ABSTRACT
Diplomacy in the sixteenth century was entering a new phase. Ambassadors who in the past had been sent on specific and short-term missions began to reside abroad for longer periods. In order to understand the various factors which may have influenced the conduct of the duke of Bourbon, let us consider briefly the international situation around 1521. The reign of Francis I is often portrayed as a ‘golden age’. Generally speaking, France enjoyed a certain prosperity and her court dazzled on account of its artistic culture. It was against this background of national crisis that the constable of Bourbon planned his treason. It should be said, of course, that he had two suzerains: Francis for his lands in France and Charles V for those beyond the river Saone which were less extensive. But even as he hesitated, Bourbon was treating with the enemy.
