481 B. C. An eclipse of the sun noticed by Herodotus.
1110. Robert, abbot of Molesme, founder of the Cistersians, died. The Cistersian monks allotted several hours of the day to copying books, or sacred studies and manual labor. (See [March 28, 1134].)
1390. Robert II, of Scotland, died, aged 84. He was the first of the house of Stuart who reigned, and was crowned in 1371. On the accession of Richard II of England a war commenced which continued during the greater part of his reign.
1529. The elector of Saxony, marquis of Brandenburg, landgrave of Hesse, dukes of Lunenburg, prince of Anhalt, together with 14 imperial cities, entered a solemn protest against the decree of the diet of Spires condemning their nonconformity to the Romish church by abolishing the mass, &c., declaring the decree unjust and impious. Hence they were distinguished by the name of protestants.
1560. Philip Melanchthon, a celebrated German divine, died. He was a coadjutor with Luther in the reformation, and one of the wisest and greatest men of his age.
1593. Giles Bays died; a celebrated Parisian printer, and the first after Ramas
to make a distinction between j & i and u & v in printing.
1598. Henry IV of France published the memorable edict of Nantes, by which protestantism was tolerated in his dominions.
1608. Thomas Sackville, an English statesman and poet, died. He distinguished himself as a writer by the tragedy of Gorboduc, the first regular play on the English stage. As a statesman he has left a fair character.
1618. Thomas Bastard died, a poet and preacher of England, of considerable learning and ability.