CHAPTER I

PAGES

Origin of the House of Condé--Louis de Bourbon, first prince of the name--His modest _début_ at the Court--His personal appearance and character--Enmity between the Bourbons and the Guises--Condé attaches himself to the party of the Connétable Anne de Montmorency, and marries the latter’s niece, Éléonore de Roye--Noble character of Éléonore--Gallantries of Condé--His early military career--Death of Henry II.--Progress of the Reformation in France--Condé embraces Protestantism and places himself at the head of the opposition to the Guises--He is arrested at Orléans, brought to trial for high treason and condemned to death--But is saved by the opportune death of François II. 1–15

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