of this consideration, we find Santa Croce writing to Cardinal Borromeo (12th Oct., 1564) an account of an interview with the queen. After listening patiently to his message from the Holy Father relative to the introduction of the Tridentine decrees, she replied: “No one can feel a more ardent desire for the observance of the council than myself; but affairs are in such a state that I am compelled to handle them very delicately, and it is impossible to issue any fresh edicts just now. Whenever circumstances permit, I will do as his Holiness desires.” This was no new language. In the instructions to his embassadors at the council, the king declared that considering the number of the heretics, he could not attempt to put down the new religion by force, without endangering both crown and state.[356] CHAPTER VIII. THE MEETING AT BAYONNE AND THE SECOND WAR. [June, 1565–March, 1568.] The Royal progress--Bayonne in June--Identical note--Amusements--Political Deliberations--The Queen of Navarre Excommunicated--Catherine’s Remonstrance--The Pope yields--State of Gascony--Assembly of Notables at Moulins--Feud between Guise and Coligny--Montmorency and the Cardinal--Disturbed state of Maine--Montluc pacifies Gascony--Embassy from Germany--Rebellion in Flanders--March of Alva--Condé leaves the Court--Rumored Plot--Huguenot Meeting at Chatillon--War resolved upon--Attempt to seize Charles--Huguenot Rising--Battle of St. Denis--Death of the Constable--German Auxiliaries--Michelade of Nismes--Siege of Chartres--Peace of Longjumeau--Death of Coligny’s Wife. In order to test the state of public feeling and apply a remedy to the great disorders of the realm, the queen-mother decided upon an extensive tour through the south and west of France, which would give her an opportunity of showing the king to his subjects and strengthening him in their affections. It is not necessary to trace the progress of the court step by step; a few incidents, however, may be quoted to show the intolerant temper of the Catholic party. In many of the towns of Burgundy, Charles was received with shouts of “Long live the King!” and “The Mass forever!” At Chalons a medal was struck, representing the monarch trampling on Heresy, depicted as a Fury pouring out torrents of fire. At Lyons the foundations were laid of a citadel intended to crush the heretical tendencies of the inhabitants. The walls of several Protestant towns were demolished, and numerous addresses were presented to the young monarch, praying him to interdict the exercise of any form of religion but the Romish.