The states-men and favourites of England since the reformation their prudence and policies, successes and miscarriages, advancements and falls; during the reigns of King Henry VIII. King Edward VI. Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth King James. King Charles I. Lloyd, David, 1635-1692. 1665 Approx. 1365 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 421 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A48796 Wing L2648 ESTC R200986 99825112 99825112 29485 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A48796) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 29485) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1781:16) The states-men and favourites of England since the reformation their prudence and policies, successes and miscarriages, advancements and falls; during the reigns of King Henry VIII. King Edward VI. Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth King James. King Charles I. Lloyd, David, 1635-1692. [14], 823, [1] p., [1] leaf of plates : ports. Printed by J.C. for Samuel Speed, at the Rainbow neer the Inner Temple-gate in Fleet-street, London : 1665. To the reader signed: David Lloyd. Title page in red and black. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Statesmen -- England -- Early works to 1800. Favorites, Royal -- England -- Sources -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- History -- Tudors, 1485-1603 -- Sources. Great Britain -- Court and courtiers -- Early works to 1800. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-10 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-01 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2006-02 Apex CoVantage Rekeyed and resubmitted 2007-03 Ali Jakobson Sampled and proofread 2007-03 Ali Jakobson Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE STATES-MEN And FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND Since the Reformation Their PRUDENCE and POLICIES , SUCCESSES and MISCARRIAGES , ADVANCEMENTS and FALLS ; During the Reigns of King HENRY VIII . King EDWARD VI. Queen MARY . Queen ELIZABETH King JAMES . King CHARLES I. LONDON : Printed by J. C. for SAMUEL SPEED , at the Rainbow neer the Inner Temple-gate in Fleet-street . 1665. TO The HOPE of ENGLAND , It s Young Gentry , Is most humbly dedicated The HONOUR of it , It s Ancient States-men : A Renowned Auncestry TO An Honourable Posterity . Whitehall . BY permission and License of the Right Honourable Mr Secretary Morice . this book may be printed and published . Jo : Cook. TO THE READER . Courteous Reader , FOr bestowing some , vacant hour . ( by that excellent Personages direction , to whom I am equally obliged for my Employment and my Leasure ) in an attempt so agreeable to the Lord Verulam's judgement , which may be seen in the next page ; and so pursuant of Sir Naunton's designe , which may be traced in the following Book ; Another person's abilities might have gained applause , and my weaknesse may deserve an excuse , notwithstanding my years , ( if yet any man be too young to read and observe ) or my profession ( if yet a Divine should not ( as times go ) be as well read in Men , as Books : ) Especially since I gratifie no man's ' fondness , writing not a Panegyrick , but an History : Nor pleasure any persons malice ; designing Observations , rather than Invectives : Nor tyre any man's patience ; setting downe rather the remarkes of mens publick capacities , than the minute passages of their private lives : but innocently discourse the most choice instances our ENGLISH Histories afford for the three great Qualifications of men ( 1. Noblenesse in behaviour : 2. Dexterity in business ; and 3. Wisdome in Government ) among which are twenty eight Secretaries of State , eight Chancellours , eighteen Lord-Treasurers , sixteen Chamberlains , who entertain Gentlemen with Observations becoming their Extraction , and their hopes , touching , 1. The rise of States-men . 2. The beginning of Families . 3. The method of Greatnesse . 4. The conduct of Courtiers . 5. The miscarriages of Favourites , and what-ever may make them either wise or wary . The Chancellour of France had a Picture , that to a common eye shewed many little heads , and they were his Ancestors ; but to the more curious represented onely one great one , and that was his own . It 's intended that this Book should to the vulgar Reader expresse several particulars , i. e. all this last Ages Heroes ; but to every Gentleman it should intimate onely one , and that is himself . It 's easily imaginable how unconcerned I am in the fate of this Book , either in the History , or the Observation : since I have been so faithful in the first , that is not my own , but the Historians ; and so careful in the second , that they are not mine , but the Histories . DAVID LlOYD . The Lord Bacon's Judgement of a Work of this nature . HIstory , which may be called just and perfect History , is of three kings , according to the object it propoundeth , or pretendeth to represent ; for it either representeth a Time , a Person , or an Action . The first we call Chronicles , the second Lives , and the third Narrations , or Relations . Of these ; although the first be the most compleat and absolute kind of History , and hath most estimation and glory ; yet the second excelleth it in profit & use ; & the third in verity and sincerity . For history of Times representeth the magnitude of Actions , and the publick faces or deportments of persons , and passeth over in silence the smaller passages and motions of Men and Matters . But such being the work manship of God , as he doth hang the greatest weight upon the smallest wyars , Maxima è minimis suspendens ; it comes therefore to pass , that such Histories do rather set forth the pomp of business , than the true and inward resorts thereof . But Lives , if they be well written , propounding to themselves a person to 〈…〉 present , in whom actions both greater a 〈…〉 smaller , publick and private , have a commixture , must of necessity contain a mo 〈…〉 true , native , and lively representation . I do much admire that these times have so little esteemed the vertues of the Times , a 〈…〉 that the writing of Lives should be no mo 〈…〉 frequent . For although there be not man 〈…〉 Soveraign Princes , or absolute Commanders , and that States are most collected into Monarchies ; yet are there many worthy personages that deserve better then dispersed Report , or barren Elogies : For herein the invention of one of the late Poets is proper , and doth well inrich the ancient fiction . For he feigneth , that at the end of the thread or web of every mans Life , there was a little Medal containing the person's name ; and that Time waiteth upon the Sheers , and as soon as the Thread was cut , caught the Medals and carried them to the River Lethe ; and about the bank there were many Birds flying up and down , that would get the Medals , and carry them in their beak a little while , and then let them fall into the River . Onely there were a few Swans , which if they got a Name , would carry it to a Temple where it was consecrate . THE TABLE . A SIr Thomas Audly Pag. 39 Fitz-Allan Earl of Arundel 232 Master Ascham 429 Arch-Rishop Abbot 522 Sir Edward Anderson 577 Bishop Andrews 796 Sir Walter Aston 702 Sir R : Armstroder 723 Philip Earl of Arundel 725 B CHarles Brandon 11 Sir Thomas Bollen 102 Sir Anthony Brown 128 Sir David Brook 205 Sir John Baker 277 Arch-Bishop Bancrost 539 Sir Nieh : Bacon 287 Sir Francis Bacon 600 Thomas Lord Burgh 401 Sir Thomas Bromley 425 Sir Richard Bingham 426 Thomas Lord Buckhurst 493 Sir Thomas Bodly 578 G. V. Duke of Buckingh . 613 Sir John Bramston 696 Lord Chief-Justice Banks 732 C ARch-Bishop Cranmer 15 Cromwel 32-138 Sir William Compton 110 Sir Thomas Cheyney 283 Sir John Cheek 160 Sir William Cordel 195 Sir Anthony Cook 199 Sir W Cecil L. Burleigh 290 Sir Thomas Challoner 343 Sir James Crofts 379 The Cliffords Earls of Cumberland 497 Sir R : Cecil Ea : of Salisb. 56 Sir Giles Calvert 526 Sir Arthur Chichester 529 Sir Lionel Cranfield E. M. 553 Sir R : Cary 568 Doctor Cosin 589 The Lord Cook 592 The Lord Cottington 676 Sir Dudly Carleton 680 The Lord Conway 689 Sir Julius Caesar 704 The Earl of Carnarvan 786 The Lord Capel 793 Sir John Culpeper 814 Sir George Crook 721 〈◊〉 Thomas Coventry 750 Secretary Cook 716 D SIr Thomas Darcy 95 Dudly Duke of Northumberland 237 Edward Earl of Derby 358 Sir William Drury 368 Doctor Dale 374 Sir James Dier 404 Secretary Davison 437 Sir R. Dudley 537 John Lord Digby E. B : 607 The Digges 691 The Earl of Danby 719 E SIr Ralph Ewers 275 W : Earl of Essex 303 Robert Earl of Essex 449 Sir Thomas Edmonds 734 The L. Chancellor Egerton 531 Sir Clement Edmonds 547 Sir John Ereskin E. K. 557 F SIr Jeffery Fenton 441 , 476 Sir John Fineux 48 Bishop Fox 53 Sir Edward Fines 225 Sir John Fortescue 367 Doctor Fletcher 477 Sir H. Sir Lucius , Sir Henry Lords Vise : Falkland 708 Sir John Finch 742 G SIr Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset 116 Gardiner Bish . of Winch. 268 John Grey of Pyrgo 379 L. Grey of Wilton 381 , 398 Sir Henry Gates 379 Sir Humphrey Gilbert 441 Sir Fulk Grevil L. Brook 503 Oliver Lord Grandison 542 H SIr Will : Herbert 274 Sir Walter Haddon 442 Sir Th. Howard 96 Sir Ed : Howard 105 Sir Th. Howard 107 of Surry & Norfolk . Wil : Howard L. Effingh . 218 Sir G. Hume E : of Dunb . 516 James Hay E : of Carlisle 549 Henry Howard Earl of Northampton . 555 Judge Hyde 701 Christopher Lord Hatton 333 419 The Lord Hunsdon 335 Sir Richard Hutton 739 Wil : M : Hertford 741 The Earl of Holland 759 The Marquess Hamilton 776 The Lord Hopton 780 The Lord Herbert 789 Arch-Bishop Heath 337 I SIr John Fitz-James 80 Sir John Jefferies 189 Arthur Ingram 572 Arch-Bishop Juxon 810 K SIr William Kingstone 279 Sir Henry Killegrew 395 〈…〉 Knowls 433 L SIr Anthony St. Lieger 56 The Earl of Liecester 330 〈…〉 Thomas Lake 552 , 562 〈…〉 Ja : Ley E : of Marlb . 713 〈…〉 Earl of Lindsey 747 Arch-Bishop Laud 763 〈…〉 Lord-Keeper Littleton 775 M 〈…〉 Thomas Moor 21 Sir Rich : Morison 68 〈…〉 Will : Molineux 84 〈…〉 Henry Marney 111 〈…〉 John Mason 177 〈…〉 Edward Mountague 221 〈…〉 Thomas Mannors 275 〈…〉 Walter Mildmay 365 〈…〉 Roger Manwood 386 〈…〉 Lord Mountjoy 479 〈…〉 op Mountague 575 〈…〉 Henry Martin 695 〈…〉 Earl of Manchester 799 N 〈…〉 He Duke of Norfolk 351 The Lord North 374 〈…〉 rls Ea : of Nottingh . 511 〈…〉 Norrices 433 〈…〉 Rob : Naunton 569 Sir Francis Nethersole 569 Sir William Noy 662 Judge Nichols 699 O SIr Thomas Overbury 544 P ED : Plowden 383 Sir William Paget 65 Sir Ed : Poynings 112 The Parrs 156 Sir Clement Paston 171 Sir John Portman 214 Sir Amias Pawlet 378 William Lord Pawlet 403 Sir William Pelham 408 Sir Barnab . Fitz-Patrick 229 Sir William Peter 247 Cardinal Pool 252 Sir John Perrot 322 Sir William Pickering 339 G : Earl of Pembrook 363 Sir John Puckering 422 The Lord Chief-Justice Popham 535 Will : Earl of Pembrook 687 Sir Paul Pindar 735 R THe Lord Rich 1 E. W. 173 Sir Tho : Randolph 347 Sir John Russel 1 E. B. 259 Sir William Russel 444 Sir Thomas Roper 445 Sir Walter Rawleigh 485 Sir John Ramsey E : H : 557 Doctor Ridley 693 Esme Duke of Richmond 728 Edw : Earl of Rutland 482 Sir Thomas Roe 807 S SIr Ralph Sadler 61 Sir Ed : Stanly 101 Sir Charles Somerset 1 E. W. 114 Sir Thomas Smith 370 R : Earl of Somerset 518 Stafford Duke of Bucks 122 The Seymours 142 Sir Will : Stamford 185 The Earl of Sussex 307-416 Sir Philip Sidney 313 Sir Henry Sidney 412 Sir Thomas Smith 483 The Earl of Suffolk 567 The Lord Spencer 610 Sir John Savil 665 The Lord Say 744 The Earl of Strafford 752 T BIshop Tonstal 340 Francis Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 342 Sir Nicholas Throgmorton 354 V SIr H : Umpton 447 H : Vere Earl of Oxford 583-714 The Veres 5 〈…〉 Sir Henry Vane Senor 7 〈…〉 W CArdinal Wolsey 1 , 1 〈…〉 Sir Thomas Wyat 〈◊〉 Sir Tho : Wriothsly 1 Ear 〈…〉 Southampton Sir Will : Fitz-Williams 〈◊〉 Sir Robert Wingfield 1 〈…〉 Sir Thom : Wentworth 1 〈…〉 Doctor Wilson 2 〈…〉 Lord Willoughby 311-3 〈…〉 Sir Francis Walsingham 3 〈…〉 Sir Edw : Waterhouse 3 〈…〉 Sir Will : Fitz-Williams 3 〈…〉 Sir Christopher Wray 3 〈…〉 The Earl of Worcester 3 〈…〉 Sir William Waad 4 〈…〉 Sir Ralph Winwood 5 〈…〉 Bishop Williams 6 〈…〉 Sir Isaac Wake 6 〈…〉 Sir R : & Sir J : Weston E 〈…〉 of Portland 6 〈…〉 Sir Henry Wotton 8 〈…〉 The Lord Wilmot 8 〈…〉 Y SIr Henry Yelverton 5●● THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Henry the VIII . Observations on the Life of Cardinal WOLSEY . CArdinal Wolsey was not so great in his Fortune , as he was mean in his Original : his honest and industrious Parents helped him to a good Constitution , and a great Spirit , ( two hopeful steps to Greatnesse ; ) and his Ambition gave the opportunity to encrease it : he was as pregnant at Ipswich-School , as he was promising in Canterbury-Colledge ; where his Industry & parts advanced him to a command over Noble-men in the Earl of Dorset's Family , as a School-master ; as his Policy had promoted him to an Imperiousnesse over Kings in the quality of States-man . The first step to Greatnesse in a Scholar , is Relation to a Nobleman : The best Education for the Court , is in the Palace : Nature made him capable , the School and University made him a Scholar ; but his Noble Employment made him a Man : At Oxford he read Books , at my Lord 's he read Men , and observed Things : His Patrons two Parsonages bestowed upon him , was not so great a Favour as the excellent Principles instilled into him ; he being not more careful to instruct the young Men , then their Father was to tutor him : his Bounty makes him rich , and his Recommendation potent : His Interest went far , his Money farther . Bishop Fox was Secretary to K. Henry the seventh , and he to Bishop Fox ; the One was not a greater Favourite of the King 's , then the other was his ; as one that brought him a Head capacious of all Observations , and a Spirit above all Difficulties : Others managed the Affairs of England , Wolsey understood its Interest : His Correspondence was good abroad ; his Observations close , deep , and continued at home : He improved what he knew , and bought what he knew not He could make any thing he read or heard his own and could improve any thing that was his own to the uttermost . No sooner was he in with the Bishop of Winchester , but the Bishop was out with the Earl of Surrey , to whom he must have stooped , as he did unto Nature and Age , had not he raised his Servant equal to himself in the Kings Favour , and above Howard : He was forbid by the Canon , Heirs of his Body ; he was enjoyned by his Prudence to make an Heir of his Favour , equally to support and comfort his old Age , and maintain his Interest . Children in point of Policy , as in point of Nature , are a Blessing , and as Arrows in the hand of a mighty man ; and happy is that old Courtier that hath his Quiver full of them , he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate . The old man commends Wolsey to Henry the Seventh for one fit to serve a King , and command Others : Forreign Employment is the Statesmans first School ; to France therefore he is sent , to poise his English Gravity with French Debonairness : A well-poised Quickness is the excellent temper . From Forreign Employment under an Old King , he is called home to some Domestick Services under the Young One : He as quickly found the length of His Foot , as he fitted him with an easie Shoo ; the King followed his Pleasures , and the Cardinal enjoyeth His Power : The One pursued his Sports while Youth , the other his Business while Time served him : ( Give me to Day , and take thou to Morrow , is both the Courtier and the Christian's Language : ) The Favourite took in the Council-Table Debates and other State-affairs in the Mass and whole Bulk of them by Day , and the King had the Quintessence of them extracted , and the sum of them represented to him at Night : All State-Business was disposed of by him , and most Church-Preferments bestowed upon him ; the Bishopricks of Durham , Winchester and York were in his possesson , and all other Promotions in his Gift : He was installed in the Kingdom ( during King Henry's youthfulness ) and had the Church in Commendam : His great Services indeed could not be managed without a great Revenue , nor his greater Power supported , but by an able Purse , which may buy off Expedients as readily as his Greatness may command them . Two Corrivals he had , Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham , Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk : Brandon he despised , as rather besides , saith my Author , then against him ; he being the Kings Companion in Pleasure , and Wolsey his Counsellour in Policy ; the Duke great with young Henry , the Bishop with the King : Buckingham he feared , as popular ; and undermined , as proud : ( that Tower must fall , whose Foundation is hollow ) Buckingham was high in Birth , Honour and Estate ; Wolsey higher in Prudence , whose Malice did the brave Duke much mischief , and his own Folly more : ( Vain-glory ( writes a my Friend ) ever lieth at an open guard , and gives much advantage of play to her Enemies : ) A deboyst King is jealous , and a weak Nobleman ambitious . In fine , he is attainted of High Treason , ( though rather Corrival to the King in his Cloaths then his Crown , in his Vanities then his Authority : ) but a cunning Upstart quickly blows off a young Noblemans Cap and Feather , and his Head too , when it stands in his way . His power against Buckingham was his Shield against all others : One Defence well managed , one Adversary throughly suppressed , is a Security at Court , where two men seldom fall the same way . Many envied the Archbishop , the Cardinal , the Legate de latere , the Lord Chancellour ; but all feared the Favourite : most were discontented , but none durst shake their Heads , lest they fell off with Buckingham's : the Bishops displeasure was more fatal then the Kings , whose wrath was violent , but not lasting ; as the Others anger was of less fury , but more malice : his Power was great , and his Justice equal ; for he was too proud to be bribed , and too powerful to be over-born . But England was too narrow a Theatre for this great Spirit , and he aspires to Rome ; and having been these many years Pope of this other world , would have been of that beyond the waters : his leap was great from York to Rome , and his rise as good : Charles the Fifth was his Client , and his Masters Servant ; the Cardinals were his Penfioners ; and when they failed ( as he is no Fox whose Den hath but one hole , and he no Statesman who when one way is stopped , cuts not out another ) he falls off from the German Emperour to the French King ; where , if he could not carry his own Design , he would hinder the Emperours ; ( and Revenge is an Advancement ) ( so great was he , that his Friendship balanced Europe , over-awed Emperours , threatned Kings , and was fatal to Queens ) if he cannot be Pope of Rome , he will shew he is as good as King of England ; for finding that the King wanted a meet Yoak-Fellow for his Bed , and a lawful Heir-Male to his Crown , and observing Queen Katharines Age above her Husbands , and her Gravity above her Age , being more Pious then Pleasant , a better Woman then Wife , and a better Wife for any Prince then King Henry ; he promotes a Divorce ( upon some Scruples intimated by the Spaniard some years before in a Treaty about the Princesse Mary's Marriage , which others had forgot , but the Cardinal laid up ) between the King and Queen : but that was not all ; but knowing that King Henry could not have a Wife to his minde , until he had a Pope of his own chusing , he would help him to a young Wife , but he must raise him to a new power ; Wolsey must be Pope , or King Henry could not be divorced : and to make all sure , he was no sooner to be parted from a Daughter of Spain , then he was to be joyned to a Princess of France ; whose Nuptial Ring should wed King Henry to Her , and King Francis to Himself . Missing of Power , he meditates Honour ; and instead of lavishing his infinite Treasure upon airy Expectations , he bestoweth it on real Monuments , which make his Memory as Renowned as his Life . That Statesman lives to small purpose , whose Actions are as short as his Life , and his Exploits of no longer duration then his Age. At this time , though King Henry bore the Sword , yet Cardinal Wolsey ( as I am told ) bore the stroke all over the Land , being Legate à latere , by vertue whereof he visited all Churches and Religious Houses , even the Friers Observants themselves , notwithstanding their stoutnesse and stubbornness , that first opposed him . Papal and Royal Power met in him , being the Chancellour of the Land , and keeping so many Bishopricks in Commendam , that his yearly Income is said to equal , if not to exceed the Revenues of the Crown : He gave the first blow to Religious Houses , by making one great Colledge of forty small Monasteries ; to make way , as some thought , upon the Popes consent , procured by him , to the overthrow of all . He called all Captains and Officers to an account , who bought off their own small corruption with his great one , and paid him the Penalties of their Cheats with the Gains of it ; the Richest of them escaping , and the Poorest onely made exemplary . Several Courts of pretended Equity he erected ; to redress the poor , that was the Colour ; to inrich himself , that was the Reality : at whose constitution the Law-Courts were unfrequented , so specious was their seeming Integrity ; at the last they are deserted , so manifest were their real Grievances ; the people not flocking so fast after the Novelty , as they ran away from the Cheat. What he did to reform the Courtiers , as a Favourite , he did to reform the Clergy as Legate ; erecting a Court Legantine ( not without danger of a Praemunire ) wherein all Clergy were visited ; the Rich in their Purses , that excused them , the Poor in their Reputation , that compounded for them . Neither did his profits arise from the Living onely , but the Dead ; he engrossing the Probation of all Wills and Testaments within his own Court. And not long after , he hath a Patent under the Great Seal of England , to do what he pleased in the French Court , in order to the Kings Progresse thither ; as he hath likewise after , with his Masters leave , under the great seal of France : After which honour , he was with the Kings order , by the English Subjects , the Lord Mayor and Aldermen , &c. honoured at no lesse rate then that of a Prince ; and by the Clergy ( who kept close to the publick temper ) with Processions , &c. at the same rate with a Pope . Great he was in England ; greater in Germany , where all the Nobility attended him , the Great Seal of England was carried before him ; and the Emperour observing his Commission and Honour , met him with his whole Train , and harangued it with him no less then two days . He that over-ruled Empires might well presume on Subjects ; and no sooner therefore doth he return , then by his own Authority he levieth four shillings in the pound of every man that was worth fifty pound per annum ; and when that would not do ( pretending to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen that he had been upon his Knees to revoke those Commissions ) other Letters for a Benevolence , which lost him as much in the Countrey , as his Reformation of the Houshold did him at Court : But the King employeth him to France , as his Second , and takes his leave of him as his intimate Friend ; 1200 Horse attended him : Calice , Bullein , Amiens honour him with the name of The Peaceable Cardinal ; and the Statue of a Cardinal Rescuing a Church and a Pope from danger . Cardinal Wolsey going over to France upon an extraordinary Embassy , had for his Attendance Tonstal Bishop of London , the Lord Sands , late Chamberlain , the Earl of Derby , Sir Tho. More , Sir H. Guilford , and 200 Horse ; and was met two days journey from Paris by King Francis and his mother , carrying with him 140000 l. though silver was but 20 d. an ounce , to assist that King in the War against Charles the fifth ; and furnished with such a Plenipotentiary Commission , that he gave Law to France and the Popedome : and he comported himself with such dexterity and high wisdome , that all the Princes of Christendom , who had their eyes fixed upon him , admired him . The King gave him many places , and he bestowed on him his magnificent Palaces ; fitting his humour with pleasant habitations , and he suited his ambition with power and authority . But the King broke with him at last about the divorce , being vexed with so many delays , defers , retardings , and prorogations between two Popes , Clement that was , and Wolsey that would be : yet rather eased him of his burdens , then deprived him of his preferments ; continuing him Bishop of York and Durham , ( when he turned him out of his Chancellourship of England ) where he lived rather like a Prince then a Priest , providing as magnificently for his Installation , as a King should for his Coronation : which unseasonable ambition was improved by his enemies malice and the Kings jealousie to his ruine : for in the midst of his solemnities he is arrested by the Kings order , whose wrath was the Messenger of Death ; and in his way to London , being distracted between hope and fear , died at Leicester , giving his servants large rewards , upon condition they served none but the King ; and breathing out his soul in words to this purpose , viz. If I had served the God of heaven as faithfully as I did my Master on earth , he had not forsaken me in my old age , as the other hath done , he died , swelling in his body as he had done in his mind . When good men die suddainly , it is said they are poysoned ; and when the bad fall unexpectedly , as he did , it is said they poyson themselves . He died unpitied , because he had lived feared ; being the great Bias of the Christian world . Too suddain prosperity in the beginning , undoeth us in the end : while we expect all things flowing upon us as at first , we remit our care , and perish by neglecting . Every head cannot bear wine , nor every spirit a fortune : Success eats up Circumspection . How many a man had ended better , if he had not begun so well ? It 's the Emphasis of misery , to be too soon happy : Prosperity growing up with experience , takes a man in a firm settlement , inured to all events . I will ever suspect the smooth waters for deepness : in my worst estate I will hope , in the best I will fear ; in all , I will be circumspect and still . Rufiling Ambition reacheth great Honours , a Sedate Humility supports it : the Lower the Basis , the higher and stronger the Pyramide . Love , the Issue of Humility , guardeth the weakest ; Hatred , the Daughter of Pride , ruines the strongest . Ego & Rex meus , was good Grammar for Wolsey a School-master , but not for the Cardina a States-man : to be humble to Superiours , is duty ; to Equals , is courtesies to Inferiours , nobleness and to all , safety ; it being a vertue that for a her lowliness commandeth those souls it stoop to . In a word , as I love Vertue , so I hate Vice for her inside and her end . Cardinal Wolsey 〈◊〉 famous for two things ; that he never spoke a word too much , and but one too little . Observations on the Life of Charles Brandon , Duke of Suffolk . SIr William Brandon dying in King Henry the seventh's service , no wonder if his son lived in his favour ; it being as prudent to continue his Loyal spirit in his son , as it was just to reward it . He was as intimate with Henry the eighth in his pleasures when a childe , as in his counsels when a man. There was a sympathy between their active spirits , which improved the familiarity of their tender years to a firm friendship in their age : at a Tilting in Paris , to which many young Noble-men were licensed to go , Brandon overcame others every day , and one day himself , ( against a Gyant Almain ) where the Lords looked not on him with more envious , then the Ladies with gracious eyes ; who ( saith my Author ) darted more glances in love , then the other did spears in anger against him . He is the compleat Courtier , in whom Beauty and Valour , Mars and Venus , are joyned in one happy constitution , which awes and allures Beholders . Being employed to bring over Queen Mary , King Lewis the twelfth's Relict , to her Brother , he won her to himself : whether his affections were so ambitious as to climb up to her , or hers so humble as to condescend to him , may be the subject of a more amorous discourse : and considering with himself that matters of this nature are never sure till finished , that so Royal an opportunity happened but seldome , and that leave for such an enterprize was easier gained when it 's done , then when doing ; he humbly requested his Majesty to give way to that Match , which was indeed already concluded : who after some State-discontent , was quickly pleased ; the Duke being no less esteemed by him for many years , then he was beloved by the people . His Genius was more Martial then Mercurial ; and we hear of him oftner in the French Wars , then in the English Councils . Being vexed with the delays at Rome , and the delusions at Bridewel , ( where the Cardinals proceeded according to their instructions at Rome ) one day he knocks on the Table in the presence of the two Cardinals , and binds it with an Oath , That it was never well in England since Cardinals had any thing to do therein : and from that time forward , as an active Instrument , he endeavoured the abolishing of the Popes power in England ; against whom he was not more active in the Parliament 1534 , then he was vigilant in the Committee 1535 : in the one , cutting off the head ; in the other , weakening the members of that Church . He made provident , yet moderate use of his Masters favours ; thereby obliging others , and securing himself ; being above Mercenary inclinations as much in his thoughts , as in his fortune : he was neither too near the King , lest he were weary of him ; nor too far off , lest he forgot him , or thought himself neglected by him . His intermissions of attendance gave others no advantage , but rendred him more gracious : he neither engrossed nor confined his Masters affection . It was easie for him to rise , being descended of Noble Blood , ( which is never envied for its advancement ) and as easie to keep high , being well studied in his Princes disposition , whose inclination when found is half fitted ; ever pleasing his Masters Natural humour , never his Vicious . Having attained a competent heighth , he chose rather to grow stronger by relation , then higher by advancements . Some Favourites whose heels have been tripped up by their adversaries , have with their hands held on their Allies till they could recover their feet again . His familiarity , and the easie access to him , made him popular : his pliant temper kept him a Favourite , until he died in the full favour of his Prince , though ( as Cardinal Pool observed ) They who were highest in this Kings favour , had their heads nearest danger . He had a becoming Bluntness not unlike his Masters , which we call Free-heartedness in Courtiers ; Conscience and Christian simplicity in Clergie-men ; Valour in Souldiers . He died anno 1544. much beloved and lamented of all , for his Bounty , Humility , Valour , and all Noble Vertues since the heat of his Youth was tamed by his reduced Age : whose two sons Henry and Charles died within twelve hours one of the other , 155● . 1. A Calm Greatness is next the happiness of Heaven : Give me the man that by a fair and calm course is still rising to an higher state , yet content with his present fortune . 2. Integrity out-lasts Power , and Plainness survives Policy : An honest heart keeps the head on the shoulders ; a Noble and clear Vertue is lasting . 3. It 's likeness that makes the True-love-knot of friendship : When a Prince finds another of his own disposition , what is it but the same soul in a divided body ? what findes he but himself intermutually transposed ? And Nature that makes us love our selves , makes us with the same reason love those that are like us : for this is a Friend , a more sacred Name then a Brother . 4. He that hath a minde contentedly good , enjoyeth in it boundless possessions . He is great indeed , that is great in a brave soul . Vitam quae faciunt beatiorem , Jucundissime Martialis , haec sunt : Res non porta Labore sed relicta ; Non ingratus Ager , focus perennis , Lis nunquam , toga rara , mens quieta : Viris Ingenuae , salubre Corpus : Prudens simplicitas , pares amici , Convictus facilis , sine arte Mensa ; Nox non ebria sed soluta curis : Non tristis torus , attamen pudicus : Somnus , qui faciat breves tenebras ; Quod sis esse vetis , nihilque malis ; Summum ne metuos diem nec optes . Observations on Thomas Cranmer , Lord Archbishop of Canterbury . CRanmer had a Noble Blood , quickning and raising his spirit , as he had an indefatigable industry to improve it . He was a Gentleman born in Arselecton in Nottinghamshire , and a Noble-man bred in Jesus-Colledge in Cambridge . His Ancestors were no less eminent at Cranmers-hall in Lincolnshire , then he was at Lambeth in Surrey . They came in with the Conquest , ( as one Cranmer a French Ambassadour in Henry the eighth's time , at the Archbishops Table , made it evident ) and he with the Reformation . His Education was as Gentile as his Birth , onely his mild spirit meeting with a severe Master , his memory was weakened , and his spritefulness allayed : but the austerity of the School was sweetned with the exercises of the Country , which his Father indulged him when young , and he indulged himself when aged ; handling his great Horse as nimbly , his Bow and Net as dexterously as any man in his family . His Marriage withdrew him from the Colledge , and consequent Church-preferment , as the Kings did him from the Church it self . He whose marriage forbid him a Fellowship in Jesus-Colledge , had a Lecture in Buckingham-house for his Parts and Reputation , where at once he prepared others for publick Employments , and himself also . He lived as soberly at the Dolphine-tavern with his wife , ( whatever the Papists have surmized ) as he did studiously at Buckingham-house with his Scholars . His Name was so famous , that Wolsey was not more sollicitous to transplant him as an Ornament to Oxford , then Fisher was to retain him in Cambridge ; where he was eminent for the Arts , more for Divinity , which ( when as one of the three Cenfors he examined Candidates ) he said he expected not in the difficult trifles of Lumbard , but in the sacred sense of Scriptures , the ancient Doctrine of Fathers , the grave Canons of Councils , the solid Politeness of the Greek and Hebrew Learning ; and which he lived as well as he taught , in his sober temperance , his mild meekness , ( so placable , so courteous , that to offend him , was the way to ingratiate with him ) his discreet moderation , his grave resolution equally above the frowns and smiles of fortune . Thus qualified , he was by a Providence commended to his Majesty : for there being a Plague in Cambridge , as there was all over England , Dr. Cranmer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils , the sons of one Mr. Cressy : where upon the Kings Progress thither , he met with his Chaplain and Almoner Dr. Foxe , ( afterwards Bishop of Hereford ) who lodging with him at Mr. Cressy's , discoursed the Kings Divorce . Cranmer conceived that the speediest course were to prove the unlawfulness of the Match by Scripture ; whence it would follow , that the Pope at first had no power to dispense therewith ; and that the Universities of Christendome would sooner and truer decide the case then the Court of Rome . This passage Foxe reports to the King , who well-pleased thereat , professeth that this man had the Sow by the right Ear : Glad was the King to see him , ( indeed he had a comely Person , and a pleasing Countenance ; ) more to hear him inlarge himself on the former Subject , That it was above the Popes power to dispence with Gods Word in the Kings Case : What he said to the King , he was sent to make it good to the Pope ; whither , invested with the Arch-Deaconry of Taunton , he went with Thomas Bullen Earl of Wil●shire ; whose first Address to the Pope , was to present a Book of Cranmers , proving Gods Law indispensible with by the Pope : the Author is preferred to the great Title of Supreme Poenitentiary , and the Treatise is promised a Consideration and Debate : But the Pope delaying , and according to Cranmer's Advice ten Universities declaring against him ; the Embassador returns to England , and the Disputant goes to Vienna , where in Osianders House ( whose Kinswoman he had married ) he confirmed those that wavered , satisfied those that doubted , and won those that contradicted in King Henry's Cause . But he served not King Henry more faithfully in Germany , then he provided for him honourably in England ; where the Kings Cause waited for his Assistance , and the See of Canterbury for his Acceptance : He was willing to promote Religion , he was unwilling ( for some Formalities he scrupled ) to advance himself : but after seven Weeks delay , it being as fatal to refuse King Henry's Favours , as to offer him Injuries , he is Archbishop in his own Defence ; in which capacity , to serve the King , and salve his own Conscience , he used the Expedient of a Protestation to this purpose : In nomine , &c. Non est nec erit meae voluntatis aut intentionis per hujusmodi Juramentum & juramenta , qualiter verba in ipsis posita sonare videbuntur , me obligare ad aliquid ; ratione eorundem post hac dicendum , faciendum aut attestandum , quod erit aut esse videbitur contra legem Dei , vel contra Regem , aut Rempublicam , legesve , aut Praerogativa ejus : & quod non intendo per hujusmodi juramentum quovis modo me obligare quò minùs liberò loqui , consulere , & consentire valeam in omnibus & singulis Reformationem Ecclesiae , prerogativam Coronae , concernentibus , & ea exequi & reformare quae in Ecclesia Anglicana reformanda videbuntur . This Protestation he made three times ; once at the Charter-House , another time at the Altar , and a third time at the receiving of his Pall. In his place he was moderate , between the Superstition of Rome , and the Phrensies of Munster . As he was chief Instrument in beginning the Reformation , so he was in continuing it : He withstood the Six Articles , and ( though the King sent five prime Ministers of State to comfort him ) would not be satisfied , until he saw them mitigated in King Henry's time , and repealed in King Edward's . Gardiner would have questioned him for entertaining forreign Hereticks , and promoting Domestick Schisms ; the Northern Rebells accused him for subverting the Church : but the King upheld him against both ; suppressing the One , and checking the Other ; and advising the good Man , whom he called Fool , for his meek disposition , to appeal to him : Whereupon Russel cried The King will never suffer him to be imprisoned , until you finde Him guilty of High Treason . He is to be pitied for his intermediate failings , but renowned for his final constancy . The King having declared before all his Servants , that Cranmer was his best Servant , he employeth him in his best service , the Reformation of Religion , wherein all others failed ; but the King , Cromwel and Brandon backed him so far , that he had the Bible and the necessary Offices of the Church translated into English : He had both Universities at his command : He brought the Lords House and Convocation to his Lure ; and was invested with a Power , 1. To grant Dispensations in all things not repugnant to Gods Law , nor the Kings safety : 2. To determine Ecclesiastical Causes , He as charitably as politickly advised the King to accept of Bishop Fisher's partial Subscription , considering his Learning and Reputation . As he is King Henry's Instrument at Dunstable , to divorce him from Queen Katharine ; so he is at Lambeth , to divorce him from Anna Bullen . He promoted in the Convocation all Primitive Doctrines , and condemned all new-fangled Opinions . He was so charitable , that he interceded with the King for his Enemies ; so munificent , that he made the Church and his own House a Refuge for Strangers ; particularly for P. Fagius , P. Martyr , Martin Bucer , &c. The King loved him for his Integrity , the People for his Moderation : He was called the Kings Father , and was Queen Elizabeth's Godfather : His Piety reduced the Church , and his Policy the State : He spake little to others , he conferred much with himself : Three words of His could do more then three hours discourse of Others : He wousd say , as Victorinus , There is a time to say nothing , there is a time to say something , but there is never a time to say all things . That King who awed all Others , feared Him. A Second to the Eternal Power , is the Wise Man uncorrupt in his Life . He was the Executor of God's Will in King Henry's Life-time , and the first of His , after his Death . As He spurred King Henry to a Reformation , so King Edward did Him ; whose Prudence was not so forward as the Others Zeal , who looked at what was Lawful , as He did at what was Convenient . He maintained the Churches Power as resolutely against Bishop Hooper's Scruples , notwithstanding potent Intercession ; as he reformed its Corruptions against the Popes Interest , notwithstanding a general Opposition . He allowed not the least Errour in , not the least contempt of the Church : He restored its primitive Doctrine and Discipline , lest it should be an impure Church ; he upheld them , lest it should be none : He was one of fourteen that compiled the Common-Prayer : He was One of Two that set out the Homilies ; and the onely man that published the Institution of a Christian man , and other good Books . With his Advice King Edward did much , and designed more : He was the chief Author of King Edward's Injunctions , and the first Commissioner in them : He was President of the Assembly at Windsor , ( for Reformation ) and of the Council at London : His Articles were strict and severe ; as much grounded on the Canon of Scripture , as on the Canons of the Church : He convinced more Papists with his Reason and Moderation , then others by their Power : His Heart never failed him in his Life , and it was not burned at his Death . He did so much for the Protestant Religion in King Henry's Days , that he foresaw he should suffer for it in Queen Mary's : He was unwilling to wrong Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth , therefore he refused at first to sign King Edward's Testament , but Duke Dudley's Will : He was willing to continue the Protestant Religion , therefore he signed it at last . It was a Bishop that was one of the first that abolished Popery in England , and one of the last that died for Protestantisme : It was a Bishop that maintained the Protestant Cause with Arguments while he lived , and with his Blood when he died . Observations on Sir Thomas More , Lord Chancellour of England . HE rise up high , because he stept out well : Sir Thomas More was half way Chancellour , when born to Sir John More Chief Justice : The Father's Prudence , Wit and Noblenesse flowed with his Blood to the Sons Veins : Much Honour he received from his Family , more he gave to it : His Mother saw his Face shining in & Dream , on her Wedding Night ; and his Father saw his Life so really : A quick City-Spirit made him capable of great State-Employments . He was saved by a Miracle , and was One : For his Nurse riding with him over a Water , and being in some danger , threw him over a Hedge , where she found him not hurt , but sweetly smiling a upon her . A Free-school seasoned his forward Childhood ; and the grave , wise and excellent Cardinal Mortons House his Youth : The One with Learning , to make him a Scholar ; the Other with Prudence , to make him a Man : But the Distractions of that House were not so proper for his promising Ingenuity , as the Retirements of the University ; where in two years time he shewed what Wonders Wit and Diligence could do in Rhetorick , Logick and Philosophy : The b Colledge kept him strict , and his Father short , so that ( as he blessed God afterward ) He had neither the leisure nor the means to be vicious : The Cardinal said he would be Great , and his excellent Genius said he would be Humble : The Lord Chancellour would give place to , and ask blessing of the Lord Chief Justice : The Father being not more happy in his Son , then the Son in his Father . At 17 his wit was eminent for his Epigrams : His Antilucian Oration commended by all men but Brixius , for pure , genuine and flowing : At 18 his wisdom in overcoming his Antagonist Brixius with kindness , and Himself with Mortifications . His fastings were frequent , his watchings on the hard ground revere ; his Hair-cloath even in his Chancellourship course , his exercises among the Cartbusians in the Charterhouse for four years austere ; his design for the Franciscan Hood , and a Priesthood with his Friend Lilly , solemn ; His prayers uninterrupted : When the King sent for him once at Mass , he answered , That when be bad done with God , he would wait on his Majesty : He imitated Picus Mirandula's Life , and writ it : He heard Dr. Collet his Confessours Sermons , and followed his life ; whose experience was his counsel , whose conversation was his life . He could not away with the good Sermon of a bad man : Collet was his Father ; Linacre , Lilly , Grocine , were his Friends . He learned more by prayer , then he did by study : his Poems were acute , his Speeches pure and copious , his Latine elegant ; yet his head was knotty and Logical : his Diet was temperate , his Apparel plain , his Nature tractable and condenscending ( though very discerning ) to the meanest mens counsel ; his Vertues solid , not boasted . In a word , the foundation of his Life was as low as the building was to be high . He married himself to a Vertue , and not to an Estate : he likes a younger sister , yet out of civility he embraceth the elder . Happy he was in his modest Wives , happier in his hopeful Children . His Government of his Family was exact , enjoyning all his Children to take Vertue for their meat , and Play for their sawce . His proficiency in the b Law was admirable , his Practice successful , his Judgement solid , his Integrity eminent ; his Determinations in the Sheriffs Court , his Activity for the Stilyard , his Practice in the Courts of Justice , raised him to a place in Parliament : where he was so good a Patriot , that he displeased King Henry the seventh ; and so wise a man , that he awed King Henry the eighth : the one by Foxe demands one Subsidie and three Fifteens , and the beardless Boy ( as the Courtiers called Sir Thomas ) disappointed him ; the other made a motion by Wolsey , which he overthrew , so that the Cardinal wished him at Rome . He retires to his studies to avoid Henry the seventh's displeasure , and improves them to gain his sons favour , who by his Cardinal invited him to Court , and employed him abroad to France to recover his debts ; to Flanders , to confirm the peace . Employments he avoided a while , to keep his City-interest : and in case of controversie with the King , to prevent their jealousie : his business was so urgent , that you would think he had no leasure ; and his writings so exact , that you would think he had no business . Not a minute of his time escaped employment . His History of Richard the third is faithful , his Vtopia is judicious and elegant , his c Lectures at St. Laurence were learned and pious . His Popularity in Parliament commended him to his Majesty : his strong Arguments for the Popeship in Star-chamber , brought him to him against his modest inclination , as much as against Wolsey's interest . His ability set him on the Council-table , his integrity placed him in the Exchequer : His d Services promoted him to the Dutchy of Lancaster , his Dexterity and Prudence made him the Kings bosome-friend , and his familiar all his spare hours ; whose Questions in every Art and Science were not more useful , then Sir Thomas his Answers were satisfactory . His advice was his Majesties and his Queens Oracles in Counsel ; his discourse was their recreation at Table . He was not more delightful to the King at Court , then he was serviceable to him in appeasing tumults , &c. in the City . He was the Kings Favourite at White-hall , and the Peoples Darling at Westminster , where he was Speaker as well with the unanimous consent of the one , as with the approbation of the other : and between both , impartial , equally careful of Prerogative and Priviledges ; neither awed from right by power , nor flattered with popularity . He declined Forreign services with as much Dexterity as he managed Domestick ones . He served th 〈…〉 faithfully , but trusted him not , as one that enjoyed and suspected Fortune , saying , If his Head could win King Henry a Castle in Wales , it would off . The King and Kingdome trusted him , who e was that one sound Counsellour the King had . The Cardinal told him he was the veriest Fool in the Council : he replied , God be thanked my Master hath but one fool there . His Honour was set off by a grave condescention , and a grave humility . Did he argue ? he was very moderate , civil and modest . Did he reprove ? he was pitiful , grave and prudent . Was he with the King at the University ? he was ready and eloquent . Was he abroad ? he heard the Lectures attentively , and disputed f accurately . To his Friend , as Dr. Tunstal , none more faithful : to learned men , as Erasmus , none more civil : to devout men , such as Bishop Fisher , none more firm : to hopeful men , such as Powle , there was none more encouraging : to painful men , such as Grocinus , Linacer , Crocus , Lupsel , Lilly , Cocklee , Budlera , Dorpin , Bewald , Luscar , Grannould , Vines , Groclenius , Bus●idian , Aegidius , Rhenanus , none more familiar , constant or liberal : in his conscience , none more satisfied and sedate : in his discourse , none more innocent and pleasant : in his heart , none more devout and sincere . His meditations were frequent ; his retirements to a Chappel built of purpose , dayly ; his Prayers constant and zealous ; his conversation with his Wives , loving and debonnair , taking them off their cares to reading and musick . His Servants were always employed either in his , or Gods service , suffering them not by idleness to be at leisure for sinnor by wanton converse to be tempted to it . H 〈…〉 Table-talk after the Chapter was pleasing and useful , his counsels useful , his converse exemplary his family-instructions to bear afflictions patiently to withstand temptations resolvedly , to mind heavenly matters devoutly , to go plainly and soberly , to recreate themselves moderately and vertuously , were effectual . There went a blessing along with all his Servants , and happiness with his whole Family . His Apophthegms were grounded on experience and judgement . He would say , 1. He was not always merry that laughed . 2. The world is undone by looking on things at distance . 3. To aim at Honour here , is to set up a Court of Arms over a Prison-gate . 4. If I would employ my Goods well , I may be contented to loose them ; if ill , I should be glad . 5. He that is covetous when he is old , is as a Thief that steals when he is going to the Gallows . 6. Bags of Gold to us when Saints , will be but as a bag of pebble-stones when men . 7 The greatest punishment in the world were to have our wishes . 8. Pusillanimity is a great temptation . 9. Affliction undoes many ; Pleasure most . 10. We go to Hell with more pain then we might go to Heaven with . Of Heresie he said , Like as before a great storm the Sea swelleth , and hath unwonted motions without any wind stirring ; so may we see here many of our English-men , which a few years ago could not endure to hear the name of an Heretick or Schismatick , now to be contented both to suffer them , and to praise them somewhat , yea , to learn by little and little , as much as they can be suffered , to finde fault , and to tax willingly the Church , the Clergy , and the Ceremonies . 11. The more of any thing else we have , but Riches , the more good we are . 12. Who would not send his Alms to heaven ? who would not send his Estate whither he is to be banished ? 13. Some men hate Hypocrisie , and love Impudence . 14. When any detracted others at his Table , he said , Let any man think as he pleaseth , I like this room well . 15. It 's easier to to prevent , then redress . Indeed throughout his Works he argueth sharply , he reasoneth profoundly , he urgeth aptly , stateeth exactly , expresseth himself elegantly , and discourseth learnedly . He would rather convince , then punish ; yet he would rather punish then indulge them : his Epitaph bespeaking him grievous to Hereticks , Thieves and Murtherers . When King Henry scrupled his first marriage , Sir Thomas told him , That neither he nor my Lord of Durham were so fit to advise him in that case , as St. Augustine , St. Jerome , and the other Fathers . His advice was so unseasonable , that it opposed the King ; yet so grave and honest , that it pleased him . His Experience and Prudence had a fore-sight next door to Prophecy ; and from the unquiet times of King Henry , did he guess the ruine of King Charles . He converted many with his Arguments , more with his Prayers , which workt wonders of reformation on the erroneous , as they did of recovery on the weak . He wished three things to Christendome : 1. An Universal Peace : 2. An Uniform Religion : 3. A Reformation rather of Lives then Religion . He never asked any thing of his Majesty but Employment , and never took any thing more acceptable then Service . His Alms were liberal to his Neighbours , and good works numerous g towards God. He would take no Fees from the Poor , and but moderate ones from the Rich. All London was obliged to him for his Counsel at home , and all England for his Peace at Cambray , where he out-did expectation . The King raised him to the Chancellourship , but not to his own opinion : he professed he would serve his Majesty , but he must obey his God : he would keep the Kings conscience and his own . His Wisdome and Parts advanced him , his Innocence and Integrity ruined him : his Wit pleased the King , but his Resolution crossed him . Wolsey was not so proud and reserved , as Sir Thomas was open and free to the meanest : his minde was not so dazled with honour , but he could foresee his fall . When his sons complained how little they gained under him , I will do justice ( said he ) for your sakes to any man , and I will leave you a blessing ; decreeing one day against his own son that would not hear reason . First , he offered the Judges the Reformation of Grievances ; and when they refused , he did it himself . — No Subpoena was granted but what he h saw , no Order but what he perused ; nothing passed from him towards the subject , but what became a good Magistrate ; nothing towards his Master , but what became a faithful servant . Neither King nor Queen could corrupt , neither could the whole Church in Convocation fasten any thing upon him . To one who told him of his Detractors , he said , Would you have me punish those by whom I reap more benefit then by all you my friends ? Perfect Patience is the Companion of true Perfection . But he managed not his trust with more integrity and dexterity , then he left it with honour ; leaving not one cause undecided in the Chancery : foreseeing that he could not at once content his Majesty and his own heart . His Servants upon his fall he disposed of as well as his children ; and his Children he taught to live soberly in a great Estate , and nobly in a mean one . He never put an Heretick to death when Chancellour , neither would he suffer Heresies to live when a private man. When my Lord Cromwel came to him in his retirement , he advised him to tell the King what he ought , not what he can do ; so shall you shew your self a true and faithful servant , and a right worthy Councellour : for if a Lyon knew his own strength , hard were it for any man to rule him . The King feared him when he could not gain him , and therefore he was sifted in his former carriage and present temper , which continued constant to his duty , and even under his changes . He was open-hearted to all that came , yet so wary in his discourse with the Maid of Kent , that his enemies confessed he deserved rather honour then a check for that matter . When the Duke of Norfolk told him , that the wrath of a Prince is death ; he said , Nay , if that be all , you must die to morrow , and I today . He behaved himself at all Examinations at once wisely and honestly . When Archbishop Cranmer told him , he must obey the King which was certain , rather then follow his conscience which was uncertain ; he replyed , It 's as certain that I must not obey the King in evil , as that I must follow my conscience in good . When the Abbot of Westminster told him , his conscience should yeild to the wisdome of the Kingdome , he said , He would not conform his conscience to one Kingdome , but to the whole Church . He underwent his sufferings with as much cheerfulness as his preferment ; pleasing himself with his misfortunes , and enjoying his misery ; resolving to obey God rather then man , to leave others to their own consciences ; to close with the Catholick Church rather then the Church of England , and to submit to general Councils rather then to Parliaments . Mr. Rich put to him this Question , Whether if the Parliament made a Law that he were Pope , would he not submit to it ? and he replyed , If the Parliament made another that God should not be God , would you obey it ? Though he could not own the Kings Supremacy , yet he would not meddle with it either in his Writings or discourse ; shewing himself at once a civil man , a good Christian , and a noble Confessour . His soul was well setled ; his stature was mean , but well proportioned ; his complexion phlegmatiqne ; his countenance amiable and cheerful ; his voice plain and distinct ; and his temper sound and healthful . WHo is the honest man ? He that doth still and strongly good pursue , To God , his Neighbour and Himself most true : Whom neither force nor fawning can Vnpin or wrench from giving all their due . Whose honesty is not So loose and easie , that a ruffling winde Can blow away , or glitt'ring look it blinde : Who rides his sure and even trot While the world now rides by , now lags behinde . Who , when great trials come , Nor seeks , nor shuns them ; but doth calmly stay , Till he the Thing and the Example weigh : All being brought into a sum , What Place or Person calls for , he doth pay . Whom none can work or wooe To use in any thing a trick or sleight ; For above all things be abhors deceit : His words and works and fashion too All of a piece , and all are clear and straight . Who never melts or thaws At close tentations : when the day is done , His goodness sets not , but in dark can run : The Sun to others writeth Laws , And is their vertue ; Vertue is his Sun. Who , when he is to treat With sick Folks , Women , those whom passions sway , Allows for that , and keeps his constant way ; Whom others faults do not defeat , But though men fail him , yet his part doth play . Whom nothing can procure , When the wide world runs Bias , from his will To writhe his limbs , and share , not mend the ill . This is the Mark-man , safe and sure , Who still is right , and prays to be so still . Observations on the Life of Thoma● Cromwel Earl of Essex . PVtney saw his Cradle in a Cottage , and England saw his Coffin in a Ditch : His Original was mean , his End meaner : A suddai● height in an unsettled time ruined him : A mode rate and leasurely Greatness is safe . His Bloo● ran low , but pure , ennobling the veins it flowed i● with a Spirit that was to raise a Family , and Deserve that Honour that others Inherit . His hone 〈…〉 Parents conveyed him a strong Constitution tha● could support stronger Parts : The poor man good Temper is an Inheritance , and the Rich hi 〈…〉 Effeminacie his Disease . A private School civilized his Parts ; Trave● and Employment improved them : His Necessity when at home , made him a Soldier abroad ; and hi● Observations abroad made him a Man at Home The Experience of Travel enlarged his Soul , an● the Hardship of War knitted and consolidated it 〈…〉 His hard Fortune at Cambray was the occasion o 〈…〉 his good One in England ; and had he not been un 〈…〉 done , he had been undone : For his promising look 〈…〉 commended him to Frescobald the Merchant fo 〈…〉 Relief , and to Cardinal Wolsey for Service ; in whos● private Service of Secretary for his Embassie i● France , he prepared himself for that more public of Secretary of State in England . Great Scholar h 〈…〉 was none , ( the Latine Testament gotten by hea●● being his Master-piece ) nor studied Lawyer : neve● admitted to the Innes of Court ; nor experienced Souldier , though Necessity cast Him upon it , when the Duke of Burbon befieged Rome ; nor Courtier ( till bred up in Cardinal Wolsey'● Court : ) yet that of the Lawyer in him so helped the Scholar , that of the Souldier the Lawyer , that of the Courtier the Souldier , and that of the Traveller all the rest ; being no Stranger to Germany , well acquainted with France , most familiar with Italy ; so that the result of all together made him for Endowments eminent , not to say admirable . His Apprehension was quick and clear ; his Judgement methodical and solid ; his Memory strong and rational ; his Tongue fluent and pertinent ; his Presence stately and obliging ; his Heart large and noble ; his Temper patient and cautious ; his Way industrious and indefatigable ; his Correspondence well laid , and constant ; his Converse insinuating and close : None more dexterous to finde out , none more reserved to keep a Secret. He was equal ( saith my Author ) to the French Politicians , when under his Master ; he over-reached them when alone ; doing more in one month with his subtle Head , then the other in twelve months with his stately Train : The King of France would have pensioned up his parts , but the Vice-Roy of England advanced them . His Master brought him first to serve his Country in Parliament ( that great School of Experience ) and then his King at Court ; where defending his Masters great actions , he made it evident he could perform greater : such was his Wit , such his Eloquence , that they who hated the Client , admired the Advocate : And thoug● he could not keep his Patron from falling , yet he raised himself ; that being the first time his Eminent Parts were observed : An advantagious starting is more then half way in the Race of Preferment : For hereupon he is first Master of the Kings Jewels , and then of what was more precious , his Secrets . His conscience inclined him to the Churches Reformation , his Interest complied with the Kings ; he unlocked the secrets of Monasteries by his Spies , and put the King upon destroying them by his Power : The University of Cambridge made him Chancellour , to save it self ; where though he did no great good , yet his Greatness kept others from doing harm , in an Age wherein Covetousness could quarrel a Colledge , as well as an Abbey , into superstition . He was trusted by the King with the Rolls and Records of England ; and by the Scholars , with the Charters and Statutes of their Universities : He reforms the University , in order to the Reformation of the Church ; enjoyning the study of the Scripture and the Tongues , instead of School-Divinity and Barbarism ; recommending Aristotle , Agricola , Melancthon , to their reading ; and the Doctrine which is in Spirit and in Truth to their Faith : and razing the Popes Bulls , to make way for the Kings Favour . He was an eminent Minister of State , and chief Governour of the Church ; proceeding in Convocation very discreetly , modelling the Church-Laws very prudently and moderately : looking into Monastical Abuses very narrowly and industriously ; mawling Religious Houses , violently pulling down those Nests , that the Rooks might not return : His Master had disobliged the Pope , and he weakeneth him : It was not safe to disown his Supremacy , and entertain thousands of his Creatures . If a Kingdom be divided against it self , it cannot stand ; and if one part of the English pay their devotion to a supream Head at Rome , and another to a supream Governour in England , they must both fall . If the persons might disturb the Government , it is fit their Estates should secure it ; and if the Papists should foment a War , their Lands should maintain it : But Cromwel contrives that the Pope should confirm Alienations in Wolsey , before he should practise it for the King. As the King knew whom he employed , when he trusted him : so he knew whom he trusted , when he employed Doctor Lee ( an able servant to an abler Master ) He first decoyed Religious Men out of their Covents by the allurement of Liberty , and then forced them out by Power and Authority . As the Abbeys improved his Estate , so his Master advanced his Honour : he had one Privy Seal always to act by , and was Keeper of another : He had no sooner attained an Earldom for himself , but foreseeing the alteration of Affairs , he secured a Barony for his Son , not forfeitable by the Attainder of the Father : Within five years he was Master of the Jewel-house , Secretary of State , Baron , Vicar-General , Master of the Rolls , Knight of the Garter , Keeper of the Privy-Seal , Lord High Chamberlain , and Earl of Essex : within five months he quitted place , and in five minutes lost all . He must needs be envied , whose Birth was so much beneath all others , and his Preferment above them : especially when the King in preferring him injured others ; as , the Citizens , in managing the Jewels ; the Courtiers , in undertaking State-affairs ; the Lawyers , in the Rolls a ; the Nobly Descended , at b Windsor ; the Clergy , in the c Convocation ; the Earl of Oxford , and the Family of the Bourchiers , in the great Chamberlainship and Earldom of Essex . But he cares not whom he displeaseth , if he can oblige his Master ; whose power he advanceth in the Parliament and Synod , as he improveth his Revenue in the Office of first-Fruits , and the Court of Augmentation . His Greatness was allayed with his Goodness ; and the Envy of the One , mitigated by the Liberality of the Other : He had not more Suiters at his door then Alms , ( two hundred at a time : ) Sir Thomas was a Name of Awe and Reverence to the Rich , and blessed by the Poor : That Name d levelled the proudest Citizens House for his conveniency , and bowed the poorest mans Knee to his Honour . He could at pleasure work upon the Lords by the Commons , and on the Commons by the Lords ; as Cardinal Wolsey perswaded the Commons to four shillings in the pound upon the Lords president ; and the Lords to as much upon the Commons : and he kept up the Cardinals way of Anticipation , that the people should be always one Subsidy before-hand : He set up the old Taxation of Knighthood at Queen Anne's Coronation , and levied it . He confirms the Kings Supremacy by a Law , and establisheth his Daughter Elizabeth's Succession by an Oath , first taken by the Parliament , and then by the Kingdom ; for whose support he contrives the lesser Monasteries should be first escheated , and then the greater . He was so honest , that he acquits Queen Anne in his Letter to the Queen ; yet so much a Statesman , that he condemn'd her upon the Bench. But to secure the Interest of England , he improved its Religion ; that as some few late Acts had disobliged the Pope , a new frame of Christianity might exclude him : The differences between Us and Rome , were to be widened , lest they should close ; and he judged it prudence to engage the conscience and the estate in one bottom , that he might hold the One out of the tenderness of the Other . The Kings Supremacy cut off the Papists , and the Six Articles the Protestants : Reformation must be managed leasurely , and alteration of Religion by just degrees ; Instruction preceding execution , and the peoples capacity growing up with their Governours Regulation . The times are troublesome , but Cromwel calm and quiet , and watchful over Occurrences ; Insurrection giving him an advantage of a new Settlement . He takes down the Occasions and Ornaments of Idolatry , Images , Shrines , Pilgrimages , &c. and then the Thing it self : Take off the paint of Rome , and you undo her : As the Laws and Injunctions , so the Alliance of England must secure its Interest : A Protestant Queen must be married to the Reformed King ; the Duke of Cleve's Sister must woo the King , that Essex might have that whispered in the Kings Bosom abed , where he was best disposed , which he insinuated into his Ear at the Council-Table where he was worst : But the King was not so well pleased with her Beauty , as Cromwel was with her Religion ; which Stephen Gardiner ( who hated her for her Religion , and Cromwel for his Greatness ) observing , shewed the Kings loose Affections , at once how to be rid of his Match , and , which he was as weary of , his Match-Maker . The Queen is divorced ( being never known by Henry , who disliked her at first view , and kept her rather in Policy , to oblige the German Princes , then of pleasure to fill his own Bed. ) Cromwel is arrested for presuming to act in some matters of State , without the Kings privity or Commission , and attainted by a procedure he had invented ; dying as cunningly as he had lived , for some a ambiguous words which Power interpreted to his Ruine . His last words were so wary , that they might become Bellarmine and Luther at once ; that the Protestants call them his Confession of Faith , and the Papists his old Religion : for confessing his Offences against God and the King , in his many Employments , he said he died in the Catholique Faith : Some will say the Protestants think no great gain to have him , and the Papists no loss to part with him ; yet we must needs confess that he was a Wise Man , because he always consulted the Learned in the Laws a out all his proceedings : He was a Good man , witness Frescobald , whose mean Person he took notice of , whose small Kindeness he acknowledged , whose Services he condescended to , whose Wants he relieved , and whose Debts he recovered : He was a Noble man , because he refused another mans Coat of Arms who was of his Name , saying , What shall I do with it ? for he may pull it off my back at pleasure . In a word , He was so Mean before he rise , so Worthy afterwards , that no Times had Raised but those more troublesome , none Ruined him but those most loose of Henry the VIII . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Audley . SIr Audley's Birth was Generous , his Education more : Essex bred him to that Honour which his Ancestors lost : His Soul ennobled his Body , and his Body graced his Soul : The one quick , solid , apprehensive and judicious ; the other tall and majestick : King Henry loved a Man ; and here was one whose Austerity was allayed with Debonairness , whose Gravity was sweetened with Pleasantness ; whose Knowledge was as large as his Authority , whose Wit was equal with his Wisdom ; whose Memory was strong , and Judgment solid . His fair Estate brought him to the Temple ; his proficiency in the Law , to the Court : His reading upon the Statute of Priviledges commended him to the Kings Service , his speaking for the Prerogative in Parliament brought him to the Kings Favour . Although the Liberties of the People can never be secured without the Prerogative of the Soveraign ( who cannot do the good they would , if he wants a power to do the evil they fear ; ) yet his first Preferment was to withdraw him from Popularity , and the second onely to confirm him to Soveraignty . Noble Service is the way to a Royal One : His Stewardship to the Dutchy of Suffolk , raised him to the Attorneyship of that of Lancaster . But in troublesome and designing times a popular Orator is a good Courtier ; and leading Parts in Parliament or Convocation are great Merits : In the black Parliament he was a Member by his own Interest , and a Speaker by his Majesties Choice : Sir Tho. More was to serve the Crown in the Lords House , and Sir Tho. Audley was to succeed him in the House of Commons . When Abbey-Lands were bestowed on the King in grofs , and returned by him to the leading Lords and Commons in the Retayl , most of that Parliament looked for shares ; Sir Thomas for the first cut , to secure himself with the King : He was always in favour with the Queens , who had no less Interest in the Kings Heart , then the Kingdom had in his Head. The. Age was uncertain , Interest nor so ; Sir Thomas was fixed on the One , above the alterations of the Other : understanding what was most convenient at a time when there was nothing lawful . He was well seen in the flexures and windings of Affairs , at the depth whereof other Heads not so steady turned giddy : He had the Arts of a Statesman , and the closeness of a Politicion : Reserved he was , but no Dissembler : For if a man have that penetration of judgment , as he can discern what things are to be laid open , and what to be kept secret , and what to be shewed with half sights , and to whom and when , ( which indeed are Arts of States and Arts of Life ) to him an Habit of Dissimulation is a hinderance and a poorness . He ( as an able man ) was always frank and open , but wary ; knowing how to stop and turn within the compass of Equity and Honesty . He understood business well , and men better ; and knew King Henry's Temper better then Himself , whom he surprized always to his own bent , never moving any of his suits to him , but when in haste , and most commonly amusing him with other matter until he passed his Request . His Actions were managed for applause as well as service : for when made Sergeant , he was the first of eleven ; his Entertaining-Day was the last of six : The King , who paid for his Dinner , was invited to it . He watched the Circumstances of his Actions , that they might be Taking , as well as their Issue , that they might be Useful ; and contrived that the least of his publick Actions should come off with Reputation . He followed the most passable rather then the most able men living , in a time when active men were more useful then the vertuous . Sir Thomas at once gratified the present Humour of the King , and the constant Temper of the People , in six Bills against the Clergy : 1. Against the Extortions of their Courts . 2. The Exaction of their Corps and Morturies . 3. Their worldly Occupations , as Grazing , Tanning , &c. 4 Merchandize . 5. Their Non-Residencies . 6. The Pluralities of the Ignorant , and the mean Salaries of the Learned . When in some Debates between the Lords and Commons , Custome was urged ; Sir Thomas replied , The usage hath ever been for Thieves to rob at Shooters Hill , is it therefore lawful ? He brought the Clergy within a Praemunire , to awe them ; and afterwards in their pardon , he and other Members included their own ; which the knowing King would not pass , when it was demanded as of Right ; yet afterwards granted it of his own accord , when it was received as of Grace . When Sir Thomas More could not act with the times , Sir Thomas Audley could ; the One being weary of the Seal , the other takes it ; being made Lord Keeper in Sir Thomas his life-time , and Lord Chancellour after his death : owning no Opinion against the Government of England , nor any Design against its Interest . The King might well trust him with his Conscience , when he trusted the King with his , owning no Doctrine but what was established , ever judging the Church and State wiser then himself . He was forced to take Q. Anne , but he would not condemn her ; rather escaping then refusing unwelcome Employments , wherein he must either displease his Master or himself . He was tender , but not wilful ; waving such services dexterously , wherein he must oppose his Master dangerously . Those Insurrections which others Rigor had raised , his Moderation allayed ; breaking the Factions with Indulgence , which might be strengthened with Opposition : Cromwel pulled down Popery with his Power , Audley kept it down with his Policy , enjoyning the Preachers to detect the follies of that way , which is reckoned the wisdom of this World , He had a moderate way to secure the Priviledges of Parliament , by freedom from Arrests ; and the good will of the Citizens , by an Order about debts . By these courses he died as much in the Kings Favour as he lived : Patience can weather out the most turbulent Age , and a solid Judgement the most intricate times : The reserved and quiet man is the most secure . Activity may raise a man , Wariness keep him up . If he had done nothing , he had no● been seen ; if he had done much , he had not been suffered . Between two extreams Audley could do well . Treasure of Arms and Arts , in whom were set The Mace and Books , the Court and Colledge met , Yet both so wove , that in that mingled throng They both comply , and neither neither wrong . But pois'd and temper'd , each reserv'd its seat ; Nor did the Learning quench , but guide the Heat . The Courtier was not of the furious strain , The hand that acts , doth first consult the brain . Hence grew commerce betwixt Advice and Might , The Scholar did direct the Courtier right . And as our Perfumes mixt , do all conspire , And twist their Curles above the hallowed fire , Till in that Harmony of Sweets combin'd , We can nor Musk nor single Amber finde ; But Gums meet Gums , and their delights so crowd , That they create one undistinguish'd cloud : So to thy minde these rich Ingredients prest , And were the Mould and Fabrick of thy brest . Learning and Courage mixt , and temper'd so , The Stream could not decay nor overflow . And in that equal Tide , thou didst not bear From Courage , Rashness ; nor from Learning , Fear . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wiat. SIr Thomas Wiat was born at Allington-castle in the County of Kent , which afterwards he repaired with beautiful Buildings . He fell out of his Master King Henry the eighth his favour , about the business of Queen Anna Bullen , till his industry , care , discretion and innocence freed him . Very ingenious he was ; or , as his Anagram tells us , he was [ A * Wit ] in the abstract . Cambden saith he was , Eques auratus splendide doctus . Holy he was and heavenly minded , and that appears by his translation of David's Psalms into English Metre ; and Leland gives him this great Commendation : Bella suum merito jactet Florentia Dantem , Regia Petrarchae Carmina Roma probat , His non inferior Patria Sermone Viatus , Eloquii secum qui decui omne tulit . This Knight being sent Ambassador by King Henry the eighth , to Charles the fifth Emperour , then residing in Spain , before he took Shipping , died of the Pestilence in the West-Country , Anno 1541. Queen Anne's favour towards him , raised this man ; and his faithfulness to her , ruined him : So fickle is that mans station that depends onely on humour , or holds of love and hatred ! Let my friend ( saith Malvezzi ) bring me in , but let my merit and service keep me there . Four things a man went to Dine with Sir Thoms Wiat for : 1. For his Generous Entertainment 2. For his free and knowing discourse of Spain and Germany ; an insight in whose interest was his Master-piece , studied by him as well for the exigen 〈…〉 of that present juncture , as for his own satisfaction . 3. For his quickness in observing , his civility in entertaining , his dexterity in employing , and his readiness in encouraging every mans peculiar party and inclinations . 4. For the notice and favour the King had for him . So ready was he to befriend worthy men , and so ready was the King to entertain his friend , that when a man was newly preferred , they said , He had been in Sir Thomas Wiat ' s Closet . Happy is the Prince that hath a faithful Favourite , to look him out serviceable men ! and happy those useful persons , that have a familiar and hhonest Favourite , by whom they may have access to the Prince ! a Favourite that serves not his Country so much by employing and pleasing its active members , as he secures his King , who hath ●o less need of Counsel in reference to men , then things . His Wit pleased the King , and his Wisdome served him : He could not be without his Advice at the Council-table , nor without his Jests in his Presence-chamber : where yet he observed his decorum to exactly , that his Majesty could by no means win him one night to dancing ; this being his grave resolution , That he who thought himself a wise man in the day-time , would not be a fool at night : otherwise one carryed himself more handsomely , none conversed more ingeniously and freely , none discoursed more facetiously or solidly ; in a word , it was his peculiar happiness , that his deportment was neither too severe for King Henry the eighth's time , nor too loose for Henry the seventh's , neither all honey nor all gall , but a sweet mixture and temperament of affability and gravity , carrying an equal measure of Sir Thomas More 's ingenuity in his head , and Sir Thomas Cromwel's wisdome in his heart ; equally fashioned for discourse and business : in the ●●st whereof , he was active , but not troublesome ; 〈◊〉 the first , merry , but innocent . A Jest if it hit right , may do more good then so ber Counsels . Archee made King James sensible of the danger the Prince was in , in Spain , by telling him that he came to change Caps with him : Why said the King. Because thou hast sent the Prince in : Spain , from whence he is never like to return . B 〈…〉 ( said the King ) what wilt thou say when thou see him come back again ? Marry ( saith he ) I will ta 〈…〉 off the Fools Cap which I now put upon thy head f 〈…〉 sending him thither , and put it on the King of Spain for letting him return . A Jest of Sir Thomas Wiat's began that Reformation , which the seriousness of all Christendome cou 〈…〉 not commence . King Henry was at a loss concening the Divorce , which he no less passionately dered , then the Pope warily delayed : Lord , saith he that a man cannot repent him of his sin but by 〈◊〉 Popes leave ! Sir Thomus hinted , Doctor Gran 〈…〉 opened , and the Universities of Europe made to way to Reformation . His Majesty was another time displeased with Wolsey , and Sir Thomas ups with a story of the C 〈…〉 baiting of the Butchers Dog , which contained 〈◊〉 whole method of that great mans ruine . The Pope was incensed , Christian Princes we 〈…〉 enraged , and the numerous Clergy discontented and King Henry afraid of a Revolution : Better 〈…〉 Rooks Nests , ( that is , sell and bestow the Pa 〈…〉 Clergies Habitations and Lands among the Nobils and Gentry ) said Sir Thomas , and they will ne 〈…〉 trouble you . One day he told his Master he his found out a Living of an hundred pounds the year more then enough , and prayed him bestow it on him : Why ? said the King , we 〈◊〉 no such in England . Yes , Sir , said Sir Thomas , the Provostship of Eaton , where a man hath his Diet , his Lodging , his Horse-meat , his Servants wages , his Riding-charge , and an 100 l. per annum besides . What Lewis the eleventh said of one Kingdome , i. e. France , may be true of all , That they want one thing , i. e. Truth . Few Kings have such discreet Courtiers as Cardinal Wolsey , to look into things deeply ; fewer so faithful Servants as Sir Thomas Wiat , to report things as they see them , honestly . His Jests were always confined to these Rules : 1. He never played upon a mans unhappiness or deformity ; it being inhumane . 2. Not on Superiours : for that is sawcie and undutiful . 3. Nor on serious or holy matters : for that 's irreligious . 4. He had much Salt , but no Gall ; often jesting , but never jearing . 5. He observed times , persons and circumstances ; knowing when to speak , and knowing too when to hold his peace . 6. His apt and handsome Reparties were rather natural then affected ; subtle and acute , prompt and easie , yet not careless ; never rendring himself contemptible to please others . 7. Not an insipid changing of words was his gift , but a smart retort of matters , which every body was better pleased with than himself . 8. He always told a story well ; and was as good at a neat continued discourse , as at a quick sentence ; contriving it in an handsome method , cloathing it with suitable expressions , without any Parenthesis or impertinencies , and representing persons and actions so to the life , that you would think you saw what you buchear : A notable way , that argued the man of a ready apprehension , an ingenious sins fancy , a tenacious memory , a graceful Elocution , a 〈…〉 exact judgment and discretion , and perfect acquaintance with things and circumstances . His phrasi was clean and clear , the picture of his thoughts and language , ( even in an argument ) not harsh or severe , but gentle and obliging ; never contradicting but with an Vnder favour Sir ; always subjoyning to his adversaries discourse , what the Dutch do the all Ambassadors Proposals , It may be so . Observations on the Life of Sir John Fineux . SIr John Fineux born at Swink field in the County of Kent , a place bestowed on h 〈…〉 Ancestors by a great Lord in Kent , called 〈◊〉 Criol , about the reign of King Edward the second He followed the Law twenty eight years before he was made a Judge ; in which Office he continued twenty eight years , and was twenty eight years of Age before he betook himself to this study : when 〈…〉 it necessarily follows , that he was four-score and four when he died . He was a great Benefactor t●● St. Augustines in Canterbury ; the Prior whereof William Mallaham thus highly commendeth him 〈◊〉 ( good deeds deserve good words . ) Vir prudentissimus , Genere insignis , Justitia praeclarus , Pietate refertus , Humanitate splenditus , & charitate foecundus . He died in 1526. and lies buried in Christ-church in Canterbury , having had a fair habitation in this City , and another in Herne in this County , where his Motto still remaineth in each Window : Misericordias Domini cantabo in Aeternum . Nile's original is hidden , but his stream is famous . This Judge's Ancestors were not so obscure , as he was illustrious . His Device upon his Sergeants Ring was , Suae quisque fortuna faber ; and his was always to this purpose , That no man thrived but he that lived as if he were the first man in the world , and his father were not born before him . Forty years he said he lived by his industry ; Twenty by his reputation ; and Ten by favour . King Henry the seventh knew not how well this Gentleman could serve him , until he saw how effectually he did oppose him about the Tenth Peny raised for the War in Britain , which raised another in York , where though the Rabble ( that murthered Henry Earl of Northumberland , who was to levy the Tax ) had not his Countenance for their Practice , yet had they his Principle for their Rule , which was this , Before we pay any thing , let us see whether we have any thing we can call our own to pay . So able , though reserved a Patriot , thought the wise King , would be an useful Courtier , and he that could do so well at the Bar , might do more at the Bench. Cardinal Morton was against his advancement , as an encouragement to the Factious : ( whose Hydra-heads grow the faster by being taken off by Preferment , and not by an Ax ) the King was for it , as the most probable way of weakening of them , as who when the most sober and wise part of them draweth off , are but a rude multitude , and a rope of sand : when a Commoner , none so stiff for the subjects priviledge ; when a Judge , none so firm to the Princes Prerogative : two things however , ( they fatally clashed of late ) that are solid felicities together , and but empty notions asunder : for what is Prerogative but a great Name , when not exercised over a free people ? and what is Priviledge but a fond imagination , when not secured under a powerful King , that may keep us from being slaves one to another by Anarchy , while we strive to be free from his Tyranny ? That People is beyond president free , and beyond comparison happy , who restrain not their Soveraigns power to do them harm so far , as that he hath none left him to do them good . Careful he was of the Law ; for he was a Judge : and as careful of his Soveraigns Right ; for he was a Subject . No ominous clashing between Courts in his time ; nor setting the Kings Conscience in Chancery against his Will in the Kings Bench. A man tells Aristides , to make him party in his cause , that his Adversary had abused him : I sit not here ( saith that Impartial Judge ) to right you , but my self . When a notorious enemy of Judge Fineux had a cause depending before him , It might have gone against you , my friend , ( said he ) had you been my Enemy . Ten things , which are indeed ten of the most remarkable particulars of his life , raised him . 1. An indefatigable industry , 1. In his reading , leaving behinde him 23 Folio's of Notes . 2. In his practice , bequeathing 3502 Cases he managed himself to his Executor . 2. A freedome of converse , as about his business , none more close ; so in company , none more open ; having so compleat a command of himself , that he knew to a minute when to indulge , and to a minute too when to restrain himself . A gay and cheerful humour , a sprightful conversation , and cleanly manners , are an exceeding useful accomplishment for every one that intends not to wind himself into a solitary retirement , or be mewed in a Cloyster . 3. A rich and a well-contrived marriage , that at once brought him a large Estate , and a larger Interest : the same tie that allied him to his Wives Family , engaged him to many . 4. A great acquaintance with Noble Families , with whose dependants he got in first , devoting an hour a day for their company ; and at last with themselves , laying aside his vacation-leisure for their service . He was Steward of 129 Mannors at once , and of Counsel to 16 Noble-men . 5. His Hospitality and Entertainments : None more close then he abroad , none more noble at home ; where many were tied to his Table , more obliged by his company and discourse . 6. His care and integrity in managing , his Repute in promoting , his Reason and Eloquence in pleading , and his Success in carrying his causes . 7. His eminence and activity in the two profitable Parliaments of Henry the seventh , where he had the hearts and purses of the people at his command , and the eye of his Soveraign upon his person . It was thought a reward adequate to the greatest merit and adventure in the Grecian Wars , to have leave to play the Prizes at Olympus before Kings . It was judged the most ambition could be aimed at in King Henry the seventh's time , to shew a mans parts before his judicious and discerning Majesty ; then whom none understood Worth better , none valued it higher . 8. His Opposition to Empson and Dudley's too severe Prosecution of Poenal Laws , while Henry the seventh was living ; and his laying of it before him so faithfully , that he repented of it when he was a dying . He is high a while , that serves a Princes private interest ; he is always so , that is careful of his publick good . 9. His entire Devotion to that sacred thing called Friendship , that Bliss on this side Heaven , made up of Peace and Love. None a worse Enemy , none a better Friend . Choice he was in commencing , but constant in continuing Friends : Many Acquaintance , but few Friends , was his Observation ; saying , He had been undone by his Acquaintance , had he not been raised by his Friends . 10. His care of time . To day I have not reigned , said the Emperour when he had done no good : To day I have not lived , said the Judge when he had done nothing . So much he prayed Morning , Evening , and at Noon , according to the way of those times , as if he never studied ; so much he studied , as if he never practised ; so great his practice , as if he never conversed ; and so free his converse with others , as if he lived not at all to himself : Time ( of which others are so prodigally expensive ) was the onely thing he could be honestly covetous of : full whereof he died , leaving this instruction to posterity , That we should not complain we have little time , but that we spend much either in doing nothing , or in doing evil , or in doing nothing to the purpose . Observations on the Life of Edward Fox , Bishop of Hereford . EDward Fox born in Dursley in Gloucestershire , was first brought up in Eaton , then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge , and died Provost thereof . He was Almoner to King Henry the eighth , and was the first that brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledge of the King , as he brought the King to the knowledge of himself . Being after wards Bishop of Hereford , was a great Instigator of the Politick and Prudential part of the Reformation , and was not less able , but more active then Cranmer himself : yea , so famous was he , that Martin Bucer dedicated unto him his Comment upon the Gospel : so painful , that he wrote many Books , whereof that , de Differentia utriusque potestatis , was the chief : so worthy he was , that the King employed him on several Embassies into France and Germany . He died May 8. 1538. In his first years , none more wild ; in his his last , none more stayed . The untoward Youth makes the able Man. He that hath mettle to be extravagant when he cannot govern himself , hath a spirit to be eminent when he can . His friends devotion to the Church , and relation to the Bishop of Winchester , made him a Scholar ; his own Inclination , a Politician : an Inclination that brake through all the ignoble restraints of pedantique studies and coertions , ( wherewith many a great Soul in England , ( enjoying not the freedome of forreign parts , but tied to such employments , though never so unsuitable , as their friends put them to ) are debased and lost ) to an eminencie ( more by observation and travel , then by reading and study ) that made him the Wonder of the University , and the Darling of the Court. When he was called to the Pulpit , or Chair , he came off not ill ; so prudential were his parts for Divinity ! when advanced to any Office of Trust in the University , he came off very well ; so incomparable were his parts for Government ! His Policy was observed equally in the subject , and in the contrivance of his Sermons and discourse ; where though all knew he read but little , yet all saw that ( by a Scheme and method his strong head had drawn up of all Books and Discourses ) he commanded all Learning : his Explications of the Text were so genuine , so exact , as if he had spent his time in nothing else but Criticks and Commentators . His Divisions so Analytical , as if he had been nothing but Logick : His Enlargements so copious and genuine , as if he had seen nothing but Fathers and Schoolmen . The curious and pertinent mixture of Moral Sentences , so various , as if he had been but a Humanist : the drift and designe of all , so close , that it argued him but ( what indeed he was ) a pure Pate-Politician . His Parts commended him to Cardinal Wolsey as his support : the Cardinal brings him to his Master as his second , and he thrusts out Wolsey as his Rival ; but yet pretended to advance that ambitious Man more highly , that he might fall more irrecoverably . He sets him upon his designes of being Pope in Rome , and those make him none in England . He caught the Cardinal by his submission , as he would have done Sir Thomas More by his Interrogations ; at which he was so good , that he would run up any man either to a Confession or a Praemunire . Fox was his name , and Cunning his nature . He said , His Fathers money helped him to his Parsonage , meaning his small Preferments ; and his Mothers wit to his Bishoprick , meaning his greater . Discoursing one day when Ambassador , of terms of Peace , he said , Honourable ones last long , but the dishonourable no longer then till Kings have power to break them : the surest way therefore , said he , to Peace , is a constant preparedness for War. Two things he would say must support a Government ; Gold and Iron : Gold , to reward its Friends ; and Iron , to keep under its Enemies . Themistocles after a Battel fought with the Persians , espying a Prize lying on the ground , Take up these things , ( saith he to his Companion ) for thou art not Themistocles . Take the Emperours Money , said Fox to his Followers , ( that were afraid to accept what he had refused ) for you are not all the King of England ' s Ambassadors . Often was this saying in our Bishops mouth , before ever it was in Philip the second 's , Time and I will challenge any two in the world . Portugal being revolted , the Conde d' Olivares came smiling to King Philip the fourth , saying , Sir , I pray give me las Albricius to hansel the good news : for now you are more absolute King of Portugal then ever : for the people have forfeited all their priviledges by the Rebellion , and the Nobility their Estates ; and now you may confirm your old Friends with their money , and make you new ones with their estates . When the Clergy began to ruffle with the King , I tell you News , said this Bishop , we are all run into a Praemunire : you shall have Money enough to make your own Courtiers , and Places enough to advance your own Clergie . Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony St. Lieger . WE may say of him , he was born in Kent , and bred in Christendome : for when twelve years of Age , he was sent for his Grammar-Learning with his Tutor into France , for his Carriage into Italy , for his Philosophy to Cambridge , for his Law to Grays-Inne ; and for that which compleated all , the government of himself , to Court ; where his Debonnairness and Freedome took with the King , as his Solidity and Wisdome with the Cardinal . His Master-piece was his Agency between King Henry the eighth and Queen Anne , during the agitation of that great business of the Divorce between the said King and his Queen Katherine . His Policy was seen in catching the Cardinal in that fatal word , The King may ruine me if be please ! but that ruined him . His service was to be Cromwel's Instrument in demolishing Abbeys , as he was the Kings . Caesar was the first that came to undo the Commonwealth , sober ; Sir Anthony St. Lieger was the first that saved this Kingdome drunk : for in being abroad one night very late , and much distempered , he must needs fancy an extraordinary light in the Cardinal's Closet ; with which Fancy he ran to the King , and although much in drink , prevailed with him so far , that he sends to the Cardinal , and there findes that Juncto that threatned his Kingdome . He was the first Vice-Roy , because Henry the eighth was the first King of Ireland . King Henry's affection would promote him any where , but his own resolution and spirit commended him to Ireland . He was a man whom all Ireland could not rule ; therefore ( as the Jest goes ) he should rule all England . Three times had the Irish Rebels made their soremn submission to other Deputies : the fourth time now they make it to him , throwing down their Girdles , Skins and Caps . So great a man was the Lieutenant , so great his Master ! No sooner was be possessed of the Government , but he thought of Laws , those Ligaments of it : The most rational and equitable Laws were those of England , but too rational to be imposed on the Brutish Irish : therefore our Knight considering ( as he saith in the Preface of his Constitution ) that they ( poor souls ) could not relish those exact Laws , to live or be ruled by them , immediately enacted such as agreed with their capacity , rather then such were dictated by his ability ; his Wisdome ( as all mens must ) doing what was most fit and convenient , rather then what was most exact ; what they could bear , more then what he could do : as remembring he had to do with Faeces Romuli , rather then Respublica Platonis ; a rude , rather then a reduced people . What he could , he ordained according to the incomparable Rule of the English Laws ; what he could not , he established according to his present judgement of the Irish capacity . He saw the Kingdome could never be subject to his Masters power , while the Church was obedient to the Popes : therefore as he perswaded the Nobility to surrender their Estates to his Majesty at London , so he compelled the Clergy to make over theirs at Dublin : There remains but little of the first in his Majesties hands , so honourable was he in restoring it ; and as little in his Successors , so religious and just were they in resigning it to the same use for substance to which it was at first designed . But in vain it is to reform Laws , unless we reform persons too : therefore as he sent Orders to reduce the Irish Nobility in their several Countries , so he sent for themselves ( to the respective Houses built for them by his Majesty near Dublin ) to be civilized in the Court. Caesar came , saw , and overcame ; Sir Anthony came , saw , and setled : A man had thought there had not been so much corruption in the Romish Church , as to admit Children to Church-Livings , ( for which Men are hardly sufficient ! ) but that Sir Anthony St. Leiger was forced to make this Law , That no Children should be admitted to Benefices . We had not known this sin , had not the Law said , You shall not invest any under sixteen years of age in Benefices . The Clergy he found there too many , and the Nobility too few ; he lessened the number of the one to weaken the Pope , and improved the other to strengthen his Master , of whom they held not onely their Estates , but their Baronies too , as obliged to duty in point of Honour as well as in point of Interest . But in vain doth he civilize the present Generation , and neglect the future : as therefore he provided Cities for the Parents , so he erected Schools for the Children , that the one might forget their Barbarism , and the other never know it . Three things he said would settle a State : 1. Good God-fathers and God-mothers performing their Vows : 2. Good Housholders overlooking their Families : 3. And good School-masters educating Youth ; this last , the most useful , though the most contemptible profession . An Athenian being asked what God was , said , He was neither Bow-man , nor Horse-man , nor Pike-man , nor Foot-man , but one that knew how to command [ all these . ] Sir Anthony St. Leiger was neither Souldier , nor Scholar , nor Statesman , yet he understood the way how to dispose of all these to his Countries service , and his Masters honour ; being all of them eminently , though none of them pedantickly and formally in himself . The Athenians ( as Anaximander said ) had good Laws , but used them ill ; our Deputy had bad Laws , but governed by good . It was thought by many wise men , that the preposterous rigour and unreasonable severity which some men carried there before him , was not the least incentive that kindled and blew up into horrid flames the sparks of discontent , which wanted not pre-disposed fuel in that place ; where despair being added to their former discontents , and the fears of utter extirpation to their wonted oppressions . It is too easie to provoke a people too prone to break out to all exorbitant violence , both by some principles of their Religion , and their natural desires of Liberty ; both to exempt themselves from their present restraints , and prevent after-rigours : wherefore he was inclined to that charitable connivence and Christian indulgence which often dissipates their strength whom rougher opposition fortifieth , and puts the oppressed Parties into such Combinations as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their Persecutors ; who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commiseration which attends all that are said to suffer for Religion or Liberty . To conclude this : Four things Sir Anthony St. Leiger was eminent for : 1. That there was none more grave in Counse then he , in the morning : none more free at Table , at noon : none more active in the after-noon : none more merry at night . 2. That his Orders were made but slowly , so wary he was ; but executed quickly , so resolute he was too . 3. That he contrived all his Designs so well beforehand , that in the course of affairs they were done to his hand ; and he was the Deputy that made no noise . 4. That as the Souldier ( finding his first admission to Alexander to be difficult ) danced about the Court in an Antique fashion , until the strangeness of the shew made the King himself Spectator , and then throwing off his disguise , he said , Sir , thus I first arrive at the notice of your Majesty in the fashion of a fool , but can do you service in the place of a wise man , if you please to employ me : So this Gentleman came to Court a Swaggerer , but went off a Statesman . All Prudence is not lodged under a demure look and an austere carriage : There are those that can be merry and wise ; whose Spirit is as lively , as their Judgement solid . Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Sadler . Sir Ralph Sadler was born at Hackney in Middlesex , where he was Heir to a fair Inheritance , and servant to the Lord Cromwel , and by him advanced into the service of King Henry the VIII , who made him chief Secretary of State. He was one that had much knowledge , therefore much imployed in all , but especially in the Intrigues of the Scots affairs : In the Battel of Muscleborow he ordered & brought up our scattered Troops , inviting them to fight by his own Example ; and for his Valour was made a Knight-Banneret . Queen Elizabeth made him Chancellour of the Dutchy . During his last Embassie in Scotland , his house at Standon in Hertfordshire was built by his Steward in his absence , far greater then himself desired , so that he never joyed therein ; and died soon after , Anno 1587 , in the 80 year of his Age. King Henry understood two things : 1. A Man : 2. A Dish of Meat ; and was seldom deceived in either : For a Man , none more compleat then Sir Ralph , who was at once a most exquisite Writer , and a most valiant and experienced Souldier ; qualifications that seldom meet , ( so great is the distance between the Sword and the Pen , the Coat of Mail and the Gown ) yet divided this man and his time ; his nights being devoted to contemplation , and his days to action . Little was his Body , but great his Soul ; the more vigorous , the more contracted . Quick and clear were his thoughts , speedy and resolute his performances . It was he that could not endure the spending of that time in designing one action , which might perform two or that delay in performing two , that might have designed twenty . A great Estate he got honestly and spent nobly ; knowing that Princes honour them most , that have most ; and the People them onely that employ most : A Prince hath more reason to fear mony that is spent , than that which is hoorded because it is easier for Subjects to oppose a Prince by Applause then by Armies . Reward ( said Sin Ralph when he was offered a sum of money ) should not empty the Kings Coffers ; neither should Riches he the Pay of Worth , which are meerly the Wages of Labour : He that gives it , embaseth a Man ; he that takes it , vilifieth himself : who is so most Rewarded , is least . Since Honour hath lost the Value of a Reward , Men have lost the Merit of Vertue , and both become mercenary ; Men lusting rather after the Wealth that buyeth , then after the Qualities that deserve it . Two things he observed broke Treaties ; Jealousie , when Princes are successful ; and Fear , when they are unfortunate . Power that hath need of none , makes all confederacies , either when it is felt , or when it is feared , or when it is envied . Three things Cato repented of : 1. That he went by water when he might go by land . 2. That he trusted a Woman with a secret . 3. That he lost Time. Two things Sir Ralph relented for : 1. That he had communicated a secret to two . 2. That he had lost any hour of the morning , between four a clock and ten . He learned in King Henry the Eighth's time , as Cromwel's Instrument , what he must advise ( in point of Religion ) in Queen Elizabeth's time , as an emiment Counsellour : His Maxime being this , That Zeal was the Duty of a private Brest , and Moderation the Interest of a publick State. The Protestants Sir Ralph's Conscience would have in the commencement of Queen Elizabeth , kept in hope ; the Papists his Prudence would not have cast into Despair . It was a Maxime at that time in b another case , That France should not presume , nor Spain be desperate . He saw the Interest of this State altered six times , and died an honest Man : The Crown put upon four Heads , yet he continued a Faithful Subject : Religion changed , as to the publick constitution of it , five times , yet he kept the Faith. A Spartan one day boasted that his Countrey-men had been often buried in Athens ; The Athenian replied , But we are most of us buried at home . So great was Sir Ralph's success in the Northern Wars , that many a Scotch man found his Grave in England ; so exact his conduct and wariness , that few English men had theirs in Scotland ; the same ground giving them their Coffin , that did their Cradle ; and their Birth that did their Death . Our Knights two incomparable Qualities were Discipline and Intelligence ; the last discovered him all the Enemies advantages , and the first gave them none . His two main designs were , 1. An Interest in hi 〈…〉 Prince , by service . 2. An Alliance with the Nobility by Marriage : upon which two Bottoms he raised himself to that pitch of Honour and Estate , that time could not wear out , nor any alterations embezle ; he bequeathing to his Worshipful Posterity the blessing of Heaven upon his Integrity ; the lov 〈…〉 of Mankinde for his Worth ; and ( as Mr. Full 〈…〉 saith ) a Pardon granted him when he attended my Lord Cromwel at Rome , for the sins of his Family for three immediate Generations , ( expiring 〈…〉 R. Sadler Esquire , lately dead . ) His last Negotiation was that in Scotland , during the trouble there about Queen Mary : so searching and pier 〈…〉 cing he was , that no Letter or Adviso passed whereof he had not a Copy ; so civil and obliging that there was no Party that had not a Kindness for him . So grave and solid , that he was present at all counsels ; so close and industrious , that his hand though unseen was in every motion of that State 〈…〉 and so successful , that he left the Nobility so divided that they could not design any thing upon the King 〈…〉 and the King so weak , that he could not cast off the Queen ; and all so tottering , that they must depend on Queen Elizabeth . Three things he bequeathed such as may have the honour to succed him , 1. All Letters that concerned him since of years , filed : 2. All Occurrences , since he was capable of Observation , registered 〈…〉 3. All Expences , since he lived of himself , booked 〈…〉 Epaminondas was the last Grecian , and Sir Ralph Sadler was one of the last English men . Observations on the Life of Sir William Paget . SIr William Paget was born in the City of London , of honest Parents . He was so able and trusty a Minister of State , that he was privy Counsellour to four successive Princes : He was Secretary to King Henry the Eighth ; who employed him Embassador to Charles the Emperour and Francis King of France . King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellour of the Dutchy , Comptroller of his Houshold , and created him Baron of Beaudefert . Queen Mary made him Keeper of the Privy-Seal . Queen Elizabeth highly respected him , dispencing with his Attendance at Court , in favour to his great Age. Duke Dudley in the days of King Edward , ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order , saying , He was not Originally qualified for the same : But this was restored unto him by Queen Mary . He died very old , Anno 1563. and was buried in Lichfield . His Education was better then his Birth , his Knowledge higher then his Education : His Parts above his Knowledge , and his Experience beyond his Parts : A general Learning furnished him for Travel , and Travel seasoned that Learning for Employment . His Master-piece was an inward Observation of other Men , and an exact knowledge of Himself . His Address was with state , yet insinuating : His Discourse free , but weighed ; his apprehension quick , but staid : His ready and present mind keeping its pauses of thoughts and expressions even with the occasion and the emergency : neither was his carriage more stiff and uncompliant , then his soul . Gundamore could not fit King James so well as Sir William did Charles the Fifth , who in a rapture once cried , He deserved to B E a King , as well as to REPRESENT One : and one day as he came to Court , Yonder is the Man I can deny nothing to . Apollonius coming to Vespatian's Gate betimes in the morning , and finding him up , said , Surely this man will be Emperour , he is up so early . This Statesman must needs be eminent , who was up 〈…〉 the earliest of all the English Agents in discovering Affairs , and latest in following those Discoveries . Three sorts of Embassadors the Emperour Charles observed were sent him from England 〈…〉 the first was Wolsey , whose great Train promised much , as his great Design did nothing : The second was Morisin , who promised and did much : The third Paget , who promised nothing , and did all 〈…〉 What Scholars observed then of c three Divines 〈…〉 that a Statesman hath set down of our three Agents : the first was words without matter ; the second was matter without words ; the third was words and matter . Quick and regular were hi 〈…〉 Dispatches when Secretary , pleasing all with his proceedings , even when he could not but displease many with his Decision . It was much none went away ever sad from Augustus an Emperour , it was more none was dismissed ever in discontent from Sir William Paget a Secretary of State. The King was not happier in his abilities to serve him , then he was i 〈…〉 their dexterity who waited upon him : These are my eyes , ( saith the discreet man ) these are my right hands . For his service he would chuse a Man before a Scholar , a Traveller before a Home-bred : Parts he preserred in his Office , a Presence in his Chamber ; Parts and Presence in his Closet . Beecber was King Henry the Eighth his Map of England , ( so well skilled he was in our English Customs , Trade , Improvements , Situation , Interest and Inclination ) Paget was his Table of Germany , France , and Rome , so exact an account could he give of their Situation , Havens , Forts , Passages , Provision , Policies , Revenue and Strength : secured he was , in King Henry's changeable times , by his forraign Travels and Employments . Escape he did King Edward's Reformation , by his Moderation and peaceableness : He complied with Queen Mary's Zeal , out of conscience ; and submitted to Queen Elizabeth's Authority , out of Duty and Allegiance : being one of those moderate men that looked upon the Protestants primitive Foundations of b Faith , Duty and Devotion , as safe ; and on the Papists superstructures , as not damnable : Whose Life was Grotius and ssander's Wish , An Accommodation to the Christian World. Privacy is the Favourites Interest , and concealment his care : Sir William wished for success for his Masters sake , but dissembled it for his own : He is the man , that loseth neither his Privacy nor his Reputation . Quiet was his temper , though noble his resolution : Troublesome is a witty man on a stage , as a Monkey in a cupboard of glass . Placed , sweet and composed is the prudent Man , like an Intelligence in the Heavens , or a god in the World. Up he went , but by just degrees ; that if down he must , he might do so with the same leasure and safety . When he had managed the Secrets and Negotiations of Henry the Eighth , with Dexterity and Faithfulness ; the Lands of King Edward the Sixth , with Skill and Improvement ; the Purses of Queen Mary & Queen Elizabeth , with good Husbandry and Care : When he had lived enough to his Countries , to his Soveraigns , to his Friends , and the Publique Good ; he retired to live to Himself first , and then to his GOD. Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Morisin . SIr Richard Morisin born in Essex ( or in Oxford-shire e ) was brought up f at Eaton , Cambridge , and Inns of Court. He was so skilful in Latine and Greek , and in the Common and Civil Law , that he was often employed Embassador by King Henry the VIII , and Edward the VI , unto Charles the Fifth Emperour , and other Princes of Germany ; which he discharged with all honesty and ability . After the death of King Edward the VI , he was forced to fly beyond the seas ; and returning out of Italy , died at Strasburgh , on the 17 of March 1556. Three things made a compleat man in those days ▪ 1. A publick School , where their School-fellows Genius's instruct much more then their School-masters pains ; where a man attains at once to Learning , Prudence , and a Spirit : 2. A comprehensive insight into Tongues and Sciences ; by the first whereof they unlocked Men , and by the second , Things : 3. Travel , where they saw what they read , and made that a solid apprehension and observation , which was before but a fluid notion and a floating imagination : Our Knight was happy in all Three , but so compleat in the last , that he had the Vertues and Port of a German , as if he had been a Native of that place ; and loathed the Vices , as if he had never seen it : Thereby he could get so far within that people , that he saw all their Intrigues ; and be yet so reserved , that they could see nothing : The ablest German Divines guided his conscience , and the greatest Statesmen his Negotiation . He kept under the Emperour by the Princes , the French by the Emperour , and the Pope by them all . So much service did the good Knight to King Henry the Eighth , in his Wife Katharine's Case ; and so much the whole Kingdom , in that of Religion ; that he equally fled Queen Mary's wrath , and her Religions Persecutions . His strong parts set off his comprehensive knowledge ; his resolute spirit , his parts ; and his presence and meen , all : King Henry always chusing an Embassador that might represent his Person as well as his Power : And Sir Richard had his Hogh in Germany , as well as Henry in England . His knack was his foresight , which made that an Adviso in England , which was hardly a known design there : saying usually , His Master maintained not Embassadors so much to write Histories as Prophecies . The Trojans sent to condole with Caesar for his Son that was dead two year ago ; he thanked them , and condoled with them for Hector , that was slain as many hundred years . Our Embassador in France adviseth Sir Richard of a Battel fought a Week before , and he in answer makes a large discourse of the Battel of Spurs fought many years before ; and adds , I and You are not here to tell old stories . Two things , he said , he was troubled with , Envy and Malice ; and two Remedies he had against them , Patience and Resolution . Always he wheeled with the first Mover , yet he had private motions of his own : Singular , but modest : So faithful he was , that he would declare his Opinion ; yet so wary , that he would not stand in it against his Prince ; knowing , that if he did it out of prudence , he rendered the Princes Ability suspected ; if out of his own sagacity , it blemished his Integrity : Both equal inconveniencies , to intimate the Master Unable , or the Servant Corrupt . When others pressed for an over-strict Reformation , this Gentleman urged , That Distempers in the Body and State are reduced by Physicians and Politicians not to what they should be , but to what they can be : Freedom , Moderation and Impartiality are the best tempers of Reforming Counsels and Endeavours : What is acted singularly , must offend more then it pleaseth ; a study to gratifie some men , being a likely way to injure all : The novelty of excessive and immoderate undertakings giving not so much content to the vulgar of a present Age , as the mischiefs of them give offence to the Generations of ●utu●e times . And Melancthon's discourse to him was to this purpose : That the Reformation of hearts should go before that of Churches ; and men should try that on their own hearts which they design upon the Church : For Deformities within , will soon betray the Pretenders of publique Reformation to such private designs as must needs hinder the publique Good. It would be an easie matter for Favourites to reform Kings Palaces ( saith Malvezzi ) if it were not a hard thing to reform their own houses . One asked him , Why his Embassie tended so much more to preserve his Masters Dominions , then to augment them ? And he replied what is fathered on Henry the Fourth , That Getting is a Chance , but Keeping is a Wit. After a long residence abroad , he thought of an Habitation at home ; which he no sooner began at Cashobery in Hertfordshire , but King Edward going out of the World , the good Knight was forced out of his house and the Kingdom . He was the first that said , Policy is not the learning of some Rules , but the Observation of Circumstances , with a present minde in all junctures of affairs ; which ( he would say ) was their happiness onely , that had good memories : For when one said he had seen much , heard more , and read most : You were ( said he ) a more compleat man , could you say , I remembered as much . Secretary Walsingham would say , My Lord , stay a little , and we shall have done the sooner : Secretary Cecil said , It shall never be said of me , That I will defer till to morrow what I can do to day : And Sir Richard Morisin , Give me this day , and take the next your self . Noble was his Resolution , when he said , He scorned to take pensions from an Emperour of Germany , since an Emperour of Germany took pay of the King of England . His statute was something tall , and procured him reverence ; his temper reserved , and commanding security to his person and his business . He that knoweth to speak well , knoweth also where he must hold his peace , said the old Graecian : Think an hour before you speak , and a day before you promise , said this English-Roman . With Ferdinand the Emperour he prevailed for the Popes assistance , and with Maximilian for his Masters against the French. Never was his Master Henry so high , as to set him above treating ; nor his Soveraign Edward so low , as to make him afraid of War ; although he looked upon the way of Treaties , as a retiring from fighting like Beasts , to arguing like men ; whose strength should be more in their Understandings , then in their Limbs . I have ( said a great Prince ) greater confidence in my Reason then in my Sword ; and am so resolved to yeild to the first , that I thought neither my self nor others should use the second , if once we rightly understood one another . It 's humane to use Reason rather than Force , and Christian to seek peace and ensue it . Christian was his Temper , and Religious his carriage ; so charitable , that he relieved the Confessors , as though he had been none himself ; and so constant , that he continued his sufferings , as if there were no other . Much good did his Countenance do the Exiles in the Courts of Forreign Princes ; and more his Authority at the Troubles of Frankford , where his Motive to love , was the hatred of the Enemy . Observations on the Life of Doctor Nicholas Wotton . NIcholas Wotton , son to Sir Robert , born at Bockton-malherb in the County of Kent , ( a place so named , from some noxious and malignant herbs growing therein ) was bred in Oxon , Doctor of the Civil Laws ; and was the first Dean ●f the two Metropolitan Churches of Ganterbury and York . He was Privy-Counsellour to four successive Soveraigns , viz. 