The true prophecies or prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best astronomers that ever were. A work full of curiosity and learning. Translated and commented by Theophilus de Garencieres, Doctor in Physick Colleg. Lond. (part 4 of 4)
Charles the IX. King of France, the last of the House of Valois left only one natural Son, called the Earl of Auvergne, who had a Sister by the Mothers side, that was called Henrietta de Balzac Duchess of Verneuil, once Mistriss to Henry the IV. by whom she had upon promiss of marriage one Son, at this time Duke of Verneuil, and Governour of Languedoc; but this promiss being made void by Act of Parliament, Henry IV. married Mary of Medicis, by which he had issue Lewis the XIII. and other children: now upon the discontent of the Marshal of Biron, the Dutchess of Verneuil, the Earl of Auvergne her Brother, and their party joyned with him for the promoting of the Duke of Verneuil’s interest to the Crown, whereupon the King sent for the Earl of Auvergne, who was then in his County a hundred Leagues from Paris; but the Earl trusting more the good will of the Citizens of Clermont in Auvergne who loved him, then to the Kings Clemency, neglected to come, whereupon the King sent again the Lord d’Escures, with a pardon for what was past; he promised to come when he should see his pardon Signed and Sealed in good form; the King was offended at his proceeding, and took it very ill that a Subject of his would capitulate with him, who intended to deal plainly and sincerely; the King nevertheless past that over for many considerations, one of them was that the Earl was of the blood of France, and brother by the Mother to one that had been his Mistress, besides that he was a Prince endowed with many good qualities, most of which did Sympathise with those of the King, thus the King sent him his Pardon as well for what was past, as for the present, but with this proviso that he should come; for all this, he did not stir out of Clermont; the King seeing that, did resolve to have him at any rate: there was several propositions made for to take him: at Hunting, at running of the Ring, at some Banquet, in the Fields, in the City; all these ways might be suspected by the Earl, but a new one was found out, of which he himself was the Author; the Troop of the Duke of Vendosme was preparing for to Muster, the Earl intreated d’Eurre Lieutenant of the said company, that it might be in the Fields by Clermont towards Nonnain, because he intended to take revenge in the behalf of a Lady, upon the Inhabitants of that place. The King sent directions and orders to d’Eurre, how he should govern himself in that action, and gave him for Associates, la Boulaye, Lieutenant of the Marquess of Verneuil’s Troop, and Nerestan Colonel of a Foot Regiment. By the Kings advice they imparted the business to the Viscount of Pont du Chasteau, to the Baron of Canillac and some others, that had authority in that Province, and were devoted to the Kings service, and all keeping religiously the Laws of silence. The 12 of November the Troop met at the Rendezvous; the Earl came thither by times with two only of his followers, thinking that the Troop should not be ready so soon, and so he should have pretext either to go back to Clermont, or to go on further to visit his Mistress. The prudence and diligence of those that managed the business did prevent him, and begot a suspition in him, for he was seen to truss up his Cloak and to try whither his sword did not stick to the Scabbard. D’Eurre went to him, and having complemented him rode on his left hand, while the Troop was setting in order; Nerestan came to salute him on the other side, and rode on his right hand, being followed by three stout Souldiers, habited like Lackeys, and appointed for this action. The Viscount of du Pont du Chasteau and his brother rode out of the Troop and encompassed him on all sides. One of the Souldiers laid hold on the Horses Bridle; d’Eurre at the same time laid hold on his Swords Hilt, saying, my Lord, we are commanded by the King to give him an account of your person, and we intreat you to submit unto his Majesties good pleasure, that we may have no occasion to use you otherways then we desire. Maison-ville and Liverne who were his two followers drew their Swords, thinking to make him way to escape, but some shot spent upon them, made them presently retire and run away. He was put upon a Trumpeters Nag as far as Briare, and thence conducted to Montargis in a Coach, and afterwards by water to Paris and put in the Bastille.
By this History, and the explication of the word Censuart, which is an ancient word derived from the Latine word Censor; and taken here for the Kingly office, the whole Prophecy is easily understood, and obvious to the meanest capacity.
X.
French.
Embassadeur pour une Dame, A son Vaissau mettra la rame, Pour prier le grand Medecin, Que de l’Oster de telle peine, Mais a ce s’opposera Roine, Grand peine avant qu’en voir la fin.
English.
An Embassador for a Lady, Shall set Oares to his Ship, To intreat the great Physition, To take her out of such pain, But a Queen shall oppose it, A great deal of trouble before the end of it.
ANNOT.
This Prophecy is concerning Mary Stuart Queen of Scots put in Prison by Queen Elizabeth, who is called here the opponant Queen, to the Embassy that the said Queen of Scots sent for relief to the King of France, called here the great Physitian.
XI.
French.
Durant le Siecle on verra deux ruisseaux, Tout un terrouer inonder de leurs eaux, Et submerger par Ruisseaux & Fontaines, Coups, & Monfrein, Beccoyran & Alais, Par le Gardon bien souvent travaillez, Six cens & quattre, Ales & trente Moines.
English.
In this Age two Rivolets shall be seen, To overflow a whole Countrey with their waters, And to drown by Rivolets and Fountains, Coups, and Monfrein, Beccoiran and Alais, By the Gardon often troubled, Six hundred and four Alais, and thirty Monks.
ANNOT.
An Age is the space of one hundred years, the meaning therefore of this is, that within the Age following, his Prophecies namely as he saith after, in the year 1664. there shall be great Inundation in Languedoc, caused by the overflowing of two small Rivers, besides that of Gardon, which Inundation shall drown these following places, Coups, Monfrein, Becoyran and Alais, besides, and Abbey wherein there was 30. Monks, but of this I could find nothing in the History, therefore those that live about those places must make it good.
XII.
French.
Six cens & cinq tres grand nouvelle, De deux Seigneurs la grand querelle, Proche de Gevaudan sera, En une Eglise apres l’offrande, Meuttre commis, prestre de mande, Tremblant de peur se sauvera.
English.
In six hundred and five shall be great news; The quarrel of two great Lords, Shall be near Gevaudan, In a Church after the Offering, A murder committed, the Priest shall ask, And quaking for fear, shall save himself.
