The leaders of the Imperialists, they observed, would either be obliged in a few weeks to disband an army, which they were unable to pay, and which they kept together only by the hope of pillage, or the soldiers, enraged at the non-performance of the promises to which they had trusted, would rise in some furious mutiny which would allow them to think of nothing but their own safety; that, meanwhile, he might encamp in some strong post, and waiting, in safety, the arrival of fresh troops from France and Switzerland, might, before the end of spring, take possession of all the Milanese, without danger or bloodshed. But, in opposition to them, Bonnivet, whose destiny it was to give counsels fatal to France during the whole campaign, represented the ignominy that it would reflect on their sovereign, if he should abandon a siege which he had prosecuted so long, or turn his back before an enemy to whom he was still superior in numbers, and insisted on the necessity of fighting the Imperialists, rather than relinquish an undertaking, on the success of which the king's future fame depended. Unfortunately, Francis's notions of honour were delicate to an excess that bordered on what was romantic, and having often said that he would take Pavia or perish in the attempt, thought himself bound not to depart from his word. The Imperial generals found the French so strongly entrenched (fortified), that notwithstanding the powerful motives which urged them on, they hesitated long before they ventured to attack them; but at last the necessities of the besieged, and the murmurs of their own soldiers, obliged them to put every thing to hazard. Never did armies engage with greater ardour, or with a higher opinion of the importance of the battle which they were going to fight; never were troops more strongly animated with emulation, national antipathy, (hatred), mutual resentment, and all the passions which inspire obstinate bravery. On the one hand, a gallant young monarch, seconded by a generous nobility, and followed by subjects to whose natural impetuosity, indignation at the opposition which they had encountered (met with), added new force, contended for victory and honour. On the other side, troops more completely disciplined, and conducted by generals of greater abilities, fought from necessity, with courage heightened by despair.

The Imperialists, however, were unable to resist the first efforts of the French valour, and their firmest battalions began to give way. But the fortune of the day was quickly changed. The Swiss in the service of France, unmindful of the reputation of their country for fidelity and martial glory, abandoned their post in a cowardly manner. Leyva, with his garrison, sallied out and attacked the rear of the French, during the heat of the action, with such fury as threw it into confusion; and Pescara, falling on their cavalry, with the Imperial horse, among whom he had prudently intermingled a considerable number of Spanish foot, armed with the heavy muskets then in use, broke this formidable body by an unusual method of attack, against which they were wholly unprovided. The rout became universal, and resistance ceased in almost every part but where the king was in person, who fought now, not for fame or victory, but for safety. Though wounded in several places, and thrown from his horse, which was killed under him, Francis defended himself on foot with an heroic courage; killing, with his own hand, Ferdinand de Castriot, Marquis de Saint-Auge, and six other of his opponents. Many o his bravest officers gathering round him, and, endeavouring to save his life at the expense of their own, fell at his feet. Among these was Bonnivet, the author of this great calamity, who alone died unlamented. The king, exhausted with fatigue, and scarcely capable of further resistance, was left almost alone, exposed to the fury of Spanish soldiers, strangers to his rank, and enraged at his obstinacy. At that moment came up Pomperant, a French gentleman, who had entered, together with Bourbon, into the emperor's service, and placing himself by the side of the monarch against whom he had rebelled, assisted in protecting him from the violence of the soldiers, at the same time beseeching him to surrender to Bourbon, who was not far distant. Imminent as the danger was which now surrounded Francis, he rejected with indignation the thoughts of an action which would have afforded such matter of triumph to his traitorous subject, and called for Lannoy, who happened likewise to be near. The latter immediately ran up, and falling upon one knee, received the monarch's sword. "Receive, Monsieur de Lannoy, said the unfortunate

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Francis, "the sword of a king who is entitled to respect, since, before surrendering it, he has made it do good service against his enemies, and who has become a prisoner, not from pusillanimity (want of courage), but a reverse of fortune." Lannoy kissed the hand of his royal prisoner, and taking his own sword, presented it to him, saying, that it did not become so great a monarch to remain disarmed in the presence of one of the emperor's subjects. Ten thousand men fell on this day, one of the most fatal France had ever seen. Among these were many noblemen of the highest distinction, who chose rather to perish than to turn their backs with dishonour. Francis announced his misfortune to his mother, the Duchess d'Angoulême, in these justly celebrated words, "Madam, all is lost, except honour."

