FROM THE ACCESSION OF CHARLES IX. TO THE MASSACRE AT VASSY. [1560–1562.] Character of the Boy-King--Portrait of Catherine--The States-General--The Chancellor’s Address--Speeches of the Three Orators--Agitation in the Provinces--Religious Amnesty--Edict of July--Provincial Assemblies Convoked--Instructions of the Isle of France--The Triumvirate--States of Pontoise--Proposals of Reform--Colloquy of Poissy--Beza--Conference in the Queen’s Chamber--King’s Speech--Beza’s Defense--Catherine’s Liberal Spirit--Spread of New Doctrines--Monster Congregations--The Guises Intrigue with Spain--Violence of the Clergy--Massacres at Cahors and Aurillac--Amiens--Huguenot Outrages--Riot of St. Médard--Notables at St. Germains--Edict of January, 1562--Violence at Dijon and Aix--Anthony’s Apostasy--The Duke and the Cardinal at Saverne--Massacre at Vassy--Both Parties Arm--Guise Enters Paris--Plot to Seize the King. The accession of Charles IX., a child not eleven years old, was a revolution. “Now we fell from a fever into a frenzy,” quaintly writes an old historian; “a reign cursed in the city and cursed in the field; cursed in the beginning and cursed in the ending.”[210] The new king is described by the Venetian embassador as an amiable, handsome boy, with fine eyes and graceful carriage, eating and drinking little, quick-witted and spirited, gentle and liberal.[211] The same gossiping writer supplies a striking picture of the queen-mother at this time. He speaks of her keen comprehension, her business habits, and her sound understanding. “She never loses sight of the king, and permits no one to sleep in his room. She knows that she is envied because she is a foreigner.... Her plans are deep, and she holds every thing in her own hands.... She lives carelessly, has an enormous appetite, and, to keep down her fat, she takes much exercise, walks much, rides much on horseback, and hunts with the king. Her complexion is very dark, and she is already [_ætat._ 43] a stout woman.”[212] A letter she wrote about this time to her daughter Elizabeth is eminently characteristic:[213]