ANNOT.
This (like the former) is a particuler accident, of which the publick History taketh no notice; it seemeth that in the year 1665. in Gevaudan, a Province of France near Languedoc, there was a great quarrel between two Lords who meeting at Church, did about the time of the Offering set one upon another, and one of them was killed, whereupon the Priest being terrified, ran away.
XIII.
French.
L’aventurier, six cens, & six ou neuf, Sera surpris par fiel mis dans un Oeuf, Et peu apres sera hors de puissance, Par le puissant Empereur General, Qu’ou Monde nest an pereil ny esgal, Dont un chascun luy rend obeissance.
English.
The adventurer, six hundred, six or nine, Shall be surprised by Gall put into an Egge, And a little while after shall be out of power, By the potent Emperour General, To whom in the world there is not his like or equal, Wherefore every one yieldeth obedience to him.
ANNOT.
This Prophecie was concerning the Duke of Savoy and Henry the IV. for about that time mentioned by the Author, after the death of Marshal de Biron, who sided with the Duke of Savoy (which death is called here Gall put into an Egg;) the Duke of Savoy refused to perform the treaty concerning the restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces, wherefore Henry the IV. went and subdued most of his Countrey, and compelled him to give the Province of Bresse instead of the said Marquisate.
XIV.
French.
Au grand Siege encor grand forfaits, Recommenceant plus que jamais, Six cens & cinq sur la verdure, La prise & reprise sera, Soldats es Champs jusqu’ en froidure, Puis apres recommencera.
English.
At the great Siege yet great misdemeanors, Beginning again more than ever, Six hundred and five about the Spring, The taking and retaking shall be, Souldiers in the fields till Winter, And after that shall begin again.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is about the same subject as the precedent. By the great Siege here is meant the Siege of Montpelian, the strongest place in Savoy, which Henry the IV. took, and by it compelled the Duke of Savoy to an agreement. The rest is easie.
XV.
French.
Nouveau esleu Patron du grand Vaisseau, Verra long temps briller le grand flambeau, Qui sert de Lampe a ce grand territoire, Et auquel temps Armées soubs son nom, Jointes a celles de l’heureux de Bourbon, Levant, Ponant, & Couchant sa memoire.
English.
The new elected Master of the great Ship, Shall a great while see the great light shine, Which serveth for a Lamp to this great Territory, And at which time Armies under his name, Joyned with those of happy of Bourbon, East, West, and North his memory shall be.
ANNOT.
The three first Verses are concerning Clement the VIII. who was elected Pope about that time, and was Instrumental to make a Peace between the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, and was Pope a good while.
By the great Ship is meant the Church, of which he is called Master. The rest is easie.
XVI.
French.
En Octobre Six cens & cinq, Pour voieur du Monstre Marin, Prendra du Souverain le cresme, Ou en six cens & six en Juin, Grand joye aux Grands & au Commun, Grand faits apres ce grand Baptesme.
English.
In October six hundred and five, The Purveyor of the Sea Monster, Shall take the unction of the Sovereign, Or in six hundred and six in June, Great joy shall be to the Great ones, and to the Commons, Great feats shall be after this great Baptism.
ANNOT.
In the year 1606. the 14 of September, instead of which the printer hath put October, the Dolphin of France, Lewis the XIII. son to Henry the IV. was Christened with his two Sisters at Fountainbleau, and because the Ceremonies were extraordinary, and our Author calleth this a great Baptism, it will not be amiss for the satisfaction of the curious Reader, to give here succinctly a description of it.
In the great quadrangle of the Castles Yard, was erected a great Theatre, all spread and hanged with most rich Carpets and Hangings, in the middle of which Theatre was a square of thirty foot on each side, with rails about it, all covered with Carpets, in the front of it was erected an Altar, adorned with the Ornaments belonging to the Order of the Holy Ghost, behind the Table was a Footstool of three steps, spread with Carpets, and in the middle of the Footstool was a kind of a Stand, covered with a Silver Cloth, upon which were the Fount, covered with a most exquisite Towel, and a Canopy over it, on both sides of the Altars were two Scaffolds for two Quires of Musick, and a little lower on the right hand a Bench covered with Carpets for the Prelates to sit, among which were three Archbishops, nine Bishops and three Abbots, on the left hand were the Lords of the Councel, and before the Altar was the Cardinal of Gondy, encompassed with Almoners and Chaplains, and a great multitude of spectators seated upon Benches, in form of a Theatre, round about the Theatre were the guard of Switzers, having every one a Torch in his hand.
The Dolphin and his Sisters were in their Chambers upon Beds of State, with their Robes lined with Hermines, and were brought to the quadrangle, the waiting Gentlemen going before with Torches in their hands, with the Bed Chamber men, and Gentlemen of the Chamber, five Drums, Waits, and Trumpeters, Heralds, and the Knights of the Holy Ghost, with the three Honours; in the first, for the youngest Daughter, the Ewer, the Bason, the Pillow, the Wax Taper, the Chrisme, the Saltseller, were carryed by the Baron, Son to Marshal de la Chastre, by the Lords Montigny, la Rochepot, Chemerand, Liencourt, Fervacques, and the Lady was carryed by the Marshal of Bois Dauphin, followed by Charles Duke of Lorrain Godfather, and of Don Juan de Medicis, Brother to the great Duke of Tuscany, representing Christian, Daughter to the Duke of Lorrain, and Wife of the great Duke. After that followed the Dutches of Guise, the Countesses of Guiche, of Saulx, the Marchioness Monlaur, and other Ladies.
The Marshals of Laverdin, and of la Chastre, the Dukes of Silly, of Monbazon, of Espernon, of Esguillon did the same office for the elder Lady. The Lord of Ragny carryed her for Diana Dutchess of Angoulesme, who did represent the Infanta, Clara, Eugenia, Eusabella, Archidutchess of Austria, followed by the Dutchess of Rohan, Montmorency, Mayenne.
