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

nobles of France felt the power of his example, and
in many a castle the chant of psalms began to be
heard, where aforetime there had reigned only
worldly merriment and boisterous revelry.
To the graces of Christianity there were added,
in the character of Coligny, the gifts of human
genius. He excelled in military tactics, and much of
his life was passed on the battle-field; but he was
no less fitted to shine in senates, and to guide in
matters of State. His foresight, sagacity, and
patriotism would, had he lived in happier times,
have been the source of manifold blessings to his
native country. As it was, these great qualities were
mainly shown in arranging campaigns and fighting
battles.
Protestantism in France, so at least Coligny
judged, had nothing for it but to stand to its
defense. A tyranny, exercised in the king's name,
but none the less art audacious usurpation, was
trampling on law, outraging all rights, and daily
destroying by horrible deaths the noblest men in
France, and the Protestants felt that they owed it to
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