hand.

They who have ſince conſidered this fatal day, have marvelled that one of them who went out could return alive, ſo great was the confuſion. Yet this Victory was dear bought by the Enemy, at the beginning of the fight, ſo that he might ſay with Pyrrhus: If we win another Battel, which coſts us as much as this, we are undone.

The Savoyards expected that at Night the Genevoiſes would come and carry away their dead, to the end they might make a new ſlaughter: but the preſent conſternation of the City, and the prudence of Lurbigny, who notwithſtanding his ilneſs, ſtood without the Gates in his Night-gown, to hinder any farther miſchief they were kept back. The Company of Foot-Soldiers, who had been beſet in the Morning, came off beſt, for they having couragiouſly defended themſelves, returned at Night into the City, having loſt not above eight or nine Soldiers.

The arrival of the Sieur Clugny Baron of Conforgien, who was an excellent Soldier,Aug. 23. gave them freſh hopes, being ſent to command the Geneva Forces:The Baron of Conforgien arrives at Geneva. for an hour after he had light of his Horſe, three Companies were commanded to be in a readineſs in the Evening, and to make their appearance before their Captains Lodgings. They Embarked at nine of the Clock at Night, ſtearing their courſe towards Roolle, to paſs over immediately to the ſhoar which lies over-againſt the little City of Evian, on which they had a deſign. But thoſe of that City hearing of their coming, ſtrengthened themſelves by an addition of five companies to their Guard; which the other perceiving, hoiſted up [...]ail and returned without doing any thing. Yet the Frigats made ſome courſes on the Lake, and brought home ſome booty.

[Page] Towards the midſt of September, the Enemy not appearing it was thought they were retired: beſides that ſeveral Peaſants either overcredulous or ſuborned for that purpoſe aſſured the Magiſtrates that there was not in all Focigny, above three hundred Foot, and a hundred Horſe, upon which it was reſolved to forrage within half a League from Bonne; But a ſpy carrying notice thereof to the Baron of Hermance, he ſent to all the Garriſons, ſo that the night following there came to him two hundred Horſe and five hundred Foot, with which Forces he deſigned to incloſe the Genevoiſes by an ambuſh, when they were laden with ſpoil.

The Genevoiſes were as little careful of their Enemies as if they had been thirty Leagues off, and imagined their booty ſo eaſie to be obtained, that although the Baron of Conforgien was ſo prudent to give order to march out with their greateſt ſtrength, to defend themſelves if need required, yet the greateſt part of them having ſlept that Night at their eaſe, without thinking on their equipage, could not get themſelves ready. So that the train of theſe Vintagers conſiſted only of 150 Foot, and 130 Horſe, who went out with their Chariots and Tuns, about ſix or ſeven of the Clock in the Morning, not dreaming of fighting, being accompanied with ſeveral Peaſants,Hermance lays an Ambuſh for the Genevoiſes gathering their Wine-harveſt to gather the Vine-harveſt, which they imagined would be done without the leaſt trouble. In the mean time came the Baron of Hermance, whilſt they were buſie at work, through bie-ways and beſet the paſſages, placing eighty Muſqueteers in a Mill on the River of Menonge, poſting others on the Banks, and the reſt in Ambuſhes, and ſo waited for them of Geneva, without any noiſe, till Noon, about which time they were to return. Three Squadrons of Lancers being diſcovered, with Foot-Soldiers in ſeveral places; notice hereof was given to the Baron of Conforgien, who, without ſeeming aſtoniſhed at the matter, encouraged his Soldiers, and ſaid Prayers himſelf; which done, obſerving the Enemy as near as he could, he ſent a Company on one ſide to begin the attack, and on the other fifty ſtout reſolute fellows to gain the Mill, thirty Horſe to relieve both Parties as need ſhould require, and to get ſome advantagious ground, keeping with him the greateſt number to help where there would be moſt need. The fifty went reſolutely through the Muſquet-ſhot to the Mill, killing and taking Priſoners as many as they found there. Whilſt the Baron of Hermance's Lancers making no reckoning of the thirty Horſe, whom they imagined would be ſoon diſpatched, they ſet upon a Company of Light-horſe: but they had no ſooner aſſailed them, but that the foreſaid Party of thirty Horſe broke in upon their Squadrons through their Flanks, and, aſſiſted by the Light-horſe, put them to a rout.

Another of the Enemies Squadrons having ſeen ten or twelve of their Company ſlain by an Ambuſcade, began to fall back, and was immediately ſet upon and overthrown by the Horſe, who being aſſiſted by the Infantry, fell upon a great Body of the Enemies Foot, who yielded after ſome reſiſtance, and the greateſt part of them lay in the duſt. This combat laſted three hours, and was one of the notableſt Victories the Genevoiſes had ever yet obtained. [Page] The Baron of Conforgiens Horſe was killed under him, who managed his buſineſs with a marvelous prudence and preſence of mind. One of his Foot Captains likewiſe bravely ſignalized himſelf,The Valour of a Captain. and having ſlain five of the Enemy with his Sword, he at length loſt its guard, yet did he continue fighting with the Blade of it, with which he ſtrook a Halbard out of a Serjeants hand, took him by the Collar and ſtabb'd him; got a Horſe and a Sword from another whom he purſued, and animated the reſt by his example. Although at firſt there were ſeveral who had more mind to get away than to ſtand it out and fight, yet the reſolution of ſome edged on the reſt, and the preſent ſtrait made them all reſolute. The ſpie who had advertiſed the Baron of Hermance, and a raſh Monk who bore a Mace, were found lying amongſt the dead, with two Captains, beſides ſeveral Lieutenants and Enſigns. In fine this was ſo general a defeat, that ſome days after, ſeveral Horſemen riding out to number the dead, found two hundred and ſixty two lying in the Field, and almoſt as many amongſt the Vines and along the Banks; ſo that it was judged the Savoyards loſt three hundred and fifty who were ſlain, and one hundred who were taken Priſoners, beſides eighty who were wounded. The Baron of Hermance having had almoſt all his Company of Redcoats killed, ſaved himſelf on a Spaniſh Gennet. The booty was very conſiderable, for the moſt of them were well clad, and ſeveral Gentlemen had Velvet Coats or of rich ſtuffs laid in with rich gold and ſilver, as if they were going to a wedding; ſo ſure were they (as they imagined) of the Victory. It is reported they intended to put all to the Sword, without troubling themſelves with taking any Priſoners. The Genevoiſes loſt but ten Foot-men, and one Trooper, and had but fifteen of their men wounded, who were all of them curable. This Victory was owing to the Baron of Conforgiens prudent conduct, and the exact obedience of the Soldiers; ſo likewiſe did he ſolemnly return thanks unto God in the midſt of his little Army, before he ſtirred out of the place. The reſt of the Month was ſpent in making inroads into Savoy, and in the demoliſhing ſome Caſtles.

Towards the end of the following months the Genevoiſes made a very deſperate attempt.Octob. 29. In the evening all the Companies both Horſe and Foot marched out through the new Gate, and paſſed over the Arve, and took the Road which leads to Cruſille, a ſmall and weak City about three Leagues diſtant from Geneva. There were in it three Companies of Neapolitans, Spaniards, and Italians, great Boutefeus, and who had extreamly waſted and deſtroyed the Country of Gex. The Peaſants perceiving theſe Forces making towards them, alarm'd the whole Country; and the noiſe of this reached to Cruſille at one of the Clock at night. One part of the Garriſon made no reckoning of it, but the wiſeſt of them went and kept watch about the Walls, and ſome other betook themſelves to a Platform, fortified with part of their Baggage. A little before day, the Genevoiſes approached near it,Cruſille ſacked a [...]d burat. and Prayers being ended, the Baron of Conforgien ſounded a Charge, and offered to ſcale the City; the beſieged made ſome reſiſtance, but confiding in the Caſtle and Platform, the Soldiers withdrew thither; the City was ſacked, and the greateſt part of [Page] it burnt; thoſe Soldiers who were found in the houſes, were all of them put to the Sword: for the Genevoiſes would not trouble themſelves with Priſoners, the Priſons being already full, and they on their ſide deſired no quarter. The Baron obſerving his men to be ſcattered and laden with booty, and fearing leſt they ſhould be ſet upon by the Enemy from the Caſtle, and perceiving likewiſe the whole Country to be alarm'd, he ſounded a retreat, having ſtaid there ſix hours, and having loſt but three Soldiers and a Lieutenant; the Enemy loſt on their ſide a hundred men. The Year was ended in the performance of actions of ſmall importance, they of Geneva having burnt the Villages of Thyole and Frangy. Sancy returned with freſh Forces, and ſet on foot new deſigns.

On New-years-day following,1591. the Caſtle of Buringe was beſieged by the Kings Army, together with the Forces of Geneva; Jan. 1. both of which conſiſting of two thouſand men,Buringe beſieged. were commanded by the Sieurs of Sancy, Lurbigny and Conforgien. Three hundred of the Dukes Lancers purſuing ſome Geneva Curriers, came into the very quarters of the Beſiegers, and had ſurprized a party of them, had they come with leſs noiſe; ſome Light-Horſemen and Albanoiſes whom the French Ambaſſador had ſent from Venice, got immediately on Horſeback, and with the help of ſome Foot fell upon the Lancers, overthrowing in an inſtant their Captain Chriſtopher Guevara. The Lancers fought on ſtill, but ſeeing ſixty of their men lying on the ground, they drew back and retired in diſorder; the next morning the aſſault began a freſh more vehemently than before, and the beſieged who had at firſt appeared very hot, deſired to come to compoſition: but no other terms were admitted but to render themſelves at the Generals diſcretion, being threatned with no quarter if they tarried till the next aſſault. They perceiving that they could not obtain what they deſired, got through a back door to the Bridge of Arve, from which the Aſſailants could not hinder them; they eſcaped in diſorder, and were purſued as far as Bonne. This hapned well for the Soldiers, a great many of whom would without doubt have periſhed had they given another aſſault to the place, the breach being a Pikes length from the ground, and fortified with a Ravelin, and an inward Wall and a Bulwark behind it. This Caſtle was demoliſhed, but the Enemy built it again and made it tenable.

Thonon was likewiſe retaken by Quitry. Feb. 6. The French Soldiers minding nothing but their plundering,1591. committed ſeveral outrages. The Caſtle was rendred up on compoſition, and there was found in it Ammunition to the value of ſix or ſeven thouſand Crowns of gold; the ſame was done at Evian, they of the Caſtle whom the Sieur of Bonvillars commanded,Feb. 11. held out for ſome days, but ſeeing no ſuccours coming,The Dukes Army approaches. ſurrendered, their Arms and Jewels ſaved, the Country was afterwards plundered. In the mean time the chief of the Royal Army holding a Council, they were told that the Dukes Army was arrived at Roche conſiſting of ſix thouſand Foot, and four hundred Dragoons, and five hundred Lancers.

Olivarez an old and experienced Captain who commanded the Spaniards in the Dukes Army, counſelled them not to advance, but to watch the motions of the French for to take them upon an advantage, alledging that want of Proviſion would force them to retire, [Page] or if they engaged farther into Savoy, their defeat would be eaſie. Dom Amedee liked well this Advice, but Sonas the Marquis of Treffort, and the Earl of Chateau Neuf, who had more heat than light in his head, was of opinion they ſhould march forward without delay, alledging there would redound more honour and advantage to them in chaſtiſing the French, than in expecting till they ſhould return of their own accord. That Quitry's Camp conſiſted moſt of pillagers who were laden with ſpoil, and who for fear of loſing it, would chuſe rather to uſe their feet than hands; and in ſhort, that their own Army being ill paid would ſoon disband themſelves, if they ſtood ſtill without fighting. This Counſel was taken, and the attack was reſolved upon.

The Sieurs of Sancy, Quitry and Conforgien, who were encamped at Buringe, being advertiſed that this Army was coming to break in upon them, took out immediately the Garriſons of Polinge and Viſery, and fired theſe Caſtles, and ſent out Scouts to view the Enemy. They had an account by ſome Priſoners, but leſt it might be thought they were afraid, they remained one day more in the ſame place, and the next morning inſtead of advancing further into Focigny, they came and encamped on this ſide Menoge at Anemaſſe, and Ville-la-grand, to keep themſelves from any ſurprizal, and to hinder the enemies from poſting themſelves towards this River between Geneva and them.1591. Dom Amedeé having paſſed over the Arve, March 12. came and ſeated himſelf at Bergue Luſſinge and other Villages. At noon the Kings Army and Genevoiſes poſſeſſed themſelves of the higheſt part of the plain of Monthoux, where they did not believe the Dukes Army, although exceeding them far in ſtrength, durſt to attack them; but ſcarcely were they ſeated, when five hundred Muſqueteers choſen out of the Dukes Army,The Kings Army attached by the Savoyards. came and charged a French Regiment poſted about a mile diſtant from the main body to keep a Copſe at the bottom of a little hill, where they had begun to block up themſelves. The attack was ſo vigorous, that the French were immediately put to flight. Quitry ſent three or four hundred Muſqueteers of Chantals and Cheron's Regiments to help them, with three Companies belonging to the Baron of S. Remy; but Dom Amedeé and Olivarez ſent forth a party of about thirteen hundred Muſqueteers who won the Copſe, Ditches, and Counter-ſcarps; Sonas and the Earl of Treſſort riding up at the ſame time to ſecond them, leaping over a thick ſhort hedge to enter into the plain. When the Baron of Conforgien ſeeing them almoſt half over,Sonas ſlain. he took this opportunity to fall upon them, and charged them ſo vigorouſly, that Sonas, and the moſt reſolute of his fellows being killed in the place, the reſt were put to flight, and purſued beyond the hedge, as far as the main body of the Army; where lay intrenched Dom Amedeé, and Olivarez, having a thick hedg on one ſide of them. On the other part Chantal and Cherons Regiments had newly attacked the one thouſand three hundred Muſqueteers, with whom they had a ſharp conflict; but the Spaniards and Neapolitans ſeeing their Horſe routed, began to quit their ground, and were beat back as far as the place where their main body lay, conſiſting of three thouſand men, who had not ſtirred all this while. They retired ſo faſt that they threw one another into the Ditch, and unhappy was he who was ſo tall that he could not ſtoop low enough [Page] to avoid the Shot. Their main Body defended them: and the victorious rallying with much difficulty, having firſt rifled the ſlain, who were near 300, amongſt whom were found above 100 Gentlemen, with Sonas their Leader. The Two Armies kept afterwards in ſight one of another till Night.

At midnight the Savoyards diſ-encamped and marched to Focigny, and paſſed over the River at Buringe, whoſe Bridge they broke down leſt they ſhould be purſued. On the ſide of the French, although their loſs was not half ſo great as their Enemies, yet did they find themſelves much weakned, ſo that to avoid an utter diſſipation of their Forces, they took the way which led to the Franche-Comté, and inſtead of the Baron of Conforgien, were left at Geneva the Sieur Chaumont, and Captain Caron.

During theſe tranſactions died at Geneva Anthony Sadeel Baron of Chandieu, Sadeel dies at Geneva. who had been Miniſter of Paris, of Niſmes, of Rochelle, and at laſt of Geneva; to which City he left ſeveral Writings and Monuments of his Eloquence and Learning in Divinity, and eſpecially in the Holy Tongue: he had taken this Hebrew word Sadeel for his name, which ſignifies in our Language, Gods Field, being the ſame with his French name.

The Savoyards being withdrawn,May 17. there were ſeveral inroads made into their Country, in one of which there was taken at Thonon the Baron of Hermance, who was honorably lodged in the Town houſe, but endeavouring to make an eſcape ſix Months after, he was kept cloſe Priſoner in the Biſhops Palace, where he remained till the Month of February in the following Year, having paid 8000 Crowns of Gold for his Ranſom, by the mediation of ſome Lords of Valais, who came for that purpoſe to Geneva.

The Baron of Conforgien being returned to Geneva with ſome Horſe,1592. Octob. cauſed them to gather in their Vintage-harveſt towards Bonne in the beginning of October, the Baron of Hermance not daring to hinder him, although he was the ſtrongeſt, remembring the overthrows which he had received from him in the Year 1590. He ſurprized afterwards Bonneville, Nov. made inroads into Anecy, and beat three Companies of Soldiers who guarded the Suburb of Roche. 1593. After which,March 19. by the conſent of the City, he came to a Treaty with the Baron of Hermance, but which produced nothing. And in the following Month,April 17. having taken diſtaſte at ſome proceedings which were a little too preciſe againſt him and his Men,Conforgien returns home. he obtained leave to return.

Soon after his departure Joachim of Rye Marquiſs of Treffort, came and incamped with 300 Horſe and 800 Foot at Lancy, near the Fort of Arve, where there was ſome skirmiſhing, in which the Maſter of his Camp was killed. He being retired, the Genevoiſes concluded to demoliſh the Village of Lancy, Lancy demoliſhed. in conſideration of its being a place which might ſerve hereafter for a retreat to the Enemy; which reſolution was put immediately into execution, but with much regret, it being a very pleaſant Village, having near ſeventy Houſes in it. The Baron of Conforgien was ſent for to oppoſe the Marquiſs of Treffort, but it was two Months before he came, about the time when there was a Truce made to laſt [Page] three Months betwixt the King of France and the Confederate Princes.Sept. 9. The Duke of Savoy likewiſe was comprehended, and accepted of the propoſal. The Duke's Secretary Eſdiguieres bringing a Copy along with him, of this Truce, to Geneva, to know whether they would accept of it; which was conſented to by the Council of two hundred, and publiſhed on the 16th of September.

Six days after arrived Deputies from the four Cantons, 1593. making offer of their mediation between the Duke and the City; for which they had thanks: And anſwer was returned them, That they could not leave the French-Kings intereſt, who would be ſure to reſent it, ſhould they conclude a Peace. The Truce was afterwards continued,1594. and laſted two Years, without any publication; and during this time the City Officers demoliſhed the Fort of Arve, The Fort of Arve demoliſhed. it occaſioning oftentimes the Enemy to invade them.

During this Truce the Genevoiſes kept a Governor under the Kings name in the Country of Gex, 1595. who held his Court of Juſtice in Geneva, after the ſame maner as the Stewards of Gaillard, Chablais, and of the Country beyond the Arve. The Savoyards and Genevoiſes began to be converſant one with another, and to exchange Priſoners. There was a Genevois who had been taken thirty Years ſince, and had all that time ſerved in the Gallies, never ſending word what was become of him, ſo that he was ſuppoſed to be dead; his Wife, ſeven Years after his detention, was married again, and had lived another ſeven Years with her ſecond Husband. At the end of thirty Years, this her firſt Husband returned to Geneva, and would have entred into his Houſe. His Wife took him at firſt for an Impoſtor: whether that this long ſpace of time had deprived her of all knowledge of him, or that the grayneſs of his Hair and wrinkles in his Fore-head had made this alteration, he having few charms left him to attract a Womans love. The Husband might ſwear as long as he pleaſed that he was the Man, yet for all this would ſhe not believe him. The buſineſs at length came to a trial at Law, where he brought ſuch proofs of his being her Husband, that ſhe openly acknowledged that it were impoſſible, for any but him, to have knowledge of ſo many minute particulars. Having then at length owned him for her Husband, they lived afterwards a great while together.

In the Year 1597.1597. there was ſpread a report throughout Germany, Holland, Sep. and Italy, that Beza had renounced his Religion before the Senate,Beza reported to have turned Papiſt. and had exhorted the Magiſtrates to reconcile themſelves to the Church of Rome. And, that by a ſpecial order from the Pope, the Biſhop had abſolved him before his death, and that in effect the City had ſent Deputies to Rome to yield obedience to the Pope: which cauſed ſeveral People in Italy to reſort to Rome to ſee theſe ſuppoſed Deputies. And yet Beza died not till ſix Years after. There was a more likely report of a Peace concluded betwixt the King and the confederate Princes:1568. it was not yet known whether Geneva ſhould be comprehended:May. for the Dukes Subjects committed acts of Hoſtility, having driven away ſome Herds of [Page] Cattel belonging to the Genevoiſes: whereupon they detained ſome Troopers, who were Spaniards, being in the Dukes ſervice. The Savoyards had apprehended Hoſea André a Miniſter, whom they had taken in Michaille; and for a requital the Earl of Salenove was detained at Geneva.

Two days after Dom Philippin the Baſtard of Savoy, The Baſtard of Savoy makes his entrance into Geneva. made his entrance into the City with a moderate Train, where he was highly treated by the Citizens. He on his part ſparing no complements. He departed the next Morning, and promiſed to procure the releaſement of Hoſea André; upon which the Earl of Salenove was releaſed before-hand. Yet the Miniſter was not ſet at liberty, neither was there any likelihood of it, had he not dexterouſly made his eſcape.

The Peace was at length concluded betwixt the King of France, A Peace concluded. of Spain, and the Duke of Savoy; in which were likewiſe comprehended the Switzers and their Allies, and ſo by conſequence, Geneva, as the King of France openly declared it by word of Mouth as well as by Letters; underſtanding thereby that the Duke ſhould withdraw his Army. The Duke, who affirmed it was not comprehended, having not been named as the other Cities were, would not return anſwer by writing, leſt he ſhould prejudice his pretenſions, cauſing only thoſe Forces to withdraw who had marched over into Lombardy. Monſieur Villeroy in the printed Copy of the Treaty of Peace, had added to the 34th Article, written with his own Hand for the inſtruction of the Sieur Botheon, who was ſent by the Duke to take the Copy of the Oath, That under the generality of the Allies and confederate Lords were comprehended them of Geneva. Chapeaurouge, their Deputy to the French-King, brought home Letters, wherein that King promiſed to defray all charges of the War.1598. The City to teſtifie how acceptable this news was to them,May. cauſed their great Guns to be diſcharged, and ſolemn Thanks to be returned to God in all their Churches.

Yet was this rejoycing allaied by the return of the Plague, although the mortality was not great, and by the troubles wherein they of Thonon were involved upon the account of Religion, occaſioned by a Capucin-Frier called Peter Cherubin, who would conſtrain the Inhabitants of that place, and them in the Countries thereabouts, who were thought under obedience to the Duke, to return likewiſe to their old Religion. This Frier challenged the Miniſters to diſpute publickly with them; which they would not agree to, chuſing rather to defend themſelves by writing: yet the Magiſtrates of Geneva made them conſent to a verbal Conference: and in the mean the Duke arriving at Thonon to forward the matter, the greateſt part of the People returned to their old Religion, alledging they were forſaken; upon which there were printed ſeveral Diſputes and Libels, which ſerved only to exaſperate Mens ſpirits.May. Towards the end of May, John Serres died at Geneva, having withdrew there after he had wrote the Hiſtory of France: Serres dies at Geneva. his Wife and he were buried both together in the ſame day.

[Page] The Duke of Savoy continued his claims on the City, and got the Magiſtrates to conſent to a Conference, which was held at Hermance by Deputies from both Parties, and laſted from the ſeventeenth of October, to the eleventh of November. His Highneſs's Deputies were the Sieur Jacob his Lieutenants on this ſide of the Mountains, the Preſident Rochette, the Preſident Berliet Baron of Bourget, Lambert Baron of Terny, and Marin Earl of Viry. The Deputies of Geneva were, the Councellors Maillet, Daufin, Lect and Roſet, together with Secretary John Sarraſin. Them of Savoy made their demands, and were anſwered by them of Geneva in defence of their Priviledges. Whereunto the former made their reply; and the latter returned a ſecond anſwer: ſo that this conference at Hermance, Copies of which having been taken, is a kind of Collection of all that can be ſaid on that ſubject, and is ſufficient to make a large Volume. The difference remained as before, it being a very difficult, if not impoſſible matter, for theſe two States, ſo oppoſite in their Intereſts and Religion, to come to any perfect agreement.

Even the King himſelf, that he might allay the heats of both Parties, wrote Letters which bore Date from the 11th of November, 1599. in favour of the Genevoiſes, ſhewing that he took the City and its Territories into his Protection, underſtanding it to be compriſed under the name of Ally and Confederate, as it had been already declared by the Deputies in the Treaty.

The Duke being gone to Paris,1600. towards the beginning of the following Year, about the Marquiſdom of Saluces, which King Henry urged him to reſtore, The Duke of Savoy deſires that the King would deſiſt from Protecting Geneva. would have inſerted in the Articles of Agreement, That the King ſhould deſiſt from protecting Geneva. He got the Biſhop of Moderne the Popes Nuncio to mention it to his Majeſty. This Prelate, watching his opportunity, tells him, There was a means whereby he might fairly end the difference between him and the Duke. That the ſame reaſon which enjoyned the Duke to render him the Marquiſdom, inſinuated in like manner, that his Majeſty ſhould not hinder the Duke from obtaining what belonged to him as his right. To which the King aſſenting, he drew from thence this conſequence: That the City of Geneva belonging to the Duke, and nothing hindering him from re-eſtabliſhing the Authority which his Fathers had in it, but only his Majeſties Protection, it is therefore reaſonable (ſaid he) that if he reſtores to you the Marquiſdom of Saluces, which belongs to you, you ſhould in like manner permit him to have the City of Geneva which is his own.1600. The King to anſwer this Argument, tells him the caſe was different; for it was not he who had taken the City into his Protection, but his predeceſſors, and that he was obliged to it by the Oath taken at the Treaty, and by the reſpect he owed his Predeceſſors: And farther, That what he had done, proceeding from the acknowledgment of the good ſervices he had received from that City, it was neither handſom nor juſt to violate this Obligation. The Prelate had his anſwer ready: You will not Sir, ſaid he, leave protecting Geneva becauſe of the example of your Anceſtors; and by the ſame reaſon the Duke is not obliged to reſtore you the Marquiſdom of Saluces, becauſe [Page] it belongs not to you, but to the deceaſed King your predeceſſor who took it. To which the King replied, The Duke of Savoy hath uſurped my Marquiſdom, nothing can excuſe an Ʋſurper from reſtoring that which he hath taken; neither will I hinder his claims on Geneva, provided he proceeds not against them in a hoſtile manner: for if he uſes violence, I know what I have to do. And whereas he is of opinion that if I ſhould abandon them, he could ſoon ſubdue them to himſelf, I would therefore have him conſider, how much thereby I ſhould diſhonour both my ſelf and Kingdom.

And thus dropt the Duke of Savoy's propoſal, and conſequently the Treaty of agreement. The King took the Field, and won in a ſhort time Breſſe and all Savoy, except the Caſtle of the Borough, and S. Catherines Fort which lay two Leagues diſtant from Geneva, before which he came and encamped. This Fort was built with five corners, and raiſed on four firm Baſtions incompaſſed with Ditches, which laid the Campain level and open, on the higheſt part of which this Fort was ſituated. There was in it a Carriſon of ſix hundred men, this was the ſoreſt thorn in the Genevoiſes foot. So the King who deſired to gratifie them, kindly received their Deputies, who were enjoyned to requeſt of the King in conſideration of the ſervice which they had done the Crown, and of their ſufferings in the late War, he would be pleaſed to put this Fort into their hands to be demoliſhed, it having been ſo prejudicial to him. The Duke of Saully introduced theſe Deputies into the Kings preſence.

Theodorus de Beze chief Miniſter, Beza makes a Speech to the King. whoſe age and learning made him venerable amongſt his own party, made a ſpeech in behalf of the reſt, which was but a general complement, in theſe terms: Sir, Humane Eloquence, being not ſufficient to raiſe your praiſe to the pitch of your admirable actions; and my ſtile being too looſe, and voice too weak to celebrate the fame of your Majeſties virtues, which the Ʋniverſe will publiſh without ceaſing, ſeeing you never ceaſe from performing actions worthy of glory and praiſe, I ſhall leave the celebration of the Elogies which are due to you to the holy Angels, for having reſcued the Churches of God from oppreſſion, and obtained for his children the liberty of ſerving him according to his divine Precepts, and to invoke him alone in the Trinity of perſons. I ſhall content my ſelf in ſaying and applying to humane things what Simeon ſaid of divine, Now Lord, let thy ſervant depart in peace according to thy word, ſeeing that mine eyes have ſeen before I die, not only the deliverer of us your humble ſervants, but of all France, and of the faithful in general, who have taſted the effects of your precious bounty.

To which the King anſwered, The Kings anſwer. Father, Theſe few words which ſignifie much, are worthy the reputation which Monſieur Beze hath acquired by well ſpeaking. I take them in good part, and accept them with thoſe kind reſentments they deſerve. I will tell you, the Kings my predeceſſors having ever held your City under their protection, I am reſolved not onely to imitate them in this, and in all other things anſwerable to the glory of a King of France, but likewiſe to requite the ſincere affection which your City hath ever ſhewed me, and would have him who hath preſented you, whom I hold here by the hand, and who is ſo affectionate towards you, to be your Sollicitor; and that you ſignifie to him what you deſire I ſhould do for [Page] you: for the matter muſt be a very difficult one which I ſhall not grant you. And whiſpering to the Deputies he told them, I know what you moſt deſire I ſhould do, (for they had already mentioned it to the Duke of Sully,) You would have S. Katherines Fort demoliſhed. There are ſeveral people who would perſwade me to deſiſt, but I ſee plainly it is through envy, and therefore I ſhall not mind them. I will leave nothing undone which reſpects your advantage. S. Katherines Fort ſhall be razed, and here is a man in whom you confide, and that not without cauſe; (meaning the Duke of Sully,) to whoſe charge I commit this affair.

From that time the City Gates were ſet open to all belonging to the Court and Army, ſo that there was reckoned one Evening to be in it above four thouſand men; and amongſt others, ſeveral Lords, as Meſſieurs of Guiſe, Elboeuf, Eſpernon, Guiche and Biron; the laſt of theſe walking with ſome Councellors of Geneva as he came to S. Gervais, upon ſome diſcourſe begun, he clapt his hand to his Sword and told them, Gentlemen, This ſhall do your work, or I will loſe my life. They thanked him for his good will, but he made it appear afterwards that he meant otherwiſe than they underſtood him. Monſieur Sully who came likewiſe, eaſed them of their trouble in being ſo crouded with people, having ordered his Horſe and ſeveral Volunteers to return to the Camp. The Fort capitulated ſoon after the Trench was made, they within promiſing to ſurrender, if they were not ſuccoured in ten days,Decem. 16. which was only a formal buſineſs, ſeeing it was well known the Duke was not in a capacity to relieve them. The Garriſon marched out beating their Drums,The Fort razed. and their Colours flying, with three pieces of Ordnance. Monſieur Sully blew up immediately the Baſtions by means of the Mine, of which the Genevoiſes having notice, according to the Kings Order, there came ſo many of them, and fell ſo wholly to their work, that within a day or two there was not the leaſt trace to be ſeen; the King gave them ſix Cannons which were found in the Fort.

