ing, though he feigned to be displeased,
still encouraged them to do so. Though the Protestants were few in
numbers, they were powerful in intelligence, rank, and energy; and in
their emergencies, the strong arm of England was ever generously
extended for their aid. The king was glad to avail himself of their
strength to moderate the intolerant demands of the Leaguers. Many of
the Protestants complained bitterly that the king had abandoned them.
On the other hand, the haughty leaders of the League clamored loudly
that the king was not a true son of the Church, and, in multiform
conspiracies, they sought his death by assassination.

The Protestants held several large assemblies in which they discussed
their affairs. They drew up an important document--an address to the
king, entitled, "Complaints of the Reformed Churches of France." Many
pages were filled with a narrative of the intolerable grievances they
endured. This paper contained, in conclusion, the following noble
words:

"And yet, sire, we have among us no Jacobins or Jesuits who
wish for your life, or Leaguers who aspire to your crown. We
have never presented, instead of petitions, the points of
our swords. We are rewarded with _considerations of state_.
It is not yet time, they say, to grant us an edict. And yet,
after thirty-five years of persecution, ten years of
banishment by the edicts of the League, eight years of the
king's reign, four years of proscription, we are still under
the necessity of imploring from your majesty an edict which
shall allow us to enjoy what is common to all your subjects.
The sole glory of God, the liberty of our consciences, the
repose of the state, the security of our property and our
lives--this is the summit of our wishes, and the end of our
requests."

CHAPTER XII.

REIGN AND DEATH OF HENRY IV.

1596-1610

Mayenne professes reconciliation.--Terms exacted by the
duke.--Interview between Henry and the duke.--Henry's
revenge.--Hostility of Spain and Flanders.--Calais taken by
the Leaguers.--Movement of the nobles.--Energetic reply of
the king.--Dark days.--Singular accident.--Deplorable state
of France.--Poverty of the king.--Depression of the king.--The
Duke of Sully.--Siege of Amiens.--Its capitulation.--The
Edict of Nantes.--Provisions of the edict.--Clamors of the
Catholics.--Toleration slowly learned.--Dissatisfaction of both
parties.--Pro