The third Honour for the Dolphin was carried by the Earl of Vaudemont, the Knight of Vendosme his elder Brother, the Duke of Mensier, the Earl of Soissons, and the Prince of County, all three Princes of the Blood, and the Dolphin was carryed by the Lord Souvray his Governour, in the room of the Prince of Condé, first Prince of the Blood, who because of his sickness could do him no other service then to hold him by the hand. The Duke of Guise carryed his Train, and the Cardinal of Joyouse followed him, representing the Pope Paul the V. then followed Eleonor Wife to Vincent Duke of Mantua, and the Princess of the Blood, all richly attired.
The Dolphin being brought upon the Table of the quadrangle, the Cardinal of Gondy appointed for this Ceremony, came near him; and having heard him answer pertinently to the questions asked by the Almoner according to the usual forms, and to say the Lords Prayer and the Creed in Latine, he was exercised, appointed, and by the Cardinal of Joyouse Legat, named Lewis.
The Ladies were afterwards brought upon the Table, and the eldest, named Elizabeth by the Dutchess of Angoulesme, representing the Archidutchess her Godmother, without any Godfather.
The youngest was named by Don Juan of Medicis (representing the great Dutchess) Christierne.
At Supper the King was waited upon by the Princess of his Blood; the Prince of Condé served for Pantler, the Prince of Compty for Cupbearer, the Duke of Monpensier for Squire Carver, the Earl of Soissons for high Steward, the Duke of Guise and the Earl of Vondemont waited upon the Queen, and the Duke of Sully waited upon the Legat. The Godfathers sat, and after them the Princesses, Ladies and Lords of high quality, at the great Ball the Duke of Lorrain did precede by the Kings order, for the only consideration that he was Godfather.
The next day there was a runing at the Ring, and at night the Duke of Sully caused an artificial Castle to be assaulted with an innumerable quantity of Squibs, Chambers, Canon shots, and other Fire Works, but never any thing was seen more incredible or wonderful, then the beauty, ornament and lustre of the Princesses and Ladies of the Court; The Eyes could not stedfastly behold the splendor of the Gold, nor the brightness of the Silver, nor the glittering of Jewels; the Princes and Lords did out vie one another who should be most richly attired, among the rest the Duke of Espernon had a Sword valued at 30000. Crowns, and upon the Queens Gown were 32000. Pearls, and 3000. Diamonds.
XVII.
French.
Au mesme temps un grand endurera, Joyeux, malsain, l’an complet ne verra, Et quelques uns qui Seront de la feste, Feste pour un feulement, a ce jour, Mais peuapres sans faire long sejour, Deux se donront l’un l’autre de la teste.
English.
At the same time a great one shall suffer, Joyful, sickly, shall not see the year compleat, And some others who shall be of the feast, A feast for one only at that day, But a little while after without long delay, Two shall knock one another in the head.
ANNOT.
This Stanza hath relation to the precedent, for about the time of, or a little before that famous Christning died Pope Leo the IX. formerly called Cardinal of Florence, who did not live a whole year in the papacy; and is called here Joyful, Sickly, because though infirm, he did much rejoyce in the obtaining of it; those others that were of the Feast, were some Cardinals of his party, who died also within the same year.
The two last Verses signifie the differences that happened, between Paul V. his Successor, and the Common-wealth of Venice presently after his death.
XVIII.
French.
Considerant la triste Philomele, Qu’en pleurs & cris sa plainte renouvelle, Racourcissant par tel moyen ses jours, Six cens & cinq elle en verra l’yssue, De son tourment, ia la toile tissue, Por son moien senestre aura secours.
English.
Considering the sad Philomela, Who in tears and cries reneweth her complaint, Shortning by such means her days, Six hundred and five shall see the end, Of her torment, then the Cloath Woven, By her sinister means shall have help.
ANNOT.
This sad Philomela was Henrietta of Balzac Daughter to Francis of Balzac, Marquess of Entragues, and Mistress to Henry the IV. who being found guilty of a Conspiracy against the State, was confined to the Abbey of the Nuns of Beaumont lez Tours, where she was seven Months, after which the King taking pitty of her, passed a Declaration, wherein in respect of his former Love, and of the Children that he had by her, he forgave her all what was past, did abolish and suppress for ever the Memory of the Crime that she was accused off, and did dispense her from appearing before the Parliament, who in her absence did Register her Letters of Pardon the 6. of September 1605. Thus Reader you may see how punctual was our Author in his Prognostications.
XIX.
French.
Six cens & cinq, six cens & six & sept. Nous monstrera jusques l’an dixsept, Du boutefeu l’Ire, haine & envie, Soubs l’Olivier d’assez long temps caché, Le Crocodil sur la Terre a caché, Ce qui estoit mort sera pour lors en vie.
English.
Six hundred and five, six hundred and six and seven, Will shew us unto the year seventeen, The anger of the bontefeu, his hatred and envy, Under the Olive-Tree a great while hidden, The Crocodile upon the ground hath hidden, What was dead, shall then be alive.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is so difficult, signifieth nothing but the confusions that have happened in France from the year 1605. to the year 1617. which would be too tedious and prolix here to relate, the Reader may see them in the French History.
XX.
French.
Celuy qui a par plusieurs fois, Tenu la Cage & puis les bois, Rentre a son premier estre, Vie sauve pen apres sortir, Ne se scachant encor cognoistre, Cherchera subject pour mourir.
English.
He that hath many times, Been in the Cage and in the Woods, Cometh again to his first being, And shall go out a little after with his life safe, And not able yet to know himself, Shall seek a subject to be put to death.
ANNOT.
This is yet concerning the Earl of Auvergne half Brother to the Dutchess of Verneuil, who for his misdemeanours having been put several times in the Bastille, and set free again, nevertheless was attempting still some new thing, which might have endangered his life.
XXI.
French.
L’Autheur des maux commencera Regner, En l’an fix cens & sept sans espargner, Tous les subjects qui sont a la Sangsüe, Et puis apres s’en viendra peu a peu, Au franc Païs rallumer son feu, S’en retournant d’ou elle est issue.
English.
The Author of evils shall begin to Reign, In the year six hundred and seven, without sparing, All the subjects that belong to the Leech, And afterwards shall come by little and little, To the free Countrey to kindle again his fire, Going back again from whence it came.
ANNOT.
