The true prophecies or prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best astronomers that ever were. / A work full of curiosity and learning. Translated and commented by Theophilus de Garencieres, Doctor in Physick Colleg. Lond.

by Nostradamus

LVII.

French.

De Soldat simple parviendra en Empire,

De Robe courte parviendra a la longue,

Vaillant aux Armes, en Eglise ou plus pire,

Vexer les Prestres comme l’eau fait l’esponge.

English.

From a simple Souldier he shall come to have the supreme command,

From a short Gown he shall come to the long one,

Vaillant in Arms, no worse man in the Church,

He shall vex the Priests, as water doth a Spunge.

ANNOT.

I never knew nor heard of any body to whom this Stanza might be better applied, then to the late Usurper Cromwel, for from a simple Souldier, he became to be Lord Protector, and from a Student in the University he became a graduate in Oxford, he was valliant in Arms, and the worse Churchman that could be found; as for vexing the Priests, I mean the Prelatical Clergy, I believe none went beyond him.