For the previous forty years France had been absorbed in the struggle with the vast empire of the Hapsburgs.

For the next forty years she was completely occupied with the wars of religion.

Externally, she played a weak role because of civil strife and of a contemptible government.

Indeed, all her interests, both foreign and domestic, were from this {207} time forgotten in the intensity of the passions aroused by fanaticism.

The date of Henry's demise also marks a change in the evolution of the French government.