AUTHOR'S PREFACE. It is believed that among all the labored histories of France, there is not in existence an illustrated biographical sketch of the lives and customs of their kings: this is only to be acquired by toiling through a variety of authors, many of which are but imperfectly known. The author of this volume has for his object the presentation of a work extracted from the best authorities, placed in biographical order, so as to become interesting and useful to readers of either sex. He has attentively compared various authors, and trusts this volume will be found to contain facts incontestably established. For much of this valuable matter, the author is indebted to the voluminous works of both Gregory of Tours and the Abbe Velly, two historians of that day whose works for veracity are very generally quoted by modern writers; also to the productions of Professor d'Arnay, and Mr. Gifford, his obligations are acknowledged. In order to give this work an importance, not only in the Library, but to the Cabinet of the Numismatist, and collector of Medals, it is embellished with portraits of seventy-two Sovereigns who filled the throne from the foundation of the monarchy to the present reign, engraved from a series of medals lately issued in France and believed to be perfect likenesses. The sources from which they were originally obtained are given in the following pages. In conclusion, therefore, the compiler most respectfully submits his efforts to the tribunal of an indulgent public. Series of Medals contained in this volume can be obtained from Carey & Hart, Philadelphia, at the following prices— CONTENTS. PAGE PHARAMOND. First King of France-Foundation of the monarchy-Con- CLODION. His turbulent and unhappy reign-Description of the race, MEROVEE. His inauguration, character, &c. CHILDERIC I. Attempt to steal and carry him into captivity-His rescue -Return of the piece of gold as a signal of attachment-Curious relics - CLOVIS I. Ascension to the throne - Challenge to Syagrius- A bloody battle the result-His marriage-Conversion to Christianity, with three thousand of his subjects-The holy phial-The Passage of the Hind- CHILDEBERT I. At the death of Clovis his four sons draw lots for the division of the kingdom-Paris is drawn by Childebert-Description of the divisions-Death of Clodomir and Thierri-Builds and establishes a number of monasteries-Abolishes idols, images, &c. CLOTAIRE I. Takes up arms against his son, who had joined the Britons against his father-Taken prisoner, and by his father's orders executed on the spot-His wife and three children strangled and burnt-Clotaire CARIBERT. Division of France into four kingdoms-Seizure of the late king's treasures by his son Chilperic-Caribert's marriage-His queen abjures Arianism-He repudiates Ingoberga, and marries the daughter of an artisan, and thirdly the daughter of a shepherd CHILPERIC I. Battle with the Hungarians-Chilperic is taken prisoner- is restored to liberty-Dress worn at that day-Marriage of the son of Chilperic to his aunt-The prelate disgraced and the son assassinated -The wicked reign of Chilperic visited by the anger of Heaven-His assassination on his return from his country seat CLOTAIRE II. Flight and protection of Fredegonda-Declared regent and guardian to her infant son-Attempt to assassinate Childebert-Sup- posed to be instigated by the wicked Fredegonda-Her stratagem and DAGOBERT I. Acknowledged king-The assassination of Brunulf by the CLOVIS II. Division of the kingdom between Clovis and his brother Sige- CHILDERIC II. Ligur appointed prime minister-Childeric takes a dislike CLOVIS III. Short reign of four year-Cope of St. Martin, a standard car- DAGOBERT II. Kept in seclusion during his minority-Death of Pepin- CLOTAIRE IV. Translation of Clotaire from the throne of Austrasia to CHILPERIC II. His ascension to the throne-Battle of Vinchy, and sud- THIERRI II. Proclaimed King of Paris, Burgundy, and Austrasia-De- CHILDERIC III. Council of Pope Zachary-Carloman embraces a religious PEPIN. Coronation-Defeat of the Saxons-War against the Lombards- LOUIS I. Proclaimed king and emperor-Conspiracy detected-Conspi- - Charles crowned king-Mediation of CHARLES II. Empire divided 94 LOUIS II. Coronation-Peace with Germany-Death, supposed by poison CHARLES THE FAT. Charles receives the homage of the nobles-Sige- froy's fleet in the Seine-A furious attack on Paris, then but a small island-Death of Count Henry-Charles resigns the reins of govern- ment to Ludard, Bishop of Verceil-Banishment of the bishop-Repu- EUDES. Elected king-Appointed guardian to the infant heir-Abdicates CHARLES III. Apology of the archbishop-Charles returns from exile to RODOLPH. Selected by the nobles and proclaimed king-His turbulent LOUIS IV. Called to the throne-Interference of bishops-Assassination of William of Normandy-Leaves one son, Richard, whom Louis places in safety-Richard is preserved by Osman, who conveys truss of hay-Louis pursues a wolf-Injured by a fall, which causes his 114 115 119 LOTHAIRE. Crowned at Rheims-A peace which lasts several years-As- ROBERT. Intrigues of a pontiff-Attempts to annul the marriage of Ro- HENRY I. Constance attempts the deposition of Henry in favor of her PHILIP I. Revolt of the Gascons-The conquest of England at this time LOUIS VI. Coronation at Orleans-His marriage-Accommodation be- LOUIS VII. Theological disputes-Doctrine of Abelard-His death-A |