〈…〉 ing Henry the VIII . Edward the VI. Queen Mary . Elizabeth . He was employed thirteen several times in Emassies to Forreign Princes . Five times to Charles the Fifth Emperour . Once to Philip his son , King of Spain . Once to Francis the First , King of France . Once to Mary Queen of Hungary , Governess of he Netherlands . Twice to William Duke of Cleve . Once to renew the peace between England , France and Scotland , Anno 1540. Again to the same purpose at Cambray , Anno 1549. Once sent Commissioner with others to Edenburgh in Scotland , 1560. He refused the Archbishoprick of Canterbury , proferred him in the first of Queen Elizabeth . He died January 26. in 1566. being about seventy years of Age , and was buried in Canterbury . Justinian reduced the Law of Nations to one Body , and Doctor Wotton comprehended them in one Soul : Publick was his spirit , and such his thoughts : That profession that was designed for the settlement of the worlds commerce , was now confined to a Bishops Court , a Churchwardens Oath , or a rich mans Will ; when this excellent Person first enlarged it as far as the sea , in the Cases of the Admiralty ; and as wide as the world , in the Negotiations of Embassie . Others were trusted with the Interest of Princes , He with that of Nations . He that saw him , would think he could deny nothing so modest Scholar-like his looks ! He that heard him would judge he would grant nothing , so undeniable his Reason ! so irrefragable his Arguments ▪ His speech was as ready as his resolution was present ▪ His apprehension quick and clear : his method exact : his reading vast and indefatigable : his memory ( strong as to things , though not to words ) tenacious : his elocution copious and flowing . What 〈…〉 Henry Wotton said of sir Philip Sidney , I may say 〈◊〉 Nicholas Wotton , That he was the very measure of congruity . What that Counsellour writ to the Frence King in a great sheet ( when he required his Advice ) that our Doctor advised our Princes in several Discourses , viz. Madus , A Mean. Sir , ( said King Henry to him , now not forty years old ) I have sent a Head by Cromwel , a Purse by Wolsey , a Sword by Brandon , and I must now send the Law by You , to treat with my Enemies . Augustus lamented for Varrus his death , because , he said , Now I have none in my Countrey to tell me the truth : With Wotton went off that faithfulness that Peasants have , and Princes want : None more resolute abroad , none more bold and downright at home . His plain dealing saved King Henry some Treasure , King Edward the North , Queen Mary Calice for a while , and Queen Elizabeth her Faith and Crown : A Vertue that made him the Overseer of most Forreign Ministers Actions abroad , and one of the sixteen Executors of King Henry's Will and Testament at home . Gardiner was sly and close , but Wotton prudent and wise . In the Treaty at Calice there are two things remarkable of our Doctor , 1. That he first insisted on the peace with France , before that of Scotland : 2. He would say , Rather give away Calice , then reserve a Right in it fifteen years hence : for never was the Interest of any Nation so constant , as to keep a promise half so many years . Indeed Sir Cecil's reach went no further for a Layman , then Doctor Wotton for a Church-man : Therefore they two were pitched upon for the management of the Intrigues and Affairs of Scotland . Many envied this happy man , but none could be without him , who was the Oracle of both Laws at Councels ; who could sum up the merit of any Cause , recollect the circumstances of any Affair ; and shew Tables of Trade , Commerce , Situations , Counsels , Revenue , Interest , &c. the readiest and exactest any in England . But all these Qualifications must die , and he with them : leaving it as his Advice , First , To Church-men : To understand well the Common and Canon-Law , as well as the Divine ; by the first whereof , they might understand their right as by the second , they informed themselves and others● their duty . Secondly , To Statesmen : Travel and History . Thirdly , To Embassadors : 1. A good Purse : 2. A noble and sober Train : 3. Constant correspondent and observation : 4. A happy medley of Debonai● ness and Complacency , Reservedness and Gravity with the first he had taken Princes , and with the l 〈…〉 Statesmen ; the one discovers others , while the other conceals you . 5. Resolution : I made often ( said he as if I would fight , when they knew my calling allowe me onely to speak : 6. Civility : That man ( said the Prince of Orange ) is a great bargain , who is bought with a bare salutation . Fourthly , To Privy-Counsellours : That excellent caution , Always to speak last , and be Masters 〈◊〉 others strength before they displayed their own . This was that rare man that was made for all but siness , so dexterous ! This was he that was made for all times , so complying ! This was he who live Doctor of both Laws , and died Doctor of both Gospels ; the Protestant , which had the Statesmans parts of this man ; and the Popish , who had the Christiat Noah * had two faces , because he was a son of the old world before the flood , and a father of the ne 〈…〉 one after : Wotton sure had four faiths , who was Favourite in King Henry's days , of the Counsel is King Edward's , of the Juncto in Queen Mary's , and the g second Statesman in Queen Elizabeth's . With these two things of this person , I shall conclude : 1. His refusal of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury , which argued his extraordinary humility of wariness . 2. His admission of Doctor Parker , as Dean of Canterbury , to that See ; which argueth the legality of his calling , there being no circumstance with any likelihood omitted , by so exquisite a Civilian as Doctor Wotton ; or forgotten , by so great an Antiquary as Doctor Parker . Observations on the Life of Thomas Wriothesly , the first Earl of Southampton . THomas Wriothesly Knight of the Garter , was born in Barbican , Son to William Wriothesly ( descended from an Heir general of the antient Family of the Dunsterviles ) King of Arms. He was bred in the University of Cambridge , as it appears by Mr. Ascam's Letter unto him , writing in the behalf of the University , when he was Lord Chancellour . Quamobrem Academia cum omni literarum ratione , ad te unum conversa ( cui uni quam universis aliis ●se chariorem intelligit ) partim tibi ut alumno suo , cum authoritate imperat : partim , ut patrono summo , demisse & bumiliter supplicat , &c. His University-Learning prepared him for the Law , and his indefatigable study of the Law promoted him to the Court ; where , for his Honour , he was created Baron of Tichbourn , Jan. 1. 1543. and for his Profit , the next year , May 3. Lord Chancellour ; a place he discharged with more Applause then any before him , and with as much Integrity as any since him : Force ( he said ) awed , b● Justice governed the world . It is given to that Family to be Generous are Resolute : This incomparable Person was under cloud in King Edward's time , for being a rigidly conscientious Papist ; and his great Granchild suffered in King Charles his time , for being a sincere honest Protestant : Yet so reverenced was the first of this Family by his Adversaries , that he was made Earl of Southampton ; and so honoured was the other by his Enemies , that they courted him to the party . Integrity hath a Majesty in its full , and Glory in its lowest Estate ; that is , always feared though not always loved . No Nobleman understood the Roman Religion better then the first Earl of Southampton ; and non the Protestant better then the last , the Right Honourable and truly Excellent Thomas Earl of Southampton , and Treasurer of England . His Court , he said , gave Law to the Kingdom His constant and exact Rules , to the Court ; and h● Conscience guided by the Law of the Kingdom , 〈◊〉 his Rules . Affable and acceptable he was , as More quick and ready , as Wolsey ; incorrupt , as Egerton apprehensive and knowing , as Bacon . Twice were all Cases depending in Chancery dispatched ; in Sir Wriothesley's time , 1538. and in Sir More 's , 1532. Truly did he judge intra Cancellos , deciding Cases with that Uprightness , that he wished a Window to his Actions , yea and his Heart too . King Philip was not at leasure to hear a poor Womans Cause ; Then , said she , cease to be King. My Lord over-hearing a servant putting off a Petitioner , because his Master was not at leasure , takes him up roundly , and replies , You had as good say , I am not at leasure to be Lord Chancellour . Two things he would not have his servants gain by , his Livings and his Decrees ; The first , he said , were Gods , the second the Kings , ( whom every man , he said , sold , that sold Justice : ) To honest men , your places , said he , are enough ; to Knaves , too much . Every Week he had a Schedule of his own Accounts , and every Month of his Servants . Cato's greatest Treasure was his Account-Book of Sicily ; and my Lord of Southampton's was his Table of the Chancellours place . A great Estate was conferred upon him , which he took not in his own name , to avoid the odium of Sacriledge ; as great an Inheritance he bought , but in others names , to escape the malice of Envy . He loved a Bishop , he said , to satisfie his conscience ; a Lawyer , to guide his Judgement ; a good Family , to keep up his Interest ; and an University , to preserve his name . Full of Years and Worth , he died 1550. at Lincoln-place , and was buried at St. Andrews Church in Holborn , where his Posterity have a Diocess for their Parish , and a Court for their Habitation . Observations on the Life of Sir John Fitz-James . JOhn Fitz-James Knight , was born at Redlinch 〈◊〉 Somersetshire , of Right Antient and Wort 〈…〉 Parentage , bred in the study of our Municip 〈…〉 Laws ; wherein he proved so great a Proficie 〈…〉 that by King Henry the Eighth he was advanced 〈◊〉 be Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. There needs 〈◊〉 more to be said of his Merit , save that King He 〈…〉 the Eighth preferred him ; who never used eith 〈…〉 Dunce or Drone in Church or State , but Men 〈◊〉 Ability and Activity . He sat thirteen years in 〈◊〉 place , demeaning himself so , that he lived and di 〈…〉 in the Kings Favour . He sat one of the Assista 〈…〉 when Sir Thomas More was arraigned for refu 〈…〉 the Oath of Supremacy , and was shrewdly put 〈◊〉 it , to save his own Conscience , and not incur 〈◊〉 Kings Displeasure : For Chancellour Audley , 〈◊〉 preme Judge in that place , ( being loth that 〈◊〉 whole burthen of More 's condemnation sho 〈…〉 lie on his shoulders alone ) openly in the Court a 〈…〉 ed the Advice of the Lord Chief Justice Fi 〈…〉 James , Whether the Indictment were sufficient 〈◊〉 no ? To whom our Judge warily returned , 〈…〉 Lords all , by St. Gillian , ( which was ever his Oat 〈…〉 I must * needs confess , That if the Act of Parliam 〈…〉 be not unlawful , then the Indictment is not in my co 〈…〉 science insufficient . He died in the Thirtieth Year of King Henry the Eighth ; and although now there be none left 〈◊〉 Redlinch of his Name and Family , they flourish still at Lewson in Dorsetshire , descended from Allured Fitz-James brother to this Judge , and to Richard Bishop of London . The two main Principles that guide humane Nature ( saith Judge Dodderidge ) are Conscience and Law : By the former we are obliged in reference to another world , by the latter in relation to this . Priests and Judges are the Dispensers of these Principles : No Prince more unhappy in his Priests then King Henry ( whose unhappiness it was , that all the juggle , prevarication and imposture of his time was in the Pulpit , ) none more happy in his Judges , ( to whose Reason his People were more willing to submit , then they were to hearken to his Clergy's Instruction ) among whom none more renowned then Sir John Fiz-James , who was so fearful of the very shadow & appearance of corruption , that it cost his chief Clerk his place but for taking a Tankard , after a signal Cause of 1500 l. a year , wherein he had been serviceable , though not as a Bribe , but as a Civility . Caesar would have his Wife without suspicion of lewdness , and Fitz-James his servants without the appearance of corruption . What was Law alwayes , was then a Resolution , Neither to deny , nor defer , nor sell Justice . When our Judge came upon the Bench , he knew no more then Melchisedech or Levi , Father or Mother , neither Friend nor Interest : for when his Cousin urged for a kindeness , Come to my House ( saith the Judge ) I will deny you nothing ; come to the Kings Court and I must do you justice ? And when the Attorney-General bespake his favour in a publick Cause ; Trouble not your self , ( said he ) I 'll do the King right : The King is cast , the Attorney expostulates ; the Judge satisfieth him , That he could not do his Majesty Right , if he had not done justice . His Prudence so tempered his zeal for his Soveraign , that he over-strained not the Prerogative to bring in fears and jealousies of Tyranny on the one hand ; and his Integrity so balanced his Popularity , that he never depressed it to broach bold opinions and attempts of Liberty , on the other : complying with none of those humours that an imaginary dread of oppression , or a dangerous presumption of freedom may transport to irregular excesses either for the one , or against the other . As his Majesty was secured by his Loyalty , so his Subjects were by his Patience , a Vertue he carried with him to the Bench , to attend each circumstance of an Evidence , each allegation of a Plea , each plea in a Cause ; hearing what was impertinent , and observing what was proper . His usual saying ( as Sergeant Mandevil reports it ) being , We must have two souls , as two sieves , one for the Bran , the other for the flour ; the one for the Gross of a Discourse , the other for the Quintessence . The same day that there was no Cause to be tried in the Chancery in Sir More 's time , there were but three in the Kings Bench , in Sir John Fitz-James his time : the reason whereof some imagine was Cardinal Wolsey's extraordinary power ( that engrossed all Causes to his Legantine Court ; ) others know it was the Judges Integrity , who was too honest to allow , as that Age was too plain to contrive delays and obstructions . Lewis the Eleventh of France would say , when he was advised to take Revenge of those that had affronted him before he came to the Crown , That it became not the King of France to revenge the Injuries done to the Duke of Orleans . A Person that had notoriously wronged Sir John when a Templer , in the case of his Chamber , was to be tried before him for his whole Estate when a Judge ; the Adversaries among other shifts made use of this old Quarrel ; whereupon Sir John said , It doth not become a Judge upon the Bench to revenge a wrong done in his chamber . Two things upheld him in those boysterous times : 1. Silence , 2. Patience : both wary Vertues that seldom endanger their Owner , or displease their Superiours . The People of those times would live and die with the Pope and Councel ; and this Judge , with the King and Parliament : The grand Article of his Faith was , I believe as the Church believes : and the great Rule of his Practice was , I will live as the Law directs . He was a tried Man , whose Faith and Honour was above his Life and Fortune ; whose Generosity was above that first temptation of Money , as his Spirit was above the second of Danger : No fear here of delivering up Priviledges to day , for fear of the King ; or Prerogative to morrow , for fear of the Subject : No , an unbiass'd Temper between both , make up this honest man ; who came on to preferment with great Expectations , and went off with great Applause : being one of the three men of whom it is said , That because they never pleased their Master in doing any thing unworthy , they never displeased him in doing any thing that is just . When base compliance goeth off with the contempt of those it hath humoured , a Noble Resolution comes off with the Reverence of those it hath discontented . Observations on the Life of Sir William Molineux , SIr William Molineux Junior , Descendent from from the former * , flourished under King Henry the Eighth , being a man of great command in Lancashire ; bringing the conside able strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk , with whom he performed signal service in Flodden Field . It is confessed on all sides that the Scots lost the day , by not keeping their Ranks , but not agreed on the cause thereof . Buchanan ( who commonly makes the too much Courage of his Countrymen , the cause of their being conquered ) imputes it to their indiscreet pursuing of the English routed at the first : Others say , They did not break their Ranks , but were broken , unable to endure the Lancashire Archers , and so forced to sunder themselves . In this Bittel the Scotch King and chiefest Gentry were slain , the English losing scarce any ; of the Scots scarce any but of prime note . The King afward wrote his Gratulatory Letter to Sir William Molineux , in form following . TRusty and Well-Beloved , We greet you well : And understand as well by the Report of Our Right Trusty Cousin and Counsellour , the Duke of Norfolk , as otherwise , what acceptable service You amongst Others lately did Vs by your valiant Towardness in the assisting of Our said Cousin against Our Enemy , late King of Scots ; and how couragiously you , as a very hearty loving Servant acquitted your self for the overthrow of the said late King , and distressing of his Malice and Power , to Our great Honour , and the advancing of your no little Fame and Praise ; for which We have good cause to favour and thank you , and so We full heartily do ; and assured may you be , that We shall in such effectual wise remember your said Service in any your reasonable pursuits , as you shall have cause to think the same right well imployed to Our comfor and weal hereafter . Given under Our Signet , at Our Castle at Windsor , the seven and twentieth of November . It appears by our Author , that the like Letters , mutatis mutandis , were sent unto Sir Edward Stanley , and some other men of principal note in Lancashire and Cheshire . There is more in the Education then the Birth ( though that be Noble too ) of this Gentleman : much Generous Blood sparkled in his Veins , more Arts and Sciences thronged in his Soul : A learned Prince brought up a learned Gentry , the most hopeful of whom think themselves as much obliged to imitate his Vertues , as the most degenerate were inclined to practise his Vices . Four excellent Artists were at once entertained in his Fathers House : 1. A compleat Grammarian and Linguist , Parker : 2. An exact Mathematician and Historian , Calvius : 3. A skilful Musitian , Pallevicino ; and 4. An active Dancing-master and Souldier . The Latine Tongue then wearing out its Barbarism , he spake and writ elegantly : Cicero's Works he kenned particularly : Plutarch's Lives and Morrals ( that Book which , as Gaza said , would furnish the World , if Learning were lost ) he epitomized punctually : The active and practical part of Geometry , he studied intently . And , as the complaisance of his Nature , and sweetness of his Temper , he added to these severer studies , those more airy of Musick , Poetry and Heraldry . Si ad naturam eximium cruditio accesserit tum demum singulare quoddam existere solet . This Noble Nature advanced by this Heroick Education , must needs do Wonders , as it did : first , In the University : where his Company was choice , his Carriage even and staid , his time exactly observed and prudently spent : secondly , abroad : where his Converse was wary , his Conduct Noble and Plausible , his observations and exercises manlike and knowing : thirdly , at Court : where his presence was graceful , his discourse solid , digested , distinct and clear ; much improved by reading , more by travelling , most by conference with those that speak well : fourthly , in the Country : where his Hospitality was renowned , his Equity and Prudence beloved , and his Interest large and commanding . None pleased the King at Court more , such his Learning to satisfie him , such his Debonairness to delight him ; ( for , as Cardinal Wolsey , so Sir William Molineux got in with King Henry the Eighth by a Discourse out of Aquinas in the morning , and a Dance at night : ) None served him better in the Country ; such his obligations upon Tenants and Neighbours , that he had six thousand men at command : such his prudence and justice , that there were more differences ended in his Parlour , then in Westminster-Hall : such his care and watchfulness , that no Treason stirred , but his Agents discovered , and his Militia was at an hours warning to suppress it : The Idea of an English Gentleman ! In Favour at Court ! In Repute in the Country ! At once Loved and Feared ! Four things he took special care of : 1. That the Poor might have their stated Alms. 2. That the Priests might enjoy their known Dues . And 3. That his Tenant might be so well used , that he might thrive ; and but so well , that he should not be idle . 4. That every Body should be employed : saying , He had rather they should be busie , though doing nothing to the purpose , at the charge of his Purse ; then that they should be idle , doing nothing at all , at the charge of their own pretious time . In a world , he lived in all Capacities a publick Good , and died a common Loss : Leaving in his Family that best Legacie , A good Example ; and his Country that lasting Monument , A good Name , for two things that he hated ; 1. Depopulating Inclosures : 2. Unworthy Inhancements of Rents : For he died with this Advice to his Son , Let the Vnderwoods grow . The Tenants are the supports of a Family , and the Commonalty are the strength of the Kingdom . Improve thriftily , but force not violently either your Bounds or Rents above your fore-Fathers . His Popularity never failed of being called to the Parliament , nor his Activity of being useful there : None understood better how to move , to press , to quit , to divert , to escape , to watch and mould a business : None knew better the confederacie of Contrivers , Speakers , Sticklers , Dividers , Moderators , and the I and No-Men , their Method and Correspondence : None more patient and industrious , when a lower Faction was firmer in conjunction , and a few that were stiff , tired out many more moderate : He had no easiness to be imposed upon , no weakness to be deluded no low Interest to be corrupted by fond hopes or fair promises of Preferment , to wave the very pinch of a dispute ; no pleasure or vanity to be debauched , while the vigilant Faction steals a Vote worth a Kingdom ; no sloath nor neglect , to be surprized ; no vanity of discourse , to lose his Master , no partiality to be biassed , no discontent to satisfie , no passion to misguide : As one that hated nothing , but what was Dishonest ; feared nothing , but what was Ignoble ; and loved nothing , but was Just and Honourable . Observations on the Life of William Fitz-Williams . HIs Judgement in Parliament brought him to the notice , and his Activity in the Wars recommended him to the service of King Henry . The Bishops pleaded for the Catholique Religion , the People for a Reformation ; Sir William offered his Opinion for a mean between both ; That since it was unreasonable to tie up Mankind in blind obedience one toward another , and impossible to run through all Difficulties and Controversies our own selves , ( so much Time and Money must be spent in such an Undertaking , so many Languages learned , so many Authors read , so many Ages looked into , so many Faith 's examined , so many Expositors conferred , so many Contradictions reconciled , so many Countries travelled , for any considerable satisfaction ) to believe all , is inconsistent ; to neglect all , is impious : There remains no other way for the Laicks , but to recollect and stick to the most Common , Authentick and Universal Truths , tending to Vertue and Godliness ; apart from what is doubtful and controverted , and tending onely to strife and perplexity ; and by these to live our selves , and examine all other pretensions whatever ; there being no part of Religion but what hath Vertue and Grace as its Foundation and Design : A way that would keep men from Atheism , under a sence of Religion ; from endless controversies , in the solid practice of Vertue ; from fatal Divisions , in peace and concord . Let us ( said he ) establish and fix these Catholique and Universal Notions , and they will settle our Souls , and not hinder us to believe whatsoever is faithfully taught by the Church , or submit to what is authoritatively enjoyned by the State. So that whether the Eastern , Western , Northern or Southern Teachers , &c. and particularly whether my Lord of Rochester , or Luther , &c. be in the Right , we Laicks may so build upon those Catholick and infa●lible Grounds of Religion , as whatsoever superstructures of Faith be raised , these Foundations may support them . This Discourse opened a Door to the Refor●ation intended , and shut out all those prejudi●es it might lie under from the State , and Religion 〈…〉 f Fore-fathers , &c. Hereupon Sir William is invited to Court ; and then the air and softness of that place suited not his more severe and stirring Temper , he is promoted to● Authority first by Land , and then by Sea ; where● none was more watchful in the Wars between Us and France , none so active in those between Us and Scotland : With thirty six Ships he gave Law to the narrow Seas , as Poynz with forty more did to the Main : There was not a serviceable man belonging to him , but he knew by name ; not a Week but he paid his Navy ; not a Prize but his Souldiers share● in as well as himself : It being his Rule , That now fought well , but those that did it for a fortune . While he watched the Coast of France , he discovered twelve French Ships , in which the Archbishop of Glasco , and divers others of Quality were , ( who 〈…〉 the Duke of Albany had sent before him into Scotland ; ) these he chased to a shipwrack : and leaving a Squadron to shut up the French Heaven● went along the French Coasts , landing in dive● places , wasting the Countrey , till at last he came 〈◊〉 Treport , a Town strongly situated , and garison● with three thousand men , which yet he took ; an● finding it not his Interest to dwell there , pill●ged and burned it , going off with Success an● Glory : Insomuch that King Henry joyned hi● with the Bishop of Bath in the Commission for th● Treaty at Paris , where such Articles were agree● on touching a Marriage with the Princess Mary , an● the joynt Embassie to the Emperour , as spake S 〈…〉 William as well seen in the state of Europe , as any particular Person in the seven Kingdoms of it whereof one was , That they should unite by all 〈◊〉 Ties of Alliance , Friendship and Interest , against the growing Power of Austria , so far as that there should be no League , Correspondence , War or Peace , wherein they both should not be concerned . From his forreign Negotiations he returns to his home-Services : and the next view we have of him ●s in the Parliament , bringing up with Sir Anthony Fitz-Herbert , a Bill against the Cardinal : 1. For encroaching upon his Soveraigns power by his Legantine Authority . 2. For treating between the Pope and the King of France , without his Masters privity and consent ; as likewise between Himself and the Duke of Fer●ara . 3. For joyning Himself with his Majesty ; saying , The King and I. 4. For swearing his Houshold-servants onely to himself . 5. For speaking with the King , when infected with the pox , pretending it was onely an Impost●ume . 6. For giving by prevention divers Benefices away , ●s Legate . 7. For receiving Embassadors before they came to the King : As also for opening all the Kings Letters , and taking an account of all Espials , concealing what he pleased . 8. For carrying things with an high hand in the Privy Council . 9. For transporting Grain , and sending advertisements of the Kings Affairs abroad . 10. For taxing or alienating Religious mens lands , to the great decay of hospitality and charity . 11. For controuling the Nobility , and engrossing all Causes in his Jurisdiction . 12. For taking all Ordinarie Jurisdiction from them by prevention , and seizing their Estates , as he did all other Ecclesiastical persons upon their death . 13. For perswading the Pope by indirect practices to suppress Monasteries . 14. For passing judgements without hearing , and reversing such judgements as had duely passed . 15. For suspending the Popes pardons until he was fee'd . 16. For turning out his old Tenants . 17. For his general encroachments upon the Rights of Religious Houses , and the encroachments of Courts of Justice . 18. For saying to the Pope , in order to the obtaining of a Legantine power , to the indelible shame of the Church of England , That the Clergy of England were given in reprobum sensum . 19. For embezling the Goods of the most wealthy Prelates that died in his time . 20. For bringing off his servants from the Law against extortion , at York . 21. For dividing the Nobility . 22. For keeping as great state at Court , and exercising as great authority in the Country for purveyance , &c. as the King. 23. For forbidding petitions and purveyances within his Jurisdictions . 24. For engrossing all Copy-holds within his power , to his Lemans , Procurers , &c. 25. For altering the Market-prices set under His Majesties Hand and Seal . 26. For impressing his Hat under the Kings Crown , in the Coyn at York . 27. For Hindering the due course intended by visiting the Vniversities to suppress heresies . 28. For disposing of mens Estates and Proprieties at his pleasure . This Bill was aggravated most effectually , by three most pinching considerations : Viz. That the Kings Honour was by him diminished : That the state of the Realm was by him decayed and discontented : That the course of Justice was by him obstructed . A great Undertaking , this ! To bring down this lofty Prelate ! ( whom his Master created the * Kings Fellow , and his own pride made his Superiour ) But as Wise as Great , if we regard the five Politick circumstances : 1. The Queen was engaged . 2. The People were oppressed . 3. The King was needy and covetous . 4. The Nobility were kept under . 5. The Clergy were harrassed : And all by this proud man : And at that juncture is he convened before the Parliament , and charged home by this excellent Knight , who never left him till he was humbled , as Justice Fitz-Herbert did not his servants , until they were reformed . Neither did the Pope escape him abroad , better then the Cardinal at home : For his next action we finde is a Declaration drawn by him , Jo. Fitz-Warren , Tho. Audley and Others , to Pope Clement the Seventh , expostulating his Delays , and conjuring his Dispatch in the Business of the Kings Marriage . Very serviceable he was to his Master in time of Peace , more in time of War ; and particularly at the Insurrection 1536. where he cut off the Rebels Passes , distressed their Arms , and when they refused 〈◊〉 Treaty but upon condition that Ashe their Leader was pledged , advised an engagement with them out of hand ; saying , No English man should be undervalued so far as to be an Hostage for a Villain : and adding further ( so good was his Intelligence ) That if they were not defeated speedily , the Scots and Germans would discover that they had but too much hand● in this plot . For which his services , his Master raised him to the Admiralship of England , and the Earldom of Southampton ; in which Quality he was one of the three Noblemen that managed the Business of Divorce between the King and Anne of Cleve , with that applanse that made him Lord Privy-Seal , Nov. 14. Anno 1541. and the grand Examinant of the particulars in the Lady Katharin Howard's Case , matter of great trust and secrecy ; which he performed with a searching and deep Judgement , beyond that Ladies fear , and the Kings expectation ; as appears from the exact Account given under Sir Tho. Audley and his own hands , touching that matter . Having provided for the Kings Safety at Home he is One of Four that treat for his Interest Abroad I mean upon the Borders of Scotland ; where our excellent Persons dexterity was observed , in gaining that time by various Proposals for Peace , tha● served his Master to provide against the War ; in the beginning whereof , the brave Lord died 〈◊〉 York : so much esteemed , that for the Honour of his Memory his Standard was born in the Fore-ward all this Expedition . A Person in whom Prudence was even with Activity , Resolution with Prudence 〈◊〉 Success with Resolution , Moderation with Success Honour and Favour with All. Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Darcy . SIr Thomas Darcy was one of King Henry the Eighth's first Counsellours , so advanced ( as most of his Fellows ) not for Affection , but Interest ; owing his Promotion to his own sufficiency , rather then his Masters favour . His Counsel was weighty at Home , his Assistance necessary Abroad ; where in behalf of Pope Julius the second and the Emperour , he did more with 1500 Archers in a year for the ballancing of Europe , then had been done before in an Age. No Employment so dangerous at that time as that of the Warden of the West Marches of Scotland , none so able for that Employment as my Lord , who was equally knowing and stout , and at once most feared , and most loved . The Earl of Shrewsbury made some Inroads into Scotland , the Lord Darcy seconds him : But being surprized by the Duke of Albany's preparations , he had as much Wit to make Peace , as he had Resolution to carry on the War. None knew better when to yeild , none better when to conquer ; so great a command had he over himself ! so great over the Enemy , that he brought them to request his Wish , and offer what was his Interest ! With the Duke of Surrey's assistance by Land , and Fitz-Williams his by Sea , he reduced that Nation to a good Inteligence with Us that year , and a Peace the next ; a Peace ( as he observed ) that would be no longer kept , then we had a Sword in our Hands , and an Army on their Borders : For Conscience guided other parts of the World , ( he said ) and Fear Scotland : Whence he invaded them duely once a year . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Howard . SIr Edward's Brother in Worth , as well as Blood : His Fathers Interest set him up , and his own Industry kept him so : All the Children were brought up for Sea-Services , this Gentleman for Sea-Commands . He immediately succeeds his younger Brother in the Admiralty ; and wisely considering the advantage of the French Gallies in a calm , the number of their ships , the danger of their windes for us , if they blew Southwest , desired of the King so many Souldiers a● might man the ships , and make good the landing , wherewith he scoured the seas , and secured the Kings passage , with so much Honour , that he was able to assist his Father at Court , as much as Wel 〈…〉 did Fox : his Gallantry being no less pleasing to his Master , then the other young Favourites Compliance ; and both these young men had no less Art to govern this Prince , then he had to govern his Kingdom : These Arts , which all other Favourites use , being Hopes and Fears , which as Doors and Passages to the heart , are so guarded by their vigilancy , that they can both let themselves in , and keep all others out : the two Ends upon which the Thread of Government depends : His Father is made Duke of Norfolk , and he Earl of Surrey ; both are an eye-sore to the Cardinal , whose Fortune had no Superior in the Kings Favour , whose Ambition would endure no Equal . The Old Mans years and cares are fitted with a Retirement in the Country ; the Young Mans ambition and activity , with a Government in Ireland , which he reduced as speedily to obedience ( notwithstanding Desmond's Rebellion ) as he had to civility , had it not been for Wolsey's Underminings , who endured no publick service but what he did himself ; and would chuse rather that the Kingdom should perish by a Traytor , then be saved by a Nobleman . Beloved he was by that Countrey ( where he left a Peace and a Parliament , Anno 1521. ) so that they were loth to part with him : Wanted he was by the King , to scour the narrow seas for the French War ; so that he must have him . The King had made him formerly His Admiral , the Emperour upon his return from England makes him his ; and with both their Commissions he lands in Normandy , wastes the adjacent Countries , ( sparing onely Religious Houses ) takes and sacks Morlais in Bretaign ( which he entered under the smoak ) burns their ships , commands the sea , and sets the Emperour safe in Spain ; advising his Majesty from thence to make a general Muster of his Subjects for his own satisfaction and others terrour , March 27 , 1522. The troubles in Scotland required an able Head and a stout Heart , two Endowments that no man was more Master of then the Earl of Surrey , now Duke of Norfolk ( upon his beloved Fathers decease ) whose Prudence toyled the Scots to deliver up their King , as his Prowess frighted them to yeild up themselves , as they did in that most exquisite Treaty , where the Earl of Worcester beat the Bush , saith my noble Author , and our Duke catched the Hare . A while after he is Earl Marshal , and Embassador to King Francis about those two grand points : 1. That the French King should set up a Patriarch : 2. That he should stop up all the payments made to Rome , with fair promises of that supply of men and money he then most wanted . When the Pope stuck to Queen Katharine , three things he advised the King to : 1. To teach the people that a general Council was above the Pope , and proclaim that he did appeal to it . 2. To fix upon every Church-Door the Dowagers Appeal to Rome , and the late Statute against it . 3. To consederate with the Kings of Hungary and Poland , the Estates of the Empire and the Hanse Towns. Three things that would settle his People at home , and strengthen his Interest abroad : To which he added the Statute of Succession , the Oath of Supremacy , sir Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King , the suppression of Religious Houses , the War in Ireland under sir William Sheffington , and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebellion in the North , by a connivance and delay . But all his services could not quit him from suspicion , nor his popularity from envy : The Lord Darcy accuseth him to excuse himself , and Cromwel seconds him to secure himself : and ( as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweth after another ) his Nieces miscarriages threatned his fall ; but that the honest man ( as appears from a Letter the whole Council sent to sir William Paget then resident in France ) was the first that declared against her , and put the King upon the most safe and honourable ways of trying her ; which satisfied his Majesty so far , that he employed him as chief in the Treaty upon the Borders , and General in the War when that Treaty failed ; Sir Anthony Brown , upon his Recommendation , being added to the Commissioners in Scotland , and to the Privy-Council in England , as Master of the Kings Horse , as Sir John Gages was Comptroller of his House . Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch services ; this Duke gave the King a wary and grave counsel , to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland . But Greatness is fatal : The King is old and testy , the Government disordered and irregular , the Duke too stifly honest to comply , the Council envy him ; and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions , and they , to save themselves , his privacies and secrets : His son , a man of a deep understanding , of a sharp wit and great valour , bred up with Henry-Fitzroy at Windsor , and afterwards at Paris , was beheaded before his face . His Favourite Mrs. Holland deposed , That he said many looked for the Protectorship ( when the King , who lived and moved by Engines and Art , rather then by Nature , should die ) but he would carry it : That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Country ; but he would follow his Fathers Lesson , which was , That the less others set by him , the more he would set by himself : That he had a Daughter for the King as well as others , &c. His Estate was great , his power greater ; the Kings occasions had swallowed up the one , and his Enemies ambition the other , notwithstanding his humble submission before the Council , and his many services to the King ; had not his Majesties death saved his Life . As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love , so the greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours . It is indiscreet to oppress any , dangerous a Prince with Kindenesses ; which being Fetters , are Treason on that Person : But Suspicion ! Ah sad Suspicion ! The Companion of the Weak or Guilty ! The Cloud of the Minde ! The Forfeiture of Friends ! The check of Business ! Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny ! Husbands to Jealousie ! Wise men to Irresolution and Melancholy ! Trust , and you need never suspect : But Policy and Friendship are incompatible , I see ; where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last , which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Soveraign . Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen ! Enemies Abroad , Treacheries at Home , Emulations of Neighbours , Dissatisfaction of Friends ; Jealousies of most , Fear of all : unwelcome Inventions to palliate unjust Courses : fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace ; with Projects of Honour and Plausibility , with restless thoughts how to discover , prevent , conceal , accommodate the Adversaries , or his own Affairs . Let us live , and love , and say , God help poor Kings ! Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Stanley . THe Stanley's service to Henry the seventh , was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the eighth . Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood , and Valour danced in his spirits : His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company , and his active manhood to his service . The Camp was his School , and his Learning was a Pike and Sword ; therefore his Masters Greeting to him was when they met , Hob , my Souldier ! In many places did he shew himself , but no where more then at Flodden , where his Archers fetched down the Scots from their fastness , and relieved the English from their distress ; the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest , and Sir Edward crowning it : for which the King immediately set him high in his favour , and not long after , as high in the world , being made Baron Stanley , and Lord Mounteagle . Twice did he and Sir John Wallop land with onely 800 men in the heart of France , and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis ; the first time , by intelligence ; the second , by a stratagem ; the third , by valour and resolution ; and the fourth , by hardship , patience and industry . In the dangerous insurrection by Ashe and Captain Cobler , his Zeal for the States welfare was above scruples , and his Army was with him before his Commission : for which dangerous piece of Loyalty , he asked pardon , and received thanks . Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels , ( whose skill in Arms exceeded his Followers , as much as his policy did their Leaders ) first , he cut off their provisions , and then secondly , sowed sedition among them , whilst his Majesty gained time by pretended Treaties to be even with them , drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day , and confounding the rest . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bolen . THe City enriched this Family , their Parts raised them : His Activity was as taking with King Henry , as his Daughters Beauty . He was the Picklock of Princes : upon his word onely would the King model his Designes , and upon his alter them . He discovered Ferdinand's underhand-treaty with Lewis , and his Designe upon Navarre ; and writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a conclusion , and to send over some treasure : for , said he , the whole World is now to be sold ; adding , the necessity of a peace , or at least a truce with Scotland . Sir Tho. Bolen was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue , or * Edmund de la Pool were dispatched out of the way . Sir Tho. Howard was for it , it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army , or so renowned an Action with any subject , especially when Maximilian the Emperour offered to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant , and the Pope to attend him as Chaplain . There is nothing more remarkable of Sir Thomas Bolen , then , 1. The Education of his Children ; his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court , his youngest with the Pope at Rome , and his Daughter with Q. Mary in France . 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Johns in Germany , where he over-reached the Emperour no less then the Earl of Worcester did the French King : so cunningly binding him , that he understood nothing of our Affairs ; and yet so narrowly sifting him , that we knew all his Intrigues . Visible was all the world to our State then , and invisible our State to all the world . From Germany he is sent with Richard Sampson , D. H. to Spain , to set Charles as forward against the French , as he had done Maximilian . His service advanced him to the honour of a Barony and a * Viscountship , and the profit of the Treasureship of the Houshold ; and his success upon the Malecontent Duke of Bourbon by Sir Jo. Russel , who treated with him in Disguise , set him as high in the Kings favour , as his Wife was ; a vertuous Lady , that was the Kings Friend , but not his Mistress ; his delight , and not his sin . In Spain so earnestly did our Sir Thomas mediate for the delivering up of the French Hostages , that ( as Sandoval saith ) Charles protested to him , that for his sake onely he would relinquish his Demand for the restitution of Burgundy , in which the difficulty of the peace consisted : adding further , That for the same reason he would accept as well for Francis his two sons ransome , as his charge , what was freely offered , viz. 2000000 Crowns : and he with Sir Robert Poyntz make up that treaty , the great Arbitrators of Europe ! at whose disposal Kings set their Crowns , and Kingdomes their Peace ; in whose breast fate the fate of Christendome , by their voices to stand or fall . As faithful is he to the King at home , though to his own prejudice , as he is serviceable abroad , to his honour : for when the people talked oddly out of envy to his Daughter , ( now visibly in favour ) and pity to Queen Katharine , Sir Thomas adviseth his Majesty to forbid his Daughter the Court , and declare that those proceedings were more to satisfie his Conscience , and secure Succession , then to gratifie any other more private respect : so far to his Daughters discontent , that she would not come near the King until her Father was commanded ( not without threats ) to bring her thither ; who by representing the common danger to them both , obtained at length ( saith my Lord Herbert ) though not without much difficulty , the consent of his unwilling Daughter to return : where yet she kept that distance , that the King might easily perceive how sensible she was of her late dismission . Sir Thomas would have married her to the Lord Percy , but the King and Cardinal forbad it ; deterring old Northumberland from it , and he his son . Many Love-Letters between King Henry and Anne Bolen are sent to Rome : one Letter between the Cardinal and his Confederates is fetched thence by Sir Thomas his Dexterity ; who advised Sir Francis Bryan , then Resident , to get in with the Popes Closet-keepers Courtezan , and shew her the Cardinals hand , by which she might finde out and copy his Expresses ; as she did to his ruine , and our Kings great satisfaction . To which Letter is annexed a Declaration under his hand , and the Lords Darcy , Mountjoy , Dorset and Norfolk , of 44 Articles against the great Cardinal . His hand being now in , he must through : He adviseth the King to consult the Universities of Christendome : He goeth in person when made Earl of Wiltshire to the Pope , and contrives that a Declaration of the whole Kingdome in Parliament should follow him : which so amused his Holiness with our Earls stratagems , that he was asleep as it were until the state of England was quite altered . To this he addes , the peace with France , and the interview with King Francis , where his Daughter is married privately , and her Brother made Viscount Rochford . Convening a Parliament to his mind at Black-fryers , and advancing an Arch-bishop to his purpose in Canterbury , he is secure of the Church and of the Kingdom ; whereof the first hallowed the action , and the second confirmed it . Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Howard . HE set out with his Fathers Reputation , and came home with his own : Britain feels his Arm to this day , and the French his success . Desperate were his Undertakings , yet happy ; rash his Engagements , yet honourable : it being his Maxime , That never did Sea-man good , that was not resolute to a degree of madness . The French Fleet he pursueth to the Haven under their own Forts closely . Sir Edward considering the order wherein the French lay , thought fit to advertise his King and Master thereof ; advising him withal , ( saith my Author ) to come in person , and have the glory of this Action : but the Kings Council taking this Message into consideration , and conceiving that it was not altogether fear , ( as was thought ) but stratagem and cunning that made the French thus attend their advantage , thought the King was not invited so much to the honour , as to the danger of this Action ; therefore they write sharply to him again , commanding him to do his duty : whereof that brave person was so sensible , that he landed 1500 men in the sight of 10000 , and wasted the Country , until being too confident , he fell a while after into his enemies hands ; the Lord Ferrers , Sir Thomas Cheyney , Sir Richard Cornwal , and Sir John Wallop looking on , but not able to relieve him . Four Reasons he would usually give against a War with the Low-Countries : 1. The decay of Trade , 2. The diminution of Customes : 3. The strengthening of France : 4. The loss of their industry and inventions , and so of the improvement of our Commodities and Manufactures . In the youth of this State , as of all others , Arms did flourish 〈…〉 in the Middle-age of it , Learning ; and in the Declining , ( as Covetousness and Thrift attend Old Age ) Mechanick Arts and Merchandize : and this Gentleman was made for each part , being not so much a Souldier as a Scholar , not so much a Scholar as a Merchant But a private spirit is most unfortunate ; and ( as my Oracle assures me ) whereof men of that temper all their time sacrifice to themselves , they become in the end themselves sacrifices unfortune , whose wings they thought by their wisdome to have pinioned . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey . SIr Thomas Howard was this Kings prime Counsellour ; a brave and an understanding man : who was obliged to be faithful to his Master , because an Enemy to Winchester : ( emulation among Favourites is the security of Princes . ) Four motives he offered for a Marriage with the Princess Katharine : 1. A League with Spain , against the growing power of our dangerous Neighbour France . 2. The saving of much time and expence in Marriage , by her being here . 3. The consideration of that vast sum of Money that must be exported if she goeth away . And 4. The great Obligation laid on the Pope by that Dispensation , which would secure to him the King and his Posterity , not otherwise Legitimate but by his Authority . His Estate was much wasted in the service of Henry the seventh , and as much improved by the treasures of Henry the eighth , which amounted in the beginning of his Reign to 11800000 l. i. e. at the rate of money now adays , six millions and an half ; which he dispensed so thriftily , that old Winchester could not trapan him ; and yet so nobly , that young Henry was pleased with him . Sir William Compton set up the Kings * Rich Life-guards , ( under Bourchier Earl of Essex as Captain , and the valiant Sir Jo. Peachy who kept Calais in so good order with 300 men , as Lieutenant ) but this wary Earl put them down again . When News was brought that Empson and Dudley were slain , it was this Earls opinion that his Majesty had done more like a good King then a good Master . When the narrow Seas ( whereof the Kings of England have been very tender ) were infested , this old Treasurer and Earl-Marshal cleared it by his two sons Edward and Thomas , saying , The King of England should not be imprisoned in his Kingdome , while either he had an Estate to set up a Ship , or a son to command it . In three weeks did he settle the North against the Invasions of James the fourth , now inclining to the French ; and in a fortnight did he raise 40000 l. to pay the Army , now ready to mutiny : insomuch , that when King James denounced War against King Henry , he said , He had an Earl in the North that would secure his Kingdome ; as he did with much resolution , prudence and success at Flodden-Field , where he saw a King at his feet , and a whole Kingdome at his mercy ; where he was forced to fight , so barren the Country ! where yet he pitched upon the most advantagious place and time ; so great his Command of himself , and so noble his Conduct ! He sends Rouge Croix to the Scotch King , to tell him , That though he saw no Enemy at Sea , he hoped to finde some upon the Land : That he came to justifie Bretons death , which it was as much below a King to revenge , as it was below a Privy Counsellour to have deserved : That he expected as little mercy as he intended ; his sword being commissioned to spare none but the King , whom no hand must touch . To this Defiance , he added a Caution to the Herauld , That he should bring no messenger from the Enemy nearer then two miles of the Camp. So well were the Scots incamped , that when neither Arguments nor Stratagems would draw them out , the Earl cuts off their provision there ; and under the covert of a smoak got the Earl under the hill , and under another of mist got they atop : The Scots played the men , until Stanley and Darcy did more then men : and the old mans Reserve concluded the doubtful day in so compleat a Conquest , as brought 12000 Arms , 16 Cannons , 4000 Prisoners , and a Peace to the English Borders . Upon which , the General retires to those more necessary exercises of Justice and Government , until his Masters return : When all his Services advanced him ( at that time , when it was a Maxime of State , That Honours are the Lustre and Security of Crowns ) to his Fathers Dukedom of Norfolk , as his Sons Merits promoted him to his of the Earldom of Surrey . The Kings Coffers decay , and his Occasions grow : The old man retires to his Country-house , having enjoyed his Honour Thirty years , to enjoy Himself Three : One of his last Undertakings being the appeasing of the London-Tumult , May 1. 1517. when he left this behind him , A potent and wanton City , is a shrewd Enemy . Observations on the Life of Sir William Compton . HE was chief Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Henry the Eighth , and next to the chief in the affections of the same Prince : If his spirit had been as even with his favour , as his favour was with his Merits , he had been the most useful as well as the most eminent man in England : but he was too narrow for his Fortune , and more attentive to his private advantage , then to the publick affairs : This Saying is at once his History and Monument ; Kings must hear all , but believe onely one : for none can give a solid advice but he that knoweth all , and he must not be every body . As to the affairs of Europe , Sir William was cleerly for the League against France , as an opportunity to regain our Right in France , and strengthen our Interest in the Church and the Empire . My Lord Darcy was against it ; because France was too hard for us before it swallowed up our a Confederates , and much more since : advising some more noble attempts for our just Empire upon the Indies . The young King is for a War with France , as an Engagement upon the Pope to advance England above all other Kingdoms ; and declares himself as much Sir William's in opinion as he was his in affection . This Gentleman had a deep insight in any thing he undertook , because he had a great patience to consider , an advantageous slowness to recollect , a strong memory to grasp , and an indifferent temper to judge : but when a matter exceeded his capacity , or out-reached his sphere and orb , he had either a peremptory and great word to urge it , or a sleight to wave it , or a subtlety to perplex it , ( that his amazed fellow-Commissioners should as little unstand it ) or a countenance and gesture to overbear it . However , in general he was close and reserved , ( he had need go softly that cannot well see ) leaving himself without observation or hold to be taken what he was . He studied the Kings nature , rather then his business ; and humoured rather then advised him . The referring of all to a man , becomes a Prince , whose self is not himself , but the community , ( their good and evil being ( as my Lord Bacon writes ) at the peril of a publick fortune ) but not a subject , whose private advantage may be a publick ruine ; not a Favourite ; whose benefit by that selfishness may be narrow as his own Fortune , but the hurt done by it is as large as his Master , who must needs be undone , when his servants study to please Him , and to profit Themselves . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Marney . SIr Henry Marney was one of young Henry's first Council , who loved his Person well , and his Prosperity better ; and impartially advised him for his good , and modestly contested with him against his harm ; that Council that was hand as well as head , and could perform as well as advise : This was the searching Judgement that discovered Buonviso the Lucchess his Letters to the French King , betraying our designs as soon as thought on , and instructing him for prevention , before our King was ready for the attempt . Industry and Thrift over-rules Princes : This Personage had no time to transcribe Intelligence , but what he borrowed from his sleep ; nor money to buy it , but what he saved out of his allowance : yet he understood more then any one Prince in Europe , and was more consulted then any one Statesman . His Judgement was much valued , his Integrity more ; ever offering what was solidly safe , rather then what was superficially plausible : as one who was a stranger to the wisdom of the latter Age , ( as Sir Francis Bacon describes it , which is rather fine Deliveries and shifts from Inconveniences , then solid and grounded courses for advantage . His foresight was large , and his spirit larger : he considered all Circumstances that occurre● to him ; judged what he considered , and spo 〈…〉 what he judged with that resolution as to his opinion , that argued he understood the matter in question ; with that modesty as to his Superiours , th 〈…〉 shewed he understood himself . Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Poynings . SIr Edward Poynings was the third of eighteen Counsellours bequeathed by Henry the V 〈…〉 to his Son , with his Kingdom ; a Pri 〈…〉 Council wherein there was not one Lawyer ! an● a Cabal that never condescended for advice to an● below themselves , or for performance of any of their Decrees to any besides themselves ; being a compleat Body of active and knowing men in their own Orb. Who more prudent then Surrey ? who more resolved then Poynings ? whose Vigilancy made him Master of the Cincue Ports , as his Valour advanced him General of the Low-Countrey Forces , whom he led on to several services with success , and brought off ( with the loss of not above an hundred men ) with Honour from the Lady Margaret , and Applause from the whole Countrey . No less happy was he in his Government of Tournay , until the Council at home ( now grown thin by the secession of Warbam , Fox and Norfolk ) had more need of him then Garisons abroad : Vainly is that spirit penned within a City , that was equal to a Kingdom . It is the unhappiness of other Monarchies , that they have not Men answerable to their Employments ; it was the unhappiness of this , that it had not Employment suitable to its Men. He liv'd and di'd in Arms : Bulioign saw him first a Souldier , and Bulloign saw him last the best Camp-Master in all Christendom : always observing three things : 1. The Situation of his Camp , to secure his Army . 2. The Accommodation of it , to supply it . 3. His Retreat , to draw off : the Avenues , to be guarded with Souldiers , and strengthened with Redoubts ; which he made Triangular , that more men might engage the Enemy at once ; during erection whereof , the Army was pallisado'd in the Front with stakes headed with iron on both Ends five foot long , and stuck slope-wise into the ground , to keep off both Horse and Foot : the Foot-Sentinels were without the Redoubts , the Horse-Guards beyond them , at distance enough to descry the Enemy , and not too much , to retire to their works . A serious and plodding brow bespoke this Noble Knights deep Prudence , and a smart look his resolved Valour . Observations on the Life of Sir Charles Somerset . SIr Charles Somerset , afterward Lord Herbert of Gower , &c. endeared himself to King Henry as much for his Maxime , That Reason of State was Reason of Law ; as for his Advice , That the King should never stick at Law , in case of Publique God ; and yet that all his Acts for publique Good should come as near as possible to the Law. So Popular was this Gentleman , that he received all the Petitions against Empson and Dudley ; yet so loyal , that he advised his Master neither to spare those Leeches , lest any should presume to alienat● his Peoples affections from him by Extortions for the future ; nor yet too severely to punish them , left any should be discouraged to serve the Crow● for the present : ( for indeed Empson and Dud 〈…〉 suffered for that which others were advanced for● the Parliament punished them for putting their Laws in execution , and the King deserted them for improving his Exchequer to a Treasury . ) Two things this Lord advised his Master to , before he put the Crown upon his head . 1. To redress the Peoples Grievances under his Father . 2. To marry not in France , where he had a Title : A Kingdom so near us , that by reason of mutual jealousies we may have peace with it sometimes , but Friendship never . In the Houshold he was Lord Chamberlain , so discreet his Carriage ! In the French Expedition , Anno 1513. he was General , so noble his Conduct ! His Assistants were the Earls of Northumberland , Shrewsbury , Kent and Wiltshire ; his Followers , the Lord Audley , De la Ware , a Carew and Curson , &c. Therouene he besiegeth in good Order , and with Welsey's advice , who had lived long in that Town ; understands all the Avenues of it ; and with Sir Oughtred , Sir Henry Guilford , Sir Edward Poynings , Sir Charles Branden and Sir Baynam's assistance , sprung several Mines , repulsed the French Relief and the City-Assailants , so that the Town was yeilded August 22. 1513. and upon Maximilian's Intreaty razed , as he did Tournay , September 22. Herbert was for razing this place , as farther from us than Therouene ; but Wolsey for the Bishopricks sake , is for the garisoning of it , as a Trophy . The King recollecting his former occasions , Febr. 3. 1514. thought he could not do a more just or a more prudent Act , then recompence his Noble Servants ( but the cheapest way , I mean that of Honour ) as he did old Somerset with the Earldom of Worcester . With this Honour at home , is joyned another abroad , viz. That of Embassie to Maximilian , where he reached that Germans depths , and clearly demonstrated that those fond and impossible Offers of the Empire , were but Artifices rather then Kindnesses ; to drain the Kings Treasure , rather than enlarge his Dominions : Advising him to raise a Citadel at Tournay , and an Army in Normandy : He finished the Espousals between the Princess Mary and the Dolphin ; and delivered Tournay , by the same token that he would not let the Mareschal de Chastilion to enter with Banner displayed , but rolled up , it being ( as he said , who when Lord Herbert was at the taking of it ) voluntarily yeilded up , and not gotten by Conquest : and then bestowed himself with Sir Richard Wingfield for the great enterview between King Francis and King Henry ; an interview I know not whether more solemn or more dangerous : Kings cannot meet without great state , and they seldom part without much envy ; who never are further asunder , then when they meet . His most eminent Action here , was the Device of that Motto , Cui adhaereo praeest ; a Motto that speaks the Honour of England , and the Interest of Europe . Observations on the Life of Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset . THe Kings Wars called for Souldiers , and his Peace for Statesmen ; and here is a Person ex utroque magnus : When the whole design for the Invasion of France was ripened , this Marquess is made General , and attended by the Lord Thomas Howard , the Lords Brook , Willoughby and Ferrers , with divers Knights , Gentlemen , and others , to the number of ten thousand men , armed not onely with Bows but Halberts : He distresseth Navar to a submission to his Master ; forceth his way to Bayon , and with Sir John Styles assistance , kept up the English Honour above that of France and the Empire , keeping close to his Commission , and not stirring a foot without express Orders from Ireland : although his presence countenanced some actions his hands could not perform . Three things he was very careful of : 1. Of Good pay , lest his Souldiers mutined . 2. Of Good Diet and Quarters , lest they failed . 3. Of Order , Discipline and Temperance , especially in strange Climates , lest they should be distempered . Two things he was unsuccessful for : 1. The narrowness of his Commission . 2. The reach of Ferdinand , who designed the conquest of Navar , rather than of France . Yet what reputation he lost by Land , Sir Edward Howard gained by Sea , commanding the French ships to their Harbours : over-running Britaign , and with Sir Tho. Knevet the Master of the Horse , Sir Jo. Carew and Sir Guilford's assistance , gave Law in the Mediterranean , until he awed the Neighbour-Princes to terms as honourable for his Master , as dishonourable for themselves : now we finde him valiant in earnest at Sea , anon so in jest at Court ( at the solemn Justs proclaimed by Francis de Valois , Duke of Angoulesm in France ) his Nature being not stinted , but equally free to debonair and serious Enterprizes of Pleasure or of Honour ; where six Germans were at his mercy , and four Frenchmen at his feet . His spirit equalled those active times , and his temper his spirit . Three things set him up : 1. His large expences for shew at Court. 2. His strength and manhood at Justs . 3. His skill and experience in the Field . He was the best for embatteling an Army in those times : observing , 1. The number , strength and experience of his Camp. 2. The nature and extent of the place , whether champaign or inclosed , hilly or plain , wooddy or moorish , straight or large ; that he might accordingly dispose of distances and stands . 3. Inclosures he aimed at for his Foot , and Champaign for his Horse , together with the advantages of winde and sun . 4. He impales the Flank and Reer with Muskets , Pikes and Carriages . 5. His Divisions were sundry , but well ordered to relieve one another : His main Battels three : the largest in the front , the next in the middle , with some spaces between for the first to rally it self , or embody with the second ; the third and strongest in the Rear , so divided that the two first Battels may retreat into it , and draw up in its Rear , to watch the Enemies disorder in pursuit . It 's observed of the Turks , that they never put their Janizaries ( their best Souldiers ) in the Front , but make use of them for Reserves , by which they have been very successful : This Noble Marquess went not by rote or fore-conceived Rules , but by present Prudence , observing time , place and persons ; neither would he lie open to an Enemies design by a constant Method , but alter his Stratagems , and contradict all the Rules of Discipline , to disorder the Enemy , and disappoint his expectation . He hath sometimes compounded the wings of his Battel of the ablest men , and the Battel it self of the meanest ; ordering them , if over-powered , to make their retreat to the Rear of the other Divisions , through the spaces appointed for that end ; which the Enemy perceiving , followeth ( not smelling the drift ) not without disorder , ( as in all pursuits ) between the two strong wings , who crush them in pieces : his field-Pieces after once or twice discharging , were drawn within the Divisions of the main Battel , to fire the Enemy at his next approaches , if the front were disordered : and to avoid the execution of his Enemies , his files were thin , and his Dragoons ready to seize theirs , whereby at least they were hindered from shooting ; his Forlorn retired to the main Battel , and out of the Flanks thereof issued with Fire-pots and Granadoes upon the engaged Enemy . His Horse were in four Battalia's , whereof the first was the greatest , lined with shot , placed on each wing of the main Army ; always opening upon the opening of the Enemy . The greatest trust between man and man , is the trust of giving Counsel : For in other confidences ( saith my Lord Bacon ) men commit the parts of life , their Lands , their Goods , their Children , their Credit , some particular affair ; but to such as they make their Counsellours , they commit the whole , by how much the more they are obliged to faithfulness and integrity . None was more trusted then the Marquess , none more trusty : none understood clearer what was fit , nonespoke plainer what he understood . What wants a Soveraign ? ( said a flattering Courtier : ) Truth ; ( said a serious King. ) Never had King more need of it then Henry , never less of it then he ; whom it was less fatal to Ruine , then to Displease . But this Souldier was as much above Fear as Flattery , that told him when pensive , That never was that man merry , that had more then one Woman in his Bed , more then one Friend in his Bosom , more then one Faith in his Heart . So wary was this Gentleman , that he was not rash , and so lost his advantage : so valiant , that he was not contemptible , and so lost his command : He led others by the strongest authority of his own forwardness , his own Example ; he was led himself by the best Guide , his own Observation , his own Experience : His Book limited not his Design , nor his Paper-plot his Undertakings . Land-service was his Exercise , but the Sea his Delight : the Compass his Study , the Stars his Care , Trade his Thoughts , our own and forreign Havens his Discourse , a Sea-man his Familiar , and three Sea-fights his Triumph : His converse and speech was Souldier-like , plain , short , smart and material : there was a time when he would say nothing , and a time when he would say something ; but never a time when he would say all . He was , in a word , the happy man , who notwithstanding that the times could not endure his Vertues , nor he their Vices , died at once full of honour at Court , and applause in the Country , with this Monument from the King , That Honest and Good Man. Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Wingfield . HIs Parts and Person endeared him to the English Court , his Travel and Experience recommended him to Forreign Negotiations ; particularly in the Emperour Maximilians Court , whom his arguments and his own Interest drew off from France ; Sir Robert helping him to some Observation touching the breach of the Articles of Cambray , as his pretence to this alteration , and offering him what men and money he pleased , as his encouragement to this undertaking : sending in the mean time one Nicholas West , D. L. and Dean of Windsor , to feel the Pulse of all the Princes in Christendom ; and advising , upon an intire reflection on their several Interests , the repair of our frontier Towns and Forts , an Army ready in the North , and a constant Parliament . He is Deputy of Calice , and Viceroy of France : What the French lost in the Field , they got by Treaty , until Sir Richard's time , whose Policy went as far as his Masters Power , in that Accord , Which tied up ( they said ) the French Kings bands behinde his back , and the Scotch between his legs . Yea , he almost perswaded Maximilian out of his Empire , 1516. though he wished the King not to accept of it until the French were out of Italy . Some do better by Friends or Letters , Sir Robert best by himself ; observing that he never failed , but when he intrusted others with what he could do himself ; his person breeding regard , and his eye seeing more then any he could employ ; and his present minde being more ready in his own affairs upon any alteration to come on , draw back , o● otherwise accommodate matters , then any Substitute , who seeth not the bottom of things , nor turn to occasions . He had about him his Blades and Gallants , to expostulate ; his Orators and fair spoken men , to perswade ; his close and subtle ones , to enquire and observe ; his froward men , to perplex ; and his plain Agents , to report : Attendants for all services , whose experience made them knowing and confident . Doctor West , Pace , Lee and Gardener's way was the Circuit afar off ; Sir Robert's was the Surprize , quick and nicked : no man observing time more closely ; no man watching Natures tempers , interest , advantages and ends , more indefatigably . It was the observation of those days , That Sir Robert Wingfield was the best to prepare and ripen Designes , and Sir Thomas Bolen to execute them : But that Age was too boysterous , and he too wary to advance beyond the reputation of 〈◊〉 knowing Agent , in which capacity he lived ; or 〈◊〉 a resolved Patriot , with which honour he dieth . Observations on the Life of Edward Stafford , Duke of Buckingham . HIs Blood was high , his Revenue large ; and he was born to adorn the Court , rather then to serve it . He vied with the King in Gallantry , and with the Cardinal in Pride : of the one he speaks irreverently , That women governed him more then he did the Kingdome ; of the other ●nd screetly , That Francis governed France , and Harry England , and Wolsey both ; adding , That the Commonalty might well complain , when we had two Kings to maintain . That which ruineth the world , ruineth him , his Tongue . Fate never undid a man without . his own indiscretion ; and her first stroke is at the Head. Abroad , none more Gorgeous ; at Home , none more Noble : at Court , splendid ; among his Tenants , Prince-like ; to his Relations , impartial . A Servant always pulled down the house of the Staffords ; and now one Knevet his Steward , whom he had discharged for oppressing his Tenants , undoeth him : for his Father-in-law the Earl of Northumberland is set under a Cloud , and his Son-in-law the Earl of Surrey is removed , on pretence of honourable employment , out of the way ; and Wolsey's malice at the Duke hath its full scope , who now deals with Knevets discontent to discover his Masters life , and suggest that the Duke by way of discourse was wont to say how he meant to use the matter , that if King Henry died without issue , he would attain the Crown , and punish the Cardinal . George Nevil Lord Abergavenny his Son-in-law , impeached him , to save himself . His Title to the Crown was , his Descent from Anne Platagenet , Daughter of Thomas of Woodstock , Son to Edward the third . His Accusation was , 1. That he had conferred with a Cunning-Man , ( Hopkins , Monk of Henton ) concerning the future state of this Realm ; who advised him to Popularity : for he should have all , if he had but the love of the People : the Wizard confirming this by Revolutions , and the Duke rewarding it with great encouragements . 2. That he disparaged the present Government and used Arts to secure the succession . 3. That he had threatned King Henry with the same Dagger that should have murthered Richa 〈…〉 the third . He denied the Charge very eloquently , and disclaimed his Life very rashly ; his foolish words , rather then any designed malice , deserving rather pity then judgement . Much lamented was he by the People , and as much was the Cardinal maliced , being now called by the whole multitude , The Butchers Son. When Buckingham fell , three things f 〈…〉 with him : 1. The Splendour of the Court. 2. Hospitality , and good Landlords in the Country . And , 3. The High-Constableship of England . All Greatness is subject to Envy ; but none more then that which is infolent and affected , being never its self without its pomp and shew . Plain and modest Greatness is onely safe : A Witch then blasts a man when most prosperous , and the Envious ( the onely Wizard in the world ) when most glorious Wise-men therefore have eclipsed themselves , than they might not be gazed on ; and great Ones have shrunk , and suffered themselves to be over-born to be secure . Vain-glorious men are the scorn of the Wise , the admiration of Fools , the Idols of Parasites , and the envy of the Unworthy , the Busie , the Unfortunate , the Ambitious , and the Rivals . He lives well , that lives in peace ; and he is safely great , that is great in his Conscience . Anger ●ure is but a weakness in any man , ( it belongeth so much to the Aged and the Childish ) and an indecency in a Noble-man : yet it might have been a Gallantry in this Duke , had it not , 1. Revealed secrets , and so betrayed him ; 2. Broke off his Designes , and so confounded him ; And , 3. Spoke bitterly and dangerously , and so abused him . So far will Discontent carry Nature , that it easily believes what it wisheth : So much doth a Prophetick Vanity sway English-men , ( that have the most of men of any in the world in Divinations , and an itch to know things to come ) that the wittiest Sir Thomas More , the most devout Bishop Fisher , the wisest Cardinal Wolsey , and the most Noble the Duke of Buckingham , have been undone by hearkning after Predictions ; the two first , of Elizabeth Barton ; the third , of John Sacheverel ; and the fourth , Monk Hopkins . Always are these Divinations ( like the Astrologers in Rome ) by severe Laws forbidden ; yet always are they by vain persons obtruded . Many Wives , wo England , hardned many a Male-content to his ruine in King Henry the eighth's time : When HEMPE is spun , England is done , encouraged many a Papist to his undoing in Queen Elizabeths time : Leo , Nulius , confirmed many a deluded soul to his downfal in our days . It was as fatal to this great man to trust his Steward , as his Wizard ; the one deluded , the other betrayed him . It undoeth a man to be too close ; therefore we have friends to ease our selves : it ruineth a man to be too open ; therefore there is a secret not to be communicated to a friend . When the Duke of Buckingham made Knevet his Confessour , he made him his Master . He that is Master of my Heart , is Master of my Life : If my Shi 〈…〉 said Metellus , knew my minde , I would burn it . 〈◊〉 my Servant or Friend knows my intentions , I mu 〈…〉 either undo him , or be undone by him , unless 〈◊〉 be so much above a man , as not out of weakness 〈◊〉 discover me ; or so much above a sinner , as not o 〈…〉 of corruption to betray me . Wild Beasts dwell 〈…〉 Dens , Fishes bed in Mud , and Birds in Nests , and 〈…〉 Wise Man is wrapped up in secrecy . Gyges his Ring was his wisdome , whereby he understood others and was reserved himself . It 's pity he ever learned to speak , that knoweth not how to be silent . 〈◊〉 would first be so wise , ( faith a Wit and Wisdome 〈◊〉 our Age ) as to be my own counsellour , and next so secret as to be my own counsel-keeper . Some of my servants may be of my Bed-chamber , but none shall be of my closet . Before I told you of this , ( saith Charles the Fifth of a Designe discovered upon the seventeen Provinces to his Favourite Lunembergh ) I was Emperour , but now you an● so . But the heighth of the Dukes spirit was equally unfortunate with the openness of it ; and he fell no● less because he despised Knevet , then because he trusted him . Contemned Dangers ruine surely , while they surprize us at once naked , and careless ; as ill prepared to offend the slighted Adversary , as to defend our misunderstood Selves . The least Beings have their spleen , and command our caution : No creature too mean to be mischievous ; none too inconsiderate to be feared . As long as Weakness can cling to Power , and Power to Malice , what Kn●vet would , but could not , that Wolsey could and would . If my Enemy be strong , he shall awe ; if weak , he shall guard my Life . Two things are necessary in this Life , Faithful Friends , or Severe Enemies : The fewer of the former men of the Dukes fortune have , the more use they should make of the latter . The greatest Enemy when observed , may do me a great kindness ; the least neglected , can do no little mischief : Security is the onely misfortune , and Carelessness the onely fate that distresseth the World. But the Duke threw away his life in a fatal word that could not be recalled , ( I 'll not ask the King for my Life . ) Great need have we to guard that Tongue , whence flow the issues of Life and Death ; and weigh those words that go abroad for the measure of our Weal or Wo ; our words being given us to treat with the World about either , discreetly to our happiness , or weakly to our ruine . It hath repented men that they have spoken at all times ; it repented none to have been silent in King Henry's , when there was no security but to the Reserved , and the Pliable . Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Brown. HE was always one of the Council to King Henry at home , and of his Commissioners abroad : no Treaty passing without his presence no Negotiation without his advice ; the first carrying as much Majesty with it , as the second did Authority : the Court having bred the one to a noble Mein , as Experience had done the other to an Oracle ; Experience , I say , whereby he saw more , as Alexander boasted , with his eye , then others comprehended in their thoughts ; that being knowledge in him , that was but conjecture in others . He was the best Compound in the World ; a learned , an honest , and a travelled man ; a good Nature , a large Soul , and a settled Minde , made up of Notes and Observations upon the most material points of State he could learn at Courts ; of Religion , among the Clergy ; of Discipline , among Souldiers ; of Trade , among Merchants ; or of the situation , interest , avenues and strong holds , by his own eyes . It 's a pleasure to stand upon the shore , and to see ships tost upon the sea ; it 's pleasure to stand in the window of a Castle , and to see a Battel , with the adventures thereof below : but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the Vantground of Truth : ( An Hi 〈…〉 ( saith my Noble Author ) not to be commanded , and where the air is always clear and serene ; ) and to see the Errors and Wandrings , the Mists and Tempests in the Vale below : That content is better felt then expressed that this Noble Person took in his own clear thoughts , when it was Mist all round about him ; and King Henry cried , What say Cromwel and Brown ? Vespasian asked Apollonius , What was Nero's overthrow ? and he answered him , Nero could tune the H●rp well ; but in Government sometimes he wound the pins too high , and sometimes he let them down too low . Sir Anthony told Henry the Eighth , That his Government had been more easie , if he had either set it not so loose at first , or not so strict at last : ( as there was indeed no King so various as his Master , no State so changeable as his Government . ) An even temper begets aw and reverence ; whilst the wide extreams create either on the one hand contempt and insolence , or on the other discontent and murmuring . Haughty and violent Courts never bless the Owners with a settled Peace . This deep man was Leiger in Rome six years , and Agent in France ten : A Person of great dispatch , because of an orderly method and procedure ; which he observed to a superstition , saying , Time and Method are my Masters . There are ( saith my Oracle ) three parts of business ; Preparation , Debate and Perfection : The middle King Henry communicated to the whole Council , the first and last to few , viz. to my Lord Cromwel and Sir Anthony Brown. The highest matters were his care ; as the Interview in France , 1533. the most eminent Statesmen his fellows , as the Duke of Norfolke , the Lord Rochfort and the Lord Paulet ; those Noble Persons bearing the state , and he managing the business of the Embassies . The wise man of Florence took care that Ferdinando of Naples , Medices of Florence , Sforza of Millain should gain nothing of one another , to the great security of Italy : Sir Anthony watched our Neighbours Conquests , Trade , Approaches , &c. so closely , that none of those Potentates , Charles the Fifth or King Francis , could win a spot of Ground , but his Master would balance it , and so secure Europe . The Interviews between Princes he disallowed ; yet to satisfie his Master , he provided for that in France so sumptuously , as one that understood the formality of a Pageant was a real advantage to a Government whose Interest is as much to gain a reputation by pomp and shew , as support a welfare by prudence and strength : others apprehension of our greatness , contributing as much to our welfare , as our welfare it self : Opinion governs the World : Princes with their Majesty , may be oft envied and hated ; without it , they are always scorned and contemned : Circumstances are often more then the main , and shadows are not always shadows : Outward Esteem to a great Person , is as skin to Fruit , which though a thin cover , preserveth it : King Henry's Person and State did England more Right in a Year , then his Predecessors Arms in an Age ; while they onely impressed a resolution in the Neighbours , he a reverence . As Princes govern the People , so Reason of State the Princes : Spain at that time would command the Sea , to keep us from the Indies ; and our Religion , to keep us from a Settlement : France suspected our Neighbourhood , and engaged Scotland ; the Pope undermined our Designs , and obliged the French. Sir Anthony at Rome , in respectful terms , and under Protestation that his Majesty intended no contempt of the See Apostolick , or Holy Church , intimated his Masters Appeal to the next General Council lawfully assembled ; exhibiting also the Authentick Instruments of the same , and the Archbishop of Canterbury's at the Consistory , where , though the Pope made forty French Cardinals , yet our Agent and his money made twelve English , and taught Francis to assume the power of disposing Monasteries and Benefices , as King Henry had done ; advising him to inform his Subjects clearly of his proceedings , and unite with the Princes of the Reformation , taking his Parliament and People along with him , and by their advice cutting off the Appeals to and Revenues of Rome , by visitations , &c. with a Praemunire , together with the Oath of Supremacy , and the publication of the prohibited Degrees of Marriage : He added in his Expresses , That his Majesty should by disguised Envoys divide between the Princes and the Empire . The next sight we have of him is in Scotland ; the French Kings passage to England , ( as he calls it : ) Where in joynt Commission with the Earl of Southampton , and the Bishop of Durham , he with his variety of Instructions gained time until the French King was embroyled at home , the season of Action was over there , and the Duke of Norfolk ready to force that with a War , which could not be gained by Treaty . Fortune is like the Market , where many times if you can stay a little , the Price will fall : The ripeness and unripeness of the Occasion must be well weighed : Watch the beginning of an Action , and then speed ! Two things make a compleat Polititian , Secresie in Counsel , and Celerity in Execution . But our Knights Prudence was not a heavy Wariness , or a dull caution , as appears by his preferment at Court , where he is Master of the Horse ; and his service in the North , where he and the Comptroller Sir Anthony Gage , are in the head of 10000 men : In both these places his excellence was more in chusing his Officers and Followers , then in acting himself : His servants were modest and sober , troubling him with nothing but his business , and expecting no higher conditions , then countenance , protection and recommendation ; and his Retayners peaceable , reserved , close , plain and hopeful : the deserving Souldier and the promising were seen often at his gate , not in throngs , to avoid popularity : equal was his favour , that none might be insolent , and none discontented ; yet so discreetly dispenced , as made the Preferred faithful , and the Expectants officious . To be ruled by one , is soft and obnoxious ; by many , troublesome : to be advised by few , as he was , is safe : because ( as he said in some things out of his element ) the Vale best discovereth the Hill. Although he understood not the main matter of War , yet he knew many of its falls and incidents ; his prudence being as able to lay a stratagem , as others experience was to embattail an Army . Sir Thomas W●arton Warden of the Marches he commands with 300 men behind an Ambush , whither he draws the rash Scots , and overthroweth them more with the surprize then his power , taking the Lord Admiral Maxwel , &c. who was committed to his custody ; and putting that King to so deep a melancholy , that he died upon it . His death suggests new counsels , and Sir Anthony watcheth in Scotland to gain his Daughter for our Prince , or at least to prevent the French , whom Sir William Paget watcheth there , as Sir Ralph Sadler did in Rome , and Sir John Wallop at Calais : and when that Kings designe was discovered , we finde our Knight with Charles Duke of Suffolk , Lieutenant-General ; Henry Fitz-Alan , Earl of Arundel , Lord General ; Will. Pawlet , Lord St. John , Stephen Bishop of Winchester , with a rich and strong Army , expecting the King before Montrevil , ( which they took with Bo●logn ) and forcing the French to a Peace and Submission that secured England , and setled Europe . Three things facilitate all things : 1. Knowledge , 2. Temper , 3. Time. Knowledge our Knight had either of his own or others , whom he commanded in what ever he went about , laying the ground of matters always down in writing , and debating them with his friends , before he declared himself in Council . A temperance he had , that kept him out of the reach of others , and brought others within his . Time he took , always driving , never being driven by his business ; which is rather a huddle , then a performance , when in haste : there was something that all admired , and which was more , something that all were pleased with , in this mans actions . The times were dark , his carriage so too : the Waves were boysterous , but he the solid Rock , or the well-guided Ship that could go with the Tide . He mastered his own passion , and others too , and both by Time and Opportunity ; therefore he died with that peace the State wanted , and with that universal repute the States-men of those troublesome times enjoyed not . By King Henry's Will he got a Legacy of 300 l. for his former Service ; and the Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future . By his Order he had , as his share of Abbey-Lands , Battle-Abbey in Sussex , enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day : And by his Authority he had the Honourable Garter . He was the first man that durst bring his Master the sad news , That He must die : And no wonder he durst it , for the next news is , That he is dead himself . How darest thou to be so plain ? said Heliogabalus to the Courtier : Because I dare die , said he : I can but die , if I am Faithful ; and I must die , though I Flatter . The Lord Herbert's Character of Cardinal Wolsey , in his Life of Henry the Eighth , pag. 314. ANd thus concluded that great Cardinal : A man in whom ability of parts and Industry were equally eminent ; though , for being employed wholly in ambitious ways , they became dangerous Instruments of power , in active and mutable times . By these arts yet he found means to govern not onely the chief affairs of this Kingdom , but of Europe ; there being no Potentate , which , in his turn did not seek to him : and as this procured him divers Pensions , so , when he acquainted the King therewith , his manner was , so cunningly to disoblige that Prince who did fee him last , as he made way thereby oftentimes to receive as much on the other side . But not of secular Princes alone , but even of the Pope and Clergy of Rome he was no little courted ; of which therefore he made especial use , while he drew them to second him on most occasions . His birth being otherwise so obscure and mean , as no man had ever stood so single : for which reason also his chief indeavour was not to displease any great Person ; which yet could not secure him against the divers Pretenders of that time . For as all things passed through his hands , so they who failed in their suits , generally hated him : All which , though it did but exasperate his ill nature , yet this good resultance followed , that it made him take the more care to be Just ; whereof also he obtained the reputation in his publick hearing of Causes : For as he loved no body , so his Reason carried him . And thus he was an useful Minister of his King , in all points , where there was no question of deserving the Roman Church ; of which ( at what price soever ) I finde he was a zealous Servant ; as hoping thereby to aspire to the Papacy , whereof ( as the factious times then were ) he seemed more capable then any , had he not so immoderately affected it . Whereby also it was not hard to judge of his Inclination ; that Prince , who was ablest to help him to this Dignity , being ever preferred by him ; which therefore was the ordinary Bait by which the Emperour and the French King , one after the other did catch him . And , upon these terms , he doubted not to convey vast treasures out of this Kingdom , especially unto Rome , where he had not a few Cardinals at his devotion ; by whose help , though he could not attain that Supreme Dignity he so passionately desired , yet he prevailed himself so much of their favour , as he got a kinde of absolute power in Spiritual Matters at Home : Wherewith again be so served the Kings turn , as it made him think the less of using his own Authority . One error seemed common to both , which was , That such a multiplicity of Offices and Places were invested in him . For as it drew much envy upon the Cardinal in particular , so it derogated no little from the Regal Authority , while one man alone seemed to exhaust all : Since it becometh Princes to do like good Husband-men , when they sow their Grounds , which is , to scatter , and not to throw all in one place . He was no great Dissembler , for so qualified a Person ; as ordering his businesses ( for the most part ) so cautiously , as he got more by keeping his word then by breaking it . As for his Learning , ( which was far from exact ) it consisted chiefly in the subtilties of the Thomists , wherewith the King and himself did more often weary then satisfie each other . His stile , in Missives , was rather copious then eloquent , yet ever tending to the point . Briefly , if it be true ( as Polydore observes ) that no man ever did rise with fewer vertues , it is true that few that ever fell from so high a place had lesser crimes objected against him : Though yet Polydore ( for being at his first coming into England committed to Prison by him , as we have said ) may be suspected as a partial Author . So that in all probability he might have subsisted longer , when either his pride and immense wealth had not made him obnoxious , and suspected to the King , or that other than Women had opposed him : Who , as they are vigilant and close Enemies , so for the most part they carry their businesses in that manner as they leave fewer advantages against themselves then men do . In conclusion , As 〈…〉 cannot assent to those who thought him happy for enjoying the untimely compassion of the People 〈…〉 little before his end , so I cannot but account it 〈…〉 principal Felicity , that during his favour with the King , all things succeeded better then afterwards ; though yet it may be doubted whether the Impressions he gave , did not occasion dives Irregularities which were observed to follow . The Lord Herbert's Character of Cromwel , in his Life of Henry the Eighth , pag. 462. AND to this end came Cromwel , wh● from being but a Blacksmiths Son , found means to travel into forraign Countries , to learn their Languages , and to see the Wars ( being a Souldier of Bourbon at the sacking of Rome ; ) whence returning , he was received into Cardinal Wolsey ' s service : To whom he so approued himself by his fidelity and diligence , that the King after his fall , voluntarily took him for his servant ; in which place he became a special Instrument for dissolving the Abbeys and other Religious Houses , and keeping down the Clergy ; whom , in regard of their Oath to the Pope , he usually termed the Kings half Subjects : And for expelling the Monks , he said it was no more then a restoring them to the first Institution , of being lay and labouring persons : Neither did 〈…〉 t move him that so much strictness and austerity of Life was enjoyned them in their several Orders , since , he said , they might keep it in any condition : But as these Reasons again were not admitted by divers learned and able Persons , so he got him many Enemies , who at last procured his fall ; but not before he had obtained successively the Dignities of Master of the Rolls , Baron , Lord Privy Seal , Vicegerent to the King in Spirituali●ies , Knight of the Garter , Earl of Essex , Great Chamberlane of England , &c. He was much noted in the exercises of his Places of Judicature , ●o have used much Moderation ; and in his greatest pomp to have taken notice and been thankful to mean persons of his old acquaintance ; and wherein had a Vertue which his Master the Cardinal wanted . As for his other descriptions , I leave them to be taken out of Cranmers Letter formerly mentioned , with some deduction ; For it seems written to the King in more then Ordinary Favour of his entient Service . Archbishop Cranmer's Character of Cromwel , in a Letter to King Henry the Eighth . WHo cannot be sorrowful and amazed that he should be a Traytor against your Majesty ? He that was so advanced by your Majesty , He whose Surety was onely by your Majesty , He who loved your Majest ( as I ever thought ) no less then God ; He who stadied always to set forwards whatsoever was you Majesties will and pleasure ; He that cared for 〈…〉 mans á spleasure to serve your Majesty ; He the was such a Servant in my judgement , in wisdom diligence , faithfulness & experience , as no Prine in this Realm ever had : He that was so vigilant 〈◊〉 preserve your Majesty from all Treasons , that f 〈…〉 could be so secretly conceived , but he detected the same in the beginning . If the Noble Princes of memory , King John , Henry II. and Richard Il● had had such a Counsellour about them , I supposed they should never have been so Traiterously abandoned and overthrown as those good Princes were . After which , he says again , I loved him as my Friend , for so I took him to be ; but I chiefly loved him for the love which I thought I saw him bear ever towards your Grace , singularly above all other : But now , if he be a Traitor , I am sorry that ever I loved him or trusted him ; and I am very glad that his Treason is discovered in time : But yet egain I am very sorrowful ; for who shall your Grace trust hereafter , if you might not trust him ? Alas ! I bewail and lament your Graces chance herein ! I wot not whom your Grace may trust . But I pray God continually night and day to send such a Counsellour in his place whom your Grace may trust , and who for all his Qualities can and will serve your Grace like to him ; and that will have so much sollicitude and care to preserve your Grace from all dangers , as I ever thought he had . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth . THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND , IN The Reign of King Edward the VI. Observations on the Lives of the Seymours . EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire . I joyn them together , because whilst they were united in affection , they were invincible ; but when divided , easily overthrown by their enemies . EDward Duke of Somerset , Lord Protector and Treasurer of England , being the elder THomas Seymour the younger brother , was made Baron of Sudley ; brother , succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance . He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service , fortunate , and generally beloved by Martial men . He was of an open nature , free from jealousie and dissembling , affable to all people . He married Anne , Daughter to Sir Edward Stanhop , a Lady of a high minde , and haughty undaunted spirit . and by Offices and the favours of his Nephew , King Edward the sixth , obtained a great Estate . He was well experienced in Sea-affairs , and made Lord Admiral of England . He lay at a close posture , being of a reserved nature , and more cunning in his carriage . He married Queen Katherine Parr , the Widow of King Henry 8. Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives ; the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Train , and in effect justled with her for precedence : so that what betwixt the Train of the Queen , and long Gown of the Dutchess , they raised so much dust at the Court , as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands , and occasioned their Executions . Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kings favours ; ( but a frail support that ! which is as lasting onely as a Phancy , and onely as certain as Passion : ) therefore their Parts recommended them to his service . Affection shall lead me to Court , but I 'll take care that Interest keeps me there . Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations , and his spirit with his times ; both high , both stirring . In the throng of Courtiers , there are but three steps to raise a man to observation : 1. Some peculiar sufficiency ; 2. Some particular exploit ; and , 3. An especial Friend : This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage , in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth , wherein the embattling is most remarkable , viz. Twenty two compleat Companies make up four Squadrons ; every Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart , the Pikes and Colours on the left hand , and the Musqueteers on the right . These Squadrons make-up a Brigade , to be drawn up as followeth , viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons , every Platton being nine or so in front , led by a Major , and even division by a sufficient Commander . Next after these , 36 Rats of Pikes are to follow , ( being twelve Corporalships ) with their Colours following them , till they are drawn up even in from with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers : This make the Right Wing of the Brigade . 2. The Batter of Pikes moveth forwards in division , doing in a● respects as the former , till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing : Then the other 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron , ( who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade ) are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points , but at a reasonable distance behind the Pikes of their own Squadrons . Then the last Squadron of Pikes marcheth up , in all respects observing the same order , until they have attained to range in front even with other Pikes . This being done , the Battel or middle Squadron of Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one body , until it 's clear of the Wings . Lastly , the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Musqueteers , are drawn up behind the Brigade , where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers , to guard the Baggage or Cannon , to be Convoys for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest , or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasions . 2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught , more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Bretaign ; where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose , while it expected relief from Italy : but at last he insinuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City , that obstructed all relief : He with as much speed as policy sets upon the two main Sconces for defence of the Town , and took them both ; battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise , that they say it was heard 100 miles off . A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter ; but this succeeded not : for the French in passing the Ditch had so wet their cloaths , that dropping upon the Train , the Powder would not take fire ; and so all things conspiring to crown his Valour with success , he takes the Castle first ; and then dividing the Town , and weakning it by several assaults at once , brought it to his own terms . Here his Valour had been eminent , but that his Conduct was more ; and his Conduct renowned , but that his nobleness towards the Conquerour , his civility and obligingness towards the Souldiery , and his integrity towards all persons , had out-done that . There are but two things that a subject can honestly oblige his Prince in : 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home , 2. Keeping his enemies under abroad : 1. Those soft , but prudent Acts of Peace ; 2. Those resolved , but well-managed ways of War : Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one , nor a temper for the other . But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended : ( Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth , unless recommended by tryed judgements : it 's fit , as well as common , that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things : ) his Sister therefore was married on Whitsunday , and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp . But ne 〈…〉 year his . Nephew is born ; the hope and stay of his Majesty and his Realms , and he is made Earl 〈◊〉 Hertford . King Henry understanding that the Pope upon his own and Cardinal Pool's account stirred up all the Princes of Europe against him , as a provident Prince , rode himself to the Sea-coasts to see then fortified . Admiral Fitz-Williams is old , Sir Thomas Seymour assists him to rig the Navy to be in rediness in six days time : Sir Edward is to muster the Land-forces , and particularly the City of London , where were 15000 Armed men ready , May 8. in St. Jameses , at which place the City seemed 〈◊〉 Camp , and the Citizens men not of the Gown , but of the Armour . Great this Lords interest in , and respect with the people ; as great his brothers with the Sea-men : the Multitude would leave all for their good Lord of Hertford , and the Sea-men would die with their noble Lord Seymour . When the King of Scots had deluded King Henry in his correspondencies with France beyond all patience , and had been forborn beyond all safety or prudence , Sir Edward Seymour is first sent to treat , and then to sight ; which he did with that success , that 300 of his men , and a stratagem , ( to possess the Scots with an apprehension that the whole English Army was upon them ) took and killed 30000 Scots , had more prisoners then they could keep , more booty then they could dispose of ; and adding this to their Victory , That they broke the Kings heart . There was no end to be expected of a War with Seotland , but by marrying that Kings Daughter to our Soveraigns Son. This Match was my Lord Seymour's interest as well as the Kings : his prudence and experience is therefore employed first to perswade it ; and when that would not do , ( so great and so cross the Papal power there by Cardinal Betons means ) his Valour and Resolution is sent with 10000 to compel it : in order whereunto , May 4. landing at Granther Gray , he marcheth in order towards Leith , which ( after a defeat given the Cardinal , the Earls of Arran , Huntley , &c. by his Harquebusiers ) they entred , and thence proceeded to Edinburgh : ( my Lord Dudley leading the Front , our Earl the Battle , and the Earl of Shrewsbury the Rereward : ) there the Keys are offered them upon conditions ; which they refusing , ( and so making the Enemy desperate , who resolveth rather to perish nobly , then be undone by submission ) the Town holds out , and they are able to do no more , with some considerable loss , then burn the suburbs , waste the Country to an utter desolation for seven miles compass , demolish Leith , Dunbar , &c. take all their Ships and Ammunition , returning to Berwick with the loss onely of 14 men . Two things he was eminent for : 1. His Advice , that not the least Punctilio of the Law should be neglected : whereupon the Earl of Surrey and other Nobility were imprisoned for eating Flesh in Lent. A secret and unobserved contempt of the Law , is a close undermining of Authority ; which must be either its self in indulging nothing , or be nothing in allowing all . Liberty knows no restraint , no limit , when winked at . 2. For his Popularity , in advancing the Benevolence 52000 l. beyond expectation . The Scots must have War as long as there is Poverty in their Country , and Interest in France : This Noble Earl cutteth off the Invaders , layeth waste the Country , and ( that the source of those troubles might be damned up ) entreth France with 80000 men ; and after some skirmishes , brought the King thereof to a peace and submission . In pursuance whereof , while King Henry was in Bologn , he made his Will , wherein the Earl of Hertford Lord High Chamberlain is appointed Principal Counsellour to his Nephew : and not long after he dieth , and leaves the Kingdome to his son , and his son to his Uncle , whom the common Vote made Protector , and Interest a Moderator of the Council , which the times required able , but their humours made factious . The peace with King Francis and the Emperour was but uncertain , the Scots were irreconcileable , the Pope implacable , Religion unsetled , the Clergy out of frame , the People distracted , and the Nobility at variance . A great Counsellour King Henry leaves his son , and a greater his Uncle makes him : In counsel is stability : things will have their first or second agitation : if they be not tossed upon the Arguments of Counsel , they will be tossed upon the Waves of Fortune . But yet this Lord miscarried , in that the Council understood him better then he did them : And he advised with them rather in publick , where men speak warily , and in compliance with others humour ; then in private , where they deliver themselves more freely , and agreeably to their own humours . ( The Rule is , Ask an inferiour mans advice in private , that he may be free ; and a superiours in publick , that he may be respectful . ) But he did well , 1. In that the same matter if weighed , was never propounded and resolved the same day . 2. In that he had fixed days of petitions , for the peoples and his own ease . 3. In that he poyzed his Committees of contrary Inclinations ; that watched and balanced each other to a moderation most safe for the Kingdome and himself . 4. That he had of all Professions such at his command as opened the state of a business before any Commissioners debated it . 5. That he seldome discovered his own inclination , left it byassed his Counsel . 6. That to prevent a Combination in the Council , he weakned their power and priviledges , their credit , their dependencies , either by office or expectation , their opportunities and correspondencies , so that he could easily remove any when faulty , discover any when dangerous , disgrace any when bold , and not fit to be entrusted with the Counsels , Resolves , Deliberations and Necessities of the State. In order to which , he had two useful Resolutions , 1. To suppress Calumnies , 2. To encourage Accusations . His first Acts were Shew and Pomp , ( necessary for Greatness ) viz. The Knighting of the King , and making himself Duke . His next are Realities : as , 1. His modelling the Country for a Parliament , considering the temper of the people , and the pulse of the last Parliament ; redressing Grievances , setling Elections by such Legal Rules , as that the people should not be corrupted with money , overborn by importunity , transported by fear or favour to an unworthy or an unsuitable choice ; and taking a just time to prepare the people for the designed settlement , by his grave and sober Injunctions , by godly and good Books of Instructions , by a wholsome form of Prayer , ( composed at Windsor ) by a more exact translation of the Bible , by several Proclamations for moderation and order on all hands , by inhibiting all Preachers but such learned , sober , grave and discreet men as were Licensed thereunto under the Lord Protector 's and my Lord of Canterbury's hand . 2. His promoting the Match with Scotland first by Ambassadours , and then by an Army , whose order was this : viz. The avant-guard of 3 or 4000 foot-men at Arms , and 600 light-horse led by the Earl of Warwick ; the main Battle of 6000 foot , and 600 men at Arms , and 1000 light-horse , led by the Protector ; and the Rear of half so many , led by the Lord Dacres ; the Artillery of 16 Pieces of Ordnance making one Wing , the men at Arms and Demilances the other . For the Avant-guard and half of the Battel riding about two flight-shot from their side , the other half of the Battel : and the whole Flank of the Rear was closed by the Carriages , being 12000 Carts and Waggons ; the rest of the men at Arms and Demilances marching behind . A few skirmishes and stratagems passed , when a Trumpeter is sent by Huntley to challenge the Protector ; to whom the Protector replying like a wise man , That it was not for a person of his trust to duel it with a private man ; The Earl of Warwick said , Trumpeter , bring me word that thy Master will perform the Combat with me , and I 'll give thee 100 Crowns . Nay , rather , said our Duke , bring me word that he will give us Battle , and I will give thee 1000 l. But in 25 days he gains a greater a Battle , over-runs the Country with the loss of no more then 65 men , to that of 25000 Scots . 3. His third Exploit was , Dispensing b Honours so nobly , that they were due encouragements to Vertue ; though yet so warily , that they should not be either a burden or a danger to the Crown . 4. He gave the Commonalty great content , in pulling down Enclosures by Proclamations ; and the Nobility no less , by setting up Land-improvements by Rule . 5. He engaged both , by a good bargain of Church-lands , confirmed by this Parliament . 6. He weakneth the Papists , 1. By conniving at them until they broke out to such outrages as made them lyable . 2. By dividing them when engaged , with hope of mercy on the one hand , and fear of his Army on the other . 