that colour, that I could not forbear laying this matter open, or speak less of it than I have done. This marriage between the Duke of Guienne and the Duke of Burgundy’s daughter proceeded so far, that promises were passed, not only by word of mouth, but by letters; but the like was done also[341] by Nicholas, Duke of Calabria and Lorraine, the son of John, Duke of Calabria (whom I have mentioned before); as also by Philibert, Duke of Savoy[342], who died lately; and afterwards by Duke Maximilian of Austria[343], now King of the Romans, and only son to the Emperor Frederick, which last received a letter under the lady’s own hand (written by her father’s express command), and with it a rich diamond as a present. These promises were made with all these princes in less than three years’ time; and sure I am none of them would ever have been accomplished while he lived, at least by his consent; but Duke Maximilian (since King of the Romans) made his advantage of that promise, as I shall declare hereafter. I do not mention this with any design to reflect upon the Duke of Burgundy, or any other person I have spoken of, but only to describe things as to my own certain knowledge they happened; for I do not suppose that blockheads and inferior persons will give themselves the trouble of reading these Memoirs, but princes and other great statesmen may do it, and find some information to reward their pains. Whilst this marriage was in agitation, new enterprises were still contriving against the king. In the behalf of the Duke of Guienne, there were resident at the Duke of Burgundy’s court, the Lord d’Urfé, Poncet de Rivière, and several other officers of less note. On the Duke of Bretagne’s part, there was the Abbé de Begar[344] (since Bishop of Leon), who acquainted the Duke of Burgundy that the king was endeavouring to corrupt the servants of the Duke of Guienne, and was in a fair way of bringing them over to his party, either by love or force; that he had already caused a castle[345] belonging to Monsieur d’Estissac[346] (one of the duke’s servants) to be demolished; and that he had begun several other things against him, and inveigled several of his domestics; from whence it might be reasonably concluded, that as the king had formerly dispossessed him of Normandy, after he had given it him by way of appanage, so now he would disseize him of Guienne.