The majority of the great towns of France--Paris, Rouen, Orleans, Toulouse, Lyons, Amiens--and whole provinces declared eagerly against the royal murderer.

He demanded support from the states-general, who refused it; and he was obliged to dismiss them.

The Parliament of Paris, dismembered on the 16th of January, 1589, by the council of Sixteen, became the instrument of the Leaguers.

The majority of the other Parliaments followed the example set by that of Paris.

The Sorbonne, consulted by a petition presented in the name of all Catholics, decided that Frenchmen were released from their oath of allegiance to Henry III., and might with a good conscience turn their arms against him.