7. The French taking the advantage of our seditions to break off their Treaty , and proclaim a War , he confiscates their Estates , and secures the persons of as many of them as lived in England . But Greatness is fatal ; and his Brother that should have supported this great man , ruines himself and him . He had married a Lady high in spirit ; his Brother the Queen-Dowager , higher in place : the Ladies quarrel first , and then ( as it must needs follow ) the Lords . Thomas the Admiral is questioned for aiming at the Crown , 1. By marrying the Lady Elizabeth , and then by seizing the Kings person and the Government : so honest this Protector , ( a plain man , and of no over-deep insight into Practices ) that he gave way to his Tryal , saying , ( though somewhat ominous as it happened ) I 'll do and suffer Justice : so Uxorious , that he sealed his death . And now he stands alone , wanting his Brothers cunning to reach Warwick , or his resolution to check Norfolk . The people are troubled at that one weak and unjustifiable Act of his , The pulling down of so many of Gods Churches in the City , to build one Someset-house in the Strand . The Earl takes notice of their discontent , and assembleth eighteen discontented Counsellours , who arm themselves and their c followers , calling the City and the Kingdome to their assistance by a Proclamation . The Protector fleeth with the King and a Guard to Hampton-Court : the City sometimes resolved to assist the Lords , out of malice to the Protector ; sometimes to forbear out of such consideration of its many misfortunes in opposing Kings , set forth not with more Integrity by George Stadlow , then Eloquence and Life by John Ayliffe . They delay : Sir Anthony Wingfield Captain of the Guard perswardes the King of the Lords moderation and and Loyalty ; the Duke is to answer for himself : the Laywers charge him with removing Westminster-hall to Somerset-house , where he kept a Court of Requests , and determined Title of Lands ; the Souldiers with the detaining of their pay , and betraying our-French Garisons ; the States-men with the engrossing of all Authority . The Earl of Warwick vigilantly but closely manageth all discontents to his designe with this great advantage , that he was subtle , close , and implacable , while the other was free-spirited , open-hearted , humble , hard to distrust , easie to forgive . His friend the Lord Russel is absent : he is first tryed and acquitted , but with the loss of his Protectorship , Treasurership , Marshalship , and 2000 l. of Land more . But Warwick's designe for the Crown ripening , and Somerset being the most eminent obstruction in his way , having weakned , before he ruines him , now he chargeth him with Treason , to make a noise ; and with Felony , to do execution : the Council is packed , he looseth his life ( for a small crime , and that on a d nice point , subtilly devised and packed by his enemies ) forgetting to ask the benefit of the Clergy , that had saved it . This Person , as Mr. Fuller charactereth him , was religious himself , a lover of all such as were so , and a great promoter of the Reformation : Valiant and successful , generally beloved by Souldiers , envied by States-men , though the most conscientious of them all ; doing nothing irregularly , but in complyance with the necessities of Government ; open to dangers , as one that could not be jealous ; better to act , then designe ; to perform , then plot . When he was discharged of Treason , there was so loud a shout in Westminster-hall , as was heard to Long-acre ; when condemned of Felony , there was a silence and amazement for three hours . Beheaded he was on Tower-hill , with no less praise for his piety and patience , then pity and grief of the spectators . His Death was attended with many signes and wonders , and his Name with an indelible character , his house being called Somerset-house to this day , though solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmark-house , because inhabited by the King of Denmark and his Sister . Surely ( saith my Author ) this Duke was well beloved since his Name made such indelible impression on 〈…〉 house , whereof he was not five years in possession Death hath this also , That it openeth the Gate 〈◊〉 good Fame , and extinguisheth Envy . Philip asked Demetrius if he did not fear to lose his head ; He answered , No : for if he did , the Athenians would give him one immortal ; He should be statued in the Temple of Eternal Fame . Nil non Mortale tenemus , Pectoris exceptis ingeniique bonis : En ego , cum Patria caream vobisque domoque Raptaque sint , adimi quae potuere mibi , Virtute attamen ipse mea comitorque fruorque Caesar in hoc potuit juris habere nibil . Quilibet hanc saevo vitam mihi , finiat ense , M● tamen extincto fama perennis erit . All that we hold will die , But our brave Thoughts and Ingenuity : Even I that want my Country , House and Friend , From whom is ravished all that Fate can rend , Possess yet my own Genius , and enjoy That which is more then Caesar can destroy . Each Groom may kill me : but whensoe'er I die , My Fame shall live to mate eternity . Brave men never die : Worth begets in weak and ●ase minds , Envy : in the Magnanimous , Emulation ; in Posterity , Renown : A Renown , that is as the beams about the Sun , or the glory about an holy picture , that shews it to be a Saint , though it be no essential part : it riseth from the body of that Vertue , which cannot chuse but shine , and give a light through all the clouds of errour and destruction . And though sometimes the mists and vapours of the lower earth impede the light it gives , yet there will be apparent Rays , that shew there is Desert unseen , which yeilds those ●leams of brightness to the whole Horizon , that it moves and shines in , which survive to a glorious kind of immortality , when the Good Man is dead and gone ; a Good Name being the embalming of the Vertuous to an eternity of love and gratitude among posterity . For my own Honour ( saith the Royal Martyr ) I am well assured , that as mine Innocence is clear before God in point of any calumnies they object ; so my Reputation shall like the Sun ( after Owls and Bats have had their freedome in the night ) rise and recover its self to such a degree of splendour , as those feral birds shall be grieved to behold , nd unable to bear . Observations on the Lives of the Pars. SIr William Par Uncle and Lord Chamberlain to Queen Katharine Par , was by King Henry the Eighth created Baron Par of Horton : he left two Daughters onely , married into the Families of Tressam and Lane. His Relation called him to Court , but his Age forbid him the pleasures , and his own Reservedness the freedom of that place ▪ before which he preferred the pious , peaceable , and hospitable way of the Countrey , where Popularity affected him , more then he affected it ; No man being more beloved by the vulgar , no man less in love with them : It being his Observation 〈…〉 ther then his Countrey-man Sir gue's saying , That if you do the common sort of people nineteen courtesies together , yet you may lose th 〈…〉 love , if you go but over the stile before them . His Cousin Sir William was brought by his Sister to Court , and advanced by his Brother to Honour ; being for his Majesties sake as well as his own , made Lord Far of Kendal , Earl of Essex , by King Henry the Eighth , and Marquess of Northampton by King Edward : Queen Mary deprived him of his Estate and Honour for siding with the Lady Jane , and Queen Elizabeth restored him to both , for favouring the Protestant Religion . His Delight was Musick and Poetry , and his Exercise War ; being a happy composure of the hardest and softest Discipline , equally made for Court and Camp , for Delight or Horrour : But his skill in the Field answered not his industry , nor his success his skill : Yet King Edward called him , His Honest Uncle ; and King Henry , His Integrity . The whole Family was made by a Marriage , but died Issueless . The common Rule of Favourites is , to bring in all their Relations about them , to adorn and support them : but this Marquess would say , A wall that hath a firm Bottom , had need of no Buttress ; and that which wants it , is often rather thrust down then upheld by it . The Antiquaries crouch , as though they upheld the Church , when they are upheld by it : Clients are more a burden then a strength : and when the chief Favourite dares not displease his Soveraign because he is so near him , they dare , because he is between them and Majesty . His Followers were not gaudy , to render him suspitious ; nor discontented , to breed ill blood , and a misunderstanding ; nor too open , to discover him : but deserving , to honour him ; and hopeful , to be advanced by him . Active men were recommended by him to King Henry's busie Occasions , and Vertuous to King Edward's pious Inclinations . In his last years he found that there was little love in the World , and least of all among Equals ; and that that which was , is between Superiour and Inferiour , whose fortune may comprehend the one the other . To ease his minde therefore , to satisfie his Judgement , to observe his oversight , he adopted Sir William Cholmley , bringing him first to his House , and then to his Heart , to shew him that impartially , which he could not discern in himself . There is no such Flatterer as a mans self ; and there is no such Remedy against Flattery of a mans self as the liberty of a Friend : Counsel is of two sorts ; ( to go on in my Authors words ) the one concerning manners , the other concerning business : for the first , the best preservative to keep the minde in health , is the faithful admonition of a Friend : The calling of a mans self to a stri 〈…〉 account , is a medicine sometime too piercing and corr 〈…〉 ding ; reading good Books of Morality is a little flat and dead ; observing our faults in others is sometimes improper for our case : but the best receipt ( best I say ; 〈◊〉 work , and best to take ) is the Admonition of a Friend . So much solid Worth he had , that he had no use of Ambition ; so much Modesty , that he made little use of his Worth : Mean thoughts he entertained of himself , and as mean thoughts did he by his down-cast though grave look , his sparing though pertinent discourse , and his submissive though regardful carriage , suggest of himself . But 〈◊〉 well-manag'd boldness is the Vertue of Monarchick Courts , and a discreet submission that of a Republican ; no advantagious admission into the one , without the first , nor safety in the other , without the second : Here , if you are bold , you must look for an Ostracism : there , if you are modest , for Neglect : Yet a sober and moderate man may be in fashion once in an Age. The Souldier and the Gentleman are the Warlike Princes Darlings ; Church-men , the Religious ; Physicians , the Sickly and Old ; Scholars , the Learned ; Exchequerers , the Poor , Covetous , or Prodigal ; Lawyers , the Just ; and They of a Healing , Soft and Pliable Temper , ( King James his character and commendation of my Lord Bacon ) the Settling and the Peaceable , such as Edward the VI , in whose Reign he was advanced , and Queen Elizabeth , in whose Reign he was restored . It was in pursuance of King Henry's Statute , that he closed with King Edward's Will : For this Clause he produced for himself : Provided , That if the Lady Mary do not keep nor perform such Conditions , which shall be limited and appointed , as aforesaid , that then and from thenceforth , for lack of Heirs of the Kings Body , and the said Lord Prince , lawfully begotten , the said Imperial Crown , and other the Premises , shall be , come and remain to such Person and Persons , and of such Estate and Estates as the Kings Highness by his Letters Patents sealed under His Great Seal , or by His last Will in Writing , signed with His Hand , shall limit and appoint . Isocrates was a man of an excellent Wit , but finding himself destitute of countenance , gesture and confidence , he never durst speak in publick , contenting himself to teach , even to his decrepit days ; and commonly saying , He taught Rhetorique for a thousand Ryals , but would give more then ten thousand to him that would teach him confidence : This Marquess brought up many a Courtier , yet had not the face to be One himself , until Queen Elizabeth , who balanced her Council in point of Religion in the beginning of her Reign , as she did her Court in point of Interest throughout , threatned him to the Council-Board first , and then to her Cabinet ; where none more secret , to keep counsel ; none more faithful , to give it ; and more modest , to submit . A sincere , plain , direct man ; not cra●ty nor involved . Observations on the Life of Sir John Cheek . SIr John Cheeke , born over against the Market . Cross in Cambridge , became Tutor to King Edward the Sixth , and Secretary of State : Not so meanly descended as Sir John Heyward pretends , ( who writes him , The Son of his own Deserts ) being a Branch of the Cheeks of Moston in the I 〈…〉 of Wight , ( where their Estate was three hundred pound a year , three hundred years ago , and no more within this thirty years : ) happy in his Father , Mr. Peter Cheeke , whose first tuition seasoned him ; happier in his good a Mother , ( that grave Matron ) whose good b counsel and Christian charge when he was going to Court , settled him ; and happiest of all in the place of his birth , where he fell from his Mothers Womb to the Muses Lap , and learned as soon as he lived , being a Scholar sooner then he was a man. A German had the care of his younger studies , and a Frenchman of his carriage ; his parts being too large to be confined to the narrowness of English Rules , and too sprightly to attend the tediousness , and creep by the compass of an English method . The same day was he and Mr. Ascham admitted to St. Johns , and the same week to Court , the one to the T●ition of Edward the Sixth , the other of Queen Elizabeth : there they Both happy in their Master Doctor Metcalf , who though he could not ( as The●istocles said ) fiddle , yet he could make a little Colledge a great one , and breed Scholars , though he was none : His advice deterred them from the rough Learning of the Modern Schoolmen , and their own Genius led them to the more polite studies of the antient Orators and Historians ; wherein they profited so well , that the one was the copious Orator , the other the Greek Professor of that University . A contest began now , between the Introducers of the New , and the Defenders of the Old Pronunciation of the Greek : the former endeavoured to give each Letter , Vowel and Dip●thong its full sound : whilst Doctor Caius and others of the Old stamp , cried out against this Project , and the Promoters of it ; taxing It for novelty , and Them for want of experience , and affirming Greek it self to be barbarous , so clownishly uttered ; and that neither France , Germany nor Italy owned any such Pronunciation . John Cheeke and Thomas Smith maintained that this was no Innovation , but the antient utterance of Greek , most clear , and most full . Chancellour Gardiner then interposed against the Pronunciation , and the Authors of it : But custom hath since prevailed for the use of the one , and the due commendation of the other . Sir Cheeke's Authors were Isocrates and Thucydides ; his Auditors the youngest that came thither , for Language ; and the oldest that heard him , for his Discourse and Policy : The one preferred him to the ample Provo 〈…〉 ship of Kings , the other to the great Trust of Secretary of State : Prince Edward studied not his Book more sedulouslously , then he studied him , that his Rules might comply with his Inclination , and his Lectures with his temper : Lectures , that were rather Discourses instilled to him Majestically , as a Prince ; then Lessons beaten into him pedantiquely , as a School-boy . The wise man would not be debasing his Royal Pupils minde with the nauseated and low crumbs of a Pedant , but ennobling it with the free and high Maximes of a States-man ; sugaring the more austere parts of Learning with the pleasures of Poetry , Discourse , Apologues ; and so deceiving the Royal Youth to an improvement before his own years , and others comprehension . His very Recreations were useful , and his Series of lighter exercises ( for he observed a method in them too ) a constant study ; his Table , his School ; his Meat , his Discipline : the industrious Tutour filling up each space of his time with its suitable instruction ; it being his Maxime , That time and Observation were the best Masters , and Exercise the best Tutor . While others doated over their Rules , his Pupils practised them ; no day passing without his Letters to the King , as that , Literae meae unum semper babet Argumentum ( Rex Nobilissime & Pater Illustrissime ) hoc est , in omnibus Epistolis ago tibi gratias , &c. or to the Queen , as that , Quod non ad se jamdiu scriberem in causa fuit non negligentia , sed studium ; non enim hoc feci ut nunquam omnino scriberem , sed accuratius scriberem , &c. I have two Tutors , ( said King Edward to Cardan ) Diligence and Moderation , Sir Jo. Cheeke and Doctor Coxe . So exact an account he gave Prince Edward of his Fathers Kingdome , and its Interest , that King Henry designed him for Secretary , and King Edward made him one . Three years he had that place ; and in that three years did England more service , so great his Parts , Learning and Religion ! more kindness , such his eminency in both ! and gave the people more satisfaction , such his Integrity and Dexterity ! then all that went before him , and most that came after him . He was the first that brought in the use of a Diary , and his Pupil the next that practised it : His Aphorism it was , That a dark and imperfect reflexion upon Affairs floating in the memory , was like words dispersed and insignificant ; whereas a compleat view of them in a Book , was like the same words pointed in a period , and made significant . Much did the Kingdome value him , but more the King : for being once desperately sick , the King carefully enquired of him every day ; at last his Physitian told him there was no hope for his life , being given over by him for a dead man : No , said the King , he will not die at this time ; for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers , and obtained it . Which accordingly came to pass ; and he soon after , against all expectation , wonderfully recovered . This ( saith Doctor Fuller ) was attested by the old Earl of Huntington , ( bred up in his child-hood with King Edward ) to Sir Tho. Cheeke , who anno 1654. was alive , and 80 years of Age. But though his Prayers saved his Tutors life , none could save his ; who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms : and Sir John had died with him , but that being outed of all his preserments , he outed himself from the Kingdome : loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh , and well beloved all over Germany ; until trusting to the Stars too much , ( would he had either not gone so high , or gone a little higher for advice ) and his friends too little , he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant ; where neither my Lord Paget's promise , nor Sir Mason's pledges , nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession , could excuse him from being unhorsed and carted , imprisoned and tortured , vexed with all the arts of power , and perplexed , until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises , brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart ; and after much melancholick sighing and silence , brought him to his Grave ; The great example of Parts and Ingenuity , of frailty and infirmity , of repentance and piety . Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts , but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his Judgement : look on he did , but weep and groan too . A good Christian he was , witness his pious Epistles ; an excellent States-man , as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel ; a Book as seasonably republished ( by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Colledge in Oxford ) in the excellent King Charles his troubles , as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions . Vespasian said of Apollonius , That his gate was open to all Philosophers , but his Heart to Him : And Sir John Cheeke would say to Father Latimer , I ha●e an Ear for other Divines , but I have an Heart for You. A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined , the extruction and first making whereof he could well remember , and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected , You need not ( quoth he ) be so proud ; for we have kn●wn you from a Plum-tree . Sir John Cheeke one day discoursing of the Popes Threats , said , He need not be so high ; for we have known him a Chaplain . He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist , when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet : When I would eat , ( said he ) I have no hands ; when I would go , I have no feet : but when I must be pained , I have both hands and feet . Applying it thus : When we would serve God , we have no soul ; when we would serve our Neighbours , we have no body : but when we suffer for neglecting both , we shall finde we have both a body and a soul . Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death , said , Our affairs answer our desires : but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my people , who attribute too much to me , and esteem me as it were their God ; and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man : I submit to his will , and I know he will not leave this great Enterprise of mine imperfect . Three things Sir John Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth : 1. That the peoples esteem of him would loose him . 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown . 3. That yet it should recover , and be finished . As to Publick Counsels : 1. Sir John was against the War with Scotland , which he said was rather to be united to England , then separated from it . 2. He was against King Edwards Will , saying , He would never distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion , as to disinherit Orphans , to keep up Protestantism . 3. He laid a Platform of a War with Spain . 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions . 5. Bishop Ridley , Doctor Coxe , seconded ; and Sir John Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of Charity . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wentworth . SIr Tho. Wentworth of Nettlested in Suffolk , so a younger Family , ( confessed by the Crescent in his Coat ) descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-wood-house in York-shire , and was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry 8. He was a stout and valiant Gentleman , a cordial Protestant , and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors ; John Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel , and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite . The memory of this good Lord is much ( but unjustly ) blemished , because Calis was lost the last of Queen Mary under his Government : The manner was huddled up in our Chronicles , ( least is best of bad business ) whereof this is the effect : The English being secure by reason of the last Conquest at St. Quintin , and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof , he sate down before the Town at the time ( not when Kings go forth to , but return from battle ) of mid-winter , even upon New-years-day . Next day he took the two Forts of Risebank and Newman-bridge , ( wherein the strength of the City consisted ) but whether they were undermined or undermoneyed , it is not decided , and the last left most suspitious . Within three days the Castle of Calis , which commanded the City , and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain , was taken , the French wading through the Ditches , ( made shallower by their artificial cut ) and then entring the Town , were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis , the onely man , saith Stow , who was killed in the fight , ( understand him , of note ) others , for the credit of the business , accounting fourscore lost in that service . The French re-entring the City the next day , being Twelfth-day , the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance , which ( alas ) was like the wrigling of a Worms tayl after the head thereof is cut off ; so that he was forced to take what terms he could get , viz. That the Towns-men should depart ( though plundered to a Groat ) with their lives , and himself with 49 more , such as the Duke of Guise should chuse , should remain prisoners to be put to ransome . This was the best news brought to Paris , and worst to London for many years before : It not onely abated the Queens chear the remnant of Christmas , but her mirth all the days of her life . Yet might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France , because she hung it by her side with so slender a string , there being but five hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garison ; too few to manage such a piece of importance . The Lord Wentworth the second of June following , was solemnly condemned for Treason , though unheard , as absent in France : which was not onely against Christian charity , but Roman justice ; Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them to deliver any man to die , before he which is accused have the accusers face to face , and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him . It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransome was paid , and Queen Mary dead , who otherwise probably had lost his life , if he had had his liberty . But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown , he found the favour , or rather had the justice to be tryed again , and was acquitted by his Peers ; finding it no treachery , cowardise or carelessness in him , but in Sir John Harlston and Sir Ralph Chamberlain , the one Governour of Risebank , the other of Calis-Castle : for which they were both condemned to die , though their judgement was remitted . This Lord was the onely person I have read of , who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his head lay at stake ; and having lost the fore , recovered the after-game . He died a very aged man , 1594. Thus far Mr. Fuller . Two ways a Courtier advanceth himself : the first , that more leisurely , slow , though sure , of watching Offices , Preferments and Dignities that may by steps bring them to the Kings presence : The second , that more quick and short , but most practised , of following the Court for such extraordinary Commissions and particular services to the Empire , as may ( without the danger of delays that must be fatal amidst so many Competitors ) recommend him to his favour . It was below Sir Thomas his Estate to stoop to that first method ; it suited more with his activity to embrace the second . Two usually-inconsistent qualities he had , The closeness of an Agent , and The Valour of a Souldier . To Rome he was sent in disguise , and to Treport with an Army : so graceful his carriage , so insinuating his affability , so clear and well-weighed his discourse , so searching and comprehensive his judgement ; so gravely Aiery , so Majestically pleasant his countenance , so becoming his gate and apparel , so watchful his Negotiations , so winning his Addresses , so discreetly smart his Reparties , ( darting a suddain lustre and vigour to the darkness and heaviness of his graver Discourses , neither common nor unsavoury ; neither affected nor far-fetched , neither abusive of others , nor mis-becoming himself ) so discreet and well-managed his complaisance , ( with reference to circumstances , person , place , time , matter and cause ) that he had Cardinal Senhault's Secretary , to bring him to the Popes Closet ; the Emperours Agent Randolphus , to introduce him to Court ; that he won Fryar paul , to shew him the mysteries of the Church ; Engineer Palvino , to represent the Popes Cities , Towns , Fortifications , Havens , Harbours , Antiquities , Seminaries , Exercises , Ships , Treasure , Armories , Arsenals , Maga●ines , ( having always by him a Card of the Territories ) and the Popes Bedchamber-man , to shew him all the Papers and Transactions that concerned Henry the eighth . So well experienced his Conduct , so well disciplined his Army , so watchful and industrious his Nature , so good his pay , ( though he pawned , as once in Normandy , his own Estate to satisfie his Souldiers ) so noble his rewards of valour and service , ( it being his rule , That every man should enjoy as much as he could conquer ) so prevalent his example , that he did more with 2000 men in three moneths , then the Duke of Suffolk had done with 8000 in three years . The Duncery and idleness of the Monks in his time , ( as he writes himself ) made Erasmus a Student : the sloth and carelesness of Commanders in Sir Thomas his time , made him a Souldier . Edward the third of England having sent to France to demand the Crown by Maternal Right , the Council there sent him word , That the Crowe of France was not tied to a Distaff . To which he replyed , That then be would tie it to his Sword. Sir Thomas Wentworth demanding Normandy in right of the Dukes thereof , Kings of England , was told , That Dukedomes were never given away in France by the Wills of the Dead : Nay then , replyed he , we will have them against the Wills of the Living . It 's written of our Henry the fifth , that he had something of Caesar in him , which Alexander the Great had not , That he would not be Drunk ; and something of Alexander the Great , which Caes 〈…〉 had not , That he would not be Flattered : Sir Th 〈…〉 was had both their Vertues , none of their Vices ; Non tam extra Vitia , quam cum summis Virtutibu 〈…〉 Though he could not avoid misfortune , and p 〈…〉 sper ; yet he could yeild to it , and retire : ( that 〈◊〉 perienced File that could not withstand the enemi 〈…〉 shot , could fall down and escape it . ) Privacy at once secured and supported this unfortunate Gentleman . It is much to know how to lead and bring on successfully ; it 's more to retreat , and come off handsomely , and give over a bad game . Since he heard ill , I hear no more of him but this : One being designed an Agent , waited upon this knowing and experienced Lord for some Directions for his conduct and carriage ; he delivereth himself ( saith my Author ) thus : To secure your self , and serve your Country , you must at all times , and upon all occasions , speak truth : for ( as he added ) you will never be believed ; and by this means your truth will secure your self if you be questioned , and put those you deal with ( who will still hunt counter ) to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings . Observations on the Life of Sir Clement Paston . SIr Clement Paston was a Souldier , and a Souldiers Son ; Valour running in the Blood for three Generations , and maturated by Noble and Heroick Actions for Glory and Success . Designed he was by his Friends for the Gown , but by his own Nature for Armour : Born for Action rather then Contemplation . When his Father asked him what he would desire of him , he desired a Horse and a Sword. He was tried in the King of France his service in Henry the Seventh's time , for his overthrow in Henry the Eighths . He was the first that made the English Navy terrible , and the last that made our Army so : He took the Admiral of France , and saved him of England : 30000 Crowns he received by way of Ransome from the first , and 1000 l. by way of Gratitude from the other : A Cup he would shew that the first gave him every Holy-day , and a Ring of the seconds every Christmas . Two Kings made use of his Person , and two Queens of his counsel , which he gave even on his death-Bed . His advice was short , but resolute ; his words few , but pertinent ; his discourse commanding , and Souldier-like : his word , the Decr 〈…〉 of the Medes . King Henry the Eighth called him His Champion ; the Protector , in Edward the Sixth time , His Souldier ; Queen Mary , Her Seaman● and Queen Elizabeth , Her Father . When W 〈…〉 was overthrown , he would deliver himself up to Gentleman , and therefore onely to Sir Clement P 〈…〉 ston . The two great Interests of Souldiers is Pay and Honour : He mortgaged his Estate twice , to satisfie them for the one ; and pawn'd his Credit 〈◊〉 Court often , to encourage them for the other getting his Commanders always power and authority enough to do their Masters business , but never enough to do their own . There being always a contest between the Po 〈…〉 lacy and the Souldiers , ( whom nothing reco 〈…〉 ciles but downright force and necessity ) it Wa● death to his Followers to be irregular , because one of their miscarriages exasperates a million , and d 〈…〉 stastes a Kingdom ; so necessary is a strict Discip 〈…〉 in the Camp , and an impartial Justice in the Countrey . Outward occasions help fortune , a mans own temper makes it , when there be , as my Lord Ba 〈…〉 writes , no stops or restiveness in a mans minde , but that the wheels of that keeps even with those of fortune . Sir Clement and Cato Major were both of 〈◊〉 make , both having tantum robur corporis & ani 〈…〉 ut quocunque loco nati esset fortunam sibi facturi videbantur . Observations on the Life of the Lord Rich. HE must needs be preferred , who was so richly descended and nobly allied , as to shew at Court upon his first appearance sixty Noblemen and Knights of his Relation , and a hundred and fifty thousand pound a year revenue among his Friends . He was more beholding to the Temple for his Law , then to the Universities for his Learning . His severe and active Nature aspiring above the pedantiqueness of a Scholar , to the usefulness of a Statesman : I could never endure ( saith he ) those studies that furnish me onely with unactive thoughts and useless discourse , that teach me onely to think and speak . His staid and solid parts commended him to Cromwel , and Cromwel recommended him to King Henry the Eighth : He was Solicitor-General to His Majesty , and Steward to his Master : Cromwel was the Mawl and Rich the Hammer of Abbeys : He laid open to the Monks their faults , and his Master made use of it to force them to a surrendry : For as he said , when those religious Societies saw they had faults enough discovered to take away their Lands , they had wit enough to give them up . His Counsels overthrew Popery , and his Deposition cut off Sir Thomas More : for being sent to Sir Thomas , after much discourse with him , he asked him this subtle Question , Whether be would acknowledge the King supreme Head if it were enjoyned by an Act of Parliament ? Sir Thomas asked him 〈◊〉 again , If the Parliament enacted that God should 〈◊〉 be Lord , whether he should consent to it ? And those words undid him . He saw that the Protestant Religion was the interest of England , as well as the Doctrine of Scripture ; and therefore he carried it on in point of policy , as Archbishop Cranmer di● in point of conscience . King Henry the eighth admired his distinct reasoning , and stayed judgement and Queen Anne Bullen was taken with his grace 〈…〉 cloquence , and ingenious discourses : In the morning his plyant soul , that could answer all the turnings and windings of business , was as reserved and solid as that of a demure States-man ; in the evening , as cheerful and merry as that of a Debona 〈…〉 Courtier . He was the wisdome of the Court in the Presence , and its wit in the Closet ; its Oracle there , and its pleasure here . King Henry the eighth made him one of his L●gators , and King Edward the sixth one of his Council : Under him he carried on the Protestant Religion in point of conscience , which others managed in point of interest . He designed the degrees of the Reformation , and he set out its method , then whom none more zealous in things necessary , none more moderate in things indifferent . Active he was , but wary ; stirring , but cautious . To him the Reformers resorted in point of Law , as to Cranmer and Ridley in point of Religion . Such his Prudence , that the Protector made him his Friend ; such his Integrity , that the King made him Chancellour : where his Decrees were just , his Dispatches quick , his Judgements speedy , his Sums of Debates full and satisfactory , his Sentences irreversible ; his Assistants in the Rolls , and other Courts , able and honest . None more complyant to Reason , none more stiff in things against Reason : He would do any thing for King Edward the sixth's interest , nothing for Duke Dudley's ambition ; therefore he observing the course of Affairs , would rather resigne his Place , then his Integrity : when he could not with a safe conscience keep it , he with a contented minde parted with it ; being honoured with the Barony of Leez , and enriched with the Western Abbies ; it being the Prudence of that time to interest the Nobility in the Papal Revenues , that so they might be engaged against the Authority . R. Rich Lord Chancellour , ( saith my Author ) then living in Great St. Bartholomews , though outwardly concurring with the rest , began now secretly to favour the Duke of Somerset , and sent him a Letter , therein acquainting him with all passages at the Council-board , subscribing the same ( either out of haste or familiarity ) with no other Direction save To the Duke ; enjoyning his servant , a new Attendant , as newly entred into his Family , safely to deliver it . The man made more haste then good speed ; and his Lord wondring at his quick return , demanded of him where the Duke was when he delivered him the Letter : In the Charter-house , ( said the servant ) on the same token that he read it at the Window , and smiled thereat . But the Lord Rich smiled not at the Relation , as sadly sensible of the mistake , and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk , no great friend of his , and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset . Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning , who may be presumed not to have slept all night : He hieth to the Court ; and having gotten admittance into the Bedchamber before the King was up , fell down on his knees , and desired that his Old Age might be eased of this burthen ▪ some Office ; pleading that there ought to be some preparatory intervals in States-men between their temporal business and their death : in order to which , he desired to retire to Essex , there to attend his own Devotions . Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his Request . And thus he saved himself from being stripped by others , by first pulling off his own cloaths , who otherwise had lost his Chancellours place for revealing the secrets of the Council-board . There are few places so impregnable , but Nature hath left in them some place or other by which they may be taken : none being armed at all points so well , but there is some way left whereby he may be surprized . He is the strongest that hath fewest accesses . He was a wise man that said , Delay hath undone many for the other world , Haste hath undone more for this , Time well managed saves all in both . But there is a Wheel in things , which undoeth all those that have not a Wheel that answereth it in their Souls ; I mean a great capacity to comply and close with those grand Vicissitudes that with small and unobserved circumstances turn round the World , which this great Man was Master of , who had his eye upon the turns , flexures and poynts of things and business , and his state and interest ready to correspond : He knew when to proceed , when to make a stand , and when to retire . It 's said of Grandees , That they are the first that finde their own Griefs , and the last that finde their faults : Our Lord was quick in both , and hath taught us this , That certainly men of great fortunes are strangers to themselves ; and while they are in the puzzle of business have no time to tend the welfare either of Body or Soul ; and that they must withdraw from this world , before they retire into another : For , Illi mors gravis incubat , qui notus nimis omnibus , ignotus moritur sibi . There are no more Remarques of this Noble Personage , than that he was the Father of this Apophthegme , Well done , if warily ; and Great Grand-father to the present Earl of Warwick . Observations on the Life of Sir John Mason . HE had his Birth at Abingdon , and his Education at Oxford : His Birth commended him to All-Souls , and his Breeding to the Court : His Study was like his Inclination , rather active then contemplative , his present thoughts foreseeing and providing for his future Employments . But Industry and Parts may prepare a man , it is opportunity and occasion that must advance him ; and never had a man fairer opportunity , never made a man better use of it . None but Mr. Mason would the University pitch upon , to complement Henry the Eighth ; none but Mr. Mason could please him , although he was as great a Scholar as he was a King , and as much an Humorist as both : as he was inclined , so he studied ; as he studied , so he writ ; not with a Pedants impertinence , but a Statesmans prudence : so elegant was his Latine , that a Critick would have advanced him Professor ; so various his Learning , that Cranmer would have preferred him Prebend ; and yet so grave and wise the matter and composure of his speech , that the King designed him a Statesman . When King Henry the Eighth came to Oxford , Sir John is deputed to congratulate his coming : who considering that a man cannot every day speak to Kings , contrived ( saith my Author ) the matter of his speech most manlike , politick and pertinent , the phrase of it polite and majestick ; so that what with his comely presence , his becoming carriage , his flowing expression , his graceful elocution , he gained that applause from the Court and University , that the one was as eager to have him , as the other was loth to part with him : the University was proud of him , but King Henry commanded him , and disposeth of him in forreign parts , to adde practi 〈…〉 experience to his speculative studies : It was the excellent way of that time , to pick out the choice youths of both Universities , and maintain then some years abroad , to make such Observations as might render them serviceable at home . Dwelt with Books he had long enough , now he must converse with men , and open his recluse and retired soul , to a practicable and social temper , by debonairness and freedom , too long mewed up with study and melancholy : Think and speak he could very well already , now he must learn to act and live : Books furnished , Travel must enlarge and settle his soul . Four things made a Statesman in those dayes : 1. The University and good Letters . 2. The City and Converse . 3. The Court and Freedom of spirit . 4. Travel and Observation . It was the politick Discipline of those days to select ( saith mine Author ) the pregnancies of either Vniversity , and breed them in forreign parts for publick Employments . Agreeable whereunto , Mr. Mason is sent beyond sea with Instructions to guide him , and a Pension to support him : With Order , 1. To keep exact correspondence with the Secretary at home . 2. To entertain 1. the most eminent Scholar , who might represent the Church : 2. the ripest Undersecretary , who might decipher to him the ●tate : 3. the ablest Souldier and Seaman , that might open to him the Interest of both Nations . 3. To take an exact account of the Havens , Forts , Cities , Avenues , Passages , Ways , Treasure and Interest of the place he lives in . 4. To follow the respective Embassadors Directions in every Court. 5. To appear in each place upon any solemnity , Civil or Military , suitable to the occasion , all charges to be defrayed from the English Exchequer . His Pension was two hundred and twenty pounds a year ; his Circuit wa● France , the Netherlands and Italy ; his Commission was to engage any knowing person of those respective Courts that could transcribe their Edicts or Orders , give exact Intelligence , make any Interest , or had any influence upon their respective Governments : His Rules were , 1. To correspond with his Majesties Agents . 2. To have few and choice Acquaintance . 3. To make Collections of , and Observations upon the Histories , the Laws , Customs , and the most considerable Statesmen , Governours , and Great men , with their Relations and Dependencies in those Courts . 4. To give a monthly account of such Remarques as occurred , at large to the Secretary , and in brief to the King and Cardinal . His first undertaking was in France , where his Gravity was too severe , beyond the dalliances of that place . His next was to Italy , where he shewed as great a reach in countermining , as the inhabitants of that place do in managing their plot : None designs ( saith the Character ) further off then the Italian : None seeth ( said Sir Tho. Audley ) further off then Sir John Mason . His last voyage was to Spain , where he out - grav'd the Don Himself , and then returned with the Italians quickness , the Spaniards staidness , the Frenchmans Ayr , the Germans Resolution , and the Dutchmans Industry : Qualities that demonstrated he understood other Countreys , and could serve his own . There this pregnant Gentleman being at some distance , could look more inwardly into the Constitution , Situation , Interest , State and Complexion of his own Countrey ; and being near , could discern those of other parts with the mutual aspect of England upon them , and theirs upon it . They that lived in those times say that none understood the affairs of England and France , together with their mutual advantages or disadvantages , better than Sir John Mason . He that had seen the mysteries of four Courts , might be trusted with those of one , as he was in King Henry the Eighth's time , in the capacity of a Privy Counsellour ; and in Edward the Sixth's , in the Trust of chief Secretary . At the Board , none clearer in his Proposals ; in his Office , none quicker for Dispatch : Let me hear Sir John Mason , said the King ; Let us to Sir John Mason , said the Subjects : so much the reputation of his prudent integrity with the one , and of his familiar access with the other ! Four things he said kept him in , under all the Revolutions , during the four Princes Reigns whom he served : 1. That he thought few Things would save a man. 2. That he was always intimate with the exactest Lawyer , and ablest Favourite . 3. That he spake little , and writ less . 4. That he had attained to something which each party esteemed serviceable to them , and was so moderate , that all thought him their own . When a compleat man , he was called home , to be first Clerk of the Council , a place of great Trust ; secondly , Secretary of State , a place of great Employment ; thirdly , Master of the Requests , an Office of great Dispatch and Business ; and fourthly , Treasurer of the Houshold , an Employment of constant care . No Age wanted an able man more , no Age had one more willing to secure the Universities , than that which chose him to be Chancellour of Oxford , at the same time that his Prince made him Treasurer of the Houshold . Sacriledge it self then gaping after the University-Lands , durst not tempt so honest a Man , nor perswade so great a Scholar , nor fright so resolute a Statesman to betray or yeild up those ancient Encouragements of Learning and Vertue . Loth was Oxford to part with him when a Scholar , glad to entertain him a Statesman , with a power to protect her , well tempered with Obligations to love her ; he who is now the Father being lately the Son ; maintained by a part of it , as he now maintained the whole . That was a scrambling time , when it was catch who catch can . I finde not any particular favour conferred , or benefaction bestowed by him in person on the University ; but this great good he did , That his Greatness kept others from doing any harm . Many hungry Courtiers had hopes to catch Fish , ( and Fish it would be , whatever came into their Nets ) on this turning of the tide , and alteration of Religion : How easie was it for covetousness in those times to quarrel the Colledge-Lands into superstition ! Sacriledge stood ready to knock at their Gates ; and alas ! 't was past their Porter's power to forbid it enterance , had not Sir John Mason vigorously opposed it , and assisted the University on all occasions . He inciteth them to the study of the Tongues ; because sensum alicujus rei non potest ille assequi qui rudis est Idiomatis quo traditur : and directed the reading of Aristotle , Agricola , Melanc●bon , &c. instead of Scotus , Burleus , Bricot : calling for all their Charters , Donations , Satutes , Popes Bulls , with an exact Rental of their Lands , and Inventory of their Goods , which were restored intire and safe . The University , that could not enjoy his presence , craves his protection ; and foreseeing in the fall of Abbeys , their danger , especially when Foundations erected for superstition were given by statute to the King , chose Sir John Mason their Chancellour , who was at once a Favourite of Power and of Learning ; the greatest Lay-Statesman that was a Scholar , and the greatest Scholar that was a Lay-States-man : He was not contented to secure , but he must improve Oxford , gaining it New Priviledges , when it feared the loss of its old ones . A grave and reserved man he was , who understood the Intrigues and Motions of those dark and uncertain times , and his nimble and present Prudence could accommodate them . His Maxime was , Do , and say nothing : Commending the active and close man , whose performances were as private , coherent , continued and suddain as his counsels ; who would not spend that time in advising , that would serve for executing : Many were his pensions to Scholars at home , more to Agents abroad that assisted either his studies or employments , whom he designed an honour to his middle , and a support to his old age . He had a peculiar way of satisfying suiters by plain dealing and dispatch : he would divide all suits either into matter of Equity , or a suit of Controversie ; or into matter of Desert , or a suit of Petition : In the first he had his Referrendaries , to see the matter compounded between both Parties , rather then carried by either : In the second , he preferred all suitably to their Abilities . No man understood better the nature of Court-places than he , and none saw further into Court-Persons . Two things , he said , always promoted a matter : 1. Secresie : ( Boasting , which is the way of some Courtiers , though it discourageth some Competitors , yet it awakeneth Others . ) 2. Timing of it , with an Eye to those about us . He would advise a Man to begin with a little and mean suit : For though ( as my Lord Bacon observes ) iniquum petas & aquum feras , is a good Rule , where a man hath strength of favour ; yet otherwise a man had better rise in his suit : For he that would have ventured at first to have lost his Suitor , will not in the conclusion lose both the Suitor and his own former Favour . It 's from him , while he lived , that we learned Celerity is the best Secresie ; Prudence and Resolution is the onely Fortune ; Converse is the great Education ; Boldness a mans surest Success ; Good Nature is the eminent Nobility ; and a well-weighed Honesty the onely Favourite . It 's by him , when he died , we are taught that Moderation out-lasts Violence , Modesty Ambition , a Publique Spirit a Private One : That to act alone may be as Profitable as Honourable , but to joyn with others , most safe : That to study the nature of a Prince , may for the present advance ; but to understand the Interest of his Kingdom , is always secure : The one way being as uncertain as the frail Person it depends upon , the other as sure as the lasting State it serves . Observations on the Life of Sir William Stamford . SIr William Stamford was of Straffordian extraction ; Robert his Grandfather living at Rowley in that County : but William his Father was a Merchant in London , and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex , where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Laws ; attaining so much eminence therein , that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. His most learned Book of The Pleas of the Crown , hath made him for ever famous amongst men of his own Profession . There is a spirit of retraction of one to his Native County , which made him purchase Lands , and his son settle himself in Straffordshire . This worthy Judge died Aug. 28. and was buried at Hadley in this Shire , in the last year of the reign of Queen Mary , 1558. King Iames had a Judge that would give no money , and King Henry had one that would take none . There have been those Lawyers that turned the point of Law upon the Law it self ; that wounded the Eagle with a feather from his own Wing , and stabbed the person of Princes with their Authority ; that dethroned Kings with a moot-point , and overthrowed a Government at a Reading . This Judge understood , that as the Law is the security of the people , so Prerogative is the strength of the Law ; and that that is the best temper of Government where Kings have so much power to do evil , that they may be able to do good . Miserable experience hath taught us , that since power hath been wrested from Princes , that neither they nor their people can be safe , if both be not in such a way as the Law hath intrusted the publick safety and welfare ; which consists in a full power belonging to the King , to secure Liberties , preserve Property , and protect their People in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry , and the benefit of those Laws to which themselves have consented . He sets himself good Rules , as well to create good presidents , as to follow them ; reducing things to their first institution , and observing wherein and how they have degenerated : yet still taking counsel of both times ; of the ancienter time , what is best ; and of the latter , what is fittest . He made his course regular , that men might know what to expect ; but not peremptory , that Knaves might not know how to impose upon him : always expressing himself well , when he digressed from his Rule . Preserve the right of his place he would , but not stir Questions of Jurisdictions ; rather assuming his right in silence , and de facto , then voice it with claims and challenges . He directed in most Affairs , but was busie in none : none readier to give , none readier to take helps and advices . His speech was more discreet then eloquent ; rather particularly suitable to the present things and persons , then generally orderly and artificial . He could speak quick and deep too , never using many circumstances , lest he were tedious ; ever some , lest he were blunt : so warily did he deliver what he knew , that he was sometimes thought to know what he did not . He knew what might be said , so good his fancy ; and he knew what should be thought , so great his judgement : commanding the discourse where-ever he was , by that prudence that could bring it on and off ; and that variety that happily intermingled Arguments with Tales , Reasons with Opinions , and earnest with jest . His Decrees were the Hedges of Propriety , his Dispatches cool , his Cases rightly stated ; his Reports savour of Integrity and Prudence , of Books and Men. How discreetly would he moderate the rigorous circumstances of Petty and Poenal Laws ! how exactly observe the designe and drift of the more fundamental and reasonable ! Here no Intrigues to perplex , no Attendance to tire , no Hazards to discourage , no Checks or Delays to vex , no surreptitious advantages to surprize ; no defeats of hopes , or falseness of friends to disappoint ; no negligence of Agents , or interest of Parties to betray ; no Oratory or Sophism to varnish or hide a matter : all things clear as Justice , and smooth as Integrity . By diligence and moderation , with their gentle degrees and augmentations , and his own watchful observance , he climbed to Excellency . A man is neither good , nor rich , nor wise at once ; it being a double work to be great : 1. To remove Obstruction , and accommodate Adversaries : 2. To watch and assume the advantage . What is longest in proving , is longest declining : the Rose that buds one day , withereth the next : The Oak that is an Age a growing , is five standing . He had those lower Vertues that drew praise from the Vulgar , which he neglected , ( knowing that they were more taken with appearances then realities ) he had middle that they admired , and good men observed ; he had his highest Vertues , which they perceived , and great men honoured : In a word , a fragrant fume he had , that filled all round about , and would not easily away . Although he despised the Flatterer praise , as base ; and avoided the Cunnings , as dangerous ; yet he would say of a deserved Fame , That being nothing , or but ayr at best , it doth all : for it 's sufficient to breed Opinion , and Opinion brings on substance . He observed of himself , that he came very hardly to little Riches , and very easily to great Riches : For when a mans Stock is come to that , as my Lord Verulam observes , that he can expect the prime of the Markets , and overcome those Bargains which for their greatness are few mens money , and be Partners in the Industries of younger men , he cannot but mainly increase with those two Advancers of Gain , 1. Diligence ; and , 2. A good Name . He hath left these two Principles behind him for those of his own profession : 1. That that they should reduce every Statute to the Common Law and Custome whereon it is grounded . 2. That they should as well look into the History of former times for the Reasons and Circumstances of our Laws , as into their Law-books for the matter of them . Some Lawyers assert the Subjects Liberty , and retrench the Prerogative ( as too much power to be trusted for a mortal man ) within the known Limits of Law , that so Subjects may be at a certainty how to square their Loyalty and Obedience . He always upheld that Prerogative , saying , That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Commonwealth , must be trusted against all Emergencies , with the management of its own might : concluding always thus ; Submission is our Duty , and Confidence our Prudence . Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time , E●●empore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem coram Deo dare , quam Episcopatum coram bominibus exercere . Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time , In quae reservamur tempora ! det Deus ut Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam . His Book containeth two parts ; One of The Pleas of the Crown , the other of The Kings Prerogative . In him ( saith Mr. Fulbeck ) there is force and weight , and no common kinde of stile ; in matter very few have gone beyond him , in method none have overtaken him : in the order of his writing he is smooth , yet sharp ; pleasant , yet grave : and surely his method may be a Law to the Writers that succeed him . Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey . SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex , where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter . He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law , that he was preferred secondary Judge of the Common Pleas , and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth , in Michaelmas-Term , the nineteenth of her Reign , to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer : which place he discharged for the Term of two years , to his great commendation . He le 〈…〉 one Daughter and Heir , married to Sir Edward Montague , ( since Baron of Boughton ) by whom he had but one Daughter , Elizabeth , married to Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey , Mother to the truly honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey , and Lord great Chamberlain of England . This worthy Judge died in the 21 of Queen Elizabeth . This was he who was called the Plodding Student , whose industry perfected Nature , and was perfected by experience . He read not to argue onely ; for that is vanity : nor to believe and trust for that is easiness : nor to discourse ; for that is idle : but to weigh and consider ; for that is prudence . He had his Studies for pleasure and privacy , for ornament and converse , and for judgement and business . To spend too much time on his Book , was sloth ; to talk by Book , was affected ; and to act by it , was humoursome and Scholar-like Four things he would say helped him . 1. His Inclination : ( It 's a great happiness to a man ( saith Aristotle ) when his Calling is one of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of those things that agree with his nature ) 2. Method . 3. Religion , with that just and composed mind that attends it . 4. A great happiness in all the four faculties that make a Lawyer : 1. A sharp invention , and clear apprehension to search all the circumstances of a case propounded . 2. Judgement to examine and weigh the particulars invented and apprehended : for truth lieth in things , as Gold in Mines . 3. Memory to retain what is judged and examined . 4. A prompt and ready delivery of what is conceived and retained , set out with ingenuity and gravity . Oratio praesta non audax . What he said , was close and pinching , and not confident and earnest ; allowing passion not to disturb either the method or delivery of his discourse , but to quicken it . To speak well and much , he said , was not the work of one man : yet if a Philosopher be eloquent , said Cicero , we must not despise him ; if he be not , he must not affect it , so that he can comprehend in words what he conceiveth , and speak them plainly , that he may be understood . His Latine and French were Grammatical , his Rhetorick Natural , his Logick Reason : The first , opened the terms ; the second , pressed the vigour ; the last , collected and disposed of the Axiomes , Grounds and Rules of the Law , and all prepared him for that comprehensive Profession ; in the ashes whereof , the sparks of all other Sciences were raked up . His gesture and habit was grave , but not affected ; speaking as much to the eye , as his tongue did to the ear : ( the gesture being a great discoverer of the constitution , and a great direction to business : what a man misseth in the speech , he may sometimes find in the looks ) His temper was moderate and sober ; a Vertue , and a seasoning of all others , attended with the Lawyers gift , and that is Patience . Modest he was , but not fondly bashful ; his prudence , and not his softness . His humility begat affableness ; his affableness , society ; that , conference ; conference , parts , and they acquaintance ; and that , practice ; and practice , experience ; experience , renown ; and that , preferment . Sir John's inclination was studious ; his minde , constant , solid , and setled , and able to dive into the whirl-pools of that intricate and perplexed Faculty ; his thoughts being orderly , and his conceptions methodical : his search comprehensive , avoiding Epitomes , as the banes of Learning . Nullus illi per otiam dies exit , partem noctium studiis vindicat non vacat semno , sed succumbit , & oculos vigilia fatigatos cadenteque in opere detinet . Considerable were the Parts he had , but more so the making up of those he had not : his covering of his defects being of no less importance then the valuing of good Parts , which he did three ways : 1. By caution , ingeniously and discreetly waving and putting off things improper . 2. By colour , making his Defects his Vertues , and his Faults his Endowments . And 3. By that freedom of Spirit that daunts the weakest , and prevaileth with the wisest . He proposed to himself five things to enquire into , in order to that compleatness he arrived unto : 1. The ancient Maximes and Principles , or the more ancient Customs that make up the Common Law of England . 2. The Acts and Constitutions that make up its Statute-Law . 3. The particular Priviledges , Liberties , Immunities and Usages of Counties , Burroughs , Cities , &c. that doe swerve from this Law. 4. The ancient Grounds and Reasons ( as far as History can direct ) of all these : our Law being an exact Reason . 5. The most satisfactory explanations of the Law : 1. From Commentaries , as Bractons : 2. Abridgements , as Stathams : 3. History , as the years and terms of the Common Law : And 4. From more particular Tracts , that handled their peculiar subjects , as Fortescue , Glanvil , Britton , Fleta , Littleton , which he thought not unprofitable to read , though dangerous to rely upon : ( with the Lord Cooke , not liking those that stuff their mindes with wandering and masterless reports : For , as he said , they shall find them too soon to lead them to error : ) Beginning with the terms of Art ; and then to the matter ; perusing what is antiquated , and observing what is suitable to the present constitution and complexion . It 's my Lord Cook 's Rule , That for the most part the latter Judgements and Resolutions are the surest , and therefore fittest to season a man withal in the beginning ; both for settling of his Judgement , and retaining them in memory ; yet as he goeth on , out of the old field● must spring and grow the new Corn. Our Lawyers course was slow and leisurely , his reading digested and deliberate : His considerations wary , and distrust his way to knowledge . He that begins with certainties , ends in doubts ; and he that begins with doubts , ends in certainties , and looketh into the bottom of things . Upon serious and solid Books he bestowed a double reading ; the one cursorily , by way of preparation ; and the other exact , by way of digestion . Three things made him a Pleader : 1. Reading . 2. Observation . 3. Exercise . And indeed , in ancient times , the Sergeants and Apprentices of Law did draw their own pleadings , which made them good Pleaders . He observed the affections , the intent , the analogy , the validity of the Law , putting all his reading to writing ; having the places he was most to handle in all the variety that could be , with his Rules and Maximes , as far as reading , hearing , meditation , conference and memory could help him . Thus his first thoughts were upon his Profession , until that advanced him to the highest Eminence ; and his last upon his Interest , until that was improved to as much fortune as lieth in a well-laid Estate and Alliance . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth . THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND , IN The Reign of Queen MARY . Observations on the Life of Sir William Cordel . SIr William Cordel , where-ever he was born , had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in Suffolk , and lieth buried in that fair Church , under a decent Monument : We will translate his Epitaph , which will perfectly acquaint us with the great Offices he had , and good Offices he did to Posterity . Hic Gulielmus babet requiem , Cordelliae avito , Stemmate qui clarius , clarior ingenio : Hic Studiis primos consumpsit fortiter annos , Mox & causarum strenuus actor erat . Tanta illi doctrina inerat facundia tanta , Vt Parlamenta publica lingua foret : Postea factus Eques , Reginae arcana Mariae Consilia , & Fatriae grande subibat opus . Factus & est Custos Rotulorum ; urgente senecta , In Christo moriens caepit ad astra viam . Pauperibus largus victum vestemque ministrans , In super Hospitii condidit ille domum . He was made Master of the Rolls November the fifth , in the fifth of Queen Mary , continuing therein till the day of his death , the 23 of Queen Elizabeth . Eight weeks and upwards passed between the Proclaiming of Queen Mary , and the first Parliament by her assembled ; during which time , two Religions were together set on foot , Protestantism and Popery ; the former hoping to be continued , the latter labouring to be restored : And as the Jews Children after the Captivity spake a middle Language , betwixt Hebrew and Ashdod ; so during the foresaid Interim , the Churches and Chappels in England had a mixt celebration of their Divine Service between Reformation and Superstition : The same day there was a Mass sung for Edward the Sixth's soul in the Tower , and the English Service for his Burial in Westminster . No small justling was there between the zealous Promoters of these contrary Perswasions : The Protestants had the Law on their side , and the Papists the Prerogative : These the Queens Opinion , the other her Promise . Besides , seeing by the Fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolk Protestant Gentry , the Queen was much advantaged for the Recovery of her Right ; they conceived it but reason that as she by them regained the Crown , so they under her should enjoy their Consciences : Thus it is in the Evening Twilight , wherein Light and Darkness at first may seem very equally matched , but the later in a little time doth wholly prevail . The Catholick canvass for the next Parliament upon the Queens credit and authority , the Reformed upon the Nations Inclination . The Body of the Kingdom meets , and chuseth our Knight for Speaker , whose temper was a Representative of the Parliament , as that is of the Kingdom : A temper made up of an equal mixture of Loyalty and Piety , that could at once stand to their Religion , and submit to their Soveraign ; Render to Caesar what was Caesars , and to God , what was Gods : Long did he expect that the Queen would comply with the Parliament , and as long did she stay for their compliance with her : Unite they could not unanimously among themselves , dissolved they are therefore peaceably by her . But Cordel was too Popular to be neglected , and too honest to be corrupted : Useful Parts will finde Preferment , even when the Dissenting Judgement findes not Favour . The Speaker of the unhappily healing Parliament was made Master of the Rolls in Queen Maries days , and of a more happily healing one was made so in Charles the Second's Reign : The one was of that Primitive Faith that was before the Modern names of Papists and Protestants ; the other of a Moderation that was elder then the new Heat● of Disciplinarians and Anti-Disciplinarians . The miscarriages of Authority are chiefly six : 1. Del●y . 2. Faction . 3. Roughness . 4. Corruption . 5. Ambition . And 6. Private Designs . No delay hindered : where set times of hearing were observed , access was easie , the order and method of business uninterrupted . No corruption , where there durst be no suspition of it ; insomuch as that it was as 〈…〉 einous to offer a Bribe to him , as to 〈◊〉 it in another . Here was severity that awed men to a discontent , but no austerity that sowred them to discontent ; all was smooth and grave , pleasing and becoming , yet nothing easie or soft ; it being worse to yeild to importunities that are dayly , then to be bought with money , which comes but seldom . Vertue in Ambition is violent , but in Authority , is here , it was calm and settled . He sided with no Faction in his rise , but balanced himself by all : He had no design when he lived , but to be spent in the ●ublique Service ; and none when he died , but to spend himself in publick charity , a charity that is at once the continued blessing and grace of that worshipful Family . Cato Major would say , That wise men learn more of f●●ls , then fools do of wise men : And King Charles the first would say , That it was wisdome in fools to jest with wise men , but madness for wise men to jest with fools : ●nd Sir William Cordel bequeathed us this Observation , There is no man that talks , but I may gain by him ; and none that holds his tongue , but I may loose by him . Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Cooke . SIr Anthony Cooke , great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Mayor of London , was born at Giddy-Hall in Essex , where he finished a fair House begun by his great Grandfather , as appeareth by this Inscription on the Frontispice thereof : Aedibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim , Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus . He was one of the Governours to King Edward the sixth when Prince , and is charactered by Mr. Cambden , Vir antiqua serenitate . He observeth him also to be happy in his Daughters , learned above their Sex in Greek and Latine : namely , 1. Mildred 2. Anne 3. Kathering married unto William Cecill , Lord Treasurer of England . Nicholas Bacon , Lord Chancellour of England . Henry Killigrew , Thomas Hobby , Knights . Ralph Rowlet , 4. Elizabeth 5. Sir Anthony Cooke died in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair Estate unto his Son , in whose name it continued till our time . Gravity was the Ballast of his Soul , and General Learning its Leading . In him met the three things that set up a Family : 1. An Estate honestly gotten in the City . 2. An Education well managed in the University . And , 3. Honour well bestowed at Court. Yet he was some-body in every Art , and eminent in all the whole circle of Arts lodging in his soul . His Latine , fluent and proper ; his Greek , critical and exact ; his Philology , and Observations upon each of these Languages , deep , curious , various and pertinent : His Logick , rational ; his History and Experience , general ; his Rhetorick and Poetry , copious and genuine ; his Mathematiques , practicable and useful . Knowing that souls were equal , and that Women are as capable of Learning as Men , he instilled that to his Daughters at night , which he had taught the Prince in the day ; being resolved to have Sons by Education , 〈…〉 or fear he should have none by birth ; and lest he wanted an Heir of his body , he made five of his minde , for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of 〈…〉 ffection and of Estate . His Childrens maintenance was always according 〈…〉 o their quality , and their employment according 〈…〉 o their disposition ; neither allowing them to live 〈…〉 bove their fortunes , nor forcing them against their 〈…〉 atures . It is the happiness of Forreigners , that 〈…〉 heir Vocations are suited to their Natures , and 〈…〉 hat their Education seconds their Inclination ; and 〈…〉 o th byass and ground do wonders . It 's the un 〈…〉 appiness of English-men , that they are bred ra 〈…〉 her according to their Estates , then their temper ; 〈…〉 nd Great Parts have been lost , while their Calling 〈…〉 rew one way , and their Genius another ; and 〈…〉 hey sadly say , Multum incolae fuere animae nostrae , 〈…〉 e have dwelt from home . Force makes Nature 〈…〉 ore violent in the return ; Doctrine and Discourse 〈…〉 ay make it less importune ; Custome may hide 〈…〉 r suppress it , nothing can extinguish it : Nature 〈…〉 en in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or 〈…〉 erbs : careful was this good Father therefore , sea 〈…〉 onably to water the one , and destroy the other . 〈…〉 ch was done by his grave Rules , more by his 〈…〉 raver life , that Map of Precepts . Precepts teach , 〈…〉 ut Examples draw . Maxima debetur pueris reve 〈…〉 ntia , was Cato's Maxime . Three things there 〈…〉 e before whom ( was Sir Anthony's saying ) I can 〈…〉 ot do amiss : 1. My Prince ; 2. My Conscience ; 〈…〉 . My Children . Seneca told his Sister , That 〈…〉 ough be could not leave her a great portion , be would 〈…〉 ve her a good pattern . Sir Anthony would write 〈…〉 o his Daughter Mildred , My example is your inberitance , and my life is your portion . His first car 〈…〉 was to embue their tender souls with a knowing ▪ serious , and sober Religion , which went with the 〈…〉 to their graves . His next business was to in 〈…〉 their younger years to submission ; modesty and obedience ; and to let their instructions grow wi 〈…〉 their years . Their Book and Pen was their Recreation ; the Musick and Dancing School , the Cou 〈…〉 and City , their accomplishment ; the Needle i 〈…〉 the Closet , and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitching , their business . They were reproved , b 〈…〉 with reason that convinced and checked , th 〈…〉 wrought as well an ingenious shame , as an unfeigned sorrow , and a dutiful fear . Fondness never loved his Children , and Passion never chastised the 〈…〉 but all was managed with that prudence and discr●●tion , that my Lord Seymour standing by one da● when this Gentleman chid his Son , said , Some 〈◊〉 govern Families with more skill then others do Kingdomes ; and thereupon commended him to the Government , of his Nephew Edward the sixth . Su 〈…〉 the Majesty of his looks and gate , that Awe governed ; such the reason and sweetness , that love obliged all his Family : a Family equally afraid 〈…〉 displease so good a Head , and to offend so great . 〈…〉 their marriage they were guided by his Reas 〈…〉 more then his Will ; and rather directed by 〈…〉 Counsel , then led by his Authority . They we 〈…〉 their own portion : Parts , Beauty and Breedi 〈…〉 bestow themselves . His care was , that his Daughters might have compleat Men , and that their Husbands might be happy in compleat Women : nev 〈…〉 promising , yet always paying a great Dowry . Their spirit and business kept them from that weak pass 〈…〉 of love that embaseth Mankind ; their Noble con 〈…〉 se improved that friendly love that perfecteth 〈…〉 ; and their marriage compleated that Nuptial 〈…〉 ve that makes it . He said first , and his Grand-childe my Lord Bacon after him , That the Joys of Parents are Secrets , and so are their Griefs and Fears . Children sweeten Labours , but they embitter Misfortunes : they encrease the care of Life , and m 〈…〉 gate the remembrance of Death . Very providently did he secure his Eternity , by leaving the 〈…〉 age of his nature in his Children , and of his 〈…〉 ind in his Pupil . The Recreations he indulged were moderate , lawful , sober , becoming , useful , ●nd seasonable : the Expences he allowed , not so il●iberal as to acquaint them with shifts , make them 〈…〉 ort with mean company , nor surfeit when they came to plenty ; nor yet so prodigal , but that they were taught how to live in the world . The Books he advised were not many , but choice : the business ●e pressed was not reading , but digesting . The King of Sweden's men were but six deep ; and Sir Anthony's exercises were not thick , but methodical and armed : the Diet he prescribed , moderate : in Apparel he allowed for necessity , for decency , and in some cases for magnificence , provided that it were neither too costly , nor too vain ; neither above the Purse , nor beyond the Calling , nor besides the Estate . Sir Anthony took more pleasure to breed up States-men , then to be one . Contemplation was his Soul , Privacy his Life , and Discourse his Element . Business was his Purgatory , and Publickness his torment : yet so serviceable was he in Edward the sixth's time , that he was an Exile in Queen Mary's : An Exile , whose exemplary resolution supported Religion , whose obliging Authority maintained Peace , and whose inexhaustible charity provided for the Poor at Zuricke and Frankford . A Sussex ( and not a Kentish ) Knight having spent a great Estate at Court , and brought himself to on 〈…〉 Park , and a fine House in it , was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen , but her Brother at it ▪ and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms , and a Motto overwritten , thus , OIA VANITAS , in great Golden Letters ▪ Sir Anthony Cooke ( and not his Son Cecil ) offering to read it , desired to know of the Gentleman what he meant by OIA ? who told him , it stood for O●nia . Sir Anthony replyed , Sir , I wonder having made your Omnia so little as you have , you notwithstanding make your Vanitas so large . King Edw 〈…〉 would say of his Tutors , That Rodolph the Germ 〈…〉 spake honestly , Sir John Cheeke talked merrily , D 〈…〉 Coxe solidly , and Sir Anthony Cooke weighingly : A faculty that was derived with his blood to his Grandchilde Bacon , which informs the world of this great truth , That Education doth much towards Parts ; Industry more ; Converse , Encouragement and Exercise , more yet ; but a sound temper and nature , an wholsome blood and spirit , derived from healthful and well-constitutioned Parents , doth all . Observations on the Life of Sir David Brooke . DAvid Brooke Knight , born at Glassenbury , Son to John Brooke Esq who was Sergeant at Law to King Henry the Eighth . Our David was also bred in the Study of our Laws , and in the first of Queen Mary was made chief Baron of the Exchequer : but whether dying in , or quitting the place in the first of Queen Elizabeth , I am not informed . He married Katharine Daughter of John Lord Chandois , but died without issue . A Lawyer , and a Lawyers son : yet one whose Zeal for the Religion of that time advanced , rather then his Law ; to serve rather his Princes interest , then his Court : that being the happy , shall I say ? or unhappy time when the Soveraign and the State did often consult with Judges , and the Judges more often consult with the Soveraign and State. Yet although a particular respect raised , a general fair carriage kept him up ; He observed not onely things , but times ; not onely times , but persons : therefore when old Poenal Laws came before him , he confined them in the execution , that that which was made for terrour , should not be for rigour ; and the Instrument of Government should not be the snare of the People . When Informers of that Court were too busie , he checked them : when violent prosecution , cunning advantages , combinations , power , or great counsel balanced an honest cause , he set all things even . His invention was good to improve his Mistresses Revenue , his conscience was as tender to diminish it . Q. Mary w 〈…〉 ready of her own inclination , but readier upon S 〈…〉 David Brookes motion , to part with the Church Profits . Patient and grave he was in hearing , sparing and weighty in speaking : None would direct an Evidence more orderly , none moderated the length or impertinency of Pleaders more discreetly : None would recapitulate , select , collate the material points of what had been said , more exactly ; none gave judgement more satisfactorily ; always commending a good Lawyer that miscarried ; a good way to uphold in the Client the reputation of his counsel , and beat down in him the conceit of his cause . He died with some projects in his breast for the Revenue , and some for the Law ; whereof one was a composition for the Purveyances , and another a regulation of the Wards : both at that time thought , till regulated , as unprofitable for the Crown , as they seemed to be burthensome to the subject . He had a close way of discovering Concealments , as he had a severe one of punishing frauds . His word was , One Law executed , is worth twenty made . None more austere in case of others wrong , none more mild in that of his own ; and he would say , What is done , is done . Weak men concern themselves in what is past , while the wise take care of what is present and to come . If a man wrongeth me once , God forgive him , ( saith the Italian : ) if he wrongeth me the second time , God forgive me . Others may be even with their enemies in revenge , he would be above them in forgiveness . An enemy , I say , though otherwise to a perfidious and an unworthy friend , he was much of Cosmus Duke of Florence his temper , who said , You shall read that we are commanded to forgive our ●nemies , but you never read that we are commanded 〈…〉 o forgive our friends . Many have inveighed against Usury , none have done more against it then this Knight ; who if he ●ad lived , was resolved to reduce it to these Rules . 1. That it should be declared unlawful . 2. Being declared so , if any practised it , ( as men must do , or Traffick will fall ) that there should be a penalty upon the Usurer , which might amount to an Excise or Custome that would arise from that money if employed in merchandize . 3. That yet if any exacted above five in the hundred , they should loose the Principal . A rate that on the one hand would keep up the necessary Commerce of Lending and Borrowing among the Old ●nd the Idle , and yet direct men to that more ne 〈…〉 ssary of buying and improving Land , and other Commodities that are more industrious and inge●ious . 4. That none yet presume this , but in some principal places of Merchandizing : for then ( as my Lord Bacon hath projected it ) they will hardly be able to colour other mens moneys in the Country : for no man will lend his money far off , or put it into unknown hands . Or , Lastly , That there be no money lent out upon terms but to the State , which may make its advantage of it . Indeed , considering on the one hand that Usury decayeth the Kings Custome , bringeth money to few hands , damps Industry and Invention , beats down the price of the Land , and by eating up private Estates breeds a publick Poverty : It were to be wished it were forbidden . And on the other , That Borrowers trade most ; that , No Usury , no young Merchants ; that , Without Usury men must sell their Estates at under-Rates , more sad then Usury ; that , No borrowing , no living ; no Usury , no borrowing : It were wished it were regulated , so that the inconveniences of it were avoided , and the advantages retained , and Extortion be checked , as Traffick is encouraged . Thus he that hath no private care , advanceth the publick Good , and the childeless man is most thoughtful for Posterity : Certainly the best Works and of greatest Merit for the Publique , have proceeded from the unmarried , or the childless man ; who both in Affection and Means have married and endowed the Publique : He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune : For they are Impediments either to Vertue or Mischief . A fat man in Rome riding always upon a very lean Horse , being asked the Reason thereof , answered , That he fed himself , but he trusted others to feed his Horse . Our Judge being asked what was the best way to thrive ; said , Never do any thing by another , that you can do by your self . Observations on the Life of Doctor Thomas Wilson . THomas Wilson born in Lincolnshire , was Doctor of Laws , bred Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge , and afterwards was Tutor in the same University to Henry and Charles Brandon , successively Dukes of Suff●lk . Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospital of St. Katharine's nigh the Tower of London . At last he became Secretary of State to the Queen for four years together . He died Anno 15 He had the breeding of Courtiers so long , until he was one himself : At once reading Machiavel for my Lord Burleigh's Instruction , and observing it for his own use . His Parents designed him for study , his Nature for business . His presence assisted his inclination , and his complaisance his presence ; and his good Nature , both : A good Nature that would have spoiled a Politician in any other but Doctor Wilson , whose Wisdom was the largeness of his Soul , not the narrowness of a shift . He had that comprehensive and penetrating judgement , that he could at once shew the greatest prudence in laying his design , and the greatest Integrity in managing it , as rather securely knowing than warily close . But he that is onely real , had need have exceeding great Parts of Vertue ; as the Stone had need be rich ; that is set without foil : Therefore He was something a Courtier : There are small matters that win great commendation , because they are continually in use ; whereas the occasion of any great action cometh but on festivals , and it is enough to attain so much ceremony and courtship not to despise it . He had a way of conveying effectual and imprinting passions among complements , suitable to persons and business : He had his familiarity to Inferiours , that made him not cheap : his state among Equals , that made him not envied : and his observance to Superiours , that made him no Flatterer : His Behaviour like a well-made suit , not too streight , or point devise , but justly measured , and free for exercise or motion . He had a slow but a sure way to honour , which was nothing else in him but a discovery of his Vertues and Worth upon any occasion without any disadvantage . It was his Interest as well as his Gift , to be more learned then witty , more reverend then plausible , more considerate then active . His thoughts were as his inclination , grave ; his discourse as his reading , subtle ; his action as his Education , well weighed , regular as his temper , even and smooth as custom , and resolved as a habit gotten in that advancement of Vertue , A well-disciplined Society ; where Example teacheth , Company comforteth , Emulation quickneth , Glory raiseth . None had a more skilful method to sway Nature in others , none more prudent minutes and seasonable degrees to check it in himself : His Rule being , Never to practise any thing until perfect : for so he might exercise his weakness as well as his abilities , and induce one habit of both . Three things he aimed at : 1. The search of Truth by Industry . 2. The attainment of it by Apprehension . 3. The enjoyment of it by Assent . He is a happy man that is above the troubled and confused Regions of Opinions , Fancies , Prepossessions , in that clear and undisturbed one of Truth and Reality : Though yet my Lord Verulam observeth , That if there were taken out of mens mindes vain opinion , flattering hope , false valuations and imaginations , as one would , and the like , &c. it would leave the mindes of a number of poor men poor shrunken things , full of melancholy and indisposition , and unpleasing to themselves . Neither took he greater pleasure in knowing than in relating and doing what is true , sound and plain , without those crooked courses that shew a creeping rather then a raised nature ; and , as Mr. Mount aigne observes , is a bravery and facing of God , and a shrinking from and being coward before man. He said , what all great men know , That he was six times a Slave : 1. To Himself and his Inclination , till he had advanced Reason . 2. To the World and its Insolence , till he had improved his Fortune . 3. To his Pupils and their Tempers , till he understood their Genius . 4. To Fame and its Reports , till he was known in the World. 5. To his Soveraigns and their Humours , till he found their Interest . And 6. To his Business , till he had attained Experience . Thus it is with all Grandees , who exchange their power over themselves for that over others , and with great pains come to greater . Two things he wished when called to the world , Power and Resolution . A naked Man is contemptible , ( for it 's Power that begets Fear , it 's Fear that makes Gods , and rules the world ) an easie Man is useless : a facile-natured man may be a good Companion for a private person , but no Servant to a Prince : Remissness and Connivance are the ruines of unsetled Governments . The Game of Authority will not admit of too open a play . In a word , he was one that knew the resorts and falls of business , though he could not sink into the main of a matter ; being one that packed the Cards better then he played them . Three things compleated this Secretary : 1. Quick dispatch and industry . 2. Constant intelligence and correspondence . 3. A large and strong memory . Queen Elizabeth would needs at first favour my Lord of Leicester against the Earl of Sussex , which this Doctor and my Lord Burleigh disswaded upon this account , Because if she who should be the common Mother of all , inclined to one party , and leaned to a side , the Ship of the Commonwealth would be as a Boat overturned by too much weight on the one side , and too little on the other . Take heed ( said the Royal Martyr to his Son our Soveraign ) of abetting any Faction , or applying to any publick Discrimination : your partial adhering as head to any one side , gains you not so great advantages in some mens hearts , ( who are prone to go on in the Kings way ) as it looseth you in others , who think themselves first despised , and then persecuted by you . Take such a course as may either with calmness and charity quite remove the seeming differences and offences by impartiality ; or so order affairs in point of power , that you shall not need to fear or flatter any faction : for if ever you stand in need of them , or stand to their courtesie , you are undone . His Place called upon him to suppress with seveverity such seditious reflexions upon the State , as came to his knowledge : but his inclination was to dissipate them with connivance and contempt . To be opposed , renders a Faction considerable ; to he despised , ( and watched ) ridiculous : To go about to stop the first appearances of sedition , is ( saith my Lord Bacon ) but to make a wonder long-lived . His knack was a politick and artificial nourishing and entertaining of hopes ; and keeping men in suspense is one of the best Antidotes against the poyson of discontent : it being observed by the foresaid States-man , to be a certain signe of a wise Government & Proceedings , to hold mens hearts by hopes , when it cannot by satisfaction ; and when it can handle things in such manner , as no evil shall appear so peremptory , but that it hath some out-let of hope : which is the easier done , because both particular persons and factions are apt enough to fiatter themselves , or at least to boast what they believe not . In a word , although he made not so much noyse as other men , yet he as effectually promoted the three main Supporters of this Nation , 1. It s Native Commodities , 2. It s Artificial Manufactures , 3. It s Vecture and Carriage ; and so died with that content and resolution , that they do who are overtaken by Fate in the pursuit of great Actions , and publick Designes . Observations on the Life of Sir John Portman . JOhn Portman Knight , was born of wealthy and worshipful Extraction at Portman's Orchard in Somersetshire , a fair Mannor , which descended to him by inheritance , the Heir of the Orchard being match'd into his Family . He was bred in the study of the Common Law ; attaining to such eminency therein , that June 11. 2 of Queen Mary , he was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench , continuing two years in the place , and dying therein for ought I finde to the contrary ; and a Baronet of his Name and Linage flourisheth at this day with a great and plentiful Estate . No doubt but he died in his place , there being none of those things that carry disgrace and downfal with them , incident to him . For the first thing that ruines a Courtier , is a boasting of his own service ; and then our Knight , none more modest . The second , is an undutiful observation of our Princes actions ; and none more faithful and meek . The third , is the revealing or abusing of secrets ; and none more reserved and civil . The fourth thing , is either provoking the Nobility against himself , or dividing them among themselves : he was too wise for the one , his designe being rather alliance then quarrel , to adde interest to his Estate , and honour to his Riches ; and too quiet for the other . Many have an Opinion not wise , ( saith that Oracle ) that for a Prince to govern his Estate , or for a great Person to guide his Proceedings , according to the respect of factions , is a principal part of policy : whereas contrarywise , the chiefest wisdome is either in ordering those things that are general , and wherein men of several factions do nevertheless agree ; or in dealing with , or correspondence to particular persons one by one . Mean men in their rising must adhere ; but Great men that have strength in themselves , were better to maintain themselves indifferent and neutral . The fifth particular that pulleth down a man , is a misunderstanding of his own interest , or the Princes : Our Judge understood both , being equally made up of * Craterus and Haephestion , faithfulness and compliance . The sixth , is the hatred of the many , ( whom this persons integrity always obliged , there being no herd more feral then an enraged multitude ) or the envy of the great , whom his wariness disobliged not ; it being more fatal to incense a Favourite who would be above all affronts by his greatness , then a Prince who is so by Law. The seventh misfortune , is to be too much concerned in the secrets of Princes ; wherewith Sir William never meddled without assistants , never acted without a Warrant . The eighth , is unsuccessful Counsel ; and our Knight went the safe and middle way , neither to be feared nor envied , which he was always present to second , prosecute or correct , as he saw most cause . His sharp and sound judgement to distinguish Persons , Affairs , and other Circumstances , and accordingly how to order the manner of his Proceedings , was much ; his well-weighed and wary , though quick apprehension and experience from Men and Books , more ; his particular memory , and its minute observation for his conduct and business , most of all . His care of vain and idle Prepossessions balanced his soul , his temper managed it : his love was choice and cautious ; his hope moderate and knowing ; his confidence slow , but certain ; his desires and joys allayed and checked , or quickened by the edge of his anger , or the caution of his fear ; and all sedate with his foresight . Nature did this person some wrong in his Body , but made him amends in his Soul : the fails of the One , are foils to set off the Other : the first comes off with more Glory , by the pully and defect of the second : Besides that the unkindness of Nature puts men often upon being eminent in Art ; that the happiness of this , may divert men from observing the unhappiness of that . But of all the Vertues his constant and growing Soul raised him to , this was one , That he durst not entertain a Gift , which ( as he said ) conquers both the foolish and the wise : which in publick places it is a Vice to accept , and not a Vertue to offer : It being a snare rather then a favour . His next was Diligence : Neglect wastes a man as insensibly as Industry improves him : We need no more but sit still , and Diseases will arise onely for want of exercise . Man 's a Watch that must be looked to and wound up every day : the least incuriousness steals to improficiency or offence , which degreeingly weighs us down to extremity : Diligence alone is a fair Fortune , and Industry a good Estate . There are five mens Activities that raise to Estates : 1. The Divine to a small , but an honest one . 2. The Physitian to a competency , but uncertain . 3. The Courtier to a great one , and an honourable . 4. The Citizen to a large one , but not lasting . And 5. The Lawyer to one large , and firm too . Seldome doth his Family fail , who is sure to tye his Estate to his Childe by an Entayl , and his Childe to his Estate by an Education and an Employment . When we observe the several alterations in Gentry , we finde four principal Actors on the Theatres of great Families ▪ the Beginner , the Advancer , the Continuer , and the Ruiner . 1. The Beginner , who by his Vertues refineth himself from the dross of the Vulgar , and layeth the foundation of his house . 2. The Advancer , who improveth it . 3. The Continuer , who conveyeth it to his Posterity as he received it from his Ancestors . 4. The Ruiner , that degenerates from his Fathers . Our Judge began not , but advanced that excellent Family , whose original I cannot finde , so ancient it is ; and whose end I hope none will see , it is so noble . Observations on the Life of William Howard . WIlliam Howard , son to Thomas Howard , second of that Surname Duke of Norfolk , was by Queen Mary created Baron of Effingham in Surrey , and by her made Lord Admiral of England ; which place he discharged with credit . He was one of the first Favourers and Furtherers with his Purse and Countenance of the strange and wonderful discovery of Russia . He died anno Don● . 1554. This Noble Person had his plainness from his Father , his ingenuity from his Mother , his experience by Travel and Navigation : his Blood endeared him to his Soveraign , and his Abilities advanced him to her service : He promised no less to his Mistress , then his Father and Uncle had performed to her Father . The Ancestors merit is security for Posterities , who will hardly forfeit that favour with one act of their own unworthiness , that was gained by so many of their Predecessors service . Like a well-drawn picture this Lord had his eye on all round : on his Queen , to be faithful ; on his Country , to be publick-spirited ; on his Family , to be honourable ; on the present Age , to be active ; and on the future , to be renowned . The old Lord Burleigh , sometime Treasurer of England , coming to Cambridge with Queen Elizabeth when he was led into the publick Schools , and had much commended their convenience , beauty and greatness , together with their Founder Humphrey the good Duke of Glocester ; Yea , marry , ( said he ) but I finde one School wanting in our Vniversities , and that is the School of Discretion When Private Tutors had initiated , Publick Schools had seasoned , and the University had improved this Gentlemans sprightly and noble Parts ; yet did his Father observe one great defect in his Education , and that i● Discretion ; Discretion in Carriage , for which he sent him to Court ; Discretion in business , for which he sent him to travel and fight . Not long had he been abroad to furnish himself with experience , but he is called home to e●noble himself with action . The Alvaes of Spain were for four Generations together Commanders by Land , and the Howards of England for as many , Admirals at Sea. None ever had more Power , none used less then he : The more Authority he had allowed him over others , the more Command he obtained over himself . Twice did he mortgage his Estate for his followers Pay ; many times did he venture his Life for their encouragement . None directed more skilfully and yet none acted more resolutely . Equally did he divide the profit , equally share the honour with his followers , who under him never dared , and never feared a danger . Manners make a man , saith the Courtier ; Money makes a man , saith the Citizen ; Learning makes a man , saith the Scholar : but Conduct makes a man , saith the Souldier . This Lords spirit never put him on so forwardly , but his wariness took care how to come off as safely . He that fights should despair , but he that commands should hope . The Souldier among the Persians is drawn with his eyes before him , and the General with his behinde him . Young men in the manage of Affairs embrace more then they can hold , stir more then they can quiet , flee to the end without consideration of the means and degrees ; pursue some few principles , and extream remedies they have chanced upon rashly , which they will neither confess nor reform . Old men object too much , consult too long , adventure too little , repent too soon , and seldome pursue things home to their full period . My Lord was an happy composition of both himself , and had of either about him , that the coldness and wariness of Age might correct the heat of Youth , and the Activity of Younger might be directed by the Experience of Riper Ones : The one gave Authority , and the other Life to his Actions . He himself was better to invent then to judge , fitter for Action then Counsel , and readier for new Projects then for setled business . The Lord Clinton's Prudence served him in old and usual matters , but in new things abused him : My Lord Howard's was quick for present Emergencies , but not comprehensive of ordinary transactions . Of the three Admirals of those times , we may say as they did of the * three Kingdomes , Lisle was wise before the Action , my Lord Howard in it , my Lord Clinton after it . England without a freedome of commerce , was but a larger Prison : others opened the Trade to the Indies , to Asia , and other parts of the world ; but we wanted the Hemp , the Flax , the Pitch , the Fur , and the other useful Commodities of Russia , serviceable to our selves , and more to our Ships . His Purse in this case did much , his Direction more , his servant Jenkinson most of all , who made curious observa●ions of Russia , set forth a Geographical description of it , and was the first of the English , that sailed through the Caspian Sea. With his assistance the Muscovia Company was set up in Queen . Maries days ; and with his servants it obtained the Priviledge of sole Traffick into the Northern Parts of Russia in Elizabeth's . Nihil habet fortuna magna majus , nec natura bona melius quam ut ●elit bene-facere quam plurimis . Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Mountague . EDward Mountague , Son of Thomas Mountague , born at Brigstock in Northampton-shire , was bred in the Inner Temple in the study of the Laws , until his ability and integrity advanced him Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench , in the Thirtieth of Henry the Eighth . He gave for his Motto , Aequitas Justitiae Norma : And although Equity seemeth rather to resent of the Chancery than the Kings Bench , yet the best Justice will be Wormwood without a mixture thereof . In his times though the golden showers of Abbey-Lands rained amongst greatmen , it was long before he would open his lap , ( scrupling the acception of such Gifts ) and at last received but little , in proportion to Others of that Age. In the thirty seventh of King Henry the Eighth he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas , a descent in Honour , but ascent in Profit ; it being given to old Age , rather to be thrifty then ambitious : Whereupon he said , I am now an old man , and love the Kitchin before the Hall ; the warmest place best suiting with my Age. In drawing up the Will of King Edward the Sixth , and settling the Crown on the Lady Jane , for a time he swam against the tide and torrent of Duke Dudley , till at last he was carried away with the stream . Outed of his Judges Office in the first of Queen Mary , he returned into Northampton-shire ; and what contentment he could not finde in Westminster-hall , his Hospital-hall at Bough 〈…〉 afforded him . He died Anno 1556. and lieth buried in the Parish Church of Weekely . His well-managed Argument in Dodderidge his Case , brought him to Cromwel's knowledge , who was vexed with his Reason , but well pleased with his Parts . Cromwel's recommendation and his own modest nature set him up with Henry the Eighth , who could not endure two things : 1. A Lawyer that would not be guided : 2. A Divine that would not be taught . Yet as modest as he was , he was honest ; and though he would submit to the Kings Power , yet would he act by his Law : For his Apophthegm was , Meum est Jus dicere , potius quam Jus dare : It 's my duty to interpret rather then give Law. He never denied or delayed Justice ; always discouraging those cunning Laws that perplexed a Cause , those contentious Clients that delayed a suit , and those nice Cummin-●eed men that strained inferences , and wrested constructions . Patient , stayed and equal he was in hearing , grave in speaking , pertinent in interrogating , wary in observing , happy in remembring , seasonable and civil in interposing . The Counsel durst not chop with him , neither would he chop with the Counsel , unless he defended his cause over-boldly , urged indiscreetly , informed slightly , neglected gro●ly , renewed the debate unseasonably , or ensnared his Adversaries cunningly ; in those and other the like cases , he would do the Publique Right by a check , and the Person by an admonition . Six sorts of persons he discountenanced in his Courts : 1. The scandalous Exactors . 2. The slie shifters , that , as that Chancellour observed , pervert the plain and direst courses of Courts , and bring Justice into oblique Lines and Labyrinths . 3. Those that engaged Courts in quarrels of Jurisdiction . 4. Those that made suits . 5. Those that hunted men upon Poenal Statutes . 6. Those that appeared in most Testimonies and Juries . His Darling was , The honest Clerk , who was experienced in his place , obliging in his carriage , knowing in Presidents , cautious in Proceedings , and skilful in the affairs of the Court. Two things he promoted in King Henry's days : 1. The Law against Gaming . And 2. The Order against Stews . And two in King Edward's : 1. That Act against spreading of Prophecies . 2. That Statute against embasing of Coyn. But King Edward's Testament and the Duke 〈◊〉 Northumberland's Will is to be made : The piou 〈…〉 Intentions of that King wishing well to the Reformation , the Religion of Queen Mary obnoxious to exception , the ambition of Northumberland who would do what he lifted , the weakness of Suffol 〈…〉 who would be done with as the other pleased , the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply ▪ designed the Crown for the Lady Jane Grey . Mr. Cecil is sent for to London , to furnish that Will with Reason of State ; and Sir Edward to Sergeants In● , to make it up with Law. He according to the Letter sent him , went with Sir Jo. Baker , Justice Bromley , the Attorney and Solicitor-General to Greenwich , where his Majesty before the Marquess of Northampton declaring himself for the settlement of Religion , and against the succession of Queen Mary , offered them a Bill of Articles to make a Book of ; which they , notwithstanding the Kings Charge , and the reiteration of it by Sir William Peter , declared upon mature consideration , they could not do , without involving themselves and the Lords of the Council in High I reason , because of the Statutes of Succession . The Duke of Northumberland hearing of their Declaration by the Lord Admiral , comes to the Council-Chamber all in a rage , trembling for anger ; calling Sir Edward Traytor , and saying , He would fight in his shirt with any man in that Quarrel . The old man is charged by the King upon his Allegiance , and the Council upon his Life , to make the Book ; which he did , when they promised it should be ratified in Parliament . Here was his obedience , not his invention ; not to devise , but draw things up according to the Articles tendred unto him . Since shame is that which ambitious Nature abhorreth , and danger is that which timorous Nature declineth ; the honest man must be resolute . Sir Nathaniel Brent would say , A Coward cannot be an honest man ; and it seems by this Action , that modesty and fear are great temptations . Give me those four great Vertues that make a man : 1. A clear Innocence . 2. A comprehensive Knowledge . 3. A well-weighed experience . And 4. The product of all these , A steady Resolution . What a Skein of Ruffled Silk ( saith the ingenious Resolver ) is the incomposed man ! Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Fines . EDward Fines Lord Clinton , Knight of the Garter , was Lord Admiral of England for more then thirty years . He was wise , valiant , and very fortunate , as appears by his Master-piece in Museleborough-field , in the reign of King Edward the sixth , and the Battle against the Scots . He was afterwards created Earl of Lincoln , where he was born , May 4. 1474. and where he had a proportionable Estate to support his Dignity , which he much increased , beside his Paternal Inheritance . He died January 16. 1558. and lieth buried at Windsor , in a private Chappel , under a stately Monument , which Elizabeth his third Wise , Daughter to the Earl of Kildare , erected in his remembrance . His Fortune made him a younger Brother , and his Industry an Heir ; coming to Court , where they that have Estates , spend them ; and they that have none , gain them . His recreation was at Court , but his business in the Country ; where notwithstanding the Statute in Henry the sevenths time against Pasturage for Tillage , he Grazed 11000 Acres of Ground : then a noble and gaining Employment , that advanced many a Family in one Generation ; and now a saving one , that hath kept up as many ten . The best tempered Swords will bend any way , and the best metalled men will comply with any occasion . At White-hall , none more affable and courteous then our Lord ; at Sea , none more skilful ; in the field , none more resolute ; in the Country , none more thristy and hospitable . His Entertainments were orderly and suitable , made up of solid particulars , all growing upon his own Estate . King Charles would say , Every man hath his vanity , and mine ( speaking of the Soveraign ) is Building : Every man hath his humour , and mine ( said he , speaking of the Fens ) is Drayning . Adding withal , He that would be merry for a day , let him be trimmed ; he that would be merry for a week , let him marry ; he that would be merry for a year , let him build ; he that would be merry for Ages , let him * improve . Now you would have him among his Workmen and Stewards in Lincoln , anon among the Commissioners either in France or Scotland ; by and by before Bulloign or Calice , and a while after at Spieres or Muscleborough , and on a suddain at a Mask in Court. Neither was his Soul less pliable to persons , then things : as boysterously active as King Henry could expect , as piously meek as King Edward could wish , as warily zealous as Queen Mary's times required , and as piercingly observant as Queen Elizabeths perplexed occasions demanded . It was by him and my Lord Bacon said of business , That it was in business as it is in ways , that the next and the nearest way is commonly the foulest ; and that if a man will go the fairest way , he must go somewhat about . Sitting in a Committee about invading Scotland , whereof Sir Anthony Brown then Viscount Mountacute presented a Draught , there arose as great a debate between him and my Lord in Council , as afterwards in the Field , about the point of Entrance ; Nay , said my Lord in the heat of the Discourse , with as much power on others passions , as command over his own , We stand quarrelling here how we shall get in , but here is no discourse how we shall get out . It 's a Rule , Whosoever hath any thing fixed in his person that doth induce contempt , hath also a perpetual spur in himself to rescue and deliver himself from scorn , either by vertue or malice ; And my Lord having some disadvantage from Nature , made it up by Art : None more bold , none more industrious and more successful , because that disadvantage took off envy on the one hand , and jealousie on the other : so that upon the matter , in a great Wit , Contempt is a great advantage to rising . Judge Brooke had a Project against Usury , which came up to the Lords House : this rich Peer upon the first motion of it , stands up , and saith , Shew me a State without Usury , and I 'll shew you a State without Men and Trade . Rich he was for expence , and expend he did upon honour and good Action : his ordinary expences were the third of his Estate , and his extraordinary none of it ; his Rule being , Extraordinary disadvantages must be balanced with extraordinary advantages . He would not stoop to petty gains , but he would abridge petty charges : but his occasions calling him often from his Estate , he turned it all to certainties ; often changing his Servants , who being unacquainted with him and his Estate , were less subtle , and more timorous . Much behind-hand he was when he came to the Estate , and as much before when he left it . Neither was he too suddain or too slow in paying his Debts ; equally avoiding a disadvantageous sale on the one hand , and devouring interest on the other : and so inuring himself by degrees into an habit of frugality , he gained as well upon his Minde , as upon his Estate . For husbanding the English Treasure in Scotland , he was Knighted in the Field May 11. 34 H. 8. by the Earl of Hertford : for the Clause concerning Scotland he put in at the Treaty of Guisnes , 35 H. 8. he was made Baron by Patent : for his discreet Conduct in demanding the young Queen of Scots , together with the performance of the Articles made in Henry the eighth's time , with 60 sayl of Ships before the battle of Muscleburgh , he had 600 l. a year assigned him by the Protector : for his great experience at Sea , his interest in Sea-men , and his nown among the Neighbour-States , he was made Earl of Lincoln . Observations on the Life of Sir Barnaby Fitz-Patrick . BArnaby Fitz-Patrick had the honour of being King Edward the sixth his Proxy at School , and one of his Bed-chamber at Court. In King Henry the eighth's time he was sent to School , in King Edward the sixth's to travel , where he had these Directions following from that King , how he might learn fashions there , and send intelligence hither . EDWARD . WE understand by your Letters received the eighth of this present month , your good entertainment , being glad thereof ; and also how you have been once to go on Pilgrimage : Wherefore we think fit to advertise you to desire leave to go to Mr. Pickering , or to Paris , in case hereafter any such chance happen . And if that will not serve , to declare to some person of estimation , with whom you are best acquainted , that as you are loath to offend the French King by reason of his kinde usage of you ; so with safe conscience you cannot do any such thing , being brought up with me , and bound to obey my Laws ; also , that you had commandment from me to the contrary . Yet if you be vehemently procured , you may go as waiting upon the King , not as intending to the abuse , nor willingly s●e the Ceremonies : and so you look on the Mass , but in the mean time regard the Scripture , or some good Book , and give no reverence to the Mass at all . Furthermore , remember when you may conveniently be absent from the Court , to tarry with Sir William Pickering , to be instructed by him how to use your self . For Women , as far forth as you can , avoid their company ; yet if the French King command you , you may sometime dance , so measure be your mean : else apply your self to Riding , Shooting , Tennis , or such honest Games ; not forgetting sometimes ( when you have leisure ) your Learning , chiefly reading of the Scriptures . We would not have you live too sumptuously as an Ambassador , but so as your proportion of living may serve you ; we mean , because we know many will resort to you , and desire to serve you . I told you how many I thought convenient you should keep . After you have ordered your things at Paris , go to the Court , and learn to have more intelligence if you can ; and after to the Wars , to learn somewhat to serve us . By your Letters of the second and fifteenth of April , we perceive that you were at Nancy , ready to go together with Mr. Pickering to the French Camp ; and to the intent you might be better instructed how to use your self in these Wars , we have thought good to advertise you of our pleasure therein . First , we would wish you , as much as you may conveniently , to be in the French Kings presence , or at least in some part of his Army , where you shall perceive most business to be ; and that for two causes : One is , because you may have more experience in the Wars , and see things as might stand you in stead another day : The other is , because you might be more profitable in the Language . For our Embassador , who may not wear Harness , cannot well come to those places of danger , nor seem so to serve the French King , as you may , whom we sent thither for that purpose . It shall be best for you therefore hereafter , as much as you may , to be with the French King ; and so you shall be more acceptable to him , and do your self much good . This I write , not doubting but you would have done it , though I had not written , but to spur you on . Adding withal , To learn the Tongue , to see the manner of the Court , and advertise his Master of Occurrences , keeping close to the King of France , to whom he shall offer his service in the Wars , where be is to observe the fortifications of the Cities , the Conduct of the Armies , the advantages and disadvantages of both Parties ; their Skirmishes , Battels , Assaults , and the Plots of the chief Towns , where any enterprizes of weight have been done . His Exercises were to be Hunting and Riding ; his Company few , but choice , &c. This Gentleman after his return out of France , was created by the King Baron of Upper Ossory in Ireland ; where he died a good Protestant , a Publick-spirited Patriot , and an honest man. Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Fitz-Alane , Earl of Arundel . HIs first appearance in the World was to adorn the Court , his next was to serve it . First his Estate and Train attends King Henry to the Interview with France , and a while after his Valour and Conduct is commanded by him to the War. Equally prepared is he to please and awe that Countrey : The Duke of Suffolke is made General for his Popularity , and the Earl of Arundel Lord Marshal , for his Spirit and Prudence ; and both being before Bulloign , this Noble Lord run up his Squadron under a running shelter about eleven at night , to the very Walls of the City ; which being battered down by the Canon , which was mounted some forty yards higher , opened to the close Besiegers a passage that gained the whole Town by composition . Neither was he less active in Peace than War : A piercing apprehension , a strong memory , a large and capacious judgement , a dexterous prudence , a discerning wisdom , was the least of his happiness : For to his sufficiency and capacity , he added a good disposition and integrity ; and to that , vigour and gracefulness . He was the excellent Personage , that 1. Discerned , 2. Embraced and performed what was Noble and Publique : ( To know , to will and effect what is good , make up a God. ) To these were added a strong Nature , a deep Study , and a very great Experience ; qualities separated in others , but united in him : Nature will out , Education is rude ; Education without Resolution , is loose ; Resolution without Experience , is heady ; Experience grounded upon particular Events , is uncertain , without the study of General and Immoveable Principles : Knowledge of things in their sources and original causes , without Nature , is a Burden : All these without Exercise , are a Notion . This Nobleman thus furnished , derived much Honor from his Ancestors , more to them ; ennobling that Blood to a Glory , which some had debased to a Blush . That great Name after four hundred years shining in that Honour with various lustre , setting in him as the Sun he bore with a full splendour : The last effort of Nature is a Master-piece ; the last blaze of the Candle a shine . Other Noblemen were made King Edward's Overseers for their Integrity ; he one of his Assistants for his Ability : When an Enemy was to be awed to a submission , he was General , such his Fame ! When the Countrey was to be obliged to a loan , he was Agent , such his Popularity ! The first advanced him to the Comptrollership under Henry the Eighth ; the second to the Chamberlainship under Edward the Sixth . Nature hath provided that ravenous Beasts should not associate , le●t they should be too hard for it ; and Government , that prime Counsellours should not agree , le●t they overthrow it : Warwick envied the Protectors Greatness , and Arundel would limit his Power : both with the rest of the Council declare against him . But le●t he should urge the same things against Warwick that he did against Somerset ; they , who love the Treason , bu 〈…〉 hate the Traytor , turn him first out of Favour , and then out of Council , until Queen Maries time when he as an antient Nobleman of England , ( tha 〈…〉 owned no upstart-designs against the old way of succession ) stood for her Right , and as a stiff Catholique promoted her Religion : So that July 21 ▪ 1553. he came from the Queen to Cambridge , where the Duke of Northumberland was , and entering his Chamber , the Duke fell at his feet , desiring him for Gods sake to consider his case , who had done nothing but by Warrant from the Council : My Lord , ( said the Earl ) I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you . And I ( said the Duke ) obey your Arrest ; beseeching your mercy for what I did by Commission . You should have thought of that sooner , ( said the Earl. ) Here you might have seen at once the vicissitude of Fortune , the frailty of Man , the dejectedness of Guilt , the bravery of Innocence , who would neither be trampled on by Greatness , nor trample on Misery ; of an equal temper between pity and resolution . As long as his Youth bore it , we finde him for Action ; but when years came upon him , we finde him in Council , as with Wotton 〈◊〉 the great Treaty at Cambray : Yet not so unactive , but that as Sir William Pickering for his sweet Demeaner , so he for his Estate was voiced an Husband to Queen Elizabeth . When the rest of the Council were for dealing with the Queen of Scots underhand and at distance , he was for treating with her plainly ; and said in the Queens presence , The wisdom of the former Age was so provident that it needed not , and so plain that it endured not shifts . Leicester would perswade the Duke of Norfolk to court the Queen of Scots , but Arundel would not hear of it without the Queen of England's consent : Experience is always wary , yet hath its weaknesses , wherein it may be surprized . For this Noblemans Kindness to his Friend , balancing his Duty to his Mistriss , brought him , the Earl of Southampton , the Lords Lumley , Co●ham , Piercy , &c. to a Praemunire : whereupon he said , He is never wise , that is not distrustful . Fear , that betrayeth the succours of Reason , when predominant , guardeth them when moderate , and is more safe , though not so Noble as that valiant confidence that bequeaths a dilated Freedom to all faculties and senses . But of all his Actions this is most remarkable : Treating with the Scots , he writ to his Majesty King Henry the Eighth , what he had gained already , requiring to know his further pleasure : The King takes advice with his Council , who all agree that the Peace should be concluded : Whereupon the King caused his Secretary the Lord Paget to write to him to that purpose ; but withal , he called Mr. Cecil secretly to him , bidding him tell my Lord , That whatsoever he had written in his Letter , yet with all speed possible he should break the Treaty . Mr. Cecil replying , That a message by word of mouth being contrary to his Letter , would never be believed : Well , ( said the King ) do you tell him as I bid you , and leave the doing of it to his choice . Upon Mr. Cecil's arrival , the Earl of Arundel shewed the other Commissioners as well the Message as the Letter ; they are all for the Letter : he said nothing , but ordered that the Message should be written before , and signed by his fellow-Commissioners , and thereupon immediately broke up the Treaty , sending Cecil with the advertisement of it to the King : Who , as soon as he saw him , asked aloud , What , will he do it , or no ? Cecil replied , That his Majesty might understand that by the inclosed . But then the King , half angry , urged , Nay tell me : Will be do it or no ? Being then told it was done , he turned to the Lords and said , Now You will hear news , The fine Treatie is broken : Whereto one presently answered , That he who had broke it deserved to lose his Head ; to which the King straightly replied , That He would lose a dozen such heads as his was that so judged , rather than one such Servant as had done it : and therewith commanded the Earl of Arundel's Pardon should be presently drawn up , the which he sent with Letters of Thanks , and assurance of Favour . Five things must a Statesman comprehend . 1. The Law. 2. The Government . 3. The Time. 4. The People . And 5. The Prince . Under an active Prince , you must regard the Prerogative ; under an easie one , the Law ; under a compleat one made up of a just measure of Greatness and Goodness , those two things are distinguished onely in the nice discourses of some Speculative , being but one great Rule in the solid actions of that Prince . Observations on the Life of Sir John Dudley Duke of Northumberland . HIs favour was first purchased by his Fathers blood , and improved by his own cunning . King Henry sacrificed Sir Edmund Dudly to allay the Peoples rage , and raised his Son to appease his Ghost . He that disobligeth a multitude , must fall himself ; but he that in so doing serveth his King , may advance his Posterity . Something high he was in the Kings favour , because standing on his fathers Grave ; but higher as he stood on his own Merit : He knew his Fathers service made his way to favour ; his own Education therefore must prepare him for employment . Favour without Parts is a reproach ; Parts without favour are a burden . The King restored him to his Fathers blood , and his own industry recovered his Abilities . There are those that under the notion of wisdome commit the greatest folly , either in too much conversing with the world without , or in too much reflecting on themselves within : Sir John was made up of both ; some time he allowed for Action , more for Consideration . There is not any thing so prejudicial to Action , as to be bent upon Action without intermission : for as the eye seeth not the Objects touching it , but those onely more remote ; so the understanding continually plunged in Affairs , is not so quick-sighted in occurrents , as his who sometime retireth himself from publick Action , beholding it aloof off by consideration . In the heat and tumult of Affairs , Reason hath not that power as may give conduct and motion to active life : besides , experience teacheth us , that the eye having lost its quickness with too much looking upon the light , recovereth it again in the dark : the spirit in like manner dazled , weakened , transported and distracted among the multitude and variety of Affairs , ought to recollect and recover its force in the privacy of some small retreat ; which Sir John made to Italy , the seat of policy and experience ; whence I pray God he brought no more ( saith my Author ) then his closeness and reach . His Soveraign saw he deserved Honour , but saw not without offence to the Populacy how to confer it , until the subtle Youngster shewed him a middle way , ( upon the strange death of the Viscount Lisle , who lost his life for joy that it was saved ) by petitioning for that honour as a favour , which upon his Mothers account was his right : The crafty Youth entered himself of the Cardinals Retinue first , and then of the Kings . Much was he employed by him at Sea , as an Overseer of the Navy ; more in the Field , as Director-General ; most of all in the Romish and French Court , as a Spy. He was too good a Proficient in his School to fall with him , therefore we immediately observe him rising with Cromwel , until the King made him Admiral , and he with his 200 sayl upon the Coast of Scotland made himself renowned ; insomuch that the King left him the next year Viceroy of France , and Deputy of Calice and Bulloign : where to revenge the French attempts upon the Isle of Wight , he drew his Fleet up to the Coasts of Normandy , landed 6000 men at Treport , burned the Suburbs of that Town with the Abby , destroyed 30 Ships there in the Haven , and then returned , not having lost above fourteen persons in the whole Voyage : insomuch that in a Treaty between Ard and Guisnes , wherein he was Commissioner with the Earl of Hertford , Secretary Paget , and Dr. Wotton , the French were contented that we held Bulloign till they paid us 800000 Crowns within the term of eight years . For the further Establishment whereof , he and the Bishop of Duresm are employed to take Oath of the French King and the Daulphine . His Master Henry dieth , but not his designe with him : Norfolk is out of his way ; Seymour will be so : he is now Executor of King Henry's Will , he will be of his own . But as Nature , so Policy works by degrees ; first the graft , then the tree ; after that , the blossome : next that , the fruit : first meaner Essays , and then higher Actions . There was nothing to be attempted at home , until we were secured and feared from abroad ; he therefore leads the Vantguard against the Scots so successfully , that he is made Earl of Warwick . Here his spirit had ensnared him , had not his conduct brought him off . When the Protector refused a Combat as not becoming him , Warwick offereth one : Bring me word ( said he to the Herald that brought the Protector a Challenge from the Lord Huntley ) that thy Master will perform the Combat with me , and thou shalt have an hundred Crowns for thy pains . But a publick Conduct becomes a General better then personal Valour ; and he must so far onely remember he is a Souldier , as not to forget he is a Commander , and so a whole Army too . Against the Rebels in Devonshire so happy he was that upon his discreet Overture of Pardon , ( Mercie is a Vertue with Valour , and but a Weakness with Cowardize ) and coming in person to assur 〈…〉 them of it , they saying , They knew him so honourable , that if he came himself they would embrace it ; threw down their Arms , and submitted to Mercie . Against the French , that took the opportunity of those Turmoyls , he was so prosperous , that he sent them home from Jersey and Guernsey with the loss of two thousand men . Honour he had enough , and Power too , yet not what he aimed at ; ( our Souls are infinite as in their duration , so in their capacity . ) Ambition is like choler , which is an humour that maketh men active , earnest , full of alacrity and stirring , if it be not stopped ; but if it be stopped , and cannot have its way , it becometh adust , and thereby malign and venomous : So aspiring men , if progressive and successful ( their passage to advancement being clear ) are rather active then perilous ; but if curbed with some obstructions , their secret discontent casts an evil aspect upon all persons and actions , and becomes rather dangerous than serviceable . This great Earl's greater minde was useful , when prosperous abroad ; but at home troublesome , when finding a plain man in his way to height , great in his power , greater in his Soveraigns affections , and greatest of all in his knowing Brother ; whose Spirit bare up his Authority , as his Authority supported His Courage : In that 6 mans Brest there was a Prudence that could reach , and a stoutness that could balance this at once close and fierce man. Interest and Blood united these Brothers so strongly , that there was no dividing of them , but by practising on their Wives , whose Humours were above their Interest , and Fancy above their Relation . Their precedence is made a question at Court , where it bred first a distance , and upon an Interview contrived in this Lords house , a difference ; that difference is improved to an animosity , ( he can do little that cannot blow up a spark in a Womans Brest to a flame ) that animosity to malice , and malice cannot dwell long in those weaker brests without a mischief ; mischief they cannot do themselves : ( The Ivy cleaves to the Oak , and these Women to their Husbands , though both ruine the things they cling to : ) What suggestions ! What insinuations ! What pretty fears and jealousies ▪ What little tales and passions ! Yet continual droppings wear a Stone : The Womens discords derive themselves into the Husbands hearts , until the Admiral falls , and leaves the Protector to his own Integrity : Whose large Trust and infinite Business could not but bewray him to some Errour , as his great Power did to much Envy , that first devested him of that Power , and then of his Life . There is not a more admirable Wisdom directing the contrarieties of Nature to an Harmony , than there is a close reach in some men to reconcile variety of Humours , Affections , Oppositions , Rancounters , Events and Changes to one Design . The Protectors easiness is betrayed to confidence ; his too late fears , to a confidence at first , and at last to irregularities : the hopes of some were encouraged ; the grievances of others were aggravated and pitied ; the envy of a third part was excited ; and He the soul in all and every part of the action . The Protector was free spirited , open-hearted , humble , hard to distrust , easie to forgive : The Earl was proud , subtle , close , cruel and implacable ; and therefore it was impar congressus between them , almost with as much disadvantage as between a naked and an armed person . Two nets are laid to take the Protector ; the one breaks , the other holds : The Treason was onely to give a Report , the Felony for designing the death of the Earl of Warwick a Privy Counsellour , did the execution . He being removed out of the way , this Earl of Warwick , as his Predecessor , meditates the honour of King-making . To this purpose he joyns himself by alliance to the best Families , and advanceth his children by employments to the greatest trusts ; particularly ( what Sir Richard Baker saith had been better if it had never been ) his Son Robert ( afterward Earl of Leicester ) was sworn one of the six ordinary Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber : upon which particular the foresaid Historian observeth , That after his coming into a place so near him , the King enjoyed his health but a while . The Duke of Somerset is trained by his enemies to such fears and jealousies , as transport him beyond his own good nature , to an attempt one morning upon the Earl of Warwick , now Duke of Northumberland , abed ; where being received with much kindness , his heart relented , and he came off re infecta . At his coming out , one of his company asked him if he had done the deed ? he answered , No. Then said he , You are your self undone . And indeed it so fell out : for when all other Accusations were refelled , this onely stuck by him , and could not be denyed ; and so he was found guilty by a Statute of his own procurement , viz. That if any should attempt to kill a Priby-Counsellour , although the fact were not done , yet it should be Felony , and to be punished with death . This , notwithstanding many Divertisements used , went so near the consumptive Kings heart , that he prepares for death . The Duke now within ken of his designe , considering the Kings affection for Reformation , the Lords and other Purchasers kindness for Church-lands , the Judges fear , the Courtiers compliance , carried on a Will with a high hand , ( trembling with anger , saith Judge Mountague , if any opposed him ; yea , saying , That he would fight in his Shirt with any that contradicted it ) wherein the Crown was bestowed on Jane Grey , his fourth Sons Wife , ( the Princesses Mary and Elizabeth being laid aside . ) But he forgot ( as what man , though never so reaching , can consider all things ? ) that there is an invisible Power in Right , that there is a natural Antipathy in English men against Usurpation , and as great an inclination for the succession : A Point they had conned so well of late out of the Statute made for that purpose , that they could not well be put out of it by this new-started Designe . The People stand by Queen Mary : the Council notwithstanding their Engagement to stand by him at his going away , ( when he observed in Shore-ditch that the People gazed on him , but bid him not God speed ; and he told the Lords , They might purchase their safety with his ruine . To which one of the Lords replyed , Your Grace makes a doubt of that which cannot be : for which of us all can wash his hands clear of this business ? ) proclaimed the Queen at London , as he doth at Cambridge ; where yet the Earl of Arundel ( who offered his life at his feet when he marched out : O the Vicissitudes of this lower world ! ) arrests him resolutely , and he submits weakly , first to an Imprisonment , and then to a Tryal and Execution . The first night he came to Cambridge , all the Doctors supped with him ; and Doctor Sandys is appointed to preach before him next day . The Doctor late at night betakes himself to his Prayers and Study , desiring God to direct him to a fit Text for that time . His Bible openeth at the first of Joshua , and ( though he heard no voice with St. Augustine , saying , Tolle & lege ) a strong fancy inclined him to fix on the first words he beheld , v. 16. And they answered Joshua , saying , All that thou commandest us , we will do ; and whithersoever thou sendest , we will go : A Text he so wisely and warily handled , that his Enemies got not so full advantage against him as they expected . The next day the Duke advanced to Bury with his Army , whose feet marched forward while their minds move backward . Upon the News brought him , he returned to Cambridge , with more sad thoughts within him , then valiant Souldiers about him . Then went he with the Mayor of the Town , and proclaimed the Queen ; the Beholders whereof more believing the grief in his eyes when they let down tears , then the joy professed by his hands when he threw up his Cap. Slegge Sergeant at Arms arrests him in Kings-Colledge ; and when the Proclamation of Pardon set him at liberty , the Earl of Arundel re-arrests him , at whose feet he craves mercy ; a low posture in so high a person ! But what more poor and prostrate then Pride it self , when reduced to extremity ? Behold we this Duke as the Mirrour of Humane Unhappiness ! As Nevil Earl of Warwick was the make-King , so this Dudley Earl of Warwick was the make-Queen . He was Chancellour of the University , and Steward of the Town of Cambridge ; two Offices which never before or since met in the same person . Thus as Cambridge was his Vertical Poynt , wherein he was in the heighth of Honour ; so it was his Vertical , where he met with a suddain turn , and a sad Catastrophe . And it is remarkable , that though this Duke ( who by all means endeavoured to aggrand his Posterity ) had six sons , all men , all married , none of them left any issue behind them . Thus far better it is to found our hopes of even earthly happiness on Goodness , then Greatness . Thus far the Historian . It was Lewis the eleventh's Motto , Pride and Presumption go before , Shame and Loss follow after . In three sorts of men Ambition is good : 1. In a Souldier , to quicken him . 2. In Favourites , to balance others . 3. In great States-men , to undertake invidious Employments : For no man will take that part except he be like a seeled Dove , that mounts and mounts because he cannot see about him . And in these men it 's safe if they are mean in their original , harsh in their nature , stirring in many little , rather then in any great business . Greater in his own interest then in his Followers . Humility sojourneth with safety and honour , Pride with danger and unworthiness . No man below an Anointed One , is capable of an unlimited Power ; a temptation too great for Mortality , whose highest Interest if indulged , is Self ; and if checked , Malice . Dangerous is the Power of an aspiring Person near a Prince , more dangerous his Disguise , as who acts all things against his Master by his Authority . Let no man upon this example ever repose so much upon any mans single Counsel , Fidelity or Discretion , as to create in himself or others a diffidence of his own Judgement , which is likely to be most faithful and true to a mans own Interest . Let every man have some things that no man shall obtain , and some things that no man must dare ask ; because you see here , if we let all go without reserve , our Reputation is lost in the world by the Reputation our Favourite gains with us . There was in Rome a certain man named Enatius , somewhat entred in Age , and of natural condition mutinous , ambitious , and troublesome : Adrian being advertised that he was dead , fell into a great laughter , and sware , That he could not but wonder he could intend to die , considering what great business he had night and day . Considering how many Affairs he had to manage , how many cross accidents to accommodate , I wonder what time he had to die : And considering his many pretences for the Protestant Religion , especially that for King Edward's , I wonder with what face he could die a Papist . But I have forgot my self : for there are two sorts of persons in Machiavel that must either not believe , or not profess any Religion : The first , the States-man , that acts in publick Affairs ; the second , the Historian , that writes them . Observations on the Life of Sir William Peter . HE was born in that great Nursery of Parts , Devonshire ; and bred in a greater , Exeter-Colledge . That Colledge made him a Scholar , and All-Souls a Man. His capacity was contemplative , and his Genius active ; observing , rather then reading ; with his eye more on men , then Books ; studying behaviour , rather then notion ; to be accomplished , rather then knowing ; and not to erre in the main , rather then to be excellent in circumstance . His Body set off his Parts with a grave dignity of presence , rather then a soft beauty of aspect : His favour was more taking then his colour , and his motion more then his favour ; and all such , as made his early Vices blush , and his riper Vertues shine . The Earl of Wiltshire first pitched upon him for his Sons Tutor , and then for his own Companion . Noble Families set off hopeful Parts , and improve them . Cromwel's quick eye one day at my Lord , spyeth his Personage , and observes his Carriage . ( He was a man himself , and understood one . ) Nothing would satisfie him , but that the young Gentleman should come to Court , and go to Travel . King Henry loved any All-Souls man , but was enamoured with him , in whom concurred the three Perquisites of that Society . 1. A Gentile Extraction . 2. A graceful Behaviour . 3. Competent Learning . The young man designed for business , was to travel for Education , and the Scholar for Experience . 1. His Pension is allowed him , 125 l. a year . 2. His Tutor is assigned , who had been there before , and could instruct him what he should see , where he should go , what acquaintance to entertain , what exercise or discipline to undergo . 3. His Instructions were drawn up : as , 1. That he should keep a Diary of what the chiefest places and the eminent persons , either apart or in Conventions , yielded worthy of Remarque and Observation . 2. To have before him a Map or Card of every place he goeth to . 3. Not to stay long in any one place . 4. To converse with no Englishmen but Agents , Embassadors , or such grave persons as his Majesty would direct him to . 5. To endeavour after Recommendations from persons of quality in one place , to those in another ; keeping still his correspondence with the most publick and eminent persons of every respective place . Within five years he returned a compleat Gentleman , correcting the Vices of one Country with the Vertues of another ; and being one happy Composition of every Region . Sir John Philpot was not so much the worse , as Sir William was the better for travel ; He returning the shame of all Nations ; of his own , by his weakness abroad ; of others , by their follies at home : This coming home the honour of his own by his abilities abroad , of others by his perfections at home . Two things improved his travel : 1. An Artificial and careless freedome , that opened others . 2. A natural gravity , that shut him up , and was more capable of observing their Vertues , and escaping their Vices . Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire ; on the one side Cloth of Gold , on the other shining Armour : the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey ? he answered , Sir , the attire on the right side is to honour your Majesty , that on the left is to serve you . Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court , and with those abilities on the other that might support it . His first employment was the Charts , the Latine Letters , and the Forreign Negotiation ; the next , was Principal Secretary : In which Office , Wriothesley was rough and stubborn , Paget easie , Cecil close , Mason plain , Smith noble ; Peter was smooth , reserved , resolved , and yet obliging . Both the Laws he was Doctor of , and both the Laws he made use of ; the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations , and the other t 〈…〉 give light to Domestick Occasions . In the Kings absence in France 1544. Cranm 〈…〉 and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters o 〈…〉 Religion , the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War ▪ the Lord Parr of Horton , and Doctor Peter , in th 〈…〉 Civil Government ; ( whose Maxime it was , It i 〈…〉 the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbit 〈…〉 of Christendome . ) Thus much he was to the Que 〈…〉 by Henry the eighth's Deputation , and no less to King Edward by his Will. A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry , King Edward , Queen Mary , Queen Elizabeth ; until he recollects the French King , who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself and his Kingdome ? the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper , and in stead of an infinite number of Precepts , which others use to offer upon that subject , he onely writ this word , Modus , A Mean. In King Henry's time he observed his Humour , in King Edward's he kept to the Law , in Queen Mary's he intended wholly State-affairs , and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious , his years minding him of death , and his death of his faith . He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger , yet he had motions of his own for his real security . Able he was at home , and very dexterous abroad ; particularly at Bulloign . The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador , he asked one that was silent what he should say of him ? Repart to your King ( saith he ) that you found one among the Graecians that knew how to hold his tongue . Ab , ( said Mounsieur Cha●illon ) we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages , had 〈…〉 t not been for the man that said nothing , ( meaning Secretary Peter . ) Neither was he better at keeping his own counsel , then at discovering other mens ; as appeared by the intelligence he had , that the Emperour had sent Ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany , in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion , ( though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court ) whereupon he fetched her to Leez ; and thence , under the notion of preparing for Sea-matters , he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants . Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward , but as nimble in his intelligence suitably to his Allegiance to Queen Mary ; whom he assisted in two Particulars : 1. In making the Match : 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection : therefore , 1. When the Church-lands went against her conscience , Sir William peter must be sent for . 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool , he must be sent for ; ( who advised her to forbid him this Land , as she very resolutely did . ) As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth , till his Age not being able to go through the difficulties , and his Conscience being impatient of the severities of those busie and harsh times , he retired to Essex , where his Estate was great , and his Charity greater : both which he bequeathed his Son John , who was by King James made Baron of Writtle in that County . Observations on the Life of Cardin 〈…〉 Pool . HIs Extraction was so high , that it awakene 〈…〉 King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low , that it allayed i 〈…〉 When he reflected on his Royal * Relation , he w 〈…〉 enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and security ; when he observed his modest Hopefulness , he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care , as more honourable than the other , and a safe : Religion and Study would enfeeble that Spirit to quiet contemplation , which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action . It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre , and there would be no danger of his ambition to the Crown . The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transactions of Court ; and he was to follow his Book , that he might not understand himself . His preferments were competent to content him , and yet but mean to expose him . Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl . 1. His Relations ambition , that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black , that was born to be clothed in Purple . 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning . 3. The Kings Policy , to maintain him abroad , who could not safely keep at home . No sooner arriveth he at Paris , than the Pope ca 〈…〉 esseth him as a person fit to promote his Interest : The House of York supports him , as one that kept 〈…〉 p their Claim ; and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the Hope of England , and might be its Relief . That he might not come short of their Expectation , or his own Right , his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Universities , observeth the way of most Nations , and keeps correspendence with all eminent men : The first of these improved his Learning , the second his Experience , the third his Converse . The Marquess of Exeter , the Lord Mountacute , Sir Nicholas Carew , Sir Edward Nevil , Sir Geoffery Poole , would have made him a King , ( but to gain him a Crown , they lost their own Heads ) and Pope Julius made him a Kings Fellow ; but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal . The King had him declared for a Traytor in England , and he him excommunicated for a Heretick at Rome . His Friends are cut off by the King at home , and the Kings Enemies cherished by him abroad . But Princes are mortal , though their hatred not so : For before the Kings death , he would needs be reconciled to Pool , and as some thought , by him to Rome ; wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy , desiring his opinion of his late Actions clearly , and in few words : Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispatch to him his Book de Vnione Eeclesiarum , inveighing against his Supremacy , and concluding with an advice to Henry to reconcile himself to the Catholick Church , and the Pope 〈…〉 Head thereof . Our King having perused this , a 〈…〉 knowing it could not lie hid in Italy ( though P 〈…〉 had promised not to publish it ) sends for him b● Post to come into England , to explain some Passag 〈…〉 thereof : but Pool knowing that it was declar 〈…〉 Treason there to deny the Kings Supremacie , refused ; desiring the King nevertheless in Letters to him and Tonstal , to take hold of the present time , and redintegrate himself with the Pope ; whereby he might secure his Authority , and advance it with the honour of being the cause of a Reformation of the Church in Doctrine and Manners . King Edward is King of England , and the Cardinal like to be Pope of Rome , keeping pace with the Royal Family ; He Head of the Church Catholick , They of that in England : But King Edward's weakness of Body suffered him not long to enjoy his Throne , and the Cardinals narrowness and easiness of spirit suffered him not at all to sit in his chair . For upon Paul the Third's death , the Cardinals being divided about the Election , the Imperial part , which was the greatest , gave their voice for Cardinal Pool ; which being told him , he disabled himself , and wished them to chuse one that might be most for the glory of God , and good of the Church . Upon this stop , some that were no friends to Pool , and perhaps looked for the place themselves , if he were put off , layed many things to his charge ; among other things , That he was not without suspition of Lutheranism , nor without blemish of Incontinence : but he cleared himself so handsomely , that he was now more importuned to take the place then before , and therefore one night ( they say ) the Cardinal came to him being in bed , and sent word they came to adore him , ( a circumstance of the new Popes Honour ) but he being waked out of his sleep , and acquainted with it , made answer , That this was not a work of darkness , and therefore required them to forbear until next day , and then do as God should put in their mindes . But the Italian Cardinals attributing this put-off to a kinde of stupidity and sloth in Pool , looked no more after him , but the next day chose Cardinal Montanus Pope , who was afterwards named Julius the Third . I have heard of many that would have been Popes , but could not ; I write this man one that could have been one , but would not . But though he would not be Pope of Rome , yet when Mary was Queen , he was one of England ; where he was Legate , and if it had not been for the Emperour , had been King : For as soon as she was in the Throne of England , he was sent for out of Italy into the Chair of Canterbury ; but Charles the Emperour , by the Popes power , secretly retarded his return , fearing it might obstruct the propounded marriage between his Son and the Queen . Indeed the Queen bare the Cardinal an unfeigned affection for six reasons : 1. For his grave and becoming presence , that endeared him no less to those that saw him , then his parts and prudence did to those that conversed with him : The Diamond is then orient , when set in Gold. 2. For his disposition , as calm as her Majesties , and as meek as his Profession . 3. For his Age : being about ten years older , the proportion allowed by the Philosopher between Husband and Wife . 4. For Alliance : she being daughter to Henry the Eighth , and he Grandchild to Edward the Fourth . 5. For his Education with Her , under his Mother . 6. For his Religion , for which he was an Exile , as she was a Prisoner , and both Confessors . But now when the marriage with Prince Philip was consummated , Pool at last got leave for England ; and to wipe away all suspition of Lutheranism , wherewith he was formerly taxed , he became a cruel , that he might be believed a cordial Papist : For meeting in Brabant with Emanuel Tremelius , requesting some favour from him , he not onely denied him relief , but returned him rayling terms ; though formerly he was not onely his very familiar Friend , but his God-father too , when of a Jew he turned Christian . Arrived in England , ( as the Historian goeth on ) he was first ordained Priest , being but Deacon before , and then consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury , the Queen being present , at Bow ; where rich in costly Robes , and sitting on a guilded Throne , his Pall was presented to him : Adorned , he presently mounts the Pulpit , and makes a dry Sermon of the use and honour of the Pall , without either Language or matter ; all admiring the jejuness of his Discourse , as if putting off his Parts , when putting on his Pall. He made the breach formerly between England and Rome , by exasperating both sides : he now reconciles it , obliging many by his carriage , awing as many by his presence , dazling all by his pomp and splendour . Now he confirmeth the Institution of Clergy-men into their Benefices ; he legitimateth the Children of forbidden marriages ; he ratifieth the Processes and Sentences in matters Ecclesiastical ; and his Dispensations were confirmed by Act of Parliament . Two things he was intent upon : 1. The Church-Priviledges ; whereof one he procured was , That the Clergy should not shew their Horses with the Layty , but under Captains of their own chusing . 2. The Spanish Interest ; and therefore Paul the fourth , who was as intent upon the French , and looked upon the Legate as the principal Promoter of the last War in France , sends Cardinal Peito to ease him of his Legantine Power in England . But the Queen so ordered the matter , that by her Prerogative she prohibited Peito entrance into England , and got the foresaid Power established and confirmed on Cardinal Pool , as she did likewise 1000 l. 2 year for his better support out of the Bishoprick of Winchester . The more he lived in England , the more he was Italianized ; conversing with their Merchants , and practising their thrift ; his Pomp being ( saith my Author ) rather gaudy then costly , and his attendance more ceremonious then expensive . Fearful he was of a Bank here , ( if Queen Mary died ) careful of one beyond Sea if he lived : therefore as he sends all his Estate to Italy by his ▪ Will when he died , so he did most of it by Bills of Exchange while he lived : the first was judged his ▪ Policy , ( the heart whereof is prevention ) the second his Gratitude , bestowing his Superfluities on them who had relieved his Necessities . Of all his Estate , Aloisius Priol took but the Breviary he had always in his Pocket , so devout he was ! and the Diary he had always in his Closet , so exact he was to observe what was done by others , and recollect what had escaped himself ▪ Die he did not of Italian Physick wilfully taken by himself , as Mr. Fox suggests ; nor of English Poyson , given him by the Protestants , as Osorius affirms ; but of a Quartain Ague , then Epidemical in England , and malignant above the ordinary nature of that Disease . This man was a Catholick in his Interest and Charity , and a Protestant in his Conscience . We cannot ( was his saying ) give too much to Gods grace , nor too little to our own merits . He said when he came to England , I came hither not to condemn , but reconcile ; not to compel , but desire . He would burn the Ashes of one or two Protestants when dead , to avoid the suspition of Heresie ; but the Bodies of none when alive , to contract the real guilt of Cruelty . In Council sound were his Debates for the main ; circumspect his Suggestions of Circumstances ; reaching his foresight of Consequences : wary his Precautions of Impediments ; moderate and soft his Advices ; prompt and steady his Expeditions ; happy his Memory ; many his Observations ; large his Reading ; strong his Spirit ; solid his Judgement ; sharp his Apprehension ; fluent , but weighed ; full , but pertinent ; grave , but quick his Discourse : what he pronounced , was a Decree with Queen Mary ; what he said , was Law with King Philip 〈…〉 His naked Proposition was Demonstration ; his Word Reason , fetched from the Principles of things , and grounded on their Causes . His Modesty never sued for Greatness , though that sued for him : for great men he said were lave to six things : 1. To mens humours ; 2. To business ; 3. To Fortune ; 4. To their own Followers ; 5. To Fame ; and , 6. To the Publick I will say no more of him , but that Modesty undoeth a Maid , and is the fool onely that puts Vertue out of Countenance . Bashfulness is at best but a weak and treacherous Vertue . Observations on the Life of Sir John Russel . HIs Name and his Valour is as ancient as the Conquest ; Vertue flowing in every Age of that Family with its Honour and Worth , keeping pace with their Advancements . In every man that we meet with , there are three things that immediately offer themselves to our Consideration : 1. The Mind . 2. The Behaviour . And 3. The Person . His Mind was befriended by Nature with a quickness and a capaciousness , helped by publick Education to a solidity and stayedness ; improved in Travel with Observation , and raised by the slow , but happy degrees of his Preferments to Skill and Experience . They had need be slow and wary in that place where there is no failing the second time , the first errour being irremediable : therefore well-ordered Policy imitateth Nature , which worketh slowly , and step by step , causing the Blade to come from the Grain , the Tree from the Graft , the Blossom from the Tree , and Fruit from the Blossom : so ( saith my Author ) ought Policy to raise great persons from one degree to another ; to the end , that having made their Essays in meaner matters , they may finish their Master-pieces in more eminent Affairs . 2. He that demeans himself well , is ever ushered in by a friend that recommends him to the company that knew him not . Sir John had a moving beauty that waited on his whole Body , as that standing one doth upon the Face and Complexion : Such a grace and comeliness waited on his Noble Meen , as exacted a liking , if not a love from all that beheld him . A midling Clarity and quickness is best in Wine , that is , neither too thick upon the Lees , nor yet too quick : our Knights comportment and carriage was neither dull nor vapouring , neither gross nor affected , but of a becoming temper , at equal distance with the Clown and the Pedant , what 's contemptible , and what 's invidious . 3. But both these were set off with his Person , of a middle stature , neither tall to a formidableness , nor short to a contempt : straight and proportioned , vigorous and active , with that pure blood and spirits that flowed and flowred within his swelling Veins , and disposed him to those natural and innocent , those manly and noble Exercises of Dancing , &c. Dancing , I say , which he was not exquisite in , for that is vanity ; nor ignorant of , for that 's meanness : but a graceful exercise , ( wherein he was carelesly easie , as if it were rather natural motion , then curious and artificial practising ) which endeared his severer Vertues to that place where the worth that riseth must be complaisant and pleasing , as well as serviceable and useful . But the favour which proceeds from personal grace and comeliness , although it seem to be doubly united , yet it is that which is soonest dissolved and dissipated , there being nothing so inconstant as mens humours , which not onely change through Ages , but also by some small occasion or accident which may arise : Sir John therefore brought himself into Court by what humoured , but kept himself in there by those things that did oblige him ; and stood not upon his Majesties pleasure , but his Interest ; adding to his more aiery Courtships , more solid Employments . From the softer Court therefore we must follow him to the Camp , and that before Terwyn , where we finde him daring and active : 1. In skirmishing the French every day ; 2. In recovering the red Gun overthrown in a Lane from 10000 French , under the Earl St. Paul as General , with 250 resolute Reformades under himself but Captain ; although he was once taken Prisoner , as before Calice , where he redeemed himself from the Officer that had taken him for 250 Crowns , on condition he would conduct him safe from the French Quarter , as the man did , until they were gone so far , that Sir John takes him Prisoner , compelling him to the Reimbursement of his money , with 200 Crowns more , to be bestowed on the Common Souldiers . As severely active was he at the siege of Tournay , as the oldest Souldier ; and yet as innocently pleasant at the Mask there , as the youngest Courtier . One of the sixty he was that went with the King to cut off the Passage between that City and the Army , and one of the eleven that went with his Majesty to entertain the Ladies at Lisle . From serving one King in France , he had the honour as it was thought to kill another in England , ( I mean James of Scotland ) and challenge a third in Paris . The same thing raised him , that advanced Wolsey : for he being sent to Maximilian , ( after Treasurer Napbant had brought him to Court ) dispatched his business so soon , that the King chid him for not being gone , when he was returned ; and withal asked him , Whether he had seen the Post that he had sent after him about a circumstance that had escaped him ? He answered , He met him in his return ; but he had presumed to adde that particular of his his own head , for which he asked his Majesties pardon , and had his favour too for the Deanery of Lincoln , and the Almonership . Sir John was commanded with 1500 men to cut off the Convoy to Terwyn : which he performed with that speed and success , that when the King saw him , he said , I , I , Sir John , while we are fooling , the Town is relieved . So it is indeed , ( said he ) for I have sent them 2000 Carcases , and they have spared me 1200 Wagons of Provision . I but , said the King , I sent after you to cut off the Bridge Dreban . That , replyed the Knight , was the first thing I did : wherefore I am upon my knees for your Majesties grace and pardon . Nay then , ( said the King ) by Lady , thou hast not my pardon , but my favour too . He is the man for a Princes service , whose minde is present , and prudence is ready to meet with suddain occasions , and accommodate unexpected emergencies . The first effect of that favour , was his Nomination for one of the sixteen that answered the French Challenge at the Lady Mary's Marriage , at Paris , November 7 , 1513. which shewed his man-hood , and how valiant he was . The second was , that he was one of the Forty five that were to be about his Majesty at the instant of his Interview with the King of France at Guisnes ; which was an Argument of his presence , and how goodly a man he was . The third was , that he was one of the Twenty two that with the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral , and Sir William Fitz-Williams Vice-Admiral , proposed that secret , and therefore successful Designe upon Britain , under pretence of Scowring the Narrow Seas , ( for now he is as good in the Sea as he had been in the Field ) for which he and eight more of his fellow-Captains , Sir Joh. Cornwallis , &c. are Knighted by the aforesaid Lord Admiral : which speaks him a Sea-man , and indeed one of a general capacity . The fourth was , the great Trust his Majesty reposed in him , when he was sent in disguise to widen the difference that was newly broken out between the Duke of Bourbon , the High Constable of France , and the French King ; which he managed so well , that the discontented Duke declares for the Emperour and the King of England ; to the great encouragement of the English , the satisfaction of his Majesty , and the success of his Designe upon Anchor , Boungard , Bray , and other places , where Sir John shewed himself as active now , as he was before cunning ; as much surpassing the French Spirit in action , as he had over-reached their Prudence in Negotiation . But in vain was it to serve that King , unless a man obliged the Cardinal , ( he that courts the Virgin Mary , must not neglect her little Saints ) him he attended in his second Journey to France , first to honour , and then to serve him . And now after his decease , when King Henry had done the work of mercy ( which was most proper for himself , as being most popular ) upon the Lincolnshire Rebels , he deputed the Duke of Suffolk , Sir Francis Bri●ns and Sir John Russel to perform that of Justice , which is most distastful : wherein yet he behaves himself with that exactness , that the Country was very well pleased , and the King as well satisfied ; insomuch that we finde our Knight now called from a Commander in the Field , to be Controller at Court : where he managed his Masters Expences thriftily , reduced his Family discreetly , reformed his followers effectually , and filled up his place with the awe of his presence , and the influence of his Authority , that he was at once its support and its glory . Indeed Courts being those Epitomes wherethrough strangers look into Kingdomes , should be Royally set off as with Utensils , so with attendance , that might possess all Comers with reverence there , and fear elsewhere . His Person graced his Imployment , and therefore his Majesty honoured his Person with the Order of the Garter , and the Title of Lord Russel ; and that his Preferment might keep pace with his Honour , he is made Lord Privy Seal , and his Nephew Sir John Gage Controller . His Honour slacked not his Activity , but improved it ; neither was his Vertue onely violent in Ambition , and dull in Authority . Power to do good , is the true and lawful end of aspiring : therefore my Lord to his Staff , added his Sword ; and to his Court-honour , his Field-service , as Lieutenant-General before Muttrel , and Marshal before Bu●oign ; to the relief of the first whereof , he drew Mounsieur * Bies , that his Majejesty might take the second . In the Camp he drew up the Designes , in the Field he managed the Treasure , and in Action to him was intrusted the Conduct and manage . In the Kings last Will and Testament he was the fifth person , and in his Sons Council the fifth ; to whom he discovered a French Plot the first year of his Raign , and for whom he broke the Devonshire Rebels , what with delays , what with stratagems , to divide them according to their several Inclinations , the second , for which service he was made Earl of Bedford : The third , in the Faction at home between the Seymours and the Dudleys , he was Neuter : in the Treaties abroad between the French King and his Majesty of England , he was Principal ; where he observed three Rules : 1. That there should be a general Muster at home , while this Treaty went on abroad . 2. That there should be a blow given the Scots before there was a Peace made with the French. 3. That we should first know the French Overtures before we made our own . But while he was here , he discovered a Plot that the Emperour had to transport the Lady Mary over to his Dominions , and thereby bring her Brother to his terms : whereupon he with 200 men watcheth one Port , the Duke of Somerset with 200 more a second , and Master St. Leiger with 400 men a third , while the Lady was fetched by my Lord Chancellor to the King. But while he was serving his Master the King abroad , his Friend the Protector wanted his advice and assistance at home 〈…〉 he being of purpose sent out of the way , while tha● unfortunate Duke is first betrayed by his own folly , and then ruined by his Enemies Power . I finde his hand among the rest of the Counsellors in a Letter to Queen Mary , but not in Arms against her ▪ He was concluded by the major Vote to a Commission for Peace , but not to Action for conscience sake . Faithful he is therefore to her in Council , and serviceable in Spain and France ; from the first of which places he brought her a Husband , and from the second a Treasure . He understood her Right , and disputed not her Religion ; regarding not so much her Opinion , as his own Duty ; not what she was , but what he should be . And thus he behaved himself , until his dear Mistress Elizabeth took him for one of her Protestant Counsellours to balance her Popish ones : and not onely of her Council , but of her Cabinet : ( for as every man must have his Friend to ease his heart , so Princes have their Favourites to partake of their cares ) and the Marquess of Northampton , the Earl of Bedford , and Sir William Cecil , were the onely Persons to whom the Queen communicated her designe of Reformation , and correcting the Common-prayer ; and they ordered affairs so , that the Protestants should be in hope , and yet the Papists should not be out of hope . King Philip had a quarrel with the Queen for rejecting his suit , the King of Sweden for slighting his Son , the King of France in his Wives Right , the Queen of Scots in her Own , and the Pope for excluding his Supremacie ; her Subjects were as unsettled in their Loyalty as in their Religion : What remained ? but that my Lord of Bedford and Sir William Cecil should make up a well-tempered House of Commons by their Interest , who should carry along an indifferent House of Lords by their Resolution ? When he had served the Queen in Parliament for the settlement of her Kingdom at home , he served the Kingdom in an Embassie to Scotland , to set up its correspondence abroad . The Earl of Leicester aimed at the Queen of England , and the Earl of Bedford , to divert him and secure Scotland , design'd him for the Queen of Scots ; whom he watched for two things : 1. That she should either match with an English Subject , or 2. With a soft and weak Forreigner ; that either the Scots might be in league with us , or have no peace at home . His last service I finde is a complement , when he was sent by the Queen as her Deputy , with a font of massie Gold worth 1043 l. to hold King James at his Baptism ; with express command not to acknowledge my Lord Darley as King. This his service was as lasting as his life , which ended in old Age and Renown . He conveyed his Vertue and Honour to the Excellent Francis , as he did to the Right Honourable William Earl of Bedford , now living . Observations on the Life of Stephen Gardiner , Bishop of Winchester . THe tuition of the Earl of Dorset's Children raised Wolsey ; travelling with the Duke of Norfolk's , raised Gardiner : Fox his service in the quality of Secretary , made the first ; and his in the same quality , made Gardiner . There are three kindes of Understanding : The one , that is advised by its self ; the second , that understandeth when it is informed by another ; the third , that neither is advised by its self , nor by the assistance of another . If this Doctor failed in the first , and his own invention , he exceeded in the second , of making use of others ; for he was one of them that never heard or read what was not his own . His Profession was the Civil Law , that guideth forreign Negotiations : His Inclination was that general Policy that manageth them . His Eminencies were three : 1. His Reservedness : Whereby he never did what he aimed at , never aimed at what he intended , never intended what he said , and never said what he thought ; whereby he carried it so , that others should do his business , when they opposed it ; and he should undermine theirs , when he seemed to promote it . A man that was to be traced like the Fox , and read like Hebrew , backward : If you would know what he did , you must observe what he did not . 2. His Boldness . Authority sometimes meets with those impediments , which neither power can overcome , nor good fortune divert , if Courage and Fortitude break not through and surmount them ; and the motions of the irascible faculties , such as Hope , Boldness and Choler , being well ordered , and conducted by Reason , engage those difficulties she encountereth in the execution of her designs : Reason discovered him his enterprizes , his Will enclined him to them , and the noble transports of his regular passions set out both with that ardour and vehemencie , as bear down obstacles , and compass the design : A hope he had , that never rashly engaged him in desperate undertakings ; an audacity that precipitated him not weakly into impossibilities ; and a choler that led him not blindly to inevitable ruines : Consideration managing the first , Discretion and Foresight the second , and Reason the third . What doth it avail a man to be wise , in knowing what is fit to be done ; prudent , to invent means ; just , to appropriate affairs to publick good ; authorized and happy , to cause them to succeed ; if a Courage , guided by Reason , accompanied with Prudence , ruled by Discretion , animated by a generous Boldness , be not diligent , quick and prompt for Execution ? His Nature was generous and constant : His Education ( like that of the Roman Youth among Statesmen ) manifold and solid : His Soul was free , and dis-engaged from any particular Design . 3. Eloquence : That added to his Parts what colours do to a Picture ; state , grace and light : Reason is the Ornament of a Man , Speech the Interpreter of Reason , and Elequence the grace of Speech ; wherein the Orator excelleth other men , as much as they do other creatures . His Wisdom advised his Prudence contrived , his Courage resolved , and his Eloquence perswaded ; adding at once gracefulness to his Designs , and vigour to his Enterprizes ; as that wherewith he could satisfie mens Reasons , and master their Passions , by which he carried them whither he pleased : His lively Expression animates his Reason , his Eloquence his Expression , and his Gesture his Eloquence ; whereby he charmed the Senses , mollified Hearts , incited Affections , framed Desires , checked Hopes , and exercised a sacred Empire over every man he dealt with . These qualities improved with Travel , raised the Doctor to be the Chancellour's Secretary , and the * Legantine Courts chief Scribe at home , a sly Agent in Italy , a successful Orator in Germany , and Leiger Embassador in France . In Italy , he with Doctor Fox ( having the King of France his Agent to second them ) gained the Popes Commission for hearing of the Cause between King Henry the VIII , and Queen Katharine . In Germany he undermined the French King , and in France the Emperour . Upon the poor Pope ( whom he found not worth 20 l. ) perplexed between the King of England , who had set him at liberty , and the King of Spain , who had maintained him , he wrought so far , as to gain a dubious Letter in Cypher to the King , and a clear promise to the Cardinal , both about the suppression of some Monasteries , and the Divorce ; which the crafty Agent extorted from the fearful man , with his Necesse est , &c. although all this while he palliated this his main business , with some impertinent overtures about King Henry the seventh's Canonization : None better understanding the just degrees , seasons and methods of Affairs , then this Doctor : Where he spoke one word for his Majesties Divorce , he spoke two for the Cardinals Advancement , having the French Kings Letter with him to that effect , in omnem eventum : In order whereunto he threatned the Pope from Germany , and Germany from Rome ; so that their mutual jealousies forced them to a compliance with his Royal and Sacred Master . A great Agent he was in this business while Wol●ey's Secretary , a greater when the Kings ; in which capacity he writ , they say , one Book for the Pope's Supremacie in his Masters Name , and another for the Kings in his own . He draweth the Kingdom 's Remonstrance against the Pope , and the Pope's against the Kingdom : He and Doctor Fox are employed to gain the Vote of Cambridge for the Divorce ; where he brought it from the Negative to even Voices , and from even Voices to a Disputation , and upon that , to a Determination on the Kings side : for which we find him now Bishop of Winchester , Archbishop Cranmer's Assistant at pronouncing the Divorce at the Priory of Dunstable , and one of the two Embassadors at the Interview between King Francis and King Henry . As he had declared himself by writing , so he drew up a Form whereby others might declare themselves by oath for the Kings Supremacy : And as he owneth the Kings Authority , so he maintaineth it in his Apology for Fisher's Death . But because no power is lasting , when Religion is not v●nerable , the wary Bishop promotes the Statutes of six Articles in the House of Commons , in spight of Cromwel and Cranmer ; and urgeth the retaining of some essential Latin * words in the translation , in the Convocation ; Words , for their genuine and native meaning , and for the Majesty of the matter in them contained , not to be Englished : Though he could not keep the word from shining , yet had he wit enough to keep it in a dark Lanthorn , to keep the Laity at their distance , and bear up the Will-worship of Rome . Had he kept here , King Henry had been satisfied ; but when his success improved his boldness , and that precipitated his undertakings , he must be quarreling with the Protestant Queens , and so fall out with the Uxorious King , under whose displeasure he continued while he lived , as he did under his sons afterwards : ( First , for refusing a confession of his fault , and then for not subscribing some Articles proposed unto him , though he owned the Supremacy , the Reformation , and said of the Common-Prayer , That though he would not have made it so himself , yet be found in it such things as satisfied his conscience ; and therefore be would both execute it himself , and cause others of his * Parishioners to do it : and if be were troubled in conscience , he would reveal it to the Council , and not reason openly against it : ) so that he lost his Liberty and his Bishoprick , until he was restored to both by Queen Mary , ( who kissed and called him her Prisoner in the Tower ) and likewise advanced him to the Chancellourship ; wherein he did more harm by others then himself ; keeping alwayes behinde the Curtain , and acting in Oxford by Visitors , in London bv Bonner , and in his own Diocess by Suffragans : Onely in two Particulars he declared himself : 1. Against the Princess Elizabeth : saying , In vain it is to lop the Branches , while the Root remains . 2. Against the Exiles : Threatning that he would watch their supplies , so that they should eat their nails , and then feed on their fingers ends . But threatned Folks live long ; and before the Confessors were brought to that Bill of fare , the Bishop was eaten of worms himself , dying suddenly and strangely ; wholly a Protestant in the point of merit , who had been in other things so zealous a Papist . One piece at once of his Prudence and Resolution , and I have done : The Lord Protector by Letters sollicited Gardiner to resign Trinity-Hall to the Kings hand , who designed one Colledge out of that and Clare-Hall : Most politick Gardiner ( saith my Author ) not without cause suspecting some design or casualty might surprize the Interval between the dissolution of the old , and the erection of this new Foundation , civilly declined the motion , informing his Grace , That the way to advance the study of the Law , was by promoting the present Professors of that Faculty , ( now so generally discouraged ) and not by founding a new Colledge for the future Students thereof ; seeing Trinity-Hall alone could breed more Civilians then all England did prefer according to their deserts . Observations on the Life of Sir William Herbert . HIs Family had not endeared its self to the antient Kings by its service , nor his Grand-father himself to King Henry the Seventh by his Relation , more then He did Himself to King Henry the Eighth by his Merit . He was a great Pattern of antient Vertue , that in the greatest Fortune enjoyed the least Liberty : Vigilant and careful : One whose Power was attended with Sollicitude , ( there was an Eye in the ancient Scepters ) and his Sollicitude with Temperance ; ( he that commands himself , commands the World too . ) While some mens imprudent integrity can do no harm , and others base cunning can do no good ; Sir William's Prudence and Integrity was equally able for both , as there was occasion . Very close and successful were his and my Lord Sheffield's Negotiations abroad : Very resolute and manly his Conduct at home . He was one of the twenty four Counsellours to Henry the Eighth while he lived , and one of the sixteen Executors of his Will when he died . All great Undertakers must avoid softness and effeminacie , the bane of great Natures and Actions : For where there is love and pleasure , there is fear ; and where there is fear , there is that which enchains Generosity and confines Courage . He had his double Diary ; the first for Actions , the second for Observations upon them : And indeed his and Sir William Kingston's Manuscripts give a great light to the History of those times : In which Diary we finde what actions he did against the Scots by constant alarms with three thousand Welch , and what against Ket's Rebels by notable stratagems with two thousand . The man is compleat that hath a Head and a Heart . As to the Faction in King Edward's time , he would not concern himself , looking on accusations in a Commonwealth as great advantages to check ambition , and vent discontent ; that the one may not aspire too dangerously , nor the other break out too irregularly . And as little concern'd was he in King Edward's Will ; his business being rather obeying the Soveraign that was , then determining who should be . He was a throughly advised man : one that gazed not on the issues , but enquired into the reasons and springs of Actions . Very useful he was in Queen Mary's Council , and no less in King philip's War ; where he got St. Quintin for him , and a lasting Renown for himself : who died in Queen Elizabeth's time , and left this plain Character behinde , That he was a noble Gentleman , of a trusty , a free and an open Nature . Observations on the Lives of Sir Tho. Mannors , and Sir Ralph Euers . IJoyn them both in my Observations , because they agreed both in their dispositions : 1. Both Nobly Religious , and so blessed themselves , and being a blessing unto others : Their Religion was attended with Magnanimity , Constancy , Wisdom , Prudence , Valour and Counsel , as the Products of it ; and with Success as the Issue . 2. Both famous and renowned ; having Honour , as the shadow doth the Sun , going before them in their younger years , to make their way to action ; keeping even with them in their middle age , to countenance and credit their proceedings ; and following them in old Age to eternize and embalm them : Both making their way to Honour as Agesilaus in Plutarch , or Epictetus in Strabo , by saying what was well , and doing what was better ; or with Socrates , by being what they appeared , and appearing no more then they were : ( Vertue , though obscure , may satisfie me ; it must be renowned , or it cannot serve others : ) But action is the life of things , and good dispositions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue . Both therefore were in their Courage regular , in their Conduct observant , in their Addresses obliging , in their Passions even , in their Enjoyments severe , and in their Services equal . Sir Thomas Mannors first weakened the * Northern Rebels , by such discreet Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests , and then resolved to engage them , but that the little Brook Dun swelled miraculously to a River , between both Armies : And at the same time Sir Ralph Euers held Scarborough-Castle , where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants , nor any sustenance for twenty days , but bread and water . For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Marches , as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North. Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for his Revenue , as in War for his Security : Both against the Cardinal's way of raising Money , which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience ; being very careful that their Master did not lose in the president what he gained in the money . Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker . THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest ; here is one now renowned in this : 1. For Integrity , to be neither awed nor corrupted : 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature , neither moved with particular respects , nor terminated in a private Design . The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth , that when one Williamson a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought , a Frenchman takes them out of his hand , saying , They were no meat for Carpenters , but for my Lord Embassadour ; who concerned himself so much in the case , that he had Williamson imprisoned : Sir John sued to the Embassador for the man , who answered , That the English Knave deserved to be banged for denying any thing to a Frenchman . Whereupon Sir John replied , You know not that you are in London : A notable reply , considering that the City was up next day against Strangers , in so desperate a tumult , that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More , and none settle but Sir William Kingston and Sir John Baker . No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home , but he with the Bishop of St Asaph , are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad , I mean in Denmark , though in vain ; when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology , and ruine was more elegible with that people , then duty or obedience : Where he observed these six Maximes , in order to a newly-conquer'd-Kingdom : 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguished . 2. That the old Customs in Laws and Taxes should be observed . 3. The Prince must be there to observe their humours in person . 4. That the Officers be moderate and honest . 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the State. 6. That the Neighbours should be weakened and divided , and the In-land Forts demolished . As he would have composed the troubles of forreign Princes , so he served the necessities of his own , being the most successful Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey ; and the most active Agent for the loan in London : Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer , An. 1545 , and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward , 1547. Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will : Judge Hales and Sir John Baker were the onely Counsellours that durst refuse it ; the first whereof stood to the Law , against Power ; the second , to his Allegiance against Interest ; and both to the Rights of the Crown which are lasting , rather then the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness , and as uncertain as their Grandeur . This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Loyalty , brought him to his Grave in peace and honour ; having been a faithful Counselfour and Servant to King Henry the eighth , King Edward the sixth , Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth . Observations on the Life of Sir William Kingston . HE was one of the greatest Courtiers at Masks and Revels , one of the best Captains at Sea , and one of the most valiant and skilful Commanders by Land. None more pleasing to the English Ladies , none more terrible to the French King. Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majesty , by pretending a Revolt to that King of Spain ; and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare , by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany . His Advice had saved the Admiral at Breast , and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisnes . He was Knighted for his Service at Tournay , and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden . He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at * Shoreditch ; and if that would not do , he was to command it from the Tower ; being Commissioner in the first place , Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second , September 6. ( The Multitude is rather to be awed then reasoned with . Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects , others have divided them , a third sort have obliged them ; others yet have kept up Plots amongst them : but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves . ) It were well if Love did , it 's necessary that Fear should guide this World. The King condescended one day to Just with him ; and he , though invincible , to fall by his Majesty . ( You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing . ) So complaisant he was , that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50 ; and yet so grave , that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished , he kept his Station , as one of the stayed men , at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour ; and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France ; narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought , or ill vapours , as others conclude , whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks , the valiant Sir Edward Poynings , reserved Sir John Pechy , and active Sir Edward Belknap , died : whereupon with his advice , all French-men were put to their Fines , and all Scotch to their ransome . Neither was he onely for shew , but service too , leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes , when Sir Everard Digby commanded the Left , the Lord Sands the Vanguard , Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse , Sir Richard Wink field the Rear , and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle . Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier , as his underhand correspondence with the Lord Isilstein argued him a States-man . Sir Thomas Mannors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered , and Sir William Kingston told his Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings Marriage with Queen Anne , and his Designe to marry him to the Dutchess of Alanzon : A Designe , that because it seemed to over-reach his Majesty in cunning , and really did cross his Inclination in malice , that incensed his Majesty to a passion which could be appeased with no less a sacrifice then the Cardinals fall : in order to which , the next service of this Knight , is as Lieutenant of the Tower to take him to custody : which he did at Leicester with a Noble resolution , considering that mans greatness , with a due reverence regarding his calling , and with a tender compassion respecting his condition ; perswading him gently of the Kings Favour , at that very time when he was come to be an Instrument of his Justice . And what he did to a Cardinal now , he did to Queens afterwards : never Prince commanding higher services then King Henry , nor subjects discharging them more undauntedly then Sir William : because therefore he was so severe a Lieutenant in the Tower , he is made a Provost-Marshal in the Field ; in which capacity , after the Devonshire-Rebels defeat , we have these two remarkable stories of him . 1. One Bowyer Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwal , had been amongst the Rebels , not willingly , but enforced : to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him ; for whom the Mayor made great Provision . A little before Dinner the Provost took the Mayor aside , and whispered him in the Ear , that an Execution must that day be done in the Town , and therefore he must set up two Gallows . The Mayor did so . After Dinner Sir William Kingston thanks him for his Entertainment , and then desires him to bring him to the Gallows : where when they were come , Sir William asked him , Whether they were strong enough ? I , I 'll warrant thee , saith the Mayor . Then , saith Sir William , get you up upon them . I hope , saith the Mayor , you do not mean as you speak . Nay , Sir , saith he , you must die ; for you have been a busie Rebel . And so without any more ado hanged him . 2. A Miller that had been very active in the late Rebellion , fled , and left another to take his Name upon him . Sir William Kingston calls for the Miller , His Servant tells him that he was the Man. Then , saith he , you must be hanged . Oh Sir ▪ saith he , I am not the Miller . If you are not the Miller , you are a lying Kn●ve : if you are the Miller , you are a trayterous one , and however you must die . And so he did . Punish the Multitude severely once , and you oblige them ever : for they love that man onely for his Good Nature , whom they fear for his Resolution . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Cheyney . THree things advanced men in King Henry the Eighth's days : 1. Their Extraction : 2. Their Wit : 3. Their Comeliness and Strength . For the First , his Name was up since Battle-Abbey-Roll ; as to the second , it was enough that he travelled with Wolsey : and touching the third , there need be no other instance then that at Paris , where upon the Daulphin's Proclamation of solemn Justs , the Duke of Suffolke , the Marquess of Dorset , Sir Edward Nevil and He , answered the Challenge ; as not long after he encountered King Henry himself at Greenwich , where he had the great Honour of a strong and valiant Knight , and a greater of being overthrown by his Majesty . Having engaged his Majesties Person at home , he had the Honour to represent it abroad ; where his Commission was to complement the French King about his Liberty , but his Business to observe the state of that place : Where he saw that a Kingdom governed by a Prince who hath under him other independent Lords , as that of France , is no longer safe , than those Lords are either in Humour , or in Purse ; being always in danger either from their discontent or corruption : 2. That Faction is always eager , while Duty is modest and temperate . This Occasion ennobled his Vertue , and his Vertue improved the Occasion so well , that I finde him so eminent a Parliament-man the 22th of King Henry , that as Sir Brian Tuke had the Honour to open the several Boxes sent from the respective Universities , with their opinions about the Kings Divorce ; so Sir Thomas had the happiness in a set Speech to insist upon them all in general , and every one in particular . And at Queen Anne's Coronation my Lord Vaux , Sir John Mordant , Sir Thomas , and ten more , are made Knights of the Bath . Having acquitted himself Nobly in Court and Council , he attends the Earl of Hertford against the Scots , as Commissary ; and Sir John Wallop with Sir John Rainsford , as Marshal : for his Services in both which capacities , he is made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in England ; and with the Comptroller , Sir John Gage , made Field-Marshal , and Treasurer of the Army before Bulloign : And not long after ▪ Treasurer of the Houshold , and one of the Assistants for the Over-seeing of King Henry's Will. When some were joyning Others with the Protector , others for limiting him , Sir Thomas would say , That ( as Machiavel saith , No Laws , so ) No good could be done by a Governour that was not absolute , without either a Restraint or a Competitor . Upon the Reformation he would say , That the disestcem of Religious Ceremonies argued the decay of the Civil Government : good Princes have first kept their People Religious , and thereby Vertuous and united : both old and new Rome stand by this . In a word , what makes all men , made him , A generous industry of Minde , and a well-set hardiness of Body , which were attended while he lived with Honour and Success , and since he is dead , with Repute and Renown . Where eminent and well-born Persons out of a habit of sloath and laziness , neglect at once the Noblest way of employing their times , and the fairest occasions of advancing their fortunes ; that State , though never so flourishing and glorious , wants something of being compleatly happy : As soon as ever therefore the Kingdom is settled ( sedate times are the best to improve a Commonwealth , as his quiet hours are the best to improve a man ) he and Sir William Howard addressed themselves as vigorously to the opening of Commerce and Traffick , for the enriching of this Nation , as they had before to the exercise of Arms , to secure it : Pursuing the Designe with Resolution , and keeping the frame of it in order with Industry , their constant Spirit surmounting all Difficulties that stood in the way of their own Glory , or their Countrey 's Happiness ; working so well upon the Russians , that they not onely obtained their Desire , but gained so far upon the Affections of that People , that they obtained the greatest Priviledges any Tradesmen ever enjoyed in Muscovy ; which the Russians were not easier in the promise of , then just in the execution of that promise : So that that Trade is advanced not onely beyond our hopes , but our very pretences too , by those three Particulars that never fail of success : 1. Union : 2. Conduct : 3. Courage in enterprizes vigorously begun and watchfully pursued : Until Queen ELIZABETH concerned her self so far in the Undertaking , as to influence it with a Character peculiar to the Dignity of such a Constitution : which carried that Commerce higher then Others could raise their Imaginations , as we see ; whose profit by it is as remarqueable in this Age , as their zeal for it was in the last : When Fear and Distrust , those ignoble Passions that disparage all great Undertakings , which judged that Design a Piece of extravagant Folly , seeth it now an Act of profound Wisdom ; especially when it may be improved under CHARLES the Second and the Great , a Prince who by admirable order of his conduct , the just administration of his Revenue , and by his fatherly goodness towards his people , hath put himself into a condition to undertake without fear whatsoever may be put in execution with Honour or Justice . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of Queen Mary . THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND , IN The Reign of Queen Elizabeth . Observations on the Life of Sir Nicholas Bacon . SIr Nicholas Bacon , a man full of wit and wisdome , was a Gentleman , and a man of Law , and of great knowledge therein ; whereby , together with his other parts of Learning and Dexterity , he was prompted to be Keeper of the Great Seal ; and being kin to the Treasurer Burleigh , was brought by his help into the Queens favour . This Gentleman understood his Mistress well , and the times better : He could raise Factions to serve the one , and allay them to suit the others . He had the deepest reach into Affairs of any man that was at the Council-table : the knottiest Head to pierce into difficulties : the most comprehensive Judgement to surround the Merit of a Cause : the strongest memory to recollect all circumstances of a Business to one View : the greatest patience to debate and consider ; ( for it was he that first said , Let us stay a little , and we will have done the sooner : ) and the clearest reason to urge any thing that came in his way in Court or Chancery . His favour was eminent with his Mistress , and his Alliance strong with her States-men . No man served his Soveraign more faithfully , none secured himself more wisely . Leicester seemed wiser then he was , Bacon was wiser then he seemed to be ; Hunsdon neither was nor seemed wise . Much Learning my Lord Bacon gained in Bennets Colledge in Cambridge , more Experience in Paris of France : His Dexterity and Dispatch advanced him to the Court of Wards , his deep Experience made him Lord Keeper . Alliance was the Policy of that time . Bacon and Cecil married two Sisters ; Walsingham and Mildmay two more : Knowles , Essex and Leicester were linked ; the prudent Queen having all her Favourites Relations and Dependencies in her eye , and disposing of them according to their several Interests . Great was this States-mans Wit , greater the Fame of it ; which as he would say , being nothing , made all things : For Report , though but Fancy , begets Opinion ; and Opinion begets Substance . He was the exactest man to draw up a Law in Council , and the most discreet to execute it in Court. When others urged the repeal of that Act whereby Queen Elizabeth was declared Illegitimate , he rather suppressed it , chusing the closure of a festered Wound more prudent then the opening of it ; and judging it more wisdome to satisfie the world with the old Law , That the Crown takes away all defects ; then to perplex it with new disputes , Whether Queen Elizabeth were Legitimate . State-miscarriages are rather to be privately connived at , then publickly redressed ; the remedy it may be doing no more service then putting the people in minde of the mishap . He neither affected nor attained to Greatness : Mediocria firma , was his Principle and his Practice . When Queen Elizabeth asked him , Why his House was so little ? he answered , Madam , my House is not too little for me , but you have made me too big for my House . Give me , said he , a good Estate , rather then a great one . He had a very Quaint saying , saith Robert Naunton , and he used it often to very good purpose , That he loved the Jest well , but not the loss of his Friend . He would say , That though unusqnisque suae fortunae faber , was a true and good Principle ; yet the most in number were those that marred themselves : but I will never forgive that man that looseth himself , to be rid of his Jest . The Excellency of his Parts was set off with the Gravity of his Person ; and the Queen would say , My Lord Bacon ' s Soul lodgeth well . His Account of England and all its Affairs , was punctual : his use of learned Artists , was continual : his correspondence with his fellow-States-men , exact : his apprehension of our Laws and Government , clear ; his Model of both , methodical : his faithfulness to the Church , eminent : his industrious invention for the State , indesatigable . He was , in a word , a Father of his Country , and of Sir Francis Bacon . Sir Nicholas Bacon was that moderate man that was appointed to preside at the Disputation between the Protestant and Popish Doctors in the first of Queen Elizabeth . He was that Judicious States-man , to whom was trusted the management of that Parliament and Convocation : The satisfaction of the People and Kingdome , and those Delatory Proceedings with France , Spain and Rome , that were at the bottom of the great work of Reformation , and settlement at that time . Observations on the Life of William Cecil Lord Burleigh . WIlliam a Cecil was born with the advantage of being Cecil's Son , ( who was of the Robes to King Henry , and a Legatee in his Will ) and bred with that of being Commoner of St. Johns in Cambridge , and Student at the b Innes of Court in London : whence he was advanced by his Pregnancy to serve the Duke of Somerset in quality of Master of Requests , as he was afterwards by his Master to attend King Edward the sixth , in the capacity of Secretary of State ; where he furnished all Acts and Orders with Reasons of State , as he had them fitted by able Lawyers with Arguments of Law. He loved always , they say , to wrap the Prerogative in the Laws of the Land. He was constant , but not obstinate in his Advice . c As the Planets are whirled about dayly from East to West by the motion of the Primum Mobile , yet have a contrary motion of their own from West to East , which they slowly , yet surely move at their leisures : so our States-man , though yeilding in some things to Greatness of some Persons in an Age wherein it was present drowning not to swim against the stream ; Yet had he his counter-endeavours against the prevailing strain , and privately advanced his rightful Intentions against others wrongful Ambitions . If dissenting from his Superiours , he did it with all humility and moderation ; yet chusing always rather to displease then betray . He was in much favour with King Edward , in some with Queen Mary , in most with Queen Elizabeth ; who though sparing of her Honours , yet heaped on him the trust of Secretary of State , the Profits of the Master of the Wards , the Advancement of Lord Treasurer , and the degree of Baron of Burleigh : for as he followed the Marquess of Winchester in his Employment , so he did in his Complyance . When he was out of Place , he was not out of service in Queen Mary's days ; his Abilities being as necessary in those times as his Inclination ; and that Queens Council being as ready to advance him at last , as they were to use him all her Reign . In Queen Elizabeth's time he setled the Crown by setling Religion ; and by an utter separation from Rome , strengthened England . He made equal use of those that were then Protestants by Interest , and they who were so in Conscience : Those that had affections for Church-lands , and those that had affections for the Church . The Pope would by a Bull confirm the sale of Abby-Lands ; But who , said Burleigh , can confirm the Popes Bull ? The King of Spain secured the Queen in hope of her Bed , the Pope winked at her in hope of her Heart : Burleigh over-reached the one by a fair complaysance , and the other by insensible alterations . During the Queens ten years calm , Cecil provided for a tempest ; and improved her Shipping and Ammunition to a dreadfulness at Sea , as he did her Army to a great skill and experience by Land. He made Holland our Stage of War , and our School of Discipline ; where England gained the security and experience of War without its calamity and desolations ; always Offensive , and once onely Defensive . His Intelligence abroad , was no less then his Prudence at home ; and he could write to a friend in Ireland what the King of Spain could do for two years together , and what he could not do . His Advices from his Pensioners abroad , were presented Queen Elizabeth once a fortnight ; 1. clearly and plainly ; 2. methodically and distinctly ; 3. speedily and seasonably ; 4. truly and fully . He exchanged his Interest for Walsinghams Intelligence , who commanded what he could do , as he did what the other knew . The Bull clapped at London-house , was first in our States-mans Study ; where they might learn what they were to do , and Protestants what to expect , many years before any thing was visible . When Leicester would have no Equal , and Sussex no Superiour , then Cecil as Neu●er served himself of them both . He would wrestle with neither of them , yet he would trip them both : they having many rubs in their way , yet never saw who laid them . He never quarrelled with any ; neither , saith Cambden , did he ever sue , or was he ever sued . Prudens qui Patiens , was his saying , before it was Sir Edward Cookes Motto : and he had rather tire out Opposition by his Moderation , then improve it by his Impatience . Others were raised to balance Factions , he to support the Kingdome : Fickle Favour tossed them , constant Interest secured him . No fewer then the Marquess of Winchester , the Duke of Norfolk , the Earls of Northumberland , Arundel , Pembroke , Leicester and Westmorland contrived his fall ; but reason of State and his Mistress kept up his standing . Sir Nicholas Throgmorton advised them to clap him up , saying , That then men would open their mouths to speak freely against him : but the Queen understanding hereof , and standing , as I may say , d ( saith my Author ) in the very prison-door , quashed all their Designes , and freed him from the mischief projected against him . Great was the value the Queen set upon him , as her ablest Minister of State : for coming once to visit him being sick of the Gout at Burleigh-house in the Strand , and being much heightned with her Head-attire then in fashion , the Lords servant who conducted her through the door , said , May your Highness be pleased to stoop . The Queen returned , For your Masters sake I will stoop , but not for the King of Spain . She would make him always sit down in her presence : saying , My Lord , we make use of you not for your bad Legs , but your good Head. He was a good friend to the Church as then established by Law ; advising his son Thomas never to build a great House , or bestow any great charge upon an Impropriation , as fearing the foundation might fail hereafter : yet conniving at sober Non-conformists , to strengthen the foundation at present , he checked the forwardness of private men , and advanced the honour of the publick Establishment on all hands . Good my Lord , ( saith he in his Letter to Archbishop Whitgift , in the behalf of some squeamish Ministers ) bear with my scribbling ; I write with the testimony of a good Conscience : I desire the peace of the Church ; I desire concord and unity in the exercise of our Religion : I fear no sensual or wilful Recusant . I would not make Offenders , neither would I protect them . And I pray your Grace bear this , ( and perchance a fault ) and yet I have sharply admonished them , that if they will be Disturbers in their Churches , they must be corrected : and yet upon your Graces answer to me , Ne sutor ultra Crepidam : neither will I put Falcem in alterius Messem . ( Was his Chaplain Traverse his hand in all this ? ) And then again : If I had known his fault , ( saith he of Brown ) I might be blamed for Writing for him . Thus he carried matters without passion and prejudice prudently , as became so great a States-man . He was not rigid , yet he was careful : He would help the good-natured , yet punish the stubborn : He would rather be where nothing is lawful , then where all things are so . He would never skrue up the Law to the pitch of cruelty , nor unloose it to the remissness of Libertinism . He was no less honourable a Patron of the University , then he was a faithful Son of the Church : ( the Church strengtheneth the State , and the Universities furnish both : ) particularly in the case of Rent-corn , which ( saith my Author ) first grew in Sir Thomas Smiths head , yet was ripened by Burleighs assistance ; whereby , though the Rents of the Colledges stand still , their Revenues increase . He was not surer of all Church-men and Scholars by his Obligations upon them , then he was of all by his complaisance and pleasantness . None more grave then he in Publick , none more free in Private ; especially at his Table , where he drew something out of his heaviest guests ; having an admirable Dexterity in reading and observing men , their own occasional openings in common discourse ; there being more hold to be taken of a few words casually uttered , then of set solemn Speeches , which rather shew mens Arts then their Natures , as indited rather of their brains then hearts . His power awed many , his conversation obliged more . He had his hour to put on his Gown , and his hour to put it off : When he would say , Lie thou there , Lord Treasurer ; and bidding Adieu to all State-affairs , he disposed himself to his quiet and rest . He laid the Designes of War by his own Theory , and his friends Intelligence ; yet he advised peace , and died before the Question was determined , Whether a War with Spain ? Others understood the Nature of War , but he onely the Expediency and Conveniency . If War was necessary , none more forward to promote it , none more careful to maintain it : knowing , that in vain do the brows beat , the eyes sparkle , the tongue threaten , the fist bend , and the arm strike , if the belly be not fed , and the back cloathed : and indeed this was his Master-piece , that the Queen vying Gold and Silver with the King of Spain , had Money or Credit when the other had neither ; Her Exchequer , saith my Author , though but a Pond in comparison , holding water , when his River fed with a Spring from the Indies , was dreined dry . It was with his advice ▪ that that Queen paid her Obligations in Preferments , rather then Money ; giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life . In a word , when others set in a Cloud , he shined clear to his last : He saw Essex dead , Leicester slighted , Mountjoy discountenanced ; and what with the Queens constant favour , which lodged where it lighted , and his own temper and moderation , when more violent men failed , he died as great a Favourite as he lived ; leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter ; and his son Robert so much State-Discipline as raised him successi●è to be Secretary of State , Master of the Court of Wards , Lord Treasurer , and Earl of Salisbury . He was a very exact and a wary Observer of Forreign Transaction ; witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France : The rare manner of your Entertainment , hath moved the Queens Majesty to muse upon what score it should be , being more then hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors , and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised : And for that in such things Guesses be doubtful , I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it ; and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds , as the saying is , Fortuna cum adblanditur Capitum advenit . His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted , take in these words : Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace , pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawfulness towards the Queen : by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness : yet I think he is no therwise to be reformed then by sharp prosecution , which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings , as reason is . Of Intelligence he writes thus : I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence , which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the event . About Embassadors Dispatches he saith , He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business , and to his Soveraign of Advice . In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates , he advised , That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will , notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation . And yet you shall so order the matter , ( saith he to a French Ambassador ) as not that you shall finde fault with this manner of suffering : for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador , with whom you may sometime deal , to understand how they do , know what is done , and how they do interpret it . Touching the King of Scots murther , he would say , There are words spoken which I hold best to suppress : Neither would I have you ( saith he to his friend ) utter any of these things , not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed . Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend , I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches , whereby there might be some ground made how to have him demanded . Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty : Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis , not that we think the Governour will deliver it , but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent : ( for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place ; and being not delivered , the sum of 500000 l. is forfeited ) Mr. Winter shall pass secretly with him to take possession thereof , if they deceive our expectation : but not past three of the Council know of Winters going . Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes , he saith , If hereof the Embassador ( meaning the French ) shall make any sinister report , you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable , as having cause to mislike the manner of Writing of the Queen thereon : which nevertheless you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Secretary : for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it . Of the troubles in Scotland , he observed the French made their present advantage to the damage of England : and you know that Scotland is the French King to it , as Ireland is the Spanish . Of Forraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris , That he would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of France , and with whom they be married : adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and degrees , as you shall think meet . He writes , That her Majesty being a Prince her self , is doubtful to give countenance to subjects . I wish ( saith he ) to have a Kalendar of them who are with the Prince , and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them , and that in these troublesome times , wherein accidents are so diversly reported , your advices were large and repeated , and that we had such Articles as pass on both sides . Of France he saith , You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France , we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all , whatsoever the end thereof shall be . Of the Distractions of France , thus to our Embassador in France : If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head , as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world , I think you might do well , and speak truly : for as for the Popes Ministers , their Profession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth ; and whatsoever come of any thing , they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling . And as for other Ministers of Princes , or for men of War , it is a truth infallible , The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France , the better they think their own Estates . Of a plot discovered , he writes : We can truly hit no man , wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence ; and if the matter be of truth , and not a disguising to some other purpose , he can as well obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty , as thus to give a guess at him : for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he uttered to you , so may be attain to a more perfect knowledge . For the Protestants he saith , I pray you put them in comfort ; that if extreamity shall happen , they must not be left : for it is so universal a cause , as none of the Religion can separate themselves one from another . We must all pray together , and stand fast together . Of a Professor he writes , The Queens Majesty will in no wise hear of such matters , which she thinketh are but changeable , and without fruit ; although I had earnestly moved her Majesty to have adventured some small piece of money upon such a man : therefore I see no remedy but to pay him as well as may be with good words . Touching the Plot again : Methinks that the Parties that tell you such pieces of tales , if the whole were true , might as well tell you the whole , as such obscure parts : which if they do not , you might well alledge them to be but devices to breed unquietness and suspition ; and as I wrote before unto you , they might be tempted with offer of rewards , that the truth of the matter might be disclosed : and surely me thinks still , since the Informers will not be known of the particulars in more certainty , that these things are intended to bring us into their places : but yet no diligence is to be omitted . Touching the delivery of an Embassie , he writes , And I think if you would in the Translating thereof distribute it into sundry members by way of Articles , you should the better carry it in your minde ; making thereby an account with your self of the better delivery thereof . And you shall do well to let some such as favour the intention of the Queens Message , to see the Copy of the Letter ; whereby they may percase being called to give advice to the King , further the cause , to the benefit of them of the Religion . I would be glad to hear a Brief , or as they call it , a List of the Names of the princip●l persons that have a charge now in these Wars of France on both parts , with the Contents as near as you can of their numbers . Of the Queen of Scots Affairs , he concludes : God send her Majesty clear of these Scotish matters , whereinto the entry is easie , but the passage within doubtful ; and I fear the end will be monstrous : I am thrown into a maze at this , that I know not how to walk from dangers . Sir Walter Mildmay and I are sent to the Scotish Queen , as by the Queens Majesties Letters you may see : God be our Guide ; for neither of us like the Message . 1. Knowledge is the Treasure of the Mind , Discretion is the Key : the Practick Part of Wisdom is the best : a native Ingenuity is beyond the watchings of industrious Study . There are no such Guards of safety as Vertue and Wisdome : Danger cannot make impression on the Vertuous , nor Fortune subvert the Wise : The Wise man cannot fall . Prudence is a safe Conduct through the various Casualties of Mortality . He declines in Wisdome , that falls in Fortune . Discretion sways the Stars and Fate . Ad summum sapiens uno minor est Jove ; dives , Liber , Honoratus , pulcher , Rex denique regum . The World is a shop of Instruments , whereof the Wise man is Master ; and a Kingdome but a Frame of Engines , whereunto he is the Wheel . 2. Smoothness declineth Envy and Danger , Humility advanceth to Honour , Moderation preserves in it . Men come down by Domineering . Haste undoeth that , which a just Delay ripeneth . Our Wise man would say , Stay a little , and we will have done the sooner . An Estate evened with these thoughts , endureth . It 's an excellent Motto : Nolo Minor me timeat , despiciat ve Major . 3. Humility shuns Honour , and is the way to it : The purest Gold is most Ductile . It 's commonly a good Blade that bends well . The Reed that bends and is whole , is better then the strong Oak that not bending breaks . 4. There is no such prevalent Work-man as Sedulity and Diligence : A man would wonder at the mighty things which have been done by degrees , and gentle augmentations . Patience , Diligence and Moderation are the common steps to Excellency . It 's for Omnipotence to do mighty things in a moment ; but degreeingly to grow to Greatness , is the course he hath left for Man. Observations on the Life of Walter Devereux Earl of Essex . WAlter Devereux was by his * Mothers side born to , and by his Soveraigns favour possessed of the Earldom of Essex : His Spirit was as the time , martial and active , equally impatient of rust in his Soul , and in his Sword : Forreign Countreys bred then those Souldiers that England employed : The University made a Scholar , the Court a Man , and Flanders the Souldier . His Actions brought him to the presence , and his Presence commended Him to the Heart of Queen Elizabeth : But the shadow doth not more naturally attend the Sun , then Envy doth Favour : Since he must rise , it s contrived he should rise so high , that he must fall : Yet he might have lived longer , it was thought , if his Wife had not there more favour then himself : Abraham was afraid of , and Sir Walter was undone by his Sarah's Beauty : This is certain , he was no sooner in his Grave , than the same great man whom he declared his Enemy at his Death , was his Successor in his Marriage-Bed . Ambitious was he of the Irish Service , and subtle were others to fill up his Sayls so wide , as to be over-turned ; at once diving into , and ruining him by his Humour : Weary was he of the Court , and weary , as he observed , was that of him : In comes Leicester in this juncture , and advanceth him to the Soveraign Honour of maintaining an Army at his own charge , and the Royalty of Claudboy in Vlster ; the first he knew would ( as it fell out ) undo him ; the other was the Bears skin , when he could catch , kill and fley it ; and the whole plot was but the supplanting of him out of a real Estate in England and Wales , to an imaginary one in Ireland . Over he goeth with as splendid a Retinue of Kindered , Friends , supernumerarie Voluntiers , as his Son to the same Service , or his Grandson to one more unhappy : Sir William Fitz-William's Jealousie heard of his Parade , and his Industry out-reached him so far , that all that preparation amounted to no more honour , than to have been commissioned , after much importunity and attendance , by him ; nor to any more advantage than the bare Government of Vlster : Little good did he in Vlster , ( now under the discouraging and heartless impressions of discontent ) less in the South of Ireland , whither he was remanded by the Deputy , whose design was not to see how successfully he would conquer , but how dutifully he would obey ; in six months time spending 4000 l. to ruine himself : But alas ! in vain doth he conquer , who was always forbid to pursue and improve his Victory : no sooner did his Fortune favour him in one place , but he was called to his Misfortune in another : for no sooner doth he by experience and acquaintance with the situation of any Place , the humour or interest of any People , the weaknesses and strengths of any Enemy , the advantages or disadvantages of any Undertaking , ripen circumstances towards success , but he is called off to a new and unacquainted scene of action , where he shall lose his Army , before he knoweth how to employ it . His friends at Court grew few and cold , his foes many and active ; his affronts continual to disorder him by passion , or sink him in despair . His Commission was but short before , but is none now ; onely three hundred men stick to him : his Money failing , his Noble Followers withdrawing , his Common Souldiers mutiny , and he is recalled . And happy had he been , could he have been quiet : but nothing would compleat some mens Designes , but his Ruine ; and nothing could ruine him but Honour , that at once pleased his humour , and wasted his Estate . Earl-Marshal of Ireland he is made , and thither he goeth in great state to die , anno 1576 , and the 36 of his Age : a year fatal to that Family , which none of them exceeded but the last , who had been 〈…〉 ppy if he had died sooner , or lived longer then he did . Although Sir Walter Devereux had not that success over others which his Valour deserved , yet he had that conquest of himself that Vertue onely gives ; shewing himself as good at the Buckler , as at the Sword ; at suffering , as well as acting . All his changes from without he bore with , none within ; his even and solid minde that fashioned its own fate , enjoying its constant calm amidst all the tempests of malice and ambition . Those ignoble courses were not greater Arguments of his Enemies narrowness and degeneracy , then his resolved Patience was of his largeness and generousness of spirit ; he being as much above those smaller tricks , as they were below his Adversaries . We make our selves more Injuries then are offered us ; and the apprehension of wrong doth more harm then the smartest part of the wrong it self . It 's the Wise-mans glory , and the States-mans prudence , to pass by Offences . A Fool struck Cato in the Bath ; and when he was sorry for it , Cato had forgot it : for , ( saith Seneca ) Melius putavit non agnoscere quam ignoscere . Light Injuries are made none by a not-regarding : which with a pursuing Revenge grow both to heighth and burden , and live to mischief us , when they might die to secure us . It 's Princely ( saith one ) to disdain a Wrong , who when Embassadours have offered Undecencies , use not to chide , but deny them audience : as if silence were the way Royal to revenge a Wrong . The upper Region is most composed ; The wisest Rage the least , knowing that Observation and Resent●ent do but provoke and encourage that Malice which neglect and silence deads and dissipates . And it was Sir Walter 's Fathers Maxim● , That Discontent was the greatest weakness of a generous Soul , which is always so intent upon its unhappiness , that it forgets its remedies . This Lord was a great instance of that Maxime , That it 's an equal mischief to distrust all , as to believe all ; although of the two , the safest is to distrust : for Fear had secured this Noble Person , while Confidence ruined him ; it being a Vertue onely when men were innocent , but ever since , the bane of those that own it . Three things undid this Earl : 1. That he could not imagine he was to be ruined by his Advancement . 2. That he never mistrusted an Oath . 3. That he never considered , that as Princes , so Favourites , have many eyes , and long hands . He that is so open as to reserve nothing from friends , is renowned for Charity ; but he that is so to lie at the mercy of all , is marked for ruine . No sooner understood my Lord of Leicester Essex his Disposition , but the bitter Fool Pace could tell his Fortune , begging of my Lord at his departure the making of his Mourning ; and adding , You and I have done for this world . Walter Earl of Essex had been happy if he had not lived in my Lord of Leicester's time : his son Robert renowned , had he not been Sir Robert Cecil's Contemporary ; and his Grandchilde an Heroe , had he not known my Lord Say and Mr. Hampden . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Sussex . THomas Radcliff Earl of Sussex , was of a very Noble and Ancient Lineage , honoured through many Descents by the Title of Viscounts Fitz-Walters . He was a goodly Gentleman , and of a brave noble Nature , true and constant to his friends and servants , noted for honesty : a very excellent Souldier , being one of the Queens Martialists , who did very good service in Ireland at her first accession , till she recalled him to the Court , where she made him Lord Chamberlain ; and though he was not endowed with the cunningness and dexterity as others were , yet upon his Death-bed he gave his friends a caveat whom they should beware . His words , ( saith Sir Robert Naunton ) are these : I am now passing into another World , and must leave you to your Fortunes , and to the Queens Graces : but beware of the Gypsie , for he will be too hard for you all ; you know not the beast so well as I do . His Prowess and Integrity drew the Souldiers after him , Leicester's Courtship and Cunning the Courtiers , Cecil's Prudence and Service the States-men . He succeeded his Father in his Fortune , and in his Favour ; his Prudence and Resolution promoting him to the Government of Ireland and the North ; his good husbandry and skill in Surveying , making him Justice in Eyre of all the Parks beyond Trent ; and his comely Presence advancing him Lord Chamberlain . Queen Elizabeth poyzed her State by Factions abroad , and Parties at home ; her chiefest wisdome lying in her general correspondence and complyance with each Party , as her Interest lay in their incomplyance and distance from one another . My Lord of Sussex left this Memorial behind him , That for Rising Men to stick to a side , is necessary ; For Great Men to be indifferent , is wise : and this , That he and my Lord of Leicester cleared and purged the Court : their cross Observations refining each person that was admitted to Court ; none daring any injustice while Leicester observed him on the one hand , and Sussex punished him on the other . Then no deserving Person could be excluded by the one , that could serve his Prince ; nor any undeserving one admitted , that might disparage him : one Interest being sure to receive the one , as the other was to exclude the other . Divers persons ( saith one ) of equal Authority , though both wicked , do in experience produce more Justice then a greater Probity in a single individua● hath been heard to pronounce ; in a divided Court the Creatures of one Party being the Enemies of another , no less powerful ; and so they both become liable to accusation , or capable of defence : and from the sparkles of this clashing , not onely Persons and Actions , but the Publick Councils came to be refined from the Rust and Cankers that grow by an Unanimity . Faction can be as little spared in a Monarchy , as an Eye or an Ear , as through which the Prince hath a clearer apprehension of his own and others Affairs , then he can have when his followers are all agreed : through the percussion of equal Factions , as through that of Flint and Steel , all things coming to light by Debates , that might either advance or eclipse a Princes glory . When my Lord of Sussex could not overbear Leicester with Power , he did it with Policy ; and by yeilding to him , conquered him : for ( as he observed ) when he and his friends retired , Leicester and his subdivided ; and he was checked more by the Ambition he taught his own Followers , then by the competition of his Adversaries . When Factions are carried too high , and too violently , it is a signe of weakness in Princes , and much to the prejudice of their Authority and Business : The motions of Factions under Kings , ought to be like the motions ( as the Astronomers speak ) of the Inferiour Orbs , which may have their proper Inclination , but yet are still quietly carried by the higher motion of the Primum Mobile . Queen Elizabeth had an happy time of it , if it were but for this , That her Favourites Divisions were her support : for thereby she attained the knowledge of all things that happened , so as no Suit or Designe passed the Royal Assent , before she understood as much of Reason as Enemies or Friends could bring for or against it . The Character this third great Lord of his Family left behind him , was , This year died a man of a great spirit and faithfulness to his Country : and therefore none freer then he of his thoughts , none sounder then he in his counsels . Nor did this freedome of Communication betray his future Resolutions to the discovery of his Enemies , as they opened his heart to the observation of his Prince : for through a seeming unconstancy , not of words , but of action ; not his weakness , but his nimbleness , ( the Bird on the wing is safe ) he could so often vary , as it was not easie to discover where or when he would be buzzing , and give the blow : by which unsteady carriage , He so befooled his Adversaries with their Spies and Pensioners , as they were at a loss what to inform their Patrons of , or themselves how to resolve . Fortune and Conduct set up this Favourite , it falling in his Character as at Primero , and other Plays , wherein Fortune is directed and conducted by Art. The best and subtilest Gamester may loose , if it cross him ; but if it smiles and favours , he knoweth best how to manage and govern it . Five things raised this person to a respect as great as his fortune ; to be as high in the Queens favour , as he was in his Descent . 1. A Civility set off with State. 2. A pleasing Modesty of Countenance , and A●●ability of Speech , ennameled with Gravity . 3. A Boldness attended with Patience . 4. A great Capacity , enlivened with as great Dexterity . And 5. An Integrity secured with wariness . Observations on the Life of the Lord Willoughby . THe Lord Willoughby was one of the Queens first Sword-men : he was of the antient extract of the Bartues , but more e●●obled by his Mother , who was Dutchess of Suffolk . He was a great Master of the Art Military , and was sent General into France , and commanded the second of five Armies that the Queen sent thither in aid of the French. As he was a great Souldier , so was he of a suitable Magnanimity , and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that time . He had more favour then he courted , and he courted more ( rather to comply with the Queens humour , then his own inclination ) then he desired . He would say , and that saying did him no good , ( saith Sir Robert Naunton ) That he was none of the Reptilia , being made rather to march as a Souldier , then to creep as a Courtier . But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier , Prudence regulate it in a States-man , and modest submission check and soften it in a Subject . It 's as dangerous to be stubbornly above the Kindnesses , as it is to be factiously against the Power of Princes . Willoughby got nothing , Stanley lost all by his haughtiness ; which when it cannot be obliged , is suspected . But his service in France , Holland , and on the Borders , compounded for his roughness : so that to he who could not endure he should be high at Court , were pleased he should be so in the Field . Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home , took when heard to be Resolution abroad . Each Nature is advanced in its own Element : Leicester among the Ladies , my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers . It 's a step to Greatness to know our own way to it ; to exercise and shew our proper Vertues as he did : his Magnanimity in these two instances , among many others . 1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout , he said , That though he were lame in his feet and hands , yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary . 2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King , and being offered either 1000l . or 100 l. a year in exchange for it , he nobly answered , If it had been a Commander , he would have freely released him ; but being onely a Horse , he saw no reason be could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself . Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a Courtier , and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier . Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney . HE was Son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland , and President of Wales . A Person of great Parts , and in no mean grace with the Queen . His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester , from whence we may conjecture , how the Father stood up in the place of Honor and Employment ; so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides . For his Education , it was such as Travel and the University could afford : for after an incredible proficiency in all the Species of Learning , he left the Academical life for that of the Court , whither he came by his Uncles invitation , famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accomplishments ; which , together with the state of his Person , framed by a natural propension to Arms , he soon attracted the good opinion of all men ; and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen , that she thought the Court deficient without him : and whereas ( through the fame of his deserts ) he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland , she refused to further his advancement , not out of Emulation , but out of fear to loose the Jewel of her times . He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham , then Secretary of State ; a Lady destinated to the Bed of Honour , who ( after his deplorable death at Zutphen in the Netherlands , where he was Governour of Flushing , at the time of his Uncles being there ) was married to my Lord of Essex , and since his death to my Lord of St. Albans ; all persons of the Sword , and otherwise of great Honour and Vertue . He had an equal temperament of Mars and Mercury , Valour and Learning , to as high a pitch as Nature and Art could frame , and Fortune improve him : so Dexterous , that he seemed born for every thing he went about . His representations of Vertue and Vice , were not more lively in his Books , then in his Life : his ●ancy was not above his Vertue : his Humours , Counsels and Actions , were renowned in the Romancer , Heroick in the States man. His Soul was as large as his Parents , and his Complexion as Noble ; an equal Line of both ; the modesty of the Mother allaying the activity of the Father . A man so sweetly grave , so familiarly staid , so prettily serious he was above his years : Wisdome gained by travel , Experience raised from Observations , solid and useful Learning drawn from knowing Languet his three years Companion , and choicest Books , accomplished him for the love of all , and the reverence of most . His Converse was not more close at home , then his Correspondence abroad ; equally mixed with Policy , Pleasure , Wisdome and Love : his Worth being penned up , and smothered within the narrowness of his fortune , sallied not out to discontent , but pleasure ; sweetning the Affairs of State with the Debonnairness of the Stage ; his Romance being but Policy played with Machiavil in jest , and State-Maximes sweetened to a Courtiers Palate . He writ men as exactly as he studied them , and discerned humours in the Court with the same deep insight he described them in his Book . His Infant-discourses teach men , O what had his riper years done ! He put Life into the dead Notions of Ancestors , made Philosophy practicable ; joyned the Arts as closely in him , as they are in themselves . His Book is below his Spirit : a Spirit to be confined with Kingdomes , rather then Studies ; to do what was to be written , then onely to write what was to be done . All eyes were upon him but his own : at first , in all Affairs he was the last ; at last , he was the first : obliging all men that ever he saw , and seeing all that were worth obliging . All were pleased with his Arcadia but himself , whose years advanced him so much beyond himself , as his Parts did beyond others : He condemned his Arcadia in his more retired judgement to the fire , which wise men think will continue to the last Conflagration . His private Correspondence with William of Nassau about the highest Affairs of Europe , was so exact and prudent , that he assured Sir Fulke Grevil he deserved a Kingdom in Forreign Parts , though he had not an Office in England . The Earl of Leicester held his Authority in the Low-Countries by his Counsel when alive , and gave it over when he was dead . Sir Francis Walsingham was so much overshot by him in his own Bow , that those with whom Sir Philip were acquainted with for his sake , were his friends for Sir Philips . King James was honoured when King of Scotland with his friendship , Henry the fourth with his correspondence , Don Juan highly obliged with his Visits , the King of Spain himself concerned in his death , whom England ( he said ) lost in a moment , but could not breed in an Age. The Universities were proud of his Patronage , the Field of his Presence : the Studious in all Parts communicated with him ; the Hopeful were encouraged by him ; all excellent Persons thronged to him ; all serviceable men were entertained by him ; and he among them a Prince , whose minde was great , but his spirit greater . He taught England the Majesty of Honest Dealing , the Interest of being Religious . He looked deep into men and Counsels , and found no Wisdom without Courage , no Courage without Religion and Honesty : with which solid and active reaches of his , I am perswaded ( saith my Lord Brooks ) he would have found or made a way through all the Traverses even of the most weak and irregular times . Although a private Gentleman , he was a publick Good ; of a large , yet uniform disposition : so good , that the great Monarch might trust ; so great , that a little one must fear him : something he did for Fame , most for Conscience : His publick spirit , which might have enjealoused the cautious wisdome of other Princes , promoted the concerns of his own . He was sent to complement Rodalph , but he dealt really with the Protestant Princes , and raised a Ceremony to a piece of Interest . He shewed that long-breathed and cautious people , that imminent danger from Romes Superstition , joyned with Spains Power , their private confederacies and practices , their cruelty and designe ; which awaked their drowzie wariness into an association for Conscience and Religion more solid , as he demonstrated , then a Combination out of Policy . He went against the stream and current about the French Match , which he disswaded from the consequent inconveniencies of Engagements and charge to England , and the little advantage from France ; backing his Argument with a late experience ; and so staying Queen Elizabeths Match by some reflexions on Queen Mary's : which was , A five years Designe or Tax , rather then a Mrriage : adding withal , That in a Forreign Match , besides the unequalness and danger of it , ( when a strange Prince hath such an influence on our Constitution ) the different Religion would make the Queen either quit the reputation of a good Protestant , or the honour of an obedient Wife . Ten ways he laid down a Forreign Prince might endanger our Religion by . 1. Opposing and weakning the reverend Fathers of our Church . 2. By disgracing her most zealous Ministers . 3. By Latitude and Connivance . 4. By a loose and too free a behaviour , steering mens Consciences which way he pleased , and setting up indifferency . 5. By decrying Customes and Statutes , and enhansing Proclamations to the Authority of Laws . 6. By provoking the English with French Oppressions . 7. By entrenching on the British Liberties with Gallicane Prerogatives . 8. By breaking our League and Correspondence with other Protestant States . 9. Frighting our Queen to a Complyance . 10. And at last attempting the Protestant cause . He would say to his ●●end the Lord Brooke , That if the Netherlands joyn with France , they are terrible to Spain : if with Spain , they are dreadful to France : if with us , they support the Reformation : if they stand on their own legs , they are too strong to be forced to Pyracy . He , though a private person , opposed her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in that Affair , with that sincerity , with that ingenuity , that freedome , that duty and peaceableness , that angered and pleased her . His Opinion was not more against her humour , then his Manage of it was to her minde : in which Affair , when most were hood-winked with ignorance , and many captived with fear , he enjoyed the freedome of his own thoughts with dayly access to her Majesty , hourly converse with the French , and constant respect from the people . None more dutiful to his Soveraign then Sir Philip , none more resolute against Eucroachers upon Gentlemen and Freemen , none more dear to the whole State : which when he had designed Sir Francis Drake's second Voyage , and stollen to him at Windsor , commanded his stay by an Earl , and for his sake the whole Fleets , although his stay disturbed , and his death destroyed his most exact Model for the Conquest of America , the exactest Europe ever saw : A Conquest not to be enterprized but by Sir Philips reaching spirit , that grasped all circumstances , and commanded all interests on this side the Line . When his great Soul could not improve Europe , he considered it ; and made that the Field of his mediation , that could not be the stage of his Actions . England he saw so humoursome and populous , that it was to be refined with War , and corrupted with Peace . Her interest was , he said , to balance Neighbor-Princes . France he observed weak and effeminate , the Empire enslaved and secure , the Hanses too big , Rome subtle and undermining , Spain crept to the Power and Councils of Europe , the Protestant Princes enjealoused and distrustful , Poland divided , Denmark strong , Sweden invironed or imprisoned , the Muscovite distressed and ignorant , the Switz enemies , yet servants to Monarchs , ( a dangerous body for the soul of any aspiring Monarch to infuse defignes into ) the Princes of Italy awed by their Superiours , and cautious against their equals ; Turkie asleep in the Seraglio ; but Spain all this while Master of Rome , and the wisest Council or Conclave in the Word ; Lord of the Mines of America , and the Sword of Europe : Concluding , that while the Spaniard had Peace , Pope Money or Credit , and the World Men , Necessity or Humours , the War could hardly be determined upon this Low-Country-stage : And that there were but two ways to conquer Spain , the one , That which diverted Hannibal ; and by setting fire on his own House , made him draw his spirits to comfort his heart : The other , that of Jason , by fetching away his Golden Fleece , and not suffering any one quietly to enjoy that which every man so much affected . The assistance of Portugal , the surprize of Cales her key , and Sevi● her treasure ; the drawing in of other Well-willers ; the command of the Sea , an exact Intelligence ; the Protection of Rochel , Brest , Bourdeaux , or some other distressed Protestant , to balance the over-mytred Countries , the encouragement of religious or ambitious Roytolets to advance and secure themselves , the engaging of the French and Spaniards , a League with Venice and the Maritime States : some temptations to Italy to remove their French and Spanish Garisons , an opportunity to recover Sicily , some insinuations to the Pope of the Austrian Greatness , the setting up of the World in an Aequilibrium , the invasion of America , removing the diffidence , overpoyzing the Neutrality , and working upon the Complexions of Kings and Kingdomes , was this young , but great mans designe . An Expedition to the Indies he would perswade with these motives : 1. That Honour was cheaper abroad then at home ; at Sea , then at Land. 2. That the Spanish Conquests like the Jesuites Miracles , made more noise at distance then nearer hand . 3. That the Indians would joyn with the first Undertaker against their cruel Masters . 4. That Spain was too far for supply . 5. That the Spaniard was Undisciplined , and trusted more to the Greatness of his Name , then to Order , Policy or Strength . 6. That England was populous . 7. That it was an Action complyant with the present Humour , and not subject to Emulations . 8. That it would either cut off the Spanish treasure , or make it chargeable . 9. And at last set up a Free Trade by Sea , open a great Door to Valour or Ambition for new Conquests , and to Zeal for new Converts . He said the Inquisition would overthrow Spain , being a designe upon Humane Nature , and freedome ; to govern men at the rate of beasts . His great Abilities recommended him to Leicester's Cabinet , whose Horse he commanded in the Field , whose Counsel he guided at home . Prudent and valiant he was in contriving and executing the surprize of Axil : Liberal and Noble to his Souldiers at Flushing ; wary and deep-sighted in his Counsel about Graveline ; wise and stayed in the jealousies between Leicester and Hollock . His Patience and Resolution before Zutphen , his quiet and composed spirit at Arneim , his Christian and religious comportment in his sickness and death , made his Fame as lasting as his Life was wished . And why died he lamented by the Queen , mourned for by the Court , bemoaned by Europe , wept over by Religion and Learning , the Protestant Churches , celebrated by Kings , and eternized by Fame ? because he was one whose Parts were improved by early Education , whose Education was raised by Experience , whose Experience was enlarged by Travel , whose Travel was laid up in Observations , whose Observations were knit up to a solid Wisdome , whose Wisdome was graced with his Presence ; and the one was as much admired by Kings , as the other was by Queens . One whose Learning guided Universities , whose Alliance engaged Favourites , whose Presence filled Courts , whose Soul grasped Europe , whose Merit could fill a Throne , whose Spirit was above it . It was he who was deserving and quiet , neglected and patient , great and familiar , ingenious and devout , learned and valiant , sweet and solid , contemplative & active . It was he whom Queen Elizabeth called her * Philip , the Prince Orange his Master , and whose friendship my Lord Brooke was so proud of , that he would have no other Epitaph on his Grave then this , Here lieth Sir Philip Sidneys Friend . It was he whose last words were , Love my memory , cherish my Friends ; their faith to me may assure you they are honest : but above all , govern your will and affections by the Will and Word of your Creator . In me behold the end of this world , and all its vanities . THey that have known thee well , & search thy parts Through all the chain of Arts : Thy apprehension quick as active light , Clear Judgement , without Night : Thy Phansie free , yet never wild or mad , With wings to fly , but none to gad : Thy Language still in rich , yet comely dress , Not to expose thy minde , but to express . They that have known thee thus , sigh , and confess , They wish they 'd known thee still , or known thee less . To these , the wealth and Beauties of thy minde , Be other Vertues joyn'd . Thy modest Soul , strongly confirm'd and hard , Ne'er beckned from its Guard. Observations on the Life of Sir John Perrot . SIr John Perrot was a goodly Gentleman , and of the Sword : and as he was of a very ancient descent , as an Heir to many Exstracts of Gentry , especially from Guy de Bryan of Lawhern ; so was he of a vast Estate , and came not to the Court for want . And to these Adjuncts he had the Endowments of Courage , and heighth of Spirit , had it lighted on the allay of temper and discretion : the defect whereof , with a native freedome and boldness of speech , drew him into a Clouded setting , and laid him open to the spleen & advantage of his Enemies . He was yet a wise man , and a brave Courtier , but rough , and participating more of active then sedentary motions , as being in his Constellation destinated for Arms. He was sent Lord-Deputy into Ireland , where he did the Queen very great and many Services : Being out of envy accused of High Treason , and against the Queens will and consent condemned , he died suddenly in the Tower. He was Englands professed Friend , and Sir Christopher Hattons professed Enemy : He fell because he would stand alone . In the English Court at that time he that held not by Leicesters and Burleighs favour , must yeild to their frowns : What ground he gained in Forreign Merits , ( as the Sea ) he lost in Domestick Interests . The most deserving Recesses , and serviceable absence from Courts , is incompatible with the way of interest and favour . His boysterous carriage rather removed then preferred him to Ireland , where he was to his cost , what he would have been to his advantage ; chief in Command , and first in Council . His spirit was too great to be ruled , and his Interest too little to sway . He was so like a Son of Henry the a eighth , that he would not be Queen Elizabeths subject : but Hattons sly smoothness undermined his open roughness ; the one dancing at Court with more success then the other fought in Ireland . He was born to enjoy , rather then make a Fortune ; and to command , rather then stoop for respect . Boldness indeed is as necessary for a Souldier , as Action for an Orator ; and is a prevailing quality over weak men at all times , and wise men at their weak times : yet it begins well , but continueth not ; closing always with the wiser sorts scorns , and the vulgars laughter . Sir John Perrot was better at Counsel then Complement , and better at Execution then Counsel . None worse to command first on his own head , none better to be second , and under the direction of others . He could not advise , because he looked not round on his dangers : he could not execute , because he saw them not . His alliance to his Soveraign commended him at first to her favour , and gave him up at last to her jealousie ; being too near to be modest , and too bold to be trusted : and the more service he performed , he was thereby onely the more dangerous , and withal unhappy ; his Successes onely puffing up his humor , and his Victories ripening his ambition to those fatal Sallies against the Queens honour and Government , that had cost him his life , had he not saved it with those very Rants he lost himself by : for when he had out of an innocent confidence of his cause , and a haughty conceit of his Extraction , exasperated his Noble Jury to his Condemnation , he had no more to say for himself then Gods death ! will the Queen suffer her Brother to be offered up as a sacrifice to the envy of my frisking Adversaries ? On which words the Queen refused to signe the Warrant for his Execution , though pressed to it from Reason and Interest , saying , They were all Knaves that condemned him . It 's observed of him , that the Surplusage of his services in Ireland abated the merit of them ; and that it was his oversight to have done too much there . His mortal words were those in the great Chamber of Dublin , when the Queen sent him some respectful Letters after her Expostulatory ones , with an intimation of the Spaniards Designe : Lo , now ( saith he ) she is ready to piss her self for fear of the Spaniard ; I am again one of her white Boys . A great Birth and a great Minde are crushed in Commonwealths , and watched in Kingdomes : They who are too tall to stand , too stubborn to bow , are but too fit to break . Ruffling Spirits raise themselves at the settlement of Governments , but fall after it ; being but unruly Waves to a steady Rock , breaking themselves on that solid Constitution they would break . Few aimed at Favourites as Sir John did at the Lord Chancellor , but their Arrows fell on their own heads ; Soveraignty being always struck through prime Counsellours , and Majesty through its chief Ministers . Sir John Perrot no sooner clashed with Hatton , then he lost the Queen ; and ever since he reflected on his Dancing , he lost his own footing , and never stood on his legs . Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Walsingham . HE was a Gentleman ( at first ) of a good house , but of a better Education ; and from the University travelled for the rest of his Learning . He was the best Linguist of the times , but knew best how to use his own tongue , whereby he came to be employed in the chiefest Affairs of State. He was sent Ambassadour into France , and stayed there a Leiger long , in the heat of the Civil Wars . At his return he was taken Principal Secretary , and was one of the great Engines of State , and of the times , high in the Queens favour , and a watchful servant over the safety of his Mistress . He acted the same part in the Courts of France about that Match , that Gundamor , if I be not mistaken , ( saith Sir Robert Naunton ) did in the Court of England about the Spanish . His apprehension was quick , and his Judgement solid : his Head was so strong , that he could look into the depth of men and business , and dive into the Whirlpools of State. Dexterous he was in finding a secret , close in keeping it : Much he had got by Study , more by Travel ; which enlarged and actuated his thoughts . Cecil bred him his Agent , as he bred hundreds . His Converse was infinuating and reserved : He saw every man , and none saw him . His Spirit was as publick as his Parts ; and it was his first Maxime , Knowledge is never too dear : yet as Debonnair as he was prudent ; and as obliging to the softer , but predominant parts of the world , as he was serviceable to the more severe : and no less Dexterous to work on humours , then to convince Reason . He would say , he must observe the joynts and flexures of Affairs ; and so could do more with a Story , then others could with a Harangue . He always surprized business , and preferred motions in the heat of other diversions ; and if he must debate it , he would hear all ; and with the advantage of aforegoing speeches , that either cautioned or confirmed his resolutions , he carried all before him in conclusion beyond reply . He out-did the Jesuites in their own bowe , and over-reached them in their own equivocation , and mental reservation ; never telling a Lye , but warily drawing out and discovering truth . As the close Room sucketh in most Air , so this wary man got most intelligence , being most of our Papists Confessour before their death , as they had been their Brethrens before their treason . He said what another writ , That an habit of secrecy is policy and vertue . To him mens faces spake as much as their tongues , and their countenances were Indexes of their hearts . He would so beset men with Questions , and draw them on , & pick it out of them by piece-meals , that they discovered themselves whether they answered or were silent . This Spanish Proverb was familiar with him , Tell a Lye , and finde a Truth ; and this , Speak no more then you may safely retreat from without danger , or fairly go through with without opposition . Some are good onely at some affairs in their own acquaintance ; Walsingham was ready every where , and could make a party in Rome as well as England . He waited on mens souls with his eye , discerning their secret hearts through their transparent faces . He served himself of the Factions as his Mistress did , neither advancing the one , nor depressing the other : Familiar with Cecil , allied to Leicester , and an Oracle to Sussex . He could overthrow any matter by undertaking it , and move it so as it must fall . He never broke any business , yet carried many : He could discourse any matter with them that most opposed ; so that they in oppofing it , promoted it . His fetches and compass to his designed speech , were things of great patience and use . Twice did he deceive the French as Agent , once did he settle the Netherlands as Commissioner , and twice did he alter the Government of Scotland as Embassadour . Once did France desire he might be recalled , because he was too hard for the Counsel for the Hugonots ; and once did Scotland request his remand , because he would have overturned their Constitution : 53 Agents did he maintain in Forreign Courts , and 18 Spies : for two Pistols an Order , he had all the private Papers of Europe : few Letters escaped his hands , whose Contents he could read and not touch the Seals . Bellarmine read his Lectures at Rome one moneth , and Reynolds had them confuted the next . So patient was this wise man , Chiselhurst never saw him angry , Cambridge never passionate , and the Court never discomposed . Religion was the interest of his Country , ( in his judgement ) and of his Soul ; therefore he maintained it as sincerely as he lived it : it had his head , his purse , and his heart . He laid the great foundation of the Protestant Constitution as to its policy , and the main plot against the Popish as to its ruine . He would cherish a plot some years together , admitting the Conspirators to his own and the Queens presence familiarly , but dogging them out watchfully : his Spies waited on some men every hour , for three years ; and lest they could not keep counsel , he dispatched them to forraign parts , taking in new Servants . His training of Parry who designed the murder of Queen Elizabeth , the admitting of him under the pretence of discovering a Plot to the Queens presence , and then letting him go where he would , onely on the security of a Dark Sentinel set over him , was a piece of reach and hazard beyond common apprehension . But Kingdomes were acted by him , as well as private persons . It is a likely report ( saith one ) that they father on him at his return from France , when the Queen expressed her fear of the Spanish designe on that Kingdome with some concernment , Madam , ( said he ) be content not to fear ; the Spaniard hath a great appetite , and an excellent digestion : but I have fitted him with a bone for this twenty years , that your Majesty shall have no cause to doubt him : Provided that if the fire chance to slack which I have kindled , you will be ruled by me , and now and then cast in some English ●uel which may revive the flame . He first observed the great Bishop of Winchester fit to serve the Church , upon the unlikely Youths first Sermon at St. Al●allows Barking : He brought my Lord Cooke first to the Church upon some private discourse with him at his Table . The Queen of Scots Letters were all carried to him by her own Servant , whom she trusted , and decyphered to him by one Philips , as they were sealed again by one Gregory , so that neither that Queen or her correspondents ever perceived either the Seal defaced , or the Letters delayed to her dying day . Video & Taceo , was his saying , before it was his Mistresses Motto . He could as well ●it King James his humour with sayings out of Xenophon , Thucydides , Plutarch , Tacitus ; as he could King Henry's with Rablais's conceits , & the Hollander with Mechanick Discourses . In a word , Sir Francis Walsingham was a studious and temperate man ; so publick-spirited , that he spent his Estate to serve the Kingdome ; so faithful , that he bestowed his years on his Queen ; so learned , that he provided a Library for Kings Colledge of ●is own Books ; which was the best for Policy , as Cecil's was for History , Arundels for Heraldry , Cottons for Antiquity , and Ushers for Divinity : finally , he equalled all the Statesmen former Ages discourse of , and hardly hath been equalled by any in following Ages . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Leicester . THe Lord Leicester was the youngest son then living of Dudley Duke of Northumberland : he was also one of the first to whom Queen Elizabeth gave that honour to be Master of the Horse . He was a very goodly person , and singular well featured , and all his youth well favoured , and of a sweet aspect , but high foreheaded , which was taken to be of no discommendation : but towards his latter end grew high-coloured and red-faced . The Queen made him Earl of Leicester for the sufferings of his Ancestors sake , both in her Fathers and Sisters Reigns . The Earl of Essex his death in Ireland , and the marriage of his Lady yet living , deeply stains his commendation . But in the Observations of his Letters and Writings , there was not known a Stile or Phrase more religious , and fuller of the streams of Devotion . He was sent Governour by the Queen to the United States of Holland , where we read not of his wonders ; for they say , Mercury , not Mars , in him had the predominancy . To the Policy he had from Northumberland his Father , and the Publican Dudley his Grandfather , he added , they say , Magick and Astrology ; and to his converse with Wise men , his familiarity with Wizards . Indeed he would say . A States-man should be ignorant of nothing , but should have all notices either within his own or his Confidents command . His Brother Ambrose was the Heir to the Estate , and he to the Wisdome of that Family . He was the most reserved man of that Age , that saw all , and was invisible ; carrying a depth not to be fathomed but by the Searcher of Hearts . Many fell in his time , who saw not the hand that pulled them down ; and as many died that knew not their own Disease . He trusted not his Familiars above a twelve-month together , but either transported them for Forreign services , or wasted them to another world . His Ambition was of a large extent , and his Head-piece of a larger . Great was his Influence on England , greater on Scotland , and greatest of all on Ireland and the Netherlands ; where this close Genius acted invisibly , beyond the reach of friends , or the apprehension of enemies . Declining an immediate opposition in Court-factions , the wary Sir raised always young Favourites to outshine the old ones : so balancing all others that he might be Paramount himself . The modern policy and practices were but shallow to his ; who by promoting the Queens Match , could hinder it ; who could decoy Hunsdon to Berwick , Pembroke to Wales , Sidney to Ireland ; while what with his great Train , what with his growing Popularity , he was called the Heart of the Court. To make his Basis equal to his Heighth , he enlarged and strengthened his Interest by Alliance with the chief Nobility , to whom he was related . By his Patronage of Learning , over which he was Chancellour ; by kindness to the Clergy , whose Head he seemed to be ; by his command over all men , whom either his favours had won , or his frowns awed ; everybody being either within the Obligation of his Courtesies , or the reach of his Injuries . He advised some complyance with Philip of Spain for the Match he proposed ; while by degrees he altered Religion so , as it must be impossible ; designing Queen Elizabeth for his own Bed , while she made his way to the Queen of Scots : whose refusal of him he made as fatal to her , as his Marriage would have been advantageous ; ( The Queen of England promising to declare her next Heir to the Crown of England , in case she failed of Issue , upon that Match . ) Leicester trepans Norfolk to treat a Match with the Scotch Queen ; and her to accept it , to both their ruine : both being engaged in such foolish Enterprizes by their enemies practices , as made Leicester able in the head of a new Association in the Queens defence , to take off Norfolk and his Ladies head . He was always before-hand with his Designes , being a declared enemy to After-games . His Interest was Popery , until my Lord North put him upon Puritanism , but his Religion neither : He promoted the French and Polish Match at Court , and disparaged them in the Country . When Cardinal Chatillian advertized her Majesty how Leicester drave Royal Suiters from her Court , he was sent to another World. He that would not hold by his favour , must fall by his frown ; Arch-bishop Grindal not excepted . His hand bestowed all favours , and his brows all frowns : the whole Court was at his Devotion , and half the Council at his beck . Her Majesty suspected , but durst not remove him . His Intelligence was good in Scotland , better in Ireland , best in Spain . The Country was governed by his Allies , and the Court by himself . The Tower was in his servants hands , London under his Creatures Government , and the Law managed by his Confidents . His treasure was vast , his gains unaccountable , all passages to preferment being in his hand at home and abroad . He was never reconciled to her Majesty under 5000 l. nor to any Subject under 500 l. and was ever and anon out with both . All Monopolies are his , who commanded most mens Purses , and all mens Parts . A man was oppressed if he complyed with him , and undone if he opposed him . In a word , his designe was thought a Crown , his Parts too large for a Subject , his Interest too great for a Servant , his depth not fathomable in those days , and his Policy not reached in these . Observations on the Life of the Lord Hatton . SIr Christopher H●tton was a Gentleman , who for his activity and Person was taken into the Queens favour . He was first made Vice-Chamberlain , and shortly after advanced to the place of Lord Chancellour : A Gentleman , that besides the Graces of his Person , and Dancing , had also the Adjectments of a strong and subtile capacity : one that could soon learn the Discipline and Garb both of Times and Court. The truth is , he had a large proportion of Gifts and Endowments , but too much of the season of Envy . As he came , so he continued in the Court in a Mask . An honest man he was , but reserved . Sir John Perrot talked , and Sir Christopher Hatton thought . His features set off his body , his gate his features , his carriage his gate , his parts his carriage , his prudence his parts , and his close patience his prudence . The Queen loved him well for his activity , better for his parts , best of all for his abilities , which were as much above his experience , as that was above his learning , and that above his education . The little the wary man did , was so exactly just and discreet ; and the little he said , was so prudent and weighty , that he was chosen to keep the Queens Conscience as her Chancellour , and to express her sense as her Speaker : the Courtiers that envyed the last capacity , were by his power forced to confess their errours ; and the Sergeants that would not plead before him in the first , by his prudence to confess his abilities . The Chancellourship was above his Law , but not his Parts ; so pregnant and comprehensive , that he could command other mens knowledge to as good purpose as his own . Such his humility , that he did nothing without two Lawyers : such his ability , that the Queen did nothing without him . Two things he said he was jealous of , His Mistresses the Queens Prerogatives , and his Mother the Churches Discipline : the one , that Majesty might be at liberty to do as much good ; and the other , that Iniquity might not be free to as much evil as it pleased . His enemies advanced him , that they might weaken him at Court by his absence , and kill him at home by a sedentariness . This even and clear man observed and improved their practices , closing with Malice it self to his own advancement , and tempering the most perverse enmity to the greatest kindness . None Nobler , none less aspiring : none more busie , yet none more punctual in his hours and orders . Corpulent he was , but temperate ; a Batchelor , ( and the onely one of the Queens Favourites ) yet chaste : quick were his Dispatches , but weighty ; many his Orders , and consistent : numerous were the Addresses to him , and easie the access . Seldome were his Orders reversed in Chancery , and seldomer his Advice opposed in Council . So just he was , that his sentence was Law with the Subject ; so wise , that his Opinion was Oracle with his Soveraign : so exact was Queen Elizabeth , that she called upon him for an old debt , though it broke his heart ; so loving , that she carried him a Cordial-broath with her own hand , though it could not revive him . Observations on the Life of the Lord Hunsdon . THe Lord Hunsdon was of the Queens nearest Kindred ; and on the decease of Sussex , both he and his Son took the place of Lord Chamberlain . He was a fast man to his Prince , and firm to his friends and servants , downright , honest , and stout-hearted , having the charge of the Queens Person both in the Court , and in the Camp at Tilbury . The integrity of his temper allayed the greatness of his birth ; which had rendred him dangerous , if the other had not vouched him faithful . He spoke big , but honestly ; and was thought rather resolute then ambitious . His words were as his thoughts , and his actions as his words . He had Valour enough to be an eminent Souldier in ruffling times , and a renownedly honest man in Queen Elizabeths Reign . His Latine , faith Sir Robert Naunton , and his dissimulation , were both alike . His custome of swearing , and obscenity in speaking , made him seem a worse Christian then he was , and a better Knight of the Carpet then he should be . The Polititians followed Cecil , the Courtiers Leicester , and the Souldiers Hunsdon , whose hands were better then his head , and his heart then both . He led so brave a Train of young Gallants , as after another threatned a Court , but after him secured it ; whose Greatness was not his Mistresse jealousie , but her safeguard . One of his blunt Jests went further then others affected Harangues ; the one being Nature , the other forced . His faithfulness made him Governour of Berwick ; a place of great service : and General of the English Army ; a place of great Trust . He had something of Leicesters Choler , but none of his Malice . A right Noble Spirit , not so stupid as not to resent , not so unworthy as to retain a sense of Injuries . To have the Courage to observe an Affront , is to be even with an Adversary : to have the patience to forgive it , is to be above him . There goeth a story of him , that when his Retinue , which in those times was large , would have drawn on a Gentleman that had returned him a box on the ear , he forbad them in these Souldier-like words : You Rogues , cannot my Neighbour and my self exchange a box on the ear , but you must interpose ? He might have been what he would , for relieving Queen Elizabeth in her distress : he would be but what he was : Other Interests were offered him to stand upon ; he was contented with his own . He suppressed the Court-Factions , and the Nothern Commotions ; the one by his Interest , the other by his Valour : for the one , he had always the Queens Heart ; for the other , he had once a most Gracious Letter . His Court-favour was as lasting as his Integrity One hath left this remarque concerning him : That he should have been twice Earl of Wilishire in right of his Mother Bollen . And the Queen , when he was on his Death-bed , ordered his Patent and Robes to his bed-side : where he who could dissemble neither well nor ill , told the Queen , That if he was not worthy of those Honours when living , he was unworthy of them when dying . In a word , Sir William Cecil was a wise man ; Bacon was reaching , Leicester cunning ; Walsingham was a Patriot , and my Lord Hunsd●n was honest . Observations on the Life of Nicholas Heath , Archbishop of York , and Lord Chancellour of England . AT once a most wise and a most learned man , of great Policy , and of as great Integrity ; meek and resolute : more devout to follow his own Conscience , then cruel to persecute others . It is enough to intimate his moderate temper , equal , and dis-engaged from violent extreams ; that the first of Queen Elizabeth , in the Disputation between the Papists and Protestants , he was chosen by the Privy-Council one of the Moderators , when Sir Nicholas Bacon was the other . The Civility he shewed in Prosperity , he found in Adversity : for in Queen Elizabeths time he was rather eased , then deposed , [ like another Abiathar , sent home by Solomon to his own fields in Anathoth ] living cheerfully at Cobbam in Surry , where he devoted his Old Age to Religion and Study , being much comforted with the Queens Visits and kindness , and more with his own good conscience ; that ( as he would often say ) he had been so intent upon the service , as never to enjoy the greatness of any place he was advanced to . Sir Henry Wotton being bound for Rome , asked his Host at Siena , a man well versed in men and bufiness , What Rules he would give him for his Port , Conduct and Carriage ? There is one short remembrance ( said he ) will carry you safe through the world ; nothing but this , ( said he ) Gli Pensiere stretti , & el viso Sciolto : ( i. e. ) Your Thoughts close , and your Countenance loose . The Character of this Prelate , a man of a calm and reserved minde , but of a gravely obliging carriage : wise and wary ; and that a solid wisdome rather then a formal ; well seasoned with practice , and well broken to Affairs : of a fine Composition , between Frugality and Magnificence : A great Cherisher of Manual Arts , especially such as tended to splendour or ornament ; entertaining the most exquisite Artists with a setled Pension . Equally divided he was between the Priest and the States-man ; Great with his double Power , Ecclesiastical and Civil : by Nature more reserved then popular , with Vertues fitter to beget estimation then love . In his Chancellourship he was served with able followers , rather by choice then number , and with more neatness and service then noise . As Midland Countries in busie times are most secure , as being farthest , and most participating of the common Interest : so your moderate and middle men in troublesome and perplexed times , are most quiet , as least concerned in the respective Controversies , and most intent upon the common good . Observations on the Life of Sir William Pickering . HIs Extraction was not noble , his Estate but mean ; yet was his Person so comely , his Carriage so elegant , his Life so gravely reserved and studious , and his Embassies in France and Germany so well managed , that in King Edwards days he was by the Council pitched upon as the Oracle , whereby our Agents were to be guided abroad ; and in Queen Elizabeths , designed by common vote for the Prince by whom we were to be governed at home . He received extraordinary favours , no doubt , so deserving he was : he was wished to more , he was so popular : and when his service was admitted to her Majesties besome , all fancies but his own placed his person in her Bed. And I find him a Prince in this , That retiring from those busie Buslings in the State , wherein he might be matched or out-done , he devoted his large Soul to those more sublime and noble researches in his Study , wherein he sate Monarch of Hearts and Letters . Anxious Posterity no doubt enquires what great Endowments could raise so private a man to such publick honour and expectation ; and it must imagine him one redeemed by the Politure of good Education , from his younger vanities and simplicities , his Rustick ignorance , his Clownish confidence , his Bruitish dulness , his Country solitude , his earthly ploddings , his Beggerly indigencies , or covetous necessities ; racked and refined from the Lees of sensual and inordinate lust , from swelling and surely pride , from base and mean designes , from immoderate affections , violent passions , unreasonable impulses , and depraved aspects ; of a strong and handsome body , a large and publick Soul , of a gentle and patient access , of benign and just resentments , a grand awful presence . This is he that is born to teach the world , That * Vertue and Wariness make Kings as well as Gods. Observations on the Life of Cuthbert Tonstal , Bishop of Durham . A Man passing well seen in all kind of polished Literature ; who having run through many degrees of honour at home , and worthily performed several Embassies abroad , was very hot against the Popes Primacy in his young days , very moderate for it in his middle years , and very zealous in his old age : like the waters in Curtius , that are hot at midnight , warm in the morning , and cold at noon . In the Reign of Queen Mary he spake more harshly against the Protestants , ( calling Bishop Hooper Beast for being married ) then he acted , being politickly presumed to bark the more , that he might bite the less ; and observed to threaten much in London , and do little in his own Diocess : for I meet ( saith my Author ) with a Marginal Note in Mr. ●oxe , which indeed justly deserved even in the fairest letters to be inserted in the body of his Book : Note , that Bishop Tonstal in Queen Mary ' s days was no great bloody Persecutor : for Mr. Russel a Preacher was before him , and Dr. Hinmer his Chancellor would have had him examined more particularly : the Bishop staid him , saying , Hitherto we have had a good report among our Neighbours ; I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my head . When the more violent Bishops were confined to close prisons , primo Elizabetha , he lived in Free Custody at my Lord of Canterbury's , in sweet Chambers , warm Beds , by warm Fires , with plentiful and wholesome Diet at the Archbishops own Table : differing nothing from his former Grandeur , save that that was at his own charges , and this at anothers ; and that he had not his former suit of superfluous Servants , that long Train that doth not warm but weary the Wearer thereof . In a word , his custody did not so much sowre his freedome , as his freedome sweetned his custody ; where his Soul was most free , using not once those Oracles of Seneca , That the good things of Prosperity are to be wished , and the good things of Adversity to be admired . It 's true Greatness to have at once the frailty of a man , and the security of a god . Prosperity ( saith my Lord Bacon ) is the blessing of the Old Testament , and Adversity of the new : the first wants not its fears and distastes , therein therefore our Prelate was temperate ; nor the second its comsorts and hopes , and therein he was resolved : in the one ( — virtus vel in hoste ) he was not vicious , under the other he was vertuous . Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Talbot , Earl of Shrewsbury . NObility without Vertue is a disgrace , Vertue without Nobility low ; but Nobility adorned with Vertue , and Vertue embellished by Nobility , raiseth a man high as Nature reacheth : and he in whom these two concur , hath all the glory a man can attain unto , viz. both an Inclination and a Power to do well . This is the man whose Greatness was but the servant to his Goodness , and whose Honour the Instrument of his Vertue ; who was reverenced like the Heavens he bore , for his Beneficence , as well as for his Glory . He saw four troublesome Reigns , but not troubled himself , as one that was so espoused to the common and grand Concerns of Man-kinde , as to be uninterested in the particular and petty Designe of any party of it . He had friends ( and none more sure to them , or more devoted to that sacred thing called Friendship ) to ease his heart to , to support his judgement by , to reform , or at least observe his defect in , to compose his mind with ; but none to countenance in a Faction , or side with in a quarrel : Vsefulness is a Bond that tieth great and good men , and not respects . How low Learning ran in our Land among our Native Nobility some two hundred years since , in the Reign of King Henry the sixth , too plainly appeareth by the Motto in the Sword of the Martial Earl of Shrewsbury , ( where ( saith my Author ) at the same time a man may smile at the simplicity , and sight at the barbarousness thereof ) Sum Talboti pro occidere inimicos meos : the best Latine that Lord , and perchance his Chaplain too in that Age could afford . The case was much altered here , where this Lords Granchilde was at once the chiefest * Councellour , and the most eminent Scholar of his Age. It 's a reverend thing to see any ancient piece standing against Time , much more to see an ancient Family standing against Fortune . Certainly Princes that have able men of their Nobility , shall finde ease in employing them , and a better slide into their business : for people naturally bend to them , as born in some sort to command . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Challoner . THis Gentlemans birth in London made him quick , his Education in Cambridge knowing , and his travail abroad expert . In Henry the eighth's time he served Charles the fifth in the expedition of Algier : where being ship-wracked , after he had swum till his strength and arms failed him , at the length catching hold of a Cable with his teeth , he escaped , not without the loss of some of his teeth . ( We are consecrated by dangers to services ; and we know not what we can do , until we have seen all we can fear . ) In Edward the sixth's Reign , he behaved himself so manly at Muscleborough , that the Protector honoured him with a Knighthood , and his Lady with a Jewel ; the delicate and valiant man at once pleasing Mars and his Venus too . The first week of Queen Elizabeths Reign , he is designed an Embassadour of Honour to the Emperour ; such his port and carriage ! and the second year , her Leiger for business in Spain ; such his trust and abilities ! The first he performed not with more Gallantry , then he did the second with Policy ; bearing up King Philips expectation of the Match with England for three years effectually , until he had done the Queens business abroad , and she had done her own at home . In Spain he equally divided his time between the Scholar and the States-man , his recreation and his business : for he refreshed his more careful time with a pure and learned Verse , de rep . Anglorum instauranda , in five Books , whilst as he writes in the Preface to that Book , he lived Hieme in furno , aestate in Horreo : i. e. Wintered in a Stove , and Summered in a Barn. He understood the Concerns of this estate well , and those of his own better ; it being an usual saying , engraven on all his Plates and Actions , Frugality is the left hand of Fortune , and Diligence the right . Anthony Brown Viscount Mountacute urged with much Zeal and many Arguments the Danger and Dishonour of revolting off from the Catholick and Mother-Church : Sir Thomas Challoner with more Eloquence enlarged on the just Cause for which we deceded from the Errours of Rome , the true Authority by which we deceded from the Usurpation of Rome , and the Moderation in what we deceded from the Superstition of Rome . When the Spanish Embassadour urged that some Catholicks might with the Queens leave remain in Spain ; he answered him in a large Declaration , That though the instance seemed a matter of no great moment , yet seeing the Parties concerned would not receive so much advantage by the license as the Commonwealth would damage by the President , it was neither fit for the King of Spain to urge , or for the Queen of England to grant . He was very impatient of Injuries , pressing his return home when his Co●●ers were searched ; but admonished by his Mistress , That an Embassadour must take all things in good part that hath not a direct tendency to the Princes dishonour , or his Countries danger . His death was as honourable as his life , Sir William Cecil being chief Mourner at his Funeral , St. Pauls containing his Grave , and he leaving a hopeful * Son that should bring up future Princes , as he had served the present ; being as worthy a Tutor to the hopeful Prince Henry , as his Father had been a faithful Servant to the renowned Queen Elizabeth . Observations in the Life of Sir Edward Waterhouse . SIr Edward Waterhouse was born at Helmstedbury Hartfordshire : of an ancient and worshipful Family , deriving their descent lineally from Sir Gilbert Waterhouse of Kyrton in Low-Lindsey in the County of Lincoln , in the time of King Henry the third . As for our Sir Edward , his Parents were , John Waterhouse Esquire , a man of much fidelity and sageness , Auditor many years to King Henry the eighth ; of whom he obtained ( after a great Entertainment for him in his house ) the grant of a weekly Market for the Town of Helmsted . Margaret Turner of the ancient House of Blunts-Hall in Suffolk , and Cannons in Hertfordshire . The King at his departure honoured the children of the said John Waterhouse , being brought before him , with his praise and encouragement , gave a Benjamins portion of Dignation to this Edward ; foretelling by his Royal Augury , that he would be the Crown of them all , and a man of great honour and wisdome , fit for the service of Princes . It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King , so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth onely pointed at the growth and greatness of his honourable Age. For , being but twelve years old , he went to Oxford ; where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poetick sphere , until he addicted himself to conversation , and observance of State-affairs , wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favour of three principal Patrons . One was Walter Devereux Earl of Essex , who made him his bosome-friend ; and the said Earl lying on his death-bed took his leave of him with many kisses : Oh my Ned , Oh my Ned , ( said he ) Farewel : thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I knew . In testimony of his true affection to the dead Father in his living Son , this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epistle , ( recorded in Holinshed's History , pag. 1266. ) and presented it to the young Earl , conjuring him by the Cogent Arguments of Example and Rule to patrizare . His other Patron was Sir Henry Sidney , ( so often Lord Deputy of Ireland ) whereby he 〈…〉 ame incorporated into the familiarity of his Son Sir Philip Sidney ; between whom and Sir Edward there was so great friendliness , that they were never better pleased then when in one anothers companies , or when they corresponded each with other . And we finde after the death of that worthy Knight , that he was a close-concerned Mourner at his Obsequies , as appeareth at large in the printed Representation of his funeral Solemnity . His third Patron was Sir John Perrot , Deputy also of Ireland ; who so valued his counsel , that in State-affairs he would do nothing without him . So great his Employment betwixt State and State , that he crossed the Seas thirty seven times , until deservedly at last he came into a port of honour , wherein he sundry years anchored and found safe Harbour . For he receiving the honour of Knighthood , was sworn of her Majesties Privy-Council for Ireland , and Chancellour of the Exchequer therein . Now his grateful soul coursing about how to answer the Queens favour , laid it self wholly out in her service : wherein two of his Actions were most remarkable . First , he was highly instrumental in Modelling the Kingdome of Ireland into Shires , as now they are ; shewing himself so great a lover of the Polity under which he was born , that he advanced the Compliance therewith ( as commendable and necessary ) in the Dominions annexed thereunto . His second service was , when many in that Kingdome shrowded themselves from the Laws , under the Target of power ; making Force their Tutelary Saint , he set himself vigorously to suppress them . And when many of the Privy-Council , terrified with the greatness of the Earl of Desmond , durst not subscribe the Instrument wherein he was proclaimed Traytor , Sir Edward amongst some others boldly signed the same , ( disavowing his , and all Treasons against his Friends and County ) and the Council did the like , commanding the publication thereof . As to his private sphear , God blessed him , being but a third Brother , above his other Brethren . Now , though he had three Wives , the first a Villiers , the second a Spilman , the third the Widow of Herlakenden of Wood-church in Kent , Esquire ; and though he had so strong a brain and body , yet he lived and died childless , intercommoning therein with many Worthies , who are , according to Aelius Spartianus , either improlifick , or have children in Genitorum Vituperium & famarum Laesuram . God thus denying him the pleasure of posterity , he craved leave of the Queen to retire himself , and fixed the residue of his life at Wood-church in Kent , living there in great Honour and Repute , as one who had no designe to be popular , and not prudent ; rich , and not honest ; great , and not good . He died in the 56 year of his Age , the 13 of October 1591. and is buried at Wood-church under a Table-Marble-Monument , erected to his memory by his sorrowful Lady surviving him . Queen Elizabeth on the Lord Willoughby . Good Peregrine , VVE are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment ; specially when we consider what great vexations it is to a mind devoted to actions of honour , to be restrained by any indisposition of body from following those courses , which to your own reputation and our great satisfaction you have formerly performed . And therefore ( as we must now out of our desire of your well-doing ) chiefly enjoyn you to an especial care to encrease and continue your health , which must give life to all your best Endeavours ; so we must next as seriously recommend to you this consideration , That in these times , when there is such appearance that we shall have the tryal of our best noble Subjects , you seem not to affect the satisfaction of your own private contentation beyond the attending of that which Nature and Duty challengeth from all persons of your Quality and Profession . For if necessarily ( your health of body being recovered ) you should Eloign your self by residence there from those Employments whereof we shall have too good store , you shall not so much amend the state of your body , as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and judgement , even in the opinion of those that love you , and are best acquainted with your Disposition and Discretion . Interpret this our plainness we pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you ; for it is not common with us to deal so freely with many : and believe that you shall ever finde us both ready and willing in all occasions to yield you the fruits of that interest , which your Endeavours have purchased for you in our Opinion and Estimation : Not doubting , but when you have with moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundry Peregrinations , you will finde as great comfort to spend your days at home as heretofore you have done : of which we do wish you full measure , howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return . Given under our Signet at our Man●or of Nonsuch , the seventh of October 1594. in the 37 year of our Reign . Your most loving Soveraign , E. R. Observations on the Life of the Duke of Norfolk . HIs Predecessors made more noyse it may be , but he had the greater fame : their Greatness was feared , his Goodness was loved . He was Heir to his Uncles Ingenuity , and his Fathers Valour ; and from both derived as well the Laurel as the Coronet . His God and his Soveraign were not more taken with the ancient simplicity that lodged in his plain breast , then the people were endeared by that noble humility that dwelt in his plainer cloaths and carriage . ( The most honourable Personages , like the most honourable Coats of Arms , are least gawdy . ) In the election of the first Parliament of Queen Elizabeth , and as a consequent to that in the settlement of the Kingdome , Sir William Cecils Wisdome did much , the Earl of Arundels Industry more , but the Duke of Norfolks Popularity did most . Never Peer more dread , never more dear : as he could engage the people to comply with their Soveraign at home , so he could lead them to serve her abroad . That Martial but unfortunate Gentleman William Lord Grey , draweth first towards Scotland , ( for the first Cloud that would have darkened our glorious Star , came from the North , Whence all evil , is equally our Proverb and our experience ) as Warden of the middle and East Marches : but he is seconded by the Duke , as Lieutenant-General of the North-parts ; where his presence commands a Treaty , and his Authority a League , Offensive and Defensive , to balance the French Interest , to reduce the North parts of Ireland , and keep the peace of both Kingdomes . Now as the watchful Duke discovered by some private Passages and Letters that Scotland was to be invaded by the French : so he writ to his Soveraign , That notwithstanding the Spanish & French Embassadors Overtures , she would proceed resolutely in her preparations for Scotland ; as she did under his Conduct , until the young Queen was glad to submit ; and the King of France , by Cecil and Throgmortons means now busied at home , to come to terms . He brought the Kingdome to Musters , the People to ply Husbandry , the Nobility to keep Armories , and the Justicers to Salaries . The Ensignes of St. Michael were bestowed upon him as the Noblest , and on Leicester as the dearest Person at Court : Now Arundel , who had spent his own Estate in hope of the Queens , under pretence of recovering his health , travelled abroad to mitigate his grief . When the Earls of Pembroke and Leicester were openly for the Queens Marriage , for the future security of our present happiness ; the Duke , though privately of their mind , yet would discourse , 1. That Successors take off the peoples eyes from the present Soveraign . 2. That it was the safest way to keep all Competitors in suspence . 3. That Successors , though not designed , may succeed . 4. Whereas when known , they have been undone by the Arts of their Competitors . 5. And that most men ( whatever the busie Agitators of the Succession pretended ) have no more feeling in publick matters then concerneth their own private interest . But he had a private kindness for the Queen of Scots , which he discovered in all the Treaties wherein she was concerned . 1. In Love-Letters to her , notwithstanding that Queen Elizabeth bid him take care what pillow he rested his head on . 2. In his Mediations at Court so importune for her , that the Queen would say , The Queen of Scots shall never want an Advocate while Norfolk lives . And , 3. By some private transaction with the Pope and Spaniard : to which Leicesters craft trepanned him against his friend Cecils advice , which in a dangerous juncture cost him his life . For the people wishing ( for the security of the succession in a Protestant and an English hand ) that the good Duke were married to the Mother , and his onely Daughter to her young Son ; subtile Leicester and Throgmorton laid a Train for the plain man by Conferences with Murray , Cecil , &c. until a Plot was discovered : and the Duke , notwithstanding Cecils advice to marry a private Lady , retiring to Norfolk to finish the Match with the Queen , was upon Letters taken with Rosse surprized , and committed to the Tower , he saying , I am betrayed , and undone by mine own , whilst I knew not how to mistrust , which is the strength of wisdome . After a solemn Tryal , he is beheaded for Indiscretions rather then Treasons , loosing his head because he wanted one . Never any fell more beloved , or more pitied : such his singular Courtesie , such his magnificent Bounty , not unbecoming so great a Peer . High was his Nobility , large his Interest , singularly good his Nature , comely his Person , manly his Countenance , who ( saith Cambden ) might have been a great strength and Ornament to his Country , had not the cunning practices of his malicious Adversaries , and slippery hopes , under colour of publick good , diverted him from his first course of life . His death was a blot to some mens Justice , to all mens Discretion that were concerned in it , as generally odious , though quietly endured : which proves ( saith one ) That the common people are like Rivers , which seldome grow so impetuous as to transcend the bounds of Obedience , but upon the overflowing of a general Oppression . Observations on the Life of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton . SIr Nicholas Throgmorton , fourth Son of Sir George Throgmorton of Coughton in Warwick-shire , was bred beyond the Seas , where he attained to great experience . Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-hall arraigned for Treason , ( in compliance with Wiat ) and by his own wary pleading , and the Juries upright Verdict , hardly escaped . Queen Elizabeth employed him her Leiger a long time , first in France , then in Scotland , finding him a most able Minister of State : yet got he no great Wealth ; and no wonder , being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer : Chamberlain of the Exchequer , and Chief Butler of England , were his highest Preferments . I say , Chief Butler ; which Office , like an empty-covered Cup , pretendeth to some State , but affordeth no considerable profit . He died at Supper with eating of Sallats : not without suspicion of poyson ; the rather , because it happened in the house of one no mean Artist in that faculty , R. Earl of Leicester . His death , as it was sudden , was seasonable for him and his , whose active ( others will call it turbulent ) spirit had brought him unto such trouble as might have cost him , at least , the loss of his Personal Estate . He died in the 57 year of his Age , Febr. 12. 1570. and lieth buried in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Martin Cree-church London . A stout and a wise man , that saw through pretences , and could look beyond dangers . His skill in Heraldry appears in his grim Arguments against the King of France , in right of his Queen of Scots Usurping of the Arms of England ; and his experience in History , in his peremptory Declarations of the Queen of Englands a Title in right of her twelve Predecessors to those of France . But his Policy much more , by putting Montmorency , the great Enemy of the Guizes , upon perswading his Master out of the humour of wearing those Arms , with this Argument , That it was below the Arms of France to be quartered with those of England ; those being comprehensive of these and all other of his Majesties Dominions . An Argument more suitable to that Prince his ambition , then convincing to his Reason . Wise men speak rather what is most fit , then what is most rational ; not what demonstrates , but what perswades his , and takes . But being endangered in his Person , affronted in his Retinue , and served with nothing at his Table but what had the Arms of England quartered with those of France , he dealt underhand with the Earl of Northumberland , to understand the scope the Reformed propounded to themselves , their means to compass what they aimed at , and ( if at any time they were assisted ) upon what terms a League might be concluded between the two Kingdomes . The Advices collected from all his Observations he sent to the Queen , were these : 1. That she should not rest in dull Counsels of what is lawful , but proceed to quick Resolutions of what is safe . 2. That to prevent , is the policy of all Nations ; and to be powerful , of ours . England is never peaceable but in Arms. 3. That how close soever they managed their Affairs , it was a Maxime , b That France can neither be poor , nor abstain from War three years together . Francis Earl of Bedford bore the state of the French Embassy , and Sir Nicholas the burden , who gave dayly Directions to Sir Thomas Challoner in Spain , Sir Henry Killigrew in Germany , and Sir Thomas Randolph and Sir Peter Mewtas in Scotland : to the two first , to enjealous the Princes of those Countries ; and to the last , to unite the Nobility of Scotland ; he in the mean time suffering himself to be taken prisoner by the Protestants at the battle of Dreux , that he might with less suspition impart secret Counsels to them , and receive as secret Advices from them ; until discovering their lightness and unconstancy , they secured him as a person too cunning for the whole Faction , and too skilful in raising Hurley-burleys and Commotions . When the young Queen of Scots would needs marry the young Lord Darley , he told her that was long to be deliberated on which was to be done but once . And when that would not do , he advised , 1. That an Army should appear upon the borders : 2. That the Ecclesiastical Laws should be in force against Papists : 3. That Hertford should be secured : and , 4. That the Lord Dudley should be advanced . But the Queen being married to the Lord Darley , an easie and good-natured man , whom Queen Elizabeth wished to her Bed next Leicester , and affronted by her subjects , Throgmorton disputes the Queens Authority and non-accountableness to any against Bucbanans damned c Dialogue of the Peoples power over Kings ; until smelling their designe of revolt to the French , and cruelty upon the Queen , he perswaded her to resigne her Government , saying , That her Resignation extorted in Prison , which is a just fear , was utterly void . The next news we hear of this busie man , was in his two Advisoes to the Queen of Scots friends : 1. To clap up d Cecil , whom they might then ( he said ) deal with : 2. To proclaim the Queen of Scots succession ; and in the Train he laid to serve Leicester in the Duke of Norfolks ruine . But he was too familiar with that Politicians privacy , to live long : anno 1570 , he died . A Man , saith Mr. Cambden , of great experience , passing sharp wit , and singular diligence ; an over-curious fancy , and a too nimble activity : like your too fine Silks or Linen , and more for shew then service ; never blessing their Owners but when allayed with something of the heavy and the wary ; nor rising , but when stayed . Observations on the Life of Edward Earl of Derby . HIs Greatness supported his Goodness , and his Goodness endeared his Greatness ; his Heighth being looked upon with a double aspect : 1. By himself , as an advantage of Beneficence : 2. By others , as a ground of Reverence . His great Birth put him above private respects , but his great Soul never above publick service . Indeed he repaired by ways thrifty , yet Noble , what his Ancestors had impaired by neglect . Good Husbandry may as well stand with great Honour , as Breadth may consist with Heighth . His Travel when young , at once gained experience , and saved expences ; and his marriage was as much to his profit as his honour . And now he sheweth himself in his full Grandeur , when the intireness of his Minde , complyed with the largeness of his Soul. 1. In a spreading Charity . Other Lords made many poor by Oppression ; he and my Lord of Bedford , as Queen Elizabeth would jest , made all the Beggers by his liberality . 2. In a famous Hospitality : wherein , 1. His House was orderly ; a Colledge of Discipline , rather then a Palace for Entertainment ; his Servants being so many young Gentlemen trained up to govern themselves by observing him ; who knew their Master , and understood themselves . 2. His Provision Native , ( all the Necessaries of England are bred in it ) rather plentiful then various , solid then dainty , that cost him less , and contented his guests more . His Table constant and even , where all were welcome , and none invited . 3. His Hall was full most commonly , his Gates always ; the one with the honest Gentry and Yeomen , who were his Retainers in love and observance , bringing good stomacks to his Table , and resolved hearts for his service ; the holding up of his hand in the Northern business , being as effectual as the displaying of a Banner : The other with the , 1. Aged , 2. Maimed , 3. Industrious Poor , whose craving was prevented with doles , and expectation with bounty ; the first being provided with meat , the second with money , and the third with employment . In a word , Mr. Cambden observes , That Hospitality lieth buried since 1572 , in this Earls Grave : whence may that Divine Power raise it , that shall raise him ; but before the last Resurrection , when there will be plenty to bestow in one part of the world , and no poor to be relieved ; poverty in the other , and no bounty to relieve . Neither was he Munificent upon other mens charge : for once a moneth he looked into his Incomes , and once a week to his Disbursements , that none should wrong him , or be wronged by him . The Earl of Derby , he would say , shall keep his own House : wherefore it 's an Observation of him and the second Duke of Norfolk , That when they were buried , not a Trades-man could demand the payment of a Groat that they owed him , nor a Neighbour the restitution of a peny they had wronged him . They say , The Grass groweth not where the Grand Seigniors Horse treads ; nor doth the People thrive where the Noble-men inhabit : But here every Tenant was a Gentleman , and every Gentleman my Lords Companion : such his Civility towards the one , and great penyworths to the other . Noblemen in those days esteemed the love of their Neighbours more then their fear , and the service and ●ealty of their Tenants more then their Money . Now the Landlord hath the sweat of the Tenants brow in his Coffers , then he had the best blood in his Veins at his command . That grand word , On mine Honour , was security enough for a Kingdome , and the onely Asseveration he used . It was his priviledge , that he need not swear for a testimony ; and his renown , that he would not for his honour . Great was this Families esteem with the people , and eminent their favour with their Soveraigns ; as which ever bestowed its self in obliging their Liege-people , improving their interest , and supporting their Throne : for though they were a long time great Kings of Man and Hearts , yet were they as long faithful subjects to England . Oservations on the Life of Sir Williliam Fitz-Williams . A Childe of Fortune from his Cradle , made up of confidence and reputation : never unwarily shewing his Vertue or Worth to the world with any disadvantage . When Britain had as little sleepiness and sloath as night , when it was all day , and all activity ; He , as all young Sparks of that Age , trailed a Pike in the Netherlands , ( the Seminary of the English Soldiery , and the School of Europes Discipline ) as a Souldier , and travelled as a Gentleman ; until that place graced him civilly with a Command , which he had honoured eminently with his service . His friends checked him for undertaking an Employment so boysterous ; and he replyed upon them , That it was as necessary as it seemed irregular : for if some were not Souldiers , all must be so . He said , He never durst venture on War with men , till he had made his Peace with God : A good Conscience breeds great Resolutions , and the innocent Soul is impregnable : None more fearful of doing evil , none more resolved to suffer : there being no hardship that he would avoid , no undecency that he would allow . Strict he was to his Commission , and yet observant of his advantage : never tempting a danger , never flying it : careful of his first life and himself , but more of his other and his name . When the methods of Obedience advanced him to the honour of commanding , six things he was Chronicled for . 1. Never making the Aged , the Young , or the Weak , the Objects of his Rage , which could not be so of his Fear . 2. That he never basely killed in cold blood , them that had nobly escaped his Sword in hot . 3. That he never led the Souldiers without pay , or quartered in the Country without money . 4. That though he was second to none that acted in War , such his Valour ! yet he was the first that spake for Peace , such his sweet Disposition ! 5. That he would never suffer that a Clergy-man should be abused , a Church violated , or the Dead be unburied . 6. That he would never force an Enemy to a necessity ; always saying , Let us disarm them of their best Weapon , Despair : nor fight an Enemy before he had skirmished him , nor undertake a defigne before he consulted his God , his Council , his Friends , his Map and his History . His own Abilities commended , and his alliance with Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy , whose Sister he married , promoted him to the Government of Ireland . Once did the Queen send him thither for his Brothers sake , four times more for his own sake ; a sufficient evidence ( saith my Friend ) of his Ability and Integrity , since Princes never trust twice , where they are once deceived in a Minister of State. He kept up his Mistresses Interest , and she his Authority ; enjoyning the Earl of Essex , so much above him in honour , to truckle under him in Commission when Governour of Vlster , and he Lord Deputy of Ireland . Defend me , said Luther to the Duke of Saxony , with your Sword , and I will defend you with my pen. Maintain my Power , saith the Minister of State to his Soveraign , and I will support your Majesty . Two things he did for the settlement of that Kingdome : 1. He raised a Composition in Munster . 2. He established the Possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan . Severe he was always against the Spanish Faction , but very vigilant in — 88 , when the dispersed Armado did look , but durst not land in Ireland , except driven by Tempest , and then finding the shore worse then the Sea. But Leicester dieth , and he fails ; when his Sun was set , it was presently night with him . Yra la soga con el Calderon ; where goeth the Bucket , there goeth the Rope ; where the Principal miscarrieth , all the Dependants fall with him : as our renowned Knight , who died where he was born , ( there is a Circulation of all things to their Original ) at Milton in Northamptonshire , 1594. Observations on the Life of the Earl of Pembroke . AN excellent Man , and one that fashioned his own Fortune : His Disposition got favour , and his Prudence wealth , ( the first to grace the second , and the second to support the first ) under King Henry the eigth , whose Brother-in-law he was by his wife , and Chamberlain by his place . When others were distracted with Factions in King Edwards Reign , he was intent upon his Interest , ( leaning ( as he said ) on both sides the stairs to get up ) for his service , being promoted to the Master of the Horses place ; for his relation to the Queen-mother , to the Order of St. George ; and in his own Right , to the Barony of Caerdiffe , and the Earldome of Pembroke . Under Queen Mary his Popularity was very serviceable when General against Wiat ; his Authority useful , when President of Wales ; and his Vigilancy remarkable , when Governour of Calice : And under Queen Elizabeth , for his Fidelity and ancient Honesty he was made great Master of the Houshold . But herein he failed , That being more intent upon the future state of the Kingdome under the succession , then his own under the present Soveraign , he was cajoled by Leicester to promote the Queen of Scots Match with Norfolk so far , ( neither with an ill will , ( saith the Annalist ) nor a bad intent ) as to loose his own favour with the Queen of England , who discovered those things after his death that made him weary of his life : which was an instance of my Lord Bacons Rule , That ancient Nobility is more innocent , though not so active as the young one ; this more vertuous , but not so plain as that ; there being rarely any rising but by a commixture of good and evil Arts. He was richer in his Tenants hearts then their Rents : Alas ! what hath not that Nobleman , that hath an universal love from his Tenants ? who were observed to live better with their encouraged industry upon his Copyhold , then others by their secure sloath on their own Free-land . 2. His Chaplains , whose Merits were preferred freely and nobly to his excellent Livings , without any unworthy Gratuities to his Gebazi's or Servants , or any unbecoming Obligations to himself . 3. His Servants , whose youth had its Education in his Family , and Age its Maintenance upon his Estate , which was favourably Let out to Tenants , and freely Leased to his Servants ; of whom he had a Train upon any occasion in his Family , and an Army in his Neighbourhood : an Army , I say , in his Neighbourhood ; not to enjealous his Prince , but to secure him ; as in Wiats case , when this King of Hearts would be by no means a Knave of Clubs . Observations on the Life of Sir Walter Mildmay . WAlter Mildmay , that upright and most advised m●n , was born at Chelmsford in Essex , where he was a younger son to Thomas Mildmay Esquire . He was bred in Christs-Colledge in Cambridge , where he did not ( as many young Gentlemen ) study onely in Complement , but seriously applyed himself to his Book . Under King Henry the eighth , and King Edward the sixth , he had a gainful Office in the Court of Augmentations : during the Reign of Queen Mary , he practised the Politick Precept , Bene vixit , qui bene latuit . No sooner came Queen Elizabeth to the Crown , but he was called to State-employment ; and it was not long before he was made Chancellour of the Exchequer . It is observed , That the Exchequer never fareth ill but under a good Prince ; such who out of Conscience will not oppress their People , whilst Tyrants pass not for that they squeeze out of their Subjects . Indeed Queen Elizabeth was very careful not to have her Coffers swelled with the Consumption of her Kingdome , and had conscientious Officers under her ; amongst whom , Sir Walter was a principal one . This Knight , sensible of Gods blessing on his Estate , and knowing that , Omne beneficium requirit Officium , cast about to make his return to God. He began with his Benefactions to Christs-Colledge in Cambridge , onely to put his hand into practice : then his Bounty embraced the Generous Resolution , ( which the painful piety of St. Paul propounds to himself , viz. ) Not to build on another mans foundation , but on his own cost he erected a new Colledge in Cambridge , by the name of Immanuel . A right godly Gentleman he was ; a good Man , and a good Citizen ; though some of his back friends suggested to the Queen that he was a better Patriot then Subject : and he was over-popular in Parliaments , insomuch that his Life set sub nubecula , under a Cloud of a Royal Displeasure : yet was not the Cloud so great , but that the beams of his Innocence meeting those of the Queens Candour , had easily dispelled it , had he survived longer , as appeared by the great grief of the Queen , professed for the loss of so grave a Councellour , who leaving two Sons and three Daughters , died anno Domini 1589. This Gentleman being employed by vertue of his place to advance the Queens Treasure , did it industriously , faithfully , and conscionably , without wronging the Subject , being very tender of their Priviledges ; insomuch that he complained in Parliament , That many Subsidies were granted , and no Grievances redressed : which words being represented to his disadvantage to the Queen , made her to disaffect him , setting in a Court-Cloud , but ( as he goeth on ) in the Sun-shine of his Country , and a clear Conscience , ( though a mans Conscience can be said no otherwise clear by his opposition to the Court , then a man is said to have a good heart when it is but a bold one . ) But coming to Court after he had founded his Colledge , the Queen told him , Sir Walter , I hear you have erected a Puritan foundation . No , Madam , said he , far be it from me to countenance any thing contrary to your established Laws : But I have set an Acorn ; which when it comes to be an Oak , God alone knows what will be the fruit of it . Observations on the Life of Sir John Fortescue . AN upright and a knowing man , a great Master of Greek and Latine , and Overseer of the Qu : Studies in both the Languages ; Master of the Wardrobe , one whom she trusted with the Ornaments of her soul and body : succeeding Sir Walter M●ldmay in his prudence and piety , and in his place of Chancellor and Under-treasurer of the Exchequer . Two men Qu : Eliz. would say out did her expectation ; Fortescue for Integrity , and Walsingham for Subtlety , as Cambden writes , and Officious services . His and Rawleigh's failure was their design of Articling with K. James at his first coming , not so much ( say some in their behalf ) for himself , as for his followers , in regard of the known seud between the Nations . However , conditions unworthy of English Subjects to offer , and below the K. of Great Britain to receive , who is to make no more terms for his Kingdome than for his Birth . The very solemn asking of the Peoples consent , which the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in all the corners of the stage at a Coronation makes , importing no more than this ; Do you the People of England acknowledge , that this is the Person who is the Heir of the Crown ? They being absolutely obliged to submit to the Government upon supposition that they absolutely believe that he is the King. Observations on the Life of Sir William Drury . SIr William Drury was born in Suffolk , where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted . His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearl , to which he answered in the pretiousnesse of his disposition , clear and heard , innocent and valiant , and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen and Country . His youth was spent in the French Wars , his middle-Age in Scotland , and his old Age in Ireland . He was Knight-Marshal of Barwick , at what time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh , in the minority of King James . Queen Elizabeth employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle ; which service he right worthily performed , reducing it within few days to the Owner thereof . Anno 1575. he was appointed Lord President of Munster , whither he went with competent Forces , and executed impartial Justice in despight of the Opposers thereof . For as the Signe of Leo immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack ; so I hope not that Innocency will be protected , or Justice administred in a barbarous Country , where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them . But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President , forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry , as a Palatinate peculiarly appropriated unto himself . Know by the way , as there were but four Palatinates in England , Chester , Laneaster , Durbam and Ely , ( whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in the Crown ) there were no fewer then eight Palatinates in Ireland , possessed by their respective Dynasts claiming Regal Rights therein , to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdome . Amongst these , ( saith my Author ) Kerry became the Sanctuary of Sin , and Refuge of Rebels , as outlawed from any Jurisdiction . Sir William no whit terrified with the Earls threatning , and declaring that no place should be a priviledge to mischief , entred Kerry with a competent Train , and there dispenced Justice to all persons , as occasion did require . Thus with sevenscore men he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls , who sought to surprize him . In the last year of his Life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland ; and no doubt had performed much in his place , if not afflicted with constant sickness , the forerunner of his death , at Waterford , 1598. He was one of that Military Valour which the Lord Verulam wisheth about a Prince in troublesome times , that held a good esteem with the Populacy , and an exact correspondence with the Nobless ; whereby he united himself to each side by endearments , and divided them by distrust ; watching the slow motions of the people , that they should not be excited and spirited by the Nobility ; and the ambition of the Great Ones , that it should not be befriended with the turbulency , or strengthened with the assistance of the Commonalty . One great Act well followed did his business with the Natives , whom he sometimes indulged , ( giving their Discontents liberty to evaporate ) and with the strangers , whom he always awed . In those that were commended to his service , he observed two things : 1. That they were not advanced for their dependence , because they promote a Party ; which he noted to be the first ground of Recommendation : 2. Nor for their weakness , because they cannot hinder it ; which he remarked to be the second . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Smith . SIr Thomas Smith was born at * Saffron-Walden in Essex , and bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge ; where such his proficiency in Learning , that he was chosen out by Henry the eighth to be sent over , and to be brought up beyond the Seas . It was fashionable in that Age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State , to be Merchants for experience in Forreign Parts ; whence returning home with their gainful Adventurers , they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to Offices in their own Country . Well it were if this good old Custome were resumed : for if where God hath given five talents , Men would give but pounds , I mean , encourage hopeful Abilities with hopeful Maintenance , able persons would never be wanting , and poor men with great Parts would not be excluded the Line of Preferment . This Sir Thomas was first Servant and Favourite to the Duke of Somerset , and afterwards Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth , and a grand Benefactor to both Universities . Anno 1577 , when that excellent Act passed , whereby it was provided , That a third part of the Rent upon Leases made by Colledges , should be reserved in Corn , paying it either in kind or in money , after the rate of the best prices in Oxford or Cambridge - markets , the next Market-days before Michaelmas or our Lady-day : For the passing of this Act , Sir Thomas Smith surprized the House ; and whereas many conceived not the difference between the payment of Rents in Corn or Money , the knowing Patriot took the advantage of the present cheap year , knowing that hereafter Grain would grow dearer , Man-kinde dayly multiplying , and License being lately given for Transportation ; so that now when the Universities have least Corn , they have most Bread. What his foresight did now for the University , his reach did the first year of Q. Eliz. for the Kingdome : for the first sitting of her Council he advised twelve most important things for the publick safety . 1. That the Ports should be shut . 2. That the Tower of London should be secured in good hands . 3. That the Deputy of Ireland's Commission should be renewed and enlarged . 4. That all Officers should act . 5. That no new Office should be bestowed in a moneth . 6. That Ministers should meddle with no Controversies . 7. That Embassadors should be sent to Forreign Princes . 8. That no Coyn should be transported beyond Sea. 9. That no person of quality should travel for six weeks . 10. That the Train-bands should be mustered . 11. That Ireland , the Borders , and the Seas , should be provided for . 12. And that the dissenting Nobility and Clergy should be watched and secured . Adding withal a Paper for the Reading of the Epistle , the Gospel , and the Commandments in the English Tongue , to encourage the Protestants expectation , and allay the Papists fear . In the same Proclamation that he drew up the Sacrament of the Altar was to be reverenced , and yet the Communion to be administred in both kinds , He advised a Disputation with the Papists one day , ( knowing that they could not dispute without leave from the Pope , and so would disparage their Cause ; yet they could not say but they might dispute for the Queen , and so satisfie the People ) and is one of the * five Counsellours to whom the Designe of the Reformation is opened , and one of the * eight to whom the management of it was intrusted . There you might see him a Leading man among the States-men , here most eminent among Divines ; at once the most knowing and pious man of that Age. As his Industry was taken up with the establishment of our Affairs at home , so his Watchfulness ( upon Sir Edward Carnes deposition of his Embassie ) was intent upon the plots of France and Rome abroad : in the first of which places he made a Secretary his own , and in the second a Cup-bearer . At the Treaty of Cambray my Lord Howard of Effingham , the Lord Chamberlain , and he , brought the King of Spain to the English side in the business of Calice : 1. That France might be weakened : 2. That his Netherlands might be secured : 3. That the Queen his Sweet-heart might be obliged , until he discovered Queen Elizabeths averseness to the marriage : whereupon had it not been for the Viscount Mountacute ( who was not so much a Papist as to forget that he was an English-man ) and Sir Thomas , the Spaniard had stoln over Catharine Grey , Queen Elizabeths Neece , for a pretence to the Crown , as the French had the Queen of Scots her Cozen. After which , he and Sir William Cecil advised her Majesty to that private Treaty apart , without the Spaniard , which was concluded 1559 ; as much to the bonour of England , now no longer to truckle under Spain , as its interest , no longer in danger from France . Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was the Metal in these Treaties , and Sir Thomas Smith the Allay : the ones mildness being to mitigate that animosity which the others harshness had begot ; and the others spirit to recover those advantages which this mans easiness had yeilded . Yet he shewed himself as much a man in demanding , as Sir William Cheyney in gaining Calice ; replying smartly upon Chancellour Hospitals Discourse of ancient Right , the late * Treaty ; and upon Montmorency's Harangue of Fears , Conscience . Pitying the neglected state of Ireland , he obtained a Colony to be planted under his base Son in the East-Coast of Ulster , called Ardes , at once to civilize and secure that place . So eminent was this Gentleman for his Learning , that he was at once Steward of the Stannaries , Dean of Carlisle , and Provost of Eaton in King Edward's time , and had a Pension ( on condition he went not beyond Sea , so considerable he was ! ) in Queen Mary's . Well he deserved of the Commonwealth of Learning by his Books ; 1. Of The Commonwealth of England , 2. Of The Orthography of the English Tongue , and of the Pronunciation of Greek ; and 3. an exact Commentary of matters , saith Mr. Cambden , worthy to be published . Observations on the Lives of Dr. Dale , the Lord North , Sir Thomas Randolph . I Put these Gentlemen together in my Observations , because I finde them so in their Employments : the one Agent , the other Leiger , and the third Extraordinary Embassador in France ; the first was to manage our Intelligence in those dark times , the second to urge our Interest in those troublesome days , and the third to represent our Grandeur . No man understood the French correspondence with the Scots better then Sir Thomas Randolph , who spent his active life between those Kingdomes : none knew better our Concerns in France and Spain then Valentine Dale , who had now seen six Treaties ; in the first three whereof he had been Secretary , and in the last a Commissioner : None fitter to represent out state then my Lord North , who had been two years in Walsinghams house , four in Leicesters service ; had seen six Courts , twenty Battles , nine Treaties , and four solemn Justs ; whereof he was no mean part , as a reserved man , a valiant Souldier , and a Courtly Person . So sly was Dale , that he had a servant always attending the Queen-mother of France , the Queen of Scots , and the King of Navarre : so watchful Sir Thomas Randolph , that the same day he sent our Agent in Scotland notice of a designe to carry over the young King , and depose the Regent , he advised our Queen of a Match between the King of Scot's Uncle and the Countess of Shrewsbury's Daughter ; and gave the Earl of Huntington , then President of the North , those secret instructions touching that matter , that ( as my Lord Burleigh would often acknowledge ) secured that Coast . My L. North watched the successes of France , Dr. Dale their Leagues ; and both took care that the Prince of Orange did not throw himself upon the Protection of France , always a dangerous Neighbour , but with that accession a dreadful one . Sir John Horsey in Holland proposed much , but did nothing ; Sir Thomas Randolph in France performed much , and said nothing : yet both with Dr. Dales assistance made France and Spain the Scales in the balance of Europe , and England the tongue or holder of the balance , while they held the Spaniard in play in the Netherlands , watched the French Borders , and kept constant Agents with Orange and Don John. Neither was Sir Thomas less in Scotland then in France , where he betakes himself first to resolution in his Protestation , and then to cunning in his Negotiation ; encouraging Morton on the one hand , and amusing Lenox on the other ; keeping fair weather with the young King , and yet practising with Marre and Anguse . Nothing plausible indeed , saith Cambden , was he with the wise , though youthful King James ; yet very dexterous in Scotish humours , and very prudent in the Northern Affairs ; very well seen in those interests , and as successful in those Negotiations ; witness the first and advantageous League 1586. Video & rideo , is Gods Motto upon Affronts ; Video & Taceo , was Queen Elizabeths ; Video nec vident , was Sir Thomas Randolphs . These three men treated with the Spaniard near Ostend for Peace , while the Spaniard prepared himself on our Coast for War. So much did Sir James Crofts his affection for Peace exceed his judgement of his Instruction , that he would needs steal over to Brussels to make it , with no less commendation for the prudent Articles he proposed , then censure for the hazard he incurred in the Proposal . So equal and even did old Dale carry himself , that the Duke of Parma saw in his Answers the English spirit , and therefore ( saith my Author ) durst not try that Valour in a Nation , which he was so afraid of in a single person ; That he had no more to say to the old Gentleman , then onely this , These things are in the hand of the Almighty . None more inward with other men then Sir Francis Walsingham , none more inward with him then Sir Thomas Randolph : well studied he was in Justinians Code , better in Machiavils Discourses ; both when a learned Student of Christ-church , and a worthy Principal of Broadgates : thrice therefore was he an Embassadour to the Lords of Scotland in a Commotion ; thrice to Queen Mary in times of Peace ; seven times to James the sixth of Scotland for a good understanding ; and thrice to Basilides Emperour of Russia for Trade : Once to Charles the ninth King of France , to discover his designe upon Scotland ; and once to Henry the third , to open a Conspiracy of his Subjects against him : Great Services these , but meanly rewarded ; the serviceable , but moderate and modest man , ( though he had as many children at home as he had performed Embassies abroad ) being contented with the Chamberlainship of the Exchequer , and the Postermasters place ; the first but a name , and the second then but a noyse : to which were added some small Farms , wherein he enjoyed the peace and innocence of a quiet and retired Life ; a Life , which upon the reflexions of a tender Conscience , he wished a great while , as appears by his Letters to his dear Walsingham , wherein he writes , How worthy , yea , how necessary a thing it was , that they should at length bid Farewel to the snares , be of a Secretary , and himself of an Embassadour ; and should both of them set their mindes upon their Heavenly Country ; and by Repenting , ask Mercy of GOD. Observations on the Life of Sir Amias Poulet . SIr Amias Poulet , born at Hinton St. George in Somersetshire , Son to Sir Hugh , and Grand-childe to Sir * Amias Poulet , was Chancellour of the Garter , Governour of the Isles of Jersey and Gernsey , and Privy-Councellour to Queen Elizabeth . He was so faithful and trusty , that the Queen committed the keeping of Mary Queen of Scots to his custody , which he discharged with great fidelity . As Caesar would have his Wife , so he his Spirit , above the very suspicion of unworthiness ; equally consulting his Fame and his Conscience . When he performed his last Embassie , with no less satisfaction to the King of France , then honour to the Queen of England , ( at once with a good humor and a great state ) he would not accept a Chain ( and all Gifts are Chains ) from that King by any means , until he was a League from Paris : then he took it , because he would oblige that Prince ; and not till then , because he would not be obliged by any but his Soveraign , saying , I will wear no Chains but my Mistresses . It is the Interest of Princes , that their Servants Fortune should be above the temptation ; it is their happiness , that their Spirits are above the respects of a private concern . Observations on the Lives of Sir James Crofts , John Grey of Pyrgo , Sir Henry Gates . EMblems of Honour derived from Ancestors , are but rotten Rags , where ignoble Posterity degenerates from their Progenitors : but they are both glorious and precious where the children both answer and exceed the Vertues of their extraction ; as in these three Gentlemen , whose Ancestors fill both Pages of former Kings Chronicles , as they do the Annals of Queen Elizabeth : Three Gentlemen whom it's pity to part in their Memoires , since they were always together in their Employments . All three were like to die in Queen Mary's days for the profession of the Protestant Religion , all three spending their Lives in Queen Elizabeth's for the propagation of it : 1. Sir Henry Gates lying in Rome as a Spy , under the Notion of Cardinal Florido's Secretary , six years ; John Grey drawing up the whole Proceedings and Methods of the Reformation for ten years ; and Sir James Crofts being either the vigilant and active Governour of Berwick , or the prudent and successful Commissioner in Scotland for seven years . When the French threatned us by the way of Scotland , the Earl of Northumberland was sent Northward for his interest , as Warden of the middle March ; Sir Ralph Sadler for his wisdome , as his Assistant and Councellour ; and Sir James Crofts for his Conduct , as both their Guide and Director-general . An Estate in the Purse , credits the Court ; Wisdome in the Head , adorneth it ; but both in the Hand , serve it . Nobly did he and Cutbbert Vaughan beat the French that sallied out of Edinburgh into their Trenches , but unhappily stood he an idle Spectator in his quarter the next Scalado , while the English are overthrown , and the Duke writes of his infidelity to the Queen , who discharged him from his Place , though not from her favour : for in stead of the more troublesome Place , the Government of Berwick , she conferred on him that more honourable , the Controllership of her Houshold . Great Service did his Valour at Hadington in Scotland against the French , greater his Prudence in Vlster against the Spaniards . Although his Merit made his Honour due to him , and his Blood becoming : though his Cares , Travels and Dangers deserved pity ; his quiet and meek Nature love : though he rise by wary degrees , and so was unobserved ; and stood not insolently when up , and so was not obnoxious : yet Envy reflected as hot upon him as the Sun upon the rising ground , which stands firm though it doth not flourish , as this Gentleman 's resolved Honesty did ; overcoming Court-envy with a solid worth ; waxing old at once in years and reverence , and dying ( as the Chronicle wherein he dieth not but with Time , reports it ) in good favour with his Prince , and sound reputation with all men , for three infallible sources of Honour : 1. That he aimed at Merit more then Fame : 2. That he was not a Follower , but an Example in great Actions : and , 3. That he assisted in the three great Concerns of Government , 1. in Laws , 2. in Arms , and 3. in Councils . In Aesop there is a slight Fable of a deep Moral : it is this : Two Frogs consulted together in the time of Drowth ( when many plashes that they had repaired to were dry ) what was to be done ; and the one propounded to go down into a deep Well , because it was like the water would not fail there : but the other answered , Yea , but if it do fail , bow shall we get up again ? Mr. Grey would Nod , and say , Humane affairs are so uncertain , that he seemeth the wisest man , not who hath a spirit to go on , but who hath a wariness to come off ; and that seems the best course , that hath most passages out of it . Sir James Crofts on the other hand hated that irresolution that would do nothing , because it may be at liberty to do any thing . Indeed , saith one , Necessity hath many times an advantage , because it awaketh the powers of the minde , and strengtheneth Endeavour . Sir James Crofts was an equal Composition of both ; as one that had one fixed eye on his Action , and another indifferent one on his retreat . Observations on the Life of William Lord Grey of Wilton . THat great Souldier and good Christian , in whom Religion was not a softness , ( as Machiavil discourseth ) but a resolution . Hannibal was sworn an Enemy to Rome at nine years of Age , and my Lord bred one to France at fourteen . Scipio's first service was the rescue of his Father in Italy , and my Lord Grey's was the safety of his Father in Germany . He had Fabius his slow way , and long reach , with Herennius his fine Polices , and neat Ambuscadoes ; having his two Companions always by him , his Map and his Guide : the first whereof discovered to him his more obvious advantages , and the second his more close dangers . His great Conduct won him much esteem with those that heard of him , and his greater presence more with those that saw him . Observable his Civility to Strangers , eminent his Bounty to his Followers ; obliging his Carriage in the Countries he marched through , and expert his Skill in Wars , whose end he said was Victory , and the end of Victory Nobleness , made up of pity and munificence . It lost him his Estate to redeem himself in France , and his Life to bear up his Reputation in Berwick . Having lived to all the great purposes of life but Self-interest , he died 1563 , that fatal year ; no less to the publick sorrow of England which he secured , then the common joy of Scotland , which he awed . Then it was said , That the same day died the greatest Scholar , and the greatest Souldier of the Nobility ; the right honourable Henry Manners Earl of Rutland in his Gown , and the honourable Lord Grey in his Armour ; both , as the Queen said of them , Worthies that had deserved well of the Commonwealth by their Wisdome , Counsel , Integrity and Courage . Two things my Lord always avoided : the first , To give many Reasons for one thing ; the heaping of Arguments arguing a neediness in every of the Arguments by its self ; as if one did not trust any of them , but fled from one to another , helping himself still with the last . The second , To break a Negotiation to too many distinct particulars , or to couch it in too compact generals : by the first whereof we give the parties we deal with an opportunity to look down to the bottom of our business ; and by the second , to look round to the compass of it . Happy are those Souls that command themselves so far , that they are equally free to full and half discoveries of themselves , always ready and pliable to the present occasion . Not much regarded was this gallant Spirit when alive , but much missed when dead : we understand what we want , better then what we enjoy ; and the beauty of worthy things is not in the face , but the back-side , endearing more by their departure then their address . Observations on the Life of Edmund Plowden . EDmund Plowden was born at Plowden in Shrop-shire ; one who excellently deserved of our Municipal Law in his learned Writings thereon . A plodding and a studious man ; and no wonder if knowing and able : Beams in reflexion are hottest , and the Soul becomes wise by looking into its self . But see the man in his Epitaph ! Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri . Claris ortus Parentibus , apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop , natus est ; à pueritia in literarum Studio liberaliter est educatus , in Provectiore vero ●tate Legibus , & Jurisprudentiae operam dedit . Senex jam factus , & annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo Valedicens , in Christo Jesu Sancte obdormivit , die Sexto Mensis Februar . anno Domini 1584. I have the rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North-side of the East-end of the Quire of Temple-Church in London , because it hath escaped ( but by what casualty I cannot conjecture ) Master Stow in his Survey of London . We must adde a few words out of the Character Mr. Cambden gives of him : Vitae integritate inter bomines suae professionis nu 〈…〉 secundum . As he was singularly well learned in the Common Laws of England , whereof he deserved well by writing ; so for integrity of life he was second to none of his profession . And how excellent a Medley is made , when Honesty and Ability mee in a man of his Profession ! Nor must we forget how he was Treasurer for the honourable Society of the Middle-Temple , Anno 1572 , when their magnificent Hall was builded ; he being a great Advancer thereof . Finding the Coyn embased by Henry the eighth , so many ways prejudicial to thier State , as that which first dishonoured us abroad ; secondly , gave way to the frauds of Coyners at home who exchanged the best Commodities of the Land for base Moneys , and exported the current money ; into Forreign parts ; and thirdly , enhansed the prizes of all things vendible , to the great loss of all Stipendiaries : He offered , 1. That no man should melt any Metal , or export it : 2. That the Brass-money should be reduced to its just value : 3. That it should be bought for good ; by which silent and just methods , that defect of our Government for many years was remedied in few moneths , without any noise , or ( what is proper to alterations of this nature ) discontent . The middle Region of the Air is coolest , as most distant from the direct beams that warm the highest , and the reflexed that heat the lowest : the mean man , that is as much below the favour of the Court , as above the business of the Country , was in our Judges opinion the most happy and composed man ; this being the utmost of a knowing mans wish in England , That he were as much out of the reach of contempt , as to be above a Constable ; and as much out of the compass of trouble , as to be below a Justice . A Mean is the utmost that can be prescribed either of Vertue or Bliss , as in our Actions , so in our State. Great was the Capacity , and good the Inclination of this Man ; large the Furniture , and happy the Culture of his Soul ; grave his Meen , and stately his Behaviour ; well-regulated his Affections , and allayed his Passions ; well-principled his Mind , and well-set his Spirit ; solid his Observation , working and practical his Judgement : and as that Romane Heroe was more eminent whose image was missing , then all the rest whose Portraictures were set up ; so this accomplished Gentleman is more observable because he was not a States-man , then some of those that were so . There is a glory in the obscurity of worthy men , who as that Sun ( which they equal as well in common influence as lustre ) are most looked on when eclipsed . Observations on the Life of Sir Roger Manwood . SIr Roger Manwood born at Sandwich in Kent , attained to such eminency in the Common Law , that he was preferred second Justice of the Common Pleas by Queen Elizabeth : which Place he discharged with so much Ability and Integrity , that not long after he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer : which Office he most wisely managed , to his great commendation , full fourteen years , to the day of his death . Much was he employed in matters of State , and was one of the Commissioners who sate on the tryal of the Queen of Scots . He wrote a Book on the Forest-Laws , which is highly prized by men of his Profession . In vacation-time he constantly inhabited at St. Stephens in Canterbury , and was bounteously liberal to the poor Inhabitants thereof : and so charitable was he , that he erected and endowed a fair Free-school at Sandwich , dying in the 35 of Queen Elizabeth , anno Dom. 1593. Cloaths for necessity , warm Cloaths for health , cleanly for decency , lasting for strength , was his Maxime and Practice , who kept a State in decent plainness ; insomuch that Queen Elizabeth called him her Good-man-Judge . In Davison's Case , Mildmay cleared the man of malice , but taxed him with unskilfulness and rashness : Lumley said he was an ingenuous and an honest man , but presumptuous . I will ever esteem him an honest and good man , said Grey . The Archbishop of Canterbury approved the fact , commended the man , but disallowed of the manner and form of his proceedings . Manwood made a narrative of the Queen of Scots proceedings , confirmed the sentence against her , extolled the Queens clemency , pitied Davison , and fined him 10000 l. A man he was of a pale constitution , but a clear , even , and smooth temper ; of a pretty solid consistence , equally sanguine and flegmatique : of a quiet soul , and serene affections : of a discreet sweetness , and moderate manners ; slow in passion , and quick enough in apprehension ; wary in new points , and very fixed and judicious in the old . A plausible , insinuating , and fortunate man ; the Idea of a wise man ; having ( what that elegant Educator wisheth ) that great habit which is nothing else but a promptness and plentifulness in the flore-house of the mind , of clear imaginations well fixed : which was promised in his erect and forward stature , his large breast , his round and capacious forehead , his curious and observing eye , ( the clear and smart argument of his clearer and quicker soul , which owned a liveliness equally far from volatileness and stupidity ) his steady attention and his solid memory , together with what is most considerable , a grand Inclination to imitate and excel . What Plutarch saith of Timoleon with reference to Epaminond , that we may say of this Gentleman , That his Life and Actions are like Homer's Verses , smooth and flowing , equal and happy : especially in the two grand Embelishments of our Nature , Friendship and Charity . 〈◊〉 . Friendship , that sacred thing whereof he was a passionate Lover , and an exact Observer , promoting it among all men he conversed with . Surely there is not that Content on Earth like the Union of Minds and Interests , whereby we enjoy our selves by reflexion in our Friend ; it being the most dreadful Solitude and Wildness of Nature , to be friendless . But his Friendship was a contracted beam to that Sun of Charity , that blessed all about him . His Salary was not more fixed then his Charity ; He and the Poor had one Revenue , one Quarter-day : In stead of hiding his face from the Poor , it was his practice to seek for them ; laying out by Trustees for Pensioners , either hopeful or indigent , whereof he had a Catalogue that made the best Comment upon that Text , The liberal man deviseth liberal things . This is the best Conveyance that ever Lawyer made , To have and to hold to him and his Heirs for ever . Observations on the Life of Sir Christopher Wray . SIr Christopher Wray was born in the spacious Parish of Bedal , the main motive which made his Daughter Francis , Countess of Warwick , scatter her Benefactions the thicker in that place . He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law ; and such his Proficiency therein , that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth , in Michaelmas-Term , he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. He was not like that Judge , who feared neither God nor man , but onely one Widow , ( lest her importunity should weary him ; ) but he heartily feared God in his religious Conversation . Each man he respected with his due distance off of the Bench , and no man on it to byass his Judgement . He was pro tempore , Lord Privy Seal , and sat Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber . Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners , concurred to Fine him : but with this comfortable conclusion , That , as it was in the Queens Power to have him punished ; so , Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or remitting of the Fine : and this our Judge may be presumed no ill Instrument in the procuring thereof . He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-Colledge in Cambridge ; which Infant-foundation had otherwise been starved at Nurse for want of Maintenance . We know who saith , The righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children ; and the well-thriving of his third Generation , may be an evidence of his well-gotten Goods . This worthy Judge died May the eighth , in the thirty fourth of Queen Elizabeth . When Judge Mounson and Mr. Dalton urged in Stubs his Case , ( that Writ against Queen Elizabeth's marriage with the Duke of Anjou ) That the Act of Philip and Mary against the Authors and sowers of seditious Writings was mis-timed , and that it died with Queen Mary ; my Lord Chief Justice Wray , upon whom the Queen relied in that case , shewed there was no mistaking in the noting of the time ; and proved by the words of the Act , that the Act was made against those which should violate the King by seditious writing ; and that the King of England never dieth : yea , that that Act was renewed anno primo Eliz. during the life of her and the heirs of her body . Five Particulars I have heard old men say he was choice in : 1. His Friend , which was always wise and equal ; 2. His Wife ; 3. His Book ; 4. His Secret ; 5. His Expression and Garb. By four things he would say an Estate was kept : 1. By understanding it ; 2. By spending not until it comes ; 3. By keeping old Servants ; 4. By a Quarterly Audit. The properties of Infancy , is Innocence ; of Child-hood , Reverence ; of Manhood , Maturity ; and of Old Age , Wisdome : Wisdome ! that in this grave Person acted all its brave parts ; i. e. was mindful of what is past , observant of things present , and provident for things to come . No better instance whereof need be alledged then his pathetick Discourses in the behalf of those two great Stays of this Kingdome , Husbandry and Merchandize : for he had a clear discerning Judgement , and that not onely in points of Law , which yet his Arguments and Decisions in that Profession manifest without dispute ; but in matters of Policy and Government , wherein his Guess was usually as near Prophecy as any mans : as also in the little mysteries of private manage , by which upon occasion he hath unravelled the studied cheats and intrigues of the Closet-men : to which when you adde his happy faculty of communicating himself , by a free and graceful elocution , to charm and command his Audience , assisted by the attractive dignity of his presence , you will not admire that he managed his Justiceship with so much satisfaction to the Court , and that he left it with so much applause from the Country : for these two Peculiarities he had , That none was more tender to the Poor , or more civil in private ; and yet none more stern to the Rich , I mean Justices of Peace , Officers , &c. or more severe in publick . He delighted indeed to be loved , not reverenced : yet knew he very well how to assert the Dignity of his Place and Function from the Approaches of Contempt . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Worcester . THe Lord of Worcester , ( a no mean Favourite ) was of the ancient and noble Blood of the Beauforts , and of the Queens Grandfathers line by the Mother ; which she could never forget , especially where there was a concurrency of old Blood with Fidelity , a mixture which ever sorted with the Queens Nature . He was first made Master of the Horse , and then admitted of her Council of State. In his Youth ( part whereof he spent before he came to reside at Court ) he was a very fine Gentleman , and the best Horse-man and Tilter of the Times , which were then the manlike and noble recreations of the Court : and when years had abated these exercises of Honour , he grew then to be a faithful and profound Counsellour . He was the last Liver of all the Servants of her favour , and had the honour to see his renowned Mistress , and all of them laid in the places of their rest ; and for himself , after a life of a very noble and remarkable reputation , he died in a peaceable Old Age , full of Riches and Honour . His Fathers temperance reached to 97 years of Age , because he never eat but one Meal a day ; and his sparingness attained to 84 , because he never eat but of one Dish . He came to the Queens favour , because as her Father so she loved a man ; he kept in , because as her Father too so she loved an able man. His Man-like Recreations commended him to the Ladies , his prudent Atchievments to the Lords . He was made Master of the Horse because active , and Privy Counsellour because wise : His Mistress excused his Faith , which was Popish ; but honoured his Faithfulness , which was Roman ; it being her usual speech , that my Lord of Worcester had reconciled what she thought inconsistent , a stiff Papist to a good subject . His Religion was not pompous , but solid ; not the shew of his life , but the comfort of his soul . A great Master he was of others affections , and greater of his own passions : many things displeased , nothing angered my Lord of Worcester , whose Maxime was , That he would not be disordered within himself , onely because things were out of order without him : He had this Maxime whence he had his Nature , from his prudent Father Sir Charles Somerset , the first Earl of Worcester of that Name , whose temper was so pliable , and nature so peaceable , that being asked ( as it is usually reported of him ) How he passed so troublesome a Reign as King Henry's , so uncertain as King Edward's , so fierce as Queen Mary's , and so unexpected as Queen Elizabeth's , with so quiet , so fixed , so smooth , so resolved and ready a mind and frame ? answered , It was because he understood the Interest of the Kingdome , while others observed its Humours . His first Publick Service was to represent the Grandeur of his Mistress at the Christening of the Daulphine of France , and his last the like at the marriage of the King of Scots , whom he honoured with the Garter from his Mistress , and advised to beware of Papists from the Council . The frame of this Noble Mans body , ( as it is delineated by Sir W. P. ) seems suited to the Noble use it was designed for , The entertaining of a most pure and active Soul ; but equally to the advantage of strength and comeliness , befriended with all proportionate Dimensions , and a most grave , yet obliging Carriage . There was a clear sprightfulness in his Complexion , but a sad reservedness in his Nature ; both making up that blessed compositon of a wise and winning man , of as great hardship of body , as nobleness of spirit . Of a quick sight , and an accurate ear ; a steady observation , and ready expression ; with the Torrent whereof he at once pleased King James , and amazed King Henry , being the most natural Orator in the world . Among all which Endowments , I had almost forgot his memory , that was very faithful to him in things and business , though not punctilio's and formalities . Great Parts he had , the range and compass whereof filled the whole circle of generous Learning in that Person , as it hath done in the following Heroes of that Family to this day . