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

The French Nation, and another Nation,

Being over the Mountains, shall die, and be taken,

In a month contrary to them, and near the vintage,

By the Lords agreed together.

ANNOT.

Two kind of Nations were led into Italy by the Duke of Guise to succour the Pope, viz. French and Germans, meaning by the Germans all those that use the German Tongue, as Switzers, &c.

The Author saith, these two Nations were led beyond the Mountains, because they went beyond the Apennine Alpes, to come down into the Champion Countrey of Italy, where some of them died by the Sword, others by famine and sickness; others lost their liberty, being made prisoners of War, others were exposed to the inconveniences that attend a ruined Army. He addeth, that these accidents shall befall them in a Month near the Vintage, that Month is September: He calleth it Contrary, because the Grapes being ripe, the starved Souldiers did eat abundance of them, and so fell into a bloody flux. The Pope’s Tenants made use of this Stratagem to ruine that Army.

The Spaniard had his revenge the year following, for the Duke of Guise having missed his design, and being stept before Civitella, and incensed that the Pope did not keep his word with him, he resolved to go back again into France, and so the Pope did by the means of the Common-wealth of Venice, and of the Duke of Florence, it was concluded and signed with the 23 of September.

This is the Authors meaning in the 4 Verse, that all the misfortune which befell the French, was by reason of that peace; for the Pope disbanded his Troops, consisting most of French and Switzers, the greatest part of whom fell into the hands of their enemies, and of the Countrey people, others died of sickness. It is true, that the Duke of Guise brought his own Army back without much loss, but the Author speaketh here of the Gascons and Switzers, that were in the Pope’s service, under the command of Marshal Strozzy, Monluc, Cardinal Caraffa, and others.

The time of this peace agreeth with the Prophesie, for it was concluded on the 23 of September, which is a Month near the Vintage.