There hapned three months before a thing very remarkable:1600. After ſeveral great Claps of Thunder which laſted all the Morning,Sept. 16. the Rhoſne after ſeveral ebbings and flowings,The Ebbings and flowings of the Rhoſne. at length became dry in ſome places, where it was wont to be five foot deep; the Boats which were at the Lakes mouth relying on the ground, ſo that children took up little Fiſh; and Smiths who dwelt on the Bridge came down, and picked up old Iron; but the waters immediately returning, happy was he who could ſooneſt get away. If one of theſe refluxes had laſted but one quarter of an hour, the houſes on the Bridge, and part of S. Gervais would have been drowned; it is very likely that this prodigy was occaſioned by ſome kind of Earthquake or upriſing of the Earth, by which the ground where the Rhoſne iſſues forth from the Lake, being twice or thrice lifted up by the ſubterranean agitated vapours, hindred the Rhoſne from running, and that the ſame ground ſinking down again, by reaſon of its own weight, it took again its ordinary courſe. The ſame hapned in the year 1584. in that great Earthquake, which raiſed up that heap of Earth, which we have already mentioned, and cauſed the Lake to overflow twenty paces, which inſtance may ſerve to confirm the other. All the difference lies here, that theſe exhalations were not ſtrong enough to [Page] force a paſſage, and to ſhake the neighbouring parts. That which makes this more clear, was an Earthquake which reached from Geneva as far as Switzerland, which hapned a year after in the ſame month, with ſo great a violence, that Monſieur James Godefroy obſerved in his Memoires, that he was rocked in his bed with it after the ſame manner as if he had been in a Cradle.

The War with Savoy was ended by the interpoſition of the Legat Aldobrandin, 1601. Jan. 17. the Duke exchanging with the King the Marquiſdom of Saluces for Breſſe. The King of France declares Geneva comprehended in the Treaty. His Majeſty declared in his Letters dated the thirteenth of Auguſt, 1601. that Geneva although not expreſſed in the Treaty, yet was underſtood, and ought to enjoy the benefit of the Peace. The Duke yielded likewiſe the Bailliage of Gex with La Breſſe which was held by the Genevoiſes, who deſired the King to let it remain in their poſſeſſion, as a place whereon depended the ſafeguard of their State: but the King told them he could not grant their requeſt, ſeeing that by the Treaty held at Lyons betwixt him and the Duke, La Breſſe, Veromey, and Gex, were to be incorporated into the Crown, and were never to be cut off from it, upon any occaſion. Immediately after this Liberty of Conſcience was granted, and the Maſs ſaid in S. Peters Church at Gex.

The Savoyards did not forbear their inſultings over the Genevoiſes, having poſſeſſed themſelves of the Villages of Focenay and Thonex; and would have in like manner ſeized on Vandoeuvres, April 5. but this Village was defended by James des Arts, accompanied by a Miniſter, and ſome Soldiers who kept the Church, and drove out thence the Prieſts, who were brought in by force.

In the Summer following the Jubilee was celebrated at Thonon, 1602. where was contrived the famous enterprize of ſcaling Geneva. A Jubilee at Thonon, where the deſign was laid to ſcale Geneva. Certain Frenchmen whoſe occaſions led them to and from the City, got notice of the deſign, and gave an account of it to their friends at Geneva; which the Citizens could hardly believe, the Articles of Peace having been ſworn to by both parties to be obſerved, reſting ſecure on the two Treaties held at Verins and Lyons, not conſidering that the Invaſion of theſe Villages, and the ſeizure of ſeveral Impropriations, were the ſparks of a fire which would ſoon break out into a flame.

There were complaints made of this to the Sieur Albigny, Lieutenant General on this ſide of the Mountains; his proper name was De Gordes, ſon to him who had been Governor of Dauphiny; but he had left the Kings ſervice for his Highneſſes. He made anſwer to the Meſſengers from Geneva two ſeveral times, that it was both his own and his Maſters intention to let them live in peace; and that his Highneſs meant the Treaty ſhould be religiouſly obſerved. Moreover the Preſident Rochelle Counſellor of State was arrived at Geneva ſome days before this Scalado, for to lull the Magiſtrates aſleep, to obſerve their countenance, and to underſtand the condition of the City; telling them it was expedient to make ſome laſting agreement, profering his aſſiſtance for the carrying on ſo good a work.A warning given to the Genevoiſes concerning the attempt on their City.

Whereupon the Genevoiſes reſting ſecure, and diſtruſting nothing, neglected the guarding of the City; although they had warning [Page] given them even by the Dukes Subjects. Amongſt others there came one from Cheſne, who drawing near to the Gate, the day before the execution of the enterprize, told them poſitively that the Enemy was coming, and that they ſhould ſtand upon their guard: but this advertiſment was ſlighted, either for want of due heed, or elſe that they reputed this perſon to be ſome dealer in Viſions. The Duke had cauſed ſeveral Troops to advance undiſcerned into [...]ocigny, the Duke of Nemour's Country, yet under the juriſdiction of Savoy; amongſt the reſt the Regiment of the Baron of La val d'Iſeare, who was born in Picardy, which Regiment conſiſted of near eight hundred men, the moſt part of them French fugitives, and people who would undertake any thing right or wrong. Brunaulieu this Barons Lieutenant had with ſome others viewed the City at his eaſe, taken the height of the walls, and the depths of the ditches in the night and had aſſured Albigny of the facility of the enterprize; moreover the intelligence which they held with the Syndick of the guard, who was to diſplace the Sentinel from that part where they were to ſcale, made their undertaking ſo ſure, that on Saturday the eleventh of December, which was the day before the execution of their intended enterprize, ſeveral perſons came into the City to buy Horſes, and had ſpoken Aenigmatically that they would come the next day to conclude the bargain. It was confidently affirmed (how true I cannot tell) that Brunaulieu before he ſet forth on this enterprize, had by a ſpecial diſpenſation received the extream Unction, ſwearing he would live no longer, if he could not effect his deſign; and that the reſt had confeſſed themſelves and taken the Sacrament upon it. The Jeſuits and Capucins failed not to exhort both great and ſmall to obſerve the Oath made at the Jubilee in Thonon for the extirpation of Hereticks.

In the mean time Albigny began to draw up his men towards ſix of the Clock in the Evening near Bonne, Albigny draws up his men near Bonne. La Roche, and Bonneville. It was on the 11. or 12. day of the Month according to the old ſtile, and the longeſt night in the year. He had his Company of guards, the Regiment belonging to Baron de la val d' Iſere, four Troops of Horſe, and ſome Gentlemen of Savoy. The Spaniards and Neapolitans quartered at Anecy, and were to make up the Rear-guard, and march up as ſoon as they had notice. Out of the firſt Troops were choſen three hundred men, armed at all points with Breaſt-plates, and their Helmets on their heads, their Piſtols at their Girdles, their Cutlaces in their hands, and another party of them with half Pikes and Muſquets. As they marched along they ſtopped the Peaſants in their way, leſt they ſhould alarm the City; yet were there ſome who eſcaped and came to the Gates thereof,Warning a ſecond time given to the City. giving notice to the Sentinels to ſtand upon their guard, the Enemy approaching [...] but their words were not regarded, being taken for people who jeſted. The Watch whoſe duty was to lie out of the City, in order to diſcover any who ſhould approach it, had diſperſed themſelves, and perceived not the Troops, who advanced undiſcovered along the Arve.

The Duke who doubted not of the ſucceſs, came poſt Incognito from beyond the Mountains, and cauſed himſelf to be called Monſieur [Page] the Ambaſſador. He came the ſame Night to the Bridge of Tremblieres, which is a little Village about a League diſtant from Geneva, that he might animate by his preſence thoſe who were fearful. Firſt of all a Hare ſtarting up amongſt them, as they drew near to Champel, where was the place of their Rendeſvous, ſtruck ſome of them with terror. About five or ſix hundred paces from the Ditch they ſpied ſeveral Stakes drove into the Ground, on which workmen were wont to hang their Serges to dry them. The Night being dark, and neither Moon or Stars appearing, there were them who took this for ſome Ambuſcade laid by the City, and were thus ranged in a row in expectation of their coming. Yet they took courage, and having left the main Body of their Army in Plein-Palais, Brunaulieu and the reſoluteſt of them, who had undertaken to ſcale the City, and who were come on Horſeback, light off, and made towards the Counterſcarp, and went down into the Ditch of Corraterie. No ſooner were they there but a [...]light of Wild-ducks aroſe, and put them to a ſtart, they fearing leſt theſe Birds (like the Geeſe of the Capitol who ſaved Rome) would wake the Sentinels, and ſpoil their Enterprize.

At length taking courage,The Savoyards raiſed up Ladders againſt the City-Walls. they paſſed ſoftly over the Ditch upon Hurdles, which they had laid to keep themſelves from ſinking into the Mud, and raiſed up three Ladders againſt the Walls, near the Watch Tower towards Monnoye, and to try if any body heard them, they took up Stones and knocked with them againſt the Walls, as they ſince related. Brunaulieu had made the ſame trial heretofore, and was not heard, becauſe that for a long time they had placed no Watch there. But before we proceed, we may take notice of the form of their Ladders: they were coloured with black, to make them undiſcerned in the dark, and made of ſeveral joynted pieces, that they might be more eaſier carried by the Mules, and ſhortned or lengthened as they had occaſion. The Feet of them were ſhod with ſharp Iron Spikes, that they might be eaſilier faſtned, and ſtand firmer in the ground. The top of theſe Ladders, which were to touch the Wall, were furniſhed with a Pully, and covered with a thick Cloth, that they might ſlide the eaſier and with leſs noiſe. They who would better comprehend the faſhion of them, may ſee part of them ſtill kept in the Arſenal of Geneva.

Beſides theſe Ladders they were furniſhed with great Steel Hammers, one end of which had ſharp edges to cut the Chains of the Draw-bridge, the Locks and Bolts; they had likewiſe great Pinchers to pluck out Nails and Hinges from the Gates, and ſeveral Petards to burſt them open. And being thus furniſhed, they began to climb.

Sonas who was one of the reſoluteſt of the Company,Sonas bleeds at Noſe. and was determined to revenge the death of his Father, who was killed at Monthoux, began by a bad omen to bleed at Noſe, before he aſcended the Ladder, and being gotten half way up received ſuch a blow by the fall of a Stone from the Wall, as almoſt took away his ſenſes, and was forced to come down. Albigny, whom it moſt concerned that this enterprize ſhould take effect, ſtood at the Ladders [Page] foot, encouraging his Soldiers, by ſetting before them the honour and booty which they might expect if they prevailed. He animated likewiſe Sonas, who began to climb again. A Scotch Jeſuit called Father Alexander, Alexander a Jeſuit encourages the Enterprizers. beſides the exhortation which he had made them in Plein Palais, confeſſed them at the foot of the Ladder, aſſuring them, That if they ſhould die in the Enterprize, the Rounds of the Ladders would be as ſo many ſteps leading them directly to Heaven. But the good Father could not foreſee that it was on an other kind of Ladder provided for them that they were to get thither. He had likewiſe given them little Bills, wherein were written ſome paſſages of Holy Scripture; and other pieces of Paper, in the Form of Conjurations, which would preſerve them, who carried them, from any violent death.

It was about one of the Clock in the Morning when they began to mount,Dec. 12. and the 12th of December according to the old Style,Sonas with ſix others firſt climb up into the City. and the 22d of the ſaid Month according to the new; all things were quiet and ſtill, ſo that Sonas, Attignac, and ſix others, who were firſt entred into the City through Tartaſſe, which is a Gate within, always left open, walked about the Streets by couples, to obſerve whether the People were faſt aſleep, and whether this great ſilence was not ſome trick to intrap them. But all was quiet; And they behind climbed up in great numbers.

The Duke underſtanding that the moſt couragious amongſt his Men were entred without reſiſtance,The Duke diſpatches Meſſengers to all parts, to impart the news of their ſucceſs. ſent to the Spaniards and Neapolitans, commanding them to come up quickly, and diſpatched Curriers to all parts to carry news of this happy beginning, which cauſed it to be confidently reported in Piedmont, Savoy, and Dauphiné, that the City was taken. And indeed the Duke might well believe himſelf to be Maſter of it, there having already entred 200 of the ſtouteſt Men in the Army; ſome of which lay flat on the Ground under the Trees of the Parapet, others ſtood up cloſe againſt the Houſes in Corraterie, till they ſhould be ſtronger: for Brunaulieu and others who were chief mannagers of the deſign, intended not to appear till four of the Clock in the Morning, that their Men might have more time to climb up, and that the Rearguard might draw near, and likewiſe that they might have more light to carry on a buſineſs of ſo great conſequence. But before that time, betwixt two and three in the Morning, a Soldier, who ſtood Sentinel in the Tower of Monnoye, having heard ſome noiſe in the Ditch, called his Corporal, to know what it might be. The Corporal ſends a Soldier with a Lanthorn; who takes along with him his Muſquet, and gets upon the Parapet, and perceives ſome armed Men making towards him, to whom he cried, Who comes there? and having no anſwer, he diſcharged his Muſquet at them. They immediately fell upon him, and as he cried, Arm, Arm, they knocked him down. Which the Soldier who ſtood on the Sentinel perceiving, he diſcharged his Piece to give notice to the main Guard, who, alas, were but ſix Men.

Brunaulieu, and the moſt reſolute amongſt them, perceiving they were diſcovered, and that it was impoſſible for them to put it off any longer, and finding moreover that they were ſtrong enough [Page] in number in the City, reſolved immediately to ſtand to it, and to diſpoſe of their Men to the beſt advantage, and to ſet upon thoſe who ſhould oppoſe them, in four ſeveral places, viz. at the new Gate, at Tartaſſe, at Monnoye, and at the entrance of the Town-houſe, which they would keep till the Petards could be brought to the new Gate, to force a paſſage, and let in the Troops which lay at Plein-Palais: reſerving a conſiderable Party to aſſiſt them, who ſtill were climbing up.

They fiercely then ſet upon the Guard at the new Gate, who were no more than thirteen Men, ſome of which belonged to the neighbouring Sentries. The moſt part of the Guard, when they had Fired, betook themſelves to their Heels, and ran to give the Alarm to thoſe who watched the Town-houſe, to the Bourg of Four, and to the gate of Rive. They were purſued as far as la Treille, which was ſpeedily clapt to. The Enemies then finding this paſſage ſhut, came down to the new Gate, of which they were Maſters. In the mean time, of the three who remained at this Gate, two of them hid themſelves, and the third getting on the top of the Gate, adviſedly thought to let down the Percullice. The Perſon who mannaged the Petard, was amazed to find his deſign of applying it ineffectual, being prevented by the Percullice.

A Citizen, who was one of the firſt who awaked at this noiſe, came out of his Houſe, which was near the Gate of Tartaſſe, and would have paſſed down half dreſſed, with his Halbard, to repair to his quarters at the new Gate. In coming down, he diſcovered four or five armed Men who made up to him to get before him to Tartaſſe. He believing they belonged to the City, asked them aloud, whereabouts the Enemy was: they ſtill advancing towards him, cried out to him, Peace, Slave, come hither, and be on our ſide, God bleſs the Duke of Savoy: upon which, perceiving it was the Enemy, he flies back, and alarm'd the neighbouring ſtreets. In the mean time the Enemy won the Gate of Tartaſſe, keeping their ground, and endeavoured to make good the paſſage. The Citizens ran thither, and began to barricado the way which led to this Gate. Some of them having been perceived with their Torches, were wounded; others paſſing boldly on were killed. Canal, who was of the City-Council, and Captain of thoſe parts of the City, a Man in years, but of great courage, was ſlain after this manner: He was helped in his paſſing over the Chain, which was faſtned at the corner of the Street, and was deſired to venture no farther: yet, not believing the Enemy to be ſo near, he would needs go on till it was too late for him to think of returning. The Enemies perceiving the Citizens to gather apace, left the place, and returned to their fellows at the new Gate.

In the mean time the City being througly alarm'd, ſome of them rendred themſelves according to cuſtom at their uſual place of Rendezvous; others without any ſtop, ran where was the greateſt danger, directly upon the Enemy, who believing that they had finiſhed their Enterprize, ſhouted out a-long Corraterie, God bleſs the [Page]King of Spain, God bleſs the Duke of Savoy, the City is our own; Kill, kill, kill them; Down with them, down with them. The firſt who met were known to one another by their Watch-word, which conſiſted in a kind of noiſe like the croaking of a Frog, or like unto that which Riders uſe in incouraging their Horſes. When they were asked by them of the City, Who goes there? They anſwered, Friends. There were ſome, who to divide them who might come in to help their Companions, cried out aloud, Arm, Arm, Arm, the Enemy is at the Gate of Rive.

The Enemy had broke twice through the Guards at Monnoye, and having burſt open one of the Doors, behind which the Soldiers had barricadoed themſelves, would have paſſed on further, and have ruſhed into the City: but being met by the Grand Rounds, who made head againſt them, there were ſome of them left dead in the place. The Citizens likewiſe coming in, briskly charged thoſe who put themſelves in a poſture of paſſing through this Gate of Monnoye, killed one on the Bridge of Rhoſne, and another between the Gate and the Percullice, which was let down.

Being driven back thence, there were ſome who endeavoured to break into the Houſes in Corraterie, to plunder them, or to paſs through into the City-ſtreet, and began firſt with Julien Piaget's Houſe, where they killed the Serving man, and applied a Petard to the Stable-door, from which they were beaten away. Whilſt theſe things were doing, a Canoneer having fired a Cannon from the Bulwark of Oye, which lay level to the Walls, he had the good hap to ſhatter the Ladders, and threw them all down. The firſt report having been heard by the Regiment of La Val d' Iſere, who lay quiet in Plein-Palais, ſome of them cried out in amaze, March up, march up, the City is our own, thinking that the Petard had made this noiſe, and the Drums without any farther notice began to beat: which ſet them all a running towards the new Gate, dividing already the ſpoil amongſt them: but they were very much ſurprized to find it ſtill ſhut; ſo that deſcending into the Ditch, near their Scaling-Ladders, the Gunner having fired his Cannon a ſecond time, charged with ſmall Shot, made a ſlaughter amongſt them. The Horſe, ſome diſtance off, having heard the ſound of the Drum, and perceived the light of the Torches in ſeveral parts of the City, had a ſhort joy in approaching unto it, of which they believed their own Men had made themſelves Maſters.

At the ſame time a ſmall party of Citizens, who iſſued out through the Gate of Treille and S. Leger, reſolving to ſacrifice their Lives in defence of their Country, came down to recover the new Gate. They ſet upon the Guards there in a moſt reſolute manner, and had two of their Men immediately ſlain, they continued fighting vigorouſly. Picot, who managed the Petard, being buſied about it, was killed. Seconded at length by others who ran to their aſſiſtance, they drove the Enemy from their Court of Guard adjoyning to the Gate, and made them retreat to the middle of Corraterie, to the Party who lay to aſſiſt thoſe who ſcaled the Walls.

[Page] The Savoyards being greatly aſtoniſhed to find themſelves ſhut up betwixt the Walls and the Houſes, and knowing not which way to turn themſelves, began to loſe their courage. They proffered to let down Brunaulieu from the Wall with a Rope. But he choſe rather to die than to live with ſhame: The Shot flew about their Ears like Hail-ſtones, out of the Windows and tops of the Houſes. Baudichon, one of the City Captains, who was half dreſſed, ſignalized himſelf moſt eminently.The valour of a Taylor. A Taylor who brandiſhed a two-handed Sword, did wonders. A Woman throwing out on purpoſe an Iron-pot on the Head of one of the moſt reſolute amongſt them, ſplit his Scull.

The Citizens courage increaſing, and the Savoyards ſeeing above fifty of their Men lying on the Ground, betook themſelves to the place where their Ladders ſtood, on which ſome already had ſaved themſelves, making more haſte to get down than they did to get up, fear having given them wings: but finding no Ladders, they caſt themſelves down from the Wall, at which the good Father Alexander found himſelf beſides his reckoning, one of theſe armed Men having ſadly bruiſed him in falling from the Wall. The Chevalier Dandelot ſliding down broke his Noſe. Others were maimed or killed by ſo dangerous a leap. They who lay dead in the City were reckoned to be about 54. the greateſt part of them being Officers and Men of note, and 13 were taken Priſoners. The Cannon was brought on the Platform of Treille, and was levelled againſt Plein-Palais, and perfectly routed both the Horſe and Foot which lay there.

Albigny being aſtoniſhed at the unſucceſsfulneſs of his undertaking, ſo well contrived and ſo ill performed, and finding the Shopkeepers (as he was wont to term the Genevoiſes) had courage to defend themſelves, and to make his Men leap over the Walls, ſounded a Retreat, which was very welcom to his diſperſed Troops, who were benummed with fear and cold. They marched back in haſte to the ſide of Bonne, and brought the Duke the news of the unfortunate ſucceſs which the Sieur of Albigny's raſhneſs had produçed. The Duke ſaid nothing elſe to him, but that he had made a very fair flouriſh: For this was his common expreſſion.

In the ſame day the thirteen Priſoners were condemned to be hanged,Thirteen of them who had ſcaled the City, hanged. which ſome have cenſured as too ſevere; but the Magiſtrates alledged that they conſidered them not under the notion of Enemies, but Thieves who broke in in the night, and who had violated contrary to all right, a Peace which had been ſo ſolemnly ſworn to. It is ſaid of Sonas, that he would have redeemed himſelf for his weight in ſilver. Chaffardon, Attignac, and other perſons of Quality, were treated after the ſame manner, and were accompanied by the Miniſters to the place of Execution. The Council of ſixty ordered that their heads, as likewiſe of the others who were killed between the Walls, ſhould be cut off, and ranged on the Wall of the Bullwark near the place where they ſcaled, and their bodies to be thrown into the Rhoſne. They were found to be ſixty ſeven in all; and it was ſuperſtitiouſly obſerved, that it had been ſo many years ſince they had thrown off the Romiſh yoke: but if we reckon thoſe who were ſlain in the Ditch, [Page] and died by the way, the number will amount to two hundred; whoſe quality the Enemy kept ſecret: it is known they loſt Cornage, the Sieur Albigny Lieutenant, De Gruzy, La Tour, and Payen.

On the Genevoiſes ſide there were but thirty wounded, amongſt whom was the principal Syndick Peter Forbry, and John Bodichon; and ſeventeen killed, who were interred in S. Gervais with an honourable Epitaph. It is ſaid that Theodore de Beze, who was then alive but very ancient, heard not the leaſt noiſe of this uproar and diſturbance, and was amazed when he was led forth to ſee the ſlain, who lay ſtretched out along Corraterie. Beza Preaches a thankſgiving Sermon for their deliverance. He had left off Preaching, yet did he get up into the Pulpit, and cauſed the 124. Pſalm to be ſung, Now may Iſrael ſay, if the Lord had not been on our ſide when men roſe up againſt us; which Pſalm hath been ever ſince ſung on that day, which is obſerved by an Order of Council once a year, with publick Thankſgivings and rejoycing; two days after was kept a publick Faſt, to offer up unto God their ſolemn acknowledgements. There was likewiſe ſet up in the Town-houſe a Latine Inſcription for a laſting remembrance. The Magiſtrates diſpatched immediately an Expreſs to Berne to carry them the News, and to deſire their aſſiſtance in caſe the Enemy ſhould ſet upon them afreſh. The four Proteſtant Cantons ſent them immediately twelve hundred men, promiſing them more if they had occaſion for them. The Duke rode Poſt back again over the Mountains, leaving his Forces in Focigny, and in the Bailliage of Terny. The Genevoiſes wrote likewiſe to the Sieur of Guiche, who was Governor of Lyons, this Letter.

SIR,

YOU have heard before by ſeveral Letters that his Highneſs of Savoy, A Letter from the Genevoiſes to the Sieur of Guiche. notwithſtanding he knew and acknowledged we were comprehended in the Treaty of Peace, made in the Month of January, 1601. betwixt His Majeſty of France, and himſelf, hath yet ſeveral times oppreſſed us not only by keeping back our Revenues, Prohibitions of Commerce, and other Violences; not at all minding the juſt Remonſtrances reiterated by [...]is ſaid Majeſty: but hath alſo ſet on foot ſeveral deſigns to ſurprize our City in the midſt of the Calms of Peace. It hath hapned then, that for to obtain his pernicious ends, that the Sieur Albigny on Saturday laſt, the Eleventh of this Month, about Midnight, brought before our City on the ſide of Plein-Palais, about two thouſand choſen Men, both Horſe and Foot, and hath cauſed two hundred of them to deſcend into our Ditch towards Corraterie, where was heretofore a Gate leading to the City; and having provided Ladders, cauſed them to climb the Walls about three of the Clock in the Morning, on Sunday the Twelfth of the ſaid Month, he ſtanding in the Ditch, and encouraging them; ſo that having gotten down into the City, ſome of them marched directly to the new Gate, endeavouring to force it open, [Page] and to bring in their main body to aſſiſt them, which lay at Plein-Palais: others would have gained the Gate of Monnoye, to enter by this means into the heart of the City: but it hath pleaſed our good God to look down upon us with an eye of pitty, and to encourage our men in ſuch a manner that they drove them back, and ſlew the greateſt part of them; ſome have been taken and hanged ſince by our Order. The remaining part have caſt themſelves down from the Walls, ſo that ſeveral of them being wounded, have died thereupon. This is a marvelous deliverance which God hath wrought for us, and for which we are bound to praiſe him. But it being very likely that the ſaid Sieur Albigny intends to prosecute his deſign; and in as much as we do alſo underſtand that his Highneſs lies not far hence, we therefore earneſtly intreat you, that you would pleaſe to take into your Conſideration, the prejudice his Majeſty would ſuffer by the taking of this City; and to continue your favour towards us, and to aſſiſt us by your wiſe and prudent Counſel.

The King was immediately informed that Geneva was taken, the deſign appearing ſo likely to take effect, that there was leſs reaſon to doubt of it than to believe it. He was not undeceived till he received Letters from the Sieur de la Guiche, which preceded the account which the City publiſhed. His Majeſty vouchſafed to write to them of Geneva Letters full of ſincere affection, and becoming the generoſity of ſo glorious a Monarch. The Contents of the Letter were as follows.

Moſt dear and well beloved.

I Have heard to my great grief,A Letter of the French King to the Genevoiſes. of the enterprize made on your City by the Duke of Savoy's Subjects; and having known how couragiouſly ye have repelled and chaſtiſed them, let me tell you, I am heartily glad thereat. I have promiſed my aſſiſtance to preſerve your City, and have told the Duke as much by word of mouth when I laſt ſaw him; and likewiſe them who have come from him: an occaſion then now offering it ſelf, I am reſolved to ſhew you effectually what I then did put promiſe, hoping that God will revenge the breach of thoſe Proteſtations and Oaths which have been made at the Treaties of Vervins and Lyons. I cannot yet gueſs what the Dukes after-Deſigns may be, nor yet what need you may have of my help, which ſhall neither be refuſed you, nor deferred; and having not as yet underſtood what reſolutions ye have taken in this affair with our other Allies and Confederates, I ſhall defer the diſcovering of my thoughts to you till I underſtand yours, and then I ſhall be better able to judge of the Remedy, which we muſt uſe in a matter of ſo [Page] great importance; you will oblige me in ſending notice of whatſoever ſhall occur, and what you ſhall reſolve upon touching this laſt occaſion. In the mean time I will tell you, if the Duke ſets upon you either by open force or fraud, you ſhall not want my aſſiſtance, and if occaſion requires it, my perſon too: howſoever let me have notice how he deals with you. I intend without delay to Write to all the Governors and Lieutenant-Generals of my Provinces who are near you, to watch diligently over you, and aſſiſt you at your need to their utmoſt power, and that with the ſame care and diligence as if it were for the ſaving of the moſt important places of my Kingdom under their Government. I beſeech God, moſt dear and loving friends, to have you in his holy keeping.

Written at Paris the Eighth of January 1603. Signed Henry, and underneath de Neuf-ville.

The day wherein the Walls were ſcaled, had been a day of trouble and confuſion to every body in general; but it had like to have proved double dangerous to the Syndicks: for on Saturday night a man came to the Gate of Rive, to give notice of the Enemies approaches, which news was carried to the chief Syndick; who remitted the affair to the fourth Syndick who was a ſavourer of the Enemy, ſo that this was like ſending a Patient from the Phyſician to the Hangman. The people who could not brook this proceeding, conſidering the danger threatning them, and what they had already ſufferred, determined thereupon to be revenged on theſe two Syndicks: but they were ſo prudent or fearful as to keep their Chambers till noon, the time when the Priſoners were led to execution; the people then running to behold this ſpectacle, were taken off from the thoughts of being revenged on them. The Sermons at night allayed the heats of ſome. One of the Senators had made anſwer, when they went to him for the keys of the Arſenal to take out Arms, Surely theſe are not Birds to flie thus over the Walls: not believing it was poſſible for them to get in.

In the beginning of the Year,1603. there aroſe a great difference in the general Council,Jan. in the choice of Syndicks, by reaſon of the ſcaling the Walls which had hapned three weeks before, for fear they ſhould fall into the hands of ſome Magiſtrates ill affected to the publick. At length there was choſen John Maillet, John du Pan, John Favres, and John Budé, which gave occaſion to this Proverb, We are at S. John's, and becauſe that the Lieutenant too was named John Rillet.

Maillet was ſoon after clapt up in Priſon upon ſuſpicion of Treaſon,Maillet committed to Priſon. and likewiſe for that contrary to his Oath, he had betrayed the Liberties of the City in the caſe of the Village of Moin, at the inſtance of one of his Creditors who was a Counſellor in Berne. He remained a Priſoner ſeven years, and at length was releaſed, and withdrew with his family into Savoy, where he had a ſmall Penſion allowed him, but not ſufficient to maintain him; ſo that he was forced to [Page] live very ſparingly, he died in the year 1625. having perſevered in his Religion, amongſt them of the contrary party. He was much pittied, being a man learned; for it was he who compoſed thoſe neat Inſcriptions which are to be ſeen in the Biſhops Palace.

