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

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.