The Author being a zealous Roman Catholick, calls here the Hollanders the Authors of evils, who in the year 1607 and 1608. made a grievous War, and had several successes against the Spaniard, with the help of the French and English, till the year 1609. when by the mediation of the French and English Embassadors, the Truce was concluded at Antwerp, between the Arch-duke and the States of the United Provinces, the Articles of it to the number of 38. were solemnly proclaimed and published the ninth of April, and ratified by the King of Spain in the Month of July next ensuing.
XXII.
French.
Cil qui dira descouvrisant l’affaire, Comme du mort, la mort pourra bien faire, Coups de Poniards par un qu’auront induits, Sa fin sera pis qu’il n’aura fait faire, La fin conduit les homines sur la Terre, Gueté par tout, tant le jour que la nuit.
English.
He that shall say discovering the business, How of the dead, can make a death well, Strokes of a Dagger by one that hath been induced to it, His end shall be worse then he hath caused to be done, The end leadeth all men upon the Earth, Espied every where, as well by day as by night.
ANNOT.
This Stanza is wholly abstruse and Enigmatical, therefore I will not pretend to expound it, but leave the interpretation to those that have more time and leasure then I.
XXIII.
French.
Quand la grand Nef, la prove & Gouvernail, Du franc Pais, & son Esprit vital, Descueils & slots par la Mer Secovée, Six cens & sept & dix cœur assiegé, Et des reflux de son corps afflegé, Sa vie estant sur ce mal renovée.
English.
When the great Ship, the Prow, and Rudder, Of the French Countrey, and her vital Spirit, Being tossed by Baks and Waves, Six hundred and seven, and ten, a heart beset, And by the ebbing of his body afflicted, Her life being upon this, evil knotted again.
ANNOT.
This Stanza signifieth the great troubles that were in France from the year 1610 in which Henry the IV. died, to the year 1617. in which the Marshal d’Ancre was killed.
This man was named Concino Concini a Florentine born, who in a little time was grown very great, and from a base extraction had ascended to the dignity of Marshal of France, by the favour of the Queen Regent Mary of Medicis, and grew so rich, that he offered to the King to maintain at his own charge 6000. foot, and 800. Horses for four Months together; he had made himself Master of many strong Places in Picardy and Normandy, went about to buy the Government of several Provinces, did dispose of the Kings Exchequer at his pleasure, and spent vast sums of money at his Masters charge. His insolencies were the cause of his ruine, when he thought least of it; for he threatned every one with words and deeds, so far as to say, that he would cause them to eat up their fingers, that should oppose his Will, and so caused many Officers and Souldiers of the contrary party to be put to death. The King Lewis the XIII. was particularly informed of the unsufferable pride and misdemeanors of this Marshal, and that his design was to keep up the War in France, to continue his Authority and Power; therefore the King commanded Vitry, the Captain of his Guards, to apprehend him. This was a difficult thing, because that the Marshal (besides his Menial servants) had always twelve Guards wearing his Livery, that were desperate fellows; there was also another difficulty, because no body could tell, when or at what time he would come to the Louvre; nevertheless at last he came to it, upon the 24. of April 1617. attended with a great Train and his Guards; the great Gate was opened to him, and presently shut again, Vitry drew near to him, and holding his staff to him, said, I arrest you in the Kings name, upon these words the Marshal stept back, as if it were to make resistance, saying, Me? whereupon those that were with Vitry shot three Pistols at him, one did hit him in the Heart, the other in the Head, and the third in the Belly, so that he fell down dead immediately upon his left side, a certain Lord that was on his right hand speaking with him, fell down also without any hurt, but his followers seeing him dead run away.
This death was the cause of great alteration, in the publick Government. The body of the said Marshal was buried at St. Germain de l’Auxerrois, but the people digged it out, and dragged it to the new Bridge, where they hanged it by the feet upon a Gibbet, having cut off his Nose, his Ears and his privy parts, then they took him down, and dragged him through the Town, and afterwards burnt it. Thus did perish he that was worth about two Millions of Pounds Sterling, and pretended to make his house perpetual and Sovereign. The new Officers that had governed the State from the 24 of November to the 24 of April 1617. were arrested in their houses, and the old ones put in again, and the Princes called back again to the Court.
XXIV.
French.
Le Mercurial non de trop longue vie, Six cens & huit & vingt, grand maladie, Et encor pis danger de feu & d’eau, Son grand amy lors luy sera contraire, De tels hazards se pourroit bien distraire, Mais bref, le ser luy sera son Tombeau.
English.
The Mercurial not too long lived, Six hundred and eight and twenty, a great sickness, And what is worse a danger of fire and water, His great friend then shall be against him, He might well avoid those dangers, But a little after, the Iron shall make his Sepulcher.
ANNOT.
This is concerning Lewis the XIII. King of France, who fell dangerously sick of the Plague at Lions, about the year 1628. after that went with his Army into Savoy, where he escaped many dangers of fire and water. As for the Verse it must not be understood, as if he had been killed, but that the cares he took about his Armies should shorten his days. The fourth Verse is to be understood of the Lord Bellingham, then favorite to the King, who forsook him in his sickness, for which he was afterwards disgraced, and could never come into favour again.
XXV.
French.
Six cens & six, six cens & neuf, Un Chancelier gros comme un Bœuf Vieux comme le Phœnix du Monde, En ce Terroir plus ne luira, De la Nef doubly passera, Au Champs Elysiens faire ronde.
English.
Six hundred and six, six hundred and nine, A Chancellor big as an Oxe, Old as the Phœnix of the World, Shall shine no more in this Countrey, Shall pass from the Ship of forgetfulness, Into the Elysian Fields to go the round.
ANNOT.
Six and nine joyned together makes 15. the meaning of this therefore is, that about the year 1615. should die the Chancellor of France, who was then Nicolas Brulart Lord of Sillery a very corpulent man.
XXVI.
French.
Deux freres sont de l’ordre Ecclesiastique, Dont l’un prendra pour la France la pique, Encor un coup si l’an six cens & six, N’est afflige d’une grand maladie, Les Armes en main jusques six cens & dix, Gueres plus loing ne s’estendant sa vie.
English.
