To understand this, one must suppose here that the Town of Cazal is called here the chief of Ferrare; because it is the chief City of Montserrat, and as Paradin saith, is called Cazal St. Bas, a handsom and strong place, honoured with many Nobles and antient Families, as of the Earls of St. George and of Biandratte.
Secondly, We must suppose that in the year 1554. the Lord Figuerol, Lieutenant to the Governour of Milan did command in that place. Of this Figuerol I find in the Author of the four Volumes of the States and Empires, (when he speaketh of Spain) that the House of Figueroas was the root of that of Aquilar, which hath several branches, out of which came the Duke of Feria, and the Marquess of Pliego, so that Figuerol and Aquilar is the same thing.
If it be objected that Figueroas and Figuerol are not the same, Paradin teacheth us, that this Figuerol was bred up amongst the Genoeses, and the corrupted Italian of Genoa may have named the Captain Figuerol in stead of Figueroas.
Thirdly, We must suppose here that Cazal was taken in the night that is between Shrove-Tuesday and Ash-Wednesday, and that from Shrove-Sunday to that day there were great rejoycings, because of a famous Marriage that was made between two persons of quality, where the Lord Figuerol was one of the chief persons invited.
Fourthly, That these rejoycings were the occasion of the taking of Cazal; because the Lord Salvaison Governour of Verrüe hearing of this Feast, resolved to be among them, though with a different intention. He had before hand made himself sure of one Fontarole, who under pretence to sell fruit, went up and down the Town to spie what was a doing.
Fifthly, The resolution of surprizing Cazal was agreed upon, and the time appointed to be the night between Shrove-Tuesday and Ash-Wednesday, when the Governour, Inhabitants and Souldiers should be buried in sleep, weary of debaucheries committed the day before.
Sixthly, This resolution was so happily put into execution, that Figuerol hearing the noise of the French being in Town, came out of his house, having only his night Gown upon him, and a Halbert in his hand, to quiet those whom he only thought to be some drunken persons; but hearing the cry of France, France, he presently retired into the Castle, with all those that were come to the Nuptials.
Seventhly, The Marshal of Brissac coming about seven of the Clock in the Morning, caused the Tower of Cazal to be assaulted, which was taken with a considerable loss of the French, and after that the Castle which held out 12 days.
All this being supposed, mark what the Author saith in the third Verse.
The day that Aquilare shall celebrate his Festivals, that is, the day that Figuerol of the house of Aquilare shall celebrate his Festivals, not only one Festival, but his Festivals, that is of three days.