CHAPTER II

Critical condition of France at the accession of Charles IX.--Character and policy of Catherine de’ Medici--The Triumvirate--Catherine leans to the side of the Reformers--The “Edict of January”--Massacre of Vassy--Condé remains faithful to the Protestant cause--Beginning of the civil war--The Protestants, at first successful, soon in a desperate position--Condé turns to England for aid: Treaty of Hampton Court--Fall of Rouen--Condé marches on Paris--Battle of Dreux: the prince taken prisoner--Second Captivity of Condé--Assassination of Guise--Conference on the Île-aux-Bœufs--The maids-of-honour--Peace of Amboise--Condé follows the Court 16–28

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