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Killigrew . TRavellers report , That the place wherein the body of Absalom was buried is still extant at Jerusalem , and that it is a solemn custome of Pilgrims passing by it to cast a stone on the place : but a well-disposed man can hardly go by the memory of this worthy person without doing gratefu● homage thereunto , in bestowing upon him one o● two of our Observations . It 's a question sometime● whether the Diamond gives more lustre to the Ring it 's set in , or the Ring to the Diamond : This Gentleman received honour from his Family , and gave renown to it . Writing is the character of the speech , as that is of the mind . From Tully ( whose Orations he could repeat to his dying day ) he gained an even and apt stile , flowing at one and the self-same heighth . Tully's Offices , a Book which Boys read , and men understand , was so esteemed of my Lord Burleigh , that to his dying day he always carried it about him , either in his bosome or his pocket , as a compleat piece that , like Aristotle's Rhetorick , would make both a Scholar and an Honest man. Cicero's magnificent Orations against Anthony , Catiline and Verres ; Caesar's great Commentaries that he wrote with the same spirit that he fought ; flowing Livy ; grave , judicious and stately Tacitus ; eloquent , but faithful Curtius ; brief and rich Salust ; prudent and brave Xenophon , whose Person was Themistocles his Companion , as his Book was Scipio Affrieanus his Pattern in all his Wars ; ancient and sweet Herodotus ; sententious and observing Thucydides ; various and useful Polybius ; Siculus , Halicarnasseus , Trogus , Orosius , Justine , made up our young mans Retinue in all his Travels , where ( as Diodorus the Sicilian writes ) he sate on the stage of Humane Life , observing the great circumstances of places , persons , times , manners , occasions , &c. and was made wise by their example who have trod the path of errour and danger before him . To which he added that grave , weighty , and sweet Plutarch , whose Books ( said Gaza ) would furnish the world , were all others lost . Neither was he amazed in the Labyrinth of History , but guided by the Clue of Cosmography , hanging his Study with Maps , and his Mind with exact Notices of each place . He made in one View a Judgement of the Situation , Interest , and Commodities ( for want whereof many States-men and Souldiers have * failed ) of Nations : but to understand the nature of places , is but a poor knowledge , unless we know how to improve them by Art ; therefore under the Figures of Triangles , Squares , Circles and Magnitudes , with their terms and bounds , he could contrive most tools and instruments , most Engines , and judge of Fortifications , Architecture , Ships , Wind and Water-works , and whatever might make this lower frame of things useful and serviceable to mankinde : which severer Studies he relieved with noble and free Poetry-aid , once the pleasure and advancement of the Soul , made by those higher motions of the minde more active and more large . To which I adde her Sister Musick , wherewith he revived his tired spirits , lengthened ( as he said ) his sickly days , opened his oppressed breast , eased his melancholy thoughts graced his happy pronunciation , ordered and refined his irregular and gross inclination , fixed and quickened his floating and dead notions ; and by a secret , sweet and heavenly Vertue , raised his spirit , as he confessed , sometime to a little less then Angelical Exaltations . Curious he was to please his ear , and as exact to please his eye ; there being no Statues , Inscriptions or Coyns that the Vertuosi of Italy could shew , the Antiquaries of France could boast of , or the great Hoarder of Rarities the great Duke of Tuscany , ( whose antick Coyns are worth 100000 l. ) could pretend to , that he had not the view of . No man could draw any place or work better , none fancy and paint a Portraicture more lively ; being a Dure● for proportion , a Goltzius for a bold touch , variety of posture , a curious and true shadow , an Angelo for his happy fancy , and an Holben for Oyl-works . Neither was it a bare Ornament of Discourse , or naked Diversion of leisure time ; but a most weighty piece of Knowledge , that he could blazon most noble and ancient Coats , and thereby discern the relation , interest , and correspondence of great Families , and thereby the meaning and bottom of all transactions , and the most successful way of dealing with any one Family . His Exercises were such as his Employments were like to be , gentile and man-like , whereof the two most eminent were Riding and Shooting , that at once wholsomely stirred , and nobly knitted and strengthened his Body . Two Eyes he said he travelled with ; the one of wariness upon himself , the other of observation upon others . This compleat Gentleman was Guardian to the young Brandon in his younger years , Agent for Sir John Mason in King Edward the sixth's time , and the first Embassador for the State in Queen Elizabeths time . My Lord Cobham is to amuse the Spaniard , my Lord Effingham to undermine the French , and Sir Henry Killigrew is privately sent to engage the German Princes against Austria in point of Interest , and for her Majesty in point of Religion : he had an humour that bewitched the Elector of Bavaria , a Carriage that awed him of Mentz , a Reputation that obliged them of Colen and Hydelbergh , and that reach and fluency in Discourse that won them all . He assisted the Lords Hunsdon and Howard at the Treaty with France in London , and my Lord of Essex in the War for France in Britain . Neither was he less observable for his own Conduct then for that of others , whose severe thoughts , words and carriage so awed his inferiour faculties , as to restrain him through all the heats of youth , made more then usually importunate by the full vigour of a high and sanguine Constitution ; insomuch that they say he looked upon all the approaches to that sin , then so familiar to his Calling as a a Souldier , his Quality as a Gentleman , and his Station as a Courtier , not onely with an utter disallowance in his Judgement , but with a natural abhorency and antipathy in his very lower inclinations . To which happiness it conduced not a little , that though he had a good , yet he had a restrained appetite ( a Knife upon his Throat as well as upon his Trencher ) that indulged it self neither frequent nor delicate entertainment ; its Meals , though but once a day , being its pressures ; and its fasts , its only sensualities : to which temperance in diet adde , but that in sleep , together with his disposal of himself throughout his life to industry and diligence , you will say he was a spotless man , whose life taught us this Lesson , ( which if observed , would accomplish Mankinde ; and which King Charles the first would inculcate to noble Travellers , and Dr. Hammond to all men ) To be furnished always with something to do : A Lesson they proposed as the best expedient for Innocence and Pleasure ; the foresaid blessed man assuring his happy Hearers , That no burthen is more heavy , or temptation more dangerous , then to have time lie on ones hand ; the idle man being not onely ( as he worded it ) the Devils shop , but his kingdome too ; a model of , and an appendage unto Hell , a place given up to torment and to mischief . Observations on the Life of Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton . ARthur Gray Baron of Wilton is justly reckoned amongst the Natives of Buckingham-shire , whose Father had his habitation ( not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Herefordshire , whence he took his Title , but ) at Waddon , a fair House of his Family not far from Buckingham . He succeeded to a small Estate , much diminished on this sad occasion . His Father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France , after long ineffectual solliciting to be ( because captivated in the publick service ) redeemed on the publick charge , at last was forced to ransome himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony . Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his Estate by his Valour , being entred into Feats of War under his Martial Father at the siege of Leith 1560 , where he was shot in the shoulder , which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scots . He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland , anno 1580 ; where before he had received the Sword , or any Emblems of Command , ut acricribus initiis terrorem incuteret , to fright his foes with fierce beginnings , he unfortunately fought the Rebels at Glandilough , to the great loss of English Blood. This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct , till he recovered his credit , and finally suppressed the Rebellion of Desmond . Returning into England , the Queen chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88 , and fortifying places of advantage . The mention of that year ( critical in Church-differences about discipline at home , as well as with forreign force abroad ) mindeth me that this Lord was but a back-friend to Bishops ; and in all divisions of Votes in Parliament or Council-table , sided with the Anti-prelatical Party . When Secretary Davison , that State-Pageant , ( raised up on purpose to be put down ) was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots , this Lord Gray onely defended him , as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State. An Ear-witness saith , Haec fusè oratoriè & animosè Greium disserentem audivimus . So that besides bluntness , ( the common and becoming Eloquence of Souldiers ) he had a real Rhetorick , and could very emphatically express himself . Indeed this Warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet , and may be said always to have born his Beaver open , not dissembling in the least degree , but owning his own Judgement at all times what he was . He deceased anno Domini 1593. Three things he was observed eminent for : 1. Dispatch ; San Joseph having not been a week in Ireland , before he had environed him by Sea and Land. 2. For his resolution , that he would not parley with him till he was brought to his mercy , hanging out a white flag with Misericordia , Misericordia . 3. For his Prudence : 1. That he saved the Commanders , to oblige the Spaniard : 2. That he plundered the Country , to enrich his Souldiers : 3. That he decimated the Souldiery , to terrifie Invaders ; and hanged all the Irish , to amaze the Traytors . Henry Fitz-alan Earl of Arundel when Steward at King Edward's Coronation , or Constable at Queen Mary's , was the first that rid in a Coach in England ; my Lord Gray was the first that brought a Coach hither : one of a working Brain , and a great Mechanist himself , and no less a Patron to the Ingenious that were so . That there was an emulation between him and Sussex , was no wonder ; but that the instance wherein he thought to disgrace him , should be his severity to the English Traytor , and the Forreign Invadors , would seem strange to any but those that consider , 1. That Princes of late would seem as they look on the end , and not the means ; so they hug a cruelty , and frown on the instrument of it ; who while he honestly sacrificeth some irregular particulars to the interest of Soveraignty , may be made himself a sacrifice to the passion of populacy . And , 2. which is the case here , That aspiring Princes may employ severer Natures , but setled ones use the more moderate . Love keeps up the Empire which Power hath set up . Observations on the Life of Thomas Lord Burge . THomas Lord Burge or Borough was born in his Fathers noble House at Gainsborough in the County of Lincoln . He was sent Embassadour into Scotland in 1593 , to excuse Bothwel his lurking in England , to advise the speedy suppression of the Spanish Faction , to advance the Protestants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence , and to instruct that King about his Council ; which was done accordingly . He was made Lord-Deputy of Ireland anno 1597 , in the room of Sir William Russel . Mr. Cambden saith thus of him : Vir acer , & animi plenus , sed nullis fer● Castrorum rudimentis . As soon as the Truce with Tyrone was expired , he straightly besieged the Fort of Black-water , ( the onely receptacle of the Rebels in those parts , besides their Woods and Bogs . ) Having taken this Fort by force , presently followed a bloody Battle , wherein the English lost many worthy men . He was struck with untimely death before he had continued a whole year in his Place ; it being wittily observed of the short Lives of many worthy men , Fatuos à morte defendit ipsa insulsitas , si cui plus caeteris aliquantulum salis insit ( quod miremini ) statim putrescit . Things rare destroy themselves ; those two things being incompatible in our nature , Perfection and Lastingness . His Education was not to any particular Profession , yet his Parts able to manage all . A large Soul and a great Spirit apart from all advantages , can do wonders . His Master-piece was Embassie , where his brave Estate set him above respects and compliance , and his comely Person above contempt . His Geography and History led to the Interest of other Princes , and his Experience to that of his own . His skill in most Languages helped him to understand others ; and his resolution to use onely his own , to be reserved himself . In two things he was very scrupulous : 1. In his Commission , 2. In his Servants , whom he always ( he said ) found honest enough , but seldome quick and reserved . And in two things very careful : viz. 1. The time and humour of his Addresses ; 2. The Interest , Inclinations and Dependencies of Favourites . A grave and steady man , observing every thing , but affected with nothing ; keeping as great distance between his looks and his heart , as between his words and his thoughts . Very exact for his priviledges , very cold and indifferent in his motions , which were always guided by the emergencies in that Country , and by his intelligence from home . Good he was in pursuing his limited instruction , excellent where he was free ; and his Business was not his obedience onely but his discretion too : that never failed but in his last enterprize , which he undertook without any apparent advantage , and attempted without intelligence : An Enterprize well worthy his invincible Courage , but not his accustomed Prudence ; which should never expose the person of a General to the danger of a common Souldier . Observations on the Life of William Lord Pawlet . WIlliam Pawlet ( where-ever born ) had his largest Estate and highest Honour ( Baron of Basing , and Marquess of Winchester ) in Hantshire . He was descended from a younger house of the Pawlets in Hinton St. George in Somersetshire , as by the Crescent in his Arms is acknowledged . * One telleth us , That he being a younger Brother , and having wasted all that was left him , came to Court on trust ; where , upon the stock of his Wit , he trafficked so wisely , and prospered so well , that he got , spent , and left , more then any Subject since the Conquest . Indeed he lived at the time of the dissolution of Abbeys , which was the Harvest of Estates ; and it argued idleness if any Courtier had his Barns empty . He was Servant to King Henry the seventh ; and for thirty years together Treasurer to King Henry the eighth , Edward the sixth , Queen Mary , and Queen Elizabeth : the later in some sort owed their Crowns to his Counsel , his Policy being the principal Defeater of Duke Dudley's Designe to dis-inherit them . I behold this Lord Pawlet like to aged Adoram , so often mentioned in Scriptures , being over the Tribute in the days of King a David , all the Reign of King b Solomon , until the first c year of Rehoboam . And though our Lord Pawlet enjoyed his Place not so many years , yet did he serve more Soveraigns , in more mutable times , being ( as he said of himself ) No Oak , but an Osier . Herein the Parallel holds not : the hoary hairs of Adoram were sent to the Grave by a violent d death , slain by the People in a Tumult ; this Lord had the rare happiness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , setting in his full splendour , having lived 97 years , and seen 103 out of his body . He died anno Domini 1572. Thus far Mr. Fuller . This Gentleman had two Rules as useful for Mankinde , as they seem opposite to one another . 1. That in our Considerations and Debates , we should not dwell in deceitful Generals , but look into clear Particulars . 2. That in our Resolutions and Conclusions , we should not rest on various Particulars , but rise to uniform Generals . A Man he was that reverenced himself ; that could be vertuous when alone , and good when onely his own Theatre , his own applause , though excellent , before the world ; his vertue improving by fame and glory , as an heat which is doubled by reflexion . Observations on the Life of Sir James Dier . JAmes Dier Knight , younger Son to Richard Dier Esquire , was born at Round-hill in Somersetshire , as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof . He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law , and was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas , primo Eliz. continuing therein twenty four years . When Thomas Duke of Norfolk was , anno 1572 , arraigned for Treason , this Judge was present thereat , on the same token , that when the Duke desired Counsel to be assigned him , pleading that it was granted to Humphrey Stafford in the Reign of King Henry the seventh , our Judge returned unto him , That Stafford had it allowed him only as to point of Law , then in dispute , viz. Whether he was legally taken out of the Sanctuary ? but as for matter of Fact , neither he , nor any ever had or could have Counsel allowed him . But let his own works praise him in the Gates , ( known for the place of publick Justice amongst the Jews ) let his learned Writings , called , The Commentaries or Reports , evidence his Abilities in his Profession . He died in 25 Eliz. ( though married ) without any issue ; and there is a House of a Baronet of his Name ( descended from an elder Son of Richard , Father to our Judge ) at great Stoughton in Hunting tonshire , well improved I believe with the addition of the Judges Estate . There is a Manuscript of this worthy Judge , wherein are six and forty Rules for the preservation of the Commonwealth , as worthy our Observation as they were his Collection . 1. That the true Religion be established . 2. To keep the parts of the Commonwealth equal . 3. That the middle sort of people exceed both the extreams . 4. That the Nobility be called to serve , or at least to appear at the Court by themselves , or by the hopes of their Families their Children . 5. That the Court pay well . 6. That Trade be free ; and Manufactures , with all other Ingenuities , encouraged . 7. Thgt there be no co-equal Powers , nor any other Vsurpations against the Foundation . 8. That there be notice taken of wise and well-affected Persons to employ them . 9. That Corruption be restrained . 10. That the Prince shew himself absolute in his Authority first , and then indulgent in his Nature . 11. That the first ferment of sedition , want , &c. be considered . 12. That Preferments be bestowed on merit , and not faction . 13. That troublesome persons be employed abroad . 14. That Emulations be over-ruled . 15. That the ancient and most easie way of Contributions when necessary , be followed . 16. That the Youth be disciplined . 17. That Discourses and Writings of Government , and its mysteries , be restrained . 18. That the active and busie be taken to Employment . 19. That the King shew himself often in Majesty , tempered with familiarity , easie access , tenderness , &c. 20. That the Prince perform some unexpected actions at Court himself . 21. That no one man be gratified with the grievance of many . 22. That Acts of Grace pass in the chief Magistrates Name , and Acts of Severity in the Ministers . 23. That the Prince borrow when he hath no need . 24. That he be so well furnished with Warlike Provisions , Citadels , Ships , as to be renowned for it . 25. That the Neighbour-States be balanced . 26. That the Prince maintain very knowing Agents , Spies and Intelligencers . 27. That none be suffered to raise a Quarrel between the Prerogative and the Law. 28. That the People be awaked by Masters . 29. That in cases of Faction , Colonies and Plantations be found out to receive ill humours . 30. That the Seas , the Sea-coasts and Borders be secured . 31. That the Prince be either resident himself , or by a good natured and popular Favourite . 32. To act things by degrees , and check all the hasty , importunate , rash and turbulent , though well-affected . 33. That the Inhabitants have Honour promisouously , but that Power be kept in the Well-affected's hands . 34. That there be as far as can be plain dealing , and the people never think they are deceived . 35. That there be a strict eye kept upon Learning , Arms , and Mechanical Arts. 36. That there be frequent Wars . 37. To observe the Divisions among Favourites , though not to encourage them . 38. That an account be given of the Publick Expences . 39. That Inventions be encouraged . 40. That the Country be kept in its due dependance on the Crown against the times of War , Elections , &c. and to that purpose that the Courtiers keep good houses , &c. 41. That no disobliged person be trusted . 42. That Executions be few , suddain and severe . 43. To improve the benefit of a Kingdomes Situation . 44. That the Liberties and Priviledges of the Subject be so clearly stated , that there may be no pretences for worse purposes . 45. That the Coyn be neither transported nor embased . 46. That Luxury be suppressed . Maximes these ! that spake our Judge so conversant with Books and Men , that that may be applyed to him , which is attributed to as great a Divine as he was a Lawyer , viz. That he never talked with himself . Observations on the Life of Sir William Pelham . SIr William Pelham was a Native of Sussex , whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished in Laughton therein . His Prudence in Peace , and Valour in War , caused Queen Elizabeth to employ him in Ireland , where he was by the Privy-Council appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury , and the coming in of Arthur Gray , Lord Lieutenant of Ireland . Say not that he did but stop a gap for a twelve-month at the most , seeing it was such a gap , Destruction had entred in thereat , to the final ruine of that Kingdome , had not his Providence prevented it . For in this juncture of time , Desmond began his Rebellion 1579 , inviting Sir William to side with him ; who wisely gave him the hearing , with a smile in to the Bargain . And although our Knight for want of Force could not cure the wounds , yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean , resigning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray , who succeeded him . Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586 , being Commander of the English Horse therein . It is said of him , Brabantiam persultabat , He leapt through Brabant ; importing celerity and success , yea , as much Conquest as so suddain an expedition was capable of . He had a strong memory whereon he built his experience , and a large experience whereon he grounded his actions : There was no Town , Fort , Passage , Hill or Dale , either in Ireland or Holland , but he retained by that strong faculty , that was much his Nature , more his Art ; which observed privately , what it saw publickly ; recollected and fixed in the night , what he observed by day ; trusting his head with solids , but not burthening it with impertinencies . Company is one of the greatest pleasures of Mankinde , and the great delight of this man , ( it 's unnatural to be solitary ; the world is sinked together by love , and men by friendship ) who observed three things in his converse , that it should be , 1. even , 2. choice , and 3. useful ; all his friends being either valiant , ingenious , or wise : that is , either Souldiers , Scholars , or States-men . Four things he was very intent upon during his Government in Ireland : 1. The Priests , the Pulpits , and the Press : 2. The Nobility : 3. The Ports : 4. The Forreigners . Which he pursued with that Activity , the Earl of Ormond assisting him , that anno 1580 , that Kingdome was delivered to my Lord Gray after his one years Government , in a betteter condition then it had been for threescore year before ; the Populacy being encouraged , the Nobility trusted , Feuds laid down , Revenue setled , the Sea-towns secured , the Souldiery disciplined and the Magazines furnished . Whence he returned to overlook others , setling England against the Spaniards , as he had done Ireland ; himself being a● active Commissioner in England in 88 , and an eminent Agent in Scotland in 89. Observations on the Life of Sir William Waad . A Scholar himself , and a Patron to such that were so ; being never well but when employing the Industrious , pensioning the Hopeful , and preferring the Deserving . To his Directions we owe Rider's Dictonary , to his Encouragement Hooker's Policy , to his Charge Gruter's Inscriptions . As none more knowing , so none more civil . No man more grave in his Life and Manners , no man more pleasant in his Carriage and Complexion ; yet no man more resolved in his Business : for being sent by Queen Elizabeth to Philip King of Spain , he would not be turned over to the Spanish Privy-Council , ( whose greatest Grandees are Dwarfs in honour to his Mistress ) but would either have audience of the King himself , or return without it ; though none knew better how and when to make his close and underhand Addresses to such potent Favourites as strike the stroke in the State : It often happening in a Commonwealth , ( saith my Author ) that the Masters Mate steers the Ship better then the Master himself . A man of a constant toyl and industry , busie and quick , equalty an enemy to the idle and slow undertakings , judging it a great weakness to stand staring in the face of business , in that time which might serve to do it . In his own practice he never considered longer then till he could discern whether the thing proposed was fit or not ; when that was seen , he immediately set to work : when he had finished one business , he could not endure to have his thoughts lie fallow , but was presently consulting what next to undertake . Two things this Gentleman professed kept him up to that eminence : 1. Fame , that great incitement to Excellency . 2. A Friend , whom he had not onely to observe those grossnesses which Enemies might take notice of , but to discover his prudential failings , indecencies , and even suspitious and barely doubtful passages . Friendship ( saith my Lord Bacon ) easeth the heart , and cleareth the understanding , making clear day in both ; partly by giving the ●urest counsel apart from our interest and prepossessions , and partly by allowing opportunity to discourse ; and by that discourse to clear the mind , to recollect the thoughts , to see how they look in words ; whereby men attain that highest wisdome , which Dionysius the Areopagite saith , is the Daughter of Reflexion . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Sidney . SIr Henry Sidney , eminent for his Son Sir Philip , and famous for his own Actions , w●● born well , and bred better : His Learning was equal to his Carriage , his Carriage to his God Nature , his Good Nature to his Prudence , his Prudence to his Resolution . A little he learned a School , more at the University , most at Court His Reading was assiduous , his Converse exact , 〈◊〉 Observations close : His Reason was strong , and 〈◊〉 Discourse flowing . Much he owed to his Stud●ousness at home , more to his Experience abroad where Travel enlarged and consolidated his Son His own Worth fitted him for Advancement , an his Alliance to my Lord of Leicester raised him to a Merit must capacitate a man for Interest , and Intrest must set up Merit . His Person and his An 〈…〉 ry invested him Knight of the Garter , his Moderation and Wisdome President of Wales . His Resolution and Model of Government made him Lo 〈…〉 Deputy of Ireland ; a people whom he first studied and then ruled ; being first Master of their Humour and then of their Government . Four things he said would reduce that Country : A Navy well furnished , to cut off their correspondence with Spain . An Army well paid , to keep up Garisons ; Law well executed , to alter their Constitutions and T 〈…〉 res ; A Ministry well setled , to civilize and instrud them ; and an unwearied Industry to go through all Nine things he did there to eternize his Memory . 1. Connaught He divided to six Shires . 2. Captainships , something answering to Knighthood here , He abolished . 3. A Surrendry of all Irish Holdings He contried , and the Irish Estates He setled on English Te●ures and Services . 4. That the ablest five of each Sept should undertake for all their Relations , He ordered . 5. One Free-School at least in every Diocess He maintained . 6. Two Presidents Courts in Manster and Con 〈…〉 ught He erected . 7. Their Customes He reduced to the Civility , and their Exchequer to the Exactness of England . 8. Their Purveyance He turned to Composision . 9. Their Statutes He printed , and a constant correspondence He kept ; especially with the English Embassadour in Spain , and King James in Scotland . Fitz-Williams was mild , Essex heady , Perrot stout ; but this Lieutenant or Deputy was a stayed and resolved Man , that Royally heard ill , and did well ; that bore up against the clamours of the people with the peace of his conscience . His Interest he had devoted to his Soveraign , and his Estate to he Publick ; saying as Cato , That he had the least here of himself . From the Irish he took nothing but a Liberty to undo themselves ; from Court he desired nothing but Service ; from Wales he had nothing but a Good Name . It 's observed of him , that He bad open Vertues for Honour , and private ones for Success , which he said was the daughter of reservedness : there being not ( saith my Lord V●rulam ) two more fortunate properties , then to have 〈◊〉 little of the fool , and not too much of the honest man The Crown was obliged by his Services , the Nobility engaged to him by Alliances , the People enamoured with his Integrity , and himself satisfies with a good Conscience . Much good counsel he gave at Court , more at home in Shropshire , where his Dexterity in composing the private Quarrels of the Country , was as eminent as his Prudence in setline the Affairs of Ireland . He had that Majesty in his Countenance that he awed , and Affability in his Speech that he obliged the Country . His Counsel would be smart and solid , his Reproof grave and affectionate , his Jests quick and taking ; doing more with a quick Droll towards the peace of the Country , then others did with longer Harangue . Secretary Bourns Son kept a Gentlemans Wife i● Shropshire ; when he was weary of her , he cause her Husband to be dealt with to take her home , an offered him 500 l. for reparation . The Gentleman went to Sir Henry Sidney to take his advice telling him , That his Wife promised now a new life and to say the truth five hundred pounds would be very seasonable at that time . By my troth ( said Sir Henry ) take her home , and the Money ; then whereas other Cuckolds wear their Horns plain , you may we● yours gilt . His great word after a difference ended , was , Is not this easier then going to London as Ludlow ? When a man fretted against himself of others , My Friend , he would say , take it from me a weak man complains of others , an unfortunate man of himself , but a wise man neither of others nor of himself . It was his Motto , I 'll never threaten . To threaten an Enemy , is to instruct him ; a Superiour , is to endanger my Person ; an Inferiour , is to disparage my Conduct . Old Servants were the Ornament and stay of his Family , for whom he reserved a Copyhold when aged , a Service when hopeful , an Education when pregnant . Twice was he sent underhand to France , and once to Scotland , to feel the pulse of the one , and to embroyl the other . It 's for setled Kingdomes and for Wealthy men to play above-board , while the young State as the young Fortune should be least in sight . He and Sir Thomas Randolph amuse the Queen of Scots with the hope of the Crown of England , and the King of France by a League with his Protestant Subjects ; to whose assistance Sir Adrian Poynings arrives as Field-marshal , and the Earl of Warwick as General . Sir Nicholas Arnold had disposed Ireland to a settlement , when Justicer ; and Sir Henry Sidney formerly Justicer and Treasurer , was now to compleat it as Deputy , being assisted in Munster by Sir Warham St. Leiger , and elsewhere by the brave Earl of Ormond , having procured his Antagonist the Earl of Desmond to be called to England in order to a peace and tranquillity . Great was his Authority over , far greater his love to , and esteem of the Soldiers , with whom he did wonders against Shane Oneals Front , while Randolph charged his Rear until the wild Rebel submits , and is executed . When he resigned his Authority and Honour to Sir William Drury , he took his farewel of Ireland in these words , When Israel departed out of Egypt , and the house of Jacob from a barbarous people . A singular man he was , ( saith the Historian ) and one of the most commendable Deputies of Ireland , to whose Wisdome and Fortitude that Kingdome cannot but acknowledge much , though it is as impatient of Deputies as Sicily was of old of Procurators . Alter idem , or other Observations on the Life of Thomas Ratcliffe . THomas Ratcliffe Lord Fitz-Walter , second Earl of Sussex of that surname , twice Lord-Deputy of Ireland , was a most valiant Gentleman . By his Prudence he caused that actual Rebellion brake not out in Ireland ; and no wonder 〈◊〉 in his time it rained not War there , seeing his diligence dispersed the Clouds before they could gather together . Thus he who cures a Disease may be skilfullest ; but he that prevents it , is the safe Physitian . Queen Elizabeth called him home to be her Lord Chamberlain , and a constant Court-faction was maintained between him and Robert Earl of Leicester : so that the Sussexians and the Leicesterian divided the Court , whilst the Cecilians as Neuters did look upon them . Sussex had a great Estate left by his Ancestors , Leicester as great given or restored him by the Queen : Sussex was the honester man , and greater Souldier ; Leicester the more facete Courtier , and deep Politician ; not for the general Good , but for his particular Profit . Great the Animosity betwixt them ; and what in vain the Queen endeavoured , Death performed , taking this Earl away ; and so the Competition was ended . New-Hall in Essex was the place if not ( as I believe ) of his Birth , yet of his principal Habitation . He died anno Domini — and lieth buried in the Church of St. Olives Hartstreet London . The first of Queen Elizabeth found this brave Earl commanding Ireland in peace and plenty , with three hundred and twenty Horse , and eight hundred and sixty Foot , prudently garisoned , and well paid : And the second employed him thither again , with Instructions , That he should beware above all things , lest the Irish , being an uncivil people , and therefore the more superstitious , should by the cunning practices of the French , be excited to rebellion under the pretext of Religion . 2. That he should fortifie Ophale with Castles and Forts . 3. That he should engage the Souldiery with large Possessions . 4. That the Irish Nobility should hold their Estates in Fee. 5. That he should improve the Queens Revenues moderately , and reduce her Exchequer there to the form of that in England . At what time Maximilian the Emperoun courted Queen Elizabeth , whom all English men wished married , all Protestants married to a Protestant , and the Earl of Leicester had designed for himself , there arose a deadly feud in the English Court between the Earl of Sussex , that favoured the Match upon common Principles of Government ; and the Earl of Leicester , who opposed it upon a private designe of his own . Certainly very great and shameful hopes do they foster , who have already attained things beyond hopes . The open-hearted Earl would call his Antagonist an Upstart , that had but two Ancestors , his Father , a Traytor ; and his Grandfather , a Publican . The Court is divided , the Earls are always attended with their armed Guards , until the Queen , who took pleasure in , and made use of the innocent emulation of her women , but was afraid of the dangerous contests of her Favourites , rather skinned over , then healed the rupture . At the Emperours Court , whither he is sent with the Order of Saint George , he presseth the Marriage closely , as much out of love to his Country , as hatred to Leicester ; having nothing more ordinary in his discourse then that a Forreign Prince was to be preferred before the noblest Englishman for the three grand things of Honour , Power and Wealth . But what he promoted publickly , the Lord North , who was joyned with him rather as his Guardian then his Colleague , opposed privately , until a few fond scruples broke the most solemn Negotiation ; wherein yet this Earl behaved himself with a Gallantry that gained him a familiarity from the Emperour , a reverence from the Archduke , a respect from all the people , and his Mistress a kindness in that Court , that stood her in great stead against the attempts of Spain and Rome . From Germany he returned with much honour , to Command in the North with more , where he and his old setters at Court discovered the grand Plot in the North , as Hunsdon and his old Souldiers at Berwick defeated it , and both harassed the Scotish Borders : all things yeilding to those two grand Disposers of the World , now predominant in England , Wisedome and Cecil at home , Arms and Hunsdon abroad ; and both with Sussex at home , now for his approved Wisdome and Fidelity made Privy Counsellour , and abroad alway Lord General . Of many , I pitch on this one Argument , Of the greatness of his Minde , that he scorned to trample the Prostrate ; that he had a just Passion , but not an unworthy Malice for an Enemy whom he had a generous goodness to pity when unhappy , as well as a brave spirit to contest with when injurious . The lesser fry of adversaries railed against , this great one pleaded for Leicester , when his practices against Anjou's marriage with the Queen confined him to the Castle of Windsor ; and his Menaces had cast him to the Tower of London , had not my Lord , minding more the common Interest then his private resentments , first moderated the Queens Passion with Reason , and then overcame it with this Jest , You must allow Lovers their jealousie . Alter idem , or other Observations on the Life of the Lord Hatton . HHis first Preferment at Court was to be one of the fifty Pensioners ; whence his modest sweetness of Manners advanced him to the Privy Chamber : where he had not been long , but his face and tongue ( which most eloquent , which most powerful , was in those days a question ) made him Captain of the Guard ; his presence and service Vice-Chamberlain ; and his great improvement under my Lord Burleigh , placed him in that grave Assembly , ( the wisest Convention in Europe at that time ) the Privy-Council ; where he had not sate long , when his enemies as well as his friends made him Chancellour and Knight of the Garter : the one to raise him , and the other by that rise to ruine him . The Eagle-eyed men of those times carried up on high the Cockleshel they had a mind to crack . A man of a pious Nature , very charitable to the Poor , very tender of dissenting Judgements , ( saying , That neither searing nor cutting was to be used in the cause of Religion ) very bountiful to Scholars , ( who chose him Chancellour at Oxford ) very exact in his Place ; whence he went off , though not with the applause of a great Lawyer to split Causes , yet with the Conscience and comfort of a just man , to do equity . Take his Character from his own words , those words that prevailed with the Queen of Scots to appear before the Commissioners at Fotheringaz , when neither Queen Elizabeths Commission , nor the Lord Chancellours Reason , nor the Power of the Kingdome could perswade that good Lady to it . The words are these : You are accused , but not condemned . You say you are a Queen ; be it so : if you are innocent , you wrong your Reputation in avoiding tryal . You protest your self innocent , the Queen feareth the contrary not without grief and shame . To examine your innocence are these honourable , prudent , and upright Commissioners sent : glad will they be with all their hearts if they may return and report you guiltless . Believe me , the Queen her self will be much affected with joy , who affirmed to me at my coming from her , that never any thing befel her more grievous , then that you were charged with such a crime : Wherefore lay aside the bootless priviledge of Royal Dignity , which here can be of no use to you , appear in Judgement , and shew your Innocence ; lest by avoiding tryal , you draw upon your self suspicion , and lay upon your Reputation an eternal blot and aspersion . Four things I observe he did that deserve a Chronicle : 1. That he delayed the Signing of Leicesters Patent for the Lieutenancy of England and Ireland , the Preface to his Kingdome , until that Earl was sick . 2. That he reduced the Chancery , and all other Courts , to Rules . 3. That he stood by the Church against the enemies of both sides . Archbishop Whitgift when checked by others for his due severity , writes to him thus : I think my self bound to you for your friendly Message as long as I live : It hath not a little comforted me , having received unkinde speeches not long since , &c. And therefore ( after an expostulation about some States-mens Proceedings against the Law and State of the Realm , and a Declaration of his own resolution ) saith he , your Honour in offering that great courtesie , offered unto me as great a pleasure as I can desire . Her Majesty must be my Refuge , and I beseech you that I may use you as a means , when occasion shall serve ; whereof I assure my self , and therein rest , John Cant. 4. That he promoted the Proclamations for Plain Apparel , for Free Trade , for Pure Religion , and the Laws against the Papists . Observations on the Life of Sir John Puckering . SIr John Puckering was born at Flamborough-head in Yorkshire . He was second Son to his Father , a Gentleman that left him neither a plenteous nor a penurious Estate . His Breeding was more beneficial to him then his Portion ; gaining thereby such skill in the Common Law , that he became the Queens Sergeant , Speaker in the House of Commons , and at last Lord Chancellour of England . How he stood in his Judgement in the point of Church-Discipline , plainly appeareth by his following Speech , delivered in the House of Lords 1588. And especially you are commanded by Her Majesty to take heed , that no ear be given , nor time afforded to the wearisome Sollicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans , wherewithal the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned : which sort of men , whilst that ( in the giddiness of their spirits ) they labour and strive to advance a new Eldership , they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth : which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self , and as well guided for the Discipline , as any Realm that professeth the Truth . And the same thing is already made good to the world by many of the Writings of godly and learned men , neither answered nor answerable by any of these new-fangled Refiners . And , as the present case standeth , it may be doubted , whether they , or the Jesuites , do offer more danger , or be more speedily to be repressed . For , albeit the Jesuites do empoyson the hearts of Her Majesties Subjects , under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their Obedience due to Her Majesty ; yet do they the same , but closely , and in privy-corners : But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books , and teach in all their Conventicles , sundry Opinions , not onely dangerous to a well-setled Estate , and the Policy of the Realm , by putting a Pike between the Clergy and the Layty ; but also much derogatery to her sacred Majesty and her Crown , as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawful Revenues , and by denying Her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy , as by offering peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdome . In all which things , ( however in other Points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Jesuites ) yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their fellow-subjests , and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince , they do both joyn and concur with the Jesuites in opening the Door , and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that is threatened against the Realm . And thus having according to the weakness of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal Pleasure and wise Direction , I rest there , with humble Suit of Her Majesties most gracious Pardon in supplying of my defects , and recommend you to the Author of all good counsel . He died anno Domini 1596 , charactered by Mr. Cambden , Vir Integer . His Estate is since descended , ( according to the solemn settlement thereof ) the Male Issue failing , on Sir Henry Newton ; who , according to the Condition , hath assumed the surname of Puckering . Sir Thomas Egerton urged against the Earl of Arundel methodically what he had done before , in , and since the Spanish Invasion : Sir John Puckering pressed things closely , both from Letters and Correspondence with Allen and Parsons , that few men had seen ; and from the saying of my Lord himself , ( which fewer had observed ) who when Valongers Cause about a Libel was handled in the Star-chamber , had said openly , He that is throughly Popish , the same man cannot but be a Traytor . A man this was of himself of good repute for his own Carriage , but unhappy for that of his Servants ; who for disposing of his Livings corruptly , left themselves an ill name in the Church , and him but a dubious one in the State. David is not the onely person whom the iniquity of his heels , that is , of his followers , layeth hold on . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bromley . SIr Thomas Bromley was born at Bromley in Shropshire , of a right ancient Family . He was bred in the Inner Temple , and made , before he was forty years of age , General-Sollicitor to Queen Elizabeth ; and afterwards , before he was fifty , succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellour : yet Bacon was not missed while Bromley succeeded him ; and that loss which otherwise could not have been repaired , now could not be perceived ; which Office he wisely and learnedly executed with much discretion , possessing it nine years , and died anno 1587 , not being sixty years old . My Lord Hunsdon first employed this Gentleman , and my Lord Burleigh took first notice of him . He had a deep head to dive to the bottome of the abstruse Cases of those times , and a happy mean to manage them , with no less security to the Estate , then satisfaction to the People . A man very indudustrious in his Place , and very observant of the Court : happy in his potent friends , happy in his able followers ; men of great faithfulness towards him , and of great integrity and respectfulness towards any that made Addresses to him . He never decided the equity of any Case before he had discoursed with the Judge that heard it , of the Law of it . He never disposed of a Living without the Bishop of the Diocess his consent where it lay : nor ever engaged he in any State-business without direction from my Lord Burleigh , the Earl of Leicester , my Lord Delaware . Sir Ralph Sadler was to observe the Policy , Dr. Wilson the Civil Law , and Sir Thomas Bromley the English Law , in the Queer of Scots Answer to Queen Elizabeths last Expostulation . The Spanish Souldier never takes wages against his King , and Sir Thomas Bromley never took fees against the Crown . He would have the Caue opened clearly by his Client in the Chamber , before ever he would declare it at the Bar : He lo 〈…〉 money for not admitting all Causes promiscuously at first , but he gained it at last ; when never failing in any Cause , saith my Author , for five years : during which space , what he wanted in the retayl of advantage , he made up in the gross o 〈…〉 esteem ; being by that time the onely person that the People would employ , and one of the three the Court would favour ; being excellent ( because industrious ) in a leading and an untrodden Case Physitians , they say , are best like Beer when stale , and Lawyers like Bread when young : This Person was eminent in all the periods of his Age ; each whereof he filled with its just and becoming accomplishment . In that Lord of Northumberland's Case that Pistolled himself , none more subtle to argue his guilt ; in the Queen of Scots , none more strict to keep to the Law : for when the Queen of Sco 〈…〉 would explain something in the Queens Commission , he answered , We are Subjects , and not come hither to explain the Queens words , but to perform them . None more discreet and grave , prefacing that great business with these words ; The High and Mighty Queen our Soveraign , that she might not be wanting to her God , her Self , her People , or your Honour , sent us hither , not so much to try , as to elear you ; not so much to urge her Accusations , as to hear your Defence . And none more stedfast to his Soveraign : for when that unfortunate Lady protested her unaccountableness to the English Laws , he replyed , This protestation is vain : for whosoever , of what place soever , offendeth against the Laws of England in England , was subject to the same Laws , and might be examined and tryed . The Sentence against her he declared had three things in it : 1. Justice , 2. Security , 3. Necessity : but added presently , And that wisely too it should no ways prejudice King James his Title or Honour . Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Bingham . SIr Richard Bingham , born in Binghams-Melcolm in Dorsetshire , of a very ancient Family , in his youth trayelled most parts of the world : He was at the Siege of St. Quintin in France ; the Sacking of Leith in Scotland ; served in Candia under the Venetians against the Turk ; then returned into the Netherlands , being strong and fortunate in all his Undertakings . After all this , he went into Ireland , and was there President of Connaught , and conquered the great and dangerous Rebel O Rorke . A Gentleman this , rather skilful in many mysteries then thriving in any : of a fancy too high and wild , too desultory and over-voluble : yet Imagination hath often produced Realities , and Phancy done the work of Judgement ; as in this Gentleman , whose Daringness went for Conduct , whose Spirit passed for Resolution , whose Activity had the honour of skill , and whose Success the glory of prudence . It 's a wonder of parts that Casar could write , read , dictate , and discourse at the same time ; it 's a miracle of fancy that thisman should Command a Regiment in the Netherlands , preside in a Province of Ireland , manage a Trade in Russia , carry on a Plantation in America , and husband a Mannor in England . But as the King of Spain is painted with a handful of sand running out between his singers , in reference to his many , but unprofitable Dominions ; so might this grand Projector be described , who attempted so many things , that he did nothing . Yet one thing his Quick-silver Soul was good for , and that is Stratagems : Now you should have him surprize a Town by Butter-women , another time by Workmen ; anon he would face the Enemy , and draw them with success upon a Train of Gunpowder he would lay for them , and Iron Pricksteds he would sow for them : He would steal their hands and seals , buy the very keys of their Closets ; and so amuse them with Letters , and distract them with Jealousies , while in the mean time the vigilant man alarmed them every hour of the day , and each watch of the night ; so that he tamed those wild Irish as we do some wild beasts , by watching . Observations on the Life of Roger Ashcam . FRom his Cradle a Royal Servant , and to his Grave a Favourite : a good man , ( saith Cambden ) and if his ambition had been but as great as the occasion was fair , a great one too . Born he was honestly in York shire , and bred handsomely at Cambridge ; and both born and bred for that Age which was to refine Greek and Latine to a politeness , and raise them to an Eloquence . He was the University-Orator at Cambridge , and at Court ; there using his Eloquence , here his Interest against that Sacriledge , that having Dined on the Church , as he writ , came to Sup on the Universities . Thence he was rather removed then advanced , more suitably to his merit then his expectation , to be Queen Elizabeths Schoolmaster for the Latine Tongue in her Sisters time , and her Secretary for the same in her own . What he got by his Ingenuity , he lost by his Gaming , viz. at Dice and Cock-fighting , dying rich onely in those two Books , his Estate and Monument , whereof the one is intituled Toxophilus , and the other Scholarcha . He and his dear Smith were the happiest men in the Nation ; their large and ingenious Souls clasping together in an entire friendship , made up of kindness and integrity , apart from the little fears , the jealousies , the suspitions that vex Mankinde . What learned Letters ! what loving Expostulations ! what discreet Intimations ! what faithful Advertisements ! what indifferent Community ! what common Cares and Pities ! How they loved ! how they chid ! and how they loved again ! how plain ! how malleable ! how sweet ! What little Observations upon one anothers inadvertencies , neglects or miscarriages ! how they improved their Mollia tempora to the great end of friendship , information and advice ! How secretly they vented their thoughts into each others breasts , and there looked upon them by reflexion , and the advantage of a second consideration ! And it 's a happiness to have another self to shew our selves to before we appear to the world , that all men wish , and the good men onely enjoy . An honest man this , that abhorred all artifice and cunning , and hated all concealments and pretensions , which he had sagacity enough to discover and look through , but a spirit too generous to practise it ; none being more able for , yet none more averse to that circumlocution and contrivance wherewith some men shadow their main drift and purpose . Speech was made to open Man to Man , and not to hide him ; to promote Commerce , and not betray it . HOw happy is he born and taught That serveth not anothers will , Whose Armour is his honest thought , And simple Truth his utmost skill ? Whose Passions not his Masters are , Whose Soul is still prepar'd for death ; Vntide unto the world by care Of publick Fame , or private breath . Who envies none that Chance doth raise , Nor Vice bath ever understood ; How deepest wounds are given by praise , Nor Rules of State , but Rules of Good. Who hath his life from rumours freed , Whose Conscience is his strong retreat : Whose state can neither flatterers feed , Nor ruine make Oppressors great . Who God doth late and early pray , More of his Grace , then Gifts to lend ; And entertains the harmless day With a Religious Book or Friend . This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise , or fear to fall : Lord of himself , though not of Lands ; And having nothing , yot hath all . Observations on the Life of Sir John Packington . SIr John Packington was a Person of no mean Family , and of form and feature no way despiseable : for he was a brave Gentleman , and a very fine Courtier ; and for the time which he stayed there , was very high in the Queens Grace : but he came in , and went out , and through disassiduity lost the advantage of her favor ; and then Death drawing a vail over him , utterly deprived him of recovery . They say of him , saith the same Author , that had he brought less to the Court then he did , he might have carried away more then he brought : for he had a time of it , but he was an ill husband of Opportunity . His handsome features took the most , and his neat parts the wisest at Court. He could smile Ladies to his service , and argue States-men to his designe with equal ease . His Reason was powerful , his Beauty more . Never was 〈◊〉 brave Soul more bravely seated : Nature bestowed great Parts on him , Education polished him to and admirable frame of prudence and vertue . Queen Elizabeth called him Her Temperance , and Leicester His Modesty . It is a question to this day , Whether his Resolution took the Souldiers , his Prudence the Politicians , his Complyance the Favourites , his Complaisance the Courtiers , his Piety the Clergy , his Integrity and Condescention the People , or his Knowledge the Learned , most ? This new Court-star was a nine-days wonder , engaging all eyes until it set satisfied with its own glory . He came to Court , he said , as Solomon did , to see its vanity ; and retired as he did , to repent it . It was he who said first what Bishop Sanderson urged afterwards , That a sound Faith was the best Divinity , good Conscience the best Law , and Temperance the best Physick . Sir John Packington in Queen Elizabeths time was vertuous and modest , and Sir John Packington in King Charles his time Loyal and valiant ; the one did well , the other suffered so : Greenbam was his Favourite , Hammond his ; the one had a competant Estate , and was contented ; the other hath a large one , and is noble : this suppresseth Factions in the Kingdome , the other composed them in the Court , and was called by Courtiers Moderation . Westmerland tempted his fidelity , and Norfolk his stedfastness : but he died in his Bed an honest and an happy man , while one of them goes off tainted on the Scaffold , and the other dies a Begger in Flanders . Observations on the Lives of the Norrises and Knowles . MY Lord Norris had by his Lady an ample Issue , which the Queen highly respected : for he had six sons , all Martial brave men ; of haughty courage , and of great experience in the conduct of Military Affairs . Greater was not the Faction between Leicester and Sussex at Court , then that between the Knowles and the Norrises in the Country : both Families of Oxfordshire ; the one resolute at Greyes , the other valiant at Rycote : the former got great Estates at home , the latter attained to great Honour abroad . The Knowles were beloved by the Queen for their own sakes , the Norrises for theirs and her own sake : the Knowles were of the same blood with her Majesty , the Norrises spent theirs for her . 1. My Lord Norris died at Court an honest man. 2. Sir Francis at Bulloign a good Souldier . 3. Sir William at Berwick a brave Governour . As the first eminent Norris suffered for Anne Bullen , the Queens Mother : so the first eminent Knowles suffered with Protestantism her Religion . 4. Sir Thomas at Munster a wise President . 5. Sir Maximilian at Bretaign an expert Engineer . 6. Maximilian at Groen a renowned Heroe . 7. Sir John was a most accomplished General , no less eminent for his safe retreats , then for his resolute onsets . France hath recorded this testimony of him , That he brought on his men so warily , as one that could bring them off : and England this , That he brought them off so resolutely , as one that durst bring them on . His fortune often overthrew his enemy , and his wisdome oftner saved his friends : His Conduct was famous , and his Discipline exact : His Actions are Presidents , and his Orders Laws of War to this day . He was bred under Castilion , and out-did him . Ireland was always possessed , but never conquered till Norris came , who could lie on the coldest earth , swim the deepest Rivers , Norris could not rise though he deserved his Honour , because of Leicester that favoured his Brother , Knowles and Essex that envyed him ; neither could Knowls advance because of Sussex that feared , and Cecil that suspected him . The Knowles were deserving , but modest ; favoured , but humble ; powerful , but quiet ; rather firm at Court , then high ; allied to the Queen , and faithful to the Crown . Queen Elizabeth advanced Sir Francis to the Vicechamberlainship , Treasurership of the Houshold , Captainship of the Guard , and the Order of the Garter , because she said , He was an honest man ; and King James and King Charles raised his Son Sir William to the Earldome of Banbury , because he was a serviceable man. force the straightest Passes , find out the most secret corners , & tread the softest Bog ; who could endure any thing but an affront , and a Superiour : the first whereof , upon a repulse at Court , saddened his heart ; as the second , upon another Deputies being sent over him , broke it . Unsuccessful he was with Don Antonio in Spain , because he understood not the Country . In the Low-Countries he gained experience first , and then victory : in Ireland he had Connaught for his Grave , Mount - Norris his Monument , and the Letter of Queen Elizabeth to his Mother his Epitaph . Honestly faithful was that family to their Mistress that was , and providently so were they to their Master that should be . Handsom men they were when attending at Court , and valiant when called to the Camp. Norrises . Knowles . 1. The Norrises are employed in Embassies of War , wherein they were active . 1. The Knowles are abroad in religious Negotiations , for which they had been Confessors , Sir Francis in France , and Sir Henry in Germany . 2. My Lord Norris his resolution was very becoming in the demand of Calice . 2. Francis Knowles his meekness was suitable to his perswasions for Religion : 3. The Irish Conspirator Thoumond opened a Plot against the Government in Ireland to the Agent Norris . 3. And the Scots Schismatick Humes discovered a designe against the Church in England to the Embassadour Knowles . In 88 , My Lord Hunsdon guarded the Queens person with 34000 foot , and 2000 horse ; the Earl of Leicester commanded the Midland Army of 22000 foot , and 1000 horse : Sir Roger Williams and Sir Richard Bingham were in the head of 20000 in the Thames mouth , and Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Knowles with other Assistants sate in the Council of War to overlook all . Sir John advised three things : 1. The Guarding of the Havens . 2. The Training of the Militia , and the preparing of them to be at an hours warning upon a signal given , which was then the firing of a Beacon . 3. That if the Enemy did land , the Country should be laid waste before him , the Train-bands alarming him day and night . Sir Francis added , 1. What Shires and what numbers should assist each Coast , how the men should be armed , how commanded , and in what order they should fight . 2. That the Papists should not be massacred , as some would have it , but secured . 3. That the Deputy of Ireland should be instructed . 4. That the King of Scots should be engaged . 5. That Agents should be sent to the Netherlands and to France . And , 6. That the Queen should encourage the people with her own presence . Sir John Norris died when he saw beyond others expectation and his own merit , the Lord Burghe made Lord-Deputy , and himself but President of Munster ; his great minde sinking under one affront from his Soveraign , which had born up against all the assaults of her enemies ; leaving this honour behinde him , That he laid the best grounds of Military practice in England . But who can stand before Envy ? A further Character of Sir John Norris from Queen Elizabeths Letter to his Mother . My own Crow , HArm not your self for bootless help , but shew a good example to comfort your dolorous yoak-fellow . Although we have deferred long to represent to you our grieved thoughts , because we liked full ill to yeild you the first reflexion of misfortune , whom we have always rather sought to cherish and comfort ; yet knowing now , that Nec'ssity must bring it to your ear , and Nature consequently must move both grief and passion in your heart ; We resolved no longer to smother , neither our care for your sorrow , or the sympathy of our grief for your loss . Wherein if it be true , That Society in sorrow works diminution , We do assure you by this true Messenger of our minde , that Nature can have stirred no more dolorous affection in you as a Mother for a dear Son , then Gratefulness and memory of his Service past , hath wrought in Us his Soveraign apprehension of our miss for so worthy a Servant . But now that Natures common work is done , and he that was born to die hath paid his Tribute , let that Christian discretion stay the flux of your immoderate grieving , which hath instructed you both for example and knowledge , that nothing in this kinde hath happened but by Gods Divine Providence . And let these Lines from your loving gracious Soveraign serve to assure you , that there shall ever appear the lively Character of our Estimation of him that was , in our gracious care of you and yours that are left , in valuing rightly all their faithful and honest Endeavours . More at this time we will not write of this unpleasant subject , but have dispatched this Gentleman to visit both your Lord and you , and to condole with you in the true sense of your love ; and to pray that the world may see what time cureth in a weak minde , that Discretion and Moderation helpeth in you in this accident , where there is so just cause to demonstrate true Patience and Moderation . Your Gracious and Loving Soveraign , E. R. Observations on the Life of Secretary Davison . THat Meteor of the Court ! raised onely in an excess of heat and vapours , to fall in a clearer day : for having good parts to act , an easie nature to comply , and a good disposition to be imposed on , he was raised to play others parts rather then his own , in those intricate and dark times , when fools were put to execute what wise men advised ; and the world saw but the plain-side of the great watch of State , within which all the Springs were inclosed and hid . That he was but of a private capacity , and so safely to be raised , as one that would neither outshine nor outdare his Patron , ( Machiavil hath a Rule , ( Disc . l. 3. c. 2. ) That it is a very great part of wisdome sometimes to seem a fool , and so lie out of the reach of Observation and Jealousie ) appears from his Negotiations , that were either payment of money in the Netherlands , a Merchants business ; or taking security of the Merchants in France , a Scriveners part ; or pacifying the tumult in Holland , the task of a Burgomaster . Beale the Clerk of the Council and he were joyned in Commission , always to deal with the Scots ; the one the austerest , and the other the sweetest man living . When the first frighted those rude people with Expostulations , the second got into them with infinuations . A hard and a soft , a Hammer and a Cushion , breaks a Flint ; Fear and Love rule the world . His grand Case , as that great Historian layeth it , is briefly this : Many Protestants thought themselves in danger while the Queen of Scots was alive ; many Papists thought themselves undone while she was imprisoned : these last press her to some dangerous undertakings ; of the first , some were for securing , others for transporting , and a third party for poysoning her : to which purpose many Overtures were made , though yet none durst undertake it that had either Estate or honour to loose ; being so wise as not to understand what was meant by the strange Letters that were sent , else they might have faln into this Gentlemans fortune ; who unadvisedly venturing between the honour and safety of his Soveraign , was ground to nothing betwixt the fear of one party , and the shame of the other . But this mild , but stout , because honest man , was not so weak in the perpetration of this fault , as he was wise in his Apology for it , saying , He would not confess a guilt , and betray his integrity ; nor yet stand upon a Justification , and forget his Duty . He would neither contest with his Soveraign , nor disparage himself ; but clear himself as an honest man , and submit as a thankful servant , and a good subject . DAzled thus with heighth of place , Whilst our hopes our wits beguile , No man marks the narrow space Twixt a prison and a smile . Then , since Fortunes favours fade , You , that in her arms do sleep , Learn to swim , and not to wade ; For , the hearts of Kings are deep . But , if Greatness be so blind As to trust in Towers of Air , Let it be with Goodness lin'd , That at least the fall be fair . Then though darkned , you shall say , When friends fail , and Princes frown , Vertue is the roughest way , But proves at night a Bed of Down . Observations on the Lives of Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Jeffrey Fenton . SHarp and lively-spirited men , skilful in War , and prudent in Peace : of a restless and a publick Spirit , well skilled in the Trade of England , better in the Wealth of America ; in the North-part whereof , which we call New-found Land , whither they had sayled a little before with five Ships , having sold their Patrimony in hope to plant a Colony there , they undid themselves : for after they had by the voice of a common Cryer proclaimed that Country to belong to the English Jurisdiction , and had assigned Land to each of their Company , they were distressed by Shipwracks , and want of necessary provision , and constrained to give over their Enterprize ; learning too late , and teaching others , That it is matter of greater difficulty to transport Colonies into far Countries upon private mens wealth , then they and others in a credulous and sanguine fit imagine : and this , Quod s●● esse velis , nihilque malis . Observations on the Life of Walter Haddon . WAlter Haddon was born of a Knightly Family in Buckinghamshire , bred at Eaton , afterwards Fellow in Kings Colledge in Cambridge , where he proceeded Doctor of Law , and was the Kings Professor in that Faculty , chosen Vice-Chancellour of the University 1550. Soon after he was made President of Magdalen-Colledge in Oxford , which place he waved in the reign of Queen Mary , and sheltered himself in obscurity . Queen Elizabeth made him one of the Masters of her Requests , and employed him in several Embassies beyond the Seas . Her Majesty being demanded whether she preferred him or Buchanan for Learning , wittily and warily returned , Buchanum omnibus ●ntepono , Haddonum nemini postpono . S. Memoriae . Gu●ltero Haddono Equestri loco nato juris Consulto , Oratori , Poetae celeberrimo , Graecae Latinaeque Eloquentiae sui temporis facilè principi sapientia & sanctitate vitae , in id erecto , ut Reginae Elzabethae à supplicum libellis Magister esset , destinareturque majoribus nisi , facto immaturius cessisset : Interim in omni gradus viro longe Eminentissimo , Conjugi sui optimo meretissimoque Anna Suttona , uxor ejus secunda flens moerens desiderii sui signum posuit . Obiit anno Salut . hum . 1572. Aetatis 56. This his fair Monument is extant in the Wall , at the upper end of the Chancel of Christ-Church in London , where so many ancient Inscriptions have been barbarously defaced . He and Dr. Wotton setled Trade between us and the Netherlands , and removed the Mart to Embden : and both were famous for their reservedness in the case of succession , which they kept locked in their own breasts ; so always resolved to do , ( notwithstanding Leicesters Sollicitations of them to a Declaration for the Queen of Scots now his Mistress , and hereafter in the Queen of Englands designe to be his Wife ) unless ( as they alledged ) their Mistress commanded their Opinion ; who certainly never heard any more unwillingly then the controversie about the Title of Succession : and both as famous for their disswasion against the making of the Netherland a Free-State ; urging that of Machiavel , That People accustomed to live under a Prince , if by any accident they become free , are like beasts let loose ; and have much ado to maintain either their Government or their Liberty . Observations on the Life of Sir William Russel . HIs very Name brought Tyrone upon his knees to him , and Iniskillyn to a surrendry . He was for detaining Tyrone , notwithstanding his Letters of Protection : the Council was for dismissing him , either out of favour to him , or out of their reverence to their former promise ; as much to the danger of Ireland , as the displeasure of the Queen . Pretending an Hunting-match , he had almost taken Feagh Mae Hugh , or shut him up ; and under the disguize of a progress , he shut up all the Passages and Avenues of Tyrone . Agiges the Cre●an King would say , That he that would govern many , must fight with many : Our Deputy found that great Honour hath its great Difficulties ; yet was he so constant and resolute , that with Marcellus he would say , That as there are many things a good Governour ought not to attempt ; so ought be not to desist , or give over an Enterprize once begun and taken in band . Therefore his Character is One daring in his person , close to his purpose , firm to his dependencies , of a deep and large soul ; who looked upon the chargeable War in Ireland as an equal remedy against a worse in England , to the letting of blood in one part , against the effusion of it in another : and advised the bestowing of Church-lands among the Nobility of both Perswasions in Ireland , as in England , who would then hold their Religion with their Land , in Capite , and stick to the Queen as the great support of both , against all pretenders , whom then most would vigorously oppose , and all would fairly leave . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Roper . SIr Thomas Roper , Servant to Queen Elizabeth , was born in Friday-street in London ; whose Grandfather was a younger son of the house of Heanour in Derbyshire . He going over into the Low-Countries , became Page to Sir John Norrice , and was Captain of a Foot-company at sixteen years of Age. What afterwards his Martial Performances were , will appear by the following Lines transcribed out of the Originall of his Patent . Whereas Thomas Roper Knight , one of our Privy-Councellours of the Kingdome of Ireland , long since bath been known unto us famous , with the splendour of his warlike Vertue ; as who by the many Atchievments valiantly performed by him in the late War of this Kingdome , hath gained the eminent Repute both of a stout Souldier , and a discreet Commander ; whose Valour chiefly appeared in his Retreat near le Boyle in our Province of Connaught , where with very few horse he undauntedly charged great troops of the horse of the Enemy , who in a hostile manner forraged the very bowels of the Kingdome ; and by his wisdome made such a singular retreat , that he not onely saved himself and his men , but also delivered the whole Army from great danger , and slew very many of his Enemies . Who also when our Province of Ulster was all on fire with war , being one out of many , was for the tried Resolutios of his Mind , chosen by the Right honourable the Earl of Essex , then General of the Army , to undertake a Duel with Makal , and declined not to expose himself to the appointed Duel . And also when the aforesaid Thomas Roper in the late war in the Kingdome of France at Brest , by exposing himself to the greatest perils , and shedding of his own blood , demonstrated his Courage to be unconquerable . Who also in the Voyage to Portugal , behaved himself valiantly and honourably : as also at Bergen in the Netherlands , when it was besieged by the Spaniards , approved himself a young man of invincible Valour in the defence thereof . Who also in the day wherein Kinsale was assaulted , was placed in the first Rank , nearest of all unto the Town ; and with no less Success then Valour , to the great safety of the whole Army , beat back , and put to flight the Spaniards , who in the same day made several Sallies out of the Town . Know therefore , that We , in intuition of the Premises , have appointed the aforesaid Thomas Roper Knight , &c. Then followeth his Patent , wherein King Charles the first , in the third of his Reign , created him Baron of Bauntree , and Viscount B●ltinglass in Ireland . He was a principal means to break the hearts of the Irish Rebels : for whereas formerly the English were loaded with their own Cloaths , so that their slipping into Bogs did make them , and the clopping of their breeches did keep them prisoners therein ; he first , being then a Commander , put himself into Irish Tro●zes , and was imitated first by all his Officers , then Souldiers ; so that thus habited , they made the more effectual execution on their enemies . He died at Ropers Rest , anno Dom. 164. and was buried with Anne his Wife ( Daughter to Sir Henry Harrington ) in St. Johns Church in Dublin . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Umpton . SIr Henry Vmpton was born at Wadley in Barkshire . He was son to Sir Edward Vmpton , by Anne ( the Relict of John Dudley Earl of Warwick , and ) the eldest Daughter of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset . He was employed by Queen Elizabeth Embassador into France ; where he so behaved himself right stoutly in her behalf , as may appear by this particular . In the moneth of March , anno 1592 , being sensible of some injury offered by the Duke of Guise to the Queen of England , he sent him this ensuing Challenge . For as much as lately in the Lodging of my Lord Du Mayne , and in publick elsewhere , impudently , indiscreetly , and over-boldly you spoke badly of my Soveraign , whose sacred Person here in this Country I represent : To maintain both by word and weapon her Honour , ( which never was called in question among people of Honesty and Vertue ) I say , you have wickedly lyed in speaking so basely of my Soveraign ; and you shall do nothing else but lye , whensoever you shall dare to tax her Honour : Moreover , that her sacred Person ( being one of the most compleat and vertuous Princess that lives in this world ) ought not to be evil spoken of the tongue of such a perfidiour Traytor to her Law and Country as you are . And hereupon I do defie you , and challenge your person to mine , with such manner of Arms as you shall like or chuse , be it either on horse-back or on foot . Nor would I have you to think any inequality of Person between us , I being issued of as great a Race and Noble House ( every way ) as your self . So assigning me an indifferent place , I will there maintain my words , and the lye which I gave you , and which you should not endure if you have any courage at all is you . If you consent not to meet me hereupon , I wil hold you , and cause you to be generally held one of the arrantest Cowards , and most slanderous Slave that lives in all France . I expect your answer . I finde not what Answer was returned . This Sir Henry dying in the French Kings Camp before Lofear , had his Corpse brought over to London , and carried in a Coach to Wadley , thence to Farington , where he was buried in the Church on Tuesday the eighth of July 1596. He had allowed him a Barons Hearse , because he died Ambassadour Leiger . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Essex . IT is observed , that the Earl of Essex had his Introduction to favour by the Lord of Leicester , who had married his Mother ; a tye of Affinity . This young Lord was a most goodly person , in whom was a kind of Urbanity , or innate Courtesie , which both won the Queen , and too much took upon the People , to gaze upon the new-adopted Son of her favour . He was noted even of those that truly loved and honoured him , for too bold an Ingrosser both of Fame and Favour . Having upon occasion left the Court for a while , he gave a fair opportunity for his foes to undermine him ; so that he lived a mixture between Prosperity and Adversity : once very great in her favour , which was afterwards lost , for want of consideration and cunningness . He was raised by Leicester to prize Rawley , as Rawley was by Sussex to check Leicester . Indeed Pity first opened the door to him for his Fathers sake that died in Ireland , Alliance led him in for his Father-in-laws sake a that reigned at Court. His own Royal Blood welcomed him for his Mother Knowles , that was kin to her Majesty ; his good Parts , his tall and comely Personage , his sweet Disposition , and incomparable Nature ; his noble Ancestors , his fair , though impaired Fortune , brought him first to favour , and then to dalliance . He was a Master-piece of Court and Camp ; his Beauty ennamelling his Valour , and his Valour being a foile to his Beauty ; both drawing those noble respects of love and honour ; both awing , both endearing . It was his Nobleness that he distrusted none , it was his Weakness that he trusted all ; whereby he suffered more from those that should have been his friends , then from them who were his enemies . Good Man ! his ruine was , that he measured other breasts by his own ; and that he thought Mankinde was as innocent as his own person . His Merit gained applause , and his Parasites swelled it to Popularity ; and the last enjealousied that Majesty which the first had obliged . His youthful and rash Sallies abroad , gave too much opportunity to his Enemies whispers , and too visible occasions for her Majesties suspicion , that he was either weak , and so not to be favoured ; or dangerous , and so to be suppressed . Absence makes Princes forget those they love , and mistrust those they fear . Exact Correspondence is the sinew of private and of publick friendship . So great a Master he thought himself of his Soveraigns affection , that he must needs be Master of himself , and steal to France without leave , where , said the Queen , he might have been knocked on the head as Sidney was . His Journey to France was not more rash , then his Voyage to Cales was renowned ; yet the one gave the Envious arguments of his disobedience , and the other of his Disloyalty ; his enemies suggesting , that in the first he contemned his Mistress , and that in the second he had a designe upon her . His Action at Cales was applauded ; but his Triumphs were too solemn , his Panegyricks too high , his Train too Princely , his Honours and Knighthoods too cheap , his Popularity too much affected , and his Ear more open to hear what he had done , then what he was . If his Manhood had been as slow as his b Youth , he had been moderate : if his Life had answered his c Education , he had been patient : if his Eye had been as open upon his Enemies , as his Ear to his friends , he had been cautious : if he had been as happy in his constant converse , as he was obliging in his first address , he had been a Prince : if he had had either less Fortune , or a greater Soul ; either less of the Dove , or more of the Serpent , he had bid fair for a Crown ; or at least had saved his Head. The People wished him well , but they are unconstant ; the Queen loved him , but she is jealous : his Followers are numerous , but giddy ; affectionate , but ill advice : his Enemies are few , but watchful on all occasions : for is he pleased ? they swell it to pride and vain imaginations : is he crossed ? they improve it to discontent and sedition . An Army must be sent against Tyrone ; he is not willing that any other should lead it , and unwilling to lead it himself ; yet over he goeth fatally : for the service was knotty , and his disposition smooth ; his power was large , but that with as large a minde intangled him : his Army was great , but that meeting with a great designe , precipitated him : his Title to the Crown was defended , but that lost him his head . He had exact advices from friends , especially from Sir Francis Bacon ; and great directions from his Prince , but he followed his own : when he should have fought the main body of his Enemy , he skirmisheth their Forlorns ; when he should have returned with a noble Conquest , he stole home after a suspitious Treaty : the Royal Checks that should have instructed , incenseth him ; and what was designed a chastisement , he turns to a ruine . Beloved he is of the People , but that aggravateth his rashness ; flattered by Courtiers , but that swelleth his humour : followed he is by the discontented of Church and State , but that increaseth the jealousie : ill advised he is by heady Cuffe and Meyriche , and that hasteneth his fall : humbled he is by the advancement of his Rivals , and that enrageth him : easie and open was his Nature ; close , active , and vigilant his Enemies . Valiant he was , but therefore feared ; Noble and obliging to all hopeful men , and therefore watched . A great Party he had , but they had no Head : A Minion he was at once to Prince and People , but he had no Balance . A Man of great Performances , but no Designe : One that had too much Religion and Fidelity to be a Traytor , too good a Nature to be safe , too much presumption on affections when absent to be steady . He presumed too much on his own strength , or his friends wisdome , when he came out of Ireland ; he was too much wrought upon by his enemies when he came to London , which had too much to loose to hazard a Rebellion ; and went not to Wales , where his fathers and his own goodness had engaged 1000 Lives and Fortunes . In a word , Leicester's reservedness , Bacon's stayedness , Sir Cecil's humility , Sir Grevil's modesty , added to his Parts and Presence , his Valour and Liberality , his good Nature and large Heart : his favour with his Prince , and popularity with the Subjects , had raised him to a capacity with the great Earl of Warwick , to set the English Crown on what Head he pleased ; although it was the universal opinion , he had no other ambition then to set it on King James his head , which it belonged to , with his own hands : his designe was well principled , but not well moulded ; he had many hands , but no able heads : his correspondence was universal , but not firm and exact ; his Nature was active , but impatient ; his Interest was popular , not throughly understood ; he neither comprehending the Inclinations of the Kingdome in gross in Parliament , nor in the retayl in its particular divisions . The Catholicks might have been his , but he was too good-natured to cajole them : the State was well inclined , but effeminate after so long Prosperity . Hope of Pardon sent him to his Grave with more silence then was expected from him , and the Peoples regret ; and with more sorrow then became a Queen or her Kingdoms a safety . His Party was too needy , and their counsels too violent . Ambition and good Nature are incompatible . Others counsels are never so faithful as our own . When we hear others advice , let our Reason judge of it : when great , be wary ; when successful , reserved ; when rising , stayed ; especially in that Age when men were poysoned with Oyl , and undone with Honey : when active , modest ; when checked , yeilding ; when dandled , distrustful ; when flattered , fearful ; when great , not absolute , ( as my Lord would have been in point of favour against my Lord Mountjoy , and valour against my Lord Norris . ) Serve not your Followers , but employ them : Let others service administer to your designe , not your power to theirs : Let great Actions encourage greater ; and let Honour be your merit , and not your expectation . Some have been busie in the enquiry of what reason the Virgin-Queen had for her kindness to Leicester and this man , ( if there be a reason in any , much less in Royal love , save the affection its self that bears it ) true , he had Vertue and suffering enough at his first arrival to engage the kindness and the pity of a worse Princess : yet some then discoursed of a Conjunction of their Stars that made way for that of their minds . Certainly ( saith Cambden ) the inclination of Princes to some persons , and their disfavour towards others , may seem fatal , and guided by higher Powers . A Parallel between the Earl of Essex and the Duke of Buckingham , by H. W. THe beginning of the Earl of Essex I must attribute wholly , or in great part to my Lord of Leicester ; but yet as an Introducer or supporter , not as a Teacher : for as I go along , it will easily appear , that he neither lived nor died by his Discipline . Always certain it is , that he drew him first into the fatal Circle from a kinde of resolved privateness at his house at Lampsie , in South-wales ; where , after the Academical life , he had taken such a taste of the Rural , ( as I have heard him say ) and not upon any flashes or fumes of Melancholy , or traverses of discontent , but in a serene and quiet mood , that he could well have bent his mind to a retired course . About which time , the said Earl of Leicester bewrayed a meaning to plant him in the Queens favour : which was diversly interpreted by such as thought that great Artizan of Court to do nothing by chance , nor much by affection . Some therefore were of opinion , that feeling more and more in himself the weight of time , and being almost tired ( if there be a satiety in power ) with that assiduous attendance , and intensive circumspection which a long-indulgent fortune did require , he was grown not unwilling , for his own ease , to bestow handsomely upon another some part of the pains , and perhaps of the envy . Others conceived rather , that having before for the same ends brought in , or let in Sir Walter Rawleigh , and having found him such an Apprentice as knew well enough how to set up for himself , he now meant to allie him with this young Earl , who had yet taken no strong impressions . For though the said Sir Walter Rawleigh was a little before this , whereof I now speak by occasion , much fallen from his former splendour in Court : yet he still continued in some lustre of a favoured man , like billows that sink by degrees , even when the wind is down that first stirred them . Thus runs the discourse of that time at pleasure ; yet I am not ignorant that there was some good while a very stiff aversation in my Lord of Essex from applying himself to the Earl of Leicester , for what secret conceit I know not ; but howsoever , that humour was mollified by time , and by his mother ; and to the Court he came under his Lord. The Duke of Buckingham had another kinde of Germination ; and surely had he been a plant , he would have been reckoned amongst the Sponte Nascentes : for he sprung without any help by a kinde of congenial composure ( as we may term it ) to the likeness of our late Soveraign and Master of ever blessed memory ; who taking him into his regard , taught him more and more to please himself , and moulded him . ( as it were ) Platonically to his own Idea ; delighting first in the choice of the Materials , because he found him susceptible of good form ; and afterward by degrees , as great Architects use to do , in the workmanship of his Regal hand : nor staying here , after he had hardned and polished him about ten years in the School of observance , ( for so a Court is ) and in the furnace of tryal about himself , ( for he was a King could peruse men as well as Books ) he made him the associate of his Heir apparent , together with the new Lord Cottington ( as an adjunct of singular experience and trust ) in forraign travels , and in a business of love , and of no equal hazard ( if the tenderness of our zeal did not then deceive us ) enough ( the world must confess ) to kindle affection even betwixt the distantest conditions ; so as by the various and inward conversation abroad , ( besides that before and after at home ) with the most constant and best-natured Prince , Bona si sua norint , as ever England enjoyed , this Duke becomes now secondly seized of favour , as it were by descent , ( though the condition of that estate be no more then a Tenancy at Will , or at most for the life of the first Lord ) and rarely transmitted : which I have briefly set down , without looking beyond the vail of the Temple , I mean into the secret of high inclinations ; since even Satyrical Poets , ( who are otherwise of so licentious fancy ) are in this point modest enough to confess their ignorance . Nescio quid certa est quod me tibi temperet Astrum . And these were both their Springings and Imprimings , as I may call them . In the profluence or proceedings of their fortunes , I observe likewise not onely much difference between them , but in the Earl not a little from himself . First , all his hopes of advancement had like to be strangled almost in the very Cradle , by throwing himself into the Portugal Voyage without the Queens consent , or so much as her knowledge ; whereby he left his Friends and Dependents near six months in desperate suspense what would become of him . And to speak truth , not without good reason : For first , they might well consider , That he was himself not well plumed in favour for such a flight : besides , that now he wanted a Lord of Leicester at home ( for he was dead the year before ) to smooth his absence , and to quench the practices at Court. But above all , it lay open to every mans discourse , that though the bare offence to his Soveraign and Mistriss was too great an adventure , yet much more when she might ( as in this case ) have fairly discharged her displeasure upon her Laws . Notwithstanding , a noble report coming home before him , at his return all was clear , and this excursion was esteemed but a Sally of youth . Nay , he grew every day more and more in her gracious conceit : whether such intermissions as these do sometimes foment affection ; or that having committed a fault , he became the more obsequious and plyant to redeem it ; or that she had not received into her Royal Breast any shadows of his popularity . There was another time long after , when Sir Fulke Grevil , ( late Lord Brooke ) a man in appearance intrinsecal with him , or at the least admitted to his Melancholy hours , either belike espying some weariness in the Queen ; or perhaps , with little change of the word , though more in the danger-some marks towards him , and working upon the present matter , ( as she was dexterous and close ) had almost super-induced into favour the Earl of Southampton ; which yet being timely discovered , my Lord of Essex chose to evaporate his thoughts in a Sonnet ( being his common way ) to be sung before the Queen , ( as it was ) by one Hales , in whose voyce she took some pleasure ; whereof the complot me thinks had as much of the Hermit as of the Poet : And if thou should'st by Her be now forsaken , She made thy Heart too strong for to be shaken . As if he had been casting one eye back at the least to his former retiredness . But all this likewise quickly vanished , and there was a good while after fair weather over-head . Yet still , I know not how , like a gathering of Clouds , till towards his latter time , when his humours grew tart , as being now in the Lees of favour , it brake forth into certain suddain recesses ; sometimes from the Court to Wansteed , otherwhiles unto Greenwich , often to his own Chamber , Doors shut , Visits forbidden ; and which was worse , divers contestations ( between ) with the Queen her self , ( all preambles of ruine ) wherewith though now and then he did wring out of her Majesty some petty contentments , ( as a man would press sowre Grapes ) yet in the mean time was forgotten the counsel of a wise , and then a Prophetical Friend , who told him , that such courses as those were like hot Waters , which help at a pang , but if they be too often used , will spoil the stomack . On the Dukes part , we have no such abrupt strains and precipees as these , but a fair , fluent and uniform course under both Kings : And surely , as there was in his natural Constitution a marvellous equality , whereof I shall speak more afterwards ; so there was an image of it in his Fortune , running ( if I may borrow an ancient comparison ) as smoothly as a numerous Verse , till it met with certain Rubs in Parliament , whereof I am induced by the very subject which I handle , to say somewhat , so far as shall concern the difference between their times . WHen my Lord of Essex stood in favour , the Parliaments were calm : nay , I find it a true observation , that there was no impeachment of any Nobleman by the Commons from the Reign of King Henry the sixth , until the eighteenth of King James , nor any intervenient precedent of that nature ; not that something or other could be wanting to be said , while men are men : For not to go higher , we are taught easily so much by the very Ballads and Libels of Leicestrian time . But about the aforesaid year , many young ones being chosen into the House of Commons more then had been usual in great Councils , ( who though of the weakest wings , are the highest Flyers ) there arose a certain unfortunate and unfruitful Spirit in some places ; not sowing , but picking at every stone in the field , rather then tending to the general harvest . And thus far the consideration of the Nature of the Time hath transported me , and the occasion of the subject . Now on the other side , I must with the like liberty observe two weighty and watchful ollicitudes , ( as I may call them ) which kept the Earl in extream and continual Caution , like a bow still bent , whereof the Dukes thoughts were absolutely free . First , he was to wrestle with a Queens declining , or rather with her very setting Age , ( as we may term it ) which , besides other respects , is commonly even of it self the more umbratious and apprehensive , as for the most part all Horizons are charged with certain Vapour towards their Evening . The other was a matter of more Circumstance , standing thus , viz. All Princes , especially those whom God hath not blessed with natural issue , are ( by wisdome of State ) somewhat shie of their Successors ; and to speak with due Reverence , there may be reasonably supposed in Queens Regnant , a little proportion of tenderness that way , more then in Kings . Now there were in Court two names of Power , and almost of Affection , the Essexian and the Cecilian , with their adherents , both well enough enjoying the present , and yet both looking to the future ; and therefore both holding correspondency with some of the principal in Scotland , and had received advertisements and instructions , either from them , or immediately from the King as induciat Heir of this Imperial Crown . But lest they might detect one another , this was mysteriously carried by several instruments and conducts , and on the Essexian side , in truth , with infinite hazard : for Sir Robert Cecil who ( as Secretary of State ) did dispose the publick Addresses , had prompter and safer conveyance ; whereupon I cannot but relate a memorable passage on either part , as the story following shall declare . The Earl of Essex had accommodated Master Anthony Bacon in partition of his House , and had assigned him a noble entertainment . This was a Gentleman of impotent feet , but a nimble head ; and through his hand run all the intelligences with Scotland : who being of a provident nature , ( contrary to his brother the Lord Viscount Saint Albans ) and well knowing the advantage of a dangerous Secret , would many times cunningly let fall some words , as if he could amend his Fortunes under the Cecilians , ( to whom he was near of alliance , and in blood also ) and who had made ( as he was not unwilling should be believed ) some great profers to win him away : which once or twice he pressed so far , and with such tokens and signes of apparent discontent to my Lord Henry Howard , afterwards Earl of Northampton , ( who was of the party , and stood himself in much Umbrage with the Queen ) that he flees presently to my Lord of Essex , ( with whom he was commonly prima admissiones ) by his bed-side in the morning , and tells him , that unless that Gentleman were presently satisfied with some round sum , all would be vented . This took the Earl at that time ill provided , ( as indeed oftentimes his Coffers were low ) whereupon he was fain suddenly to give him Essex-house ; which the good old Lady Walsingham did afterwards dis-engage out of her own store with 2500 pound ; and before , he had distilled 1500 pound at another time by the same skill . So as we rate this one secret , as it was finely carried , at 4000 pounds in present money , besides at the least 1000 pound of annual pension to a private and bed-rid Gentleman : What would he have gotten if he could have gone about his own business ? There was another accident of the same nature on the Cecilian side , much more pleasant , but less chargeable , for it cost nothing but wit. The Queen having for a good while not heard any thing from Scotland , and being thirsty of news , it fell out that her Majesty going to take the air towards the heath , ( the Court being then at Greenwich ) and Master Secretary Cecil then attending her , a Post came crossing by , and blew his Horn : The Queen out of curiosity asked him from whence the Dispatch came ; and being answered , From Scotland ; she stops her Coach , and calleth for the Packet . The Secretary , though he knew there were some Letters in it from his Correspondents , which to discover , were as so many Serpents ; yet made more shew of diligence then of doubt to obey ; and asks some that stood by ( forsooth in great haste ) for a Knife to cut up the Packet , ( for otherwise he might perhaps awaked a little apprehension ) but in the mean time approaching with the Packet in his hand , at a pretty distance from the Queen , he telleth her it looked and smelt ill-favouredly coming out of a filthy Budget , and that it should be fit first to open and air it , because he knew she was averse from ill Scents . And so being dismissed home , he got leisure by this seasonable shift , to sever what he would not have seen . These two accidents precisely true , and known to few , I have reported as not altogether extravagant from my purpose , to shew how the Earl stood in certain perplexities , wherewith the Dukes days were not distracted . And this hath been the Historical part ( as it were ) touching the difference between them in the rising and flowing of their fortunes . I will now consider their several Endowments both of Person and Minde , and then a little of their Actions and Ends. The Earl was a pretty deal the taller , and much the stronger , and of the abler body : but the Duke had the neater limbs , and free delivery ; he was also the uprighter , and of the more comely motions : for the Earl did bend a little in the neck , though rather forwards then downwards : and he was so far from being a good Dancer , that he was no graceful Goer . If we touch particulars , the Duke exceeded in the daintiness of his leg and foot , and the Earl in the incomparable fairness and fine shape of his hands ; which ( though it be but feminine praise ) he took from his Father : for the general Air , the Earl had the closer and more reserved Countenance , being by nature somewhat more cogitative , and ( which was strange ) never more then at Meals , when others are least : Insomuch , as he was wont to make his observation of himself , that to solve any knotty business which cumbred his mind , his ablest hours were when he had checked his first appetite with two or three morsels , after which he sate usually for a good while silent : yet he would play well and willingly at some games of greatest attention ; which shewed , that when he listed he could licence his thoughts . The Duke on the other side , even in the midst of so many diversions , had continually a very pleasant and vacant face , ( as I may well call it ) proceeding no doubt from a singular assurance in his temper . And yet I must here give him a rarer Elogie , which the malignest eye cannot deny him , That certainly never man in his place and power , did entertain greatness more familiarly , nor whose looks were less tainted with his felicity ; wherein I insist the rather , because this in my judgement was one of his greatest Vertues and Victories of himself . But to proceed : in the attiring and ornament of their bodies , the Duke had a fine and unaffected politeness , and upon occasion costly , as in his Legations . The Earl as he grew more and more attentive to business and matter , so less and less curious of cloathing : insomuch , as I do remember , those about him had a conceit that possibly sometimes when he went up to the Queen , he might scant know what he had on : for this was his manner : His Chamber being commonly stived with Friends or Suiters of one kinde or other , when he gave his legs , arms , and breast to his ordinary servants to button and dress him with little heed , his head and face to his Barbour , his eyes to his letters , and ears to Petitioners , and many times all at once , then the Gentleman of his Robes throwing a cloak over his shoulders , he would make a step into his Closet , and after a short prayer , he was gone : only in his Baths , he was somewhat delicate . For point of diet and luxury , they were both inordinate in their appetites , especially the Earl , who was by nature of so different a taste , that I must tell a rare thing of him ( though it be but a homely note ) that he would stop in the midst of any physical Potion , and after he had licked his lips , he would drink off the rest ; but I am wearie of such slight Animadversions . To come therefore to the inward furniture of their minds , I will thus much declare . The Earl was of good Erudition , having been placed at study in Cambridge very young by the Lord Burleigh his Guardian , with affectionate and deliberate care , under the oversight of Doctor Whitgift , then Master of Trinity Colledge , and after Archbishop of Canterbury : A man ( by the way ) surely of a most reverend and sacred memory , and ( as I may well say ) even of the Primitive temper , when the Church in lowliness of temper did flourish in high examples , which I have inserted as a due recordation of his vertues , having been much obliged to him for many favours in my younger time . About sixteen years of his age ( for thither he came at twelve ) he took the formality of Master of Arts , and kept his publick Acts. And here I must not smother what I have received by constant Information , that his own Father dyed with a very cold conceit of him , some say through the affection to his second son Walter Devereux , who was indeed a diamond of the time , and both of an hardy and delicate temper and mixture , : But it seemes , this Earl , like certain vegetables , did bud and open slowly ; Nature sometimes delighting to play an after-game as well as Fortune , which had both their turnes and tides in course . The Duke was Illiterate , yet had learned at Court , first to sift and question well , and to supply his own defects by the drawing or flowing unto him of the best Instruments of experience and knowledge , from whom he had a sweet and attractive manner , to suck what might be for the publike or his own proper use ; so as the less he was favoured by the Muses , he was the more by the Graces . To consider them in their pure Naturals , I conceive the Earls Intellectuall faculties to have been his stronger part , and in the Duke his Practical . Yet all know , that he likewise at the first was much under the expectation of his after-proof ; such a sudden influence therein had the Soveraign aspect . For their Abilities of discourse or pen , the Earl was a very acute and sound speaker when he would intend it ; and for his Writings , they are beyond example , especially in his familiar Letters and things of delight at Court , when he would admit his serious habits , as may be yet seen in his Impresses and inventions of entertainment ; and above all , in his darling piece of love , and self-love ; his Stile was an elegant perspicuity , rich of phrase , but seldome any bold Metaphors , and so far from Tumor , that it rather wanted a little Elevation . The Dukes delivery of his mind I conceive not to be so sharpe as solid and grave , not so solid and deep as pertinent , and apposite to the times and occasions . The Earl I account the more liberal , and the Duke the more magnificent ; for I do not remember that my Lord of Essex in all his life-time did build or adorne any house , the Queene perchance spending his time , and himself his meanes , or otherwise inclining to popular ways ; for we know the people are apter to applaud hous-keepers , then hous-raisers . They were both great cherishers of Scholars and Divines ; but it seems , the Earl had obtained of himself one singular point , that he could depart his affection between two extremes : for though he bare always a kinde of filial reverence towards Dr Whitgift , both before and after he was Archbishop ; yet on the other side , he did not a little love and tender Master Cartwright , though I think truly , with large distinction between the persons and the Causes , howsoever he was taxed with other ends in respecting that party . They were both fair-spoken Gentlemem , not prone and eager to detract openly from any man ; in this the Earl hath been most falsly blemished in our vulgar Story : only against one man he had forsworn all patience , namely Henry Lord Cobham , and would call him ( per Excellentiam ) the Sycophant ( as if it had been an Emblem of his name ) even to the Queen her self , though of no small insinuation with her ; and one Lady likewise ( that I may civilly spare to no ●inate , for her sex sake ) whom he used to terme the Spyder of the Court : yet generally in the sensitive part of their Natures the Earl was the worse Philosopher , being a great Resenter and a weak Dissembler of the least disgrace : And herein likewise , as in the rest , no Good Pupill to my Lord of Leicester , who was wont to put all his passions in his pocket . In the growth of their Fortunes , the Duke was a little the swifter , and much the greater ; for from a younger brothers meane estate , he rose to the highest degree whereof a Subject was capable either in Title or Trust . Therein I must confesse much more consortable to Charles Brandon under Henry the Eight , who was equall to him in both . For matter of Donative and addition of substance , I do not believe that the Duke did much exceed him , all considered , under both Kings . For that which the Earl of Essex had received from her Majesty , besides the Fees of his Offices , and the disposition of great Summes of money in her Armies , was ( about the time of his Arraignment , when faults use to be aggravated with precedent benefits ) valued at three hundred thousand pounds sterling in pure gift for his onely use , to the Earl of Dorset then Lord Treasurer ; who was a wise man , and a strict Computist , and not ill affected towards him . And yet it is worthy of note in the Margent of both Times , that the one was prosecuted with silence , and the other with murmur ; so undoing a measure is popular judgment . I cannot here omit between them a great difference in establishing of both their Fortunes and Fames . For the first , the Duke had a care to introduce into neer place at the Court divers of his confident Servants , and into high places very sound and grave Personages . Whereas , except a Pensioner or two , we can scant name any one man advanced of the Earls breeding , but Sir Thomas Smith , having been his Secretary , who yet came never further ( though married into a noble House ) then to the Clerk of the Councell , and Register of the Parliament : not that the Earl meant to stand alone like a Substantive ( for he was not so ill a Grammarian in Court ; ) but the Truth is , in this point the Cecilians kept him back , as very well knowing that upon every little absence or disassiduity , he should be subject to take cold at his back . For the Other , in managing of their Fames , I note between them a direct contrary wisdome ; For the Earl proceeded by way of Apology , which he wrote and dispersed with his own hands at large , though till his going to Ireland they were but aiery objections . But of the Duke this I know , that one having offered for his ease to do him that kinde of Service ; He refused it with a pretty kinde of thankfull scorn , saying , that he would trust his own good intentions which God knew , and leave to him the pardoning of his Errours ; and that he saw no fruit of Apologies , but the multiplying of discourse : which surely was a well-setled Maxime . And for my own particular ( though I am not obnoxious to his memory ) in the expression of Tacitus , Neque injuria , neque beneficia , saving that he shewed me an ordinary good Countenance : And if I were , yet I would distinguish between Gratitude and Truth . I must bear him this Testimony , that in a Commission laid upon me by Soveraign Command to examine a Lady about a certain filthy accusation grounded upon nothing but a few single names taken up by a Footman in a kennel , and straight baptized , A list of such as the Duke had appointed to be poysoned at home , himself being then in Spain : I found it to be the most malicious and frantick surmise , and the most contrary to his nature that I think had ever been brewed from the beginning of the World , howsoever countenanced by a Libellous Pamphlet of a fugitive Physician even in Print ; and yet of this would not the Duke suffer any answer to be made on his behalf , so constant he was to his own principles . In their Military Services the Characters of the Earls imployments were these , viz. His forwardest was that of Portugal , before mentioned . The saddest , that of Roan , where he lost his brave Brother . His fortunatest peece I esteem the taking of Cadiz Malez , and no less modest ; for there he wrote with his own hands a censure of his Omissions . His jealousest imployment was to the relief of Calais besieged by the Cardinall Arch-duke : about which , there passed then between the Queen and the French King much Art. His Voiage to the Azores was the best , for the discovery of the Spanish weakness , and otherwise almost a saving Voiage . His blackest was that to Ireland , ordained to be the Sepulchre of his Father , and the Gulph of his own Fortunes . But the first in 88 , at Tilbury-camp , was in my judgement the very poyson of all that followed ; for there whilest the Queen stood in some doubt of a Spanish Invasion ( though it proved but a Morrice-dance upon our Waves ) she made him in Field Commander of the Cavalry ( as he was before in Court ) and much graced him openly in view of the Souldiers and people , even above my Lord of Leicester : the truth is , from thenceforth he fed too fast . The Dukes employment abroad in this nature , was onely in the Action of the Isle of Reez , of which I must note somewhat for the honour of our Country , and of his Majesties times , and of them that perished and survived , and to redeem it generally from mis-understanding . Therefore after enquiry amongst the wisest and most indifferent men ; of that Action I dare pronounce , that all Circumstances pondered , A tumultuary banding on our part , with one thousand in the whole on theirs ready to receive us with two hundred horse , with neer two thousand foot , and watching their best time of advantage none of their foot discovered by us before , nor so much as suspected , and onely some of their Horse descried stragling , but not in any bulk or body : their Cavalry not a Troop of Bascoigners mounted in haste , but the Greater part Gentlemen of Family , and of pickt Resolution , and such as charged home both in Front and on both Flanks into the very Sea ; about sixscore of their two hundred horse strewed upon the Sand , and none of them but one killed with a great shot ; and after this their foot likewise coming on to charge , till not liking the business they fell to flinging of stones , and so walked away : I say , these things considered and laid together , we have great reason to repute it a great impression upon an unknowne place , and a noble argument that upon occasion we have not lost our ancient vigour . Only I could wish that the Duke , who then in the animating of the souldiers shewed them very eminent assurance of his valour , had afterwards remembred that rule of Apelles , Manum de Tabula . But he was greedy of honour , and hot upon the publique ends , and too confident in the prosperity of beginnings , as somewhere Polybius , that great Critique of war , observeth of young Leaders whom fortune hath not before deceived . In this their military care and dispensation of reward and punishment there was very few remarkable occasions under the Duke , saving his continuall vigilancie and voluntary hazard of his person , and kindnesses to the Souldiers , both from his own table and purse ; for there could be few disorders within an Iland where the troops had no scope to disband , and the Inferior Commanders were still in sight . In the Earl we have two examples of his severity , the one in the Island Voyage , where he threw a Souldier with his own hands out of a Ship ; the other in Ireland , where he decimated certain troops that ran away , renewing a peece of the Roman Discipline . On the other side , we have many of his Lenitie , and one of his Facility , when he did connive at the bold trespass of Sir Walter Raleigh , who before his arrival at Fyall , had banded there against his precise Commandment ; at which time he let fall a Noble word , being pressed by one , ( whose name I need not remember ) that at the least he would put him upon a Martial Court : That I would do ( said he ) if he were not my friend . And now I am drawing towards the last Act , which was written in the Book of necessity . At the Earls end I was abroad , but when I came home ( though little was left for Writers to gleane after Judges ) yet , I spent some curiosity to search what it might be that could precipitate him into such a prodigious Catastrophe ; and I must , according to my professed freedome , deliver a circumstance or two of some weight in the truth of that story , which was neither discovered at his arraignment , nor after in any of his private confessions . There was amongst his nearest attendants one Henry Cuffe , a man of secret ambitious ends of his own , and of proportionate Counsels smothered under the habit of a Scholar , and slubbered over with 2 certain rude and clownish fashion , that had the semblance of iutegrity . This Person not above five or six weeks before my Lords fatall irruption into the City , was by the Earls special Command suddainly discharged from all further attendance , or accesse unto him , out of an inward displeasure then taken against his sharp and importune infusions , and out of a glimmering oversight , that he would prove the very instrument of his Ruine . I must adde hereunto , that about the same time my Lord had received from the Countesse of Warwick ( a Lady powerfull in the Court , and indeed a vertuous user of her power ) the best advice that I think was ever given from either sex ; That when he was free from restraint , he should closely take any out-lodging at Greenwich , and sometimes when the Queene went abroad in a good humour , ( whereof she would give him notice ) he should come forth , and humble himself before her in the field . This Counsell sunk much into him , and for some days he resolved it : but in the meane time , through the intercession of the Earl of Southampton , whom Cuffe had gained , he was restored to my Lords ear , and so working advantage upon his disgraces , and upon the vaine foundation of Vulgar breath , which hurts many good men , spun out the final destruction of his Master and himself , and almost of his restorer , if his pardon had not been won by inches . True it is , that the Earl in West minster-ball did in generall disclose the evill perswasions of this man ; but the particulars which I have related by this dismission and restitution , he buried in his owne brest for some reasons apparent enough ; Indeed ( as I conjecture ) not to exasperate the Case of my Lord of Southampton , though he might therewith a little peradventure have mollified his own . The whole and true Report I had by infallible meanes from the person himself that both brought the advice from the aforesaid excellent Lady , and carried the discharge to Cuffe , who in a private Chamber was strucken therewith into a Sound almost dead to the Earth , as if he had fallen from some high steeple ; such Terrets of hope he had built in his own fancy . Touching the Dukes suddain period , how others have represented it unto their Fancies , I cannot determine : for my part , I must confesse from my Soul that I never recall it to minde without a deep and double astonishment of my discourse and reason . First , of the very horrour and atrocity of the Fact in a Christian Court , under so moderate a Government ; but much more at the impudencie of the pretence , whereby a desperate discontented Assassinate would after the perpetration have honested a meere private revenge ( as by precedent Circumstances is evident enough ) with I know not what publick respects , and would fain have given it a Parliamentary cover howsoever . Thus these two great Peers were dis-roabed of their Glory , the one by judgment , the other by violence , which was the small distinction . Now after this short contemplation of their diversities , ( for much more might have been spoken , but that I was fitter for Rhapsody then commentary ) I am lastly desirous to take a Summary view of their Conformities , which I verily believe will be found as many , though perchance heeded by few , as are extant in any of the ancient Parallel . They both slept long in the arms of Fortune : They were both of ancient blood , and of Forraign extraction : They were both of strait and goodly stature , and of able and active bodies : They were both industrious & assiduous , and attentive to their ends : They were both early Privie Counsellours , and employed at home in the secretest and weightiest affairs in Court and State : They were both likewise Commanders abroad in Chief , as well by Sen as by Land : both Masters of the Horse at home , both chosen Chancellours of the same University , namely , Cambridge : They were both indubitable strong , and high-minded men ; yet of sweet and accostable nature , almost equally delighting in the press and affluence of Dependants and Suiters , which are always the Burres , and sometimes the Briers of Favourites . They were both married to very vertuous Ladies , and sole Heirs , and left issue of either Sex ; and both their Wives converted to contrary Religions . They were both in themselves rare and excellent examples of Temperance and Sobriety , but neither of them of Continency . Lastly , after they had been both subject ( as all Greatnes , and Splendor is ) to certain obloquies 〈◊〉 their actions ; They both concluded their earthly felicity in unnaturall ends , and with no great distance of time in the space either of Life or Favour . Observations on the Life of Sir Jeffery Fenton . SIr Jeffery Fenton , born in Nottinghamshire , was for twenty seven years Privy-Counsellour in Ireland to Queen Elizabeth and King James . He translated the History of Francis Guicciardine out of Italian into English , and dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth . He deceased at Dublin , October 19. 