Crillon

Crillon, LOUIS DES BALBES DE BERTON DE, surnamed 'Le Brave,' was born at Murs in Provence in 1541. Under Francis of Lorraine, Duke of Guise, then the model of military chivalry, he was trained for war, and, still a boy, covered himself with glory at the siege of Calais, and at the capture of Guines. His heroism was rewarded with a number of church benefices, which he intrusted to the care of learned clerks. He distinguished himself further at Dreux, Jarnac, and Moncontour. Wounded at Lepanto (1571), he was yet sent to carry the news of the victory to the pope and the French king. His noble heart abhorred the treachery and horrors of St Bartholomew, but he took part in the siege of La Rochelle in 1573. Faithful to his king in his struggle with the Catholic League, after his death he gave hearty allegiance to Henry IV. When the peace with Savoy was concluded, Crillon retired to Avignon, and, after the fashion of a true Catholic warrior, ended his days 'in the exercise of piety and penance,' December 2, 1615. A somewhat melodramatic story is told how once when listening at church to an account of the crucifixion, the old hero, brandishing his sword, cried out: 'Where wert thou, Crillon?'