Two Brothers are of the Ecclesiastical Order, One of which shall take up the Pike for France, Once more, is in the year six hundred and six, He be not afflicted with a great sickness, The Weapons in his hands till six hundred and ten, His Life shall reach not much further.
ANNOT.
In the year 1606. there was two Brothers of the House of Joyeuse, one called Francis Cardinal of Joyeuse, and the other a Capuchin Frier, the rest of the Brothers being dead without issue; Father Angel got a dispensation from the Pope to go out of his Covent, and to Marry, that the Family might not be extinguished, and so turned Courtier and Souldier again, till he had got a Daughter, who was afterwards married to the Duke of Guise; after that, remembring his Vows, he turned Capuchin again, and a little while after died, coming from Rome to Paris.
XXVII.
French.
Celeste seu du costé d’Occident, Et du Midy courir jusqu’au Levant, Vers demy morts sans point trouver racine, Troisiesme Age a Mars le Belliqueux, Des Escarboucles on verra briller feux, Age Escarboucle, & a la fin famine.
English.
A Cœlestial fire on the West side, And from the South shall run to the East, Warm, half dead, and incapable to find Roots, The third Age to Mars the Warriour, Out of Carbuncles fires shall be seen to shine, The Age shall be a Carbuncle, but in the end famine.
ANNOT.
This signifies nothing but the troubles that were all France over, from the year 1620. to the year 1628. when Rochel was taken, and the great famine that was in the year 1626.
XXVIII.
French.
L’An mil six cens & neuf ou quatorziesme Le vieux Charon sera Pasques en Caresme, Six cens & six par escrit le mettra, Le Medecin de tout cecy s’estonne, A mesme temps assigné en personne, Mais pour certain l’un deux comparoistra.
English.
In the year a thousand six hundred and nine or fourteen, The old Charon shall Celebrate Easter in Lent, Six hundred and six shall put it in writing, The Physician wondereth at all this. At the same time being Cited in person, But for certain, one of them shall appear.
ANNOT.
This signifieth that about the time mentioned by the Author, some great one should be very sick in Lent, and should eat flesh, which is called here to Celebrate Easter in Lent; and that his Physician wondering at it should fall sick himself, and that without fail, one of them two should die.
XXIX.
French.
Le Griffon Se peut apprester, Pour a l’ennemy resister, Er renforcer bien son Armée, Autrement l’Elephant viendra, Qui d’un abord le surprendra, Six cens & huit, Mer enflammée.
English.
The Griffin may prepare himself, To resist the Enemy, And to strengthen his Army, Otherways the Elephant shall come, Who on a sudden shall surprise him. Six hundred and eight, the Sea shall be inflamed.
ANNOT.
By the Griffin was meant the Hollanders, who were warned here to beware of the Elephant, that is, the Spaniard, and to strengthen their Army for fear of being surprised.
The last Verse signifieth, that in the year 1608. there should be a notable Sea-fight, which was then frequent enough between the said Hollanders and Spaniard.
XXX.
French.
Dans peu de temps Medicin du grand mal, Et la Sangsue d’ordre & rang inegal, Mettront le feu a la branche d’Olive, Poste courir d’un & d’autre costé, Et par tel feu leur Empire accosté, Se rallumant du franc finy salive.
English.
Within a little while the Physician of the great disease, And the Leech, of order and rank unequal, Shall set fire to the branch of Olive, Posts shall run to and fro, And with such fire their Empire acquainted, Shall kindle again with the French finished spittle.
ANNOT.
By the Physitian of the great disease, is meant the King of France; and the Leech the King of Spain, so that it is foretold here, how they shall set fire to the branch of Olive, that is, shall break the Peace and fall to War, which in the year 1636. when upon the imprisoning of the Archbishop of Triers by the King of Spain, because he had put himself under the French Protection, the King of France sent an Armv of 40000. men in the Low-Countreys, to come with the Prince of Orange at Mastricht, which quarrel hath continued till the Marriage of the King of France with the Infanta of Spain, Daughter to Philip the IV. The last Verse is forced in, only to make up the rime.
XXXI.
French.
Celuy qui a les hazards surmouté, Qui fer, feu, eau, na jamais redouté, Et du Pais bien proche du Basacle, D’un coup de fer tout le Monde eftonné, Par Crocodil estrangement donné, Peuple ravy de voir un tel spectacle.
English.
He that hath overcome the dangers, That hath never feared Iron, Fire nor Water, And of the Countrey near the Basacle, By a stroke of Iron (all the World being astonished), By a Crocodile strangely given, People will wonder to see such a spectacle.
ANNOT.
This Prophecy may admit of two Interpretations; the first, that Henry the IV. who was born in the Province of Bearn, not far from Thoulouze, the chief City of Languedoc, wherein there is a place upon the River called Basacle, where the Mills are, who was stobbed with a knife by Francis Ravillac in the year 1610.
The other is of the last Duke of Montmorency, who being Governour of Languedoc, took up Arms against the King, in the behalf of the Duke of Orleans, for which he was beheaded at Thoulouse at the solicitation of Cardinal Richelieu, which happened about the year 1632.
XXXII.
French.
Vin a foison tres-bon pour les Gendarmes, Pleurs & soupirs plaintes, cris, & alarmes, Le Ciel fer ses Tonnerres pleuvoir, Feu, eau, & sang le tout meslé ensemble, Le Ciel de Sol en fremit & en tremble, Vivant na veu ce quil pourra bien voir.
English.
Plenty of Wine, very good for Troopers, Tears, and sighs, complaints, cries, and alarums, Heaven shall cause its Thunders to rain, Fire, water and blood, all mixed together, The Suns Heaven, quaketh and shaketh for it, No living man hath seen what he may see then.
ANNOT.
This great plenty of Wine happened in the year 1634. at which time there was in France such plenty of Grapes, that half of them perished for want of Vessels to put them in, and I remember very well, that then whosoever would bring a Poinchon Vessel, which is the third part of a Tun, might have it filled with Grapes for half a Crown, and that being my self at that time at a Town of Burgundy, called Beaune, where the best Wine of France groweth, four of us had one Pottle of Wine English measure for one half penny. The rest signifieth no more but the miseries that happened in Germany, by the Wars that the King of Sweden brought in about the same time.