1608 , and lyeth buried in St. Patricks Church , under the same Tomb with his Father-in-Law Doctor Robert Weston , sometimes Chancellour of Ireland . It is an happy age when great men do what wise men may write ; an happier , when wise men write what great have done ; the happiest of all , when the same men act and write , being Histories , and composing them too . For these men having a neerer , and more thorow-insight to the great subjects of Annals than men of more distant capacities and fortunes , are the onely persons that have given the world the right notion of Transactions , when men of lower and more pedantique spirits trouble it onely with more heavy Romances . Give me the actions of a Prince transcribed by those Historians who could be instruments . The best History in the world is Caesar's Commentaries , written by him , and translated by Edmonds , with the same spirit that they were acted . Xenophon and Thucydides , whose pens copied their Narratives from their Swords . Tacitus , Malvezzi , Machiavel , Comines , Moor , Bacon , Herbert and a Burleigh ( who writ the affairs of former Ages with the same judgement that they managed those of their own . ) In a word , an History written by such a Courtier as Guicciardine , and translated by such a Counsellor as Fenton . Diamond onely can cut Diamond , the great onely expresse the great : a person that hath a sight of the Intelligence , Negotiations , Conferences , and inward transactions of States , is one from whom I expect a more exact Chronicle of this age than yet this Nation hath been happy in . Observations on the Life of Doctor Fletcher . GIles Fletcher ( brother to Richard Fletcher Bishop of London ) was born in Kent , as I am credibly a informed . He was bred first in Eaton , then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge , where he became Doctor of Law. A most excellent Poet ( a quality hereditary to his two sons , Giles and Phineas ) was sent Commissioner into Scotland , Germany , and the Low-Countreys , for Queen Elizabeth , and her Embassador into Russia , Secretary to the City of London , and Master of the Court of Requests . His Russian Embassie to settle the English Merchandize was his Master-piece , to Theodor Juanowich , Duke of Muscovia . He came thither in a dangerous juncture of time , viz. in the end of the year 1588. First , some Forreiners ( I will not say they were the Hollanders ) envying the free Trade of the English , had done them bad offices . Secondly , a false report was generally believed that the Spanish Armado had worsted the English Fleet , and the Duke of Muscovy , who measured his favour unto the English , by the possibility he apprehended of their returning it ) grew very sparing of his smiles , not to say free of his frowns on our Merchants residing there . However , our Doctor demeaned himself in his Embassie with such cauriousnesse , that he not onely escaped the Dukes fury , but also procured many priviledges for our English Merchants , exemplified in * Mr. Hackluit . Returning home , and being safely arrived at London , he sent for his intimate friend Mr. Wayland , Prebendary of St. Pauls , and Senior fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge ( Tutor to my Father , from whose mouth I received this report ) with whom he heartily express'd his thankfulnesse to God for his safe return from so great a danger ; for the Poets cannot fancy Vlysses more glad to be come out of the Den Polyphemus , than he was to be rid out of the power of such a barbarous Prince , who counting himself by a proud and voluntary mistake Emperour of all Nations , cared not for the Law of all Nations ; and who was so habited in blood , that had he cut off this Embassador's head , he and his friends might have sought their own amends ; but the question is , where he would have found it ? He afterwards set forth a Book called The Russian Common-wealth , expressing the Government , or Tyranny rather thereof ; wherein ( saith my † Author ) are many things most observable : but Queen Eliz. indulging the reputation of the Duke of Muscovy as a confederate Prince , permitted not the publick printing of that ; which such who have private Copies , know to set the valuation thereon . Observations on the Life of the Lord Mountjoy . THe Lord Mountjoy was of the ancient Nobility ; as he came from Oxford , he took the Inner-Temple in his way to Court , whither no sooner come , but ( without asking ) had a pretty strange kinde of admission . He was then much about twenty years of age , of a brown hair , a sweet face , a most neat composure , and tall in his person ; so that he coming to see the fashion of the Court , was spied out by the Queen , and out of the affection she bare to the very sight of his face , received him into favour ; upon the first observation whereof , she professed , that she knew there was in him some noble blood . He was one that wanted not wit and courage , for he had very fine attractions ; and being a good Scholar , yet were they accompanied with the retractives of bashfulnesse , and a natural modesty . There was in him an inclination to Arms , with an humour of Travelling : and as he was grown by reading ( whereunto he was much addicted ) to the Theory of a Soldier , so was he strongly invited by his Genius to the Acquaintance of the Practick of the War , which were the causes of his excursions ; for he had a Company in the Low-Countreys , from whence he came over with a noble acceptance of the Queen , but somewhat restlesse : in honourable thoughts he exposed himself again and again , and would presse the Queen with the pretences of visiting his Company so often , that at length he had a flat denyal , and yet he stole over with Sir John Norris , into the action of Britain ; but at last the Queen began to take his Decessions for contempts , and confined his residence to the Court , and her own presence . She was so confident in her own Princely judgement and opinion that she had conceived of his worth and conduct , that she would have this noble Gentleman , and none other , to finish , and bring the Irish War to a propitious end ; which ( not deceiving her good conceit of him ) he nobly atchieved , though with much pains and carefulnesse . Among the greatest things laid to Queen Elizabeth her charge ( saith the Censurer ) as cast behind the door of neglect , was the conduct of the Affairs of Ireland ; a place lying all her Halcyon dayes under so great a contempt , that wise Walsingham thought it no Treason to wish it buried in the Sea , considering the charge it brought : yet she kept the Pale in good order , not suffering the Spanish party to grow more potent in the North , than was convenient to consume his forces , and divert him from neerer and more dangerous attempts . It being impossible for her without being grievous to her people ( a Rock she chiefly studied to avoid ) at one time to maintain so dreadful a Navy at Sea , and soment the Dutch and French , to whose assistance she was called by a louder necessity , than to render a Nation quite desolate : none being willing during her life to exchange the present government of a natural Princess , for the lesse happy tyranny of a Vice-Roy ; of which the most did study more their respective Grandeur by extending the War , than the ease of the Inhabitants , and lessening the Queens expence , till the noble Lord Mountjoy was employed , who had no other design than the conclusion of the Work ; which he had not yet brought about , but that the Spaniards found themselves betrayed through the covetousnesse and cowardize of the Natives , that for small sums would sell not onely such Forreigners as came to help them , but their nearest Relations . Nor was it possible to reduce them to civility , but by curing the Bogs and Fastnesses , and building Castles and Garisons , which he did ; nor easie to subdue them without that severity to the Priests , which he used ; whom he found exercising such an implicite power over the Peoples consciences , that they could not resolve themselves of their Soveraigns right or Religion . — This for his Irish government : touching his Domestick relation ; When Queen Elizabeths favour to Essex ( like a bone by breaches made more firm ) swelled him to such a degree of confidence as frowned on them as enemies that acknowledged not his friendship , or depended not on his favour , to balance him and my Lord Cecil , this gallant Gentleman , and of honourable extraction , was placed in her eye ; many hoping by his application to draw from her heart the affection they thought mortal to them and their design , the whole result concluding in a Duel that raised both in their Mistriss affections , as Champions for her beauty now , and like to be so for her Government . There are some Letters of this noble person 's to be seen , I am told , of a plain and equal style becoming a States-man and businesse ; not seldome yet admitting of several constructions , if of any interpretation at all , where the businesse related to a thing whose consequence could not easily be seen into . Observations on the Life of Edward Earl of Rutland . A Noble-man , eminent for those several Endowments , which single , do exact an entire man. For a person of his quality to be an accurate Critick in the learned Tongues , & then as a Rhetorician to make all their Graces serve his Eloquence ; to have traversed Ancient , and yet be no Stranger in Modern Writers : to be well versed in the more crabbed Philosophy , and accurate in Politer classick Authors ; to be learned in History and Policy , and a Master in the Law of the Land , and of Nations . For such a man to have devoured so much , and yet digested it , is a rarity in nature , and in diligence , which hath but few examples : yet his speculative knowledge that gave light to the most dark and difficult proposals , became eclipsed by the more dazling lustre of his more practick and experimental prudence ; which together with his alliance to my Lord Burleigh , had voted him to Bromley's place , but that they both sickned in one day , and died in one week ; he leaving these four Advisoes behind him , 1. Be alwayes employed . 2. Look to the Issue . 3. Be furnished with a friend . And 4. Reflect upon thy self — Vita est in se Reflexio . Observations on the Life of Sir John Smith . HIS Relation to Edward the sixth his Cousin German , was enough to countenance his parts , and his parts ripe and large enough to advance his person . — His gravity could be no where better employed than in Spain , nor his reservednesse any where more suitable than in Italy . In Spain his carriage had a great impression upon the King , and his spirit upon the whole Court. For Gasper Quiroga Arch-Bishop of Toledo , inveighing bitterly against the Queen's person , and more against her Title ( Defender of the Faith ) was answered by him with that Wisdome and Prudence , that his Majesty of Spain checked the Arch-Bishop as an Impertinado , as he called him , and hugged Sir John Smith , as a man who had made himself dreadful , and his Mistriss therefore much more to that Court — ( They who least consider hazard in the doing of their duty , fare best still . ) The surest way to safety , is to have one interest espoused so firmly , as never to be changed . Nor did he this out of a vainer bottome than an observation he made of his Mistrisses resolution , already in despair of procuring good from any milder endeavours than those of power : A signal testimony of the commanding worth this Gentleman had , which extorted a reverence to his person in that very place where his business contracted an Odium . An excellent person he was , in whom honesty of manners strived with Nobility of Birth , and merit with honour ; of a composed and stayed temper , that would say under all temptations to disquiet , Either the thing before us is in our power , or it is not : If it be , why do we not manage it to our content ? If not , why are we discontented , especially since every thing hath two handles ? If the one prove hot , and not to be touched , we may take the other that is more temperate . Upon which consideration , all private concernments he passed over with a perfect indifference : the world and its Appendages hanging so loose about him , that he never took notice when any part dropt off , or sate uneasily . Observations on the Life of Sir Walter Rawleigh . SIr Walter Rawleigh was well descended , and of good Alliance , but poor in his beginning . He was one so tossed by fortune to and fro , that he was sometimes high , sometimes low , sometimes in a middle condition . He was brought up in the University and Innes of Court , but he stayed not long in a place : and being the youngest Brother , and the House diminished in Patrimony , he foresaw his own destiny , that he was first to roul ( through want and disability ) before he could come to a repose . He first exposed himself to the Land-service of Ireland ( a Militia ) which then did not yield him food and raiment ; nor had he patience to stay there , ( though shortly after he came thither again ) under the command of the Lord Grey . As for his Native parts , and those of his own acquiring , he had in the outward man a good presence , in a handsom and well-compacted person , a strong natural wit , and a better judgement , with a bold and plausible tongue , whereby he could set out his parts to the best advantage ; and to these he had the adjuncts of some general learning , which by diligence he enforced to a great Augmentation , and Perfection ; for he was an indefatigable Reader , whether by Sea or Land , and none of the least observers both of Men and the Times . Falling from that sudden grace , which he by his parts had gained of the Queen , he went aside for a while , but at his return he came in with the greater strength , and so continued to her last , great in her favour , and Captain of the Guard. His prudence understood his capacity , and his industry served it ; raising his fortune as high as his parts , and his parts as high as his mind . His Motto was , Either dye nobly , or live honorably . Never man prospered , but the resolute , and he that hath awaked an easie , soft , sleepy , or indifferent temper , to the noble adventure of being Caesar , or being none : a disposition meeting a large and capacious soul in this Gentleman , taught him the exact discipline of War in Ireland and the Low Countries , the great skill of a Sea-man between Europe and America , and a patience as severe in enduring hardship , as his necessity in requiring it . Five hours he slept , four he read , two he discoursed ; allowing the rest to his business and his necessities : no Soldier fared or lay harder , none ventured further : what is not extraordinary ( he would say ) is nothing : It being the end of all Arts and Sciences to direct men by certain rules unto the most compendious way in their knowledge and practice : those things of which in our selves we have onely some imperfect confused notions , being herein fully and clearly represented to our view from the discoveries that other men have made , after much study and long experience ; and there is nothing of greater consequence for the advancement of Learning , than to finde out those particular advantages which there are for the shortest way of knowing and teaching things in every profession . There was not an expert Soldier or Sea-man , but he consulted ; not a printed or manuscript discourse of Navigation or War but he perused ; nor were there exacter rules or principles for both services , than he drew : so contemplative he was , that you would think he was not active ; so active that you would say he was not prudent — A great Soldier , and yet an excellent Courtier : an accomplished Gallant , and yet a bookish man ; a man that seemed born for any thing he undertook : his wit brought him to Court , and kept him there ; for there happening a difference between him and my Lord Grey , under whom he served in Ireland , which was heard before the Council-Table , Rawleigh stated his case with that clearnesse , urged his arguments with that evidence and reason , offered his Apologies with those pertinent and taking allegations , and his Replies with that smartnesse ; expressed himself with that fluency and eloquence , and managed his carriage and countenance with that discretion , that he was first the States-mens observation , next her Majesties Favourite , and at last her Oracle ; as who was equally happy in his comprehensive discourses to her of her private interest in every part of her government , and in his effectual Speeches to her Subjects in Parliament touching theirs in every part of their duty . Two things he observed in his Mistriss ; 1. That she was penurious in her Largesses . 2. That she was choice in her Favourites . Whence he concluded , that there was no good to be done unlesse he got an estate first , and then a reputation . To the first , we owe his Sea-voyages , when his whole fortune was often put up in one ship ; And to the last , his Land-services , when all his expectation depended on one action . Two Rivals he observed , Essex for action , Cecil for counsel : The one he went under abroad , to outvy him ; the other he complyed with at home , to undermine him : but wanting strength , though not parts to be both their Corrivals , he perished , because not thought to own humility enough to be their servants . Cecill indeed was his friend , because Essex was his enemy : but he taught him , That it was more safe at Court to have many enemies of equall power , than one false and ambitious friend , that hath attained to the absolutenesse of command : But this he was often heard to say , he did not apprehend , before his Genius had dictated it to him , as he came in a Boat from the execution of the Earl of Essex , which was done at the Tower. — Yet two wayes I finde him getting up : 1. By uncouth projects in Parliament beyond expectation ; which ( though they might oblige his Mistriss ) together with an opinion of his irreligion , lost him with the People . 2. By extraordinary undertakings in Warre beyond his Commission ; which ( though performed to out-do his Generals ) had forfeited his head to their severity and justice , had not his wit complyed with their eafinesse and goodnesse . It 's a question among the Curiosoes , whether his often absence from Court was his prudence , or his weaknesse , it being a quodlibet , whether that distance was a greater allay to his enemies malice , or his Soveraigns love ; while his forreign actions were not so close at her ear to his advantage , as his Adversaries applications to his disparagement . Two things I must needs say are wonderful in him . 1. The dispatch and industry of the former part of his life . 2. The weaknesse of the latter . Touching the first , he that shall consider his laborious way of study , immers'd in almost infinite reading and observation , to which the running over of innumerable books , and a vast multitude of men was necessary : His Obligations to read not onely common Authors , but all Records , Schemes , and Papers that he could come by : His correspondence with Friends and Strangers ; his review of his own Papers ( which he fate close to by Sea and Land ) that never passed him without three transcriptions ; his reception of visits , whether of civility , or businesse , or discourse , which were numerous , and great devourers of his time ; his agency for all sorts of persons ( his interest with his thrifty Mistriss being most part of his pension ) in which capacity he set up a kinde of Office of Address — his Letters , which cost him one day in the week : The time lost upon his misfortunes , which made it necessary for him often to break his great series and method of undertaking . He , I say , that shall compute , and sum up this , the particulars whereof are nakedly told without any straining of the truth , or flourish of expression , must be much to seek how a man of so many actions should write any thing , and one of so many writings should do any thing ; and more , how one of so many fatall diversions could keep up a steady minde for those great , but exact arguments that it hath left in the world ; especially when there was one very difficult particular in all his composures , viz. that none of his Discourses with which his History or other Books are embellished , passed his exact hand before the most knowing and most learned men in that faculty to which those discourses belonged , had debated them before him ; who after their departure summed up all into those excellent pieces now abroad under his name , which I blame not King James for envying , being the nearest his own : though I think not that learned Prince of so low a spirit , as out of an impertinent emulation to affect Sir Walter Rawleigh the lesse , for the great repute that followed him because of his pen ; which being more dangerous than his Sword , I wonder that wise Prince indulged him , especially since that Master Hampden a little before the Wars was at the charge of 〈…〉 3. 52 sheets of his Manuscripts , as the 〈…〉 himself told me , who had his close chamber , his fine and candle , with an Attendant to deliver him the Originals , and take his Copies as fast as he could write them . 2 To the second , viz. the weaknesse of the last part of his life : 1. There was not a greater reach in that advice of his to the Queen ( when some were for attacquing Spain one way , and some another ) to cut off its commerce with the Indies , than there was shortnesse of spirit in trusting the most hopeful part of that expedition to Sir John Burroughs , when he sunke under the most disastrous himself . Yet 2. That he , when Captain of the Guard , Warden of the Cinque-ports , Governor of Virginia ( a place of his own discovery ) preferments enough to satisfie a regular spirit , should stand on termes with King James against the Law of the Land , the Genius of the Nation , the resolution of the Nobility , and Reason it self ( that knoweth there is no cautions that hold Princes , but their interest and nature ) was a greater infirmity . But 3. That he upon the Kings frown for his former indiscretion upon him , and Cobham , should engage upon so shallow a Treason ( so improbable to hurt others , or benefit themselves , that if ever folly was capable of the title , or pity due to innocence , theirs might claim so large a share as not possible to be too severely condemned , or slightly enough punished ) and that with such weak and inconsiderable men , as were rather against the government , than for one another ( Grey being a Puritan , and Cobham a Protestant ) were the greatest : but there is one particular more behind ; That he who could employ his restraint so well , should lye under the justice as well as jealousie of K. James : And knowing that Princes must not pardon any able man that either they have wronged , or that hath wronged them , be so intent upon a foolish liberty , wherein he lost himself and his in that unhappy voyage of Guiana ; a voyage , that considering King James his inclination to the Match , his own obnoxiousnesse to that King abroad , and Cecil here for obstructing the Peace with Spain , and Gondamor's vigilance , must needs be as unsuccessful , as it was disgustful . Methinks he that was of so incomparable a dexterity in his judgement , as the Treasurer grew jealous of his excellent parts , left he should supplant him ; of so quick and ready apprehension and conduct , that he puzzled the Judges at Winchester : of so good a Head-piece , that it was wished then on the Secretary of State 's shoulders : of so considerable an interest , that notwithstanding his fourteen years imprisonment , Princes interceded for him , the whole Nation pitied him , and King James would not execute him without an Apology ; And to say no more , of so much magnanimity , that he managed his death with so high and religious a resolution , as if a Christian had acted a Romane , or rather a Roman a Christian ; might have gone off the world at a higher rate , but that there is an higher power governs wisdome , as invisibly , yet as really as wisdome doth the world ; which when I look back upon my Lord of Essex , I call fate ; but when from him I look forward to Sir Walter Rawleigh , I believe a providence . He had a good presence in a handsome and well-compacted person , a strong natural wit , a better judgement , with a bold and plausible tongue , which set off his parts to the best advantage : to these he had the adjuncts of a general Learning ; which by diligence and experience ( those two great Tutors ) was augmented to a great perfection , being an indefatigable Reader , and having a very retentive memory : before his Judges at Winchester humble , but not prostrate ; dutiful , yet not dejected : to the Jury affable , but not fawning ; hoping , but not trusting in them , carefully perswading them with reason , not distemperately importuning them with conjurations ; rather shewing love of life , than fear of death : patient , but not careless ; civil , but not stupid . Observations on the Life of Thomas , Sackvil , Lord Buckhurst . HE was bred in the University of Oxford , where he became an excellent Poet , leaving both Latine and English Poems of his to posterity . Then studied he Law in the Temple , and took the degree of Barrister ; afterwards he travelled into Foreign parts , was detained for a time a Prisoner in Rome , which he revenged afterwards in the liberty of his speech at the Powder-Traytors Tryal . Wen his liberty was procured for his return into England , he possessed the vast inheritance left him by his Father , whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality he spent the greatest part , till he seasonably began to spare , growing neer to the bottom of his Estate . The story goes , that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London , who had gained great penny worths by his former Purchases of him , was made ( being now in the wane of his wealth ) to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long , that his generous humour being sensible of the incivility of such Attendance , resolved to be no more beholding to Wealthy Pride ; and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate . But others make him , as abovesaid , the Convert of Queen Elizabeth , ( his Cousin-German once removed ) who by her frequent Admonitions , diverted the torrent of his profusion . Indeed she would not know him , till he began to know himself , and then heaped places of Honour and Trust upon him , creating him 1. Baron of Buckhurst in Sussex , Anno Dom. 1566. 2. Sending him Ambassador into France , Anno 1571. Into the Low-Countries , Anno Dom. 1566. 3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter , Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England , 1599. He was Chancellor of the University of Oxford , where he entertained Qu : Elizabeth with a most sumptuous Feast . He was called the Star-chamber-Bell , so very flowing his invention ; and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him , being a person of so quick dispatch , ( faculties which yet run in the blood . ) He took a Roll of the names of all Sutors , with the Date of their first Addresses , and these in order had their hearing , so that a Fresh-man could not leap over the head of his Senior , except in urgent Affairs of State. Thus having made amends to his house for his mispent time , both in increase of Estate and Honour , being created Earl of Dorset by King James , he died on the 19th of April , 1608. The Lord Buckburst was of the noble house of the Sackvils , and of the Queens consanguinity ; his Father was that provident & wise man Sir Richard Sackvil , or as the people then called him , Fill-sack , by reason of his great wealth , and the vast Patrimony which he left to this his son , whereof he spent in his youth the best part , until the Qu : by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion ; he was a very fine Gentleman of person and endowments both of Art and Nature . His elocution is much commended , but the excellency of his Pen more ; for he was a Scholar , and a person of quick faculties , very facete and choice in his phrase and style . He was wise and stout , nor was he any ways insnared in the factions of the Court , which were all his time very strong . He stood still in grace , and was wholly intentive to the Queens service ; and such were his abilities , that she received assiduous proofs of his sufficiency . As 1. In his Embassie to France , whereas the Queen-Mother complemented him , he behaved himself very worthy of his Mistrisses Majesty , and his own Peerage : there he had an experienced Tuscan , Calacanti by name , to deal with that Florentine Queen ; Montmorancy's brother , to undermine the Guises ; and his own great parts , to grapple with old Hospital : He began that subtle piece the French Match , under pretence whereof we balanoed , and understood Europe ; and Walsingham finished it . 2. In his Negotiations in the Low-Countries , where he watched Leicester and the Commanders ; he observed the States , and their changeable and various Interests , accommodating the present emergencies , and suiting their occasions . They that censure this Nobleman's death , consider not besides the black worm and the white ( day and night , as the Riddle is ) that are gnawing constantly at the root of the tree of Life , There are many insensible diseases , as Apoplexies , whose vapors sodainly extinguish the animal spirits ; and Aposthumes both in the upper and middle Region of man , that often drown and suffocate both the animal and vital , who are like embodied Twins , the one cannot subsist without the other : If the animal wits fail , the vital cannot subsist ; if the vitals perish , the animals give over their operation : and he that judgeth ill of such an act of Providence , may have the same hand at the same time writing within the Palace-walls of his own body , the same period to his lives Earthly Empire . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of Queen Eliz. THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND , IN The Reign of King James . Observations on the Lives of the Cliffords , Earls of Cumberland . THE name hath been for three Ages ancient and Noble , and in this last Age Warlike and serviceable : They had the government of the North in their own right for an hundred yeares , and the hereditary Sheriff-dome of Westmorland in right of the Viponts their Relations for two . — Henry the first Earl of Cumberland was raysed by Henry the Eighth to that Honour , 1525 , for his service at Tournay and Berwick . Henry his son was by Queen Mary honoured with the Garter for his conduct against Wyat ; and by Queen Eliz. graced with peculiar favours for his Industry , Integrity and Vigilance in the North. As Nature , so Nobility subsists and grows by the same thing that it is made of : Vertue that creates , supports it . Observations on the Life of the Lord George Clifford . GEorge Clifford , Lord Clifford , Vesoye , &c. Earl of Cumberland , was son to Henry second Earl of that Family , by his second Lady ; a person wholly composed of true honour and valour , whereof he gave the world a large and clear demonstration . It was resolved by the judicious in that Age , The way to humble the Spanish greatness , was not in pinching and pricking of him in the Low-Countries , which onely emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled : But the way to make it a Cripple for ever , was by cutting off the Spanish s 〈…〉 ews of War , his Monies from the West-Indies [ the back-door robs the house . ] In order whereunto , this Earl set forth a small Fleet on his own cost , and adventured his own person therein , being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himself in that kinde . His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbour but the Port of Honour , though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto ; I say , touching , whose design was not to enrich himself , but impoverish the Enemy . He was as merciful as valiant , ( the best metal bends best ) and left impressions of both in all places where he came . Queen Eliz. Anno 1592 , honoured him with the dignity of the Garter . When King James came first out of Scotland to Yorke , he attended him with such an equipage of Followers for number and habit , that he seemed rather a King , than Earl of Cumberland . Here happened a Contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North , about carrying the Sword before the King in Yorke ; which Office , upon due search and enquiry was adjudged to the Earl , as belonging unto him : and whilest Clifford's Tower is standing in Yorke , that Family will never be therein forgotten . His Anagram was as really as literally true : Georgius Cliffordius Cumberlandius . Davidis regno clarus cum vi fulgebis . He died Anno 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir , the Lady Anne , married to the Earl of Dorset . This noble person taught the world , That the Art of making War hath not a positive form , and that it ought to be diversified according to the state of Occurrences . They that will commit nothing to Fortune , nor undertake any Enterprize whose event appeareth not infallible , escape many dangers by their wary conduct , but fail of as many successes by their unactive fearfulnesse . It 's uselesse to be too wise , and spend that time in a grave gaze on businesse , that might serve the speedy dispatch of it . Neither was our Peer great onely in the atchievements of the Field to please higher spirits , but gaudy at Court to astonish and ravish the lowest ; making noble expences when necessary , and appearing splendid on the important occasions , whose principal quality refided in Magnificence . Yet was he not transported with these appearances , or to make them the greatest ornament of his conduct : the choicest expressions of his life , fixing neither his greatnesse upon a transitory Pageant , nor his glory upon a fading Pomp. Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Smith . SIr Thomas Smith was born at Abington in Bark-shire , bred in the University of Oxford : God and himself raised him to the Eminency he attained unto , unbefriended with any extraction . He may seem to have had an ingenuous emulation of Sir Thomas Smith Senior , Secretary of State , whom he imitated in many good qualities , and had no doubt equalled in preferment , if not prevented by death . He attained onely to be Master of the Requests , and Secretary to King James for his Latine Letters : higher places expecting him , when a period was put at once to his life and to his hopes , Novemb. 28. 1609. The generous piety of the honourable Countess of Exeter having erected him one Monument at Fulham , and his own worth another in History . His Father died , when he was yet so young , that he knew not what a Father meant : but his Mothers affection for her Husband died not with him ; whereupon she multiplyed her cares on this Gentleman and her other children so abundantly , that a long while he little found the want of that dear name , her transcendent love so well supplying the place of both relations : For no sooner was he fit to learn , than she did by friends procure the best Masters those Times afforded , to render his education perfect in those exercises as well of the minde as of the body , wherein they that flattered him not , would say he was no ill Proficient : such majesty , such modesty in his carriage , that men would admire how two such distant things could meet in one subject . His eye was quick and piercing , his shape and motion charming ; the ayre and lineaments of his countenance lively arguments that his soul was not inferiour to his body , — but that the one promised no more pleasure to those that looked on it , than the other did service to those that employed it : His meen deserving preferment from the favour of a Soveraign , and his parts gaining it from his justice . Fortune did him not so much wrong in his mean Birth , as he did himself right by great merit , so worthy a Prince's service , and a Courts favour : He read and saw what others did , but not with others apprehensions ; his judgement of things being not common , nor his observations low , flat , or vulgar , but such as became a breast now furnishing it self for businesse and for government . There was an ancient custome to celebrate the Anniversary of the King's Coronation with all the Shews of Magnificence and joy which the Art or Affections of the People could invent ; and because we are esteemed the Warlik'st Nation in the whole world , to continue that just regulation , we declined all those effeminacies which are so predominant in other Courts , and absolutely addicted our selves to such Martial exercises as are nothing lesse pleasing and delightful than the other , and yet fit and prepare men more for the real use of Arms , and acquisition of glory . Here our Knight's praise came to my Lord of Carlisle's notice , who first designed him a Commander ; but finding his Genius more courtly than Martial , more learned than active , recommended him to his Majesties softer services , where none more obliging to the People by his industry and interest Court , none more serviceable to his Majesty by the good name he gained in the Countrey : So careful was he of publick content , that from five to nine his Chamber was open to all Comers ; where you would finde him with the one hand making himself ready , with the other receiving Letters ; and in all this hurry of Businesse , giving the most orderly , clear , and satisfactory dispatches of any Statesman at that time . From nine to one he attended his Master , to whom he had as easie access as he gave to his People . Two things set him up ; 1. A fair respect from his Master upon all occasions , and as fair a treatment of the People : He had his distinct Classis of Affairs , and his distinct Officers for those Classis : The order and method whereof incredibly advanced his dispatch , and eased his burden ; which took up his day so , that there remained but some hours he stole from night and sleep , for his beloved and dear Studies ; and King James said , he was the hardest Student in White-Hall — and therefore he did not always trouble his Master with businesse , but sometimes please him with discourse . If Fortune had been as kinde to him as Nature , greater Employments had been at once his honour and his business : But from all his services and performances , he derived no other advantage than the acting of them ; and at his death he lest no other wealth behind him , but that of a high reputation : never arriving at those enjoyments that enhance our Cares , nor having time to withdraw himself from those cares that take away the relish of our enjoyments . Observations on the Life of Sir Fulke Grevil . SIr Fulke Grevil , son to Sir Fulke Grevil the elder , of Becham-Court in Warwick-shire , descended from Willoughby Lord Brook , and Admiral to Hen. 7. was bred first in the University of Cambridge : He came to the Court , back'd with a full and fair Estate ; and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves : He was a good Scholar , loving much to employ ( and sometimes to advance ) learned men , to whom worthy Bishop Overal chiefly owed his Preferment ; and Mr. Cambden ( by his own confession ) feasted largely of his Liberality . His studies were most in Poetry and History , as his Works do witnesse : His stile conceived by some to be swelling , is allowed lofty and full by others . King James created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court , as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby , last Lord Brook , in the Reign of King Henry the 7th . His sad death , or murther rather , happened on this occasion : His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon , or well enough rewarded , wounded him mortally , and then ( to save the Law the labour ) killed himself ; verifying the observation , that he may when he pleaseth be master of another mans life , who contemneth his own . Helyeth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble , whereon he is stiled , Servant to Queen Elizabeth , Counsellour to King James , and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney . Though a Favourite , he courts Ladies rather than Honour , and pursued his study rather than his ambition , being more contemplative than active : Others ministered to Queen Elizabeths government , this Gentleman to her Recreation and Pleasures : He came to Court when all men should , young , and stayed there until he was old ; his fortune being as smooth as his spirit , and the Queens favour as lasting as his merit . He bred up States-men , but was none . Sir William Pickering was like to have gained the Queens Bed by studying , Sir Philip Sidney had her Heart for writing , and Sir Fulke Grevil had her favour for both : one great argument for his worth , was his respect of the worth of others ; desiring to be known to posterity under no other notions than of Shakespear's and Johnson's Master , Chancellor Egerton's Patron , Bishop Overal's Lord , and Sir Sidney's friend . His soul had the peace of a great fortune , joyned to a greater minde : His worth commended him to Majesty ; his affablenesse indeared him to the popularity : his mornings were devoted to his Books , his afternoons to his knowing Friends , his nights to his debonair Acquaintance : He was the Queens Counsellor for persons , as others were for matters and things : Sweet was his disposition , winning his converse , fluent his discourse , obliging his looks , gestures , and expressions ; publick his spirit , and large his soul : his Genius prompted him to prepare himself for Domestick services by Foreign employments , but the great Mistriss of her Subjects affections and duties forbad it , and his own prudence checked it . So dear was he to the Queen , that when his horses were shipped at Dover for the Netherlands , her Mandate by Sir Edward Dier stopped him : When he went over with Walsingham , he was remanded ; and when with Leicester , he was checked : He was the exact image of action and quiet happily united in him , seldome well divided in any . He would have acted his great principles of Government , yet he could be confined only to write them . He could sit down with some Poetick and polite Characters of Vertue , when he was debarred the real exercises of it . He had kept Essex his head on , had not that unhappy man's Parasites made the Earl deaf to his Counsels , and his Enemies removed him from his presence , under a pretence of guarding the Seas against his Enemies , while his Kinsman was betrayed by his Friends . Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Cecil . SIr Robert Cecil , since Earl of Salisbury , was the heir of the Lord Burleigh's prudence , the inheritour of his favour , and by degrees a successor to his places , though not to his Lands , for he was a younger Brother . He was first Secretary of State , then Master of the Wards , and in the last of her Reign came to be Lord Treasurer ; all which were the steps of his Fathers greatnesse , and of the honour he left to his house . For his person , he was not much beholding to Nature , though somewhat for his face , which was the best part of his outside : but for his inside , it may be said he was his Father's own son , and a pregnant Proficient in all discipline of State. He was a Courtier from his Cradle , yet at the age of twenty and upwards , he was much short of his after-proof ; but exposed , and by change of climate he shewed what he was , and what he would be : He lived in those times , wherein the Queen had most need and use of men of weight ; and amongst able ones , this was a chief , as having his sufficiency from his instructions that begat him the Tutorship of the Times and Court , then the Academy of Art and Cunning , when English prudence and Counsel was at the highest , as most exercised with Foreign dangers , and Domestick practices . Vast was his apprehension , because so large his prospect ; Sir Francis Walsingham having opened the Conclave of Rome , and his Father the Cabals of Spain ; insomuch that he knew each design in both places , every Port , every Ship with the Burthens , whither bound , what impediments , for diversion of Enterprizes , Counsels , and Resolutions , as appears by his private dispatches ( as his manner was ) with those of the Councel , one whereof to my Lord Mountjoy , since Earl of Devonshire , with whom he seasonably closed , runs thus — — I must in private put you out of doubt ( for of fear I know you cannot be otherwise sensible than in a way of honour ) that the Spaniard will not come to you this year : for I have it from my own what preparations are in all Parts , and what he can do : For be confident he beareth up a reputation by seeming to embrace more than he can gripe : but the next year be assured he will cast over unto you some Forlorn-Hopes ; which how they may be re-inforced beyond his present ability , and his first intention , I cannot as yet make any certain judgement : but I believe out of my Intelligence , that you may expect their Landing at Munster ; and the more to distract you in several places , as at Kingsale , Beer-haven , and Baltimore , where you may be sure ( coming from Sea ) they will first fortifie and learn the strength of the Rebels before they dare take the Field . This States-man's character is engraven upon his honour , and his portraicture drawn in his Patent for Earl of Salisbury ; which to many formal words hath added these effectual expressions — As also for his faithfulnesse , circumspection , stoutnesse , wisdome , dexterity , providence and care not onely in the great and weighty Affairs of Counsell , but generally also in all other Expeditions of the Realm . And indeed not a man upon the Helme of this Common-wealth understood all points of the Compasse better than himself , who in a stayed and calm setlednesse looked on the private designs that were promoted upon his Mistriss declining , and privately overthrowed them and their Masters , while in an uninterrupted course of integrity towards his Mistriss , and faithfulness to his Countrey , he kept clear the succession , equally careful not to enjealous his present Mistress , and not to obstruct his future Master , with whom he kept an honest correspondence , although there goeth this story of him , that a Post from Scotland meeting her Majesty upon Greenwich-heath , Sir Robert Cecil in all hast would needs cut open the Packet , and pretending it stunk , had time to perfume it [ her Majesty being very curious in her smelling ] and convey away his own Letters : be this so or so , it 's certain , that when assistant to the Earl of Derby in his French Embassie , he promoted the young King of Scots interest against his Mothers : when Sir Walsingham's Colleague , he defeated her Counsels against him ; and when principal Secretary , he sounded , crossed , and undid the little plot that was shrowded under the great name of Essex , turning and winding , raising and ruining the Authors of it at his own pleasure . No sooner was the Queen dead , than his Messenger was with the King at Edenburgh , and he himself with his Favourite [ Sir George Humes ] at Yorke ; with whose assistance , and honest Sir Roger Aston's mediation , King James makes him his bosome-friend , his house [ Theobalds ] his residence , and his account of the English Laws , Government , and temper his rule : Finding him but Knight and Secretary , he created him Baron of Essenden , Viscount Cranbourn , Knight of the Garter , and Earl of Salisbury : He promoted him Master of the Wards and Lord Treasurer ; in all which capacities how vigilant he was against the Papists , and their Plots , their Libels ( which he answered in English and a Latine very elegantly and wisely ) demonstrate — how careful of the publique Treasure , this Narrative shews . King James had bestowed upon Sir Robert Carr twenty thousand pound : my Lord apprehending the sum as more correspondent with his Master's goodnesse , than his greatnesse , with the royalty of his heart , than the poverty of his Exchequer ; and observing his Majesty more careful of what money passed his own hands , than what passed his servants , contrives that the good King should goe through the place where this great sum lay in silver to a treatment ; where demanding whose money it was , and being answered , that it was his own before he parted with it , He understanding the design , protested he was cheated , and intended not above five hundred pounds ; and the Favourite was glad to make use of the Lord Treasurer's mediation for the moyety of that great sum . How industrious in the improvement of his Masters Revenue , these particulars conclude , viz. 1. A survey of the Crown-lands , known before by report rather than by measure ; and let by chance , rather then knowledge . 2. A Revival of the Custody-lands Revenue by Commissioners of Asserts . 3. A tarrier of Crown-wood-lands , their growth and value ; where he numbered , marked , and valued all the Timber hitherto unknown . 4. The Commissioners he procured to look into Copy-hold-Lands , Wastes , and Commons . 5. The Rules to forfeited Estates and extended Lands . 6. The improvement of the Customs from 86000 to 135000 pounds per annum . 7. The bargain about the London River-water . 8. The encouragement of all English Inventions , Manufactures , and Trade , whereby the Subjects might be employed , our Commodities enhanced , and our Treasure kept among our selves . 9. The Plantations , and Transplantations in Ireland . And 10. The Reformation of the Court of Wards in the poynt of disposing of Orphans . These services advanced him to great honour , and to as great envy , the popular effects whereof no man could have escaped but one whose soul was immoveable , temper calm , thoughts deep , apprehensions large , and resolution great to engage vulgar Errors rather by the greatness of his Actions , than the eminence of his Interest — And satisfie the world leisurely by his Vertues , and not awe it rashly by his power ; which got him even in that time St. Gregories Encomium , That he was the first bad , and the last good Treasurer since Queen Elizabeth's Reign . I shall never forget his , or his Fathers discourse with Claud Grollart primier President of Roan , about the troubles in France , wherein he advised him to stick fast to the King , though be saw difficulties : For it was his Maxime , That Kings are like the Sun , and Vsurpers like falling-Stars ; For the Sun , though it be offuscated and eclipsed with Mists and Clouds , at length they are dispersed ; where the others are but the figures of Stars in the eyes of view , and prove no more but Exhalations , which sodainly dissolve , and fall to the earth , where they are consumed : A discourse which events there and elsewhere made an Oracle . Observations on the Life of the Lord Howard of Effingham , Earl of Nottingham . THe Lord Howard of Effingham , a man of most approved fidelity and invincible courage , and Governour of Callice ; though a Courtier betimes , yet seemed not to be in favour before the Queen made him high Admiral of England . For his extract , it may suffice that he was the son of a Howard , and of a Duke of Norfolk . As for his person , he was as goodly a Gentleman as the times could afford ; he was one whom the Queen desired to honour , who at his return from Cadiz accounts , was created Earl of Nottingham . He was a good , honest , and a brave man , and a faithful servant to his Mistrss , and such a one as the Queen out of her own Princely judgement knew to be a fit Instrument for the Admiral 's service , having a great opinion of his fidelity and conduct : And though his death was not honored with much wealth , yet was it grac'd with the reputation of honesty . He was raised to check Essex his ambition , and Leicester's undermining , being equally popular , and honest , yet having those at his heels that could lay a snare , and bring in the prize . Nature was a better friend to him than Fortune , and his Integrity than both ; which commended him to a Mistress that understood Men as well as Books , and knew it was no lesse the interest of Princes to take counsel concerning Persons , than concerning matters : He had that goodnesse , without which man is a busie , mischievous , and wretched thing ; yet that wisdome whereby he was not so good ( as the Italian saith ) as to he good for nothing : He was gentle , but not easie ; milde , but not soft ; obliging not the fancies of men , but their Interest : None more civil to Strangers ( his heart being not a narrow Island ( as my Lord Bacon observes ) but a large Continent : ) None more tender of Inferiors ; none more humble to Superiours ; none more compassionate to the afflicted ; none more loving to , or more beloved of all . The Queen said , she trusted her Kingdom to his faithfulnesse in 88. and her self to his conduct . His alliance to the Queen brought him to Court , but his honesty kept him there ( when jealousie had overcast that great house of the Howards : ) ancient Nobility was a good recommendation to the Qu : first Favours ; but modesty , submission , and integrity were the Vertues that continued them : He had onely so much Ambition as rendred him active and serviceable , and not busie or dangerous : He knew a Nobleman cannot be safely aspiring , nor smooth man securely popular , and a man of his Retinue must not be busie . He lived in an age when all honour was perillous that was not designed for service ; when the State chose Ministers that were more sensible of duty than of rising ; that loved businesse rather upon conscience than upon bravery , and when the Prince discerned a busie nature from a willing minde : as the stone had need be rich that is set without foyl , so this noble person that was onely real , had need of great parts of vertue . So valiant he was , that he made the Spanish Fleet veil to him , though it carried the Empress of Germany ; so active , that he tugged at the Cable himself in 88. and did much by his own pains , and more by his example : so skilful , that he contrived the Fire-ships that frighted and scattered the Spanish Navy . Two eminent services he did the Protestant Religion when but twenty one years of age : The first is , that he was so observant a witnesse of Arch-Bishop Parker's consecration , that with his bare word the tale of the Nags head came to nothing . 2. That he was so close an Agent in the Court of France , that no Design was brewed in Scotland , none seconded in France , but he with the Emperour and the King of Spain's Embassadors assistance [ whom he had engaged with the hope of a Match between the King of the Romanes and his Mistriss ] discovered and defeated with that successe , that the King of France courted his Mistriss to a Peace , and himself to Favour . None more careful in matter of Businesse ; none more splendid in businesse of Complement — condoling King Francis his death with a Majesty no lesse becoming the Personage he represented , than the Prince he addressed himself to . 1. His providence in contriving the English Ships nimble , and such as could tack about at pleasure . 2. His prudence in not hazarding his weak Navy against the Spanish Army and Armado in an Engagement wherein a victory would be but a little glory , and a defeat a ruine . 3. His activity in alarming the Spanish Navy day and night . 4. His wisdome in honouring the most serviceable under him , as Hawkins , Forbisher , Sheffield , &c. 5. His popularity that drew so many Voluntiers to his service , as the Earls of Oxford , Northumberland , Cumberland , the Cecils , &c. 6. His warinesse in dividing his fourteen Sail into four squadrons round about the Spanish Navy . 7. His excellent contrivance of eight Ships filled with pitch , wilde-fire , rofin , &c. which sent down the winde in the dead of night so much to the terrour of the Spaniards , that fearing the Fire , together with some more deadly Engines , they raised a pitiful cry , weighed Anchor , cut their Cables , and in a terrible pannick Fear , with great haste and confusion put to Sea. 8. His admirable dexterity in disposing of the Navy , so as they met the Spanish Navy upon their dispersion with such successe , that the invincible Fleet never saw again its own formidablenesse , ever since grown the most contemptible thing that ever sailed upon these Seas . 9. His seasonable order to the Dutch Fleet to watch the Duke of Parma in the Ports of Dunkirk and Newport . 10. His exact intelligence , whereby he understood what a Controversie there was in the Spanish Navy about this poynt , Whether they should stick to their Commission in staying for Parma , which was their duty , or follow the emergent advantages , which had been their discretion , — and dealt with them accordingly . These grand particulars of this Noble-man's service were so eminent and signal , that Queen Elizabeth , who was over-lavish neither of her honour nor her preferments , would say commonly of him and those brave Heroes under him , That they were born to save their Countrey . This noble person was of greater experience than knowledg , and more beholding to his years than to his Education , whence K. James took great pleasure in his discourse , that was not morose , obstinate , narrow , unactive or formal , like a Students harangues ; but free , active , and ingenuous , like a States-man's Maximes — Whereof one was this ; That never did Commander a noble Act that was Commission-bound ; it being a question , whether the Venetians and Spanyards lost more at Sea and in the Netherlands before they discovered that Error , or gained more since . For whilest we addresse our selves to the State , occasions are lost , things take another countenance ; and so many unexpected accidents happen , for which sodain provision must be made , that opportunities escape before we dare lay hold of them : and sometimes we perish for want of a Commission to save our selves . Great content did he give by his presence in the French Court 1605. and greater in his carriage at the Prince Elector's a marriage , 1612. A prudent care did he discover in providing for posterity by the seasonable resignation of his Admiralty ; a faithful friend he shewed himself in confirming Sir Robert Mansel's place when he parted with his own ; a great argument of his own worth and service , that he was so careful to reward others . Observations on the Life of Sir Geo. Hume , Earl of Dunbar . NO wonder he is so great a Favourite of King James in his riper years , who was so faithful a servant of his in his youth : trusted with his Royal secrets in Scotland , and therefore in his Royal bosome in England . The natural reservednesse of all Scots-men , and the vast depth of this , are not more necessary to all Princes , then they were pleasing to King James , who had no secrecies that endangered his Privadoes , though many that tried them , and particularly our States-man , who had no hidden weakness to be over-reached , nor private Interest to be corrupted , but was a great Master of himself , owning a reach not to be comprehended , and thoughts not to be fathomed , but by him whose heart was as the sand of the Sea. Exact was his correspondence with Sir Robert Cecil while in Scotland , and intimate was their friendship in England ; both extorting from each other those observations touching their respective Countreys , which they might both communicate to His Majesty at their respective opportunities . His Enterprizes were well layd , but unsuccessful ; rational , but unhappy : an argument that Designes are onely in our power , and Events in a higher . There was not a man more noble and renowned , more comely and graceful , of more years and experience [ Versatus , Versutus ] of a greater estate or revenue ; more liberal and munificent , more accostable and courteous , more resolved and reserved ( all the qualities of a compleat Ambassador ) than the Earl of Dunbar when sent to Germany ; yet none more ineffectual , having gained no more by a tedious and chargeable Negotiation , than as the Earl of Nottingham with his gallant Retinue in Spain , that the Papists who were formerly perswaded by their Jesuites that we were Monsters , do now believe we are Men ; so useless was soft Courtship in rough tumults , and so little heed was given to smooth complements in Arms and Uproars . More happy was he in Scotland , where his prudence as Lord Treasurer , and his Chaplain Doctor Abbot's gravity as Preacher , reduced that Nation to so much sobriety as to admit a regular Religion and Government ; for which service he had the Exchequer and the Wardrobe for himself , and the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury for the Doctor ; when the King was in a great streight between the known merit of the incomparable Bishop Andrews , and the last request of dying Sir George Hume ; a great instance of King James his abilities in what Machiavel calleth a Princes Master-piece , viz. the choice of Servants . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Somerset . HIs extraction from Scotland put him in the way , his Education in England set him in a capacity of Advancement . He was born seasonably when his Father served him that should be a King of England ; and brought up happily , when he might please him that was so — His beauty and comelinesse tooke his Majestie ; his parts and prudence obliged him , who loved the Cabinet , but valued the Jewel : He was admitted Page of honour to King James when of Scotland , and his Favourite when of England : His Majesties first observation of him was at a solemn Tilting , where his delight in his person meeting with his pity of his mischance ( I mean the breaking of his leg there ) first took him to his tuition , and then to his Council . All King James his Favourites were of his own education , and so imbued with his principles , and engaged to his interest . It was his Majesties policy to retain Scots States-men to balance the English ; It was Somerset's prudence to entertain English Favouries to endear the Scots ; therefore Sir Tho. Overbury was as much of his Councel as he was of his Majesties : too haughty a carriage was the miscarriage of other Minions , too good a nature was bis : His great defect being that goodnesse and humanity that knoweth no excess , but errour , which was rather a softnesse than a kindnesse : his heart was as large to others , as his Masters was to him , and knew as little how to mistrust , as how to do any thing for which he should be mistrusted . This is the Lesson he was short in , That civilities should be common , but favours choice . The Whale is steered at Sea by a far smaller Fish , and this States-man at Court by far meaner men than himself . I my self ( saith an ingenious man ) have known many so far strangers to what was convenient , as they would scarce concede or deny any thing out of the presence of their Secretary : and this proceeded not seldome from a distrust there was no cause for ; manifest in the Earl of Somerset , who though himself owner of a competent sufficiency , was so enchanted with an opinion of Sir Overbury's parts , that he preferred him from a Servant to such an intimate friendship , as he could think nothing well educated for employment in his Office , that had not passed his correction , nor secret laid up but in his bosome ; which swelled him ( saith he ) to such a monstrosity in pride , that I have heard ( not being my self then neer the English Court ) how he offered to rant at his servants , and did once beat his Coachman for putting his commands under an inferiour expostulation to his Master ; and through this intolerable arrogance in him , and remisness in the Earl , the sparks first flew , that kindled the ruine of them both : Friendship being no more able to maintain its interest against a feminine affection , than so great a pride was to confine it self within the tedder of moderation . The greatest are not free , but led in triumph by the affections of others , through the mediation of their own . Sir Thomas Overbury would do what was most plausible , and the Earl must peform what was lesse popular . The King trusted Carr with his Dispatches , and Carr trusts Overbury a month together without examination , who had full Commission to receive and answer any Letters or other Expresses that came to his hands : Great opportunities offered themselves to Sir Robert Carr , and a great Soul he had to observe them ( Fortune being nothing else but an attentive observation of the revolution of Affairs , and the occasions resulting therefrom : ) observant he was of his Master , who raised him not to eclipse others , but like a brave Prince to ease himself . For Princes ( to use my Lord Bacon's words ) being at too great a distance from their Subjects , to ease themselves into their bosomes , raise some persons to be as it were participes curam , or their Companions : but this Favourite understood as well the humour of the People , as he did the disposition of his Prince , obliging the one no lesse , than he pleased the other . Gay he was , as a Courtier , grave as a Counsellour : to Scholars none more civill , to Soldiers none more liberal ; of States-men none more respective : He had his extraordinary great Vertues upon occasions to shew , and his ordinary little ones always to oblige ; a compleatnesse in all turnes , and upon all occasions was his nature . Familiar he was , yet not cheap ; sociable upon regard , and not upon facility : His behaviour was his soul , free for any exercise or motion ; finding many , and making more opportunities to endear himself : He broke his minde to small observations , yet he comprehended great matters : His carriage was so exact , as if affected ; and yet so graceful , as if natural . That which overthrew the first , bewitched the wisest , and tyred the most patient man , undid this noble person : yet so regular were his affections , that he did nothing publickly in the Countesse of Essex , the Earl of Suffolk's Daughters case , but by due course of Law , the approbation of the gravest and wisest Divines and Counsellors , and the a applause of England : his failings were the faults of his years , rather than of his person ; of his sodain fortune , than of his constant temper : his counsels were safe and moderate ; his publick actions honest and plain ; his first years of favour industrious and active ; his minde noble and liberal . His soul capacious and inquisitive ; his temper yielding and modest . In a word , Sir Robert Carr deserved to be a Favourite , if he had not been one . — He fell because he medled too little with the Secretaries place while in it , and too much when out of it ; giving Overbury too much scope on the one hand to mate him , and Sir Ralph Winwood too much offence to undermine him ; who finding that new Earls occasions growing with his advancements ( I say his occasions , because I think his miscarriages were not his nature , but his necessity ) apt to encroach upon his and other Court-Offices , gave ear to that Intelligence from Flushing , that might ruine him , and set free himself . The first Intimation of his guilt was his earnestnesse for a general Pardon ; and the first argument of it was my Lord Chancellor's scruples in sealing it : whence I date his first declining , attended with as much pity as his first advancement was with envy . We and the Troglodites curse not the Sun-rising more heartily , than we worship it when it sets . The Gentleman was as to his stature rather well compacted than tall ; as to his features and favour , comely , rather than beautiful . — The hair of his head was flaxen , and that of his face yellow : His nature was gentle , his disposition affable , his affections publick , untill a particular person and interest engrossed them : and the good Gentleman being sensible of failers that might ruine him , was wholly intent upon a treasure that might preserve him : — His defect was , that he understood onely his own age ; and that the experience of man's life cannot furnish examples and presidents for the events of one mans life . Observations on the Life of George Abbot . GEorge Abbot being one of that happy Ternion of Brothers , whereof two were eminent Prelates , the third Lord Mayor of London , was bred in Oxford , wherein he became Mr. of University-Colledge ; a pious man , and most excellent Preacher , as his Lectures on Jonah do declare . He did first creep , then run , then flye into Preferment , or rather Preferment did flie upon him without his expectation . He was never Incumbent on any Living with cure of Souls , but was mounted from a Lecturer to a Dignitary ; so that he knew the Stipend and Benevolence of the one , and the Dividend of the other , but was utterly unacquainted with the taking of Tithes , with the many troubles attending it , together with the causelesse molestations which Parsons presented meet with in their repective Parishes . And because it is hard for one to have a Fellow-suffering of that , whereof he never had a suffering ; this ( say some ) was the cause that he was so harsh to Ministers when brought before him . Being Chaplain to the Earl of Dunbar , then omni-prevalent with King James , he was unexpectedly preferred Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , being of a more Fatherly presence than those , who might almost have been his Fathers for age in the Church of England . There are two things much charged upon his memory ; First , That in his house he respected his Secretary above his Chaplains ; and out of it , alwayes honoured Cloaks above Cassocks , Lay above Clergy-men . Secondly , That he connived at the spreading of Nonconformity , insomuch that a Modern Author said , Had Bishop Laud succeeded Bancroft , and the project of Conformity been followed without interruption , there is little question to be made , but that our Jerusalem ( by this time ) might have been a City at unity within it self . This Arch-Bishop was much humbled with a casual Homicide of a Keeper of the Lord Zouch's in Bramel-Parke , though soon after he was solemnly quitted from any irregularity thereby . In the Reign of King Charles he was sequester'd from his Jurisdictions , say some , on the old account of that Homicide , though others say , for refusing to License a Sermon of Doctor Sirptborps . Yet there is not an Expresse of either in the Instrument of Sequestration , the Commission onely saying in the general , That the Arch-Bishop could not at that present in his own Person attend those Services which were otherwise proper for his Cognizance and Jurisdiction . To say the truth , he was a man of good intentions , and knew much , but failed in what those ordinarily do that are devoted to our modern singularities , being extreamly obstinate in his opinions , which the King was more willing to understand than follow , because most times he looked upon things according to the rigour of Ecclesiastick maximes , and was either too curious and irresolute by variety of reading , or too peremptory and positive from the strictnesse of his Rules ; or too zealous by reason of the seriousnesse of his Study ; or wide from the matter , by reason of his inexperience , and aptnesse to require in the times he lived , the regularity of the times he read of ; heeding not the force of Circumstances , the errours of Comparison , or the cautions of Application . I like his Apology for his severity to the Clergy ( that he was austere to prevent others being cruel ) as well as his zeal for the Protestant Religion ; onely his Principles betrayed his profession , which he rendered too obnoxious , while he supported it by those novel grounds which our Adversaries could make us confesse were Heterodox , and by those streight-laced foundations which we saw our selves too narrow . As for instance , King James his vast capacity took him up once for making the Scripture the onely rule of Civil Affairs ; owning the piety , but observing to his face the imprudence of that assertion . Imprudence , I say , as for many reasons , so for this , because to assert a truth upon a weak principle , is to tempt the world to doubt of the strength of the first , when they see the weaknesse of the other . Whether he went off in discontent , and said , He would not attend at the Councel-Table , because he should not wait at the Altar : Whether he had such malignant followers as called themselves Nicodemites , or Night-Disciples : Whether he turned noon-day into mid-night , and mid-night into noon-day , having a candle always burning in his Chamber ; or if so , for what reason , I would not have one of my years determine , but rather refer the present age to his Contemporaries pen , which describes him thus ; A very learned man he was ; his Erudition all of the old stamp , fitly principled in the Doctrine of St. Augustine , pious , grave , and exemplary in his Conversation : But some think him a better man than Arch-Bishop , and that he was better qualified with merit for the Dignity , than with a spirit answering the Function ; in the exercise whereof he was conceived too facile and yielding : his extraordinary remisness in not exacting strict Conformity to the prescribed Orders of the Church in point of Ceremony , seemed to resolve those legal Determinations to their first Principle of Indifference , and led in such an habit of Inconformity , as the future reduction of those tender-conscienced men to long discontinued obedience , was interpreted an innovation . Observations on the Life of Sir George Calvert . SIr George Calvert was bred first in Trinity-Colledge in Oxford , and then beyond the Seas . His Abilities commended him first to be Secretary to Bobert Cecil Earl of Salisbury , Lord Treasurer of England . Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Council , and at last principal Secretary of State to King James , succeeding Sir Tho. Lake in that Office , Anno 1619. Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment , he presented him with a Jewel of great value ; which the Duke returned him again , not owning any Activity in his Advancement , whom King James , ex mero motn , reflecting on his Abilities , designed for the Place . This Place he discharged five years , until he willingly resigned the same , 1624. on this occasion ; He freely confessed himself to the King , that he was then become a Roman Catholique , so that he must either be wanting to his Trust , or violate his conscience in discharging his Office. This his Ingenuity so highly affected King James , that he continued him Privy-Councellor all his Reign , and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland . During his being Secretary , he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus & Proprietarius , with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in the New-found land , a place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somersetshire , wherein Glassenbury stands , the first-fruits of Christianity in Britain , as the other was in that part of America . Here he built a fair house in Ferry-land , and spent twenty five thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof . Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit , but the enlargement of Christianity , and the Kings Dominions , in that his ancient , primitive , and heroick work of planting the world . After the death of King James he went twice in person to New-found Land. Here when Monsieur de l'Arade with three men of War sent from the King of France , had reduced our English Fishermen to great extreamity ; this Lord with two Ships manned at his own charge , chased away the French-men , relieved the English , and took sixty of the French Prisoners . He removed afterwards to Virginia to view those parts , and thence came into England , and obtained of King Charles the first ( who had as great an esteem of , and affection for him , as King James ) a Patent to him and his heirs for Mary-Land on the North of Virginia , with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him , as in Avalon aforesaid , now a hopeful Plantation , peopled with eight thousand English Souls ; which in process of time may prove more advantageous to our Nation . Judge Popham and Sir George Calvert agreed not more unanimously in the publick design of Planting , than they differed in the private way of it : the first was for extirpating Heathens , the second for converting them . — He sent away the lewdest , this the soberest people : the one was for present profit , the other for a reasonable expectation ( it being in the case of planting Countreys , as in that of planting Woods ; you must account to lose almost twenty years profit , and expect your recompence in the end ; it being necessary the Province should first finde her self , and then enrich you . ) The Judge was for many Governors , the Secretary for few , and those not concerned Merchants , but unconcerned Gentlemen : The one granted Liberties without any restraint , the other with great caution : The first set up a common Stock , out of which the Island should be provided for by proportions ; the second left every one to provide for himself . Two things are eminent in this man : 1. That though he was a Catholick , yet kept he himself sincere and disingaged from all Interests ; and though a man of great judgement , yet not obstinate in his sentiments , but taking as great pleasure in hearing others opinions , as in delivering his own , which he heard moderated and censured with more patience , than applauded . 2. That he carried a digested and exact account of Affairs to his Master every night , and took to himself the pains to examine the Letters which related to any Interest that might be any ways considerable . He was the onely States-man , that being engaged to a decryed party , yet managed his business with that huge respect for all sides , that all who knew him , applauded him ; and none that had any thing to do with him , complained of him . Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Chichester . SIr Arthur Chichester spent his youth , first in the University , then in the French and Irish Wars , where by his valour he was effectually assistant , First , to plough and break up that barbarous Nation by Conquest , and then to sow it with seeds of civility , when by King James mad Lord Deputy of Ireland . Indeed good Laws & Provisions had been made by his Predecessors to that purpose : but alas , they were like good Lessons set for a Lute out of tune , uselesse , until the Instrument was fitted for them . Wherefore in order to the civilizing of the Irishry , in the first year of his government , he established two new Circuits for Justices of Assize , the one in Connaught , the other in Munster . And whereas the Circuits in former times onely encompassed the English Pale ( as the Cynosura doth the Pole ) hence forwards like good Planets in their several Spheres , they carried the influence of Justice round about the Kingdome . Yea , in short time Ireland was so cleared of Thieves and capital Offenders , that so many Malefactors have not been found in the 32 Shires of Ireland , as in six English Shires in the Western Circuits . He reduced the Mountains and Glinnes on the South of Dublin ( formerly thorns in the side of the English Pale ) into the County of Wicklow ; and in conformity to the English custome , many Irish began to cut their Mantles into Cloaks . So observant was his eye over the actions of suspected persons , that Tyrone was heard to complain , That he could not drinke a full carouse of Sack , but the State within few hours was advertised thereof . After he had been continued many years in his Deputyship , and deservedly made a Lord , King James recalled him home , and ( loth to leave his Abilities unemployed ) sent him Embassador to the Emperour and other German Princes . Being besieged in the City of Mainchine ( a place much indebted to his prudence for seasonable victualling it ) by Count Tilley , he sent him word , that it was against the Law of Nations to besiege an Embassador : Tilley returned that he took no notice that he was an Embassador . The Lord Chichester replyed to the Messenger , Had my Master sent me with as many hundred men , as he hath sent me on fruitless Messages , your Generall should have known , that I had been a Soldier , as well as an Embassador . King James at his return entertained him with great commendations , for so well discharging his Trust ; and he died in as great honour as any English-man of our Age. Thus farre the Historians . Whence I observe him stout in his nature above any disorder upon Emergencies , a resolved in his temper above any impressions from other Princes , and high in his Proposal beyond the expectation of his own . Al vergonzoto el Diablo le traxo al Palacio , The Devil brought the Bashful to Court , where none succeeds but he who can aske enough to be granted , and enough to be a abated . There is a memorable observation of Philip the second , King of Spain , called El prudente ; That when he had designed one for Embassador , the man came faintly and coldly to him to propose some things for the accommodation of his Embassie ; and he said , How can I expect that this man can promote and effectuate my businesse , when he is so faint and fearful in the solicitation of his own ? Yet was not my Lord Chichester more resolute in Germany , than wary in Ireland , where his opinion was , that time must open and facilitate things for Reformation of Religion , by the Protestant Plantations ; by the care of good Bishops and Divines , the amplification of the Colledge , the education of Wards , an insensible seisure of Popish liberties , &c. and that the Council there was so numerous ( fifty or sixty at least ) that the authority of it was debated , and its businesse divulged . In a word , this brave Gentleman had an equal minde , that kept up it self between the discourses of Reason , and the examples of Histories , in the enjoyment of a good fortune , and a conflict with a bad . Observations on the Life of the Lord Chancellor Egerton . THe Lord Chancellour Egerton , extracted from the ancient Family of the Egerton's of Kidley in Cheshire , was bred in the study of the Municipal Laws of our Land , wherein he attained to such eminency , that Queen Elizabeth made him her Solicitor , then Master of the Rolls , and at last Keeper of the Great Seal , May 6. in the 38 year of her Reign , 1596. Olaus Magnus reporteth , that the Emperour of Moscovia at the Audience of Ambassadors , sendeth for the gravest and seemliest men in Mosco and the Vicinage , whom he apparelleth in rich Vests ; and placing them in his presence , pretendeth to Forraigners , that these are of his Privy-Council ; who cannot but be much affected with so many reverent Aspects . But surely all Christendome afforded not a person which carried more gravity in his countenance and behaviour than Sir Thomas Egerton , insomuch that many have gone to the Chancery on purpose onely to see his venerable Garb ( happy they who had no other businesse ) and were highly pleased at so acceptable a spectacle . Yet was his outward Case nothing in comparison of his inward Abilities , quick Wit , solid Judgement , ready Utterance . I confess Master Cambden saith , he entred his Office Magna expectatione & integritatis opinione , with a great expectation and opinion of Integrity : But no doubt , had he revised his work in a second Edition , he would have afforded him a full-faced commendation , when this Lord had turned his expectation to performance . In the first of King James , of Lord Keeper he was made Lord Chancellor , which is also another name for the same Office : and on Thursday the seventh of November , 1616. of Lord Elismer he was created Viscount Brackley . It is given to Courts whose Jurisdictions do border , to fall out about their bounds ; and the contest betwixt them is the hotter , the higher the spirits and parts of the respective Judges . Great was the contention for many years together betwixt this Lord of Equity , and Sir Edward Cooke the Oracle of Justice at Westminster-Hall : I know not which of them got the better ; sure I am , such another Contest would ( if this did not ) have undone the Conqueror . He was attended on with servants of most able parts , and was the sole Chancellor since the Reformation , who had a Chaplain , which ( though not immediately ) succeeded him in his place . He gave over his Office which he held ful twenty years , some few dayes before his death ; and by his own appointment , his body was brought down and buried at Duddleston in Cheshire , leaving a fair estate to his Son , who was afterwards created Earl of Bridgewater , as he did to his excellent Son now living . When he saw King James his munificence to some Courtiers , with the grave Fidelity of a States-man , he sticked not often to tell him , That as he held it necessary for his Majesty amply to remunerate all those his Countrey-men , so he desired him carefully to prese ve his Crown-lands for his own support , seeing he or his Successors might meet with Parliaments which would not supply his occasions , but on such conditions as would not be very acceptable unto him . It was an ordinary speech in his mouth to say , Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. His plain , but honest advice to my Lord of Essex was , 1. Not to trust himself , because they that stand by , see more than they that play the game . 2. To yield to Time and Fortune , and not do that for his Enemies , which they could never do for themselves . 3. To have a careful eye upon those actions on which he knew there were many envious ones . And for himself , his supplication to King James was , That since his conceit and sense was grown so heavy , his Memory decay'd , his Judgement weak , his Hearing imperfect , and his Voice faltering , he might desinere potius quam deficere , and retire from his Businesse to his Meditation , as he did ; while living , imparting many mysteries of the Chancery ; and when dying , bequeathing as many choice Books and Directions to his then Chaplain , and his after-Successor Doctor Williams . — Secretary Winwood having received the Seal , and left this gracious Message with this good man , that his Majesty would be his Under-keeper , and not dispose of it while he lived to bear the name of Chancellor : nor did any receive the Seal out of the Kings fight , while he lived to bear the name of Chancellor . A company of Citizens got a Cause passed by keeping a Witnesse away in this manner ; one of them gets him to the Tavern , and there leaves him with a quart of Sack before him , and the glass at his mouth , and swears in open Court , that he left him in a condition , wherein if he continueth but two hours , he is a dead man. The other Party finde out the cheat , and have their remedy in Chancery : Sir Edward Cook brings the matter to the Star-Chamber , and threatneth the Chancellor with a Premunire . The business is debated , and sentence passed for my Lord Chancellor ; with the comfort whereof , and the Kings and Princes Letter to him upon his Death-bed , he went to his Grave . Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Justice Popham . SIr John Popham in his youthful dayes was a stout and skilful man at Sword and Buckler as any in that Age , and wilde enough in his Recreations . But oh ! saith my Author , if Quick-silver could be really fixed , to what a treasure would it amount ? Such is wilde youth seriously reduced to gravity , as by this young man did appear , who applyed himself to a more profitable Fencing , the study of the Lawes ; therein attaining to such eminency , that he became the Queens Attorney , afterwards Lord Chief-Justice of England . Being sent Anno 1600. by the Queen with some others to the Earl of Essex , to know the cause of the confluence of so many Military men unto his house , the Soldiers therein detained him for a time , which some made tantamount to an Imprisonment . This his violent detention Sir John deposed upon his Oath at the Earl's Tryal : which I note the rather , for the rarity thereof , that a Lord Chief-Justice should be produced as Witness in open Court. In the beginning of the Reign of King James , his justice was exemplary on Theeves and Robbers . The Land then swarmed with people which had been Soldiers , who had never gotten ( or else quite forgotten ) any other Vocation . Hard it was for Peace to feed all the idle mouths which a former War did breed , being too proud to beg , too lazy to labour : Those infested the High-wayes with their Fellonies ; some presuming on their multitudes , as the Robber on the Northern Rode , whose knot ( otherwise not to be untied ) Sir John cut asunder with the Sword of Justice . He possessed King James , how the frequent granting of Pardons was prejudicial to Justice , rendring the Judges to the contempt of insolent Malefactors ; which made his Majesty more sparing afterwards in that kinde . In a word , the deserved death of some scores , preserved the lives and livelihoocs of some thousands : Travellers owing their safety to this Judges severity , many years after his death . Neither did he onely punish Malefactors , but provide for them ; for observing that so many suffered and died for none other reason but because they could not live in England , now grown too populous for it's self , and breeding more Inhabitants toan it could keep , he first set up the discovery of New-England , to maintain and employ those that could not live honestly in the old ; being of opinion , that banishment thither would be as well a more lawful , as a more effectual remedy against those extravagancies ; the Authors whereof judge it more eligible to hang , than to work ; to end their days in a moment , than to continue them in pains : — onely a great Judgement observes , it is a shameful and an unblessed thing , to take the scum of people and wicked condemned men to be the people with whom to plant : And not onely so , but it spoyleth the Plantation , for they will ever live like Rogues , and not fall to work , and do mischief , and spend Victuals , and be quickly weary , and then certifie over to the Countrey , to the disgrace of the Common-wealth . Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Dudley . SIr Robert Dudley , son to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester , by Dougles Shefield ( whether his Mistriss or his Wife , God knows ) was born at Sbene in Surrey , and bred by his Mother ( out of his Fathers reach ) at Offington in Sussex , where he became a most compleat Gentleman in all suitable Accomplishments , endeavouring in the Reign of King James to prove his Legitimacy ; and meeting with much opposition from the Court , in distaste , he left his Land , and went over into Italy . But worth is ever at home , and carrieth its own welcome along with it . Therefore he became a Favourite to the Duke of Florence , who highly reflected on his Abilities , and used his Directions in all his Buildings . At this time Legorn from a childe , started to a Man , without ever being a youth , and of a small Town grew a great City on a sudden , and is much beholding to this Sir Robert for its Fairnesse and Firmnesse , as chief contriver of both . But by this time his Adversaries in England had procured him to be call'd home by a special Privy-Seal ; which he refused to obey , and thereupon all his Lands in England were seised upon by the King , by the Statute of Fugitives . These losses doubled the love of the Duke of Florence unto him . And indeed Sir Robert was a much-meriting person on many Accounts , being an Excellent 1 Mathematician , especially for the Practical part thereof in Architecture . 2 Physician , his Catholicon at this day finding good Esteem amongst those of that Faculty . 3 Navigator , especially in the Western Seas . Indeed long before his leaving of England , whilest as yet he was Rectus in Curia , well esteemed in Queen Elizabeths Court , he sailed with three small Ships to the Isle of Trinidad , in which voyage he sunk and took nine Spanish ships ; whereof one an Armada of 600 Tun. He was so acceptable to Ferdinand the second , Emperour of Germany , that by his Letters Patents bearing date at Vienna , March 9. 1620. he conferred on him and his Heirs the Title of a Duke of the Sacred Empire . Understand it a Title at large ( as that of Count Arundel's ) without the Assignation of any proper Place unto him . King James had heard so much of the Father , that he did not care for the Son , who might have been neer his Person , had not his Ancestors been so near his Predecessors — no other Considerations being likely to keep so extraordinary parts at this distance from a King that valued them so highly , or a Kingdom that needed them so much . — That Prince being as jealous an observer of Original sin in Policy , as he was an Orthodox Assertor of it in Religion , would trust no tainted blood . Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Bancroft . DOctor Richard Bancroft , ( whom his Adversaries character a better States-man than Divine , a better Divine than Preacher , though upon good occasion he shewed he was all these ) was bred in Jesus Colledge in Cambridge , where his parts in discovering the bottom of Presbytery , and his sufficiency when his Patron Hatton's Examiner commended him to Queen Eliz. to be Bishop of London , and to King James to be Arch-Bishop of Canterbury . Indeed he was in effect Arch-Bishop while Bishop , to whom Doctor Whitgift in his decrepit age remitted the managing of matters , so that he was the soul of the High-Commission . A great States-man he was , and grand Champion of Church-discipline ; having well hardned the hands of his Soul , which was no more than needed for him , who was to meddle with Nettles and Bryars , and met with much opposition . No wonder if those who were silenced by him in the Church , were loud against him in other places . David speaketh of poyson under mens lips ; This Bishop tasted plentifully thereof from the mouths of his Enemies , till at last ( as Mithridates ) he was so habited to poisons , that they became food unto him . Once a Gentleman coming to visit him , presented him a Libel , which he found pasted on his door ; who being nothing moved thereat , said , Cast it to an hundred more which lie here on a heap in my Chamber . Many a Libel , ( Lye ) ( because false ) ( Bell ) because loud ▪ was made upon him . The aspersion of covetousness , though cast , doth not stick on his memory , being confuted by the Estate which he left , small in proportion to his great preferment , being but 6000 l. after being above twelve years in London and Canterbury . He cancelled his first Will , wherein he had bequeathed much to the Church : suspecting an impression of popular violence on Cathedrals , and fearing an A ienation of what was bequeathed unto them , he thought fit to cancel his own , to prevent others cancelling his Testament . This partly appears by his second Will , wherein he gave the Library at Lambeth ( the result of his own , and three Predecessors collections ) to the University of Cambridge ( which now they possess ) in case the Arch-Episcopal See should be extinct . How came such a jealousie into his minde ? what fear of a storme when the Sun shined , the Skye clear , no appearance of Clouds ? Surely his skill was more than ordinary in the complexion of the Common wealth , who did foresee what afterward ( for a time ) came to pass . This clause providentially inserted , secured this Library in Cambridge during the vacancy of the Archi-Episcopal See , and so prevented the embezelling , at the least the dismembring thereof , in our late civil distempers . They that accuse this excellent Prelate of cruelty , never read this story : A Minister privately protested to him , that it went against his conscience to conform . Which way said the good Arch-Bishop ( observing the mans ingenuity ) will you live , if you be put out of your Benefice ? The other answered , He bad no other way but to go a begging . Not so ( said the Arch-Bishop ) that you shall not need to do , but come to me , and I will take order for your maintenance . They that exclaimed against his unserviceablenesse , never observed this passage : A company of young Courtiers appeared extraordinary gallant at a Tilting , far above their Fortunes and Estates , giving for their Motto , Solvat Ecclesia . Bishop Bancroft then of London hearing of it , finds on enquiry that the Queen was passing a considerable parcel of Church-lands to them , and stops the businesse with his own and his friends Interest , leaving these Gallants to pay the shot of their pride and prodigality out of their own purses . — And this ; that a prevalent Courtier had swallowed up the whole Bishoprick of Durham , had not this Arch-Bishop seasonably interposed his power with King James ( ready enough to admit such Intercessions ) and dashed the design . They that traduce him for a Papist , forget that he fomented the difference between the Seculars , and Regulars , to the weakning , and promoted the foundation of Chelsey-Colledge , to the ruining of that cause . But they that perform great actions , reserving as it is fit the reason of them in their own bosomes , may sufficiently satisfie their Consciences towards God , though they can hardly avoid the censures of men . I shall add no more concerning this excellent Prelate , but that it was observed as the Historian writes , That at Hampton-Court-Conference Arch-Bishop Whitgift spake most gravely , Bishop Bilson most learnedly , but Bishop Bancroft [ when out of passion ] most politickly . Observations on the Life of the Lord Grandison . SIr Oliver Saint-John , Lord Grandison , &c. descended of an ancient and honourable Family , whose prime Seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in Wiltshire , though their first settlement was in South-Wales . He was bred in the Wars from his youth , and at last by King James was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland , and vigorously pursued the Principles of his Predecessors for the civilizing thereof . Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Countrey to obedience , the Lord Chichester to some civility , and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master . T. Walsingham a writeth , that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third thirty thousand pounds a year paid into his Exchequer : but it appears by the b Irish Records ( which are rather to be believed ) that it was rather a burthen , and the constant Revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion . But now , the Kingdom being peaceably setled , the income thereof turned to good Account , so that Ireland ( called the Land of Ire for the constant broils therein for four hundred years ) was now become the Land of Concord . This noble Person recalled into England , lived many years in great repute , leaving his Honours to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers , but the main of his Estate to his Brothers son Sir John St. John Knight and Baronet . So sweet and charming his Conversation , that he was beloved by all his Superiours , and envied by no Inferiour ; being never advanced to any great Dignity , but he was wished to a greater : So exact his vigilancy , so constant his industry , so plausible his actions , attended with no lesse civility to all men , than duty to his Soveraign : So frank and ingenious his Integrity , that none feared him ; so discreet his management of Businesse , and so strong his judgement , that any might confide in him . One he was that crossed the Italian Proverb , Di Dunaridi senno , e di fede , In e Manco che non Crede : having more money , more faith , yea and more wisdome too than was generally esteemed . I mean wisdome of behaviour , wisdome of busidesse , and wisdome of State ; in the last whereof he aimed at a general settlement , which he observed would bear particular errours , provided that Care , Labour , Vigilancy , and prudent Inquietude attended , that forceth Difficulties , constrains Fortune , assures good Counsels , corrects bad , supports and overthroweth designs , disposeth of accidents ; observeth time , manageth hazards , forgets nothing ; seldome trusts others , and improveth all Occurrents : and that first maxime of Policy he observed , That who layeth out most , layeth out least , that petty frugalities undo the main Interest . Observations on the Life of Sir Tho Overbury . SIr Thomas Overbury , son to Sir Nicholas Overbury , one of the Judges of the Marches , was born at Burton on the Hill in Gloucestershire , bred in Oxford , and attained to be a most accomplished Gentleman , partly at Grayes-Inn● and partly in France ; which the happinesse of his Pen both in Poetry and Prose doth declare . In the later he is observed to be the first writer of Characters of our Nation . But if the great parts of this Gentleman were guilty of Insolence and Petulancy , which some since have charged on his memory ▪ reporting of him , that he should say , Somerset owed his advancement to him , and that he should walk with his hat on before the Queen ; we may charitably presume , that his reduced age would have corrected such Juvenile extravagancies . It is questionable , whether Robert Carr Earl of Somerset were more in the favour of King James , or this Sir Thomas Overbury in the favour of the Earl of Somerset , untill he lost it by disswading that Lord from keeping company with a Lady ( the Wi●e of another person of honour ) as neither for his credit here , or comfort hereafter . Soon after Sir Thomas was by King James designed Embassador for Russia . His false friends perswaded him to decline the Employment , as no better than an honourable Grave . Better lye some days in the Tower , than more months in a worse Prison ; A ship by Sea , and a barbarous cold Countrey by Land. Besides , they possessed him , that within a small time , the K. should be wrought to a good opinion of him . But he that willingly goes into a Prison , out of hope to come easily out of it , may stay therein so long , till he be too late convinced of another Judgement . Whilest Sir Thomas was in the Tower , his Refusal was presented to the King as an Act of high Contempt , as if he valued himself more than the King's service . His strict restraint gave the greater liberty to his enemies to practice his death , 1615. which was by poyson performed : Yet was his blood legally revenged , which cost some a violent , and others a civill death , as deprived of their Offices . The Earl was soon abated in King James his affection ( Oh! the short distance betwixt the cooling and quenching of a Favourite ) being condemned , and banished the Court. Exact are the remarks he drew up of Foreign Countreys , & therefore no lesse such his transactions for his own . In this most esteemed with King James and his Master , that he suited both their Geniuses in the easie and clear method , wherein he expressed the most difficult and knotty Affairs ; for they both being perplexed with that variety of Affairs in general , that they could not readily look into difficult Cases in particular , loved those that made things out easie and clear to them , as well fitted for their apprehensions , as obvious to their judgement — owning a Soul so quiet , that abate its youthful extravagancies , it knew not a motion but what was Duty and Interest ; felt no agitation but what was reason , and what Philosophy conveyed into the souls of the wisest , and observation insinuated into the spirit of the closest : if he expected a recompence suitable to his services , or an acknowledgement answerable to his merit , he understood not the humour and nature of man-kinde , the interest of Favourites , or his own parts , too guilty of reputation to be advanced , and of power not to be suppressed . — It 's Machi●vel's rule ; That they who rise very high , should descend timely , and quit the envy , lest they lose the honour of their greatnesse . Although this Gentleman's skill in accommodating Factions , in the Art of Negotiation , in the charm of Language , in the Interest of Princes , in mastering his own Resentments as well as his Enemies that provoked him , had preserved him , if he had known as well how to hold his Tongue , as how to speak ; if he had understood others humours as well as they did his ; and if he had skilled as well from whom to have refused kindnesse , as from whom he deserved it . — In a word , he that considered so many other Maximes , was defective in complyance with his own , viz. That vertue is there unprofitable , where too great ; and that many had lost the favour of their Masters by over-much meriting it . Observations on the Life of Sir Clem. Edmonds . SIr Clement Edmonds , that learned and judicious Remembrancer of the City of London , was born at * Shratvardine in Shropshire , and bred Fellow of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford , being generally skilled in all Arts and Sciences ; witnesse his faithful Translations of , and learned Illustrations on Caesar's Commentaries . Say not that Comment on Commentary was false Heraldry , seeing it is so worthy a work , that the Author thereof may passe for an eminent instance to what perfection of Theory they may attain to in matter of War , who were not acquainted with the practick part thereof ; being once employed by Queen Elizabeth , with a dispatch to Sir Francis Vere , which occasioned his presence at the Battel at Newport : For he doth so smartly discuss , pro and con , and seriously decide many Martial Controversies , that his judgement therein is praised by the best Military Masters . King James taking notice of his Abilities , made him Clerk of the Council , and Knighted him ; and he was at last preferred Secretary of State , in the vacancy of that place ; but prevented by death , he acted not therein . At this day his goodnesse in his general carriage out-did his prudence and his prudence in particular , his goodnesse ; but his industry both in all things , and in nothing more than in his Scotch Negotiations , where he over-reached the slye French , composed and setled the unsatisfied King , and sent those weekly Advertisements to his Mistriss , that Sir Robert Cecil confessed the Master-wheel of those years revolutions . When Charls the fifth presented Secretary Eraso to his Son Philip the second , he said , He gave him somewhat greater than his Estate , and more royal than his Empire . When Sir William Waad introduced Sir Clement Edmonds to Court , he brought thither in that person more than he could carry away in his own : A person much accomplished in the great precepts and rules he observed ; more in his experience and application of those he practised ; wherein he was wise , but not presumptuous ; exact , but not pedantick ; allowing much to old Observations , more to new Circumstances : He was not more beholding to his Nature , than his Nature to his Study and Meditation ; and that to time and experience , which offered at once occasions of instruction , and matter of exercises , to his great understanding , so well acquainted with the affairs of former Ages , that he could not be surprized with those of his own , knowing how to command , before he was called to obey as who trusted not to his own , short and perplexed life , that scarce holds out five or six important Negotiations , and ordinarily ceaseth to be , before it beginneth to know : but his policy may be guessed from his morality ; and his publick carriage in the ●umults of Affairs , from his private conduct and command in the disorders of nature , these being as well managed by his reason , as the former by his prudence : His lesser skill in governing the little world being an earnest of that more large in ruling the greater . — The Government of others , saith Philosophy , is not fit for him who is a Slave to himself . Observations on the Life of James Hay , Earl of Carlisle . ONe Hay his Ancestor saved Scotland from an Army of Danes at Longcarty with a a Yoak in his hand . James Hay 600 years after saved the King of that Countrey from the Gowries at their house with a Culter in his : the first had as much ground assigned him by King Kenith as a Falcon could flye over at one flight , and the other as much Land as he could ride round in two dayes . The whole Family fell before Dublin-Castle in former dayes , save a childe left in his Mothers womb ; and had decayed in ours , but that the heir of it was cut out from his . He served his Master in Scotland by his Generosity , and in England with his Hospitality ; the decay whereof King James observed the defect of the English Nobility ; and the restauration of it , he designed the honour of the Sc●ts Gentry . Royal was his Masters munificence towards him , noble his towards others ; His Majesty being not more intent upon his advancement for publick service , than he was upon the advancement of others to his private assistance : His Majesties gracious inclination being for a Reign of Peace , this servants estate was spent upon the Arts of it , I mean upon Feasts , Masques , gay Cloathes , and such other Delicacies as might soften our harsher natures to quietnesse , that Princes interest , who was first to understand , and then to manage the strength of this Nation . Although he failed in most of his Negotiations , because he carried his money on his back , rather than in his purse ; rather to spend , than to bestow ; and amaze Foreigners , rather than oblige them : Yet was his Embassie more suitable to the French vanity , than either the Dutch thrift , or the Germane plainnesse ; and his carriage more answerable to a gawdy Treaty of Marriage , than to a close Agency for Interest , or the intricate consultations of War. So great the report of his Hospitality , that an Host of Delph demanded sixty pounds for providing him a Supper , though he never came that way ; yet so displeasing to the Prince of Orange , that when his Steward asked what he should provide extraordinarily for the great Embassador's entertainment ; the Prince looks on his Bill of Fare , and whereas there was but one Pig , he bid them write two ; tartly reflecting as well on my Lords Nation , as his magnificence . — One of his Entertainments I understand not the reason of , I mean his Ante-Suppers ; the manner of which was , to have the Board covered at the first entrance of Guests , with dishes as high as a tall man could well reach , filled with the choicest and dearest Viands Sea or Land could afford : and all this once seen , and having feasted the eyes of the invited , was removed , and fresh set on to the same height , having onely this advantage of the other , that it was hot ; at one whereof , an Attendant eat to his single share a whole Pye reckoned to my Lord at twenty pounds , being composed of Amber-greece , Magisterial of Pearl , Musk , &c. yet was so far from being sweet in the morning , that he almost poysoned his whole Family , flying himself like the Satyr from his own stink : and another went away with forty pound of Sweet-meats in his Cloak-bag . Yet must I needs judge him uncharitable that writ of this noble person , that when the most able Physicians , and his own weaknesse had passed a judgement he could not live many dayes , he did not forbear his Entertainments , but made divers brave Cloaths , as he said , to outface naked and despicable Death ; adding withal , That nature wanted wisdome , power or love , in making man mortal and subject to diseases : Forgetting ( as that censorious Pen goeth on ) that if every Individual his own lust had been able to have produced , should have prosecuted an equal excesse with his , they would in a far lesse time than an age have brought themselves or the world into the same disease he died of , which was a Consumption . For my part , I adhere to their Civility that represent his nature modest , his demeanor fair and Court-like , his obligations general , his interest as great with the Favourite as with the King ; and so much the greater with the King , as he studied him more , and understood him better than any man : though one observeth , he was rather in his favour , than in his bosome , and therefore he took care , That as his Expedition and Civility made him the great Master of Requests at Court , so his Marriage with the Heir-general of the Dennies should get him an Estate in the Countrey — wherewith he compleated his kindnesse with bounty , and adorned his bounty with courtesie . — Courtesie not affected , but naturally made up of humility , that secured him from Envy , and a Civility that kept him in esteem ; he being happy in an expression that was high , and not formal ; and a Language that was Courtly , and yet real . