[1619.]

The Duke d'Epernon, to whom had been confided the important task of effecting the escape of the Queen mother from her fortress-prison, had discussed all the necessary measures with the Abbé Rucella ï, who had, as we have stated, acquired his entire confidence; and his first step was to request permission of the King to leave Metz, (where he had been ordered to remain for the purpose of watching the movements in Germany,) and to proceed to Angoulêne; but as he was aware that this permission would be refused, he did not await a reply, and commenced his journey on the 22nd of January (1619), accompanied by a hundred gentlemen well armed, forty guards, and his personal attendants; taking with him the sum of eight thousand pistoles together with the whole of his jewels. In consequence of the amount of his baggage he was not enabled to travel more than ten leagues each day; but as no impediment presented itself, he arrived safely at Confolens in Poitou, where he was joined by his son the Archbishop of Toulouse, who was awaiting him in that city with the principal nobles of his several governments.