of those who presumed to violate royal edicts. Next, he
commended to the king the Flemish project. Never had any predecessor of
Charles enjoyed so splendid an opportunity as now offered, when several
cities of the Netherlands had declared their desire for his favor and
protection. But these advances were openly derided by some of the
courtiers about the king; while state secrets were so badly kept, that
"one could not turn an egg, nor utter a word in the council, but it was
forthwith reported to the Duke of Alva." And, indeed, what else could be
expected, since those who were present, and even his own brothers,
communicated to foreigners and enemies the king's most confidential
deliberations? He earnestly begged Charles to apply a prompt remedy to
this matter in future. The last point was the observance of the Edict of
Pacification. What opinion would foreign nations form of the king, if he
suffered a law solemnly made, and frequently confirmed by oath, to be
openly trampled upon? In proof of this assertion, he alleged the recent
attack upon the Protestants of Troyes returning from their place of
worship, the tragic termination of which has already been noticed.

To that part of Coligny's remarks which related to the war in Flanders, it
is said that Charles made no direct reply; but he declared that he had
never suspected the admiral's loyalty, and that he accounted him a good
man, and a great and generous captain. There was not another man in the
kingdom whom he would prefer to him. And he again asseverated his
intention to enforce a religious observance of his edicts; for which
purpose, indeed, he had recently despatched commissioners into all the
provinces, as the queen could inform him. "That is true, Monsieur
l'amiral," said Catharine, "and you know it." "Yes, madam," he replied,
"commissioners have been sent, among whom are some that condemned me to be
hung, and set a price of fifty thousand crowns on my head." "Then,"
rejoined Charles, "we must send others who are open to no suspicion."
Again he promised with his accustomed oath to see that the attempt upon
the admiral's life should be so punished that the retribution would be
forever remembered;[957] after which he inquired whether Coligny were
satisfied with the judges whom he had appointed to conduct the
investigation. Coligny replied that he committed himself in this matter to
the king's prudence, but suggested that Cavaignes, the recently appointed
maitre de