Protestantism in the Waldensian Valleys - James Aitken Wylie

they had retired, the Waldenses sent respectful
representations to the court of Turin. They
described their piteous condition in terms so
moving--and it would have been hard to have
exaggerated it--and besought the fulfillment of
treaties in which the honor and truth of the House
of Savoy were pledged, in language so temperate
and just, that one would have thought that their
supplication must needs prevail. Alas, no! The ear
of their prince had been poisoned by falsehood.
Even access to him was denied them. As regarded
the Propaganda, their remonstrances, though
accompanied with tears and groans, were wholly
unheeded. The Vaudois were but charming deaf
adders. They were put off with equivocal answers
and delusive promises till the fatal 17th of April
had arrived, when it was no longer necessary to
dissemble and equivocate.[7]
On the day above named, April 17th, 1655, the
Marquis di Pianeza departed secretly at midnight
from Turin, and appeared before the Valleys at the
head of an army of 15,000 men.[8] The
Waldensian deputies were by appointment
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