THE COMPANIONAGE.
inclined to reject the supposition.
247
But the theory we have been previously considering
overlooks one point, which is of great importance, viz., the tradition as reported by Perdiguier,
that the Sons of Soubise are third in order of formation.
Yet, after allowing this dictum its
due weight, it seems highly improbable, if the legend of Jacques already existed in which
Soubise is denounced as a traitor, that any body of workmen would deliberately place themselves under his protection, and incur the consequent odium ?
It is much more likely that
the city masons
made him
a traitor out of sheer malevolence.
The nicknames show
this
The Sons of Solomon and Soubise are wolves and foxes, for which we have shown a
plainly.
possible origin; those of Jacques appear to have had no traditionary cause for their name
Eoman superstition) beyond the desire to outdo their rivals.
But whence the name of Jacques ? If we could only settle the date of this tradition our
task would be lightened.
There was a Jacques Cceur, born a simple furrier's sou, whose life
and adventures were well calculated to arrest the attention of the journeymen of France. He
became a master of the mint at Bourges under Charles VII., was wrongfully accused of fraud, and
of were-wolves (a Teutonic, not a
afterwards devoted himself to commerce.
His
affairs prospered,
and he determined
to rival the
He visited Syria and Egypt, and opened up relations throughout the East. He had
over 300 factors, some even in Babylon and Barbary; he covered the Mediterranean with his
Venetians.
fleets,
stone.
and made such a rapid fortune, that he was supposed to be possessed of the philosopher's
He had offices at Slontpellier, Marseilles, Tours, Paris, and Bourges, and is said to have
He owned more than thirty
spent six million francs on his palace at the last named city.
one at Saint Fargeau comprising twenty-two parishes, and mines of silver, lead, and
estates,
He made a noble use of his opulence, and contributed largely to
copper, in the Lyonnais.
the war fund against the English.
Charles placed liim at the head of the Paris mint, and
ennobled him in 1440. Agnes Sorel was his gi'eat friend and patroness, and appointed him her
His generous loans to the courtiers and nobUity enabled them to maintain their
extravagant outlay. But on the death of Agnes Sorel his persecutors saw their opportunity.
executor.
In 1451 he was accused of poisoning her, and during his imprisonment liis goods were largely
confiscated. He was finally acquitted, but on being a second time falsely accused, his life was
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