Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/28

14 little hymn to the Virgin, as her father entered the room. The latter took the chain of gold from his neck, and gave her the box which contained his will, saying, "These are for you, my daughter; but this is mine!" putting the child under his robe, and carrying it to his chamber.

On the death of Albert II. in 1555, she became queen of Navarre; and, in unison with her husband, showed all the countenance the spirit of the times would permit, to the reformed religion, which then began to gain ground. This predilection was, however, so apparent, that it gave great offence, particularly to the court of France, which they visited in 1558, to do away by their presence the impressions received against them. Yet, the conduct of Anthony did not favour this purpose: his zeal seemed daily to increase, till Jane, on whom the pleasures of the French court had made a great impression, remonstrated with him on his want of caution, and urged the sacrifices such a line of conduct might oblige them to make.

He was not to be persuaded; but the mind, which then worldly prudence could not influence, was afterwards seduced by ambition, and the deep policy of Catherine de Medicis. This weak prince, after openly breaking with the French court, declaring for the Protestants, and putting himself at their head, was led, by visionary prospects of advantage, to desert their cause, and join with their persecutors.

The zeal of Jane had once suffered a temporary relaxation, but the fascination of pleasure seemed to expire with its novelty, and she was no longer inclined to temporize, much less abjure, her opinions. She resisted all the entreaties of her husband; but his injurious treatment in consequence, soon obliged her to leave him in France, where they then were, and return to her native country, Anthony survived but two years, dying in 1562,