XXXIII.
French.
Bien peu apres sera tres-grand misere, De pou de Bled qui sera sur la Terre, De Dauphiné, Provence & Vivarois, Au Vivarois est un pauvre presage, Pere du fils sera Antrophophage, Et mangeront Racine & gland du Bois.
English.
A little after shall be a great misery, Of the scarcity of Corn that shall be upon the ground Of Dauphine, Provence, and Vivarois, In Vivarois is a poor presage, Father of son shall be Antropophage, And shall eat Roots and Acorns of the Wood.
ANNOT.
This came to pass when the Duke of Rohan headed the Protestant party, and made those Provinces the seat of the Civil Wars in France, about the year 1640. or 1642.
XXXIV.
French.
Princes & Seigneurs tous se feront la guerre, Cousin Germain, le Frere avec le Frere, Finy l’Arby de l’heureux de Bourbon, De Hierusalem les Princes aimables, Du fait commis enorme & execrable, Se ressentiront sur la bourse sans fond.
English.
Princes and Lords shall war one against another Cousin German, the Brother against the Brother, The Arby finished of the happy Bourbon, The Princes of Hierusalem so lovely, Of the enormous and execrable fact committed Shall ressent upon the bottomless Purse.
ANNOT.
This foretelleth of the Wars that were to be between the Princes and Lords a little after the death of Henry the IV. when the Marshal d’Ancre took upon him the administration of affairs by the favour of the Queen Regent Mary of Medicis.
XXXV.
French.
Dame par mort grandement atristée, Mere & tutrice au lang qui la quittée, Dame & Seigneurs faits enfants Orphelins, Par les Aspics & par les Crocodiles, Seront surpris forts bourgs, Chasteaux & Villes, Dieu tout puissant les garde des malins.
English.
A Lady by death greatly afflicted, Mother and Tutor to the Blood that hath left her, Ladies and Lords made Orphans, By Asps and by Crocodiles, Shall strong holds, Castles and Towns be surprised, God Almighty keep them from the wicked.
ANNOT.
That great Lady afflicted by death, and Mother and Tutor to the Blood that left her was Mary of Medicis, Wife to Henry the IV. who after the death of her Husband was much troubled in her regency by her own Son Lewis the XIII. and several great Lords of his party whence did follow the Battle of Pont de Cé.
XXXVI.
French.
La grand rumeur qui sera par la France, Les impuissans voudront avoir puissance, Langue emmiellée & vrais Cameleons, De boutefeus, allumeurs de chandelles, Pyes & Geais, rapporteurs de nouvelles, Dont la morsure semblera Scorpions.
English.
The great rumor that shall be through France, The impuissants would fain have power, Honey Tongues, and true Camelions, Bourefeux, and lighters of Candles, Magpies and Jays, carriers of news, Whose biting shall be like that of Scorpions.
ANNOT.
This hath a relation to the precedent, and expresseth further the misery of those times.
XXXVII.
French.
Foible & puissant seront en grand discord, Plusieurs mourront avant faire l’accord, Foible ou puissant vainqueur se fera dire, Le plus puissant au jeune cedera, Et le plus vieux des deux decedera, Lors que l’un d’eux envahira l’Empire.
English.
The Weak and powerfull shall be at great variance, Many shall die before they agree, The weak shall cause the powerful to call him Victor, The most potent shall yield to the younger, And the older of the two shall die, When one of the two shall invade the Empire.
ANNOT.
This Prophecie is not come to pass yet (for all I know) therefore I leave the interpretation to every ones liberty.
XXXVIII.
French.
Par Eau, & par fer & par grand maladie, Le Pourvoieur a l’hazard de sa vie, Scaura combien vaut le Quintal de Bois, Six cens & quinze ou le dixneufiesme, On gravera d’un grand Prince cinquiesme, L’Immortel nom sur le pied de la Croix.
English.
By Water, by Fire, and by great sickness, The Purveyor to the hazard of his life, Shall know how much is worth the Quintal of Wood, Six hundred and fifteen, or the nineteen, There shall be graven of a great Prince the fifth, The immortal name upon the foot of the Cross.
ANNOT.
By the Purveyor is meant the King of France, as we have said before.
The great Prince the V. was Paul the V. who was foretold he should die about the year 1615. 1619.
XXXIX.
French.
Le Pourvoieur de Monstre sans pareil, Se sera voir ainsy que le Soleil, Montant le long la ligne Meridienne, En poursuivant l’Elephant & le Loup, Nul Empereur ne fit jamais tel coup, Et rien plus pis a ce Prince n’avienne.
English.
The Purveyor of the Monster without equal, Shall shew himself like the Sun, Ascending in the Meridional line, In persecuting the Elephant and the Wolf, No Emperour did ever such an act, I wish nothing worse may happen to that Prince.
ANNOT.
This is a Prophecie of the glorious success that Lewis the XIII. was to have against the Spaniard in Italy, and the Protestant party at home.
XL.
French.
Ce qu’en vivant le Pere n’avoit sceu, Il acquerra ou par guerre ou par feu, Et Combatra la sangsue irritée, Ou jouira de son bien paternel, Et savory du grand Dieu Eternel, Aura bien tost sa Province heritée.
English.
That which while he lived the father did not know, He shall get it either by Water or by Fire, And shall fight with the angry Leech, Or shall enjoy his Paternal goods, And be favorised by the great Eternal God, Shall quickly become Heir of his Province.
ANNOT.
This concerneth the present King of France Lewis the XIV. who hath lately got by Fire and Sword those Provinces in the Low Countreys, to which he laid claim by his Wives Title, which his father never knew nor attempted.
XLI.
French.
Vaisseaux Galeres avec leur Estendar, Sentrebattront pres du Mont Gilbatar, Et lors sera forfait a Pampelonne, Qui pour son bien souffrira mille maux, Par plusieurs fois soustiendra les assaux, Mais a la fin unie a la Coronne.
English.
Ships and Galleys with their Standard, Shall fight near the Mountain Gilbatar, And then shall be endeavoured against Pampelonne, Which for her good shall suffer a thousand evils, And many times shall resist the assaults; But at last shall be united to the Crown.