The Duke gave out that the principal motive which induced him to make the late attempt on Geneva, was the eſtabliſhment of the Catholick Religion amongſt them; for the promoting of ſo good a work, he having neither ſpared his Soldiers, his Treaſure nor his Perſon. But the Genevoiſes replied thereupon, that he took not the way to ſhew himſelf zealous for Religion, when he gave ſuch a plain demonſtration how little he valued his Oath; and that doubtleſs God would not let them eſcape unpuniſhed who had taken his name in vain. On the other ſide the Earl of Tournon his Higneſſes Reſident amongſt the Cantons, came from Fribourg to Berne, for to make this following Harangue to the Lords of that City, and to endeavor to palliate the matter, according to the inſtructions ſent him from the Duke by his Secretary Caron. Theſe were his Words:

Moſt Mighty Lords, &c.

FRom the day and hour I heard of the enterprize againſt Geneva, Tournon his Harangue to the Lords of Berne. I was deſirous of nothing more than of knowing from my Soveraign Lord and Prince, how the matter really had paſſed, to the end that I might, in the name of his Highneſs, inform your Lordſhips and other affectionate Friends; ſeeing that in ſuch like affairs, falſe Reports never fail to be ſpread abroad by the Adverſaries. For being deſtitute of all lawful reaſons and equity, they have endeavoured to colour over their bad cauſe, to the diſhonour and prejudice of his Highneſs, and to render him odious to his friends. Wherefore having been advertiſed by his Highneſs as well by word of mouth as by writing, and alſo by his Secretary who is joyned with me in this affair, of the whole truth of the matter, and having received an expreſs charge to communicate the ſame unto you, according to the good correſpondence which ought to be amongſt Neighbours, to the end ye may no longer doubt of my Maſters good will and affection. My ſelf I ſay, and his Secretary would not be wanting likewiſe to inform you according to the inſtructions given us of this late undertaking; this then in ſhort is the true account of it. Your Lordſhips know very well the reaſons moving his Highneſs to make the late War againſt the City of Geneva, it being upon the account of the Tallies, Impoſts, and other ordinary Charges on the Eſtates which the Genevoiſes hold in his Highneſſes Dominions. They were ſollicited and intreated to ſubmit to reaſon and equity, after the ſame manner as their other Neighbours who poſſeſs Eſtates in his Highneſſes [Page] Countries. But they on the other ſide have never ceaſed from making their complaints, and repreſenting their cauſe to his Majeſty of France, as alſo to your Lordſhips, although they have been rebuked by ſeveral noble Lords about his Majeſty, for their unſeaſonable requeſts, and ſent back to make ſatisfaction to thoſe equitable demands, after the ſame manner as your Lordſhips have dealt with them. Yet have they ſtill obſtinately continued in their unjuſt pretenſions, and have not only endeavoured by force to maintain their pretended right, as his Highneſs hath been well informed; but endeavouring moreover contrary to his Highneſs's declaration, to bring and convey into their City Corn, which ought not to be tranſported out of his Highneſs's Countries, for the relief of his Subjects, and to preſerve in ſtore againſt time of need; ſo that they have by this means infringed and violated this Edict, for which juſt cauſes and reaſons, his Highneſs had a deſign of bringing Geneva to Reaſon, but he hath deferred his reſentments till ſome other opportunity, eſpecially till his Highneſs can be preſent in his own perſon, to prevent all miſchief and confuſion, which commonly happens in ſuch like occaſions. But foraſmuch as the ſaid Genevoiſes do alledge the priviledges granted them by your predeceſſors of bleſſed memory, againſt the pretenſions of hs Higneſs, they are of no validity, ſeeing they have not acquitted themſelves in what they were obliged to on their parts, and have by this means made void their priviledges. And thus it is likewiſe in the claims which they lay to the Treaty, as if they were comprehended in it, and included with his Majeſty of France, and the Duke of Savoy my Maſter: whereas it ought to be conſidered in this caſe, they have no grounds or reaſons for their pretenſions, for it is certain they cannot be underſtood under this word of Allies, ſeeing they are not in League with all the Cantons of Switzerland, and that they have not been expreſsly ſpecified and named as the other Allies; and ſo conſequently could they not be inſerted in his Highneſs's abſence againſt his will and pleaſure, as being a party principally concerned. Moreover I will not forbear to tell your Lordſhips, that his Highneſs has been credibly informed that my Lord Eſdiguieres deſigned to ſurprize the ſaid City; which had he effected, it would have proved highly prejudicial to his Highneſs and to your ſelves, and therefore his Highneſs thought it his moſt prudent courſe to prevent him. But leſt your Lordſhips ſhould ſuſpect that he had any deſign againſt you his ancient Neighbours, with whom he hath all this while held ſo good a correſpondence; He hath therefore withdrawn his men on this ſide the Mountains, [Page] reſolving to keep up a good underſtanding with you, as his predeceſſors had done before him; and for this effect he will maintain and encourage all Traffick and Commerce betwixt the two States, expecting in the mean time an anſwer from you, which we hope will prove ſatisfactory to our deſires, and worthy your reſolutions.

This Harangue of the Earl of Tournon was heard by the Council of Berne, Bernoiſes not ſatjsfied with this harangue. yet did it not ſatisfie them; for they diſmiſſed both him and the Secretary without anſwer, and had they not ſpeedily departed, it is very probable the people, forgetting the reſpect due to perſons of their quality, would have affronted them, ſo much did they ſlight his apology for an attempt, which was not only condemned by them, but as it is ſaid, by all Europe, and even by the Pope himſelf. The Duke of Boüillon paſſing about that time through Geneva, was deſirous of being informed of all the circumſtances of the enterprize, and went to ſee the places where they entred and made their efforts.

In the mean time they of Geneva ſtrengthened by the Troops of their Allies, and ſeveral French Soldiers both Horſe and Foot, whom the King permitted to aſſiſt them, maintained themſelves againſt the Garriſons with which they were ſurrounded, and drove away them who approached their Walls; they cut down the Trees about the City to take away all ſhelter for the Enemy, and made ſeveral incurſions into the Countries of Savoy, and ſurprized the City of S. Genis d' Aoſte, Genis taken by ſurprize. where they ſetled the Baron of Vilars Governor, from whence they continually moleſted the Dukes Subjects, and kept Chambery in exerciſe, marching many times up to their Gates, and had it not been for the death of a valorous Gentleman named Monſieur de Neſle, Chambery would have run the ſame riſque as S. Genis.

The King gave order to de Vic, De Vic ordered to aſſure the Gene [...]oiſes of the French Kings favour. his Ambaſſador in Switzerland, that in his return home through Geneva, he ſhould aſſure the Citizens that he was not one of them who only love their friends whilſt they advantage themſelves by them, and that he would never be wanting to defend and protect them; he therefore deſired to know of them the means they intended to uſe in making an offenſive War, to the end that the ſuccours which he ſhould ſend them might be profitably imployed. They received the Sieur of Vic with the greateſt reſpect, and heard his general propoſals and particular remonſtrances, which tended rather to exhort them to a laſting peace than a ſhort War. He was deſired to offer this to the Council, becauſe there were ſeveral who judged that a War would be no leſs conducing to the advancement of the publick Weal, than it had been in the time of Duke Charles; that all who were intereſſed in their preſervation would undoubtedly aſſiſt them; that ſeveral ſtout men who were deſirous to ſhew their courage, would come and proffer their ſervice. De Vic on the contrary very elequently and truly ſhewed them, that Peace was ſo neceſſary for them, and War ſo pernicious, that there was an indiſpenſable neceſſity of choſing the former, and avoiding the latter; that although the inducements to War were ſpecious, and the means eaſie, yet were its effects never [Page] the leſs terrible, and the ſucceſs uncertain. That War in general was profitable, and ought to be undertaken, when Peace could not be procured; but that a well governed State which had ever thriven by Peace,1603. ought not to ſet out in theſe ſtorms, nor to pleaſe it ſelf in Warlike incounters with its Neighbours.May. In ſhort he prevailed ſo far by his perſwaſions that they all inclined to Peace, provided it was an honourable and profitable one, and ſo well ſetled as to take away all occaſions of it for the future. Immediately after this there was a Truce made, and this Treaty of Peace which was deemed ſo neceſſary, was for ſome time in agitation; but at length it broke off, the Genevoiſes not being willing to accept it on any other terms but what were honourable and advantagious. The Earl of Fuentes, the King of Spains Lieutenant in the Dutchy of Milan, hearing of the Treaty which had been ended, ſent orders to Don Zanche de Luna Maſter of his Camp to renew it, and bring it on again. He ſent for this purpoſe a Spaniſh Captain named Sebaſtien Culebro to Geneva, who having obtained a ſafe-conduct, preſented himſelf to the Council, telling them that the Earl of Fuentes having been informed of a Treaty began between the Deputies of the Duke of Savoy and Geneva, which yet had produced nothing; he had thereupon ſent an expreſs to Don Zanche de Luna, enjoyning him to diſpatch a Captain to Geneva, to deſire them of that City to think of Peace, and of the good reſulting from it, openly declaring, that in caſe they did not agree with the Duke, his Catholick Majeſty as his Highneſs's Ally, and having his Country in protection, could do no leſs than aſſiſt him in this War. And at the ſame time he delivered them the Original of his Commiſſion, being the ſame which Don Zanche had given him, which runs thus tranſlated out of Spaniſh.

‘Captain Sebaſtien Culebro ſhall go to La Roche, Culebro his Orders. and deſire Monſieur Albigny to conduct him ſafely to Bonne, taking along with him Captain Vatanour and Peter the Drummer belonging to his Company; the ſaid Captain being at Bonne, ſhall deſire ſafe-conduct to go ſpeak to Meſſieurs of Geneva, telling them as from me, and giving them to underſtand his Excellencies pleaſure; which is, That his Catholick Majeſties Forces are obliged to defend the Duke, and to oppoſe them in whatſoever they ſhall undertake againſt him, and that they ſhould endeavour as ſoon as they can to comply with him, becauſe that if it falls out otherwiſe, he will order his buſineſs accordingly. At Anecy, the 28▪ of May, 1603. Signed Don Zanche de Luna, and lower de Roza.’ The Terms of the Spaniſh Laconiſme are remarkable: Para hir allar à los Sinores de Sinebra, diſiendo les come va di mi parte, y dandoles a entender la voluntad de ſu Excellentia, que es, Que la gente de ſu mageſtad a de deffender al Duque, y opponer ſe a quantos intentaren, y que vean conciertar ſecon el luogo proque donde ſe tomara forma.

The King of France foreſeeing that this War would not end only amongſt them between whom it was begun, but that the flame of it would break out farther, was deſirous to maintain Chriſtendom in that Peace, for the ſake of which he had laid down his Arms, at that time when they would have procured him great advantage: wherefore his Ambaſſadors in Switzerland, by his order, prepared the Cantons of Glaris, Baſle, Soleurre, Schaffonſe and Appenzel, [Page] as them who were leaſt ſuſpected and intereſted for to be the mediators of this accord. Which with much difficulty was at length obtained. The Genevoiſes conſidering that the profits which might redound from the War could not equal the damages thereof, and that all their hopes of advantage by it depended on the aſſiſtance from their Neighbours. That the hope which is founded on a Foreign prop is uſually uncertain. That undoubtedly the Catholick Cantons would not break off with the Duke upon their account, and that being his Neighbours it was abſolutely neceſſary to come to ſome terms or other. Theſe reflections, and the perſwaſions of their Allies, made the Genevoiſes relent; ſo that both Parties by degrees calmed their paſſions,A Peace concluded between the Duke and Gen [...]voiſes. and laid down thoſe Arms which they had taken up with ſo great an animoſity. The Deputies from the five Cantons mediated this Peace at Remilly, and it was concluded at S. Julien.

During all theſe ſeveral Journies backwards and forwards, which theſe mediators of the Peace made from Geneva to S. Julien which laſted a Month, the High-ways from the Bridge of Arve to S. Julien were almoſt continually filled with People, eſpecially Savoyards, who paſſionately breathed after this Peace, and bleſſed the Deputies who gave them hopes of it.July 21. So that immediately upon the Signing of it at S. Julien, the Preſident Rochette put his Head out of the Window of the Houſe where was held the Conference, and cried out to theſe poor People who thronged the Streets, My Friends, praiſe God, the Peace is concluded. Upon which they ſhouted for Joy, and the Trumpets ſounded forth the publick gladneſs. This Treaty of Peace may be ſeen deſcribed in the printed Book, called The Citizen of Geneva.

Both Parties having laid down their Arms, a while after they began to combat with their Pens. Buttet Advocate of Chambery, entered the Liſts,Buttet writes a Book which he calls, The Cavalier of Savoy. ſetting forth his Cavalier of Savoy, wherein he deſcribed all his Highneſſes pretenſions on Geneva. It was debated in Council whether this Book ought to be anſwered. They who were for it, repreſented, that ſhould it not be done, the World would be apt to believe that the Dukes Reaſons were well grounded. Whereas they who were of the contrary opinion, alledged, That in ſo doing they would expoſe their cauſe to the cenſures of paſſionate Men, who being pre-poſſeſſed with prejudices, would make uſe of their reaſons againſt them. The firſt advice was followed, ſo that a learned Man of the Council,Sarrazin ſets forth his Book called The Genevois Citizen. a Perſon zealous for his Countries honour, whoſe name was John Sarrazin, was enjoyned to write an anſwer: which he did, and called his Book the Genevois Citizen; againſt which there was publiſhed a little Book by a Savoyard, under a feigned Title, called Monſieur Picter's Harangue, or the Miſchief of the Ariſtocratical Government of Geneva; theſe Books abound with ſharp invectives, and are good for nothing but to renew former differences.

Philibert Blondel, 1604. who was Syndick in the Year when the attempt of ſcaling Geneva was on foot,Blondel his villanous actions. had been ſeveral times cenſured in the Council, and blamed by the People for having been ſo careleſs in ſecuring the City, although the principal Syndick had put [Page] him in mind of it the Night before the execution of their deſign, according to the notice he had brought him of the Enemies march. Blondel took it ill that he ſhould be ſuſpected, and had the impudence to complain thereof to the Council, pretending much zeal for his Countries ſervice. His complaint ended in his confuſion, for a Cutler, whoſe name was Guidonet, whom he had heretofore ſollicited to be confederate with him in his Treachery, having a quarrel with him▪ could not ſuffer his Pride, and called him Traytor before Witneſſes. Blondel taking it to heart, addreſſeth himſelf thereupon to the Council, and obtains an order to impriſon his Adverſaries; amongſt whom was Combe, who at length brought ſuch proof, and alledged ſo many reaſons againſt Blondel, that at length for his Neglect and Treaſons he was fined 2000 Crowns of Gold; for the payment of which they ſeized on his Mills: yet did he ſtill ſtand upon his juſtification: but the Witneſſes proved again their Charge ſo clearly and fully againſt him, that he was fined to pay 2000 Crowns of Gold more, and degraded from the Council of 25. But he valued not the Mony, having gotten in a ſhort time an Eſtate to the value of 40000 Crowns, no Body knowing how: but he could not ſuffer his degradation with a quiet mind. He reſolved thereupon rather to loſe his Head, than to lie under this imputation. The buſineſs was ſo agitated, that at length the truth was bolted out, it having been made apparent that he held the Lordſhip of Compois, without paying any Taxes to the Duke: that ſince the taking of Bonne he was obſerved to grow rich on a ſuddain: that he had ſome private diſcourſe with a Stranger the Night before the Walls were ſcaled; and that to avoid the Officers depoſition, who had ſeen him, he had ſent the ſaid Officer to Genes, and given him a Horſe: that he being dead, Blondel now thought himſelf ſecure; and that there was found a Lanthorn in the Ditch having his mark; and that a certain Perſon from Cheſne brought him oftentimes Letters from the Governor of Savoy. But this Article not being proved ſo clearly againſt him as the others, he was ſentenced only to lie in Priſon for the ſpace of ſeven Years, and to pay another Fine of 2000 Crowns. And foraſmuch as the Perſons depoſition, who carried the Letters, was the chief cauſe of this his Condemnation, he determined therefore to ſend for this Peaſant, to try whether he could not make him retract what he had declared againſt him; he uſed ſuch means that at laſt this poor fellow was clapt up in Priſon, where he offered him a great ſumm of Mony to deny what he had before affirmed. The Jaylor, whom Blondel had won by his gifts, brought him word that he would not move a jot from his former depoſition: whereupon Blondel offereth the Jaylor fifty Crowns to ſtrangle him in the Night. Which being done, and the Magiſtrates coming the next Morning to hear what this Witneſs had to ſay, found him dead. The Phyſicians were called to ſearch him, and make their report, that he had not killed himſelf, but had been ſtrangled by ſome other. The Jaylor and Porter are thereupon apprehended; the latter of which only was wont to viſit the Peaſant. He was put on the Rack, and confeſſes the Fact, and perſiſts in this confeſſion [Page] till death, namely, That what he had done, was at Blondel's inſtigation; who being convicted of the Murder, and conſequently of the crime of High Treaſon, of which he was accuſed, was put on the Rack. It was ſuppoſed that the ordinary torment would not move him, wherefore he was put into an Engine made of Wood, called the Beurriere, and had immediately Eſcarpins applied to him: but all theſe torments could not draw from him a confeſſion of his being privy to the Enterprize of ſcaling the Walls; but he owned the Murder, and that he had offered his Service to the Duke of Savoy, But this was enough to deſerve death. He was therefore condemned to be hanged and quartered: and was led to be executed, without ſhewing any great remorſe. 'Tis reported that he mentioned the Name of God but once, upon occaſion of a Womans croſſing S. Peter's place: for having uſed ſome great injuſtice towards this Woman when he was Syndick, ſhe broke out into this Imprecation, wiſhing that he might one time or other receive as juſt a puniſhment, as that which he had impoſed on her had been unjuſt: and he hearing her reproaching him with it at the time he was leading to execution, he ſaid to her, holding up his hands: Alas, pray to God for me, you ſee the miſerable condition I am in. This was the end of this wretched Man.

After this Execution the Walls were raiſed higher, and the number of Watch-men was increaſed, and Paliſado's were drove into the Ditches, and the City fortified that they might be the better prepared againſt ſuch-like Enterprizes.

In the Year following died Theodore de Beze, 1606. whoſe life hath been written by Anthony de la Faye. Octob. 13. The laſt time he preached, was on the day the Peace was proclaimed 1598,Beza dies. and expounded the 85th Pſalm, Thou haſt made peace, Lord, with the people. He was preſent at the Conference held at Poiſſy, and preſided oftentimes in France at the National Synods.1605. The Catholicks commonly called him, The Huguenots Pope. He was interred in S. Peter's Cloiſter, and not in the Cemetery of the Plein-Palais, becauſe the Savoyards gave out, That they would take up his Corps, and ſend it to Rome.

The King of France diſpatched about that time the Baron of Luz to be Governor of Burgundy, and Boiſſe to be Governor of Bourg, and the Sieur de Nereſtan, for to deſire the Genevoiſes to grant him a place where he might build an Arſenal, to prevent the Cities being in the like danger for the time to come. The Council was divided. One part ſaid, That God ſhewed himſelf propitious to them in ſending them a Foreign aſſiſtance of that importance, and that in accepting of it, the Enemy would have no means left for making his incurſions. Others oppoſed on the contrary, That the who had ſuch aſſiſtance did thereby bring themſelves under an Obligation to them from whom they received it: that perhaps this Arſenal might be given in truſt to ſuch a Perſon, who by his liberalities, and winning behaviour might gain the hearts of the Citizens, and dazle their eyes with the brightneſs of Royalty: And farther, Perphaps all the Kings of France would not be ſo candid in their intentions as Henry the Fourth, and then it would be too late to repent. So that upon this different advice, [Page] the Common-Council remitted the buſineſs to be determined by the Council of 200, and they to the General-Council. Theſe French [...]Lords interpreting theſe delays to be a kind of mannerly denial, departed home: and there was no mention made of it afterwards.

In the firſt day of the following Year the Foundations of a Bulwark were laid near the Lake,1606. the better to defend and fortifie the Gate of Rive, 1607. and it was finiſhed in the Month of October following. There was an Inſcription Graven in Stone for an acknowledgment of a Preſent made the City of 12000 Crowns by the Landgrave of Heſſe, The Landgrave of Heſſe makes the City of Geneva a Preſent. who had paſſed through it, and of 6000 which the Prince Palatin had given them, which was a great help towards carrying on the work.

The City acquired every day learned Men, and loſt them as faſt. Charles Perrot, 1607. a knowing Divine, and very Charitable to the Poor, died about this time. He was a Man of an exemplary Life, but of a ſtrange humor, cauſing himſelf to be called always Peccator, for which ſome blamed him, ſaying, That this ſmelt of the Monk. His hands were always lifted up towards Heaven: a great contemner he was of the World and its Vanities, and a great admirer of Antiquity. His care for the Poor cauſed ſeveral abuſes to be reformed in the Adminiſtration of the Revenues belonging to the Hoſpital, which were conſumed before in feaſtings. He wrote a Book, Intituled, De extremis in Eccleſia vitandis: which made ſome diſturbance, and was ſuppreſſed after his death.

In the War-time there were appointed extraordinary Prayers to be read on Wedneſdays and Fridays, 1608. but one Miniſter not being ſufficient to perform all theſe Offices, they reduced it to Fridays only. There were likewiſe Propoſals made touching the reducing the Sermons made on Week days to the number of them of S. Magdalens Church, to ſave the allowance which muſt be made to a Miniſter. But the Conſiſtory would not hear of it, chuſing rather to give them another Collegue. King Henry the Fourth granted, in the ſame Year, Letters of Naturalization to the Genevoiſes, to free them from the Aubeine and other Taxes. They were dated from Paris in the Month of June, 1606. Signed, Henry, and on the fold, by the King. Brulart.

The City was extreamly ſurprized by an information,1609. that notice of whatſoever paſſed in the Council was ſent into Savoy. Canal a Traytor to the City. At length it was diſcovered, That one named Canal, the Common-Serjeant of the City, ſent an account thereof to a Lady of Savoy, under the feigned names of Chapmen, and under pretence of a Lawſuit which he had at Chambery: he wrote daily, no body being able to diſcover the myſtery, when his Letters ſhould be intercepted. But at length, when he was apprehended, not being able to give ſatisfactory anſwers to the queſtions propoſed to him, he was committed to Priſon, and an Indictment was drawn up againſt him for this crime, and likewiſe for Sodomy, whereof he ſtood convicted,Feb. 2. and for an execrable deſign of blowing up the Council by a Mine.1610. He was firſt broken alive upon the Wheel, and afterwards burnt in a ſmall fire; he ſeemed to be very ſorry for his crimes.

[Page] A more dangerous Enterprize was at the ſame time carried on againſt the City,Terrail his deſigns on Geneva. by Lewis of Combourſieur Sieur of Terrail. He was a French-Gentleman of a very good Family, and of a goodly perſonage, he had been choſen heretofore by King Henry the Fourth to be a Cornet in the Dauphin's Company, who was afterwards Lewis the 13th.1609. But being a ſtout Man, he had a quarrel with a Gentleman, whom he killed in his Majeſties ſight, who was then at the Windows. Which obliged him to fly quickly out of France, leſt he ſhould carry his head to Greve. He retired into Flanders towards the Arch-duke's, where he was well received. He undertook three Enterprizes to no effect, two on Berg op-zom, and the other on L'ecluſe. Afterwards there being a Truce made in thoſe Countries, he went on Pilgrimage to Lorette with a Bourdelois called la Baſtide, a great Ingeneer. At their return paſſing through Turin, they ſaluted the Duke of Savoy, who diſcovered to them the deſire he had by ſome Enterprize to make himſelf Maſter of Geneva. They ſet before him the means, and offered their ſervice, which he accepted with great expreſſions of kindneſs, and thereupon preſented du Terrail with 700 Ducatoons, and with a Ring worth 300 Crowns of Gold; and gave to Baſtide 260 and Philippes, injoyning them to go firſt to Geneva, and obſerve the State of that City, and what Guard they kept there.

La Baſtide went to Geneva, and took an exact notice; and being returned towards his Highneſs, gave him an account what alterations there had been made in the Fortifications of that City ſince the Enterprize of ſcaling the Walls of it. Upon which the Duke amended his ancient Platform; and they diſcourſed together on their deſign. Du Terrail was for ſurprizing by a Petard, or otherwiſe, one of the Gates of Geneva. La Baſtide alledged it was impoſſible and too hazardous, conſidering the great number of Fences which were before the Gates, and the ſtrict Watch kept at them. That which was he propoſed was opproved of both by the Duke and Terrail, which was to ſurprize the Gate leading to the Lake, where there were no appointed Guards, and where, with a good number of Soldiers making a deſcent, they might ſeize on the Gate of Rive, and by this means become Maſters of the City without any difficulty. It remained only to reſolve upon the manner. They paſſed over then both of them from Evian to the Lake ſide, where they remained eight days, informing themſelves, by the Boatmen who frequented Geneva, of the diſpoſitions of the Watch-men, and the ſearch made in Boats. They learned ſeveral defects, but to be the more certain, La Baſtide paſſed over the Lake, and went to Morges, where he imbarked himſelf in Genevoiſe Bark, and being brought into the City, he obſerved the condition of the Port and the Gate of Rive, and returned by Land. Being with the Duke, they aſſured him of the ſucceſs of their undertaking, which was put off to the end of May. They were to take along with them from Savoy five large flat-bottom Boats, and lade them with Wood, which ſhould be piled after ſuch a ſort that 200 Soldiers might lie in each Boat under theſe piles of Wood; with which lading they might enter the Port without the leaſt ſuſpicion, and eaſily kill [Page] the Searchers, and ſeize on the Gate of Arve, and likewiſe let in the Troops of Horſe, who were to lie ready near Geneva at an appointed hour, and in the mean time they were to conceal themſelves in the Vallies on the ſide of Evian, which lies at a ſmall diſtance from Geneva, together with ſome ſelect Soldiers who were to be put into theſe Boats, who were not to be imbarked till a favourable Bize ſhould carry them in a ſhort time to Geneva. As to what concerned the Horſe, they were to meet about Anecy, under pretence of the Marriage of the Duke of Nemours.

But this deſign could not be ſo privately carried on but the Genevoiſes got ſome intimations thereof, although they could not dive into the bottom of it. The greateſt knowledge they had of it was this:Terrail's deſign diſcovered. Du Terrail having plaid at Tennis in Chambery till he ſweated, whilſt he was rubbed and dried, la Baſtide and ſome others preſented him a Paper, wherein was contained a draught of Geneva, diſcourſing together ſoftly, as in matters of great importance; yet the Valet who warmed his Shirt, heard them talk of Geneva, which made him give the greater attention; and he comprehended they talked about ſome Enterprize deſigned againſt it, having heard theſe words from Terrail: They are taken, there is no remedy. This Valet, who had a Brother in Geneva, went and reported this to a Merchant of that City, who was then at Chambery, deſiring him to give his Brother notice, to the end he might ſave himſelf from this danger. The Merchant at his return not only advertiſed his Brother, but likewiſe the Magiſtrates, who did not ſlight this warning,1609. yet they held it ſecret, and ſent Spies throughout all Savoy to diſcover and pry into all Terrail's practices. They got his Picture, and having underſtood that he was coming to Geneva to view the City, they ſent Tokens to ſeveral Perſons how to know him, that he might be apprehended.

Some days being paſt over, du Terrail and la Baſtide, having ſet forth from Turin to paſs over into Flenders to take their leave of the Arch-dukes, and to fetch their Baggage which they had left there, and having received an Order from the Duke of Savoy to bring along with them as many as they ſhould judge fit and able Perſons to help forward their Enterprize,Terrail ſets out from Savoy for Flanders. they were diſcovered as they paſſed over the Mountains. Notice hereof was given to the Bayliffs of the Countries belonging to Berne. Whereas they ſuſpecting nothing, croſſed over the Lake and part of the Country of Vaud, lodging only in Villages and Hamlets, and ſo arrived at Yverdun a little City belonging to the Bernoiſes, which lay on the borders of Franche-Comté

Du Terrail, paſſing over the Bridge which leads into the City, ſaluted the Bailiff, who met him, and took no notice of him: but a Deacon, who was in his Garden, and to whom a Syndick had ſent marks whereby he might know him, ſeeing him coming afar off; ſaluted him, and doubting that he was the Perſon, he obſerved whether he was bald; which perceiving, he went immediately to the Bayliff, and gave him notice of it, who ſent two Men after him to watch which way they took their courſe, and to follow them till they took up their abode. Which they did, and [Page] viewed them more nearly, compared them with their Pictures which had been given them. One of theſe returned to Yverdun to give notice that they had taken up their Lodgings in the Village of Villebeuf. Whereupon immediately the Bailiff ſent four Troopers with an Order to apprehend them by main force, and to bring them away; they found them ready to mount their Horſes, and brought them back to Yverdun. Terrail apprehended. Du Terrail told the Bailiff that his name was Paul de Conſtans, and that he went to Lorrain to proſecute a ſuit of Law: but the Bayliff took not this anſwer for payment; wherefore he wrote to Geneva, to the end there might be ſome perſon ſent who knew him; two Soldiers, one of whom had belonged to his Company, were diſpatched to Yverdun, and were cauſed to come into his Chamber when he was at Supper; the Souldier knew him again: Du Terrail who ſuſpected the occaſion of his being there, draws him aſide, and promiſes him a thouſand Crowns, if he would go and advertiſe the Earl of Chamite in Franche Compté of the danger he was in La Baſtide offered him a hundred more, but the Soldier refuſed both their proffers.

