Note: This is Volume 2 of a three-volume set. Project Gutenberg's library also contains Volumes 1 and 3. Volume 1: E-book #11531; see directory http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/5/3/11531/ Volume 3: E-book #11601; see directory http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/6/0/11601/ Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 11600-h.htm or 11600-h.zip: (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/6/0/11600/11600-h/11600-h.htm) or (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/6/0/11600/11600-h.zip) THE LIFE OF MARIE DE MEDICIS, VOL. II Queen of France CONSORT OF HENRI IV, AND REGENT OF THE KINGDOM UNDER LOUIS XIII BY JULIA PARDOE AUTHOR OF 'LOUIS XIV AND THE COURT OF FRANCE IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY,' 'THE COURT AND REIGN OF FRANCIS THE FIRST,' ETC. IN THREE VOLUMES 1890 [Illustration: HENRI IV.] CONTENTS BOOK I MARIE DE MEDICIS AS QUEEN CHAPTER IX 1610 Preparations for the coronation of Marie de Medicis--Wherefore deferred--They are resumed--The Cathedral of St. Denis--Gorgeous _coup d'oeil_--The procession--Indignation of the ex-Queen Marguerite--The Comte and Comtesse de Soissons leave Paris--Magnificence of Marie de Medicis and her Court--The coronation--The Queen is affectionately received by the King on reaching the Palace--The banquet--The Court returns to the Louvre--Last advice given by the King to the Queen-Regent--Gloomy forebodings--The Queen's toilet--The Due de Vendôme and the Astrologer--The King's coach--Assassination of Henri IV--The Queen and the Chancellor--The royal children are placed under the care of M. de Vitry--Examination of the royal body--The King's heart--The state bier--The royal funeral. BOOK II MARIE DE MEDICIS AS REGENT CHAPTER I 1610