It was understood that this decree excluded from the crown of France not only Philip II., the Infanta Isabella, Archduke Ernest, and all the Spanish and Austrian princes, but also all the princes of the house of Guise, “because the qualification of foreigners applied to all the princes who were not of the blood royal and who were issue of foreign houses, even though they might have been born in France and were regnicoles.”

Mayenne refused, it is not known on what pretext, to receive the communication of this decree on the same day on which it was voted by the Parliament.  When President Lemaitre presented it to him the next day before a large attendance, Mayenne kept his temper, and confined himself to replying gruffly, “My first care has always been to defend the Catholic religion and maintain the laws of the realm.  It seems now that I am no longer necessary to the state, and that it will be easy to do without me.  I could have wished, considering my position, that the Parliament had not decided anything in a matter of such importance without consulting me.  However, I will do all that I find possible for me and that appears reasonable as to the two points of your representations.”  On the following day, 30th of June, Mayenne was dining with the Archbishop of Lyons, Peter d’Espinac; President Lemaitre was sent for, and the wrath of the lieutenant-general burst forth.  “The insult put upon me is too palpable for me to be quiet under it; since I am played fast and loose with in that way, I have resolved to quash the decree of the Parliament.  The Archbishop of Lyons is about to explain to you my feelings and my motives.”

[Illustration:  Lemaitre, Mayenne, and the Archbishop of Lyons——­53]

The archbishop spoke long and bitterly, dwelling upon the expression that “the Parliament had played fast and loose " with the prince.  President Lemaitre interrupted him.  “I cannot unmoved hear you repeating, sir, that to which my respect made me shut my eyes when the prince spoke.  Looking upon me as an individual, you might speak to me in any way, you thought proper; but so soon as the body I represent here is injured by insulting terms, I take offence, and I cannot suffer it.  Know then, sir, that the Parliament does not deceive or play fast and loose with anybody, and that it renders to every man his due.”  The conversation was continued for some moments in this warm and serious tone; but the quarrel went no further; from the account they received of it, the Parliament applauded the premier president’s firmness, and all the members swore that they would suffer anything rather than that there should be any change in the decree.  It remained intact, and Mayenne said no more about it.