CHAPTER VII

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1545-1547.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE VAUDOIS OF MÉRINDOL AND CABRIÈRES, AND LAST DAYS OF FRANCIS I. 230 The Vaudois of the Durance 230 Their Industry and Thrift 230 Embassy to German and Swiss Reformers 232 Translation of the Bible by Olivetanus 233 Preliminary Persecutions 234 The Parliament of Aix 235 The Atrocious "Arrêt de Mérindol" (Nov. 18, 1540) 236 Condemned by Public Opinion 237 Preparations to carry it into Effect 237 President Chassanée and the Mice of Autun 238 The King instructs Du Bellay to investigate 239 A Favorable Report 240 Francis's Letter of Pardon 241 Parliament's Continued Severity 241 The Vaudois publish a Confession 242 Intercession of the Protestant Princes of Germany 242 The new President of Parliament 243 Sanguinary Royal Order, fraudulently obtained (Jan. 1, 1545) 244 Expedition stealthily organized 245 Villages burned--their Inhabitants murdered 246 Destruction of Mérindol 247 Treacherous Capture of Cabrières 248 Women burned and Men butchered 248 Twenty-two Towns and Villages destroyed 249 A subsequent Investigation 251 "The Fourteen of Meaux" 253 Wider Diffusion of the Reformed Doctrines 256 The Printer Jean Chapot before Parliament 256

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