Franciscus Belcarius - Oratio de Victoria - 1563

Francisci Belcarii Peguilionis ... Oration on the victory, in which Charles IX, King of France, under the auspices of Francis, Duke of Lorraine and Guise, and also of Anne de Montmorency, Master of the Horse, overcame the rebels who, assuming the cause of religion, were overwhelmed by a great defeat. It was delivered at Trento in public before the fathers who gathered for the Ecumenical Council. On the Fourth of January, 1563. Brescia: at Damianus Turlinus: at the request of Ioannes Baptista Bozola, 1563 (Brescia: at Damianus Turlinus: at the request of Ioannes Baptista Bozola, 1563). Carte 10; cm. 19 x 14. Leatherette binding in an era-variegated binding with a handwritten label/title affixed to the cover. Interior substantially fresh. The title-page with a woodcut depicting an eagle with outstretched wings holding a book in its talons.

The author is the Bishop of Metz, Franciscus Belcarius (1514-1591): he pronounced the oration motivated by the Battle of Dreux in 1562 between Catholics, led by Montmorency and by François de Guise, and the Huguenots. The discourse was delivered in the Council Chamber of Trento, before the conciliar Fathers. Among other things, the oration argues for the great independence of the bishops, thereby limiting the Pope’s role. Rare, in first edition.
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