Du Terrail being after this manner known, was committed to priſon in the Caſtle of Yverdun; the Genevoiſes deputed one of their Syndicks to deſire the Bernoiſes to deliver them into their hands; which was granted, and they were both conveyed to Geneva. La Baſtide being firſt put on the Rack, confeſſed the whole deſign; after his confeſſion, he was confronted with Terrail, who at firſt earneſtly denied it, but ſeeing that Baſtide perſiſted in his confeſſion, and he being threatned with the Rack likewiſe, with tears in his eyes he confeſſed the whole project, and requeſted that he might be ſhut up for ever between four Walls, hoping that his relations would come and intercede for him, as indeed they did as ſoon as they knew he was taken: but for reaſons of State, the Council quickly diſpatched his Tryal, and condemned him to be beheaded at Molard, two daies after La Baſtide was hanged.April 19. Du Terrail was much lamented, for he was a perſon of a very good mien,Baſtide and Terrail executed. and extream courteous. In his going to the place of execution, he begged the peoples pardon, and the people on the other hand wept bitterly for him; ſome people blamed the Magiſtrates of Geneva for their ſeverity, but they replied that they did not conſider them ſo much as Enemies, but as authors of a Conſpiracy in a time of peace. Monſieur de L' Eſdiguieres, who had interceded for him and his relations, were very much inraged at this execution. The firſt of theſe came never after that into Geneva as he was wont, and his kindred were made to believe that he had been forced to change his Religion; but being informed of the contrary, they comforted themſelves the beſt they could. This their deſign appeared very eaſie, which they were reſolved to put in execution in the time when they of Geneva make a King of the Harquebuze, becauſe then all the people are in Plein-Palais, and theſe Soldiers upon this occaſion might be taken for them who belonged to the City, and it had been an eaſie matter to have faſtned the Gates againſt them.

The Republick ſuffered a great loſs by the death of Michael Roſet, 1610. who had compoſed a Chronicle of Geneva. Roſet dies at Geneva. He was a perſon of [Page] great gravity, and a real lover of his Country; he had been Deputy in Ordinary to the Cantons, having been fifty years a Counſellor, and Maſter of a Colledge twenty years more.

An Italian named Giovani coming from Rome, Giovani accuſes one of the Council of Treaſon. maintained that a certain honourable perſon of the Council was a Traytor, and that he had ſeen his Picture in the Dukes Cloſet, which he could eaſily verifie. When his Lord was brought to him whom they thought he meant, he ſaid this was not the perſon; which cauſed him to be hanged as a Calumniator and Impoſtor. It appeared afterwards that they had been too raſh in their judgment, ſeeing there were two perſons of the ſame name, one of which often frequented Savoy; the Attorneygeneral required▪ ſatisfaction for this, and deſired that the Proceſs might be proſecuted according to the form of the inſtructions which were given him; but becauſe the perſon was dead, all farther proceedings were laid aſide.

The French King Henry the fourth having been treacherouſly aſſaſinated, the Duke made great preparations of War againſt Geneva, as it was before ſuſpected.1610. The Proteſtant Churches of France collected ſeveral ſums of mony,1611. and ſent a conſiderable number of men to aſſiſt them, which the Queen ill reſented; but Anjorrand, the Genevoiſes Deputy to the French Court, making it appear by the Treaty at Soleurre, that his Majeſty permitted his Proteſtant Subjects to aſſiſt Geneva both in their perſons and eſtates, this ſatisfied her. About that time arrived M. de Soubize of the houſe of Rohan, M. de Bethune the Duke of Sully's nephew, the Sieur Deſmarets ſon to the wife of the ſame Duke, and ſeveral other Lords and Gentlemen. M. de Bethune raiſed Fortifications near S. Victor, and S. Pauls, and not far from the Bullwarks of S. Anthony and Pin, making trenches all along. Yet after the French Switzers had remained a conſiderable time in the City, and perceiving no act of hoſtility, every one returned home.

A while after died James Lect (Jacobus Lectius) a great Orator,Lectius dies at Geneva. Poet and Lawyer, who held great correſpondence with ſeveral learned men in Europe. He was towards the latter part of his life choſen ſeveral times both Syndick and Counſellor, and but once Lieutenant, becauſe that being very exact and ſtrict in his Office, the people would chuſe him no more.

About this time the ſide of the Gate of Rive, was fortified by a Rampart and Ditch,1613. with a good Eſperon or Spur of green turfs at the end of it.A Serjeant executed. The Sergeant of the River was put to death, who was an excellent Soldier, and had ſignalized himſelf in the former Wars; but to terminate a Law-ſuit which he had at Chambery againſt his Father, he had offered his ſervice to the Marquiſs of Lans of the houſe of Eſt, who was Governour of Savoy, and deſigned to bring in his Troops into S. Anthony's Bulwark. A Gentleman of Dauphiny, who was in an antichamber belonging to the Marquiſs, heard ſome part of the diſcourſe, and gave notice thereof to the Council.

A great Tempeſt which hapned in the year following,1613. did much hurt in ſeveral places near Geneva, 1614. and produced a lamentable effect at S. Claude, which is a little City on this ſide mount Jura, where a flaſh of lightning burnt a whole ſtreet. The Genevoiſes perceiving the fire, [Page] ſent immediately to them, offering, as good neighbours, to relieve them; which they at firſt refuſed, but afterwards accepted of it. There is reported a very remarkable ſtory concerning them, which was, that in the year 1590. and 91. they being fearful leſt S. Claudes body (from whom the City takes it name) ſhould ſuffer violence by the Genevoiſes or Bernoiſes, S. Claudes Relicks imbalmed and ſent to Geneva. they therefore imbalmed his Relicks, and ſent them as a caſe of Merchandiſes into the Halls of Geneva, where they knew it might remain a long time without diſcovery, no body coming to claim it, and there they let it lie till the Peace was concluded. There are ſome who place this to the year 1636.1614. then when they were afraid of the French, but M. Godefroy who carries not on his Memoires any farther than to the year 1627. mentions it as a matter hapning in the preceding Wars; yet I have been told as a certain truth, that this hapned in the year 1636. for fear leſt the French ſhould Tranſport theſe Relicks.

The following year was dreadful to the Genevoiſes by the Contagion,The Plague in Geneva. which was brought into their City from Piedmont. There died to the number of four thouſand people, who were moſt of them of the meaner ſort; for there were but two Counſellors and two Miniſters, who periſhed amongſt all theſe; one amongſt them named Gervais, offered himſelf of his own accord to viſit and comfort the ſick; there died ſeveral of his ſervants, but he had the good hap to eſcape. This Chriſtian ſervice he did the ſick, keeps his memory. [...]ll alive amongſt good people, although he died five years after.

Come we to affairs of State;1616. The Duke of Nemours having often demanded ſatisfaction of the Duke of Savoy touching his pretenſions, to no purpoſe, had recourſe to the Spaniard, who ſupplied him with men. The Duke of Savoy on his ſide, ſeized on ſeveral lands belonging to the ſaid Duke, and placed a Garriſon in Anecy, and ſent to the State for Arms, Ammunition and Soldiers, which were granted him; and ſeveral belonging to the City went to him, and offered their ſervice. He obtained likewiſe contrary to the Treaty of S. Julien to quarter his men along the Rhoſne, and he had almoſt drawn out of the City its whole Forces;The Battel between the Duke of Nemours and the Duke of Savoy. the Prince, Major, and the Duke of Nemours met and fought in the Valley of Cheiſery, there being only a Brook which parted theſe two Armies; they of Gex being impatient to know the event of this combat, went down the mountain of Farges, where they could hear them talk, and behold them fire one at another; but they could ſee none fall down: which made the Genevoiſes believe that this was but a trick, to weaken their City, under pretence of driving away the Spaniard, and as a teſtimony to the Duke of Savoy of the Genevoiſes gratitude for his kind uſage of their Subjects in the time of the Plague, which had already devoured the beſt Soldiers: yet the Duke of Savoy, the better to reſiſt the King of Spain his Brother-in-law, and the Duke of Nemours, addreſſed himſelf to the Bernoiſes, 1617. and treated about a perpetual Alliance with them, and for that effect quitted all his claim to the Country of Vaud. They ſent him three thouſand men, and they marched by Geneva, but there returned not back again three hundred of them, the War and Sickneſſes having carried away the reſt.

[Page] The City of Geneva ſubſiſted by Trade.1617. A rich and able Citizen having undertaken ſome Manufacture, perceived that inſtead of grateful acknowledgments he had nothing but ill will returned him; whereupon for a revenge, he withdrew to Yverdun, where he ſet up a Work-houſe, a Printing-Preſs, and a Shop wherein he made Serges, which did very much prejudice Geneva. About the ſame time the Genevoiſes ſuffered a great loſs by the death of M. Cuſin, a moſt affectionate Preacher, who was much lamented by the people and his Colleagues.

Chenalat a perſon of good quality,1618. and who was capable of doing the City good, had he followed the example of his Anceſtors, offered his ſervice to the Marquiſs of Lans, Governour of Savoy; for which proffer he received five hundred Piſtols, with a promiſe of twelve thouſand Crowns of gold, and to be made Captain of the Guard. He would have purchaſed a houſe near S. Legers Gate to undermine it. Nicholas le Fert his Brother-in-law, cauſed him to be apprehended, and diſcovered his intrigues. The Baron of Aubonne who was likewiſe his Brother-in-law, was at the ſame time a priſoner in Berne upon ſuſpicion of Treaſon.Chenalat executed for Treaſon. Chenalat being preſſed, confeſſed his intelligence, with moſt ſolemn proteſtations that he had no other deſign than only to draw mony from the Marquiſs, but this ſaved not his head.

The Republick ſent afterwards John Diodati and Thedore Trochin Profeſſors in Divinity into Holland, 1619. to reſide as their Deputies in the Synod of Dort, Diodati, &c. ſent to the Synod at Dort. whom the States had invited, together with the Engliſh and Dutch Divines, to oppoſe the Doctrines of Arminius; at their departure, they were each of them preſented with a Medal by the States.

The Duke of Savoy having begun to make great Levies, alarm'd thereby the City of Geneva; 1621. Monſieur d' Alincourt who was Governour of Lyons ſent notice thereof to the King, who was ſollicitious for their preſervation; and deſired that he might be informed if any thing was undertaken againſt them: this occaſioned the fortifying of S. Gervais. Mottet an Engineer, whom the Prince of Orange had ſent, drew a Trench which reached from the Rhoſne as far as the Lake, the better to ſhelter the Burrough, being aſſiſted by Ferault a French Gentleman who had [...]led to Geneva.

In this ſame year on Whit-Sunday there hapned ſuch an Earthquake, that the Miniſters in the time of their Preaching were fain to hold faſt by the Pulpit for fear of falling.

In the following year,1622. there died a Woman who was learned both in Greek and Latine, and who had paſſed through her Exerciſes in Philoſophy in the Colledge. She was M. Offredy's Wife, a skilful Phyſician who writ ſeveral Commentaries on Hippocrates. And lie having but bad eyes, his Wife aſſiſted him in his Studies, writing his Bills, and reading to him.

A National Synod of the Proteſtant Churches being held at Paris, the Miniſters of Geneva wrote to it, that they being conformable to the French Churches in Eſſentials,A Synod of Proteſtant Miniſters at Paris. they would likewiſe be the ſame in indifferent matters, and give the Communion henceforward with unleavened Bread, as the Bernoiſes had already began to do, [Page] adding moreover that the Elders ſhould no longer give the Cup as they were wont, but the Paſtors after the ſame manner as in the French Churches. Tronchin being injoyned by the Council and Conſiſtory, gave notice hereof to the people one Sunday night after Sermon, and ſhewed the reaſons moving them to this change in ſo indifferent a matter.

Some ſmall differences had like to have broke the peace:1624. for although it was agreed in the Treaty made at S. Julien, that there ſhould be a free Trade; yet had the Duke ſtrictly forbidden any Corn to be Tranſported to Geneva: and the Council by way of requital, prohibited the carrying out of Iron, Salt, or any other Commodities into Savoy: but Wake the Engliſh Ambaſſador paſſing through Geneva, and obſerving how ſcarce Corn was amongſt them, interceded for them to the Duke, and got off the prohibition.

The Marquis of Bade a Lutheran Prince,Marquiſs of Bade retires to Geneva. being ſtript of his Eſtate by a Decree from the Imperial Court, withdrew to Geneva with his Wife and a Miniſter. The Council permitted him to have preaching in his Houſe for his own Family; but ſeveral Germans, 1625. inhabitants of the City, and others, reſorted thither, at which the People muttered, ſaying, That in time the Maſs would be permitted to be read in the City, ſeeing Lutherans were permitted after this manner. The Council of twenty five, underſtanding the matter, ſent a Syndick and the Lieutenant to intreat him not to let any Citizens into his houſe at Sermon time; which requeſt of theirs he deſpiſing, inſtead of granting it, ſent them word, that the City belonging to the Empire, and he being one of its Princes, he had as much right there as they had themſelves; ſome ſay that he lifted up his hand to ſtrike the Syndick, which cauſed the Magiſtrates to repeal the permiſſion they had granted him; at which he being inraged, left Geneva, and withdrew to Thonon, where the Duke permitted him the exerciſe of his Religion.

Another great Lord who in the Year 1624.1626. had withdrawn to Geneva as to a place of refuge, ended his daies there; his name was George Eraſmus of Tzernembel, Biron of Eſclavonia, &c. retires to Geneva. an Hereditary Baron of the Marches of Eſclavonie and of Carniole, who had been formerly Counſellor to the Emperors Rodolphus the ſecond, and Matthias the firſt, and one of the Directors of Bohemia; but after the new Kings defeat, he was forced to give place to the Victorious, and to flie out of the Empire. He came to Geneva with his Wife and Daughter, and another Relation, and was a ſecond Job in his miſeries and afflictions; for having been deprived of all his Offices, and tortured with the Gout, and other vexations both of body and mind, he at length had news brought him that his ſon who ſtayed behind to gather up the pieces of his ſhattered fortune, was drowned, and all that he brought with him; ſo that having nothing left him but patience, the Magiſtrates and the Church gave him a monthly allowance for his families ſubſiſtence, and continued it after his deceaſe; he was honourably interred in S. Peters Cloyſter according to his quality.1627.

Emilia of Naſſaw Princeſs of Orange, The Princeſs of Orange reſides in Geneva. and ſiſter to Prince Maurice, and Widow to Don Emanuel ſon of Anthony King of Portugal, after that the Spaniard had made himſelf Maſter of that Kingdom, [Page] ſhe came and dwelt at Geneva with her ſix daughters; but having purchaſed a Caſtle near Nyons, ſhe withdrew thither. She died in the year following, and was interred at Geneva in the Chappel on the left hand of S. Peters Quire.

This Princeſs,1628. although of great quality, reſided ſeveral years at Geneva, living in a condition much beneath her quality and deſert, her Daughters were married to ordinary Gentlemen of the Country of Vaud; one of them who had eſpouſed Colonel Grol, was buried near her Mother in 1647. Madam the Dutcheſs of Rohan, remained for ſome time in the City with her Daughter, and afterwards went to Venice.

Geneva likewiſe ſerved for an Aſylum to the Sieur of Aubigné a French [...]entleman,Aubigné comes and lives at Geneva. who having publiſhed his Hiſtory of France, had thereby ſo much diſpleaſed the King, that he would have him taken into cuſtody for it; and moreover his Son, whom the Jeſuits had won to their party, heightened the Kings diſpleaſure againſt his Father: but he foreſeeing their deſign took about thirty thouſand Crowns of gold, which he hid in the Saddles of his Horſes, and fled to Geneva about the year 1619. He was received by the Magiſtrates and Church with great reſpect, for they had been informed of his zeal for the Proteſtant Religion,1628. and of his valour and conduct in Military affairs. So likewiſe when there was any kind of Fortification undertaken, they always asked his advice. It is ſaid that he had a ſecret enabling him to ſpeak to any perſon a hundred paces diſtant from him. and they who ſtood by ſhould not hear him.Aubigné's death. He died at length, being aged Eighty years,1631. and was interred in the Cloyſter where is a kind of Epitaph or Teſtament which he left to his Children, Compoſed by himſelf, which is as well remarkable for its Latin as ingenuity of matter.

It was about this time that the Swede entred into Germany. The Chevalier Rache was ſent to the Switzers to engage them in this party. He had likewiſe an order to viſit Geneva, to aſſure that City of the Kings good will. He was received with extraordinary reſpect, and ſtayed there ſome time.1632.

A while after there was a perſon executed,Antoine his errors and abominable practices. whoſe death cauſed as great a noiſe as that of Servetus. His name was Nicholas Antoine who had Apoſtatized from the Chriſtian Religion. Some people murmured and were diſpleaſed at the proceedings, ſaying they were too ſevere, to put people to death meerly for an opinion. But the Council conſidered him not only as an Apoſtate and Blaſphemer who treated the Bleſſed Trinity as a Cerberus or three-headed monſter, but likewiſe as a ſeditious Impoſtor and perjured Villain, who Preached his falſe Doctrine contrary to the Oath which he had taken at his reception. Here follows an account of his Tryal and Condemnation, by which it may be judged whether the Genevoiſes were to blame in their proceedings againſt him.

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A Criminal Proceſs, Made and formed before Us the moſt Honourable Lords, Syndicks and Counſellors of this City, at the inſtance and purſuit of the Lord Lieutenant in thoſe Cauſes, againſt Nicholas Son of John Anthony,1632. of Berry in Lorrain, who being committed Priſoner, hath freely confeſſed, That from his Youth he had diligently ſet himſelf to the ſtudy of Philoſophy, and conceived damnable and execrable Opinions touching our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

ITEM, That about ſeven or eight Years ſince, he had applied himſelf to the ſtudy of the falſe doctrine of the Jews, and for to be the better inſtructed in it, he had addreſſed himſelf to them of the City of Metz, who after ſeveral Conferences had ſent him to other Jews, and namely to them of Venice. Item, He hath confeſſed, That had it not been for fear of being diſcovered, he had undertaken to have perſwaded his Kindred and Relations to return to Judaiſm. Item, That about five Years paſt he went to Sedan, and there perverted a young Student of that place, and inticed him along with him into Italy, entertaining him in their way thither with the Articles of his abominable Creed. Item, That being arrived at Venice, they went and viſited the Jews, the ſaid Anthony deſiring them to admit him into their Synagogue, and to Circumciſe him: but they refuſed him, fearing leſt they ſhould fall under the Magiſtrates ſeverity. Whereat he remained ſatisfied, being told by them, That he might live amongſt the Chriſtians, and yet be a Jew in his heart: and that he was told the ſame by the Jews of Padoua. Item, That embracing this deteſtable doctrine, he came to this City, under pretence of ſtudying Divinity, and offered to diſpute in Philoſophy, and for ſome time had exerciſed the charge of chief Regent in a Colledge; yet [Page] all this while counterfeiting himſelf a Chriſtian, although privately he lived and prayed after the Jewiſh manner, not daring to make an open profeſſion of his belief. Item, That being called by a Church near the City to be their Miniſter,The Church of Divonne in the Country of Gex. after his examination and conſent to the Doctrine of the Orthodox Religion, he took an Oath to live and teach according to the confeſſion of the reformed Churches, although in his heart he believed in the Jewiſh Faith, and by a curſed equivocation, his meaning was different from his Oath. Item, That inſtead of preaching Jeſus Chriſt, according to the Oath he had taken, he had only inſiſted in his Pulpit on the explication of the Old Teſtament, and falſly wreſted and applied paſſages thereof pointing to our Saviour,The ſecond Pſalm. and appropriated them to other Perſons, and above all in his laſt Sermon: from whence it followed by the juſt Judgment of God, that he the ſaid Anthony became deprived of his Senſes, and ran about the Field like a diſtracted perſon, and came bare-legged into the City, uttering horrid blaſphemies againſt our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt. Item, That after he had been under the hands of Phyſicians, and carefully looked after in the Hoſpital of this City, coming again to his Senſes, and being out of his mad fits, he had perſiſted in his blaſpemies againſt the Holy Trinity and the Perſon of our Bleſſed God and Saviour, maintaining as well by word of mouth as writing, That Jeſus Chriſt was an Idol, and that the New Teſtament was but a meer fable. Item, He hath confeſſed, That in Adminiſtring the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in the Exhortation to the People, he ſaid only, Remember your Saviour: And that in reciting the words of the Apoſtles Creed, where our Saviour is mentioned, he pronounced not thoſe words, but muttered them betwixt his Teeth. Finally, That notwithſtanding the ſerious exhortations and remonſtrances which have been made him ſince he hath been in cuſtody, as well by the Magiſtrates as venerable Paſtors of this Church, tending to perſwade him to renounce theſe curſed and damnable Opinions, yet hath he perſiſted in his horrible and impious blaſphemies, having compiled and ſigned a Treatiſe, in which he endeavours to combat and overthrow the Holy Trinity, ſtill obſtinately denying the Deity and Incarnation of our Bleſſed Saviour, having ſeveral times renounced his Baptiſm: as it plainly appeared at his Trial.

Here follows his Sentence:

The Sentence of Condemnation againſt Nicolas Anthony, which was read, and executed on the 20th of April, 1632.

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WEE the moſt Honourable Lords, Syndicks and Council of this City, having ſeen the Criminal Proceſs made and formed before Us, at the inſtant ſuit of the Lord Lieutenant in the ſaid Caſes, againſt Nicolas Anthony, by which and by his own confeſſions it appeareth, That he forgetting the fear of God, hath been guilty of the crime of Apoſtaſie and High Treaſon againſt God his Creator and Saviour, having fought againſt the Holy Trinity, denied our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, blaſphemed his Holy Name, renounced his Baptiſm, for to imbrace the Jewiſh Religion; and hath been perjured in dogmatiſing, and teaching his damnable doctrine; a caſe, and crime deſerving the greateſt puniſhment. For theſe and other cauſes moving the ſaid Lords, ſitting in the Tribunal of their Anceſtors, according to ancient cuſtom, having the fear of God and the Holy Scriptures before their Eyes, and having invoked his Holy Name, that they might thereby be able to make a right Judgment, beginning, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghoſt, do by this final Sentence, which they have committed now to writing, condemn the ſaid Anthony to be bound and led to the place of Plein-Palais, to be there faſtned to a ſtake on a pile of Wood, and ſtrangled according to the uſual manner, and afterwards to have his Body burnt and conſumed to aſhes, and thus to end his days, for an example to others: Declaring moreover, his Goods confiſcated to the City, and charging the Lord Lieutenant to put the ſaid Sentence into due and intire execution.

The Genevoiſes had in the Year following ſome apprehenſions on the ſide of France and Savoy, Cardinal Richlieu being ſuppoſed to have no great kindneſs for them. It is thought likewiſe that he offered the Duke of Savoy to change with him the City of Geneva for that of Nice, and that he would put him in poſſeſſion thereof at the charge of France, 1636. and it ſhould coſt him nothing: but the Duke would not accept of the Propoſal, becauſe he valued Nice at a greater rate, having no other Sea-port in his Dominions.

[Page] The Duke of Rohan had an honorable Funeral made for him a while after in Geneva. 1638. He had a ſtately Marble Tomb erected,May 17. The Duke of Rohan his Funeral, &c. with a Statue placed on the top of it, in the Chappel of S. Peter's Church. His Body was Embalmed and wrapt in a Sheet of Lead, where it was to be ſeen preſerved intire, at the time when Madam of Rohan was interred, which was 23 Years after, to wit, on the third of January, 1661. There was moreover Engraven on his Tomb ſtone a Latin Epitaph for a memorial of his Heroick actions. The Flemmings, Spaniards and Germans had felt the effects of his valorous Conduct. Yet his laſt Victory obtained againſt the Emperor near Rhinfield coſt him his life, for he died awhile after of his wounds, to wit, on the fourth of April, aged 55 years. His Body (according to his order) was carried to Geneva, for he was a great lover of that City. He had taken up his abode there a conſiderable time ſome years before: and it was he who made the Mele in Plein-Palais. His Son Tancredus was placed by him three or four years after, with an Epitaph which Madam of Rohan the Duke's Daughter cauſed to be effaced, having obtained of the Parliament of Paris a Decree whereby he was declared illegitimate.

The Alliance between Zurich, 1638. Berne and Geneva, according to the ſeventeenth Article of that Treaty ought to be renewed from time to time. Which was effected in the Year 1642, and was ſolemnly ſworn to be obſerved in each of theſe Cities. The Deputies from Switzerland were received by the Citizens in Arms,1642. a Company of which went out of the City to meet them, all the great Guns were diſcharged at their coming, and they were ſumptuouſly entertained in the Arſenal, where at every Health they drank, there was fired a Gun.

We muſt not here forget a remarkable accident which hapned two Years and a half after this; which was, That on Sunday the 19th of January, 1645. 1645. between ſeven and ten of the Clock in the Morning, there aroſe ſuch a great Wind, that it drove back the Water in the Rhoſne and Lake, ſo that for the ſpace of two hours ſeveral Perſons paſſed over to the Chains upon the Land, and others croſſed over from Monnoye to the Iſle: this Wind was ſo violent that it carried away the Houſe-tops, blew down ſeveral Chimnies, and plucked up Trees by the Roots; 'tis reported that it did two thouſand Crowns damage as well in the Windows as Tiles of publick buildings. Monſieur Calendrin hath mentioned it in a Latin Poem, which is to be ſeen in the Works of Monſieur de Zuilichen.

Seeing we have mentioned the Rhoſne and the Lake, A diſcourſe of the Rhoſne. it will not be amiſs to clear a difficulty ſtated by Authors; which is, Whether the Rhoſne paſſeth croſs the Lake without mingling its Waters with it? and whether its courſe can be diſcerned amidſt the calm Waters of the Lake? Obſerve here what Marcellinus hath wrote of it in the 15th Book of his Roman Hiſtory. Seeing, ſaith he, we are led by our diſcourſe to theſe parts, it will not be amiſs to ſpeak ſomething of the Rhoſne, which is a moſt famous River: It takes its riſe from the Alps, where ſeveral Fountains furniſh its Springs; and from thence ſwiftly deſcending from a riſing ground, it runs into the [Page] Lake; and croſſing it, doth not mingle its Waters with it: but paſſing over the calm Waters of this Lake, makes way by its ſwiftneſs: and by this means loſing none of its depths, pierceth through the thickeſt of its ſtreams, and diſ-intangling it ſelf, ſlides to the borders of the Sequanoiſes, &c.

Several of our Moderns have followed this ancient Author; and others have reputed this his account fabulous.1645. But this is the truth which I have learned of ſeveral Perſons who dwell near the Lake, and who have often paſſed from one ſide of it to the other. The Rhoſne coming into the Lake with great ſwiftneſs, runneth about half an hour or more without confounding her Waters with it, diſtinguiſhing it ſelf by its gray colour: but near Vevay, Laurane, Rolle and Nyons, that is to ſay, almoſt all the length of the Lake, the Rhoſne cannot be diſtinguiſhed by its colour nor motion, every part being equally calm and of the like colour. 'Tis certain that for about two Leagues from Copel to Geneva, the bottom of the Lake beginning to riſe higher, it beginneth therefore towards the middle to ſlide ſoftly, to diſcharge it ſelf of the Waters of the Rhoſne, and other Rivulets which it hath received into its boſom.

The ſwiftneſs of the Rhoſne, 1645. before it enters into the Lake, is the occaſion of a rarity hapning in Winter in that place, which is, That only the bottom of the River freezes: and the reaſon of this is obvious, becauſe the bottom of it being ſtill, is by that means ſooner ſeized on by the cold: whereas the ſurface of it is in continual agitation, and renewed by a perpetual ſucceſſion of Waters.Gothofredus his Latin Inſcription.

The Suburb of S. Gervais was fortified this Year by a Bulwark which they named S. John's, near the Temple of S. Gervais, on the ſide of which there was ſet up a Latin Inſcription made by Monſieur James Godefroy, better known under the name of Jacobus Gothofredus the Author of the Theodoſian Codices, and 'tis ſpecially to this learned Man we owe the Memoires of a great part of this Hiſtory. He had been Syndick five times, and died aged 65 Years, in 1652. His loſs was lamented by his Country and by all Scholars. Denys Godefroy his Father had likewiſe written a Commentary on the Body of the Juſtinian Laws.

John Deodati died a while before,1649. aged 73 Years, he was of the Noble Family of the Luqueſſes, Octob. 3. Deodati's death. and had been made Hebrew Profeſſor in Geneva, being but 19 Years old, and afterwards Profeſſor in Divinity. He was ſent to the Dort-Synod in 1619. by the Church of Geneva with Theodore Fronchin his Colleague. Deodati was ſo eſteemed in this Synod, that he was choſen with five other Divines to draw up the Canons; for he was a knowing Perſon and an expert Preacher; he tranſlated the Hiſtory of the Council of Trent.

The Year 1651.1651. was not otherwiſe remarkable than by a great overflowing of the Arve, Nov. 21. which ſwept away moſt of the Bridges, and made the Rhoſne riſe on the ſide of the Lake,Dec. 7. even to the making the Mills turn backwards. In the Month following there hapned an Earthquake in the Evening, which yet did no hurt.

[Page] Two Years after, the Subjects of the Countrys in Germany under the Juriſdiction of Berne, complained they were overburdened by their Bayliffs, and thereupon rebelled againſt their Sovereigns, under the Conduct of one named Leüberg: 1653. the City of Berne was in great danger, being blocked up by this multitude of Peaſants: Geneva ſent 300 Men to their aſſiſtance, who were divided into three Companies, which were commanded by three Captains, viz. Debons, Corne and Dumont: divers of the chief of theſe Rebels were hanged, and Leüberg quartered.

In this Year 1653.Gautier hanged. Iſaac Gautier of Portentru, was arreſted Priſoner at Geneva at the ſuit of the Republick of Venice, in whoſe ſervice he had been a Captain, having been found guilty of a Maſſacre committed by him on a Spaniſh Family, which were paſſing over to their own Country, and pillaged the Veſſel. The Command of which had been intruſted to him. He was hanged on the ninth of Auguſt. Aug. 9.

The Genevoiſes received a Letter from Cromwel, 1655. written in the Latin Tongue.Cromwel writes to the Genevoiſes. The Contents whereof were theſe: He told them, That the extream miſeries wherein to the Duke of Savoy had reduced the Proteſtants in the Vallies of Piedmont, had ſo far moved him with compaſſion, that he had ordered Collections to be made throughout all England, that he might give proofs of the great Charity of that Nation towards its afflicted Brethren. And foraſmuch as theſe Collections required ſome time, and the neceſſities of theſe poor People admitted no delay, he hath therefore judged it meet to ſend in the mean while the ſumm of 2000 l. Sterling out of his own Treaſury, which ſumm he ordered to be paid into the hands of the Officers of Geneva, to diſtribute it to them who had moſt need, according to their prudence, ſuppoſing they would readily accept this trouble in their Neighbours behalf, as in whoſe miſeries he believed they had a fellow-feeling, beſeeching God to ſtrengthen all thoſe who profeſs the Orthodox Religion, that they may maintain their common cauſe, and aſſiſt one another againſt their Enemies, in which ſervice he ſhall be glad to be employed. Dated from the Palace in Weſtminſter the ſeventh of June, 1655. He ſent afterwards the Lord Morland to the Duke of Savoy, to interceed for the ſaid poor People of the Vallies; and whilſt this affair was in agitation, this Ambaſſador reſided ſeveral Months in Geneva.

