im to take under such
circumstances. Without further words he dismissed Montsoreau. The Count,
stung to the quick by so grave an injury to his honour, and excited by
the admonitions of the King, which he interpreted as reproaches for his
cowardice, should he tamely bear the insult, at once flew home, in the
greatest secrecy, so that Bussy should not know of his return. By a
stratagem he arranged that a letter should be sent by his wife to Bussy,
making a secret assignation with him at La Coutanciere, which was a
pleasure-resort and convenient for hunting purposes. When Bussy came
there with his associate Colasseau at nightfall on the nineteenth of
August, he was fallen upon by Montsoreau and other armed men. Yet, such
was his coolness, that though he was one against many, he at first by
mighty exertions discomfited his assailants. At length, overcome by
numbers, and breath failing him in the struggle, he tried to throw
himself out of the window into the castle-moat, but was stabbed in the
back and killed.

APPENDIX B

HISTORICAL SOURCES OF THE REVENGE OF BUSSY D'AMBOIS

I

PIERRE MATTHIEU'S NARRATIVE OF THE ARREST OF THE COUNT D'AUVERGNE,
INCORPORATED BY EDWARD GRIMESTON IN HIS TRANSLATION OF JEAN DE SERRES'S
INVENTAIRE GENERAL DE L'HISTOIRE DE FRANCE

(1046.)[313:1] "The King offended with the practises of the Count of
Auvergne, commanded him to come unto him, and to trust unto his
clemency, the which was not unknowne unto him. Descures made some
jorneys unto him, from whome he brought nothing but delaies and excuses.
. . .

(1047.) "The King, therefore, seeing that he would not come but with
conditions that did not agree with a perfect obedience, resolved to have
him by one means or other. . . . The King's intention was imparted to
the Vicont of Pont du Chasteau, to D'Eurre, Lieutenant of the Duke of
Vandosmes company, to the Baron of Camilac, to La Boulaye, Lieutenant to
the company of the Marquis of Verneuil, to Nerestan, Colonell of a
Regiment of foote, and to so many others as it is a wonder it was not
divulged being in so many heads. In this action all shewed the duties
and affections of good men which respected their honours. Many means
were attempted but they were incountred with great difficulties and
crosses. . . . The surest meanes (& that wherein there was least trouble
and scandall) was the mustring of the Duke of Vandosmes company. . . .
D'Eurre who prest Murat (Treasorer extraordinary of