XLIV.

French.

En bref seront de retour Sacrifices, Contrevenans seront mis a Martyre, Plus ne seront Moins, Abbez ne Novices, Le Miel sera beaucoup plus cher que Cire.

English.

Within a little while Sacrifices shall come again, Opposers shall be put to Martyrdom; There shall be no more Monks, Abbots, nor Novices, Honey shall be much dearer then Wax.

ANNOT.

This is a true Prophecy of the miserable condition of the Church and Clergy in our Fore-fathers times, and chiefly of _Henry_ the II. in _France_, and _Henry_ the VIII. in _England_, when in the beginning of the Reformation there was such a confusion of opinions, and such unsettledness in Ecclesiastical Government, that sometimes the Popish party prevailed, and put to death the Opposers; at another time the Protestants, who drove away the Monks, Abbots and Novices, as is expressed here, and proved true in _Henry_ the VIII. time. As for what he saith, that _Honey shall be much dearer than Wax_. It is to be understood of the downfal of the Romish Religion, who maketh use of Wax Candles and Tapers in their superstitious ceremonies, as if he would say, that the Romish Religion being down, Wax shall be cheap, and Honey dear.