In the Year following the Proteſtant Cantons had a War with the leſſer Cantons upon the account of their exerciſe of the Reformed Religion, who dwelt in the individual Bayliwicks. Geneva ſent immediately 300 Men to aſſiſt their Allies of Zurich and Berne, who ſet out from Geneva, on the fifth of January, under the Command of Captain Debons, Captain Girard, and Captain Fabry, and were at the Siege of Rapperſvil. A Peace was concluded a while after, and theſe Companies called home.

There was begun a Work on the Mount of S. Victor before the Baſtions of Pin and S. Anthony, 1656. whoſe corners reached a great way into the Country, but it was pulled down again in the Year following, as being judged to require more Men than they could ſpare to guard it; it was at firſt carried on by People of all ranks [Page] and qualities of both Sexes,The King of France comes to Lyons, &c. who wrought unweariedly at it. The French-King much about this time being come to Lyons, the State ſent the Sieurs Voyſine and Pictet to complement him, as well for that he had recovered his Health, having been ſick of the Small-Pox, as for to intreat him to continue his favour to their City. To which the King anſwered, I thank my Friends of Geneva for the ſenſe they have had of my ſickneſs, and for the joy they have received at the news of my recovery: I ſhall always keep them under my Protection; and ye may aſſure them of this from me. He gave each of them a Golden-Chain with a Medal. And they preſented him with delicate Trouts, weighing forty or fifty pound apiece, for theſe are the greateſt which are to be met with at Geneva, 1658. although ſome Perſons would make us believe there are Trouts which are of eighty and a hundred pound weight.

In the Year following there was a Work carried on in the form of a Moon, in the ſame place where the other was begun, but not ſo far advanced from the City. There were found ſeveral Urns and Medals in the Ditch of Ravelin de la Noüe. But it being determined that the City ſhould be conſiderably Fortified, and Mony falling ſhort, there was ſent the Sieur Turretin Profeſſor in Divinity, into Holland, The States of Holland contribute to the building of the Fort on S. Victors Mount. to intreat their aſſiſtance, who ordered Collections to be made throughout all their States, and there was gathered a hundred thouſand Franks, with which Mony he returned to Geneva, where they immediately fell to work again. The Ingineer Ivoy (who is at preſent chief Ingineer to the Prince of Orange) traced four great Baſtions Royal with Courtines, on the ſide of Plein-Palais, incloſing them from the Rhoſne to the Bulwark of S. Leger; theſe take up no leſs than 1700 paces in compaſs round the Walls, they were finiſhed and incloſed with a Wall in ten Years ſpace, but the Mony from Holland held out no longer than to finiſh the firſt Baſtion near the Rhoſne, which hath therefore been called the Dutch Baſtion: 1660. there was an Inſcription Engraven on a black Marble-Pillar, for an acknowledgment of the Hollanders liberality.

In the Year 1661. the Biſhop of Geneva reſiding at Annecy, made an Addreſs to the King,1661. as being Sovereign of the Country of Gex, The Biſhop of Geneva preſents a requeſt to the French-King. which is part of his Dioceſs, beſeeching him to ſuffer him to ſettle Curates in the Villages of Chanſy, Avoully, and Moin, which were held by the Republick of Geneva; and over which, as this Biſhop affirmed, the King was Sovereign. Now the better to underſtand this affair, it is needful for us to ſpeak ſomething of theſe Villages. Moin belongs wholly to the Chapter; that is to ſay, the Juriſdiction, the Tenths, Fee-Farms, Salt, Miniſters, ſentences of Death, all theſe belong to Geneva, and the King hath the laſt Appeal in Civil Cauſes, and the execution of the Sword. As to Chanſy and Avoully theſe are Lands belonging to S. Victor, which are almoſt of the ſame nature as them of the Chapter (theſe appertaining to the Chanons of S. Peter, and the others to the Prior of S. Victor) but by the Treaty at Lyons in the Year 1601. the King in reſtoring all the Countries of Savoy to the Duke which he had taken from him, reſerved to himſelf all the Ports of Rhoſne from Geneva [Page] as far as Lyons, and ſo that the Sovereignty of Chanſy and Avoully, which are Ports belonging to the King, although ſituated on the Borders of Savoy. The Genevoiſes, who were greatly in favour with Henry the Fourth, repreſented to him, That they were already in the poſſeſſion of theſe Villages, and ſo this Sovereignty was of no value to him, bringing him in no profit. The King deſirous to gratifie them,1661. remitted it to them by his Letters, but the worſt of it was, That theſe Letters were never atteſted in Parliament, and ever ſince they have exerciſed Sovereignty over theſe two Villages, and even in the Year 1675. they put to death a Malefactor at Chanſy. I ſpecifie this not only for the better underſtanding the Biſhops pretenſions, but likewiſe upon the account of another affair, which lies at this preſent before the King, which ſhall be mentioned in is place. To return then to the Year 1661. John Lullin was diſpatched immediately to Paris, but before he could come there, the Biſhop had already obtained, by ſurprize, a Decree conformable to his demand, and Monſieur Bouchu, the Intendant of Burgundy, 1662. came to Gex in February, 1662, to eſtabliſh Curates in theſe places according to the Kings Decree. But there was ſuch care taken, that the Intendant deferred to perform it, it having been repreſented to him, That the States Deputies were at Court upon that occaſion, and that if they could not get that Decree repealed, yet might it be put ſoon enough in execution. Lullin having ſollicited his buſineſs for the ſpace of two Years in Paris, at length gained his cauſe, and the Biſhop was put by his demand, and the Villages left in the ſame condition they were in before.

In the year 1664.1664. the Duke of Crequi returned from his Ambaſſage at Rome, Crequi paſſes through Geneva. paſſed through Geneva; he had not that honour done him which was deſired, for want of timely notice. The Council ſent their Deputies to meet him out of the City, and three or four Companies of trained Bands ſtood ready to welcom him. The Council went to complement him, and preſented him with Wine and Trouts. But he ſtaying no longer with them than Dinner-time, the City could not ſhew him as they deſired, the affection they had to do the King ſervice. In parting thence he paſſed through two Files of the City Trained Bands, which reached from his Houſe where he refreſhed himſelf, as far as the new Gate, beyond which there ſtood ſix Companies belonging to the Gariſon who attended him as far as the Bridge of Arve. 1664. As ſoon as ever he was in PleinPalais, he was ſaluted by the City Cannon, he was attended half a League farther, beyond the Bridge of Arve, by a Troop of Horſe, and then four Deputies from the City complemented him, and took their leave of him: he ſeemed to be very well pleaſed with his entertainment.

Although there paſſed no act of Hoſtility in the Year 1667.1667. between Savoy and Geneva, yet there ariſing a conſiderable difference wherein they were both concerned, I ſhall not therefore here omit it.

[Page] After that the Officers of Savoy had for a long time moleſted divers ways them of Geneva, which ſhewed that the Duke had a deſign to break off with them, having ſeveral times declared that he thought himſelf no ways obliged to obſerve the Treaty at S. Julien, becauſe (ſaid he) it hath been already broken by both parties in ſundry particulars; he brought into Savoy towards the Spring in the Year 1667. 1000. men as well Horſe as Foot, under the command of the Marquiſs of Pianezze, The Duke of Savoy quarters Forces about Geneva. who were quartered round about Geneva; but yet five or ſix Leagues diſtant from it, according to the Articles contained in the Treaty made at S. Julien, that is to ſay at Anecy, at Remilly, at Salanche, at Cluſe, at Thonon, at Evian and other places; and there they lay till December following. The Savoy Squadron conſiſting of five hundred Gentlemen, was commanded to be in a readineſs to mount their Horſes at the firſt word of command; likewiſe all the Militia were inrolled, and ready to march upon the firſt order; and foraſmuch as the greateſt part of them had no Arms, there were therefore brought into the Country great ſtore of Muſquets, Swords, Pikes, Powder, Match and Bullets, together with other Ammunition, and the Peaſants of every Village were exerciſed once a week.

Moreover for to facilitate their Communications with Geneva, there was a ſtone Bridge made over the Arve at a place called the Trembieres not above an hours Sail diſtant from Geneva; and that they might have forces on the Lake, there were ſeveral Seamen and other workmen ſent for from Nice, who built three flat bottom Boats which went only with Sails, and lay at Bellerive in a Port which they had made for the ſame purpoſe, which was ſecured by a Chain, and ſeveral firm Palliſados, and ſtrengthened beſides by a building which they had reared, which was fenced with two Towers.

The Genevoiſes called this building a Fort, and complained that they acted contrary to the Treaty at S. Julien, one of whoſe Articles was, that his Highneſs ſhould build no Fort within four Leagues of Geneva. The Savoyards who would not acknowledge that they had broke the League, becauſe the Switzers were the undertakers or ſureties for it, made anſwer, that his was not a Fort, ſeeing it had no Ditches, it being only a Magazin, wherein they would lay their Salt, which was wont to be carried by Water through Geneva; but now they would Tranſport it in Carts by Land from Seiſſel to Bellerive, the Bridge of Trembieres having been made for that purpoſe; and that the Veſſels they had built were only deſigned to carry the Salt which they uſually ſent to Chablais, Valais, Fribourg, and ſeveral other Cantons, for moſt of the Switzers have alwaies brought their Salt by the way of Geneva: and indeed the building at Bellerive, and the Boats there have not yet been uſed to any other purpoſe than what they mentioned. But the Genevoiſes in ſo dangerous times, ſuſpected all theſe pleas, and imagined there lay ſome deſign concealed under this pretence, as knowing that the Magazin and the Boats might be fitted out for War in two daies time: and theſe were indeed the Savoyards preparations for War.

Yet were not the Genevoiſes aſleep all this while, ſo many Soldiers lying near them, and the Dukes Subjects continually threatning them, beſides the notice given them from all parts, put them out of [Page] doubt, that the Duke had a deſign againſt them; yet they imagined that it was not likely the Duke would openly beſiege them, but rather ſet upon them by ſurprize, whether by day or in the night they could not tell; being perhaps encouraged by ſome private intelligence which he might have in the City,The Genevoiſes fortifie the City. which made the Genevoiſes take all poſſible care to ſecure their Gates and Walls. They increaſed their Garriſon, by an addition of ten men to each company, beſides the uſual guard of Citizens, thirty of which were joyned with the Garriſon every night, and were not relieved till the next evening by a like number; the Grand rounds ſet forth every quarter of an hour, beſides the uſual Watch, the four Beadles belonging to the Council of two hundred, and the two Majors, who never failed to perform their Office in their own perſons; and by this means the Sentinels had no opportunity to ſleep: the Watch who lay without the City were reinforced, and ſome placed in Boats on the Lake. For better ſecurity in the day time, the Sentinels were doubled, and they who ſtood on the Draw-Bridge were enjoyned to wear Breaſt-plates to prevent Poynarding; there were new Percullices fitted to the Gates, and other machins to prevent ſurpriſals, and new Barrs or Palliſado's a hundred paces diſtant from them. All the Hedges and Trees were cut down within a Musket ſhot of the City Gates, eſpecially thoſe towards the Gates of Rive, to the end there might be made a clearer diſcovery of thoſe who ſhould approach them: beſides the perſons whoſe Office was to watch at the Gates, there were others appointed by the Council of two hundred (called Notables) to ſearch all ſtrangers whether they were armed. The Hay-Carts were likewiſe pierced, to find if any perſon was hid therein; and ſeveral other ſuch like precautions. At the Chains which went croſs the Lake, there ſtood a guard of Citizens; the Chains were always extended, neither were the Boats ſuffered to paſs till the Guard belonging to the Port had ſearched them at Nilons Stone, and had given the ſign that there was no danger.

Moreover every Houſe-keepers arms were viewed, and every perſon was obliged according to his ability to furniſh himſelf with Corn, Powder and Bullet, and all things elſe that were neceſſary. It was ordered that every Citizen ſhould wear a Sword, and that all Merchants and Tradeſmen ſhould continually have their arms lying ready by them in their Shops, to the end they might be in readineſs on the firſt occaſion. Two hundred of the wealthieſt Citizens were obliged to keep each of them an able Horſe, beſides others which are kept commonly in the City. There were ſeveral ſtrangers, eſpecially French-men, quartered on the reſt of the Citizens who came from all parts to offer their ſervice to the City, and M. de Balthazard the Quarter-Maſter-General, offered to command the Horſe.

In the mean time there was care taken to ſend ſeveral Spyes into Savoy, Spies ſent into Savoy. but eſpecially in thoſe places where the Troops lay, to the end they might have notice of their motions; and that their Councels might not be divulged, there was ſetled a private Council, which conſiſted only of ſeven choſen men, who had full power in all Caſes unleſs of extraordinary importance, for ſuch matters were brought before the general Council.

[Page] In Switzerland, they of Zurich and Berne raiſed a conſiderable number of Soldiers to aſſiſt Geneva, and to the end they might not be burdenſom to the City before they had need of them; they were quartered in the Cities and Boroughs near the Lake, that ſo they might be in a readineſs in a ſhort time at Geneva, when occaſion required, by means of a ſign which they had agreed upon. The Bernoiſes moreover cauſed two great Gallies to be made, which were able to hold two hundred men a piece. The Genevoiſes likewiſe built a great one. Monſieur Joffery called du Torrent hath been ſince made Commander of theſe Veſſels, one of which carried fourteen, and the other ten caſt Guns.

This is the neareſt account of the preparations on both ſides, which yet ſerved to no purpoſe. It is almoſt impoſſible to imagine how deſirous and well diſpoſed the Genevoiſes were to receive their Enemies, ſeveral of them being troubled that the Savoyards ſhould remain all this while armed, and yet not declare a War; and indeed it is ſtrange that the Duke ſhould maintain ſuch conſiderable Forces about Geneva during eight or nine months time, it being unknown for what end: it is likely he had ſome deſign on the Genevoiſes, but their preparations and watchfulneſs hindred it.

We muſt not here forget how chearfully the people in general laboured at the fortifications,The diligence of the people in working at the Fort. all the Corporations of Merchants, Artiſts, and other profeſſions ſtrived to out-do one another, marching round the City with a Drum beating to ſhew themſelves. The Students, and Divinity-Profeſſors, went before them with four Drums, every man endeavouring to exceed his companion; they thought it not enough to work themſelves, but brought workmen along with them, one man ten, and another twenty; there was a rich Dutch Merchant then at Geneva, who brought a long with him two hundred workmen.

In the mean time there was carried on a kind of Proceſs or Law-ſuit between Savoy, Geneva, and the French Ambaſſador, which was managed before the Confederates, upon account at firſt of an inconſiderable difference, which yet had given occaſion to all this buſtle.

In the Month of March, The Savoyards and Genevoiſes at variance about their priviledges. in the Year 1667. The Curates of Megny, and of Choulex, gave the Sacrament to a ſick perſon lying in a houſe at Courſinge, which depended on the Soveraignty of Juſſy, although the reſt of the Village belonged to Savoy. The State ſent the elder Syndick Colladon to be informed further of the matter, who cites theſe Curates to appear on ſuch a day. The Senate of Chambery on the other ſide cite Colladon to make his perſonal appearance before them, and publiſh a Declaration againſt him by beat of Drum, with an Order to have him apprehended that he might have his Tryal. The Council marveiling at this proceeding, ſent the Syndick Liffort to Chambery to the chief Preſident of La Perouſe Commandant in Savoy, to make their complaints to him, and to ſhew him their Title, and to juſtifie their right of Soveraignty over that Houſe; but he refuſed to peruſe it, and to hear their reaſons; which put the Syndicks and Council to ſend Deputies into Switzerland, who made ſeveral journeys to the Dyets of Arau and Baden, where the Baron of [Page] Greiſy the Ambaſſador from Savoy alledged his reaſons: he publiſhed a Factum, which was anſwered by another. At length towards the latter part of the year the State deputed André Pictet, and John Dupan to Turin, to end this difference with his Highneſs himſelf; who cauſed them to be received and treated with much civility and reſpect in all his Dominions; but the Marquiſs of Pianezze, and other Commiſſaries whom the Duke had appointed to regulate this affair, uſed ſuch delays, that the Deputies were forced to tarry three Months at Turin without concluding any thing. At length the King wrote a Letter to the Lords of Geneva, which was brought by Monſieur of Lionne: and M. of Servient his Majeſties Ambaſſador at Turin, deſired the Deputies for his Maſters ſake, and to preſerve the peace, they would releaſe this houſe at Courſinge, which they did.

They were yet at Turin, and the Forces of Savoy were ſtill in the field,City divided. whilſt a matter hapned at Geneva, which lacked but little of ruining it: for the Council of twenty five, and the Council of two hundred could not agree, but were divided, which difference laſted all Sunday being the 7. of December. I would here relate all the particulars of it, but it having been ordered to be ſcratched out of the Council Regiſters, to the end that it might be for ever forgotten: it will be ſufficient to ſay that John Sarraſin the Auditor, having preſided in the Council of two hundred in the Syndicks abſence, and over the Council of twenty five, the leſſer Council committed him to Priſon, and ſet a guard over him belonging to the Garriſon. The Council of two hundred not being able to endure that he ſhould be uſed as a Criminal, who had been guilty of no other fault but of being their head, reſolved to releaſe him by force; finding themſelves backed by all the people who were aſſembled at S. Peters, where the two hundred ſat in Council. The leſſer Council who had the Garriſon on their ſide, would not endure to be impoſed upon. At length when they were juſt ready to fall upon one another, the Priſoner was diſcharged, and all things quieted.

On the 27. of Jan. at night 1670.1670. there hapned a fire amongſt the Houſes on the Bridge of Rhoſne, A fire on the Bridge of Rhoſne. which being all Timber-Houſes, the greateſt part of them were burnt down in leſs than two hours ſpace, ſix ſcore perſons periſhing in the flames. A Miller choſe rather to ſave his Mother than his Wife, but ſhe followed after in a rage, wading in the water up to her chin, and eſcaped; another Woman who lay ſick, and was to take Phyſick the next morning, caſt her ſelf out at the window, and recovered both her life and health in the Rhoſne; having had the good hap to eſcape out of the water after ſhe had ſhunned the fire. In ſhort this Conflagration had done more miſchief, had it not been ſtopped by the Towers of Monnoye and of the Iſle which ſerved as barrs againſt the flames; and it is obſervable that ſeveral pieces of Timber kept burning in the water, ſo great was the violence of the flames: but that which was more ſtrange, and which all the inhabitants beheld, was that the Channel of Rhoſne between the Iſle and the City, which contained two hundred ſixty five foot in breadth, was filled and dried up by the ruins of the Houſes; The other Channel, although commonly running very ſwift, and ſwelled by the [Page] overflowings of the other, yet four days after was frozen up. There were collections made for the relief of thoſe families who were ſufferers by this fire. There were ſix thouſand Crowns gathered for them of Geneva, and the Bernoiſes made liberal contributions.

The Prince Elector Palatine came to Geneva in the Year 1671.1671. and ſtayed there ſome Months;The Prince Palatine entertained at Geneva. he came there in the Evening, and therefore had not ſuch reception as was intended: but the City being ſenſible of their obligations to that family, during his abode in the City, he had all the reſpect they were able to ſhew him. But that which appeared moſt conſiderable, was his entertainment on the Lake; for the great Gally was fitted out and manned by the flower of the Youth of the City: M. the Prince was received on Board her with part of the Council. All the Morning was ſpent in the ſport of fiſhing, when at Noon they landed at Secheron, and went to the Caſtle of Roſet to eat the large Trouts they had taken; there was a ſtately dinner provided and made ready for them, where the Prince was attended by the ſons of perſons of quality belonging to the City, and the Lords of the Council, by the Princes Gentlemen. After Dinner they walked forth on the Lakes ſide, the Cannons which thundred from the Gally were anſwered by the Drums and Trumpets, from the Boats which were to the number of thirty attending on the Gally: there was nothing thought of but mirth and divertiſement, when on a ſuddain there appeared a Frigate, having fifty Moors on Board her, and an Algerine Flag on her main top. Whereupon immediately all the people made ready to fight, and ſeveral Guns diſcharged on both ſides, and at length they came to boarding; but in the end the Algerine was vanquiſhed, there being good reaſon for it, and the Captain of the Frigate came to Complement the Prince. At laſt they returned into the City towards the Evening, but the night was kept off a while by the light of the Cannon, which were diſcharged from all the batteries of the City, and other places along the Port. Some weeks after, the Prince fell dangerouſly ſick of the ſmall Pox, and Prayers were made for his recovery in all the Churches, which at length obtaining, he ſet out for Grenoble, being very well ſatisfied with his entertainment at Geneva. The Citizens and the Garriſon appeared in their arms, for to do him honour, and the Council accompanied him, and the Cannons were not ſilent in this occaſion.

It is not above ſix years ſince an enterprize was diſcovered on Geneva, 1673. which hath been known to few.An account of another project for the taking of Geneva, diſcovered by its Author. In the year 1673. on a Communion day in September, the chief Syndick found at his Houſe (at his return from Church) a Letter which a perſon unknown had left in his abſence; the Contents whereof were, That upon a Proviſo of a proportionable reward, he would make ſuch a conſiderable diſcovery, that the publick ſafety depended on it, and if they deſired to ſpeak with this perſon next morning about it, the Superiour of the Convent of the Capuchines of Gex would inform them where he was; but if they neglected this advertiſement, they might be certain of finding the City in a ſhort time reduced to the greateſt extremity. Wherefore the Council failed not to ſend the next Morning the Advocat Dunant to Gex, who diſcourſed this unknown perſon in the Capuchin's garden, and dexterouſly drew from him part of the ſecret: [Page] he learnt that what he had to diſcover was an enterprize againſt the City, the particulars whereof he might well diſcover, ſeeing himſelf was the Author of it; that having conceived ſome diſtaſte-againſt the Duke of Savoy, he was reſolved to diſcover the deſign; but firſt deſired to be rewarded with a thouſand pounds, and that he might have a place where he might live ſecure. Dunant replied, that he had no power to treat with him about that particular; and that it would be more convenient for him to come to Geneva, where he might more eaſily treat with the Council about it in his own perſon. And whereas he deſired to have a Letter of ſafe-conduct, he anſwered him, that this was not their Cuſtom, but that he had power given him to engage the Publick Faith upon it; and that he might come into the City with the ſame ſurety, as others had done before him. This perſon was contented with this, and came the next morning and preſented himſelf before the Council at Geneva, telling them that his name was John Baptiſte Noroy, of Nozeray in Burgundy; that having found out an eaſie way to ſurprize Geneva, he had paſſed over into Piedmont ſome months ſince for to make it known to the Duke, which he did in a long conference he had with him at Rivoles, in which the Duke told him amongſt other things that he had a ſcore of Penſionaries in Geneva, four or five of which were of the Council; that ſome days after his Highneſs ſaid, that he had conſidered the matter and found it too difficult, and moreover this juncture of time was not proper to enter into a War; yet he thanked him for his good will, and had at the time ten pieces given him: and to make it appear that what he ſaid was true, he produced Letters from the Dukes Secretary, and from ſome Lords belonging to the Court.

His project was to be effected in the time of Vintage-harveſt, at which ſeaſon a great part of the Citizens are in the fields, and to ſend on ſeveral daies, and through ſeveral Gates, under divers pretences, four or five hundred men without Arms, who as faſt as they came, ſhould have their lodgings prepared for them in the Houſes of their Confederates, where they were to be furniſhed with Arms, and lie hid till the day of the execution of their enterprize, which was to be in Sermon time about eight of the Clock; all theſe people who were hid coming out with their Arms, were to divide themſelves into ſeveral parties, three of which conſiſting of about 80 men a piece, ſhould ſpeedily ſeize on all the doors of the three Churches, and not only hinder the people from coming out, but in the fright would conſtrain them to get up upon the top of the Churches, and by this means there would be no place needing a guard but only the Steeple ſtairs: another company ſhould ſcour the ſtreets, and kill the Citizens, who being not at Church would come out of their Houſes to rally themſelves; the reſt were to ſet upon a certain Gate of the City, which being not ſuccoured by any Citizens would be ſoon won; which done, there ſhould be let in Forces who were to march all night, that they might be at the Gates at the hour of this execution. He added that he was moved to make this diſcovery for two reaſons, Firſt that the Duke had given him but ten pieces, which he took as a great undervaluing of him; and Secondly, that having deſired [Page] to be made governour of Geneva when it ſhould be taken, his Highneſs inſtead of promiſing him it, ſet to ſcoffing at him.

He was earneſtly deſired to declare the names of thoſe perſons who were Penſionaries to the Duke, but he ſolemnly proteſted he knew them not, and that it might be eaſily imagined that his Highneſs would not diſcover to him a ſecret of that importance before it was time. They who judged charitably of their fellow Citizens, could not believe there could be any ſo wicked, and that this was but an artifice to raiſe ſuſpicions in the people againſt ſome of their Governours

The leſſer Council after they had heard him,Novoy ſecured. ſent him to Priſon to ſecure him, and the next morning the Council of two hundred were aſſembled, before whom the whole matter was opened; they were not a little perplexed in their reſolves about this man, ſome would have him ſet at liberty, ſeeing the Publick Faith was engaged for him, although but in words; others were of opinion to put him on the Rack to make him diſcover the Traytors, this being a matter wherein the ſecurity of the City was concerned; others would have have him put to death, conſidering the apparent danger there was in ſetting at liberty a man of this diſpoſition, that he had not diſcovered his deſign out of any good motive, but only out of ſpite and for money; and that moreover the Publick Faith was not engaged by the promiſe which was made him, that he might come with the ſame ſecurity as others before him, theſe terms being very general and ambiguous, ſeeing that by the laſt of theſe forementioned words might be underſtood, that he might come with the ſame ſurety, as other ſuch like enterprizers had done before him, who were put to death when they could be taken. In the mean time the greateſt number of voices carried it, who were for avoiding both extreams; to wit, to ſave his life, and to condemn him to perpetual impriſonment, under which ſentence he ſtill lies.

The two Princes Philip and George brethren to Charles Landgrave of Heſſe-Caſſel, 1674. came to Geneva to tarry there for a while.Prince George dyes at Geneva. Prince George the youngeſt of the two, who was but eighteen years of age, died there of the ſmall Pox.1675. The whole City was concerned at his death, becauſe that this Family holds a conſiderable rank amongſt Proteſtants; and hath ever expreſſed a particular affection to Geneva. The Council having waited upon Prince Philip, and the Prince now reigning, ordered that for three days there ſhould be an intermiſſion of all publick buſineſs, to teſtifie thereby their ſorrow and reſpect; and becauſe that Prince Philip would have his brothers body buried amongſt his Anceſtors at Caſſel, it was therefore embalmed, and laid in S. Peters Chappel, where lies buried Emilia of Naſſaw, till the time ſhould ſerve to tranſport it, which was not till eight months after. He was conveyed to the Chappel with great ſolemnity, being carried out in the night, accompanied with a great number of Torches, which was not a thing uſual among Proteſtants in thoſe parts.July 7. The Soldiers of the Garriſon were placed in two rows along the Streets, to keep the crowd off; ten German Gentlemen carried the Bier, and the four eldeſt Syndicks held up the Pall. The Prince who was brother to the deceaſed, and the Prince of Chourland his couſin, followed [Page] the Corps; and after them, the Earls of Stolberg and Dona, the four Syndicks, and the whole Council with the Lieutenant and Auditors, all in Mourning all the Miniſters and profeſſors were in their Gowns, and Mourning Hat-bands; and laſt of all the whole body of the German Nobility.

About this time there hapned ſome differences with Savoy concerning Salt. The principal Farmers who have the Farming of the Salt of France, 1675. Savoy and Geneva, that is to ſay, the only permiſſion to ſell it, for which they pay the City twenty thouſand Franks per annum: but their time being expired in the Year 1675. There was a greater price required of them, but they reſolved to give no more than heretofore, and ſo they held it no longer; this ſo greatly moved them that they determined to reſent it when occaſion offered.

In Savoy they would have taxed the quantity of Salt which every Subject of Geneva within the limits of Savoy ought to take,Savoy and Geneva at difference about the impoſitions of Salt. under pretence that there was committed an abuſe. which put the Council upon ſending ſix Waggons loaden with Salt in the night to Juſſy, with a guard of twenty Soldiers for to keep up their priviledge in that matter; this made a great noiſe in Savoy, the Regent wrote to the Ambaſſador in France, and to the leſſer Cantons in very ſharp terms againſt the Genevoiſes, 1675. whom he charged with making an Invaſion, and entring in an Hoſtile manner by night into her Country.In Autum. The minor Cantons, and the Kings Embaſſador in Switzerland, wrote to Zurich and Berne, and they to Geneva. Information was ſent them of the whole matter, and they approved of the proceedings of them of Geneva, promiſing them aſſiſtance in caſe of a rupture, wherewith the Savoyards threatned the City. The Militia of Savoy conſiſting of eight hundred Gentlemen having been commanded to be in readineſs; and there were frequent Muſters made, and great quantity of Arms and proviſion brought into Savoy, which obliged them of Geneva to ſtand upon their guard.

A while after the City received a Letter from the King,1676. by the hands of Monſieur de Gravelle, The French King aſſures the Genevoiſes of his good will. whom he ſent Embaſſador into Switzerland in the place of the Abbot of S. Romain, in which he aſſured the City in very obliging terms of the continuation of his good will.

