We have seen, that the chancellor, Duprat, was the instrument which Louisa of Savoy employed to accomplish the destruction of Semblançai. At an earlier period, he had served her as effectually in a similar case. Her suit against the constable de Bourbon, to strip him of his vast estates, is said to have been suggested by Duprat, and was certainly brought to a favourable issue by the exercise of his influence over the judges. His hatred of the constable was caused, or sharpened, by Bourbon having refused to comply with a request relative to the grant of an estate in Auvergne. Detested by all France, for the fiscal oppressions of which he was the author, and for his having betrayed the liberties of the Gallican church, the chancellor nevertheless retained his power to the last, and died loaded with titles and riches. Another tool of the duchess of Angoulême, who closely imitated the conduct of Duprat, was not equally fortunate. William Poyet, a native of Angers, born about 1474, had acquired a high reputation at the bar before he was chosen the queen-mother’s advocate against the constable de Bourbon. The manner in which he performed his new task ensured his promotion. He became successively advocate-general, and president à mortier, and was employed in various negotiations; and, at length, in 1538, his ambition was gratified by his appointment to the high office of chancellor. If servility to the monarch, and an utter disregard of the rights and happiness of the people, are qualifications for that office, his fitness cannot be denied. He was undoubtedly worthy of succeeding to Duprat. The profligate readiness with which Poyet encouraged Francis the first to load his subjects with heavy taxes, drew upon him a severe reproof from Duchatel, the virtuous and benevolent bishop of Orleans. Hearing the chancellor tell the king that his majesty was the master of all that his subjects possessed, the bishop indignantly exclaimed, “Carry such tyrannical maxims to the Caligulas and Neros, and, if you have no respect for yourself, at least respect a monarch who is the friend of humanity, and who knows that to hold its rights sacred is the first of his duties.” This speech did honour to the prelate, but there is no ground for believing that it produced any good effect upon either the sovereign or the minister.