assured him that he should receive no injury.  In this promise, however, he put little trust.  He went, accompanied by the Viscount d’Auchy, on whose word he chiefly relied.  Having, however, observed under these vaults a great number of halberdiers and arquebusiers in ranks, he would have returned, when the viscount and the captain reassured him that no harm should happen to him.  The soldiers bowed, and their behaviour was respectful.  By a private staircase he entered the chamber of the king, who, immediately on perceiving him, turned towards him, and stretched out his arms.  The King of Navarre was affected; he sighed and wept, and fell on his knees at the side of the bed.  Charles embraced, and having kissed him, said, ’My brother, you lose a good master and a good friend.  I know it is not you who occasions me so much trouble; had I believed what they said, you would not have been alive; but I have always loved you.  It is to you alone I trust my wife and daughter; earnestly do I recommend them to your care. Do not trust the queen; but God protect you!’

“The queen mother here interrupted him, ’Ah, sir, do not say that!’—­’Yes, madam, I must say it; it is the truth.  Believe me, my brother; love me; assist my wife and daughter, and implore God for mercy on me.  Adieu, my brother, adieu!’ The King of Navarre remained till his majesty expired.”

The following minute particulars are drawn from the journal of Pierre de L’Etoile.  In the simplicity of his narration, so pleasing in the old writers, the nurse and the monarch,—­the religious remorse of the one, and the artless consolations of the other,—­become interesting objects.

“King Charles, two days before his death, having called for Mazzille, his chief physician, and complaining of the pains he suffered, asked him if it was not possible that he, and so many other celebrated physicians that were in his realms, could give some alleviation to his disorder; ‘for I am,’ said he, ‘cruelly and horridly tormented.’  To which Mazzille replied, that whatever had depended on them had been tried, but that in truth God only could be the sovereign physician in such complaints.  ’I believe,’ said the king, ’that what you say is true, and that you know nothing else.  Draw from me my custode (or large cap), that I may try to rest.’  Mazzille withdrew, and left orders that all should leave the king except three, viz., La Tour, St. Pris, and his nurse, whom his majesty greatly loved, although she was a Huguenot.  As she had just seated herself on a coffer, and began to doze, she heard the king groan bitterly, weeping and sighing; she then approached the bed softly, and drawing away his custode, the king said to her, giving vent to a heavy sigh, and shedding tears plentifully, insomuch that they interrupted his discourse—­’Ah! my dear nurse! my beloved woman, what blood! what murders!  Ah!  I have followed wicked advice!  O my God!