Author: Théodore de Béza
Beze, Theodore de, b. at Vezelay, in Burgundy, 1519; d. 1605. Beza's father was of noble birth. He occupied the post of bailiff at Vezelay. Beza received a first-rate classical education under Melchior Wolmar. Before he was 20 he wrote some poetry in imitation of Catullus and Ovid, the licentiousness of which he mourned and condemned in alter years. A brilliant prospect of Church emoluments turned his attention from the distasteful study of law. The income of the Priory of Longjiuneau made him rich, and he became a prominent member of the literary world at Paris. But his entrance into Orders was barred by a secret marriage with Claudine Denosse. Subsequently, when the offer of the abbey of Froidmont by his uncle made it necessary for him to…
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