ANNOT.
This Prophecieth the reduction of the City of Pampelona, the chief City of the Kingdom of Navarre, under the obedience of the King of France and Navarre.
XLII.
French.
La grand Cité ou est le premier homme, Bien amplement la ville ie vous nomme, Tout en alarme, & le Soldat es Champs, Par Fer & Eau grandement affligée, Et a la fin des Francois soulagée, Mais ce sera des six cens & dix ans.
English.
The great City where the first man is, Fully I name the Town to you, Shall be alarmed and the Souldier in the field, Shall be by Fire and Water greatly afflicted, And at last shall be helped by the French, But it shall be from six hundred and ten years.
ANNOT.
That great City where the first man is, is Amsterdam, because the first Letter and the last Sylable of it maketh Adam: But of her affliction by Fire and Water, and of her being relieved by the French in the year 1610. I can find nothing in the History; those that are better furnished with Books than I am, may chance to satisfie themselves and others, better than I can do.
XLIII.
French.
Le petit coin Provinces mutinées, Par forts Chasteaux se verront dominées, Encor un coup par la gent Militaire, Dans bref seront fortement assiegez, Mais il seront d’un tres grand soulagez, Qui aura fait entrée dans Beaucaire.
English.
The little corner, Provinces revolted, By strong Castles, shall see themselves commanded, Once more by the Military Troops, Within a little while shall be strongly Besieged, But shall be helped by a great one, That hath made his entry in Beaucaire.
ANNOT.
This little Corner and Provinces revolted are Holland, and the rest of the United Provinces, who are threatned here with many troubles, as they did suffer till the Peace of Munster.
That great man that helped them, was the King of France.
XLIV.
French.
La belle Rose en la France admirée, D’un tres-grand Prince a la fin desirée, Six cens & dix lors naistront ses amours, Cinq ans apres sera d’un grand blessée, Du tract d’Amour elle sera enlassée, Si a quinze ans du Ciel recoit secours.
English.
The faire Rose admired in France, Shall at last be desired by a great Prince, Six hundred and ten, then shall her love begin, Five years after she shall be wounded, With the love of a great one she shall be intangled, If at five years she receiveth help from Heaven.
ANNOT.
This Prophecy was concerning the Match between Lewis the XIII. and Ann of Austria Infanta of Spain, who were both Married very young.
XLV.
French.
De coup de fer tout le Monde estonné, Par Crocodil estrangement donné, A un bien grand, parent de la Sangsue, Et peu apres sera un autre coup, De guet a pens commis contre le Loup, Et de tels faits on en verra l’yssue.
English.
All the World being astonished at a blow of Iron, Strangely given by a Crocodile, To a great one, kin to the Leech, And a little while after another blow, On purpose given against the Wolf, And of such deeds the end shall be seen.
ANNOT.
I think this needeth no further explication, then that I have given upon the 31. Stanza.
XLVI.
French.
Les Pourvoieux mettra tout en desroute, Sangsue & Loup, en mon dire escoute, Quand Mars sera au Signe du Mouton, Joint a Saturne, Saturne a la Lune, Alors sera ta plus grande infortune, Le Soleil lors en exaltation.
English.
The Purveyor shall put all in disorder, Leech and Wolf, do ye hearken to me, When Mars shall be in the Sign of Aries, Joyned with Saturn, and Saturn with the Moon, Then shall be thy greatest misfortune, The Sun being then in its exaltation.
ANNOT.
This is plain, if you remember that by the Purveyor is meant the King of France, by the Leech the King of Spain, and by the Wolf the Duke of Savoy.
XLVII.
French.
Le grand d’Hongrie ira dans la Nacelle, Le nouveau né sera guerre nouvelle, A son voisin, qu’il tiendra assiegé, Et le noireau avec son Altesse, Ne souffrira que par trop on le presse, Durant trois ans ses gens tiendra rangé.
English.
The great one of Hungary shall go in the Boat, The new born shall make a new War, To his Neighbour, whom he shall Besiege, And the black one with his Highness, Shall not suffer to be overpressed, During three years he shall keep his Men in order.
ANNOT.
This is concerning the King of Bohemia, and his War with the Emperour, who is called here the great one of Hungary, because he is King of it; the black one with his Highness, is the Pals-grave, who after three years broils was defeated at the Battle of Prage.
XLVIII.
French.
Du vieux Charon on verra le Phœnix, Estre premier & dernier des fils, Reluire en France, & d’un chascun aimable, Regner long temps, avec tous les honneurs, Qu’auront jamais eu ses Predecesseurs, Dont il rendra sa gloire memorable.
English.
The Phœnix of the old Charon shall be seen, To be the first and last of the Sons, To shine in France, beloved of every one, To Reign a great while with all the honours, That ever his Predecessors had, By which he shall make his glory memorable.
ANNOT.
No doubt but this is meant of some King of France, which is to come.
XLIX.
French.
Venus & Sol, Jupiter & Mercure, Augmenteront le genre de nature, Grande Alliance en France se fera, Et du Midy la Sangsue de mesme, Le feu esteint par ce remede extreme; En Terre ferme Olivier plantera.
English.
Venus and Sol, Jupiter and Mercury, Shall augment humane kind, A great Alliance shall be made in France, And on the South the Leech shall do the same, The fire extinguished by this extreme remedy, Shall plant the Olive-Tree in a firm ground.
ANNOT.
By the consent of all Astronomers, those four benigne Planets augment generation.
That great Alliance mentioned here, by which the fire was extinguished, and the Olive-Tree planted in a firm ground, is the Marriage of the present King of France, Lewis, the XIV. with the Infanta of Spain, by which all differences were composed, and the Peace firmly settled.
L.
French.
Un peu devant ou apres l’Angleterre, Par mort de Loup mise aussy bas que terre, Verra le feu resister contre l’eau, Le rallumant avecque telle force, Du sang humain, dessus l’humaine escorce, Faute de pain, bondance de cousteau.
English.
A little while before or after, England, By the death of the Wolf being put as low as the ground, Shall see the fire resist against the water, Kindling it again with such force, Of humane blood, upon the humane bark, That want of bread and abundance of knives shall be.
ANNOT.
