by Praslin—­They are conveyed separately to the Bastille—­Exultation of the citizens—­Firmness of the King—­Violence of Biron—­Tardy repentance—­Trial of Biron—­A scene in the Bastille—­Condemnation of the Duke—­He is beheaded—­The subordinate conspirators are pardoned—­The Duc de Bouillon retires to Turenne—­Refuses to appear at Court—­Execution of the Baron de Fontenelles—­A salutary lesson—­The Comte d’Auvergne is restored to liberty—­Revolt of the Prince de Joinville—­He is treated with contempt by the King—­He is imprisoned by the Duc de Guise—­Removal of the Court to Fontainbleau—­Legitimation of the son of Madame de Verneuil—­Unhappiness of the Queen—­She is consoled by Sully—­Birth of the Princesse Elisabeth de France—­Disappointment of the Queen—­Soeur Ange.

CHAPTER IV

1603-4

Court festivities—­Madame de Verneuil is lodged in the palace—­She gives birth to a daughter—­Royal quarrels—­Mademoiselle de Guise—­Italian actors—­Revolt at Metz—­Henry proceeds thither and suppresses the rebellion—­Discontent of the Duc d’Epernon—­The Duchesse de Bar and the Duc de Lorraine arrive in France—­Illness of Queen Elizabeth of England—­Her death—­Indisposition of the French King—­Sully at Fontainebleau—­Confidence of Henri iv in his wife—­His recovery—­Renewed passion of Henry for Madame de Verneuil—­Anger of the Queen—­Quarrel of the Comte de Soissons and the Duc de Sully—­The edict—­Treachery of Madame de Verneuil—­Insolence of the Comte de Soissons—­A royal rebuke—­Alarm of Madame de Verneuil—­Hopes of the Queen—­Jealousy of the Marquise—­The dinner at Rosny—­The King pacifies the province of Lower Normandy—­The Comte de Soissons prepares to leave the kingdom—­Is dissuaded by the King—­Official apology of Sully—­Reception of Alexandre-Monsieur into the Order of the Knights of Malta—­Death of the Duchesse de Bar—­Grief of the King—­The Papal Nuncio—­Treachery near the throne—­A revelation—­The Duc de Villeroy—­A stormy audience—­Escape of L’Hote—­His pursuit—­His death—­Ignominious treatment of his body—­Madame de Verneuil asserts her claim to the hand of the King—­The Comte d’Auvergne retires from the Court—­Madame de Verneuil requests permission to quit France—­Reply of the King—­Indignation of Marie—­The King resolves to obtain the written promise of marriage—­Insolence of the favourite—­Weakness of Henry—­He asks the advice of Sully—­Parallel between a wife and a mistress—­A lame apology—­The two Henrys—­Reconciliation between the King and the favourite—­Remonstrances of Sully—­A delicate dilemma—­Extravagance of the Queen—­The “Pot de Vin”—­The royal letter—­Evil influences—­Henry endeavours to effect a reconciliation with the Queen—­Difficult diplomacy—­A temporary calm—­Renewed differences—­A minister at fault—­Mademoiselle de la Bourdaisiere—­Mademoiselle de Bueil—­Jealousy of Madame de Verneuil—­Conspiracy of the Comte d’Auvergne—­Intemperance of the Queen—­Timely interference—­Confidence