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118 MONTAIGNE'S ESSAYES
Lords of Momorancy and Byron, which therein are
forgotten; and which is more, you shall not so much
as find the name of the Ladie of Estampes mentioned at
all. A man may sometimes colour and haply hide
secret actions, but absolutely to conceal that which all
the world knoweth, and especially such things as have
drawne-on publike effects, and of such consequence, it
is an inexcusable defect, or as I may say unpardonable
oversight. To conclude, whosoever desireth to have
perfect information and knowledge of king Francis the
first, and of the things hapned in his time, let him
addresse himselfe elsewhere if he will give any credit
unto me. The profit he may reap here is by the
particular description of the battels and exploits of
warre wherein these gentlemen were present; some
privie conferences, speeches, or secret actions of some
princes that then lived, and the practices managed, or
negotiations directed by the Lord of Langcay, in which
doubtless are verie many things well worthy to be
knowne, and diverse discourses not vulgare.