The meaning is, that a little while after or before the said match mentioned in the foregoing: England was or should be brought as low as the ground, and that there should be abundance of humane blood spilled, and a great decay of Trade, with Wars, which is that he calleth, Want of Bread and abundance of knives.
LI.
French.
La Ville qu’avoit en ses ans, Combatu l’Injure du temps, Qui de son Vainqueur tient la vie, Celuy qui premier la surprit, Que peu apres Francois reprit, Par Combats encore affoible.
English.
The City that had in her years, Resisted the injury of the times, And oweth her life to him that overcame her, Being the first that surprised it, Which a little while after Francis took again, Being yet weakened with fightings.
LII.
French.
La grand Cité qui n’a Pain a demy, Encor un coup la saint Barthelemy, Engravera au profond de son Ame, Nismes, Rochelle, Geneve & Montpelier, Castres, Lion, Mars entrant au Belier, S’entrebattront le tout pour une Dame.
English.
The great City that hath not bread half enough, Shall once more engrave In the bottom of her soul St. Bartholomew’s day, Nismes, Rochel, Geneva and Montpelier, Castres, Lion, Mars coming into Aries, Shall fight one against another, and all for a Lady.
ANNOT.
That great City mentioned here, is Paris, which is threatned of another St. Bartholomew’s day, which was fatal to the Protestants in France, for upon that day in the year 1572. there was a general Massacre made of them through all France, insomuch, that in Paris alone there was above ten thousand slain.
As for those Towns here named that are to fight about a Lady, I cannot guess what Lady it should be, unless he meaneth the Roman Church.
LIII.
French.
Plusieurs mourront avant que Phœnix meure, Jusques six cens septante est sa demeure, Passé quinze ans, vingt & un, trente neuf, Le premier est Subjet a maladie, Et le second au fer, danger de vie, Au feu a l’eau est subjet a trenteneuf.
English.
Many shall die before that Phœnix dieth, Till six hundred and seventy he shall remain, Above fifteen years, one and twenty, thirty nine, The first shall be subject to sickness, And the second to Iron, a danger of life, Thirty nine shall be subject to fire and water.
ANNOT.
By the Phœnix is meant a Pope, because there is but one of that kind at once, the meaning of the rest is unknown to me.
LIV.
French.
Six cens & quinze vingt, grand Dame mourra, Et peu apres un fort long temps pleuvra, Plusieurs Pais Flandres & l’Angleterre, Seront par seu & par fer affligez, De leurs Voisins longuement assiegez, Contraints seront de leur faire la Guerre.
English.
Six hundred and fifteen, and twenty, a great Lady shall die, And a little after it shall rain for a great while, Many Countreys as Flanders and England, Shall by fire and Iron be afflicted, And a good while Besieged by their Neighbours, So that they shall be constrained to make War against them.
ANNOT.
What that great Lady was, that should die in the year 653. is not easie to guess, there being many in every Countrey that died that year. The rest is easie, and we have seen the truth of it in our days, and may see it hereafter.
LV.
French.
Un peu devant ou apres tres grand’ Dame, Son ame au Ciel, & son corps soubs la lame, De plusieurs gens regretée sera, Tous ses parens seront en grand tristesse, Pleurs & souspirs d’une Dame en jeunesse, Et a deux grands le dueil delaissera.
English.
A little while before, or after, a very great Lady, Her soul in Heaven, and her body in the Grave, Shall be lamented by many, All her kindred shall be in great mourning, Tears and sighs of a Lady in her youth, And shall leave the mourning to two great ones.
ANNOT.
This may be understood of the death of Anna of Austria, Queen of France, who left in mourning two great ones, viz. her two Sons Lewis the XIV. King of France, and Philip of Bourbon Duke of Orleans.
Or of the death of the Queen Dowager of England, Henrietta Maria, who also was much lamented, and left in mourning two great ones, viz. Charles the II. King of England, and James Duke of York his Brother.
LVI.
French.
Tost l’Elephant de toutes parts verra, Quand Pourvoyeur au Griffon se joindra, Sa ruine proche, & Mars qui tousiour gronde, Fera grands faits aupres de Terre Sainte, Grands Estendars sur la Terre & sur l’Onde, Si la Nef a esté, de deux frere enceinte.
English.
Shortly the Elephant on all sides shall see, When the Purveyor shall joyn with the Griffin, His ruine at hand, and Mars which always grumbleth, Shall do great feats near the Holy Land, Great Standarts upon the Earth and the Sea, If the Ship hath been with Child of two Brothers.
ANNOT.
The Elephant is the Emperor, the Purveyor the King of France, the Griffin the Hollanders; the meaning then is that the Emperor shall go to ruine, when the French and the Hollanders shall joyn together.
And that there shall be great Wars and Fightings in the Holy Lands, both by Sea and Land, when two Brothers of great quality shall go in one Ship.
LVII.
French.
Peu apres l’Alliance faite, Avant solemnises la Feste, L’Empereur le tout troublera, Et la nouvelle Mariée, Au Franc Païs par sort liée, Dans peu de temps apres mourra.
English.
A little after the Alliance made, Before the Feast be Solemnized, The Emperor shall trouble all, And the new Bride, Being by fate tied to the French Countrey, A little while after shall die.
ANNOT.
This is concerning a match that shall be made between the French King, and some Lady of another Countrey, which Match shall be disturbed by the Emperour, and the Bride shall die a little while after her Marriage.
LVIII.
French.
Sangsue en peu de temps mourra, Sa mort bon signe nous donra, Pour l’accroissement de la France, Alliances se trouveront, Deux grands Roiaumes se joindront, Francois aura sur eux puissance.
English.
The Leech within a little while shall die, His death shall be a good sign to us, For the augmentation of France, Alliances shall be found, Two great Kingdoms shall joyn together, The French shall have power over them.
ANNOT.
The Leech was Philip the IV. the last King of Spain, who died a little while after he had Married his Daughter to Lewis the XIV. now King of France, by which Marriage the Peace was made between the two Kingdoms, in the Island of the Conference, upon the Borders of France and Spain. By his death and that Match is foretold the encrease and happy condition of the Kingdom of France.
FINIS.