Philosophical Dictionary (Vol. 2)

Countess of Grammont; they still exist in the original. The author of the Essay on the Manners and Spirit of Nations cites several of these interesting letters. Here are some curious excerpts:

"All these poisoners are all papists. — I have discovered a killer for me. — The Roman preachers preach aloud that there is only one more death to see; they admonish every good Catholic to take example (from the poisoning of the Prince of Condé); — and you are of this religion! — If I were not a Huguenot, I would make myself a Turk."

It is difficult, after these testimonies from the hand of Henry IV, to be firmly persuaded that he was a Catholic at heart.

ANOTHER BLUNDER REGARDING HENRY IV.

Another modern historian of Henry IV accuses the Duke of Lerma of the murder of this hero: "It is, he says, the best-established opinion." It is evident that it is the most poorly established opinion. It was never spoken of in Spain, and there was no one in France but the continuator of President de Thou who gave any credence to these vague and ridiculous suspicions. If the Duke of Lerma, prime minister, employed Ravaillac, he paid him very poorly. This wretch was almost without money when he was seized. If the Duke of Lerma had seduced him, or had him seduced, under the promise of a reward proportional to his attempt, Ravaillac would certainly have named him and his emissaries, if only to avenge himself.