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Bourbon (CHARLES DUKE OF or CONSTABLE)

CHARLES, DUKE OF, or CONSTABLE OF BOURBON, son of Gilbert, Count of Montpensier, born in 1489, and, by his marriage with the heiress of the elder Bourbon line, acquired an immense estate. He received from Francis I., in the 26th year of his age, the sword of Constable, and in the war in Italy rendered important services by the victory of Marignano and the capture of Milan. After occupying, for years, the position of the most powerful and highly honored subject in the realm he suddenly fell into disgrace, from what cause is not clearly known. The Constable, embittered by this return for his services, entered into treasonable negotiations with the Emperor Charles V. and the King of England (Henry VIII.), and eventually fled from France to put his sword at the service of the former.

He was received with honor by Charles, and, being made general of a division of the Imperial army, contributed greatly to the overwhelming defeat of Francis at Pavia. But the Bourbon found Charles V. false to his promises, and returned, BOURGEOIS disappointed and desperate, to the command of his army in Italy, composed mostly of mercenaries, adventurers, and desperadoes from all Europe. Supplies falling short, the Constable formed the daring resolve of leading his soldiers to Rome and paying them with the plunder of the Eternal City. On May 6, 1527, his troops took Rome by storm, and the sacking and plundering continued for months. But the Bourbon himself was shot at the head of his soldiers. He was but 38 years of age.