John Dupan and Amy du Chapeaurouge were deputed into Switzerland about the affair with Savoy. June 12. They went to Berne and Zurich, and afterwards to Soleurre to the French Embaſſador,Deputies diſpatched from Geneva. and from thence to the Dyet held at Bade, where Dr. Leonardi her Royal Highneſſes Reſident having had audience; the Deputies of Geneva had theirs afterwards, and fully refuted whatſoever he had alledged; at length they returned very well ſatisfied at their journey. This buſineſs hath layn dormant all this while, yet hath the City been acquainted by Monſieur de Pompone, that Madam Royalle remains as yet very much diſcontented at the Tranſportation of Salt to Juſſy through her Countries,July 18. and requires ſtill ſatisfaction.

The ſame Farmers did the like in France as they had done in Savoy, againſt the Genevoiſes. Octob. Monſieur Bouchu Intendant of Burgundy came to Colonges, with a deſign to make the Villages of Chancy, Avoully and Moin, whom we have above mentioned, to take the Kings Salt, and [Page] likewiſe all the Houſes dependant on Geneva included in the Country of Gex; to wit, in the Villages of Malagny, Reſſin and others. In fine▪ notwithſtanding all the Remonſtrances made by them of Geneva, he ſent Guards into each of theſe Villages who took away all their Salt, and commanded the inhabitants to fetch it at Gex.. Notice hereof was ſent into Switzerland, Roſet harangues the Queen and Dauphin. and the Sieur Roſet was deputed to wait on the King about it. He had a favourable hearing at S. Germans, and harangued afterwards the Queen, and my Lord the Dauphin. The King ordered Monſieur de Pompone to examine the buſineſs, who had ſeveral Conferences with the Deputies, but they could not come to any Concluſion; in the mean time the King having fortunately won Valenciennes, Stoupe intercedes with the French King in behalf of Geneva. Colonel Stouppe ſeeing him in a good humour by this ſucceſs, took this as an occaſion to mention to him the buſineſs of Geneva. Whereupon his Majeſty granted that the Villages of Chancy, and Avoully ſhould take Salt of Geneva, but not the others.1677. In the mean time Roſet died at Paris, and the Sieur Fabry was ſent to ſucceed him to obtain the ſame favour for Moin, March. and other places in like manner as in the two above mentioned Villages. He had publick Audience of the King, and finding that he advanced nothing in the Court, he deſired leave to depart, and was diſmiſſed with very courteous languge by the King,Novemb. who gave him a Chain of gold with his Medal:1678. but this affair hath remained undetermined in the ſame ſtate as heretofore,Feb. 1. which hath obliged the Peaſants of Moin and other places in controverſie who could not live without Salt, to go fetch it at Gex.

The Earl of Harach Embaſſador from the Emperor returning from1677. Spain came to Geneva, Octob. 23. where he ſtayed but a day. The City pretended ignorance of his quality till after his arrival,The Emperors Embaſſador paſſes through Geneva. to the end they might make a difference between his reception, and that of Monſieur Crequi's the French Embaſſador in the Year 1664. yet he had the ſame Complements and Preſents made him at his departure.

The Vice-Roy of Galice Embaſſador from Spain, 1678. going towards the Emperor, took Geneva in his way,March 24. and parted thence four days after his arrival.The Spaniſh Embaſſador paſſes through Geneva. He had the ſame Civilities ſhewed him, as the Earl of Harach had before him, and was the more ſatisfied with them, in that he came from Lyons, where ſcarcely any body took notice of him. In parting from Geneva, he wrote his Maſter word of the Civilities he had received there.

And thus hath Geneva ſubſiſted to our times,Concluſion. whilſt ſeveral flouriſhing Cities have periſhed; and divers mighty States have been overturned: which God often permits by his admirable providence, to let both great and ſmall States know, That their ſubſiſtence or ruin depend not on their own ſtrength or weakneſs; but that they are all in his hand, and their happineſs or miſery come only from him.

FINIS.

ANCIENT INSCRIPTIONS Which are to be ſeen AT GENEVA.

[Page]

[Page]

I.
At the aſcent of the Trellis.

IOVI O. M.
CINGIDVO
STABULO ET
AVLVS.

THIS is the foot of a Stall or Booth which was found thirty Years ſince on the ſide of the Arve, having been thrown up by an inundation. Guichenon is the firſt who hath mentioned it, but he hath forgot the word Stabulo. The Stone is hollow in the upper part of it, wherein was kindled the fire for the Sacrifice which was offered to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, for this is the meaning of theſe two Letters O. M. I am not yet ſatisfied whether CINGIDVO is ſome Sirname of Jupiter, or whether it is to be read as two words CINGI DVO, that is to ſay, Cingii duo Stabulo[Page]& Aulus: for there hath been a Roman Family called Cincia, which perhaps might be the ſame with Cingia. Yet it ſeems, upon a through conſideration, that this is but one Word.

II.

IOVI
ASSIGN.
M. F.
N.

THis fragment is another Vow to Jupiter, and hath been mentioned by Gruterus.

III.
At the great Street.

APOLLINI
M. AVFVSTIVS
CATVSo.

THis is a Vow to Apollo by Marcus Aufuſtius Catus, or Catuſo: for it is a hard matter to ſay whether the o which is at the end, is a Letter which ſhould be joyned to Catus, or a kind of pointing.

IV.
At the Colledge near the fourth Claſſe.

APOLLINI
M. VERATIVS
MERCATOR.

IT is a common Opinion in Geneva, that in the time of Heatheniſm, Apollo was particularly worſhipped, and that he had a Temple in this City in the ſame place where now ſtands S. Peter's Church. There is to be ſeen, on a Gate behind this Church, a [Page] Head made to reſemble that of the Sun. Monſieur Morus alledgeth this proof in his Harangue de Sole & ſcuto Genevenſi, for to confirm the common opinion. But this Head ſeems to me to be nothing elſe but the Carvers fancy, and doth not look as if it was very old, it being made only of Molaſſe Stone. Being ſome Years ſince at Geneva with Monſieur Patin, who is a competent Judge in theſe matters, I ſhewed him this piece, and he was of opinion that it was not very old. Neither do I believe with others, that this part of the Church, near which ſtands the fore-mentioned Head, is the remains of a Heatheniſh Temple, ſeeing there is not to be ſeen any difference in the other parts of it, neither in its Frame nor Materials. But this Temple might perhaps have been built on the Foundations of that of Apollo.

V.
On the Wells du Four de Fer.

MARTIAVG.
SACRVM
SENNIVS SABINVS

THis Stone was dedicated to the god Mars Auguſtus by Sennius Sabinus. This title of Auguſtus is oftentimes joyned to the names of the Deities, ſince the age of Auguſtus: for the Heathens by a ridiculous ſuperſtition believed that they honoured their gods in giving them ſometimes the names of Illuſtrious Men, after the ſame manner as they thought to honour Men in giving them the names of their gods.

VI.
At the ſame place.

M. CONNI SECVNDI
M. IVL MARCIANVS
FRATRI.

MArcus Julius Marcianus had cauſed this Inſcription to be Engraven, in remembrance of his Brother Marcus Connius Secundus: but why, ſeeing they were Brothers, did not they bear the name of the ſame Family? But it may be they were Brethren but by the Mothers-ſide.

VII.
At the Borough of Four at Monſieur Sarrazin's.

[Page]

M. IVL. MARCIANVS
SIBI VIVOS POSTERISQ
SVIS FECIT.

NEither Gruterus nor Guichenon have mentioned this, it being nothing but a plain Monument, which Julius Marcianus cauſed to be made in his life-time for himſelf and poſterity. Vivos is commonly uſed for Vivus.

VIII.
This Inſcription was ſeen heretofore near S. Peters.

D. M. S.
C. IVLIVS CAESAR LONGINVS
D. FIL.
C. IVL. LEIBERTVS
PERRVPTIS MONTIBVS HVC TANDEM
VENI VT HIC LOCVS MEOS CONTEGERET
CINERES
APOLLO TVAM FIDEM
VIXIT ANNOS XLI MESS. III.
DIES XIII
HOR. NVL.
T. FVLVIVS D. D. L.
COMMILITO COMMILITONVM
VALE LONCINE AITERNVM
S. T. T. L.

[Page] THere were few Epitaphs which were not dedicated to the gods Manes. Which are meant by theſe three Letters D. M. S. Di [...]s Manibus Sacrum. I have inſerted on the third Line, inſtead of D. CIL. which are not of any ſignification, and which I take therefore to be a miſtake, D. FIL. Decimi Filius. The freed Men took often upon them the name of them who delivered them out of Bondage, adding thereunto ſome Surname, as this Cajus Julius Caeſar Longinus, who was Julius Caeſar's freed Man, had done here. Such was his deſtiny, that after he had taken a great deal of pains in traverſing the Mountains to come to Geneva, he died there ſoon after his arrival. The Pagans eſteemed it a great misfortune to die in a ſtrange Land out of their own Country. This Inſcription then is one of the ancienteſt in Geneva, ſeeing it was made in Julius Caeſar's time. Its whole Phraſe is good Latin, eſpecially that of perruptis montibus is very pretty: for doth it not ſeem that a Man muſt break through the Mountains to find his way from Italy to Geneva along the Alpes? This Longinus lived forty one Years, three Months and juſt thirteen Days exactly to an hour, for this is apparently the meaning of theſe two abridged words HORam NVLlam. The everlaſting farewell which his Companion gives him, is this S. T. T. L. Sit tibi terra levis, Which were uſual expreſſions to Friends: That the Earth may be light to you, and not hinder the Soul by its weight, from diſintangling it ſelf from the Body.

IX.
In S. Peter's, over-againſt the Princeſs of Portugals Chappel.

Q. IVLIO SERGIO
MEMORIAE
EIIVS FVLLON.
IVSTINVS ET TE
RENTIA BELATVL
LA ET IVL. MACR
INVS PATRONO
HERED FACIEN ſic
DVM CVRAVER.

THis is a Memorial which Fullonius Juſtinus, Terentia Belatulla, and Julius Macrinus have ſet up in honour of their Protector Quintus Julius Sergius, whoſe Heirs they were.

X.

[Page]

CN. ARVTIO CN. F. CELERI
PRAEF. COHORTIS
LVSITANORVM.

THis fragment is in honour of one Cneus Arutius, or Aruntius Celer, Son of Cneus, Prefect of the Cohort of Portugaiſes. Gruterus hath mentioned it twice in Page CCCLXVI. 5. and in Page DXXIII. I. with this difference, that in one he inſerts the whole, and in the other Page only the firſt Letters, as we have here repreſented it.

XI.
In the great Street over-againſt the Peliſſerie.

NVMINIBVS
AVG.
ET DOM. DIV.
VICTOR AVG.
LIB. P. P. S.

THE freed Men oftentimes teſtified to their deliverers how much they were concerned in their preſervation, cauſing the Vows which they made for them to their gods to be Engraven in Marble; as we have here an inſtance of it in Victor, who was Auguſtus's freed man, who invocates thoſe particular gods, to whom the Romans believed the preſervation of the Emperor belonged, and that of all their divine Family. And whereas we call the Family of our Kings and Emperors the Royal Family, they to ſhew it greater reſpect, gave it the Epithet of Divine.

XII.
In the City-Walls, on the outſide of them, over-againſt la Corraterie▪

[Page]

T. IVL. T. FIL. CORN. VALERIANO
PATRONO COLON. II VIR. AER. III VIR.
LOCORVM P. PERSEQVENDOR.
TRIB. MILIT. LEG. VI. VICTR.
PRAEF. FABRV. FLAM. AVG.
PONT-IFICI
IVLIA T. F. VERA PATRI OPTIMO.

FOraſmuch as that few Men are acquainted with the abbreviations of Inſcriptions, I will here ſet this down at length.

Tito Julio Titi Filio Cornelia (tribu) Valeriano, Patrono Coloniae, Duumviro Aerarii, Triumviro locorum publicorum perſequendorum, Tribuno militum legionis Sexta Victricis, praefecto Fabrum, Flamini Auguſtali, Pontifici, Julia Titi Filia vera Patri optimo.

So that this is a Monument dedicated to the memory of Titus Julius Valerianus of the Cornelian ſtock, Protector of the Geneva-Colony, chief Overſeer of the Treaſury and publick Buildings, Campmaſter of the ſixth Legion which was called Victorious, and Overſeer of the Workmen, Prieſt of Auguſtus, Pontifici, by his Daughter Julia Vera.

It need not ſeem ſtrange that I render Patrono Coloniae, Protector of the Colony of Geneva: for although this is not expreſly declared, yet muſt we underſtand him to be Patron and Protector of that Colony where the Inſcription was placed: for this Stone is too large to be brought thither from any other place: it being likewiſe inlayed with the City-Walls, which were built long ſince. We need not doubt, but that Geneva had the Priviledges of a Roman Colony, ſeeing it had all the Offices thereunto belonging, as we may obſerve in theſe Inſcriptions of Duumviri's and Sextumviri's. The word Colony ſeems ſtill to be preſerved in the name of the Village of Cologny, which is not above a quarter of a League diſtant from Geneva.

XIII.
At the Colledge and other places are ſeen ſome fragments of Letters of a foot high; or, Onciales, as they call them.

[Page]

C. IVL. .. IVLIA
And near to this.
RATRV..
VRVM

From whence ſome have conjectured that it might be thus ſupplied:

C. IVLius & IVLIA
aRATRVm circumduxerunt
& mVRVM aedificaverunt.

AND ſo that Julius Caeſar had built the Walls of Geneva. But this is but a meer conjecture, for C. IVL. doth not neceſſarily ſignifie Julius Caeſar; but only ſome Perſon of that Family, as it is in XXVI Inſcription thus: C. IVL. SEMATVS.

XIV.
This was heretofore ſeen at Monnoye.

C. VALERIOT.

Titi Filio Auli nepoti.

F. A. N.
TR. MIL. LEG. II.
PATRONO OPTIMO GENEVENS PROVINCIA
B. M. P.

Bene merenti poſuit.

VIXIT ANN. LX. M. II.
DIES XVII.

THis is a conſiderable Inſcription. Here is mentioned one Cajus Valerius Maſter of the Camp of the ſecond Legion, to whoſe memory the Province of Geneva had cauſed this Stone to be Engraven for the benefits which it had received by him as a good Patron: for this word Patroni ſignifies ſomething more than [Page] Protectors: And theſe two words of Genevenſis Provincia are remarkable, ſeeing they inform us, That the Genevois was erected into a Province, of which Geneva was the Capital, ſeeing it gave it its name.

XV.
At S. Peter's, near the Steps.

Q. STARDIVS MACER
C. STARDIVS PACATVS
C. ALBVCIVS PHILOGENES
STATIVS ANCHIALVS
NOVELLIVS AMPHIO
CORNELIVS AMPHIO
IIIIII VIRI

THeſe are the names of ſix Sextumvirs of Geneva. This Magiſtracy was eſtabliſhed ſince Auguſtius his Reign, conſiſting of ſix Perſons who were changed from time to time, after the ſame manner as 'tis now with the four Syndi [...]ks.

XVI.
At the Colledge.

SEX. ATTIO
CARPOPHORO
IIIIII VIRO AVG.
IERIA CASTVLA.

SExtus Attius Carpophorus was, it ſeems, one of theſe Sextumvirs, to whoſe memory his Wife ſet up this Monument.

XVII.
Another in the ſame Colledge.

[Page]

...XTI FIL.
...RINAE
...MINICAE
...MATERNAE

THis fragment hath been made for ſome Roman Nun whom they called Flaminica.

XVIII.
Again.

MEMORIAE
AETERNAe
VERR VERVLAE
COLVSAE STVRD.
CONIVGI INCOM
PARABILI F.

Fieri curiavit ſub Aſcia [...]x dicavit.

C.
ET SVB ASC DED.

THis Epitaph was Conſecrated to the everlaſting remembrance of Verria Verula Coluſa by her Husband Sturdius, who had dedicated it, together with the Ax which he uſed in cutting out and poliſhing the Stone. The ſeverity of the ancient Romans, who would have retrenched the Funeral expences, had cauſed them to make a Law, Rogum aſcia ne poleant: but their vanity was too ſtrong to be curbed by the twelve Tables, and their luxury extended it ſelf as well to the dead as the living.

XIX.
At S. Peter's, towards a back Gate.

[Page]

CAL. VERNAE
VER. VERVLA
FIL. PIENTIS
P.

Ponendum curavit.

C.
S.

Sub Aſcia dedicavit.

A. D.

THis ſhort Inſcription had been made by Verria Verula, for her Son Cal. Verna.

XX.
At the Colledge.

.......RI
...IONI
LEGIONIS X
HERED. EXTEST.

THis fragment tells us nothing elſe but that the Heirs of a certain Centurion of the tenth Legion had acquitted themſelves of the charge laid upon them by his Will. We may obſerve here, as likewiſe in ſeveral other Inſcriptions, that the word Heres is only written with a ſingle e, and not by an ae: for this word comes from Herus, becauſe the Heir becomes Maſter of the Teſtators Eſtate.

XXI.
Under the Clock at Molard.

[Page]

D. VALERIO ASIATICI LIBERT
SISSI IIIIII VIRO
COL.

Coloniae Equeſtris.

EQ.
EXT.

Ex Teſtamenta.

THis Inſcription, as well as that which follows, hath been brought heretofore from Verſoy, where they ſtood in Gruterus's time. See underneath what we ſay of the Colony of Equeſtres, amongſt whom Decimus Valerius the freed man of Aſiaticus was Sextumvir. It ſeemeth that it is of this Valerius Aſiaticus of whom ſpake Suetonius: Talibus principiis magnam imperii partem, non niſi conſilio & arbitrio viliſſimi cujuſque hiſtrionum & aurigarum adminiſtravit & maximè Aſiatici liberti. The Geneva Manuſcripts tell us, That it was he who gave his Sirname of Seſſius to a Village of the Country of Gex called Seyſſi, and in Latin Siſſium.

XXII.
Near the ſame place.

D. M. Diis Manibus
L. AVR. RESPECTO IVVENI
ERVDITO CAVSIDICO
[...]IS CIVI VALLENSE
ET EQVESTRE DEFVNC
TO ANNOR XVIII
FILIO PIENTISSIMO
L. AVREL. RESPECTVS
PATER PONENDVM
CVRAVIT.

[Page] THis Epitaph being dedicated to the gods Manes, is in honour of Lucius Aurelius Reſpectus a learned young Man, who had twice pleaded at the Bar, although but eighteen years of age, as his Father Lucius Aurelius Reſpectus teſtifies of him. The Son is named Civi Vallenſe & Equeſtre, Citizen of Valay and the Equeſtres: The one lying on the Eaſt-ſide of the Lake, and the other on the Weſt. Some read it VALINSAE, and thus hath Gruterus cited it; but I have read it diſtinctly Vallenſe, although that the reſt be worn out.

XXIII.
At the Gate of Rive.

ANNOR.
XII.
L. PLINIO
FAVSTI
FIL.
SABINO
C. PLINIO M. F.
C. N. FAVSTO
AEDILI II VIRO
IVL. EQ FLAMIN.
C. PLINIVS
FAVST.
VIVOS

THis Inſcription was made for a Monument of a Father and his Son, who were of the Family of the Plinies, which was Illuſtrious under the Empire of Trajan and his Succeſſors: we muſt read the Fathers thus, Caio Plinio Marci Filio Caii Nepoti Fauſto Aedili Duumviro (Coloniae) Juliae Equeſtris, Flamini, Caius Plinius Fauſtus vivos, or vivus ſibi fecit. So that he raiſed this Monument himſelf, when his Son Lucius Plinius Sabinus being but twelve years of age died. Some who underſtood not this word E Q. have rendred it Equiti a Knight: which it cannot ſignifie, for it would have been placed immediately after the name, and before the other qualities; and moreover the Ediles, or they who had the ſuperintendance over publick Buildings, were not choſen from amongſt the Knights, but the People. And in effect what would IVL. ſignifie. As for the word Coloniae it is underſtood, as in the name of Corinthe, which hath been called heretofore Colonia Latina Julia Corinthus, and ſometimes LAVS IVLIA CORINTHVS: for the name of Jules hath been given to ſeveral Colonies which have been ſent over in his time, or favoured by him, as without doubt the Colony of Equeſtres were. What I have ſaid of this Colony [Page] may be ſeen in Munſter, p. 23. T. 1. Guilliman, and the Author of the Book called the Citizen, thought that the Colony of Equeſters was Geneva, or at leaſt that it was the Capital, and that Chablais had taken its name from Caballis, or Equis; and that which hath inclined them to be of this Opinion, is the great number of Inſcriptions which are to be ſeen in Geneva, where there is mention made of it. Guichenon hath very well judged, that they might have been brought from ſome other place, and I have read in the Manuſcripts, that thoſe two which are at Molard, where there is made mention of a Sextumvir of the Equeſtres, and of a Citizen of the ſame Country, had been brought from Verſoy, in the Year 1590. and likewiſe another Inſcription wherein is mentioned Civitas Equeſtrium, is cited in Authors who have written of the Country of Vaud, as if it had been heretofore to be ſeen there. It is likewiſe very probable, by the right of Neighbourhood, that ſeveral Perſons of Quality who had Offices in the Colony of Equeſters, had likewiſe the ſame in Geneva, or at leaſt that they had died in that City.

The true ſituation then of this Colony was in the Country of Vaud, betwixt the two ſmall Rivers of Verſoy and Aubonne, and the word Enqueſtres, which is uſed ſtill in this Territory amongſt the People of that Country,Guichenon in his Hiſtory of Savoy, p. 8. is a ſufficient proof of this. There is likewiſe an ancient Act made in the Year 1011. wherein this ſmall Country along the Lake is called Pagus Equeſtricus. Nions, which was in the middle, was the Capital City, which was the occaſion that this name was added, as in the Notes of the Empire, written in Theodoſius his time, it is called Civitas Equeſtrium Noviodunum under the Province of the Sequanoiſes, in which likewiſe Pliny placeth it, whereas Geneva was comprehended under the Province of Vienna. The Itinerary of Antoninus diſtinguiſheth very well Geneva, which he calls Civitas Genavenſium, under the Province of Vienna, and Nions Civitas Equeſtrium, id est, Nevidunum, under the Sequanoiſe Province, the ſame with that abovementioned.

SEDES LAVSANE

✚CIVITAS EQVESTRI

For a confirmation of what I have ſaid, I ſhould have added, That there has been found an ancient Coyn, which hath on one ſide CIVITAS EQVESTRIS, and on the other SEDES LAVSANE, which ſhews that the Colony of Equeſtres acknowledged the Epiſcopal Seat of Lauſane.

[Page] In effect what reaſon had Munſter and Gailliman to place the Cavalry in Chablais, which is a Country ſurrounded with Mountains, or in Geneva which is ſituated on a little Hill? The Country of Vaux which abounds with paſturage, and which is hardly any thing elſe but a flat Campagne, was far more proper for this. There are likewiſe ſeveral Villages in this Country, which ſeem to have taken their names from ſome ancient Romans, who perhaps had been Lords of it,Vide Inſcript. in the time when this Country flouriſhed. There are yet ſuch names as theſe:XXI. Roſcy, which perhaps might come from Roſcius, Craſſy from Craſſius, Dudy from Duelli [...]s, Se [...]y from Siſſius, who are mentioned in an Inſcription at Geneva. P [...]rmen [...]on, which is not far from Nions, taketh likewiſe its name from the neighbouring Cape of this Village, for the Latins called a Cape promontorium.

The Tower in the Iſle of Geneva is attributed to Julius Caeſar, which hath his name given it, but I know not for what reaſon: for my part I ſee no cauſe to make me believe that this was built in his time, on the contrary the materials which are the moſt part of but Mollaſſe Stone, as one of S. Peters Steeples is, moves me rather to think that it is the work of ſome King of Burgundy, ſeveral of which have dwelt at Geneva; and perhaps; (not to oppoſe a received oppinion) it hath been raiſed on foundations of another building by Julius Caeſar, or by ſome one of his ſucceſſors in the Empire, who have all taken upon them the name of Caeſars.

Munſter hath miſunderſtood that paſſage of Caeſars Commentaries, Coſmograph, L. 2. thinking that the Bridge which is there mentioned, belonged to the Switzers. Ex [...]eo oppido pons ad Helvetios pertinet, where this laſt word ſignifies not apperta [...]neth, but only looketh towards, or ſpectat; for on this Bridge men paſſed over from Geneva into the Country of the Helvetians, who [...]ld that which we now call Switzerland, and the Country of Vaud.

This likewiſe may ſerve to convince us of the popular error which taketh a row of ſtakes which appear above water in the Lake, for the remains of this Bridge; for it doth not face the Helvetians Country, but the Country of Chablais, which then belonged to the Allobroges; and it being a hard matter to root out opinions which have ſunk deep into peoples minds, I ſhall therefore make bold to relate here the obſervations made by a friend of mine, to whom I am obliged for ſeveral Memoires relating to this preſent Hiſtory. Be pleaſed then to obſerve what he hath written to me thereof.

In a walk (ſaid he) I made ſome days paſt on the Lake to inform myſelf in the matter of theſe pretended ruins of a Bridge, I obſerved that theſe were two rows of Stakes which were all like one another, one row being only two paces diſtant from the other, which beginning at the head of the Iſle where ſtands Caeſars Tower, and from thence going up the River, reach through the Chains, and the Iſles called Barques, drawing towards the Village of Cologny, and reaching no farther than the end of it; ſo that theſe two rows are in length about three thouſand paces, the Fiſhermen call them Fiches. Theſe Stakes are of Oak, ſquared, and about the thickneſs of a mans thigh, and being not above two or three foot above ground, are always at the bottom of the water, the Stakes on either row are not above three foot diſtant one from another; which makes me believe that this never [Page] never was a Bridge, becauſe the States are too ſmall and too near one another, and that the Bridge thereupon would have been too narrow; moreover how abſurd would it have been to have made a Bridge of this length, which doth not croſs the River, but leads upwards againſt the ſtream; and beſides what occaſion could there be of making a Bridge to paſs from Geneva to Colog [...]e, ſeeing one may go by Land thither. I ſuppoſe therefore that theſe ſtumps have ſerved heretofore for a Ditch or Entrenchment, which had been raiſed to make the Rhoſne paſs cleverty between the Iſle, and S. Gervais, and to hinder the water from overflowing the low ſtreets as it has done heretofore when the pavement was not raiſed, ſo that this Bridge which is mentioned in Caeſars Commentaries ſtood no where elſe but in the ſame place, where is at preſent that whereon we paſs over from the City to S. Gervais.

XXIV.

L .IVL. P. F. VOL. BROC.
CHVS VAL.
BASSVS PRAEF. FABR.
BIS TRIB.
MIL. LEG. VIII. AVG. II
VIR IVR. D.
IIIVIR LOC. P. P. AVGVR.
PONTIF. IIVIR
FLAMEN IN COL. EQVESTRE
VIANIS
GENAVENSIBVS LACVVS
DAT

THis curious Inſcription was not known to Gruterus, having been found ſince the impreſſion of his Book. Monſieur Godefroy had cauſed this Stone to be brought into his Court, where it ſtill lies. Guichenon had ſeen it, but hath not exactly copied it, or the Printer hath not followed his Copy: for there is five or ſix miſtakes which ſpoil the ſenſe, LEVI for L. IVL. BROCCIVS for BROCCHVS. AVG. for AVGVR. VTANIS for VIANIS. LACCVS inſtead of LACVVS, and D. M. for DAT. Obſerve here how it muſt be read without abbreviations.

Lucius Julius Publii filius Voltinia tribu Brocchus Valerius, or Valerianus Baſſus, Praefectus Fabrum, bis Tribunus Militum Legionis Octavae Auguſtae, Duumvir juri dicundo, Triumvir locorum publicor. perſequendorum, [Page] Augur, Pontifex, Duumvir, Flamen in Colonia Equeſtre Vianis Genavenſibus Lacuus dat.

Except the word Vianis, which may be a miſtake of the Carver, all the reſt is eaſie, and is thus in Engliſh:

Lucius Julius Brocchus Valerianus Baſſus, Son of Publius, and of the Tribe of Voltinia, Overſeer of the Workmen appointed to make Engines for War, twice Camp maſter of the eighth Auguſt Legion, one of the Magiſtrates who are appointed Judges in matters of Equity, Superintendant of the publick Buildings, Augure, chief Prelate, Duumvir and Prieſt in the Colony of Equeſtres, giveth the Lakes to the Genevoiſes.

The Lords and Roman Magiſtrates, who were Lieutenants for the Emperors in their Provinces, had great Authority, ſeeing we read that they have ſometimes diſpoſed of Crowns. So that it need not ſeem ſtrange to us that this Perſon here-mentioned hath given the Lakes to the Genevoiſes, for he puts La [...]u [...]s in the Plural, compriſing perhaps other leſſer Lakes of the Country, with the Lake Leman. His great Offices in the Province and the advantage he had in being of the Family of the Juliuſſes, gave him without doubt this power: and what can make more plainly appear, the eſteem which the Romans had for the City of Geneva? That I may therefore the better ſet forth this illuſtrious Family of Julius Brocchus, I ſhall produce ſome other Marbles which are to be ſeen at Geneva and its adjacent places.

XXV.
At Nions.

D. IVL. F. VOL. RIPANO
CAPITONI BASSIANO
EQVO PVBLICO HONORATO
PRAEFECTO FABRVM
TRIB. MIL. COH. I. GAL.
L. IVL. BROCCHVS
VALER BASSVS
FILIO

DEcimus Julius Ripanus capito Baſſianus was Son to the ſaid Julius Brocchus, and had likewiſe very honourable Employs: for beſides that, he had a Horſe which was kept at the publick charge, he was likewiſe Overſeer of the Workmen, and Campmaſter of the firſt Gauloiſe Legion. Nions was the Colony of Equeſtres where his Father was Duumvir.

XXVI.
At Geneva heretofore in the Halls was ſeen.

[Page]

D. IVL. D. F. VOLT
CAPITON
AVGVRI IIVIRO AERAR.
FLAMINI MARTIS
TR. MILIT.

THis Decimus Julius Capito was Son of the fore named Decimus Julius Ripanus Capito, and was Augure and Duumvir of the publick Treaſury, Prieſt of Mars and Maſter of the Camp. And thus did they unite Religion and Arms with the Gown, in giving all theſe Offices to one Perſon: and ſince that the Emperors have become great Pontifexes, their Lieutenants and Subjects might well take upon them that of Augures and Prieſts, although they followed Arms or were Gown-men.

