This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 edition. Excerpt: ...brethren, it would seem enough Tytler, Hist. Scotland, vol. vu. 121. for the rest of my life, unless the present edicts be annulled." Had he seen a copy of the recent instructions to the provincial governors? Like this they ran, for the king's letters are still in existence: "I command you to transport yourself to all suspected places, aad learn from good Catholics the names of those who are present at the preachings; to seize the preachers and hang them without form of trial by the provost-marshal; to put all Huguenots who publicly avow their religion into the hands of justice, and judge them incontinently; if the assistants at such meetings be armed, to hang or cut them to pieces; and in regard to such as shall not be arrested, the king leaves it to your discretion to disfranchise them, confiscate their property, demolish their houses, and fine them as you see fit!" Rapacious agents would see fit to enrich themselves by sparing those who would pay largely to be undisturbed, and by robbing all who were firm in the faith. "If you cannot spare me," said Coligny, "you must allow me to plead for my friends. I ask that Michael de l'Hopital be appointed chancellor of France, in place of the deceased Olivier." Catherine was not quite surprised. He insisted; it would go far to satisfy the disaffected people. And his untold hope was that it would make the late edicts as good as a dead letter. If there be outrageous laws, blessed is it when the chief of all lawyers will not put them in force. He earnestly pressed his suit. She would think about it, and she did think. She thought that she saw a new means of dividing and reigning. This female Machiavel wanted to overreach the Cardinal of Lorraine. She acted...