Protestantism in France From Death of Francis I to Edict of Nantes - James Aitken Wylie

amusement and feasting, there was held a secret
conference in order to arrive at a mutual
understanding between the two crowns. Their
common interest being weighed and considered,
they agreed in this, that it was expedient for one
king to aid and assist the other in pacifying their
States and purging them from diversity of
religions. But they were not of the same opinion as
to the way that was most expeditious and secure for
arriving at this end... The duke said that a prince
could not do a thing more unworthy or prejudicial
to himself than to permit liberty of conscience to
his people, bringing as many varieties of religion
into a State as there are fancies in the minds of
men; that diversities of opinion never faded to put
subjects in arms, and stir up grievous treacheries
and rebellions; therefore, he concluded that they
ought by severe remedies, no matter whether by
fire or sword, to cut away the roots of that evil."[4]
The historian says that the Queen-mother was
inclined to milder measures, in the first place,
being indisposed to embrue her hands in the blood
of the royal family, and of the great lords of the
253