In order to appear consistent the French government therefore stopped for the moment the persecution of the Huguenots.

The siege of La Rochelle was abandoned and a treaty made allowing liberty of worship in that city, in Nimes and Montauban and in the houses of some of the great nobles.
In less than two years after the appalling massacre the Protestants were again strong and active.

A chant of victory sounded from their dauntless ranks.

More than ever before they became republican in principle.

{220} Their pamphleteers, among them Hotman, fiercely attacked the government of Catharine, and asserted their rights.
Charles was a consumptive.