FrancisII. write, that it is impoffible to separate them; and
1559. to the end that the Reader may form a right
Pope
Paul IV. Judgment, and know whether the Reformed
Religion was fo much concerned in them, as to be the cause of them; as Maimbourg, Daniel, and other Writers of that kind have boldly afferted, he must be first thoroughly acquainted with the true Character of the Ringleaders and chief Actors, in thofe bloody Tragedies, and then we shall confider in their proper place the true Causes and Motives of their Conduct, the Ends they proposed to themselves. But I fhall give here only the Character of those who have begun under this Reign; and the two or three first years of the following, referring to speak of the others, as they fhall come upon the Stage: I fhall begin with the Queen-Mother.
CATHARINE, Daughter to Laurent de MeCharacter dicis, and Niece to Pope Clement VIII. was born of Cathaat Florence in the year 1520, and was married to Henry Duke of Orleans fecond Son of Francis I. The Ceremony was performed at Marseilles, where the King of France and Clement met together in October 1533.
All the Hiftorians of thofe times agree in giving to that Princess all the Accomplishments of Body and Mind.
She had a noble and majeftick Mien, ingaging Manners, a great Wit, quick in finding out a fhift, in the greatest Emergencies; and not defponding in the greatest Misfortunes.
She had little or no occafion to make use of thefe Qualities, during the Life of the King her Hufband, who being entirely poffeffed by the Duchefs of Valentinois, gave no fhare at all to his Queen in the management of Affairs.