ABSTRACT
Before he died, Henry III recognized Henri de Navarre as his heir.1 This ensured him much support among members of the late king’s entourage, but Navarre’s Protestantism was unacceptable to many Catholics. Follow ing heated arguments between commanders of the Catholic army at Saint Cloud, Frangois d’O conveyed their terms to Henri: he was to abjure his faith, banish all Protestant worship in France and reserve all offices to Catholics. Henri refused, but on 4 August he declared that he would up hold the Catholic faith ‘without changing anything’ and his fervent desire was to be instructed in it by ‘a good, legitimate and free general national council’.2 He promised to call such a body within six months. Protestant rights would be guaranteed pending a peace settlement. Towns and fortresses captured from the rebels would be placed under Catholic control. Henri also promised to punish those who had plotted Henry I ll ’s assassination and to protect his servants.3Having accepted these terms, the Catholic captains recognized Henri as King Henry IV. They asked him to call a meeting of his followers within two months to discuss state affairs pending a meeting of the Estates General. The League, of course, remained resolutely hostile to the new king. On 7 August the Parlement of Paris recognized cardinal de Bourbon as King Charles X even though he was still a prisoner, and even among Catholic servants of the late king there were many defections, notably Montholon, the Keeper of the Seals, the dukes of Epernon and Nevers.