XXVII.
At Pragin, near Nions.

C. IVL. C. F. VOLT.
SEMATO
II VIRO ITERVM
FLAMINI AVG.
L. IVL. CAPITO AMICO
OPTIMO

CAjus Julius Capito Son of Cajus, was of the ſame Family with them above-mentioned, and of the ſame Tribe, and held likewiſe the Office of Duumvir and Prieſt of Auguſtus. Lucius Julius Capito his Friend was ſome collateral branch, and this following Inſcription, which I have ſeen, belongs to him.

XXVIII.
At Aix in Savoy.

[Page]

L. IVLIO
CAPITONI ET
IVLIAE TERTIAE
CN. IVLIVS LVCINVS
PARENTIBVS

CNenus Julius Lucinus and not Lucinius, as Guichenon would have it, was the Son of Lucius Julius Capito, and of Julia Tertia, for whom he had cauſed this Stone to be Engraved.

I have produced all theſe Inſcriptions, becauſe they confirm the number of the Family of the Jul's ſettled in theſe parts, as we have noted in Page 22. T. 1. And becauſe likewiſe that they guide us to the knowlege of the Family of L. Julius Brocchus.

XXIX.
This hath been heretofore in the Walls of Geneva towards Corraterie.

VIXI VT VIVIS
MORIERIS VT SVM MORTVVS
SIC VITA TRVDITVR
VALE VIATOR
ET ABI IN REM TVAM

THis fancy is very ingenious: I have once lived as thou liveſt now, but thou muſt die as I am dead: ſo our life flies away: Adieu, Traveller, and go and mind thy buſineſs.

This was, (ſaith the Author of the Book called the Citizen) ominous to the Savoyards, when they ſcaled the City near this place: but can any Man think they were ſo much at leaſure as to read Tomb-ſtones, and that they brought Lights along with them? I do not believe it.

XXX.
Beneath the Clock du Molard on the ſide of the Lake.

[Page]

IMP. CAES NERV.
VLP. TRAIAN. AVG.
GERM. PONT. MAX.
TRIBVN. POT. COS. II.
M. P. VIII.

THis Stone is one of thoſe Columns or Millinary Stones which ſerve to mark the diſtance of places. The deceaſed M. Revilliod, who cauſed it to be brought from Verſoy, had copied out the Inſcription: we are not able to make ſence of every particular Character in it, becauſe that the Rain and overflowings of the Lake have waſhed out a great part of the Letters of it. It was made under the ſecond Conſulſhip of the Emperor Nerva Ʋlpins Trajan, and was to give notice that it was 8000 paces diſtant to ſome part of the Country from that place where this was ſet. Which perhaps might be Geneva, which lay at the entrance into the Countries of the Allobrogeſes, Helvetians, and Sequanoiſes.

XXXI.
Over the Treillis or Lattice.

IMP. CAES.
DIVI MAGNI ANTONI
NI. PII. D... NE
POS...
IA...
TRIB. POT.
MIL. P.

THis is a Stone ſet up for the ſame purpoſe as the former, for it is made in the faſhion of a Pillar, and there is at the end of it MIL. P. Milliarium poſuit: although that the Character which ſhould ſhew us how many Miles it meant, was worn out, [Page] yet that little which is to be ſeen, gives us to underſtand, that it hath been ſet up in the time when Marc. Aurel. was Emperor, who was the adopted Son of Antoninus Pius.

XXXII.
In S. Peter's Wall.

IMP. CAES. M.
AVRELIO
ANTONINO
PIO FELICI AVG.
PONTIF. MAX.
TRIB. POTEST.
COS.
CIVITAS
EQVESTRIVM

THis Stone it is probable hath been brought from the Country of Vaud: for Guilliman mentions one like it, in his Memoires of Switzerland, where it then without doubt lay. Civitas Equeſtrium is the ſame with Colonia Equeſtris. Although that theſe Names and Titles of Marc. Aurelius Antoninus, &c. are common to three Emperors, viz. to Marcus Aurelius, to Caracella and to Heliogabulus, yet I am of opinion it belongs to the firſt, becauſe there hath been ſeen heretofore in theſe parts this inſcription quoted by Guilliman, and by Gruterus after him, wherein was read TRIB. POTEST. XVI. COS. III. Now of theſe three Emperors whom we have named, the laſt hath not ſo often had the power of Tribune. And Caracalla was Sirnamed when he held the ſixteenth time the Office of Tribune, Germanick and Britannick, which would not have been omitted in this Inſcription: whereas Marcus Aurel. to whom this belongs, had not then any Title when he was in the 16th year of his Tribuneſhip, ſeeing it was then but the ſecond year of his Reign: for Antoninus had granted it him when he was but Caeſar, that is to ſay, deſigned for the Empire. Neither is there ſeen in this Inſcription any title added to his name.

XXXIII.
On the Treillis or Lattice

[Page]

D..
RVFIAE AQVILINAE
C. F.

THis is nothing but the ruins of a Stone dedicated to the Manes of Ruſia Aquilina. caii Filla.

XXXIV.
Under the Hall of the Auditory.

L. NAMMIO
NVMIDAE

NƲmida might be the name of Lucius Nammius's Country: but the name and praename being Roman, there is more likelihood that it is but a Sirname.

XXXV.
In S. Peter's-Wall, on the ſide of the Stairs of Poule.

[Page]

Supply D. M.
& qu IETI AETERNAE
ma NSVETINIAE IV
lia NAE LIBERTAE
ca RISSIMAE ET CON
jug I INCOMPARA
bili FEMINAE SAN
eti SSIMAE C. MA
ns VETINIVS PA
ter NVS PATRO
NVS

THis was dedicated to the gods Manes, and to the everlaſting repoſe of Manſuetinia Juliana a freed Woman and Wife of Cajus Manſuetinius Paternus, which teſtifies of the holineſs of her Life.

XXXVI.
In the Wall of the ſame Church over-againſt the Biſhops Palace.

—RICCIO T. F.....
C. L. FRONTONI
VIR AERARI
....R. EX TESTAM.

RIccius Fronto Son of Titus, the freed Man of Caia, Overſeer of the publick Treaſury, is the Perſon for whom this Inſcription hath been made by one of his Heirs, who was enjoyned thereto in his Will. There is mention made of the ſame Office of Duumvir Aerarii in the twelfth Inſcription.

XXXVII.
Near S. Germains.

[Page]

DIIS MANIB.
SEXM....
ATRO VI.
SAGAR.... NI..
NARCISSVS.... AN..

SAgarius is a dealer in Gowns: Negotiator Sagarius is in other Inſcriptions. Narciſſus is the Sirname of a freed Man, as was this famous Narciſſus whom the Emperor intruſted with the chief care of the Sale.

XXXVIII.
At la Peliſſerie.

IMP. CAES.
C. VIBIO TREBONIA
NO GALLO PIO FELICI
AVG. PONTIFICI MAX.
TRIB. POTES. COS. II. P. P.
IMP. CAES.
C. VIBIO ANNIO GALLO....
IANO VOLVSIANO

[Page] THis was a Millenary Column made in the time when Trebonian and Voluſian held the Empire. We may obſerve, that the latter of theſe carried theſe ſix: Cajus Vibius Anintus Gallus Trebonianus Voluſianus, which obſervation you will not meet with elſewhere. Aurelius Victor miſ-names theſe two Emperors, Virius Gallus and Voleſianus.

XXXIX.
This was ſeen heretofore at Geneva.

D. M. S.
VETVRIAE C. F. BELLAE
HEV POSITAE GNATAE
TRISTES
POSVERE PARENTES
C. VETVRIVS. Q. F. C. N. OVF.
IVLIANA O. F. SCAPT.
LIBB. MER.

CAjus Veturius of the Ouſentine Tribe, and his Wife Juliana of the Scaptian Tribe, had cauſed this Inſcription to be ſet over the Tomb of their Daughter Veturia Bella. O. F. that is to ſay Cajae filiae, the praenames of Women being marked by a Letter turned backwards: but it ſeldom hapned that they had any praenames.

XL.
This was heretofore at S. Gervais.

[Page]

D. M.
PAPIRIAE POLCRAE
QVAE VIXIT ANN. VIIII.
MESS. II. DIES XII.
MAGNA FREQVENTIA
LEG. XIII.
EL. EST
L.

Caii filius.

PAPIRIVS. C. F. PROBVS
TRIB. MIL.
AELIA AELIANA
PAR.

Parentes maerentes filiae meritiſſimae.

MOER.
FIL. MER.
P. C.

THis Inſcription, which is for a Monument to preſerve the memory of Papiria Polcra, who had lived but nine Years, and two Months and twelve Days, had been ſet up by Lucius Papinius Probus a Military Tribune, and by his Wife Aelia Aeliana; the Father and Mother being afflicted at the loſs of ſo dear a Daughter. MAGNA FREQVENTIA LEG. XIII. EL. EST. which ſignifies, if I miſtake not, Magna frequentia leg [...]oni [...] tertiae elata eſt; that ſhe had been attended at her Burial by a great number of Soldiers of the thirteenth Legion, of which her Father was without queſtion the Commander or Tribune. Sertorius Ʋrſatus in his Book de Notis Romanorum, hath expounded after the ſame manner theſe Characters EL. EST. Elata eſt.

XLI.
This was found in the Year 1678. at the foot of the Tower of the Iſle, and may be ſeen at this preſent at the Houſe of Monſieur Minutoli the publick Profeſſor.

[Page]

DEO SILVA
NO PRO SALV
TE RATIARIOR.
SVPERIOR A.
MICOR SVOR.
BASIM SANCT.
M. ARRIVS CIVIS HEL.
V. S. L. M.

THis is the Baſis of a Statue dedicated to the god Sylvian, for the health of the Superior Boatmen, or who had their Quarter aſſigned them in the upper-part of the Lake and the Rhoſne, by Marcus Arrius Citizen of Switzerland or Helvetia, their Friend, who had by this means diſcharged himſelf of his Oath. Sylvian was the god of the Woods, and the Bargemen honoured him, upon the account that he ſhould furniſh them with good Wood, either to make Barks, or to bring along with them in thier Rafts (Radeaux) or flat-bottom Boats: for this word Radeaux is derived from Ratis; from whence hath been formed the word Ratiarius, which is ſeldom uſed. Rates, ſaith Feſtus, vocantur tigna inter ſe colligata, quae per aquam aguntur: quo quidem vocabulo interdum etiam naves vocantur. Eodem nomine ſignificamus remos.

[Page] Theſe following Roman Inſcriptions are to be ſeen in ſeveral parts about Geneva.

XLII.
In the Church of S. Saflorin, neer de Vevay.

TI. CLAVDIVS DRVSI F.
CAESAR AVG. GERM.
PONTIF. MAX. TRIB.
PONT. VIII.
IMP. XII. P. P. COS. IIII.
F. A.
XXXVII.

THis is a Millenary Stone, by which the Romans were wont to mark out the diſtance of places, for it is made in form of a Coſumn, and the numerical Characters are Engraven on it. It was perhaps thirty ſeven Miles thence to Avanche; for this may be the meaning of theſe two Letters, F. A. Faederata Aventicum. Guichenon and John Baptiſte Plantin have not read correctly the firſt word TIT. which ſignifies Titus, inſtead of TI. which ſignifies Tiberius, and which is the praename of Claudius, in whoſe Reign this Stone had been ſet up. For to confirm what I have ſaid of the two Letters, F. A. behold here another Millenary Stone, whereon the word Aventicum may be read at length. It was found in 1640. and is not any more than the preceeding, obſerved by Gruterus.

XLIII.
At Entreroches.

[Page]

IMP.
CAES. TIT. AELIO.
HADRIANO
AVG. P. M. TRIB.
POT. COS. III. P. P.
AVENTICVM
M. P. XXXXI.

THat is to ſay, Imperatori Caeſari Tito Aelio Hadriano Auguſto, Pontifici Maximo, Tribunitiae poteſtatis, Conſuli tertium, Patri patriae, Aventicum milliarium poſuit quadrageſimum primum. Plantin and Guichenon, inſert on the ſecond line TR. P. AELIO, which is a palpable miſtake, for TR. P. ſignified Tribunitiae poteſtatis, which would have then been twice repeated, ſeeing there is the ſame again.

XLIV.
At Nions.

C. LVCCONI CO..
TETRICI PRAEFECT.
ARCEND. LATRO..
PRAEFECT PROIIVIR
IIVIR BIS FLAMINI
AVGVST.

THere are ſeveral Inſcriptions at Nions, but I only produce this, becauſe it is not taken notice of by Gruterus, and that it is remarkable for the charge which Cajus Lucconius Tetricus had, de Praefectus arcendis latronibus, the ſame with what they call in [Page] French, Grand Provoſt. whoſe Office was to keep the Road free from Thieves. The charge of Duumvir, Produumvir and Prieſt of the Emperor, were held by the ſame Perſon: and we have already obſerved that the Sword, the Gown, and the Prieſthood were not inconſiſtent amongſt the Ancients.

XLV.
At Coppet.

D. M.
PHILET BRIT
TAL. ANNORVM
XXIIII DEFVNCT
O CLAVDIA
NVS FILI VNICI
ET PIISSIMI
P.

P [...]endum [...]ravit.

C.
SVB. ASC. DED.

THis Inſcription is not correct in Gruterus, Plantin and Guichenon: which obliged me, ſome Years ſince as I paſſed by to light of my Horſe to take a Copy of it, although there is no great matter in it. Gruterus readeth PHILETI BRITAI & D. II. VNC.. OS for DEFVNCTO: & Plantin PHILE. II. BRITTAI. Philetus Brittallus was a young Man of twenty four Years, for whom his Father Claudianus had cauſed this Stone to be Engraven, and had dedicated it ſub aſcia, as a token of his Paternal affection. This is all that can be made out of it.

XLVI.
At Seligny, a Village dependant on Geneva, near Coppet.

[Page]

D. M.
CORNELIO
BILCAISIONIS
FIL.
PVBLICIA
PERPETVA
CONIVGIS
INCOMPARA
BILIS.

THis Stone is in the Temple wall of this Village, and the top of it hath been made hollow to ſerve inſtead of a Font, or Holy-water-pot: Gruterus and Guichenon read Biicaiſio, inſtead of Bilcaiſio: which word ſavours of the rudeneſs of ſome ancient Helvetian or Gauloiſe name. The Stone is nothing elſe but a Monument ſet up for a remembrance of Cornelius the Son of Bilcaſio by his Wife Publicia Perpetua.

XLVII.
At Annemaſſe, a Village belonging to Genevois.

D. M.
ET MEMORIAE ATTINIAE
TIBERIAE MAXIMAE AVRELIVS
ROMANVS PROTECTOR
DVCENARIVS
CONJVGI INCOMPARABILI

[Page] THis Office of Protector Ducenarius, which Aurelius Romanus held, is remarkable: Mercius in his Lexicon Graecobarbarum ſaith that Ducenarii were Tax-gatherers; concerning whom there is a Law in the Codex L. Ducenarii de exact. Trib. ne ducenarii plus quàm quadraginta octo in ſingulis habeantur. The Greeks uſed the ſame word. Photius Biblioth. [...], where I believe the word [...] ought to be corrcted and [...] put before [...] making it [...], for Perennia is not the name of a Roman Family, but rather Herennia, to which this Publius Herennius belonged, Ducenarius or Receiver of Tributes.

XLVIII.
In the Village of Meyſeri, three or four Leagues diſtant from Geneva, between Beauregard and Nermier, on a Column.

..EPI SEVER..
CAI SABADIA
M.. RIBTO T. IX.
DESIC.... III P. P. PT
ET ANTONIN...
TII... P. C. IIII COS. DESG.

GƲichenon who thus deſcribes it in his Hiſtory of Savoy, thought he had diſcovered that the ancient name of Savoy had been Sabadia, and which conſequently had been in uſe in Severus his time. Inſcriptions are in truth of great uſe in the knowledge of Hiſtory, and Geography; but when they are ill tranſcribed, and ſo by conſequence ill miſunderſtood, they commonly introduce ſeveral errors. And this may ſerve for a proof of all the reſt, for there never was ſuch a word as Sabadia, and the whole of that Inſcription produced by Guichenon, is a confuſed piece of nonſence, in which a man may make ſome uncertain gueſſes. For thus it ought to be reſtored.

[Page]

Imp. sEPT. SEVERO Aug.
ParthiC. ARAB. ADIAB.
Pont. Max. TRIB. POT. IX
COS. II. DESIGN. III. P. P. ET
m. AurE L. ANTONINO
TRIB. POT. III. COS. DESIGN.
M. P....

So that it will be no hard matter for us to underſtand how-Guichenon in theſe two words ARAB. ADIAB. ſhould make ſuch a miſtake. This Column was a Millenary Stone erected in the time when Septimus Severus Auguſtus ſurnamed Parthick, Arabick, Adiabenick, was Emperor, who took on him theſe names, becauſe he had vanquiſhed the Parthians, Arabians and Adiabenians, when he was chief Prelate, having exerciſed the Office of Tribune nine times, and having been then twice Conſul and deſigned again to the ſame Office, being entruſted for the third time with the power of the Tribuneſhip, under Marcus Aurel. Anotoninus his ſon, and deſigned Conſul. M. P... ſignifies Millarium poſitum, or poſuerunt, or as others expound it. Milliaria paſſuum, to which we muſt add the number of Miles which is worn out.

Upon which I would advertiſe the lovers of Antiquity, that a man muſt uſe his own judgment in the Reading of Guichenon. He hath collected ſeveral Inſcriptions which are not in Gruterus, but we ſhould have been farther obliged to him had he been more exact. Lo here is one which he hath pitifully deciphered.

XLIX.
At the Caſtle of Monfalcon.

[Page]

IVN. AL AVG. MA.
IEIS. CASIROR
S. III. MIVS HO
NORARIVS PROC.
AVGG. H. CAES.

Obſerve how I have reſtored it.

IVLIAE AVG. MA
TRIS CASTROR.
SEPTIMVS HO
NORATVS PROC.
AVGG. ET CAES.

THis is an Inſcription ſet up in honour of Julia Auguſta the wife of Severus, to whom as we learn by the Medals and Inſcriptions, there was given the name of Mater Caſtrorum, the Mother of Armies. The Stone having been engraven by the order of Septimius Honoratus Procureur, or Lieutenant to the Emperors Severus and Caracalla, and of Geta Ceſar who was deſigned to the Empire. Theſe corrections may be proved to be right by uncontroulable reaſons, but it is not neceſſary to loſe time in theſe matters; ſeeing they will appear thus to any perſon who is verſed in ancient Inſcriptions.

L.
This and the following fragment are to be ſeen over the Gate Du Bourg of Four at Geneva.

[Page]

....S. N. PATRIT...
AS... P. P...
....RITFERO...AE
ROMV...
D.
...NIVGIT....LLI ...S
MIL. LEG. XXII. ADI...
..FECTVM ......BI
...OICA......

THere can be nothing elſe made of this, but that it had been engraved by a Tribune or Colonel of the twenty ſecond Legion, called Adiutrix.

LI.
In the ſame place.

....ADVS REX C .. M
..MO IVMENT. PROP.
...PATIO MVT...CA

THis might relate to Gondebaud King of Burgundy, who dwelt at Geneva: and the firſt Line might be GVNDEBADVS REX CLEMENTISSIMVS, for in the Ancient Courts we read indifferently, Gundebadus, Gundebaldus, and Gundebaudus.

There is kept, in the Town-houſe, ſeveral ancient Urns, the greateſt part of which are very large, becauſe one of them ſerved a whole Family. There is one of theſe at Monſieur Meſtrezat's the Profeſſor, on whoſe Handle there are theſe Letters, C. V. VA. which perhaps are the Letters of the Potters name.

LII.
A fragment of the Epitaph of Anſegiſus Biſhop of Geneva, ſtanding at the Corner of the Channons-ſtreet, in Monſieur Tremblet's Houſe.

[Page]

NON MERITIS PRECOR
VIV...
PRAEVALEAT PIETAS
QV....
ET QVICVNQVE LEGIT
E....
SIMQVE SVIS PRAECIBVS
F....
ADSIT ALMIFICVS VICTOR....
PERPETVIS VALEAM....
ANSEGISVS ERAM P....
SIS MEMOR IPSE MEI....

HE died in the Year 840. thoſe kind of cornered C's which are in the Original were in uſe in thoſe days. Near the Temple of Cologny there is ſeen the remains of a Character like this, where we find—GISVS EPS, that is to ſay, Anſegiſus Epiſcopus. But it is great pity that this Epitaph is not intire, it conſiſted of four Dyſtichs. In the firſt of which he ſeems to ſay, that he deſires not to be judged according to his merits, but according to his faith and truſt in Gods mercy. In the ſecond, he recommends himſelf to the Readers prayers. In the third, he implores S. Victor's help and the Churches, out of which this Epitaph was taken; when that of S Victor was pulled down to make fortifications, and in the laſt Dyſtich, he declares his name to be Anſegiſus, and entreats again the Reader to remember him in his prayers.

LIII.
At a little Gate of S. Peter's-Church, on the Shoulders of this Apoſtle's Statue.

[Page]

PETRE AMAS ME TV
SCIS DMN QA AMO TE
ET. EGO DICO TIBI
PASCE OVES MEAS

THis is ſeveral hundred years old, as may be ſeen by the Characters although they are not Gothick. So it is likely to have been made in the time when Conradus was Biſhop who finiſhed S. Peters Church.

MODERN INSCRIPTIONS.

[Page]

I.
On a Bell which belonged to the Dominicans, and which hath ſince been uſed for a Clock in Monnoye.

Reverendiſſimus Dns Jo. de Brogniaco
Eps Oſtien. & S. Roman. Ecce Cardinalis
& Vicecancellarius me fieri fecit, Anno Mcccc quinto Die xx menſis Decembris Ave Maria.

JOhn of Brognier was Biſhop of Geneva in 1423. and was Cardinal and Biſhop of Ostie in the year 1405. as it appears by this Inſcription; ſo that this quality of Cardinal Biſhop of Ostie, could not be attributed at the ſame time to John Bertrandis Biſhop of Geneva in 1414. according to Roſet's account in his Chronological Manuſcript.

II.
In the Philoſophy-School, or Chappel of the Cardinal of Oſtie.

L' AN MCCCC &
XIIII was made this Inſcription
which was Engraven by M. John
Prindal Sirnamed de Bruceſſes Pfues which you may read if you pleaſe.

[Page] THis Inſcription may ſerve to convince thoſe who will notallow this Chappel to have been built in 1416. or in 1414. of the ſame date with this Epitaph, by the Cardinal John of Bertrandis, who was then Biſhop, and not by John of Brognier who was but in 1423. but this reaſon is not ſo prevalent as the Arms of John of Brognier, and of his Nephew Francis of Mies which are to be ſeen there: and this Stone perhaps might have been brought thither either when it was finiſhed, or perhaps ſince.

III.
At S. Gervaiſes Steeple.

Anno MCCCCXXXV
ET... IANVAR......

THis was dated from the Year 1435. when this Steeple was repaired by Francis of Mies Biſhop of Geneva.

IV.
In S. Peter's Church, round a Tomb-ſtone.

HIC IACET VENERABILIS
ET EGREGIVS
VIR Dnus Anſermus de Chenay
Can. Eccliar Viennen. &
Gebenn. QVI OBIIT Die
XXVII. menſis Octobris,
Anno Dni M.o. CCCCo.
XXXVIIo. Cujus aia in
pace requieſcat. Amen.

THis is the ancienteſt of all the Chanons Epitaphs in S. Peters Church. It is in Gothick Letters, and the Arms of this Anſelme of Chenay are joyned with it. The Shield is charged with two Bends. The Biſhoprick of Geneva was under the juriſdiction of the Metropolitan [Page] of Vienna, ſo that there was great Communication held betwixt theſe two Churches. The Canon is ſigned in an ancient Act cited by the Author of the Book called the Citizen, in p. 256.

V.
In Verdaine-ſtreet, on a Gate belonging to the Hoſpital, which was heretofore the Convent of S. Claire.

PATRONVS NOSTER
MILES GVI
LLIERMVS BOLOMERIVS
FABIVS
IN ANNO MCCCCXLIII
NOS FVNDITVS INSTAVRAVIT

THis Inſcription informs us that the Noble William Bolomier Fabius had founded the Convent of S. Claire at Geneva in 1443. his Arms are engraven on it, of...with a pale of Gules, and for his Creſt a Dogs head. This William of Bolomier was Chancellor of Savoy, and the Dukes chief Miniſter of State there; but three years after this foundation, viz. in the Year 1466. he was thrown alive into the Lake with a ſtone about his neck, for having falſely accuſed of Treaſon the Lord of Varembon. You may read this Hiſtory at large in Guichenon's Hiſtory of Savoy, page 508. Roſet tells us that the Colledge of Geneva was built in 1558. in the ſame place where Bolomiers (Hutins) lodgings lay. It is very likely they were called after this manner, becauſe he had ſeveral houſes near the Convent of S. Claire, and that he took thence an occaſion to build anew the ſaid Convent.

VI.
At S. Peters.

[Page]

Hic jacet Reverendus Pater Dns
Humbertus de Chilliaco Vtriuſque
jur Doctor ſancte ſedis Aplice
prothonotarius Canonicus Ecclie
Geben. & hujus capellae fundator
qui obiit die VI Auguſti, Anno
Dni MCCCCLVII, cujus aia
in pace requieſcat.

THis is in Gothick Letters on black Marble at the entrance into the Chappel, of which he was the Founder ten years before his death: there is written in the windows of it theſe words Dns Humbertus de Chilliaco 1447. This Humbert of Chilliaco was qualified Doctor of Laws, and Prothonotary of the Apoſtolick See, (which I believe was but onely a bare title without any profit, (and Channon of Geneva: he departed this life in 1457. Chilly is a Village five or ſix Leagues diſtant from Geneva, from whence his Family ſp [...]ang.

VII.
At the ſame place.

Hic jacet Nobilis & Potens vir
Gallelius....Gineſſiati, qui obiit
die IIII. Februarij, Anno
Dni Mo. CCCCo. LXIX. Aia Requieſcat in pace. Amen.

THis is written in Gothick Letters, and hath the Coat of Arms belonging to it joyned with it, which are three Barrs wavy. The termination (i) makes me apt to believe that this Gineſſiati was an Italian.

VIII.
At the ſame place.

[Page]

Hoc Antro recubat R. Pr. Grener.
inclyti de Viry Amblardus
prot.....MCCCCLXXV.
die VIII. Septembris.

AMblard Prothonotary of the family of the Viry's departed this life in 1475. the Eighth of September. This which follows is of the ſame ſtock.

IX.
Near the ſame place.

Marmoreo tegitur iſto vir generoſus
veneranduſque pr Dns Petrus
inclyta Viriacorum famila, inſignis hujus Ecclie Annorum 4o
ſuper......& Canonicus prebendatus
pro ſuo tpe oes impetus
magnanimiter.....Anno ſalutis
1494.

PEter de Viry Channon of Geneva was of the illuſtrious Family of the Viry's. This Epitaph is engraven in Roman Letters, and the Coat of Arms adjoyning thereunto is a Shield paly, and over all a bend, and charged with a Creſcent; in Chief and under the Shield is written Viry. Meneſtrier in his Abridgment of Blazonry, p. 85. yet blazons them of this Family of Viry in Genevois, paled with ſilver and azure without and bend or creſcent. Perhaps there are labels belonging to them.

X.
Near the ſame place.

[Page]

Hic jacet Venerandus Petrus Ferodi
de Grandivalle in legibus licent....
confrater confratrie Sancte Trinitatis & can.cus
Geben. generalem expectans reſurrectionem,
qui obiit anno
Dni MCCCCLXXXXVI &
die V. menſis Novembris.

THis is in Gothick Letters, and the Arms belonging to it are an Anchored Croſs, this Confraternity of the Holy Trinity of which this Peter Ferodi de Grandeval a Licentiate in the Laws was one, had been eſtabliſhed at the Gray-Fryars of Rive, as I have learnt by the remnant of an Inſcription at Chapoterie, where this Convent heretofore ſtood.

XI.
In the ſame Church in Roman Letters.

Reverendus Pr Dnus Andreas de Malvenda utriuſque juris Doctor
& ſedes Applice Prothonotarius,
ac hujus inſignis Ecclie
canonicus & cantor, defunctu
occubat in tumulo. Orate Deum
pro eo. Migravit e ſeculo, anno
ſalutis 1499. die 21. menſis Julij.

THis is an Epitaph belonging to Andrew de Malvenda Channon and Chanter of S. Peters at Geneva, Doctor of Laws, and Apoſtolical Prothonotary. There is a great Vineyard near Geneva called ſtill by that name of Malevendes, and there is farther a famous [Page] Author of the ſame name: the Arms engraved on this Tombſtone, are a Flower-de-Luce, the Creſt is a Hat with three Taſſels. They are moreover to be ſeen painted in the Church-windows in green colour with the Flower-de-Luce.

XII.
Another in Roman Letters.

Hic jacet No.lis Gondiſſalvus de
Malvenda Burgen. Geben. &
Me....obiit dictus No.lis Gondiſſalvus,
die 25. menſis Auguſti
1505. & dicto anno M. die
menſis...

THis Family deſcended originally from Spain, and the Chriſtian name of this Malvenda was Spaniſh, Gonſalve, Burgenſis, Gebennenſis, Citizen of Geneva. This was the way of ſpeaking in thoſe days, his Coat of Arms were in a ſhield impaled, in the firſt ſide of which there is a Flowerd-de-Luce as in Malvenda's Coat.

XIII.
Another in Gothick Letters.

Hic jacet vir venerabilis Dns
Andreas de Croſeto Canonicus
.........qui obiit die XV.
menſis Junii, Anno Dni 1501.
Orate Deum pro eo.

THis Channon Andrew du Croſet died in 1501. and beareth in his Arms a Kid with three Roſes.

XIV.
At the foot of one of S. Peter's Towers.

[Page]

Haec Turris e fundamentis inſtaurata
eſt anno MVX

WHich tells us, That it hath been built anew in the Year 1510.

XV.
In S. Peter's-Church, in Gothick Letters.

Hic jacet R. Pr. D. Fran. de Menthone
Apus Pthon & vener.
D. Richardus de Roſſillione ejus
nepos Geben. Canon & Decanus
Anneſſia. qui occubuerunt anno
Dni, primus 1490. 3o. non Octob.
& alter anno 1508. 28. Junij,
quorum animae requieſcant in pace.

