Henry M. Baird · 143 of 379

CHAPTER VIII · Sacrifice of French interests.

Such were the concessions Henry was willing to make for the purpose of obtaining peace abroad, that he might turn his arms against his own subjects. Philip, if equally zealous, was certainly too prudent to exhibit his eagerness so clearly to his opponent. The interests of France had been sacrificed to the bigotry of her monarch and the selfishness of his advisers. When the terms of the agreement were made known, they awakened in every true Frenchman's breast a feeling of shame and disgust. Henry himself manifested embarrassment when attempting to justify his course. Abroad the improbable tidings were received with incredulity.