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Marshal d'Ancre was at that time looking out for supports against his imminent downfall. When, in 1617, he fell and was massacred, people were astonished to find Richelieu on good terms with the marshal's court-rival Albert de Luynes, who pressed him to remain in the council at which he had sat for only five months.

"Whilst to-day," replied he, coldly, "you do not prejudge." "Monsieur, I am a well-meaning man, thank God! and simple hotelier as I am, there is in me the blood of a gentleman. My father was a servant and officer of the late Marechal d'Ancre. God rest his soul!" "I do not contest that point with you; I only wish to know, and that quickly, to what your questions tend?"

She was obeyed; and the Italian waiting-woman no sooner perceived De Vitry advancing below the apartments of her royal mistress than she inquired of him what had occurred. "The Maréchal d'Ancre has been shot," was his abrupt reply. "Shot!" echoed Caterina; "and by whom?" "By myself," said De Vitry composedly; "and by the command of the King."

Conference of Loudun Venality of the Princes Mutual concessions Indisposition of M. de Condé He signs the treaty Concini is insulted by a citizen of Paris The Court return to the capital Schism in the cabal The seals are transferred to M. du Vair Disgrace of the ministers Triumph of Concini Mangot is appointed Secretary of State, and Barbin Minister of Finance The young sovereigns Court costumes Anne of Austria and Marie de Medicis Puerility of Louis XIII The Maréchal de Bouillon and the Duc de Mayenne return to Court They seek to ruin Concini The Prince de Condé effects a reconciliation with the Queen-mother James I. sends an embassy to Paris to negotiate a marriage between the Prince of Wales and the Princesse Christine Gorgeous reception at the Louvre Court festivities Concini returns to Paris He is abandoned by the Prince de Condé He is compelled to retire His forebodings He endeavours to induce Leonora to leave France She refuses Increasing influence of De Luynes Death of Mademoiselle d'Ancre Despair of Concini Ambitious projects of the Prince de Condé Devotion of Sully His advice is disregarded Popularity of Condé Marie de Medicis resolves to arrest him He disbelieves the rumour The other Princes withdraw from the capital The King is induced to sanction the arrest Dissimulation of Louis XIII Arrest of Condé Fearless reply of M. du Vair The Prince is conveyed to the Bastille A batch of Marshals Noble disinterestedness of Bassompierre The Dowager Princess of Condé endeavours to excite the populace to rescue her son The mob pillage the hôtel of the Maréchal d'Ancre The Queen-mother negotiates with the Guises The council of war The seals are transferred from Du Vair to Mangot Richelieu is appointed Secretary of State Concini returns to Court The Maréchale d'Ancre becomes partially insane Popular execration of the Italian favourites Subtle policy of Richelieu Threatening attitude assumed by the Princes.

He told the Parliament that it was reported Paris was to be besieged; that troops were marching for that end, and the most faithful servants of his late Majesty, who, it was suspected, would oppose designs so pernicious, would be put in chains; that it was necessary for them to address the Queen to bring the King back to Paris; and forasmuch as the author of all these mischiefs was well known, he moved further that the Duc d'Orleans and the officers of the Crown should be desired to come to Parliament to deliberate upon the decree issued in 1617, on account of Marechal d'Ancre, forbidding foreigners to intermeddle in the Government.

In fact, he did excommunicate the Marechal's baton, remembering that in the former case the Pope had obliged the Duc d'Epernon to ask his pardon; but M. Vitry, who had caused the Marechal d'Ancre to be assassinated, stood too high at court for that, and the Archbishop, in addition to his beating, got well scolded by the minister.

You have no longer an alternative if you desire to escape the machinations of the Maréchal d'Ancre. I have sure information that an attempt is about to be made to seize your person, and to take you out of the country." "You rave, De Luynes!" exclaimed Louis, whose cheeks blanched at this unexpected announcement.

Desirous of proceeding to Guienne without further delay, the Queen consequently urged her advisers to suggest some other individual to whom so serious a responsibility might be entrusted; and after considerable deliberation the Duc d'Epernon, the Chancellor, and his son the Chevalier de Sillery proposed to the Maréchal d'Ancre that he should become a candidate for the command, offering at the same time to exert all their influence with the Queen to ensure his success.

A cold correspondence Increasing influence of the Marquis d'Ancre Animosity between the Duc d'Epernon and Concini Disunion of the Princes de.

"L'hanno ammazzato" was shouted to his wife, Eleanora Galigai, the supposed sorceress. They were the words in which Concini had communicated to the Queen the murder of her husband seven years before. Eleanora, too, was burned after having been beheaded. Thus the Marshal d'Ancre and wife ceased to reign in France.