THis Epitaph was made for an Uncle and his Nephew, the former of theſe is called Francis of Menthon the Apoſtolical Prothonotary, who deceaſed in 1490. and the other Richard de Roſſillion, Channon of Geneva, and Dean of Aneſſy who died in 1508. The firſt of theſe bears in his Scutcheon a Lion and over all a bend componeé, the ſecond a Croſs, which are the Arms of the County of Roſſillon near Geneva, in Sable with a ſilver Croſs.

XVI.
In the ſame Church.

[Page]

Joannes Ronzerius hujus inſignis
Eccleſie Canonicus & Archidiaconus
Chamberiaci iſtic proceſſionem
annualiter fiendam
fondavit, anno Dni 1516. 26.
Aprilis cujus anima requieſcat
in pace.
Sic tranſit gloria mundi.

JOhn Ronzier Channon of S. Peters at Geneva, and Archdeacon of Chambery, had inſtituted an annual Proceſſion in this City, and died in 1516.

XVII.
In the ſame Church.

R. I. XP. D. Amblardus Goyetus
I. V. Doctor & Theol. inſignis
Ap. Prot. Abb. Filiaci, Gebencan.
pietate in Deum & religione
devotus, apud principes,
nobiles & plebeios, conſilio,
gratia & liberalitate conſpicuus,
in pio fato conceſſit, anno
à cunis Xi. 1517. 7. Martij.

THis is cut in Roman Letters as well as the eight Verſes following on the ſame Stone, whoſe expreſſions are very neat.

[Page]

Parce precor lacrymis fatum gravare, quid urges?

Omnibus heic ſolido eſt ſcripta adamante dies.

Pulvis & umbra ſumus tantum, poſt funera virtus

Nomen inextinctum ſola ſuperſtes habet.

Nil aurum, nil pompa juvat, nil ſanguis avorum:

Excipe virtutem caetera mortis erunt.

Hanc cole & ante oculos imitanda exempla parentum

Pone: ſed interdum ſit tibi cura mei.

He hath for his Arms a Feſs engraled between three Stars. They are yet to be ſeen over the Counſellors ſeats, with a Croſier and a Hat with four Taſſels. Filly, the place of which this Amblard Goyet was Abbot lies three Leagues diſtant from Geneva on the ſide of Thonon, and was comprehended under the Biſhop of Geneva's juriſdiction: the Gentlemen of S. Martha recite the names of the nine Abbies dependant on the Biſhoprick of Geneva, viz. Entremont, Filly, Siſſeray, Six, S. Katherine, Hautecomte, the Alps and Bonnemont.

XVIII.
Another in Gothick Letters.

[Page]

Sub hoc lapide jacet R. P. D.
Petrus de Bona I. V. Doctor,
Archid. Tarantaſien. ac hujus
inſignis Ecclie Geben. & Bernenſis
Canon. qui poſtquam LVI
annorum ſpatio pie vita fuit
potitus, illam feliciter finivit
, in die 4 Martij, cujus anima
in pace requieſcat.

HIS Coat of Arms is a Tree with two Stars. Peter de Bona held ſeveral Benefices, being Archdeacon of Tarantaiſe, and Channon of Geneva and of Berne.

XIX.
In Gothick Letters.

Precipue nobilitatis & prudentiae
columen ℞ Dnus Ludovicus
de Arlo hujus Ecclie Canonicus
& Curatus Sarravallis hoc capulo
tectus religioſe animam exhalavit:
anno à natali Chriſtiano
1519. & die 15 menſis
Octobris.

HE hath a Lyon in his Coat of Arms: the next is a womans Epitaph of the ſame Family.

XX.
In the ſame Church.

[Page]

Hic jacet nobilis Beatriſia de Lulier
R. V. Claudij de Arlo Dni .............quae obiit 27
Octobris Anno 1494. Requieſcat
in pace Amen.

THis Beatrix de Lullier Wife to Claudus of Arlo, was perhaps the Mother of the forementioned Lewis of Arlo. The time and the names agree with the Arms: for ſhe beareth party au premier a Lyoned Leopard crowned, and in the ſecond a Lyon.

XXI.
Another in Gothick Letters.

Marmore ſub iſto recubat Rdus
Hugo de Viola Sancte ſedis
Applice Prothonotarius ac hujus
inſignis Ecclie Canonicus, generalem
expectans reſurrectionem
qui viam univerſe carnis ingreſſus
dies clauſit extremos die XIII. menſis Sept. anno Xrianae
redemptionis Mo. Do. 25o.
cujus aia pace fruatur. Amen.

THe Arms of this Hugues Violette Channon of Geneva, who died in 1525. are a Cheveron with a beaufil in baſe point.

XXII.
In the ſame Church.

[Page]

Hic jacet generoſus Reverenduſque
Pr. D. Fran. de Viriaco Eccl.
Lau. praepoſitus & hujus Canonicus
ac Epatus ſigillifer, qui
Dnis populoque gratus probè vivens,
dierum plenus mortem
memorans lapidem hunc, obitum
autem paravit & Deo animam
reddidit. MD.XXI. &
die XIX menſis Maij. Requieſcat
in pace; Amen.

HE bears the ſame Coat as the preceding doth in number nine, being of the Family of the Viry's, which is yet the name of a Village which leads from Geneva to Chambery. This here mentioned was a Prefect or Provoſt of the Biſhoprick of Lauſane, and Channon of Geneva, and keeper of the Seals belonging to the Biſhoprick of this City, and who departed this life in the Year 1521.

XXIII.

[Page]

Reverendus vir Petrus Gruetus
Apoſtolicus Prothonotarius,
Gebenn. Canonicus & Generalis
Vicarius meritiſſimus, jurium
Doctor celeberrimus, virtute
gratia & conſilio potens,
iſto examinis capulo tegitur, die
ſui obitus vigeſima tertia menſis
Novembris 1531. Orate pro eo.

THe Arms of Peter Gruet who was a Channon likewiſe, are a Column accoſted with ſix Stars, and the ſhield covered with a Hat having three Taſſels pendant. His Effigies, and theſe four Diſtichs are annexed to the Epitaph.

Qui noſtrae fuerat cuſtos gratiſſimus Ʋrbis,

Virtutis decus, & relligionis honos:

Praeſule ſub quinto ſceptri donatus habenis,

Nunc diro mortis ſubdit ur Imperio.

Marmoreo clauſus jacet hic reſupinus in antro.

Aſtra tenet virtus, caetera pulvis habet.

Diſce tuum quiſquis ſimili pede claudere paſſum,

Et tergant oculos haec monumenta tuos.

The third line tells us, that this Channon had been Vicar-General under five Biſhops, as we have already obſerved in our Hiſtory.

XXIV.
In S. Peter's Cloyſter there is this Epitaph of M. d' Aubigné Hiſtoriographer of France.

[Page]

D. O. M.
TESTOR LIBERI QVAM VOBIS
APTVS SVM
SOLO FAVENTE NVMINE
ADVERSIS VENTIS BONIS
ARTIBVS
IRREQVIETVS QVIETEM
EAM
COLERE SI DEVM COLITIS
SI PATRISSATIS CONTINGAT
SI SECVS SECVS ACCIDAT
HAEC PATER ITERVM
PATER
PER QVEM NON A QVO
VERE
VIVERE ET BENE DATVM
VOBIS
STVDIORVM HEREDIB.
MONVMENTO
DEGENERIBVS OPPROBRAMENTO
SCRIPSIT
THEODORVS ALBINAEVS
OCTVAGENARIVS. OBIIT
ANNO
MDCXXX APRIL DIE
XXIX.

[Page] THE ſtile of this Epitaph is not common. He had made it himſelf, and had left it as a publick Teſtament to his Children. The ſenſe of it is ſo excellent that it deſerves to be univerſally known. He begins then thus, ‘In the name of the Almighty and moſt merciful God. Behold here, my Children, my laſt Will and Deſires for you, that ye may enjoy that eaſe and plenty which I have purchaſed for you with a great deal of trouble, although by lawful and honeſt means, maugre the tempeſts which have threatned me on all ſides. And ye will live comfortably, if you ſerve God and tread in your fathers footſteeps: otherwiſe you will not fail to meet with the contrary. It is your Father, who hath been twice your Father who gives you this Council, from whom although not primarily) ye have received your being and well-being. And this hath he written for to be an honourable teſtimony to you, if ye follow his example; but if ye degenerate, he deſigns it for a reproach and publick diſgrace. Theodorus d' Aubigné Octuagenarie, who departed this life, 1630.the twenty ninth of April.’

THE TOMBE oF THE DUKE of ROHAN

XXV.
At S. Peters. The Duke of Rohan's Epitaph.

[Page]

D. O. M. S.
HENRICVS
ROHANII DVX INCLYTVS
PRISCORVM ARMORICAE REGVM GENVINA ET
MASCVLA SOBOLES,
[Page] NAVARRAE ET SCOTIAE PRINCEPS,
SVMMIS EVROPAE DYNASTIS
AFFINITATE INNEXVS,
HIC IACET.
O VIATOR, NOLI IN GESTA
ALTVM INQVIRERE,
NON SVNT ILLA MAVSOLEI,
MANENT IN ANIMIS
HOMINVM;
FAMA RERVM, AETERNITATE
TEMPORVM
ABI CONTENTVS: QVOD STRICTIM
TIBI EDISSERO
ANNO AETATIS XVI FATIS
OSTENSVS,
SVB AMBIANI MOENIBVS
OBSESSIS
ANTE HENRICI MAGNI ORA EQVO
PROSTRATO CAESOQ.
AVDAX IVVENTA OPIMA
REPORTAVIT.
APVD BELGAS GROLLACENSI,
APVD SICAMBROS IVLIACENSI OBSIDIONE
ILLVSTRIS;
IN TAVRINIS AD FELISSANVM FELICITER
PVGNAVIT,
GERMANOS ET IBEROS IN RHOETIA
ET INSVBRIA
QVADRVPLICI PRAELIO DEBELLAVIT
AD RHENIVM IN CAMPIS RHINFELDIACIS,
IN DEVEXO
HIRCINIAE KALENDIS MART. ANNO
M.DC.XXXVIII.
CAESARIS EXERCITV FVSO,
[Page] CONFOSSVS VVLNERIBVS,
PARTAE VICTORIAE SVPERSTES,
MACTVS GLORIA,
OBIIT KVNIGSFELDAE IDIB. APRIL.
ANNO AETATIS LIX.
FELIX CLARITATE LETHI,
FELICIOR CLARITATE VITAE,
MORTALITATIS EXVVIAS TOTVM
PER ORBEM DIVIDENDAS SVPREMA
VOLVNTATE IN VRBE DILECTA
PERPETVVM SERVARI VOLVIT.
EX DECRETO SENATVS POPVLIQ
GENEVENSIS
MARGARETA BETHVNIA
MAXIMILIANI BETHVNII SVLLIACI
DVCIS FILIA,
CONIVX TANTI MARITI FATA
INTREPIDE SECVTA,
MENTEM INGENIO ASSECVTA
MANDATA INVICTO ANIMO EXECVTA
DOMI MILITIAEQ IN FLVCTVS ET
BELLA COMES,
POSVIT INFELIX AETERNVM AETERNI
LVCTVS MONVMENTVM,
QVOD MANES CINERESQ. DIV
TESTETVR AMATOS.

THis is written in Letters of Gold on a black Marble-ſtone.

[Page] [Page]

[figure]

1. St. Peters. 2. the Borough de Four. 3. St Leger. 4. la Trelle. 5. the Gate of la Trelle. 6. Arsnall. 7 the Town house. 8. St. Germans. 9. the Gate of la Tartaſse. 10. the Coraterie 11. the City. 12 the Bullwork de Loye. 13. the new gate. 14. the Churchyard and Hospitall for those that are inſe [...]ted with the Plague. 15 the Mony gate. 16. the Isle 17. St. Gervais 18. the Lake of Geneva. 1 [...]. the river Rhosne.

XXVII.
On the front of S. John's Bulwark.

[Page]

Viator
Munita licet ſatis ſit ſi probè
morata civitas
Ipſique cives armati ſatis ſi benè
animati
& ambo ſecura nimis ſi cura
numinis excubet:
Externa tamen haudquaquam
vetat Deus praeſidia.
Ea propter
Senatus populuſq. Genevenſis
vnica ſemper in Deum fiduciâ
munimentum iſtud hanc ad diem
deſideratum
Collato aere Lapide cingere coepit
Kal. Mai A. D. M.DC.XLV.
Eique rei
monumentum hoc conlocari voluit.

I Have tranſcribed this Inſcription which was made by Monſieur Godefroy, becauſe ſome perſons have judged it to reſemble the beauty and virtue of Antiquity. Yet we ſhall meet but with few ſuch like affected Antitheſes, or ſporting with words, amongſt the ancients, as munita & morata, armati & animati, ſecura nimis & ſi cura numinis, munimentum & monumentum, although it is in the main of it very ingenious.

[Page] There are ſeveral other modern Inſcriptions which are in the Printed Book called The Citizen, and likewiſe ſeveral particulars, and acts which might ſerve for proofs in this Hiſtory, but we do not think fitting to ingroſs our Book with them.

FINIS.

THE TABLE OF THE FIRST and SECOND BOOK.

[Page]

A

ANcient names of Geneva pag. 2

Antiquity of Geneva 3

Articles of agreement between the Earl of Savoy and Biſhop of Geneva 22

Articles between the Duke and Fribourgers. 69

Alliance with Berne and Geneva 81

Ambuſcade at Lancay 84

Articles of Agreement between the Proteſtants and Romaniſts in the City 97

Amé the Eighth does homage 29

Articles of agreement between the Duke and City 47

Amé of Gingins choſen Biſhop of Geneva. 49

Aſſembly at Payerne 93

Articles of the Bernoiſes 101

B

BIſhop of Geneva 12

S. Bernards Epiſtles 18, 19

Biſhop of Geneva's claims of Sovereignty over the City conſidered. 20

Biſhop of Geneva quits his Biſhoprick. 22

Biſhop and City diſagree 25

Biſhops of Geneva's Authority over the City conſidered. ibid.

Battle between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy. 26

Biſhop of Geneva a favourer of John Huſs. 29

He builds Common-Halls 30

Duke of Burgundy conveys the Dutcheſs of Savoy to Geneva. 37

Biſhop of Geneva kills the Biſhop of Viviers. 39

Biſhop of Geneva's character 40

Berthelier ſought after by the Biſhop 55

Berthelier propoſes an Alliance to the Fribourgers 58

Bernoiſes threaten the Genevoiſes if they oppoſed the Proteſtant Religion 96

Bernard makes publick profeſſion of the Truth. 104

Baudichon made Captain-General 106

Beſancon Hugues with ſome others makes an Alliance with Fribourg 62

Burgerſhip complained againſt by the Princes. 63

Berthelier acquitted by the City 64

Berthelier apprehended by the Duke 71

Berthelier Executed 72

Bandiers appears before the Council 80

Biſhop returns to Geneva 81

Bernoiſes embrace the Proteſtant Religion. 86

Bonnivard betrayed, &c. 91

Bernoiſes ſend Forces to Geneva 92

C

ROman Colony ſent to Geneva 8

Culverins left by the Prior of S. Victor to Geneva. 51

Conſilii ſtabbed 75

Claudius Richardet breaks his Staff on the Treaſurers head 78

Council divided 80

Several Churches built in Geneva 14

Charlemain comes to Geneva 15

Contract between the Biſhop and City of Geneva. 31

Caddoz ſpreads the Plague in Geneva 90

Caſtle of Rolle burnt 92

Conſpiracy to bring in the Biſhop 102

D

DErivation of the word Geneva 5

Diſagreement between the Earl of Genevois and Biſhop of Geneva 17

Duke of Savoy writes to the Pope 30

Duke of Savoy turns Hermit 33

Duke Lewis of Savoy quits all claims to Geneva. 35

Diſagreement of the Genevoiſes in the choice of their Biſhop. 40

Duke of Savoy deſires he might for ſome time remain at Geneva 41

Duke of Savoy comes to Geneva ib.

Duke Philbert dies 46

Duke and Dutcheſs of Savoy arrive at Geneva. ibid.

Dukes Arms battered down 83

Deputies ſent to the Duke 61

Deputies preſent the Dukes Letter to the Council ib.

Duke raiſes an Army 64

Dukes Anſwer to the Deputies 66

Duke enters with his Army into Geneva. 67

Dukes Proclamation 68

Deputies Anſwer to the Duke ibid.

Duke ſends for Hugues and Malbuiſſon 69

Duke deſires to be acknowledged Sovereign over Geneva. 79

E

EArl of Genevois treats with the City of Geneva. 24

Earl of Genevois defeated ibid.

Earl of Genevois dies 25

Earl of Savoy dies 26

Emperor Charles the fourth comes to Geneva. 27

Earl of Savoy endeavors to inſinuate himſelf into the City 28

Earl of Genevois charged with felony 29

Earls of Savoy made Dukes 30

Emperor declares Geneva an Imperial City. 32

Eyria accuſed by René 42

Eignots or Huguenots whence derived 62

Emperor and King of France at variance. 76

Eidgnots faction endeavoured to be weakned. 79

Emperor enjoyns the Duke to deſiſt from his pretenſions of Soveraignty over Geneva. 84

F

FOrt of Penney built by Aymé of Grandſon 22

Fire at Geneva 26

Another. 33

Felix dies 35

Fairs removed from Geneva 37

Famine in Geneva 45

Francis Mallet his liberality 48

French Ambaſſador confined to Geneva. 50

Fribourgers ſend an Herald to the Duke. 66

Fribourgers ſend Forces to Geneva 68

Fribourgers demand ſatisfaction for Bertheliers death 73

Fraternity of the Spoon 85

Fraternity of the Spoon appear before Geneva. 86

Fraternity of the Spoon hold a meeting at Nyons. 87

They are enraged at Pont-Verre's death. 88

They are favoured by the Biſhop 91

Farel comes to Geneva 95

Froment's arrival at Geneva ibid.

He Preaches at Molard ibid.

Furbity oppoſed by Froment 99

Furbity complained againſt by the Bernoiſes. ibid.

Fribourgers threaten to break off with Geneva. 100

Furbity enjoyned to recant 101

Farel Preaches publikely 102

Fribourgers break off with the Genevoiſes. ibid.

Furbities enlargement requeſted by the French King 103

A Fryer Preaches at Geneva in Lent, ib.

Farel Preaches at S. Magdalens 105

Farel Preaches before the Council ibid.

French aſſiſt Geneva 106

Farel cauſes a Faſt to be proclaimed 107

G

GEnevoiſes formidable to the Romans. 5

Genevoiſes protected by the Romans againſt the Switzers 6

[Page] Geneva burnt in Marc. Aurelius's time 8

Geneva rebuilt 9

Geneva firſt received the Chriſtian Faith 11

Gay cauſes the Peaſants to take up Arms againſt the Nobility 41

S. Gervais Walks finiſhed 47

Groſſi's Mule ham-ſtringed 53

Geneva excommunicated 58

Gout cured 83

Geneva Alarm'd 85

Geneva fortified by the Syndicks 93

H

HElvetians invade the Gauls 7

Hubert Dauphin of Viennois aſſaults the City of Geneva 23

Humbert of Villers dies 29

A Herald ſent to the City 64

I

JUlius Caeſars name yet retained in ſundry Families in Geneva 7

John of Morellis choſen Biſhop of Geneva. 28

John of Bertrandis choſen Biſhop of Geneva. 29

John of Pierre ſeizes the Founder of the Biſhops Palace 3 [...]

John of Savoy obtains the Biſhoprick of Geneva. 49

John of Savoy dies of the French-Pox 74

L

LEvrery ſent for by the Duke 77

Levrery put to death 78

Liberty of Conſcience permitted to both parties in Geneva 98

M

MAlefactor dies under the torments which he ſuffered, to make him confeſs. 44

Mortel a famous Thief 45

Marcoſſay's lot to be King 74

Mammeluſſes Conſpiracy 82

Meteor ſeen at Geneva 86

Maſs aboliſhed in Geneva 105

Money Coyned at Geneva 107

N

NƲns leave to Geneva 106

Names of Geneva 2

O

OLivetan firſt tranſlates the Bible into French. 96

P

PRiviledges of the City of Geneva 28

Philippe choſen chief Syndick 81

Peace concluded between the Duke and City of Geneva 92

Proteſtant Religion began to be maintained at Geneva 95

Proteſtant Religion oppoſed by the Fribourgers 96

Pennet ſentenced to be beheaded 101

Proteſtants and Papiſts equal in number in the City 102

Peter of Focigny choſen Biſhop of Geneva. 26

Penay Caſtle aſſaulted by the Genevoiſes. 104

Priviledges of Geneva confirmed 29

Popular Tumults 52

Pecolat joques on the Biſhop 53

Pecolat put upon the Rack 55

Pecolat cuts out his own Tongue 56

Peter of Beaume choſen Biſhop 75

Preparations for the entertainment of the Dutcheſs. 75

Pontverre enters Geneva 88

Q

QƲarrels about Religion 100

R

REné endeavors to make his Brother Sovereign over Geneva 42

René declaimed againſt by a Preacher 43

René begins to be out of favour with his Brother. ibid.

S

SItuation of Geneva 9

Shoomakers Prediction concerning John of Brognier 32

Switzers mutiny for lack of their Pay 38

Alliance made with the Switzers by John Lewis Biſhop of Geneva ibid.

Syndicks put by their Office. 73

Suburbs of S. Victor alarm'd 89

Saunier baniſhed the City 95

T

THoberet ſentenced to loſe his head. 99

V

VIdame Impriſoned 48

Vandel impriſoned 52

Victor impriſoned 67

Victor his advice to the Genevoiſes 87

Vandel wounded 97

Verly ſlain 98

Verly's Relations bring along with them ſixſcore Soldiers to revenge his death ib.

Vandel led away Priſoner 103

Viret almoſt poyſoned 104

W

WIlliam of Conſtance dies 23

The TABLE of the THIRD BOOK.

AN Anabaptiſt diſputes with Farel 113

Artichaud's Faction 115

Adultery ſeverely puniſhed 121

Amede lays ambuſhes about Geneva 137

Albigny draws up his men near Bonne 150

Alexander the Jeſuit encourages the enterprizers 152

Aubigné comes and lives at Geneva 174

His death ibid.

Anthony his Errors 174

Abominable practices and end 175

B

BArk fitted out by the Genevoiſes 110

Baniſhment of the three Miniſters repealed 116

Bonne taken by the Genevoiſes 128

Bernoiſes agree upon a Ceſſation of Arms 133

Baron of Conforgien arrives at Geneva 138

Beza Preaches a Thanskgiving Sermon for their deliverance from the attempt of the Savoyards 156

Buttet ſets forth a Book called the Cavalier of Savoy 163

Blondel his villany ibid.

Beza dies 165

Baſtide and Terrail executed 169

Battel fought by the Duke of Nemours and the Duke of Savoy 171

Bernoiſes promiſe them of Geneva their aſſiſtance 109

They break off with the Duke of Savoy 110

Bernoiſes arrive at Geneva 111

Bolſec charges the Miniſters with teaching falſe Doctrine 118

—He writes Calvin's life 119

Baron of S. Lagier ſlain 129

Boege taken 131

Buringe beſieged 141

Beza reported to have turned Papiſt 144

Baſtard of Savoy comes to Geneva 145

Beza makes a ſpeech to the King of France 147

Baron of Eſclavonia retires to Geneva 173

Bonnivard ſet at liberty 111

C

CAlvin comes to Geneva 112

He compiles a Catechiſm 113

Was together with others baniſhed the City 114

He writes to Geneva 114

Sent for again to Geneva 116

His painfulneſs ibid.

He diſputes with Carolin ibid.

He is accuſed for teaching falſe Doctrine 118

He anſwers Bolſec ibid.

His death 122

Caſtalio his opinions 117

Colledge built in Geneva 121

Captain Guiche aſſaulted by the Peaſants 136

Cruſille ſacked and burnt 140

Conforgien returns home 143

Culebro his Orders 162

Canal a Traytor to the City 166

Cromwel writes to the Genevoiſes 180

Crequi paſſes through Geneva 182

[Page] City divided 186

Chillon Caſtle beſieged 111

Carolyn maintains the lawfulneſs of the Maſs 113

Chenalat executed for Treaſon 172

D

DƲke of Savoy makes new attempts on Geneva 124

Des Plans a Traytor to the City 124

Duke advances to attack the Fort near Arve 131

Dukes Army approaches 141

Duke of Savoy deſires the French King to deſiſt from protecting Geneva 146

Duke diſpatches Meſſengers to all parts to publiſh his good ſucceſs 152

De Vic Ordered to aſſure the Genevoiſes of the French Kings favour 161

Duke of Rohan's Funeral 178

Diſcourſe of the Rhoſne ibid.

Deodati's death 179

Duke of Savoy quarters great number of Soldiers round about Geneva 183

Diligence of the people in working at the Fort 185

Diſcovery of a late deſign on Geneva 187

Deputies diſpatched from Geneva 190

E

ENgliſh Church at Geneva 120

Earthquakes 125

Eſgaillon beheaded 135

Ebbings and flowings of the Rhoſne 184

Emperor's Embaſſador paſſes from Geneva. 191

F

FRench deſigned to be Maſſacred in Geneva 120

French Kings complaint againſt Geneva 121

Famine in Geneva 126

Fort of Arve demoliſhed 144

Fire on the Bridge of Rhoſne 186

G

GEnevoyſes ſally out againſt the Savoyards 110

Gex ſurrendred ibid.

Grybalde propagates Servetus his opinions 120

Gentil diſputes againſt Calvin 120

Grimaud endeavors to ſpread the Plague 123

Gex ſurrendred 128

Genevoyſes engage the Enemy 132

Gex ſurprized 134

Genevoyſes ſhamefully worſted by the Savoyards 137

Genevoyſes defeated 138

Genis taken by ſurprize 161

Giovani accuſes an eminent perſon in the City of Treaſon 170

Gothefredus his Latin Inſcription 179

Gautier hanged 180

Genevoyſes fortify their City 184

H

HEnry the third of France makes an Alliance with the Switzers 123

Hermance layes an ambuſh for the Genevoyſes gathering their Wine-Harveſt 139

I

JEws requeſt to Geneva 125

Jubilé at Thonon where the deſign of ſcaling Geneva was laid 149

K

KIngs Army attached by the Savoyards 141

King of France declares Geneva comprehended in the Treaty 149

King of France comes to Lyons 181

L

LA Cluſe ſurrenders 111

Lentilles ſpreads the Plague in Geneva 117

La Cluſe attempted by the Genevoiſes ſurrenders 134

Lurbigny defeats the Savoyards 136

Lancy demoliſhed 143

Letter of the Genevoyſes to the Sieur of Guiche 156

Letter of the French King to the Genevoyſes 157

Landgrave of Heſſe makes the City of Geneva a Preſent 166

Lectius dies at Geneva 170

M

MAſs aboliſhed 111

Mare committed to Priſon 114

Marquis of Vico comes to Geneva 119

[Page] Mercier the Miniſter flead alive 133

Maillet committed Priſoner 158

Marquis of Bade retires to Geneva 173

N

NAtional Synod at Paris 172

Noroy ſecured. 189

O

OLivarez Counſel to the Dukes Embaſſador 127

P

PEney blown up 110

Peace concluded 145

Peace concluded between the Duke and Genevoyſes 163

Philippe kills a man with his Leadingſtaff 115

Plague at Geneva 116

Pope requeſted to aſſiſt the Duke 126

Prince Palatin's entertainment at Geneva 187

Prince George dies there 189

R

RIchardet kills himſelf by a fall 115

Regiment of Soleurre attached 130

Roſet Harangues the Queen and Dauphin 191

Roſet dies at Geneva 169

S

SAunier teaches School at Geneva 111

Saunier with others baniſhed 114

Syndicks ſtill Catholicks in their hearts 113

Servetus comes to Geneva 119

Spiffame his Tragical end 122

Sancy animates the Genevoyſes againſt the Duke 127

Savoyards attack the Forces from Berne 132

[Page] They ſet upon three Barks bound for Geneva 135

Sonas ſlain 142

Sadeel dies at Geneva 143

Serres dies at Geneva 145

Sonas bleeds at Noſe 151

He together with ſix others firſt climb up the City walls 152

Sarraz in compiles a Book called The Genevoiſe Citizen 163

A Sergeant executed 170

Spies ſent into Savoy 184

Savoy and Geneva differ about the impoſition of Salt 190

Spaniſh Embaſſador paſſes through Geneva 191

Stouppe intercedes in the behalf of Geneva ibid.

T

TOurnon his Harangue to the Lords of Berne 157

Terrail his deſigns on the City of Geneva 167

His deſigns on Geneva diſcovered 168

He ſets out from Savoy for Flanders ib.

Apprehended and executed 169

V

VErſoy beſieged 133

Valour of a Captain 140

Valour of a Taylor 155

W

WArning given to the City of Geneva 149

Warning given a ſecond time to them 150

Z

ZUrich makes a perpetual Alliance with Geneva. 126

Information about this book

Title statement

The history of the city and state of Geneva, from its first foundation to this present time faithfully collected from several manuscripts of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and others / by Isaac Spon ...Histoire de la ville et de l'état de Genève. English

Spon, Jacob, 1647-1685.

Edition statement

1687

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A61145

ID [STC]

Wing S5017

ID [STC]

ESTC R12216

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11911418

ID [OCLC]

ocm 11911418

ID [VID]

50836

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

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Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A61145)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 50836)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 514:20)

Source

— The history of the city and state of Geneva, from its first foundation to this present time faithfully collected from several manuscripts of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and others / by Isaac Spon ..., Histoire de la ville et de l'état de Genève. English, Spon, Jacob, 1647-1685., Godefroy, Jacques, 1587-1652., Chorier, Nicolas, 1612-1692..

Extent

[7], 250, [6], p., 2 leaves of plates : ill., 3 plans (2 fold.)

Printed for Bernard White,. London :: 1687.. (Added t.p., engraved.) (Translation of the author's Histoire de la ville et de l'état de Genève, which was first published Lyons, 1680.) ("The table" [i.e. index]: p. [1]-[6] at end.) (First edition in English.) (Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library.)

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