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

XVI.

French.

En Octobre Six cens & cinq,

Pour voieur du Monstre Marin,

Prendra du Souverain le cresme,

Ou en six cens & six en Juin,

Grand joye aux Grands & au Commun,

Grand faits apres ce grand Baptesme.

English.

In October six hundred and five,

The Purveyor of the Sea Monster,

Shall take the unction of the Sovereign,

Or in six hundred and six in June,

Great joy shall be to the Great ones, and to the Commons,

Great feats shall be after this great Baptism.

ANNOT.

In the year 1606. the 14 of September, instead of which the printer hath put October, the Dolphin of France, Lewis the XIII. son to Henry the IV. was Christened with his two Sisters at Fountainbleau, and because the Ceremonies were extraordinary, and our Author calleth this a great Baptism, it will not be amiss for the satisfaction of the curious Reader, to give here succinctly a description of it.

In the great quadrangle of the Castles Yard, was erected a great Theatre, all spread and hanged with most rich Carpets and Hangings, in the middle of which Theatre was a square of thirty foot on each side, with rails about it, all covered with Carpets, in the front of it was erected an Altar, adorned with the Ornaments belonging to the Order of the Holy Ghost, behind the Table was a Footstool of three steps, spread with Carpets, and in the middle of the Footstool was a kind of a Stand, covered with a Silver Cloth, upon which were the Fount, covered with a most exquisite Towel, and a Canopy over it, on both sides of the Altars were two Scaffolds for two Quires of Musick, and a little lower on the right hand a Bench covered with Carpets for the Prelates to sit, among which were three Archbishops, nine Bishops and three Abbots, on the left hand were the Lords of the Councel, and before the Altar was the Cardinal of Gondy, encompassed with Almoners and Chaplains, and a great multitude of spectators seated upon Benches, in form of a Theatre, round about the Theatre were the guard of Switzers, having every one a Torch in his hand.

The Dolphin and his Sisters were in their Chambers upon Beds of State, with their Robes lined with Hermines, and were brought to the quadrangle, the waiting Gentlemen going before with Torches in their hands, with the Bed Chamber men, and Gentlemen of the Chamber, five Drums, Waits, and Trumpeters, Heralds, and the Knights of the Holy Ghost, with the three Honours; in the first, for the youngest Daughter, the Ewer, the Bason, the Pillow, the Wax Taper, the Chrisme, the Saltseller, were carryed by the Baron, Son to Marshal de la Chastre, by the Lords Montigny, la Rochepot, Chemerand, Liencourt, Fervacques, and the Lady was carryed by the Marshal of Bois Dauphin, followed by Charles Duke of Lorrain Godfather, and of Don Juan de Medicis, Brother to the great Duke of Tuscany, representing Christian, Daughter to the Duke of Lorrain, and Wife of the great Duke. After that followed the Dutches of Guise, the Countesses of Guiche, of Saulx, the Marchioness Monlaur, and other Ladies.

The Marshals of Laverdin, and of la Chastre, the Dukes of Silly, of Monbazon, of Espernon, of Esguillon did the same office for the elder Lady. The Lord of Ragny carryed her for Diana Dutchess of Angoulesme, who did represent the Infanta, Clara, Eugenia, Eusabella, Archidutchess of Austria, followed by the Dutchess of Rohan, Montmorency, Mayenne.

The third Honour for the Dolphin was carried by the Earl of Vaudemont, the Knight of Vendosme his elder Brother, the Duke of Mensier, the Earl of Soissons, and the Prince of County, all three Princes of the Blood, and the Dolphin was carryed by the Lord Souvray his Governour, in the room of the Prince of Condé, first Prince of the Blood, who because of his sickness could do him no other service then to hold him by the hand. The Duke of Guise carryed his Train, and the Cardinal of Joyouse followed him, representing the Pope Paul the V. then followed Eleonor Wife to Vincent Duke of Mantua, and the Princess of the Blood, all richly attired.

The Dolphin being brought upon the Table of the quadrangle, the Cardinal of Gondy appointed for this Ceremony, came near him; and having heard him answer pertinently to the questions asked by the Almoner according to the usual forms, and to say the Lords Prayer and the Creed in Latine, he was exercised, appointed, and by the Cardinal of Joyouse Legat, named Lewis.

The Ladies were afterwards brought upon the Table, and the eldest, named Elizabeth by the Dutchess of Angoulesme, representing the Archidutchess her Godmother, without any Godfather.

The youngest was named by Don Juan of Medicis (representing the great Dutchess) Christierne.

At Supper the King was waited upon by the Princess of his Blood; the Prince of Condé served for Pantler, the Prince of Compty for Cupbearer, the Duke of Monpensier for Squire Carver, the Earl of Soissons for high Steward, the Duke of Guise and the Earl of Vondemont waited upon the Queen, and the Duke of Sully waited upon the Legat. The Godfathers sat, and after them the Princesses, Ladies and Lords of high quality, at the great Ball the Duke of Lorrain did precede by the Kings order, for the only consideration that he was Godfather.

The next day there was a runing at the Ring, and at night the Duke of Sully caused an artificial Castle to be assaulted with an innumerable quantity of Squibs, Chambers, Canon shots, and other Fire Works, but never any thing was seen more incredible or wonderful, then the beauty, ornament and lustre of the Princesses and Ladies of the Court; The Eyes could not stedfastly behold the splendor of the Gold, nor the brightness of the Silver, nor the glittering of Jewels; the Princes and Lords did out vie one another who should be most richly attired, among the rest the Duke of Espernon had a Sword valued at 30000. Crowns, and upon the Queens Gown were 32000. Pearls, and 3000. Diamonds.