ABSTRACT
Aristotelian physics aims to demonstrate causes, the Sepmaine does not prioritize causal explanations in proper terms. Examples and images are more evident in the passage than the abstract terminology of Aristotelian physics which they might have served to clarify, just as in the representation of the divine they were more prevalent than an abstract theological style. Where cosmic forces are conceived other than in terms of the elements, Du Bartas does employ occasional images of love. A long tradition of French political thought saw the 'most Christian' king as an image of God, and used the symbolism of the consecration to suggest that kingship involved an infusion of divine power. Not only Protestants were concerned by the absolutist tendencies of French royalty. Many perceived the St. Barthelemy as an attack upon the nobility nearly upon the Protestants, and expressed concerns that, while they were preoccupied with civil wars and religious conflict, France was being transformed into an absolutist monarchy.