Lannoy, though he treated Francis with all the outward marks of honour due to his rank and character, guarded him with the utmost attention. He was not only solicitous, to prevent any possibility of his escaping, but was also afraid that his own troops might seize his person and detain it as the best security for the payment of their arrears (pay due). In order to provide against both these dangers, he conducted Francis, the day after the battle, to the strong castle of Pizzichitone, near Cremona, committing him to the custody of Don Ferdinand Alarcon, general of the Spanish infantry, an officer of great bravery and of strict honour, but remarkable for that severe and scrupulous (exact) vigilance which such a trust required.

READING IX.

SACK OF ROME BY THE IMPERIALISTS.

A.D. 1527.

CHARLES OF BOURBON.

CHEVALIER BAYARD.

REPLETE as is the history of these times with stirring events, none is, perhaps, so likely to affect the mind with the mingled emotions of surprise, pity, and indignation, as the one we are about to describe-the storming and

sacking of Rome, the seat of the papal power, by the bigoted subjects of a Catholic monarch. As the author and chief perpetrator (actor) of this atrocious (wicked) violence was a person, who, although one of the highest noblemen of France, had dishonoured himself by becoming a traitor to his prince, it will be interesting to precede our account of the aggression (outrage), by a short view of his character, and by an investigation (inquiry) of the causes which induced him not only to forfeit his allegiance (duty to his sovereign), but to consummate (complete) his guilt by sacrilege (profanation of sacred things).

Charles, duke of Bourbon, lord high constable of France, whose noble birth, vast fortune, and high office, raised him to be the most powerful subject in the kingdom, was illustrious by talents equally suited for the field as for the council, and by the important services he had rendered the crown. The near resemblance between the king and him in many of their qualities, both being fond of war, and ambitious to excel in manly exercises, as well as their equality in age, and their proximity (nearness) of blood, ought naturally to have secured him a considerable share in that monarch's favour. But, unhappily, Louise, the king's mother, had contracted a violent aversion (hatred) to the house of Bourbon, and she had taught her son, who was too open to every impression which she gave him, to view all the constable's actions with a mean and unbecoming jealousy. His distinguished merit at the battle of Marignano had not been sufficiently rewarded; he had been recalled from the government of Milan, upon very frivolous (trifling) pretences, and had met with a cold reception, which his prudent conduct in that difficult station did not deserve; the payment of his pensions had been suspended (withheld), without any good cause; and during the campaign of 1521, he had received a personal affront from the king, who gave the command of the van (the advance of the army), to the duke of Alençon. The constable, at first, bore these indignities with greater moderation than could have been expected from a high-spirited prince, conscious (aware) of what was due to his rank and services. Such a multiplicity (number) of injuries, however, exhausted. his patience, and inspiring him with thoughts of revenge,

he retired from court and began to hold a secret correspondence with some of the emperor's ministers.

About that time the duchess of Bourbon died, leaving no children. Louise, who was still susceptible of the tender passions at the age of forty-six, began to view the constable with other eyes, and formed the scheme of marrying him, but Bourbon stung (hurt) with his recent injuries, not only rejected the match, but embittered his refusal by some severe raillery (satire) upon Louise's person and character. Exasperated (enraged) by his contempt, the angry princess determined to ruin the late object of her love.

For this purpose, she gained over to her interests DuPrat, chancellor of France, and by his advice a lawsuit was commenced against the constable, for the whole estate of the house of Bourbon. Part of it was claimed in the king's name, as having fallen to the crown; part in that of Louise, as the nearest heir in blood of the deceased duchess. The decision of the court was, as may be supposed, fatal to the constable, who, driven to despair, resolved upon measures which that passion alone could dictate. He entered into a secret correspondence with the emperor and the king of England, and proposed, as soon as an opportunity presented itself, to raise an insurrection among the numerous vassals of the French monarch, and introduce foreign troops into the heart of France.

Although Francis had some information of this conspiracy, yet not having sufficient proof of Bourbon's guilt, he allowed him to quit the kingdom, and that traitor, entering into the emperor's service, devoted all his abilities and skill to injure his lawful sovereign and his native country.

The Imperialists having, in the year 1524, succeeded. in marching a powerful army to oppose the French, who, under Bonnivet, had entered the Milanese, the latter being destitute of troops, to make head against them, was forced to abandon the strong camp in which he had entrenched (fortified) himself at Biagrassa, and to attempt, soon after, a retreat into France, through the valley of Aost. Just as he arrived on the banks of the Sessia, and began to pass that river, Bourbon and Pescara appeared with the vanguard of the allies and attacked his