An edict of the king's had revoked all the graces and alienations of domains granted by his father.

The crown refused to pay its most lawful debts, and duns were flocking to the court.

To get rid of them, the Cardinal of Lorraine had a proclamation issued by the king, warning all persons, of whatever condition, who had come to dun for payment of debts, for compensations, or for graces, to take themselves off within twenty-four hours on pain of being hanged; and, that it might appear how seriously meant the threat was, a very conspicuous gibbet was erected at Fontainebleau close to the palace.

It was a shocking affront.

The malcontents at once made up to the Reformers.