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Lake . SIr Thomas Lake was bred a Scholar under Saravia in Hampshire , a States-man under Sir Francis Walsingham at Court , where such his dexterity and dispatch , that he would indite , write , and discourse at the same time , more exactly than most men could severally perform them , being then called the Swift-sure ; such his celerity and solidity in all Affairs ! From the Secretaries Amanuensis , he was promoted the Queens Clerk of the Signet , to whom he read French and Latine to her dying day ; for he was reading to her , when the Countesse of Warwick told him that the Queen was departed . In which Tongues she often said he surpassed her Secretaries . Such his sufficiency ( especially in keeping secrets ) that King James employed him in some French Affairs at his first arrival without Cecil , and afterwards as Secretary of State above him . For King James ( that loved what ever was facile and fluent ) being taken among other his Abilities with his Latine pen , said , that he was a Minister of State fit to serve the greatest Prince in Europe ; and that the Secretaries place needed him more than he it . Of whom I have no more to add , but that he was oue of the three noble hands that first led Mr. George Villiers to King James his Favour . Observations on the Life of Lyonel Cranfield , Earl of Middlesex . SIr Lyonel was born in Basinghal street , a Citizen , bred in the Custome-house , a Merchant-Adventurer ; his own Tutor , and his own University ; though his Family was ancient in Gloucestershire , and his Arms in the Heralds Office. King James was taken with hm for his brief , clear , strong and pertinent discourses : The Duke of Buckingham was displeased because he would stand without him , yea in some things against him : many were as active as this stirring Lord , none more exact ; his presence was comely , his countenance cheerful and grave , his soul witty and wise , his apprehension quick and solid , his thoughts setled and resolved . When one asked him how a man might prevent death , he said , Get to be Lord-Treasurer , for none died in that Office. Though no Scholar , yet was he bountiful to Scholars ; though a Courtier , yet was he hospitable in the Countrey ; though he suffered much , yet was he contented ; and though he lost much , yet was he charitable . Very serviceable he was to the State in the business of Trade in general , but most in that of the Custom-house in particular : His first preferment was the custody of the Wardrobe , his second was the Mastership of the Court of Wards and Liveries , and his third the Treasurer-ship of England . In the last whereof , his improvement of the Revenue , gained him not more honour with the King , than it did him envy from the Courtiers ; While to piece out the Treasure with the expence , he husbanded the one so thristily , and retrenched the other so rigidly , that malice it self after many attempts to that purpose , could finde no fault with his exact account in the boundlesse trust of the tempting Treasury . When the Prince was in Spain , he was the States-man of the Council-Table , and the chief Minister of the Cabal , managing all the Dispatches , and overlooking all the Expences : In the last of which services he ran counter to the Duke of Buckingham's inclination , and his own Interest ; which was to keep himself up by that noble Person 's favour , as he rose by his alliance . The occasion of his preferment might be some saving secrets of the Custome-house-men to improve the Revenue ; the reason of his decline , was some thristy suggestion touching the Courtiers to preserve it . This is certain , he was a man fit for government , who quickly apprehended where any evil was , and had capacity enough to apply the remedy ; onely he had a little too stiffe a nature that would not easily yield , when he found on which side there was most reason ; and too much of the City in his maximes , which pretended to attain to that in a short time , which Politicians think not proper to arrive at but by a leasurely succession of Ages and Generations . Observations on the Life of Henry Howard Earl of Northampton . THis Family had endeared it self to many Kings by its services , but to none more than King James by its obligations . Thomas Duke of Norfolke being as it were his Mothers Martyr [ executed for a design to marry her ] and all his Relations his Confessors [ kept under for their inclinations to advance him : ] Reasonable therefore it was , that my Lord that Dukes brother should be made Baron of Marnhill , Earl of Northampton , Knight of the Garter , Privy-Councellor , Lord Privy-Seal , and Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports . — Learning in any man had King James his affection , especially in a Noble-man , as our States-man , who was as serious a Student in Kings-Colledge and Trinity-Hall in Cambridge , as a discerning observator in Rome and Florence in Italy . His Dispensative against the supposed poyson of Prophesies , dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham , bespeaks him a great and a general Scholar : His Speeches at Cambridge and in Star-Chamber , argue him both witty and wise : His expences shewed him publick-spirited , the unparallel'd port of his Family and dependants an Ancient Noble-man : His designing of Audley-End , and building of Suffolk-house , an Architect : His Hospital for twelve poor women , and a Governour at Rise in Norfolk ; for twelve poor men , and a Governour at Clin in Shropshire ; for twenty poor men , and a Governour at Greenwich in Kent [ whereof eight to be chosen out of Shose-Sham where he was born ] a charitable man : his using of all his interest to avoid the burthen & weight of the Treasurer's place , and procure it for the Earl of Suffolke his Nephew , his noble disposition , not to advance himself by Court-flattery , or his fortune by State employment , being a Batchellour and a Student ; An instance of my Lord Bacon's observation ; He that hath Wife and Children , hath given Hostages to Fortune , for they are Impediments to great Enterprizes either to Vertue or Mischief . Certainly the best works , and of greatest merit for the Publick proceed from the unmarried and the Childelesse , which both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick . But to conclude this particular ; this Lord told his intimate Secretary Mr. George Penny ( who related it to my Author ) that his Nativity ( at his Fathers desire ) was calculated by a skilful Italian Astrologer , who told him that this his Infant-son should taste of much trouble in the middest of his life , even to the want of a meals meat ; but his old age should make amends for all , with a plentiful estate : which came to passe accordingly . For his Father dying in his infancy , no plentiful provision was made for him : and when his eldest Brother Thomas Duke of Norfolke was executed , his condition was much impaired ; insomuch that being once in London ( not overstocked with money ( when his noble Nephews the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Thomas Howard were out of Town ) and loath to pin himself on any Table uninvited ) he was fain to dine with the Chair of Duke Humphrey ; but other ( not to say better company ) viz. reading of books in Stationers Shops in St. Paul's Church-yard ; though afterwards he attained to great wealth , honour and command : However that Lord gave little credit to , and placed lesse confidence in such Predictions , as appeared by a learned Work he hath written on that subject . Observations on the Life of Sir John Ramsey , Earl of Holderness , and Sir Tho. Ereskin Earl of Kelly . BOth their preferments began on the same occasion ; both their natures were eminent for the same innocence and goodnesse ; both their services tend to the same iss●e , and therefore both their Characters come under one observation ; which it's more proper to take in the word of their Countrey-man and Contemporary that knew them , than in the expression of a stranger that onely heard of them . The whole story runs thus : The name of Ruthen in Scotland was not notorious , until Anno 1568. when Ruthen amongst others , Confederates , in those divided times of trouble , laboured much for the imprisoning Queen Mary Mother to King James . In 1582. his son William was created Earl Gowry , in the time of that King's minority , though the Father bore deadly hatred to the King's prosperity . And in 1584. himself was in actual Rebellion , in which he suffered at Dondee . His eldest son John , then in Travel in Italy , returns home to inherit his lands and honours ; but not one jot changed in disposition from the traiterous wayes of his Predecessors : For not long after he falls into this Conspiracy ; which is not so ancient , but that many then and now living can , and my self have heard the repetition . The house of Gowry were all of them much addicted to study Chymistry ; and these more to practise it , often publishing ( as such Professors usually do ) more rare experiments then ever could be performed ; wherein the King ( a general Scholar ) had little faith . But to infuse more credit to the practice , Alexander Ruthen the second brother takes this occasion , and withal conspires with Gowry to assassinate the King ; and taking opportunity in his hunting , not far from his house St. Johnstone , invites the King to be an eye-witnesse of his productions . In their way Sir Thomas Erskin ( after Lord Kelly ) overtakes them and others , Demanding of the Duke of Lenox , then present , why Alexander had ingrossed the King's eare , to carry him from his Sports ? Peace man , said the Duke , Wee's all be turn'd into gold . Not far they rid , but that the Earl Gowry made good by protestation his Brother's story . And thus was the King brought to be a Guest . Neer the end of Dinner , at his Fruit , and the Lords and Waiters gone to eat , Alexander begs of the King , at this opportunity to withdraw , and to be partaker of his Production , to the view of that which yet he could not believe . And up he leads the King into by-lodgings , locking each door behind them , till they came into a Back Room ; where no sooner entered , but that Alexander claps on his Bonnet , and with stern countenance , faces the King , and says ; Now Sir , you must know , I had a Father , whose blood calls for revenge shed for your sake . The King amazed , deales gently with his fury , excuses the guilt of his death , by his then - Infancy . Advising him not to lay violent hands on the sacred Person of his Anointed Soveraign , Especially in a cause of his Innocency : Pleading the Laws of God & Man ; which so much wrought upon him , that he said , Well , I will speak with my Brother : and so put the King into a Lobby Room next the Chamber ; where no sooner entered , but that there appeared a fellow weaponed , ready for execution , to whose custody the King is committed till his return . Alexander gone down , the fellow trembles with Reverence , puts down his Sword , and craves pardon ; which gave the King occasion to work upon that passion , and to ask him whether he resolved to murther him ? Being assured to the contrary , the King gets leave to open a window , that looked into a back Court. When presently Alexander returns , and tells the King that he must dye : But much affrighted at the Fellow's 〈◊〉 , with his sword offers violence to the King ; Which the fellow seemingly opposes , and between them began a 〈◊〉 , which gave advantage to the King to cry Tre●son at the Window , which looked into a back-Court , where Sir Thomas Erskin , and o●● Herries , were come in pursuit of the King , who was rumoured to be gone out the back-way to his ●●nting . At the cry of Treason , and known to be the King's voice , they both hastened up a back-stair , called the Turn-pike , being directed by a servant of the house , who saw Alexander ascend that way . And so forcing some doors , they found them above , panting with the fray ; and up comes also at heels of them , John Ramsey ( after Earl of Holdernesse : ) by them Alexander was soon dispatched . Not long after came the Earl Gowry ( by his double key ) the first way , with a case of Rapiers , his usual weapons , and ready drawn . To whom Erskin said , as to divert his purpose ; What do you mean , my Lord ? the King is kill'd : ( for the King was shadowed , having cast himself upon a Bed from his sight , and his Cloak was thrown upon the Body of Alexander , bleeding upon the ground . ) At which Gowry stops , sinking the points of his weapons ; when suddenly Herries strikes at him with a hunting Falchion . And Ramsey having his Hawk on his ●ist , casts her off , and steps in to Gowry , and stabs him to the heart ; and forthwith more Company came up . Not long after this Conspiracy , Herries dies well rewarded . John Ramsey hath the Honour of Knighthood , with an additional bearing to his Coat of Arms , A Hand holding forth a Dagger , reversed proper , piercing a bloody Heart , The point crowned Emperial , with this Distick , Haec Dextra Vindex Principis & P●triae . Afterwards he was created Lord Haddington , and Earl of Holdernesse . Sir Thomas Erskin was afterwards created Earl of Kelly , Knight of the Garter , Captain of the King's Guard , and Groom of the Stool ; and the Fellow designed for the Murtherer , had a large Pension confirmed by Act of their Parliament . And all these men ( but Herries ) were living , with other witnesses , at King James his journey , when he went from hence to visit Scotland , and met together by direction at the same house , with Ceremony ; and all of them , with a number of Courtiers , ascended into the same Room , the blood yet remaining where the King related the Story , which was confirmed by them . And afterwards kneeling down , with tears of Contrition for his Sins to God , and thankfulnesse for this Mercy , using many pious Ejaculations , embraced all these Actors in the former Tragedy ; when the poor fellow also kist the King's hand . These circumstances gave occasion then , that this whole story was freshly revived , to the common Satisfaction of the whole Countrey , and our Engglish Courtiers . And in especial , unto the very reverend Bishop , and nobly born , James Mountague , then present , to whom the King addressed himself in this Relation , and from whose Mouth I received these particulars , at his return into England . And thus much we have by word of mouth : somewhat I shall add out of writings , for more satisfaction . This Treason was attempted the fourth of August 1600. And though there followed sundry Suspitions and Examinations of several other Persons , supposed Abbettors and Contrivers ; yet it lay undiscovered , tanquam è postliminio , until eight years after , by the circumspection principally of the Earl of Dunbar , a man of as great wisdome as those times and that Kingdome could boast of , upon the person of one George Sprot , Notary-publick of Ayemouth in Scotland , from some words which at first he sparingly or unawares expressed , and also by some papers which were found in his house ; whereof being examin'd , with a little ado he confessed , and was condemned and executed at Edenburgh the 12th of Aug. 1608. A Relation I conceive not common , but in my hands to be produced , and written by that learned Gentleman William Hart , then Lord Justice of Scotland , and Principal in all the Acts of Judicature herein . Neither of these Lords professed any skill in Politicks ; yet neither wanted a strong judgement , which they could make good use of in time and place convenient , giving testimonies in those Employments they had , of a strict secrecy , a great moderation , and a happy compliance with opportunity , Qualities exceedingly well lodged in men of Interest and Command , especially in these two , who neither too easily closed with others resolutions , nor too obstinately adhered to their own . Observations on the Fall of Sir Tho. Lake . A Great Estate this Gentleman had honestly got , and a greater esteem , being King James his right hand , and the Scots both hands ; that with which they begged , and that with which they bestowed ; the instrument of the meaner sorts relief , and the greaters bounty ; untill that Malice and Revenge , two violent passions , over-ruling the Weaker Sex , concerning his Wife and daughter , involved him in their quarrell , the chief and onely cause of his ruine . He had by his Wife sons and daughters : His eldest married unto the Lord Baron Rosse ( in right of a Grandmother ) the son of Thomas Earl of Exeter by a former venter . And upon the credit of Sir Thomas Lake , he was sent Embassador Extraordinary into Spain , in a very gallant Equipage , with some hopes of his own to continue Lieger , to save charges of transmitting any other . In his absence there fell out an extream deadly●ewd ●ewd ( 't is no matter for what ) between the Lady Lake and the Countess of Exeter . A youthful Widow she had been , and vertuous , and so became Bedfellow to this aged , gowty , diseased , but noble Earl. And that preferment had made her subject to Envy and Malice . Home comes the Lord Rosse from his Embassie , when being fallen into some neglect of his Wife and his kindred , I conceive upon refusal of an increase of allowance to her settlement of Joynture , which was promised to be compleated at his return ; not long he stayes in England , but away he gets into Italy , turns a professed Roman Catholick , being cozened into that Religion by his publick Confident Gondamore . In this his last absence ( never to return ) the Mother and Daughter accuse the Countess of former Incontinency with the Lord Rosse whilest he was here , and that therefore upon his Wives discovery he was fled from hence , and from her Marriage-Bed ; with other devised Calumnies , by several designes and contrivements , to have poysoned the Mother and Daughter . This quarrel was soon blazon'd at Court , to the King 's ●are , who as privately as could be , singly examines each party . The Countess with tears and imprecations professeth her Innocency ; which to oppose , the Mother Lake and her Daughter counterfeit her hand to a whole sheet of Paper ; wherein they make the Countess with much contrition to acknowledge her self guilty , crave pardon for attempting to poyson them , and desire friendship with them all . The King gets sight of this , as in favour to them , and demands the time , place , and occasion when this should be writ . They tell him , that all the parties met in a visit at Wimbleton ( the house of the Lord of Exeter ) where , in dispute of their differences , she confesses her guilt of attempting their poison . And being desirous of absolution and friendship ( being required thereto ) consents to set down all Circumstances therein , under her own hand , which presently she writ at the Window in the upper end of the great Chamber at Wimbleton , in presence of the Mother and Daughter , the Lord Rosse , and one Diego a Spaniard his confiding Servant . But now they being gone , and at Rome , the King forthwith sends Mr. Dendy ( one of his Serjeants at Armes , sometimes a Domestick of the Earl of Exeters , an honest and worthy Gentleman ) post to Rome , who speedily returns with R●sse and Diego's hand , and other testimonials , confirming , That all the said Accusation , and Confession , Suspitions and Papers concerning the Countesse , were notorious false and scandalous ; and confirms it by receiving the Hoast , in assurance of her Honour , and his Innocency . The King well satisfied , sends to the Countesses Friends and Trustees for her Joynture and Estate ; who comparing many of her letters with this Writing , do confesse it counterfeit . Then he tells the Mother and Daughter , That this writing being denied by her , and their testimonies , being parties , would not prevail with any belief , but any other Additional witnesse would give it sufficient credit . To which they assure him , That one Sarah Swarton , their Chamberesse , stood behind the Hanging , at the entrance of the Room , and heard the Countess read over what she had writ : and her also they procure to swear unto this before the King. To make further tryal , the King in a hunting journey at New-part near Wimbleton , gallops thither , views the Room , observing the great distance of the Window from the lower end of the Room ; and placing himself behind the Hanging , and so other Lords in turn , they could not hear one speak loud from the window . Then the Housekeeper was call'd , who protested those Hangings had constantly furnisht that Room for thirty years ; which the King observed to be two foot short of the ground , and might discover the woman , if hidden behind them . I may present also , the King saying , Oaths cannot confound my sight . Besides all this , the Mother and Daughter counterfeit another Writing , a Confession of one Luke Hutton , acknowledging for 40 pound annuity , the Countess hired him to poison them ; which Man , with wonderful providence was found out privately , and denies it to the King. And thus prepared , the King sends for Sir Thomas Lake , whom indeed he very much valued ; tells him the danger to imbarque himself in this Quarrel , advising him to leave them to the Law , being now ready for the Star-Chamber . He humbly thanked his Majesty , but could not refuse to be a Father and a Husband ; and so puts his Name with theirs in a cr●sse Bill , which at the hearing , took up five several days , the King sitting in Judgement . But the former testimonies , and some private confessions of the Lady Rosse , and Sarah Wharton , which the King kept in private , from publick proceedings , made the Cause for some of the days of Tryal , appear doubtful to the Court , until the King's discovery , which concluded the Sentence , and was pronounced in several Censures ; Sir Thomas Lake and his Lady fined ten thousand pounds to the King , five thousand pounds to the Countess , fifty pounds to Hutton , Sarah Wharton to be whipt at a Carts tail about the streets , and to do penance at St. Martin's Church . The Lady Rosse , for confessing the truth and plot in the midst of the Tryal , was pardoned by the Major Voices from penal Sentence . The King , I remember , compared their Crimes to the first plot of the first sin in Paradise , the Lady Lake to the Serpent , her Daughter unto Eve , and Sir Thomas to poor Adam , whom he thought in his conscience , that his love to his Wife had beguiled him . I am sure , he paid for all , which , as he told me , cost him thirty thousand pounds , and the losse of his Masters favour , and Offices of gain and honour , but truly with much pitty and compassion of the Court. Observations on the Life of the Earl of Suffolk . HIS Uncle Northampton negotiated his preferment , and his Father Norfolke deserved it , for whose sake the eldest Son Philip Earl of Arundel was made Lord Marshal , and this second first Chamberlain , and then Treasurer ; wherein as the Earl of Middlesex understood well the priviledges of the City , so my Lord kenned well the Revenues of the Crown . But his fair Daughter , that gained him most favour , did him most harm ; he falling with his son Somerset's miscarriages , when he might have stood without his Relation : being as plain as his brother Henry was subtle ; as obliging , as he was insinuating ; as knowing , as he was cunning ; the one conversing with Books , the other with Men. A Gentleman from whom I requested his Character , returns me no more but this : He was a man never endued with much patience , and one that much retarded the progresse of his fortune , by often speaking publickly with too much liberty : Otherwise very true to the Maximes of his Age. 1. Linking himself to the Scots . 2. Buying Fee-Farm Rents to avoid envy , as my Lord of Salisbury before him in the Scots Debenturers names . 3. Promoting Northern Suits . And 4. projecting for money . He was also Chancellor of Cambridge , loving and beloved of the University . When at his first coming to Cambridge , Mr. Francis Nethersole Oratour of the University , made a Latine Speech unto him ; the Lord returned , Though I understand not Latine , I know the sense of your Oration is to tell me that I am welcome to you ; which I believe verily : I thank you for it heartily , and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power . Doctor Harsenet the Vice-Chancellor laying hold on the handle of so fair a Proffer , requested him to be pleased to entertain the King at Cambridge ; a favour which the University could never compasse from their former great and wealthy Chancellours ; I will do it ( saith the Lord ) in the best manner I may , and with the speediest conveniency . Nor was he worse than his word , giving his Majesty such a Treatment in the University , as cost him five thousand pounds and upwards . Hence it was , that after his death , Thomas his second son Earl of Bark shire ( not suing for it , nor knowing of it ) was chosen to succeed him , losing the place ( as some suspected ) not for lack of Voices , but fair counting them . Observations on the Life of Sir Rob. Cary. HE was born an ingenious man , of good parts and breeding ; but of so uncourtly a temper , that in all likelihood we had not heard of him , had he not had the luck to have been the first Messenger let out of the Court by the favour of his Father the Lord Chamberlain , to bring King James news that Queen Elizabeth was dead ; when the Scots expectation was so tyred , that they thought Queen Eliz. would never dye , as long as there was an old woman that could either wear good cloaths , or eat good meat in England . Upon which good account he is a Bed-chamber-man to King James , and a Tutor to Prince Charles ; though he had made better use of his Talent as a Soldier , than as a Courtier , having too much of the Candor of that Family ; that as the Historian observed , spake of things always as they deserved : And though he had wit enough , yet he had not the judgement or way to make those stand in awe of him , who were most obliged to him . Observations on the Lives of Sir Robert Naunton , and Sir Francis Nethersole . SIr Robert Naunton is the Author of one Book of Observations upon the States-men of Qu : Eliz. times , & must be the subject of another of King James his : He noted then in his youth , what he was to practice afterwards in his more reduced years . His University-Studies at Trinity-Colledge , whereof he was Commoner ; and at Trinity-Hall , whereof he was Fellow ; His Speeches both while Proctor and Orator of Cambridge , discovered him more inclined to publick Accomplishments , than private Studies : He improved the opportunity of the speech he was to make before K. James at Hinchinbrook so well , that as His Majesty was highly affected with his Latine and Learning , so he exactly observed his prudence and serviceablenesse ; whereupon he came to Court as Sir Thomas Overburies Assistant first , and then as Sir George Villiers friend , who promoted him to be Secretary of State , Jan. 8. 1617. as his Majesty did a while after to be Mr. of the Wards . The first place whereof he discharged with as much ability and dexterity , as he did the second with integrity ; onely he was observed close-handed , whether out of his natural inclination to Parsimony , or some fixed design to regulate and reduce the great expences of this Nation ; or from some hidden and refined politick consideration , that that might be done by a wary observation of men's integrity and inclination , which was usually done with money : and indeed , as a great man observeth , to procure good information of particulars touching persons , their natures , their desires and ends , their customes and fashions , their helps and advantages , and whereby they chiefly stand : So again , their weaknesses and disadvantages , and where they lye most open and obnoxious ; their friends , factions , and dependencies : and again , their opposites , envyers , and Competitors ; their moods and times , their principles , rules , observations , &c. their actions how conducted , how favoured , how opposed , &c. is the onely way of successe in businesse , and of prevailing in fortune , especially if attended with this Gentleman 's two master-Qualities ; 1. Reservedness , the security ; 2. Slowness of belief , the sinew of wisdome . Finding his temper agreeable with the University , he allowed himself more scope and liberty ; but observing his particular constitution not suitable to the general state of his times , the whole course of his life was more close , retyred , and reserved , opening it self but with an half-light , and a full advantage : and what he was to others , he believed all others were to him , as hardly trusting them , as he was understood himself , unlesse surprized in his countenance by the motions of it , or in his actions by the suddennesse of them , or in his temper by his passion , but as far as can be guessed , from the Letters that passed between them about the Palatinate . He was of the same make in the State , as Arch-Bishop Abbot was in the Church , zealous and sullen ; if others had a better wit than he in abusing him , he had a better memory than they to think of it ; for one Mr. Wiemark a wealthy man , a great Novilant , and constant Paul's walker , hearing the news that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Rawleigh ; His head ( said he ) would do well upon the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton Secretary of State. These words were complained of , and Wiemark summoned to the Privy-Council , where he pleaded for himself , that he intended no disrespect to Mr. Secretary , whose known worth was above all detraction ; onely he spake in reference to an old proverb , Two heads are better than one ; and for the present he was dismissed . Not long after , when rich men were called on for a contribution to St. Pauls . Wiemark at Council-Table subscribed a hundred pounds ; but Mr. Secretary told him , Two hundred were better than one ; which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe . Neither was he sooner up , than he gave his Colleague and Successor in the Orators place , Sir Francis Nethersole , his hand to advance him too ; whom after his elegant Speech on Prince Henry , we finde a prudent Agent with the Princes of the Union , and a faithful Secretary to the Queen of Bohemia , for whom he did much , and suffered more . Yet was he lately alive , and as charitable in his elder yeares , as ever he was noble in his younger . Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Ingram . SIr Arthur had wit in Italy , where he was a Factor , and wealth in London , where he was a Merchant , to be first a Customer , and then a Cofferer to that King , who had this happinesse , that he understood so much of all his affairs , as to make a judgement of what persons might be most serviceable to him in each of them . So pragmatical a person as this Gentleman , was necessary among the Custome-house-men , who were about to engrosse all the wealth of the Kingdome ; and as useful among the Green-cloath-men , who shared amongst themselves vast Concealments . The activity of his head had undone him , had not the odium of it been allayed by the discretion of his tongue ; whatever he spake , being naturally accompanied with such a kinde of modesty and affability as gained the affection , and attracted the respect of all that conversed with him ; onely some wary men were jealous of that watchful and serene habit he had attained to in every conference and action , as well to observe as to act : though it was more than they needed , he having not that good stay and hold of himself , his much observing tempting him to much medling ; though never more need of it than at that time , when ninety and odd thousand pounds were spent upon the Palsgrave ; to reimburse which money , he set up the improvement of Coyn , the Farthings , the borrowing of money of the Customers , and as many other Projects to get money , as others had to spend it . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Yelverton . THis Gentleman's relation to Sir Thomas Overbury brought him to the Earl of Somerset's service , and my Lord of Somerset's service recommended him to the Kings favour ; whereby he was at first his Counsel learned , and afterwards his Attorney-General ; in which last place his duty enjoyned him the impeachment of that Earl , but his gratitude forbad him : Loth he was to refuse his Masters command , more loth to have a hand in his Patrons ruine : his civility outweighed his prudence , & his obligations his safety : for refusing to implead his Mr. as a great Delinquent at the Bar , he was sent by the Council as a greater to the Tower , where he continued until ( as some say ) the Duke of Buckingham came to him at mid-night ; and hearing from him such mysteries of State as nearly concerned his own safety , not onely relea Observations on the Life of Bishop Mountague . JAmes Mountague son to Sir Edward Mountague , was born at Boughton in Northamptonshire , bred in Christs-Colledge in Cambridge : He was afterwards Master , or rather nursing Father to Sidney-Colledge ; For he found it in bonds to pay twenty Marks per annum to Trinity-Colledge for the ground whereon it is built , and left it free , assigning it a rent for the discharge thereof . When the Kings Ditch in Cambridge made to defend it by its strength , did in his time offend it with its stench , he expended a hundred Marks to bring running-water into it , to the great conveniency of the University . He was afterwards Bishop first of Bath and Wells , then of Winchester , being highly in favour with King James , who did ken a man of merit , as well as any Prince in Christendome . He translated the Works of King James into Latine , and improved his greatnesse to do good Offices therewith . He dyed Anno Dom. 1618. Aetat . 49. and lyeth buried within his fair Monument , within his fairer , 〈◊〉 mean a goodly Tomb in the Church of Bath , which oweth its well-being and beauty to his Munificence . King James cast his eye upon him at Hinchingbrook ( where the University of Cambridge met him as he came from Scotland ) because he observed him one of those he knew he must oblige , I mean a Gentleman : He set his heart upon him at Court , because he found him one he intended to employ , I mean a Scholar . He was the onely man of all the Doctors he conversed with there , and the onely man of all the Bishops he consulted with at White-Hall . His nature inclined him to magnificence , and his vertue to Thrift ; sparing from lesser vanities , what he might expend upon greater enterprizes ; never sparing when just designs called for great charge . Grateful he was to his followers , though not prodigal : Good men choose rather to be loved for their benefits to the Community , than those to private persons : His understanding was as large as his heart was honest , comprehensive both of men and things ; even those things that were either below or besides his care , going not besides his observation . He anticipated his age with his worth , and died at fourscore in merit , when not fifty in yeares ; filling his time not with dayes but with vertues so early , as seemed rather innate than acquired : For which he was so popular in the Countrey , as well as favoured at Court ; that a corpulent Officer of Bath-Church being appointed on the day of his Burial to keep the doors , entred on his employment in the morning , but was buried himself before night , and before the Bishop's body was put in the ground ; because being bruised to death by the pressing in of people , his Corps requsred speedy interment . — In those days the Plebs concurred with with the King in their affections to , because they submitted to him in their choice of persons ; for then wisdome was thought to dwell in the Head , and good Folks thought their Soveraign wiser than themselves . Observations on the Life of Sir Edm. Anderson . SIr Edmund Anderson was born a younger brother of a Gentile Extract at Flixborough in Lincolnshire , and bred in the inner Temple . I have been informed that his Father left him a thousand pounds for his portion , which this our Sir Edmund multiplyed into many , by his great proficiency in the Common-Law , being made the ●4th of Queen Elizabeth Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas . When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber for the businesse of the Queen of Scots , Judge Anderson said of him , that therein he had done * justum , non juste ; and so acquitting him of all malice , censured him with the rest of his indiscretion . When H. Cuffe was arraigned about the rising of the Earl of Essex , and when Sir Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him , and the other answered Syllogistically , our Anderson ( sitting there as a Judge of Law , not Logick ) checked both Pleader and Prisoner , ob stolidos syllogismos , for their foolish Syllogismes , appointing the former to presse the Statute of Edward the third . He died in the third of King James , leaving great Estates to several sons . He was a pure Legist , that had little skill in the affairs of the world , always alledging a decisive Case or Statute on any matter or question , without any regard to the decency , or respect to be had towards a State , or Government , and without that account of a moderate interpretation some circumstances of things require , being so much the lesse useful as he was incompliant , and one whom none addressed to , because , as one observes of Cardinal Corrado ; Such think they do in some manner sacrifice themselves , when they do but in the least act against their own opinions , to do a man a little pleasure . There are a kinde of honest men of good conscience , whose capacities being narrow , entertain private resolutions , inconsistent with publick interest ; who may for me passe for good men , but shall never be censed or registred for good Citizens ; because when streight ●aced and short apprehensions are resolved into conscience and maximes , those men are obliged to be so obstinate as to change or remit nothing of their first resolutions , how unreasonable soever in themselves , or dangerous in the consequence . Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bodley , by himself . 1. I Was born at Exeter in Devonshire , March 2. 1544. descended both by Father and Mother of worshipful Parents . My Father , in the time of Queen Mary , being noted and known to be an enemy to Popery , was so cruelly threatned , and so narrowly observed , by those that maliced his Religion , that for the safeguard of himself and my Mother , who was wholly affected as my Father , he knew no way so secure as to flye into Germany . 2. My Father fixed his abode in the City of Geneva ; where , as far as I remember , the English Church consisted of some hundred persons . I was at that time of twelve years of age , but through my Fathers cost and care , sufficiently instructed to become an Auditor of Chevallerius in Hebrew , of Beroaldus in Greek , of Calvin and Beza in Divinity , and of some other Professors in that University ( which was newly then erected ) besides my domestick Teachers in the house of Philibertus Saracenus , a famous Physitian in that City , with whom I was boarded , where Robertus Constantinus , that made the Greek Lexicon , read Homer to me . 3. In the first of Queen Elizabeth , my Father returned , and setled his dwelling in the City of London . It was not long after , that I was sent away from thence to the University of Oxford , recommended to the teaching and tuition of Doctor Humphrey . In the year 1563 , I took the degree of Batchellor of Arts ; within which year I was chosen Probationer of Merton Colledge , and the next year ensuing admitted Fellow . Afterwards , in the year 1565 , by special perswasion of some of my Fellows , and for my private exercise , I undertook the publick reading of a Greek Lecture in the same Colledge-Hall , without requiring or expecting any stipend for it : Neverthelesse it pleased the Fellowship of their own accord to allow me soon after four marks by the year , and ever since to continue the Lecture to that Colledge . 4. In the year 1566 , I proceeded Master of Arts , and read for that year in the School-streets natural Philosophy . After which time , within lesse than three years space , I was won by intreaty of my best affected friends to stand for the Proctorship , to which I and my Colleague were quietly elected in the year 1569 , without any competition or counter-suit of any other . After this for a long time , I supplied the Office of University-Oratour , and bestowed my time in the study of sundry faculties , without any inclination to professe any one above the rest ; insomuch as at last I waxed desirous to travel beyond the Seas , for attaining to the knowledg of some special modern Tongues , and for the encrease of my experience in the managing of affairs ; being wholly then addicted to employ my self and all my cares in the publick service of the State. 5. After my return , in the year 1585 , I was employed by the Queen to the King of Denmark , and to the German Princes : Next , to Henry the third , King of France : After this , in 88 , for the better conduct of her Highnesse Affairs in the Provinces United , I was thought a fit person to reside in those parts , and was sent thereupon to the Hague in Holland ; where , according to the Contract that had formerly pass'd between her Highnesse and the States , I was admitted for one of their Council of Estate , taking place in their Assemblies next to Count Maurice , and yielding my suff●age in all that was proposed . During all that time , what approbation was given of my painful endeavours by the Queen , by the Lords in England , by the States of the Countrey there , and by all the English Soldiery , I refer it to be notified by some others Relation . 6. I received from her Majesty many comfortable Letters of her gracious acceptance of my diligence and care : and among the Lords of the Council had no man more to friend , then was the Lord Treasurer Burleigh . For when occasion had been offered of declaring his conceit as touching my service , he would always tell the Queen ( which I received from her self and some other Ear-witnesses ) that there was not any man in England so meet as my self to undergo the Office of the Secretary . And sithence his son , the present Lord Treasurer , hath signified unto me in private conference , that when his Father first intended to advance him to that place , his purpose was withal to make me his Colleague : But that the daily provocations of the Earl of Essex were so bitter and sharp against him , and his comparisons so odious when he put us in a balance , as he thought thereupon he had very great reason to use his best means , to put any man out of hope of raising his fortune , whom the Earl with such violence , to his extream prejudice , had endeavoured to dignifie . 7. When I had well considered , how ill it did concur with my natural disposition , to become or to be counted either a stickler or partaker in any publick faction ; how well I was able , by Gods good blessing , to live of my self , if I could be contented with a competent livelihood ; I resolved thereupon to possess my soul in peace all the residue of my days , to take my farewel of State-employments , and so to retire me from the Court. 8. Now although after this , by her Majesties direction , I was often called to the Court , by the now Lord Treasurer , then Secretary , and required by him , and also divers times since , by order from the King , to serve as Ambassador in France , and to negotiate in other very honourable employments , yet I would not be removed from my former final resolution ; but have continued at home my retired course of life , which is now methinks to me as the greatest preferment the State can afford . 9. This I must confesse of my self , that though I did never repent me yet of my often refusals of honourable offers , in respect of enriching my private Estate ; yet somewhat more of late I have blamed my self and my nicety that way , for the love that I bear to my Reverend Mother the University of Oxford , and to the advancement of her good by such kinde of means as I have since undertaken . 10. Having examined what course I might take , I concluded at the last to set up my staffe at the Library door ; being throughly perswaded , that in my solitude and surcease from the Common-wealth affairs , I could not busie my self to better purpose then by reducing that place ( which then in every part lay ruined and waste ) to the publick use of Students . 11. For the effecting whereof , I found my self furnished in a competent proportion , of such four kinds of aids , as unlesse I had them all , there was no hope of good successe . For without some kinde of knowledge , as well in the learned modern Tongues , as in sundry other sorts of Scholastical literature ; without some purse-ability to go through with the charge ; without very great store of honourable friends to further the design , and without special good leisure to follow such a work , it could but have proved a vain attempt , and inconsiderate . 12. But how well I have sped in all my endeavours , and how full provision I have made for the benefit and ease of all frequenters of the Library ; that which I have already performed in fight ; That besides , which I have given for the maintenance of it ; and that which hereafter I purpose to add , by way of enlargement to that place ( for the project is cast , and whether I live or die , it shall be , God willing , put in full execution ) will testifie so truly and abundantly for me , as I need not to be the publisher of the dignity and worth of mine own institution . Writtten with mine own hand , Anno 1609. Decemb. 15. Observations on the Life of Henry Vere Earl of Oxford . HEnry Vere was son of Edward Vere , the seventeenth Earl of Oxford , and Anne Trentham his Lady ; whose principal habitation ( the rest of his patrimony being then wasted ) was at Heningham-Castle in Essex : A vigorous Gentleman , full of courage and resolution , and the last Lord Chamberlain of England of this Family . His sturdy na●ure would not bow to Court-compliants , who would maintain what he spake , speak what he thought , think what he apprehended true and just , though sometimes dangerous , and distastful . Once he came into Court with a great milk-white Feather about his hat , which then was somewhat unusual , save that a person of his merit might make a fashion . The Reader may ghess the Lord who said to him in some jeer , My Lord , you wear a very fair Feather : It 's true ( said the Earl ) and if you mark it , there is ne're a Taint in it . Indeed his Family was ever loyal unto the Crown , deserving their Motto , Vero nil Verius . Going over one of the four English Colonels into the Low-Countries , and endeavouring to raise the fiege of Breda , he so over-heated himself with Marching , Fighting and vexing ( the Designe not succeeding ) that he dyed after , Anno Dom. 16 ...... He married Diana , one of the Co-heirs of William Earl of Exeter , ( afterwards to Edward Earl of Elgin ) by whom he left no Issue . Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Vere . SIr Francis Vere ( Governour of Bril and Portsmouth ) was of the ancient , and of the most noble extract of the Earls of Oxford ; and it may be a question , whether the Nobility of his house , or the honour of his Achievements might most commend him , who brought as much glory to his name , as he received honour from it : He was amongst his Queens Sword-men inferiour to none , but superiour to many : He lived oftner in the Camp , than Court : but when his pleasure drew him thither , no man had more of the Queens favour , and none lesse envied . He was a Soldier of great worth , and commanded thirty years in the service of the States , and twenty years over the English in Chief as the Queens Generall ; and he that had seen the Battel of Newport , might there best have taken him and his noble Brother the Lord of Tilbury to the life . They report that the Qu : as she loved Martial men , would court this Gentleman as soon as he appeared in her presence ; for he seldome troubled it with the noyse and alarms of supplication ; his way was another sort of undermining , as resolved in the Court as in the Camp , as well to justifie his * Patron , as to serve her Majesty , telling her the plain truth more sincerely than any man ; choosing ( as he said ) rather to fall by the malice of his enemies , than be guilty of Ingratitude to his friends : Yea , and when he sued for the government of Portsmouth , and some Grandees a objected , that that place was always bestowed on Noblemen , he answered ; There were none ennobled but by their Princes favour , and the same way be took . The Veres compared . Veri scipiadae , Duo fulmina belli . SIr Francis and Sir Horace Vere , sons of Jeffery Vere Esquire , who was son of John Vere , the fifteenth Earl of Oxford ; We will first consider severally , and then compare joyntly , to see how their Actions and Arms performed , what their birth and bloud promised . SIr Fran. was of a fiery spirit & rigid nature , undaunted in all danger , not overvaluing the price of mens lives to purchase a victory therewith . He served on the Scene of all Christendome where War was acted . One Master-piece of his valour was at the Battel of Newport , when his ragged Regiment ( so were the English-men called from their ragged Cloathes ) helped to make all whole , or else all had been lost . SIr Horace had more meekness , & as much valour as his brother ; so pious , that he first made peace with God , before he went to war with man. One of an excellent temper ; it being true of him what is said of the Caspian Sea , that it doth never ebb nor flow ; observing a constant tenor ; neither elated nor depressed with success . Had one seen him returning from a victory , he would by his silence have suspected that he had lost the day ; and had he beheld him in a retreat , he would have collected him a Conqueror , by the cheerfulness of his spirit . He was the first Baron of K. Charls his Creation . Some years after , coming to Court , he fell suddenly sick and speechless , so that he died afore night , A. Dom. 163 ... No doubt he was well prepared for death , seeing such his vigilancy , that never any enemy surprised him in his Quarters . Another was , when for three years he defended Ostend against a strong and numerous Army , surrendring it at last a bare Skeleton to the King of Spain , who paid more years purchase for it , than probably the World would endure . He dyed in the beginning of the Reign of K. James , about the year of our Lord , 16 ....   Now to compare them together ( such their Eminency , that they would hardly be parallel'd by any but themselves : ) Sir Francis was the elder Brother , Sir Horace lived to be the elder man. Sir Francis was more feared , Sir Horace more loved by the Soldiery : The former in Martial Discipline was oftentimes Rigidus ad ruinam , the latter seldome exceeded ad terrorem . Sir Francis left none , Sir Horace no Male-Issue , whose four Co-Heirs are since Matched into honourable Families . Both lived in War , much honoured ; dyed in peace , much lamented . What is a great question among all Martial men , was so between these Brethren ; whether to repair a reputation ruined by some infamous disgrace , and the honour abused by some notorious losse , the General ought to oppose the fortune that oppresseth him , and hazard what remains , to recover what is lost ? Sir Francis was of opinion , That though it 's not the interest of a supream Prince , yet it is the concern of a subordinate Commander to support his credit at the rate of his Army . But Sir Horace was never for sacrificing the whole for the advancing of any part , or of many , for the humouring of one ; but chose rather to break the impetuosity of his misfortunes by yielding to them , and rather recover both himself and his successe by a prudent retreat , than lose both in an obstinate misadventure . — It being far more eligible to suffer in the imaginary interest of repute , than that real one of strength ; though appearances are yet so useful , that dexterously to manage the reputation of Affairs , is to imprint in men a great opinion of vertue and fortune , to enhance successes , and raise that respect and confidence that seldome fa 〈…〉 to the share of reservation and fear . But apart from that too much caution that betrayeth , and over-much rashnesse that hazardeth our fortunes , both these Heroes were very choice in the places of their Engagements ; for when all the Generals before the Battel of Newport were for quitting the upper Downs , Sir Francis Vere well knowing how much it imported the businesse of the day to hold a place of such advantage , perswaded Count Maurice rather to expect the Enemy in that ground , than attaque him in a worse ; wherein as his opinion prevailed , so all that were present , were Eye-witnesses both of the truth of his conjecture , and the soundnesse of his judgement : For the Enemy , as he said , did not long gaze upon them ; but charging up the hills , were beaten back so effectually , that our men had the execution of them for half a mile ; which was no small advantage to the fortune of that day . Neither were they lesse observant of their time , that Mother of Action , than their place ; neither hasty nor slow to manage an opportunity that is neither often nor long the same ; — or of the order of their Army than both , whereof each part assisted the other at Newport and elsewhere so readily , that their shouts and charges equally amazed their Friends and Enemies . The Reliefs of Rhingbergh were actions of great resolution , ready dispatch , a watchful circumspection , and good pursuit : The succour of Lithenhooven was a performance of great and mature deliberation ; the surprize of Zutphen by young Soldiers in womens apparel , was a piece of service of many particular stratagems ; and the Siege of Daventer of as much sage advice . — All instances of the wonders that courage can do when wise , valour when sober , a passion when rational , and a great spirit when advised . Observations on the Life of Richard Cosin , LL. D. RIchard Cosin , LL. D. ( one of the greatest Civilians our Nation bred , the grand Champion of Episcopacy , was ( amongst all the Countreys of England ) born in the Bishoprick of Durham . His Father was a person of Quality , a Captain of a Company at Muscleborough-Field , whence his valour returned with victory and wealth ; when crossing the River Tweed [ O the uncertainty of all earthly happiness ! ] he was drowned therein , to the great losse of his son Richard ; and greater , because he was not sensible thereof , as left an Infant in the Cradle . His Mother afterwards married one Mr. Medow , a York-shire Gentleman , who bred this his Son-in-law at a School at Skipton upon Craven ; wherein such was his proficiency , that before he was twelve years old ( little lesse then a wonder to me , in that age , from so far a Countrey ) he was admitted into Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge . Some of his friends in Queens-Colledge in that University had a design to fetch him thence , had not Doctor Beaumont prevented the plot , in making him Scholar and Fellow as soon as by his Age , Degree , and the Statutes he was capable thereof . He was a general Scholar , Geometrician , Musitian , Physitian , Divine , but chiefly Civil and Can 〈…〉 Lawyer . By Arch-Bishop Whitgift he was preferred to be first Chancellor of Worcester , [ in that 〈◊〉 a place non tam gratiosus quam negotiosus ] and afterwards Dean of the Arches , wherein he carri 〈…〉 himself without giving ( though many took ) offenc● at him . Of these one wrote a Book against him called the Abstract [ abstracted , saith my Author , from 〈◊〉 Wit , Learning , and Charity ] to whom he returned such an answer in defence of the High-Commision , and Oath Ex Officio , that he put his Adversary to silence . Others lay to his charge , that he gave ma 〈…〉 blanck Licences , the common occasion of unlawful Marriages ; and the procurer is as bad as the th 〈…〉 robbing many a Parent of his dear Childe thereby But always malice looks through a multiplying glasse . Euclio complained , Intromisisti sexcentes 〈◊〉 quos , Thou hast let in six hundred Cooks , wh 〈…〉 there was but two truly told [ Antrax and Cong 〈…〉 so here was but one , which a Fugitive servant sto 〈…〉 from a Register to make his private profit thereby GOD in his sicknesse granted him his desire which he made in his health ; that he might be free 〈…〉 from Torture , which his corpulency did much suspect , bestowing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon him , a sweet and quiet departure . Pious his dying expressions ; I desire to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , Phil. 1. The wages of sin is death , Rom. 6. Come Lord Jesus , com● quickly , Revel . 12. And his last words were these Farewell my surviving friends ; remember your Mortality , and Eternal life . He gave forty pounds to the building of a Chamber in Trinity-Colledge , and fifteen pounds per annum for the maintenance of two Scholarships therein a good gift out of his estate , who left not above fifty pounds a year clear to his Heir : a great argument of his integrity , that he got no more in so gainful a place . Dying at Doctors Commons , he was buried by his own appointment in Lambeth Church , and Doctor Andrews preached his Funeral-Sermon . Amongst the many Verses made by the University of Cambridge , this ( with the allowance of Poetical Licence ) came from no bad Fancy . Magna Deos inter lis est exorta : creatas Horum qui lites dirimit , ille deest Consinum potiere dii compone●e tantas Lites , quod vero jure peritus erat . A most moderate man he was in his own nature , but more earnest in the businesse of the Church , in the behalf of which he writ many Books of validity , &c. It must not be forgotten , that Doctor Barlow ( afterwards Bishop of Lincoln ) was bred by Doctor Cosen at his charge in his own Family ; who in expression of his Thankfulness , wrote this Dr. Cosen's Life , out of which most of the aforesaid Character hath been taken . Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Justice Cook. THis accomplished person was well born at Mileham in Norfolk , of Robert Cook Esquire , and Winifred Knightly his Wise , and as well bred . 1. When ten years of age at Norwich School . 2. At Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge . 3. After four years University-study , first in Cliffords Inne , and then in the Inner Temple . The first occasion of his Rise was his stating of the Cooks Case of the Temple so exactly , that all the House who were puzzled with it admired him ; and his pleading it so , that the whole Bench took notice of him . Such his proficiency , that at the end of six years ( exceeding early in that strict age ) he was call'd to the Bar , and soon after for three years chosen Reader in Lyons Inne . Here his learned Lecture so spread forth his fame , that crouds of Clients sued to him for his Counsel ; and his own suit was the sooner granted , when tendering his Affections in order to Marriage , unto Bridget daughter and Coheir of John Paston Esquire , whose portion moderately estimated , Viis & modis , amounted unto thirty thousand pounds , her vertues not falling under valuation , and she enriched her Husband with ten Children . Then began preferment to presse upon him ; the City of Norwich choosing him Recorder , the County of Norfolke their Knight for Parliament , the Queen her Speaker therein , as also her Solicitor and Attorney . King James honoured him with Knighthood , and made him Chief-Justice , first of the Common-Pleas , then of the Kings-Bench . Thus beginning on a good bottom left him by his Father , marrying a Wife of extraordinary wealth ; having at the first great and gainful practice , afterwards many and profitable Offices , being provident to choose good pennyworths in Purchases , leading a thrifty life , living to a great age during flourishing and peaceable times ( born as much after the persecution under Qu : Mary , as dying before our Civil Wars ) no wonder if he advanced to a fair estate , so that all his sons might seem elder brethren , by the large possessions left unto them . Some falsely character him a back-friend to the Church and Clergy , being a grand Benefactor to the Church of Norwich , who gratefully under their publick Seal honoured him with this ensuing Testimony . Edwardus Coke Armiger , saepius & in multis difficillimis Negotiis Ecclesiae nostrae auxiliatus est , & Nuper eandem contra Templorum Hell●ones , qui Dominia , Maneria & Haereditamenta nostra devorare sub Titulo obscuro ( Concelatum dicunt ) sponte suâ nobis insciis , & sine mercede ullâ legitimè tutatus est ; atque eandem suam nostri Defensionem in perpetuam tantae rei memoriam , & posterorum gratiâ , ( si opus fuerit ) magna cum industria & scriptis redegit , & Nostrae Ecclesiae donaevit . As for the many Benefices in his own Patronage , he freely gave them to worthy men , being went to say in his Law-language , That he would have Church-Livings passe by Livery and Seisin , not Bargain and Sale. He was our English Trebonianus , very famous for his Comments on Littleton and our Common-Law . 1628 A Parliament was call'd , and the Court-party was jealous of Sir Edward's activity against them , as who had not digested his discontentments as he had done the Law. Hereupon to prevent his Election as a Member , he was confined to Buckingbamshire as a Sheriffe . He scrupled to take the Oath , pretending many things against it , and particularly that the Sheriffe is bound thereby to prosecute Lollards , wherein the best Christians may be included . It was answered ; That he had often seen the Oath given to others without any regret , and knew full 〈◊〉 that Lollard in the modern sense imported the oppos 〈…〉 of the present Religion , as established by Law in the Land. No excuses would serve his turn , but he must undertake that Office : However his friends beheld it as an injurious degradation of him , who had been Lord Chief-Justice , to attend on the Judges at the Assizes . Five sorts of people he used to fore-design to misery and poverty ; Chymists , Monopolizers , Concealers , Promoters , and rhyming Poets . For three things he would give God solemn thanks ▪ That he never gave his body to Physick , nor his heart to cruelty , nor his hand to corruption . In three things he did much applaud his own successe ; In his fair fortune with his Wife , in his happy study of the Laws , and in his free coming by all his Offices , nec prece , nec pretio , neither begging nor bribing for Preferment . His Parts were admirable : he had a deep Judgement , faithful Memory , active Fancy , and the Jewel of his minde was put into a fair Case , a beautiful body with a comely countenance : A case , which he did wipe and keep clean , delighting in good Cloaths , well worn ; and being wont to say , That the outward neatnesse of our bodies , might be a Monitor of purity to our souls . In his Pleadings , Discourse , and Judgements , he declined all Circumlocutions , usually saying , The matter lies in a little Room * . In all Places , Callings , and Jurisdictions , he commended Modesty and Sobriety within their boundaries , saying , If a River swelleth beyond the bankes , it loseth its owne Channel . If any adverse party crossed him , he would patiently reply , If another punisheth me , I will not punish my self . In the highest Term of Businesse he made Vacation to himself at his Table , and would never be perswaded privately to retract what he had publickly adjudged , professing , He was a Judge in a Court , not in a Chamber . He was wont to say , No wise man would do that in prosperity , whereof he should repent in adversity . His Motto was , Prudens qui Patiens ; and his practice was accordingly , especially after he fell into the disfavour of King James , when he did Frui suo Infortunio , and improved his losse to his advantage . He triumphed in his own Innocency , that he had done nothing illegally ; calling to minde the Motto which he gave in his Rings when made Sergeant , Lex est 〈…〉 ssima Classis , The Law is the safest Helmet . And now he had leasure to peruse what formerly he had written , even thirty Books with his own hand , most pleasing himself with a Manual , which he called VADE MECVM , from whence at one view he took a prospect of his Life past , having noted therein most Remarkables . His most learned and laborious Works on the Lawes will last to be admired by the Judicious Posterity , whilest Fame hath a Trumpet left her , and any breath to blow therein . His judgement lately passed for an Oracle in Law ; and since the credit thereof hath causelesly been questioned , the wonder is not great . If the Prophet himself , living in an incredulous Age , found cause to complain , Who hath believed our report ? it need not seem strange that our licentious Times have afforded some to shake the Authenticalnesse of the Reports of any earthly Judge . He constantly had Prayers said in his own house , and charitably relieved the Poor with his constant Almes . The Foundation of Sutton's Hospital ( when indeed but a Foundation ) had been ruined before it was raised , and crush'd by some Courtiers in the hatching thereof , had not his great care preserved the same . The Free-School at T●etford was supported in its being by his assistance ; and he founded a School on his cost at Godrick in Norfolk . It must not be forgotten , that Doctor Whitgift afterward Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , sent unto his Pupil when the Queen's Attorney , a fair new Testament , with this Message ; He had long enough studied Common Law , now let him study the Law of God. When he was under a cloud at Court , and outed of his Judges place , the lands belonging to the Church of Norwich , which formerly he had so industriously recovered and setled thereon , were again called into question , being begged by a Peer . Sir Edward desired him to desist , telling him , that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap , and come into Westminster-Hall once again , and plead there in any Court in justification of what he had done . He died at Stoke-Poges in Buckingham-shire , on Wednesday the third of September , being the 83 of his age , whose last words were these , Thy Kingdome come , thy Will be done . The infirmities of this Judge , as my Lord BACON recited them in a Letter to him , were these : 1. That he delighted to speak more than hear . 2. That he would run out of his Profession ; and as he observed of Divines , so it was observed of him , none erred worse out of his element . 3. That he conversed with Books rather than Men , and onely with such men that he spake to as Scholars , rather than treated as friends . 4. That he obtruded those things as Novelties that were stale . 5. That he would jest on men in place , and insult on men in misery . 6. That he made the Law lean too much to his opinion . 7. That his Tenants in Norfolk were hardly used ; and that though he had ten thousand pounds per an . he relieved not the poor . 8. That in his last proceedings against Somerset , he was too open and dilatory , giving too much advantage , and breaking out to some unadvised expressions . 9. That he stood out against Power ; for which , and other failures , he was dismissed the Council-board with this expression from King James , That he was the fittest instrument to serve a Tyrant . Indeed he had some projects for the Revenue , and looked for the Treasury , when he was absolutely cast off ; though he made such shift , that throw him where you would ( as King James said ) he fell upon his legs . Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Winwood . SIr Ralph Winwood was a Gentleman well seen in most Affairs , but most expert in matters of Trade and War ; for he was first a Soldier , and then an Agent in the Netherlands , where he remonstrated against Vorstius learnedly and resolutely , representing as well his Masters parts as his power : It was the very guize of that time to be learned ; the wits of it were so excellent , the helps and ass 〈…〉 ants of it were so great ; Printing was so common ; the world ( by Navigation ) so open ; great experiments so disclosed ; the leisure of men so much , the age was so peaceable ; and his Majestie , after whom all writ , so knowing . When the Earl of Somerset was made Chamberlain by his Majesty in his Fathers place , Sir Ralph Winwood was by the Queen made Secretary in his ; succeeding him in his Office , but exceeding him in his successe ( Fortune may begin any mans greatness , but Vertue must continue it ) for this Favourite taking upon him to over-rule Winwood , Winwood makes it his businesse to overthrow him ; to which purpose his Agents discover some secrets abroad ( you may understand more of England at Amsterdam th●● at London ) and he useth his Arts at home ; for Mr. Villiers being now brought to Court , when others were for raising him by interest , Sir Ralph was for advancing him with Compliance — a Compliance as he said , that must either supple or break his Adversaries , and either way ruine them . — Accordingly Sir George is directed to offer his service to the Earl of Somerset ; that Earl fatally tells him , He would have none of his service , but would break his Designe . — These words coming so cross to the Kings inclination , and the Court's plot , provoked all persons to look further into Sir Ralph Winwood's Intelligence concerning Sir Overbury's death . Now mens weaknesses and faults are best known by their enemies , their vertues and abilities from their friends ; their customes and times from their servants ; their conceits and opinions from their familiars , to whom they are least masked . To all these he applyeth himself , until he had discovered as much of the practices concerning Overbury , as might humble the Earl ; and as much corruption in the conveyance of publick money to the buildding of Audley-End , as might displace his Father . An Apothecaries boy give● the first , and a servant that carried the money the second , both whom he surprized with the Spanish proverb ; Di mentura , y sacaras verdad : Tell a lye , and finde a truth . Indeed the natures and dispositions , the conditions and necessities , the factions and combinations , the animosities and discontents ; the ends and designs of most people were clear and transparent to this watchful man's intelligence and observation , who could do more with King James by working on his fear , than others by gratifying his pleasure . When I observe how close and silent he was at the Council-Table , it puts me in minde of the man that gave this reason why he was silent in a Treaty and Conference : Because ( said he ) the Enemy might know , that as there are many here that can speak , so here is one that can hold his peace . Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Bacon . SIr Francis was born where we are made men , bred where we are made States-men ; being equally happy in the quicknesse of the City , and politeness of the Court : He had a large minde from his Father , and great abilities from his Mother ; his parts improved more than his years : his great , fixed , and methodical memory , his solid judgement , his quick fancy , his ready expression , gave high assurance of that profound and universal knowledge and comprehension of things which then rendered him the observation of great and wise men , and afterwards the wonder of all . The great Queen was as much taken with his witty discourses when a School boy , as with his grave Oracles when her Counsel learned . He was a Courtier from his Cradle to his Grave , sucking in experience with his milke , being inured to policy as early as to his Grammar : Royal Maximes were his Sententia Puerilis ; and he never saw any thing that was not noble and becoming . The Queen called him her young Lord Keeper , for his grave ingenuity at seven years of age ; and he could tell her Majesty be was two years younger for her happy Reigne . At twelve , his industry was above the capacity , and his minde above the reach of his Contemporaries : A prodigy of parts he must be , who was begot by wise Sir Nicholas Bacon , born of the accomplished Mrs. Anne Cook , and bred under the wise , learned , and pious Doctor Whitgift . His strong observations at Court , his steady course of study in the University , must be improved by a well contrived Travell abroad : where his conversation was so obliging , his way so inquisitive , his prudence so eminent , that he was Sir Paulet's Agent between the Juncto of France and the Queen of England : He allayed the solidity of England with the Ayre of France , untill his own Affairs and the Kingdomes service called him home at his Fathers death to enjoy a younger Brothers estate , and act his part : Policy was his business , the Law was onely his livelyhood ; yet he was so great a States-man , that you would think he only studied men : so great a Scholar , that you would say , he onely studied Books . Such insight he had in the Law , that he was at thirty her Majesties Advocate ; such his judgement , that he was the Student of Grayes-Inn's Oracle ; so generous and affable his disposition , that he was all mens love and wonder : He instilled wholsome precepts of Prudence and Honour to Noble-men ( particularly the Earl of Essex , to whom he was more faithful , than he to himself : ) Great principles of Arts and Sciences to the learned ; noble Maximes of Government to Princes , excellent rules of Life to the Populacy . When his great Patron Essex sunk , he was buoyed up by his own fleadiness , and native worth , that admitted him to the Qu : own presence , not onely to deliver matter of Law , which was his profession , but to debate matters of State , which was his element : his judgement was so eminent , that he could satisfie the greatest ; his condescention so humble , that he instructed the meanest : his extraordinary parts , above the modell of the age , were feared in Queen Elizabeths time , but employed in King James his , Favour he had in her Reign , but Trust onely in his : It 's dangerous in a factious Age to have my Lord Bacon's parts , or my Lord of Essex his favour . Exact was his correspondence abroad and at home ; constant his Letters , frequent his Visits , great his Obligations , moderate and temperate his Inclination ; peaceable , humble , and submissive his minde ; complying and yielding , his temper : In Queen Elizabeths time , when he could not rise by the publick way of service , he did it by that more private of Marriage , and other commendable Improvements ; whereby he shewed a great soul could be rich in spight of Fortune , though it scorned it in point of Honour . In the House of Commons none more popular , none more zealous , none so knowing a Patriot : In the house of Lords , none more successfully serviceable to the Crown : the easie way of Subsidies was his design in Queen Elizabeths time ; the union with Scotland was his contrivance in King James's . His make and port was stately , his speech flowing and grave , each word of his falling in its place ; the issue of great reason when conceived , and of great prudence when expressed : so great skill he had in observing and contriving of occasions and opportunities , in suiting of Humours , and hitting of Junctures and Flexures of Affairs , that he was in his time the Master of speech and action , carrying all before him . The Earl of Salisbury , saith Sir Walter Rawleigh , was a good Orator , but a bad Writer ; the Earl of Northampeon was a good Writer , but a bad Orator ; Sir Francis Bacon excelled in both : Much he said he owed to his Books , more to his innate Principles and Notions : When he thought , he said , he aimed more at Connexion than Variety : When he spake , he designed rather the life and vigour of expression , and perspicuity of words , than the elegancy or order of phrase . His axiome was ; Words should wait on things , rather than things on words ; and his resolution was , That all affected elegance was below the gravity and majesty of a publick discourse : He rather judged Books and Men , than either read or talked with them . His Exercises were man-like and healthful ; his Meditations cohaerent ; his Table temperate and learned , where his great Discourses were the entertainment , and he himself the treat ; resolving Cases most satisfactorily , stating Questions most exactly , relating Histories most prudently , opening great Secrets most clearly , answering Arguments and replying most familiarly , and speaking what he had thorowly weighed and considered most effectually . — All matters and speeches came from him with advantage ; so acute and ready his wit , so faithful his memory , so penetrating his judgement , so searching his head , so large and rational his soul . My Lord of Salisbury said , he had the clearest prospect of things of any man in his age ; and K. James said , That he knew the method of handling Matters after a milde and gentle manner . His Religion was rational and sober , his spirit publick , his love to Relations tender , to Friends faithful ; to the hopeful liberal , to men universal , to his very Enemies civil . He left the best pattern of Government in his actions under one King , and the best principles of it in the Life of the other . His Essays and History made him the admiration of polite Italy ; his Accomplishments , the wonder of France ; Monsieur Fiat saying to him , after an earnest desire to see him , That he was an Angel to him , of whom he had heard much , but never saw him . Solid and juycy Meat was his Diet , and Rubarb his Physick : four hours in the morning he made his own , not by any means to be interrupted : businesse was his fate , retyrement his inclination . Socrates brought Morality from Discourse to Practice ; and my Lord Bacon brought Philosophy from Speculation to Experience . Aristotle he said , taught many to dispute , more to wrangle , few to finde out Truth , none to manage it according to his principles : — My Lord Bacon was a man singular in every faculty , and eminent in all : His Judgement was solid , yet his memory was a wonder ; his Wit was quick , yet his Reason staid ; his Invention was happy , yet methodical : and one fault he had , that he was above the age he lived in ; above it in his bounties to such as brought him Presents ( so remembring that he had been Lord-Chancellour , that he forgot he was but Lord Verulam : Great his understanding , and great his minde too ) above it in his kindnesse to servants , to whom he had been a better Master , if he had been a worse ; and more kinde , if he had been lesse indulgent to them . For the first of his Excesses , King James jeered him in his progress to New-market , saying , when he heard he gave ten pounds to one that brought him some Fruit , My Lord , my Lord , this is the way to Beggars-bush . For the second , he reflected upon himself , when he said to his servants as they rose to him in his Hall ; Your rise hath been my fall . Though indeed he rather trusted to their honesty , than connived at their falshood ; for he did impartial Justice commonly to both parties , when one servant was in fee with the Plaintiff , and the other with the Defendant : — How well he understood his own time , his Letters , and complyances evidence ; than whom none higher in spirit , yet none humbler in his Addresses [ The proudest man is most servile . ] How little he valued wealth , appeareth , in that when his servants would take money from his Closet , even while he was by , he would laugh , and say , I poor men , that is their portion . How well he kenned the art of Converse , his Essayes discover , a piece ( as he observed himself ) that of all his Works was most current , for that they come home to mens businesse and bosomes . How far skilled in the Art of Government , his H. 7. War with Spain , Holy War , Elements of the Law , irrefragably demonstrate ; and how well seen in all Learning , his Natural History , and Advancement of Learning answerably argue . In a word , how sufficient he was , may be conjectured from this instance , that he had the contrivance of all King James his Designs , untill the Match with Spain ; and that he gave those Directions to a great States-man * which may be his Character , and our conclusion . Onely be it observed , that though this peerlesse Lord is much admired by English-men , yet is he more valued by Strangers ; distance , as the Historian hath it , diminishing his faults to Foreigners , while we behold his perfections abated with his failings ; which set him as much below pity , as his Place did once above it ; Sir Julius Caesar ( they say ) looking upon him as a burden in his Family , and the Lord Brooke denying him a bottle of small beer . Observations on the Life of the Lord John Digby . JOhn Lord Digby of Sherborn , and Earl of Bristol , was a younger Son of an ancient Family , long flourishing at ●●leshull . To passe by his younger years , ( all children being alike in their Coats ) when he had onely an Annuity of fifty pounds per annum , onely his youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency , which his mature age did produce . He did ken the Embassador's craft , as well as any in his age , employed by King James in several Services to Foreign Princes , recited in his Patent , as the main motives of the Honours conferred upon him . But his managing the matchlesse Match with Spain was his Master-piece , wherein a good ( I mean a great ) number of State-Traverses were used on both sides : Where if he dealt in Generalities , and did not presse Particulars , we may ghesse the reason of it from that expression of his ; I will take care to have my Instructions perfect , and will pursue them punctually : If he held Affairs in suspence , that it might not come to a War on our part , it may be he did so with more regard to his Mr. King James his inclination , than his own apprehension : If he said ; That howsoever the businesse went , he would make his fortune thereby , it rather argued his weaknesse that he said so , his sufficiency that he could do so , than his unfaithfulnesse that he did so . This is certain , that he chose rather to come home , and suffer the utmost displeasure of the King of England , than stay in Spain , and enjoy the highest favour of the King of Spain . He did indeed intercede for some indulgeuce to the Papists ; but it was , because otherwise he could do no good for the Protestants . — But whatever was at the bottom of his Actions , there was resolution and noblenesse atop , especially in these actions . 1. Being carried from Village to Village after the King of Spain , without that regard due to his person , or place ; he expressed himself so generously , that the Spanish Courtiers trembled ; and the King declared , That be would not interrupt his Pleasures with businesse at Lerma , for any Embassador in the world but the English ; nor for any English Embassador but Don Juan . 2. When impure Scioppius upon his Libel against K. James , and Sir Bennet's complaint to the Arch-Duke against him , fled to Madrid ; my Lord observing that it was impossible to have Justice done against him from the Catholique King because of the Jesuites , puts his Cousin George Digby upon cutting him ; which he did over his Nose and Mouth wherewith he offended , so that he carried the mark of his Blasphemy to his Grave . 3. When he was extraordinary Embassador in Germany , upon his return by Heydelbergh , observing that Count Mansfield's Army , upon whom depended the fortune of the Palsgrave , was like to disband for want of money , he pawned all his Plate and Jewels to buoy up that sinking Cause for that time . That his spirit was thus great abroad , was his honour ; but that it was too great at home , was his unhappiness : for he engagaged in a fatal Contrast with the Duke of Buckingham , that hazarded both their safeties , had not this Lord feared the Duke's power ( as the Duke this Lord's policy ) and so at last it became a drawn Battle betwixt them ; yet so , that this Earl lost the love of King Charles , living many years in his disfavour : But such as are in a Court-cloud , have commonly the Countreys Sun-shine ; and this Peer during his Eclipse , was very popular with most of the Nation . It is seldome seen , if a Favourite once broken at Court , sets up again for himself ; the hap ( rather than happiness ) of this Lord , the King graciously reflecting on him at the beginning of the Long Parliament , as one best able to give him the safest Counsel in those dangerous times . But how he incensed the Parliament so far , as to be exceped pardon , I neither do know , nor dare enquire . Sure I am , that after the surrender of Exeter , he went over into France , where he met with that due respect in Foreign , which he missed in his Native Countrey . The worst I wish such , who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations ( saith my Author ) is , that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion , as I heard from him , who was to his commendation a cordial Champion for the Church of England . This Family hath been much talked of this last forty years ; though all that I can say of it is this , that great spirits , large parts , high honours , penned within narrow Estates , seldome blesse their owners with moderation , or the places they live in with peace . Oservations on the Life of the Lord Spencer . HEe was the fifth Knight of his Family , in an immediate succession , well allied and extracted , being descended from the Spencers , Earls of Gloucester and Winchester . In the first year of the Reign of King James , being a moneyed man , he was created Baron of Wormeleiton in the County of Warwick . He had such a ready and quick Wit , that once speaking in Parliament of the valour of their English Ancestors in defending the Liberty of the Nation , returned this Answer to the Earl of Arundel , who said unto him , Your Ancestors were then keeping of Sheep ; If they kept Sheep , yours were then plotting of Treason . But both of them were at present confined ; but to the Lord Spencer the Upper-House ordered Reparations , who was first and causelesly provoked . This Lord was also he , who in the first of King James was sent ( with Sir William Dethick , principal King of Arms ) to Frederick Duke of Wirtenbergh , elected into the Order of the Garter , to present and invest him with the Robes and Ornaments thereof ; which were accordingly with geat solemnity performed in the Cathedral of Studgard . — And this was the Lord , that when the Earl of Bristol charged the Duke of Buckingham , started up , and demanded ; Is this all you have to say against the Duke ? The Earl replyed , Yes my Lord , and I am sorry it is so much . Then quoth the Lord Spencer , If this be all , Ridiculus mus ; and so sate down again . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of King James . THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND , IN The Reign of King Charles I. Observations on the Life of the Duke of Buckingham . NAture bestowed on him an exact comliness , his Mother a noble education ( not so much to study , as converse : ) His Travels to France , carriage and experience . About which times , he falls into intrinsecal society with Sir Job . Greham , then one of the Gentlemen of his Majesties Privy-Chamber ; who , I know not upon what Luminaries he espyed in his Face , disswaded him from Marriage , and gave him rather encouragement to wooe Fortune at Court , than court it in the City : Which advice sank well into his fancy , for within some while , the King had taken by certain glances ( whereof the first was at Apthorpe in a Progresse ) such liking of his Person , that he was resolved to make him a Master-piece , and to mould him as it were Platonically to his own Idea . Neither was his Majesty content onely to be the Architect of his Fortune , without putting his gracious hand likewise to some part of the work it self ; Insomuch that it pleased him to descend , and to avale his goodnesse , even to the giving of his foresaid friend Sir John Greham secret directions , how , by what degrees he should bring him into favour . His own parts and observation gained him prudence and discretion ; His Family and Ancestors in Leicester-shirt , gentility and repute ; so that there wanted nothing but Interest to set him up a Courtier : Sir Thomas Compton , who had married his Mother , supplyed him with the one , and the Earls of Bedford , Pembrook , and Hertford , who would eclipse Somerset , helped him to the other : For those three Lords meeting one night at Baynards-Castle , and commanding Somerset's picture should be abused in their way ; next day Sir Thomas Lake leads him into Court , buying him the Cup-bearers place : A while after the Countess of Bedford ushereth him to the Presence-Chamber , entering him a Bed-chamber-man , — and the Earl of Pembrook supports him , untill he was a Favourite . The Courtiers wished him well , because he was an English-man ; the Nobility favoured him , because a Gentleman ; the Ladies have a kindnesse for him , because the exactest Courtier in Christendome ; the King observes him much , for his compleat body , more for his pregnant parts ; and the States-men now consulting Somerset's removal , and finding King James his good nature loth to leave the bosome of one Minion , until he had reposed himself in another , made it their plot to advance him . His carriage was free and debonair ; his passions even and smooth , and one saith , carried in his pocket ; his nature noble and open ; his temper industrious and inquisitive ; his intellectuals clear and capable ; his minde tractable and docible ; his spirit resolute and undaunted . — The first month he comes to Court , he takes place above all his fellows ; and being removed with some affront by a creature of Somerset's , gives him a box on the car ; an action that gave him and his friends a seasonable occasion of a Contest with Somerset , and him a clear conquest over him : Somerset as Chamberlain would have cut off his hand , and he as Favourite was like to have cut off his head . This new Favourite riseth ; all are weary of Somerset the first Minion , all welcome the second . The King is first his Tutor , and then his Patron , instructing him before he employed him . Three sorts of studies he engaged him in ; the first was for delights in private Retyrements ; the second , for ornament in Discourse ; the third , for ability in Businesse . He had Princely apprehensions of the principles and Maximes of Government , a distinct notion of all his Affairs , an excellent way to make use of other mens Abilities ; and these incomparable Rules from my Lord Bacon , which were transcribed in his Life . Sir , In the first place , I shall be bold to put you in minde of the present condition you are in ; You are not onely a Courtier , but a Bed-chamber-man , and so are in the eye and eare of your Master ; but you are also a Favourite ; The Fourite of the time , and so are in his bosome also ; The world hath so voted you , and doth so esteem of you , ( for Kings and great Princes , even the wisest of them , have had their Friends , their Favourites , their Privadoes , in all ages ; for they have their affections as well as other men ) of these they make several uses : sometimes to communicate and debate their thoughts with them , and to ripen their judgements thereby ; sometimes to ease their cares by imparting them ; and sometimes to interpose them between themselves and the envy or malice of their People ( for Kings cannot erre , that must must be discharged upon the shoulders of their Ministers ; and they who are nearest unto them must be content to bear the greatest load . ) Truly Sir , I do not believe or suspect that you are chosen to this eminency , out of the last of these considerations ; for you serve such a Master , who by his wisdome and goodnesse , is as free from the malice or envy of his Subjects , as , I think I may say truly , ever any King was , who hath sate upon his Throne before him : But I am confident , his Majesty hath cast his eyes upon you , as finding you to be such as you should be , or hoping to make you to be such as he would have you to be ; for this I may say without flattery , your outside promiseth as much as can be expected from a Gentleman . But be it in the one respect , or other , it belongeth to you to take care of your self , and to know well what the name of a Favourite signifies : If you be chosen upon the former respects ; you have reason to take care of your actions and deportment , out of your gratitude , for the King's sake ; but if out of the later , you ought to take the greater care , for your own sake . You are as a new risen Star , and the eyes of all men are upon you ; let not your own negligence make you fall like a Meteor . The contemplation then of your present condition must necessarily prepare you for action ; what time can be well spar'd from your attendance on your Master , will be taken up by suitors , whom you cannot avoid , nor decline , without reproach ; for if you do not already , you will soon finde the throng of suitors attend you ; for no man , almost , who hath to do with the King , will think himself safe , unlesse you be his good Angel , and guide him , or , or least , that you be not a Malus Genius against him ; so that , in respect of the King your Master , you must be very wary , that you give him true information ; and if the matter concern him in his Government , that you do not flatter him ; if you do , you are as great a Traytor to him in the Court of Heaven , as he that draws his sword against him : and in respect of the Suitors which shall attend you , there is nothing will bring you more honour and more ease , then to do them what right in justice you may , and with as much speed as you may ; for believe it , Sir , next to the obtaining of the suit , a speedy and a gentle denyal ( when the case will not bear it ) is the most acceptable to suitors ; they will gain by their dispatch , whereas else they shall spend their time and money in attending ; and you will gain in the ease you will finde in being rid of their importunity . But if they obtain what they reasonably desired , they will be doubly bound to you for your favour : Bis dat qui cito dat ; it multiplis the courtesie , to do it with good words , and speedily . That you may be able to do this with the best advantage , my humble advice is this ; when suitors come unto you , set apart a certain hour in ; day to give them audience : If the businesse be light and easie , it may by word onely be delivered , and in a word be answered ; but if it be either of weight , or of difficulty , direct the suitor to commit it to writing , ( if it be not so already ) and then direct him to attend for his answer at a set time to be appointed , which would constantly be observed , unlesse some matter of great moment do interrupt it : when you have received the Petitions ( and it will please the Petitioners well , to have access unto you to deliver them into your own hand ) let your Secretary first read them , and draw lines under the material parts thereof ( for the matter , for the most part , lies in a narrow room . ) The Petitions being thus prepared , do you constantly set apart an hour in a day to peruse those Petitions ; and after you have ranked them into several files , according to the subject matter , make choice of two or three friends , whose judgements and fidelities you believe you may trust in a business of that nature , and recommend it to one or more of them , to inform you of their opinions , and of their reasons for , or against the granting of it ; and if the matter be of great weight indeed , then it would not be amisse to send several Copies of the same Petition to several of your friends , the one not knowing what the other doth , and desire them to return their answers to you by a certain time , to be prefixed in writing ; so shall you receive an impartial answer , and by comparing the one with the other , you shall both discern the abilities and faithfulnesse of your friends , and be able to give a judgement thereupon , as an Oracle . But by no means trust not to your own judgement alone , for no man is ●●niscient ; nor trust onely to your servants , who may mislead you , or mis-inform you ; by which they may perhaps gain a few crowns , but the reproach will lie upon your self , if it be not rightly carried . For the facilitating of your dispatches , my advice is further , that you divide all the Petitions , and the matters therein contained , under several heads ; which , I conceive , may be fitly ranked into these eight sorts . 1. Matters that concern Religion , and the Church and Church-men . 2. Matters concerning Justice , and the Laws , and the professors thereof . 3. Councellors , and the Council-Table , and the great Offices and Officers of the Kingdom . 4. Foreign Negotiations and Embassies . 5. Peace and War , both foreign and civil , and in that the Navy and Forts , and what belongs to them . 6. Trade at home and abroad . 7. Colonies , or foreign Plantations . 8. The Court , and Curiality . And whatsoever will not fall naturally under one of these heads , believe me , Sir , will not be worthy of your thoughts , in this capacity we now speak of . And of these sorts , I warrant you , you will finde enough to keep you in business . I begin with the first , which concerns Religion . 1. In the first place , be you your self rightly perswaded and setled in the true Protestant Religion , professed by the Church of England ; which doubtlesse is as sound and orthodox in the doctrine thereof , as any Christian Church in the world . 2. In this you need not be a Monitor to your gracious Master the King ; the chiefest of his Imperial Titles , is to be The Defender of the Faith ; and his learning is eminent , not onely above other Princes , but above other men ; be but his scholar , and you are safe in that . 3. For the Discipline of the Church of England , by Bishops , &c. I will not positively say , as some do , that it 's Jure Divino ; but this I say , and think , 〈◊〉 animo , that it is the neerest to Apostolical truth ; and confidently I shall say , it is fittest for Monarchy of all others : I will use no other authority to you , than that excellent Proclamation set out by the King himself in the first year of his Reign , and annexed before the Book of Common Prayer ; which I desire you to read ; and if at any time there shall be the least motion made for Innovation , to put the King in minde to read it himself : It is most dangerous in a State to give ear to the least alterations in Government . 4. Take heed , I beseech you , that you be not an instrument to countenance the Romish Catholicks : I cannot flatter ; the world believes that some near in blood to you are too much of that perswasion ; you must use them with fit respects , according to the bonds of nature ; but you are of kin , and so a friend to their persons , not to their errors . 5. The Arch-Bishops and Bishops , next under the King , have the government of the Church and Ecclesastical affairs ; be not you the mean to prefer any to those places , for any by-respects , but onely for their learning , gravity and worth ; their lives and Doctrine ought to be exemplary . 6. For Deans , and Canons or Prebends of Cathedral Churches : In their first institution they were of great use in the Church ; they were not onely to be of Council with the Bishop for his revenue , but chiefly for his Government in causes Ecclesiastical ; use your best means to prefer such to those places who are fit for that purpose , men eminent for their learning , piety , and discretion , and put the King often in minde thereof ; and let them be reduced again to their first institution . 7. You will be often sollicited , and perhaps importuned to prefer Scholars to Church-Livings ; you may further your friends in that way , caeteris peribus ; otherwise , remember , I pray , that these are not places meerly of favour , the charge of souls lies upon them ; the greatest account whereof will be required at their own hands ; but they will share deeply in their faults who are the instruments of their preferment . 8. Besides the Romish Catholicks , there is a generation of Sectaries , the Anabaptists , Brownists , and others , of their kinds ; they have been several times very busie in this Kingdom , under the colour of zeal for reformation of Religion : The King your Mr. knows their disposition very well ; a small touch will put him in minde of them ; he had experience of them in Scotland , I hope he will beware of them in England ; a little countenance or connivance sets them on fire . 9. Order and decent ceremonies in the Church , are not onely comely but commendable ; but th●● must be great care , not to introduce Innovatio 〈…〉 they will quickly prove scandalous : men are 〈…〉 rally over-prone to suspition ; the true Pr 〈…〉 Religion is seated in the golden mean ; the 〈◊〉 unto her , are the extreams on either ●and . 10. The persons of Church-men are to be 〈◊〉 in due respect , for their words-sake , and protected from scorn : but if a Clergy-man be loose and 〈…〉 dalous , he must not be patroniz'd nor wink 't at ; the example of a few such , corrupt many . 11. Great care must be taken , that the patrimony of the Church be not sacrilegiously diverted 〈◊〉 lay-uses : His Majesty in his time hath religio 〈…〉 stopped a leak that did much harm , and would 〈◊〉 have done more . Be sure , as much as in you lyes , stop the like upon all occasions . 12. Colledges and Schools of Learning are to be cherished and encouraged , thereto breed up a 〈◊〉 stock to furnish the Church and Common-wealth , when the old store are transplanted . This Kingdom hath in later ages been famous for good literature ; and if preferment shall attend the deservers , there will not want supplies . Next to Religion , let your care be to promote Justice . By justice and mercy is the Kings thro●● established . 1. Let the rule of Justice be the Laws of the Land , an impartial arbiter between the King and his people , and between one Subject and another : I shall not speak superlatively of them , left I be su●pected of partiality , in regard of my own profession ; but this I may truly say , they are second to none in the Christian world . 2. And , as far as it may lie in you , let no Arbitrary power be intruded : the people of this Kingdome love the Laws thereof , and nothing will oblige them more , then a confidence of the free enjoying of them . What the Nobles , upon an occasions once said in Parliament , Nolumus leges Anglia mutari , is imprinted in the hearts of all the people . 3. But because the life of the Laws lies in the due execution and administration of them , let your eye be in the first place , upon the choice of good Judges : These properties had they need to be furnished with ; To be learned in their profession , patient in hearing , prudent in governing , powerful in their elocution to perswade & satisfie both the parties and ●earers , just in their judgement ; and , to sum up all , they must have these three Attributes ; They must be men of courage , fearing God , and bating covet 〈…〉 e ; An ignorant man cannot , a Coward dares not be a good Judge . 4. By no means be you perswaded to interpose your self , either by word or letter , in any cause depending , or like to be depending in any Court of Justice , nor suffer any other great man to do it where you can hinder it ; and by all means disswade the King himself from it , upon the importunity of 〈◊〉 for themselves or their friends : If it should prevail , it perverts Justice ; but if the Judge be so just , and of such courage ( as he ought to be ) as not to be enclined thereby , yet it always leaves a 〈◊〉 of suspition behind it . Judges must be as chaste as Caesar's Wife , neither to be , nor to be suspected to be , unjust ; and Sir , the honour of the Judges in their judicature , is the Kings honour whom they represent . 5. There is great use of the service of the Judges in their Circuits , which are twice in the year held throughout the Kingdome ; the tryal of a few causes between party and party , or delivering of the Gaols in several Counties , are of great use for the expedition of justice ; yet they are of much more use for the government of the Counties through which they pass , if that were well thought upon . 6. For if they had instructions to that purpose , they might be the best intelligencers to teh King , of the true state of his whole Kingdome , of the disposition of the people , of their inclinations , of their intentions and motions , which are necessary to be truly understood . 7. To this end , I could wish , that against every Circuit all the Judges should , sometimes by the K. himself , and sometimes by the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper , in the King's name , receive a charge of those things which the present times did much require ; and at their return should deliver a faithful account thereof , and how they found and left the Counties through which they passed , and in which they kept their Assizes . 8. And that they might the better perform this work , which might be of great importance , it will not be amiss that sometimes this charge be publick , as it useth to be in the Star-Chamber at the end of the Terms next before the Circuit begins , where the King's care of justice , and the good of his people , may be published ; and that sometimes also it may be private , to communicate to the Judges some things not so fit to be publickly delivered . 9. I could wish also that the Judges were directed to make a little longer stay in a place than usually they do ; a day more in a County would be a very good addition , ( although their wages for their Circuits were increased in proportion ) it would stand better with the gravity of their employment ; whereas now they are sometimes enforced to rise over-early , and to sit over-late , for the dispatch of their businesse , to the extraordinary trouble of themselves and of the people , their times indeed not being ●orae juridic● ; And , which is the main , they would have the more leisure to inform themseves ( quasi aliud agentes ) of the true estate of the Country . 10. The attendence of the Sheriffs of the Counties , accompanied with the principal Gentlemen , in a comely , not a costly equipage , upon the Judges of Assize at their coming to the place of their sitting , and at their going out , is not onely a civility , but of use also : It raiseth a reverence to the persons and places of the Judges , who coming from the King himself on so great an errand , should not be neglected . 11. If any sue to be made a Judge , for my own part , I should suspect him ; but if either directly or indirectly he should bargain for a place of judicature , let him be rejected with shame : vendere jure potest , em●rat ille prius . 12. When the place of a chief Judge of a Court becomes vacant , a puisne Judge of that Court , or of another Court , who hath approved himself fit and deserving , would be sometimes preferred ; it would be a good encouragement for him , and for others , by his example . 13. Next to the Judge , there would be care used in the choice of such as are called to the degree of Ser jeants at Law ( for such they must be first , before they be made Judges ) none should be made Ser jeants , but such as probably might be held fit to be Judges afterwards , when the experience at the Barr hath fitted them for the Bench : Therefore by all means cry down that unworthy course of late times used , that they should pay moneys for it . It may satisfie some Courtiers , but it is no honou● to the person so preferred , nor to the King , who thus prefers him . 14. For the Kings Counsel at the Law , especially his Attorney and Solicitor General , I need say nothing ; their continual use for the Kings service , not onely for his Revenue , but for all the parts of his Government , will put the King , and all those who love his service , in minde to make choice of men every way fit and able for that employment : they had need to be learned in their prosession , and not ignorant in other things ; and to be dexterous in those affairs where of the dispatch is committed to them . 15. The Kings Attorney of the Court of Ward● is in the true quality of the Judges ; therefore what hath been observed already of Judges , which are intended principally of the three great Courts of Law at Westminster , may be applied to the choice of the Attorney of this Court. 16. The like for the Attorney of the Dutchy of Lancaster , who partakes of both qualities , partly of a Judge of that Court , and partly of an Attorney General ; for so much as concerns the proper ●evenue of the Dutchy . 17. I must not forget the Judges of the four Circuits in the twelve Shires of Wales , who although they are not of the first magnitude , nor need be of the degree of the Coyf ( onely the chief Justice of Chester , who is one of the number , is so ) yet are they considerable in the choice of them , by the same rules as the other Judges are ; and they sometimes are , and fitly may be , transplanted into the higher Courts . 18. There are many Courts ( as you see ) some superiour , some provincial , and some of a lower orb ; It were to be wished , and is fit to be so ordered , that every of them keep themselves within their proper spheres . The harmony of justice is then the sweetest , when there is no jarring about the jurisdiction of the Courts ; which me-thinks wisdome cannot much differ upon , their true bounds being for the most part so clearly known . 19. Having said thus much of the Judges , somewhat will be fit to put you in minde concerning the principal Ministers of Justice : and in the first , of the High Sheriffs of the Counties , which have been very ancient in this Kingdome , I am sure before the Conquest ; The choice of them I commend to your care , and that at fit times you put the King in minde thereof ; That as neer as may be they be such as are fit for those places , for they are of great trust and power : The Posse Comitatus , the power of the whole County , being legally committed unto them . 20. Therefore it is agreeable with the intention of the Law , that the choice of them should be by the commendation of the great Officers of the Kingdom , and by the advice of the Judges , who are presumed to be well read in the condition of the Gentry of the whole Kingdom : And although the King may do it of himself , yet the old way is the good way . 21. But I utterly condemn the practice of the latter times , which hath lately crept into the Court ( at the back-stairs ) That some who are prick'd for Sheriffs , and were fit , should get out of the Bill ; and others who were neither thought upon , nor worthy to be , should be nominated , and both for money . 22. I must not omit to put you in minde of the Lords Lieutenants , and Deputy-Lieutenants of the Counties : their proper use is for ordering the Military affairs , in order to an invasion from abroad , or a rebellion or sedition at home ; good choice should be made of them , and prudent instructions given to them , and as little of the Arbitrary power as may be left unto them ; and that the Muster-Masters , and their Officers under them , incroach not upon the Subject ; that will detract much from the King's service . 23. The Justices of Peace are of great use ; Antiently there were Conservators of the peace , these are the same , saving that several Acts of Parliament have altered their denomination , and enlarged their jurisdiction in many particulars ; The fitter they are for the peace of the Kingdome , the more heed ought to be taken in the choice of them . 24. But negatively , this I shall be bold to say , that none should be put into either of those Commissions with an eye of favour to their persons , to give them countenance or reputation in the places where they live , but for the King's service sake ; nor any put out for the disfavour of any great man : It hath been too often used , and hath been no good service to the King. 25. A word more , if you please to give me leave , for the true rules of the moderation of Justice on the Kings part . The execution of justice is committed to his Judges , which seemeth to be the severer part : but the milder part , which is mercy , is wholly left in the King 's immediate hand : And Justice and Mercy are the true supporters of his Royal Throne . 26. If the King shall be wholly intent upon Justice , it may appear with an over-rigid aspect ; but if he shall be over-remiss and easie , it draweth upon him contempt . Examples of Justice must be made sometimes for terrour to some ; Examples of Mercy , sometimes , for comfort to others : the one procures fear , and the other love . A King must be both feared and loved , else he is lost . 27. The ordinary Courts of Justice I have spoken of , and of their Judges and judicature ; I shall put you in minde of some things touching the High Court of Parliament in England , which is superlative ; and therefore it will behove me to speak the more warily thereof . 28. For the institution of it , it is very antient in this Kingdom : It consisteth of the two Houses , of Peers and Commons , as the Members ; and of the King's Majesty , as the head of that great body : By the King's authority alone , and by his Writs , they are assembled , and by him alone they are prorogued and dissolved ; but each House may adjourn it self . 29. They being thus Assembled , are more properly a Council to the King , the Councel of the Kingdome , to advise his Majesty in those things of weight and difficulty , which concern both the King and People , then a Court. 30. No new Laws can be made , nor old Laws abrogated or altered , but by common consent in Parliament , where Bills are prepared and presented to the two Houses , and then delivered : but nothing is concluded but by the King 's Royal assent ; They are but Embroys , 't is he giveth life unto them . 31. Yet the House of Peers hath a power of Judicature in some cases ; properly , to examine , and then to affirm , or if there be cause , to reverse the judgements which have been given in the Court of King's Bench , ( which is the Court of highest jurisdiction in the Kingdome , for ordinary Judicature ) but in these cases it must be done by Writ of Error in Parliamento : And thus the rule of their proceedings is not absoluta potestas , as in making new Laws ( in that conjuncture as before ) but limitata potest as , according to the known Laws of the Land. 32. But the House of Commons have only power to censure the Members of their own House , in point of election or misdemeauors , in or towards that House ; and have not , nor ever had power , so much as to administer an Oath to prepare a judgement . 33. The true use of Parliaments in this Kingdome is very excellent ; and they would be often called , as the affairs of the Kingdom shall require ; and continued so long as is necessary , and no longer , for then they be but burthens to the people , by reason of the priviledges justly due to the Members of the two Houses and their Attendants ; which their just rights and priviledges are religiously to be observed and maintained ; but if they should be unjustly enlarged beyond their true bounds , they might lessen the just power of the Crown , it borders so near upon popularity . 34. All this while I have spoken concerning the Common Laws of England , generally , and properly so called , because it is most general and common to almost all cases and causes , both civil and criminal : But there is also another Law , which is called the Civil or Ecclesiastical Law , which is confined to some few heads ; and that is not to be neglected : and although I am a professor of the Common-Law , yet am I so much a lover of Truth and of Learning , and of my native Countrey , that I do heartily perswade that the professors of that Law , called Civilians ( because the Civil Law is their guide ) should not be discountenanced nor discouraged ; else whensoever we shall have o●ght to do with any foreign King or State , we shall be at a miserable losse , for wa●t of Learned men in that profession . III. I come now to the consideration of those things which concern Councellors of State , The Council Table , and the great Offices and Officers of the Kingdome , which are those who for the most part furnish out that honourable Board . I. Of Councellors , there are two sorts : The first , Consiliarii ●ati , ( as I may term them ) such are the Prince of Wales , and others of the King's Sons ( when he hath more ; ) of these I speak no● , for they are naturally born to be Councellors to the KING , to learn the art of Governing betimes . 2. But the ordinary sort of Councellors are such as the King , out of a due consideration of their worth and abilities , and withal , of their fidelities to his Person and to his Crown , calleth to be of Councel with him in his ordinary Government . And the Council-Table is so called , from the place where they ordinarily assemble and sit together ; and their Oath is the onely ceremony used , to make them such , which is solemnly given unto them , at their first admission : These honourable persons are from thenceforth of that Board and Body : They cannot come untill they be thus called , and the King at his pleasure may spare their attendance ; and he may dispense with their presence there , which at their own pleasure they may not do . 3. This being the quality of their service , you will easily judge what care the King should use , in his choice of them ; It behoveth that they be persons of great trust and fidelity , and also of wisdome and judgement , who shall thus assist in bearing up the King's Throne ; and of known experience in publick affairs . 4. Yet it may not be unfit to call some of young years , to train them up in that Trade , and so fit them for those weighty affairs , against the time of greater maturity ; and some also for the honour of their persons : But these two sorts not to be tyed to so strict attendance , as the others from whom the present dispatch of business is expected . 5. I could wish that their number might not be so over-great , the persons of the Councellors would be the more venerable . And I know that Queen Elizabeth , in whose time I had the happinesse to be born , and to live many years , was not so much observed , for having a numerous , as a wise , Councel 6. The duty of a Privy-Councellor to a King , I conceive , is , not onely to attend the Councel-board , at the times appointed , and there to consult of what shall be propounded ; But also to study those things which may advance the King's honour and safety , and the good of the Kingdome , and to communicate the same to the King , or to his fellow Councellors , as there shall be occasion . And this , Sir , will concern you more then others , by how much you have a larger share in his affections . 7. And one thing I shall be bold to desire you to recommend to his Majesty : That when any new thing shall be propounded to be taken into consideration , that no Counsellor should suddenly deliver any positive opinion thereof ; it is not so easie with all men to retract their opinions , although there shall be cause for it : But onely to hear it , and at the most but to break it , at first , that it may be the better understood against the next meeting . 8. When any matter of weight hath been debated , and seemeth to be ready for a resolution ; I wish it may not be at that sitting concluded ( unless the necessity of the time press it ) lest upon second cogitations there should be cause to alter , which is not for the gravity and honour of that Board . 9. I wish also that the King would be pleased sometimes to be present at that Board , it adds a Majesty to it : And yet not to be too frequently there , that would render it lesse esteemed when it is become common ; Besides , it may sometimes make the Councellors not to be so free in their debates in his presence , as they would be in his absence . 10. Besides the giving of Counsel , the Councellors are bound by their Duties ex vi termini , as well as by their Oaths , to keep counsel ; therefore are they called de Privato Consilio Regis , & à seeretioribus consili●● Regis . 11. One thing I add , in the negative , which is not fit for that Board , the entertaining of private causes , of meum & tuum ; those should be left to the ordinary course and Courts of Justice . 12. As there is great care to be used for the Councellors themselves to be chosen , so there is of the Clerks of the Council also , for the secreting of their Cousultations ; and methinks , it were fit that his Majesty be speedily moved , to give a strict charge , and to binde it with a solemn order ( if it be not already so done ) that no copies of the orders of that Table be delivered out by the Clerks of the Councel , but by the order of the Board ; nor any not being a Councellor , or a Clerk of the Councel , or his Clerk , to have accesse to the Councel-Books : and to that purpose , that the servants attending the Clerks of the Councel be bound to secrecy , as well as their Masters . 13. For the great Offices and Officers of the Kingdome , I shall say little ; for the most of them are such , as cannot well be severed from the Councellorship ; and therefore the same rule is to be obseved for both , in the choice of them : In the general , onely , I advise this , let them be set in those places for which they are probably the most fit . 14. But in the quality of the persons , I conceive it will be most convenient to have some of every sort , ( as in the time of Queen Elizabeth it was ) one Bishop at the least , in respect of questions touching Religion , or Church-Government ; one or more skilled in the Laws ; some for Martial affairs , and some for Foreign affairs : By this mixture one will help another , in all things that shall there happen to be moved : But if that would fail , it will be a safe way , to consult with some other able persons well versed in that point which is the subject of their Consultation , which yet may be done so warily , as may not discover the main end therein . IV. In the next place , I shall put you in minde of the Foreign Negotiations and Embassies , to or with Foreign Princes or States , wherein I shall be little able to serve you . 1. Onely I will tell you what was the course in the happy dayes of Queen Elizabeth , whom it will be no dis-reputation to follow : She did vary , according to the nature of the employment , the quality of the persons she employed ; which is a good rule to go by . 2. If it were an Embassy of Gratulation or Ceremony ( which must not be neglected ) choice was made of some noble person , eminent in place , and able in purse , and he would take it as a mark offavour , and discharge it without any great burthen to the Queen's Coffers , for his owne honours sake . 3. But if it were an Embassie of weight , concerning affairs of State , choice was made of some sad person of known judgement , wisdome and experience , and not of a young man , not wayed in State-matters ; nor of a meer formal man , whatsoever his title or outside were . 4. Yet in company of such , some young towardly Noblemen or Gentlemen were usually sent also , as Assistants or Attendants , according to the quality of the persons , who might be thereby prepared and fitted for the like employment , by this means , at another turn . 5. In their company were alwayes sent some grave and sad men , skilful in the Civil Laws , and some in the Languages , and some who had been formerly conversant in the Courts of those Princes , and knew their wayes ; these were Assistants in private , but not trusted to manage the Affairs in publick ; that would detract from the honour of the principal Embassador . 6. If the Negotiation were about Merchants affairs , then were the persons employed for the most part Doctors of the Civil Law , assisted with some other discreet men ; and in such the charge was ordinarily defrayed by the Company or Society of Merchants , whom the Negotiation concerned . 7. If Legier Embassadors or Agents were sent to remain in or neer the Courts of those Princes or States ( as it was ever held fit , to observe the motions , and to hold correspondency with them , upon all occasions ) such were made choice of , as were presumed to be vigilant , industrious , and discreet men , and had the language of the place whither they were sent ; and with these were sent such as were hopeful to be worthy of the like employment at another time . 8. Their care was , to give true and timely Intelligence of all Occurrences , either to the Queen her self , or the Secretaries of State , unto whom they had their immediate relation . 9. Their charge was always born by the Queen , duly paid out of the Exchequer , in such proportion , as , according to their qualities and places might give them an honourable subsistence there : But for thereward of their service , they were to expect it upon their return , by some such preferment as might be worthy of them , and yet be little burthen to the Queens Coffers or Revenues . 10. At their going forth , they had their general Instructions in writing , which might be communicated to the Ministers of that State whither they were sent ; and they had also private Instructions , upon particular occasions ; and at their return , they did always render an account of some things to the Queen her self , of some things to the body of the Council , and of some others to the Secretaries of State , who made use of them , or communicated them , as there was cause . 11. In those days there was a constant course held , that by the advice of the Secretaries , or some principal Councellors , there were always sent forth into several parts beyond the Seas some young men , of whom good hopes were conceived of their towardlinesse , to be trained up , and made fit for such publick Employments , and to learn the Languages . This was at the charge of the Queen , which was not much , for they travelled but as private Gentlemen ; and as by their industry their deserts did appear , so far were they further employed or rewarded . This course I shall recommend unto you , to breed up a Nursery of such publick Plants . V. For Peace and War , and those things which appertain to either ; I in my own disposition and profession am wholly for peace , if please God to blesse the Kingdom therewith , as for many years past he hath done : and , 1. I presume I shall not need to perswade you to the advancing of it ; nor shall you need to perswade the King your Master therein , for that he hath hither to been another Solomon in this our Israel ; and the Motto which he hath chosen ( Beati Pacifici ) shews his own judgement : But he must use the means to preserve it , else such a jewel may be lost . 2. God is the God of Peace ( it is one of his Artributes ) therefore by him alone we must pray , and hope to continue it : there is the foundation . 3. And the King must not neglect the just ways for it ; Justice is the best Protector of it at home , and providence for War is the best prevention of it from abroad . 4. Wars are either Foreign or Civil ; for the Foreign War by the King upon some neigbour Nation , I hope we are secure ; the King , in his just and pious disposition , is not inclinable thereunto ; his Empire is long enough , bounded with the Ocean , as if the very situation thereof had taught the King and People to set up their rests , and say , Ne plus ultra . 5. And for a war of invasion from abroad ; onely we must not be over-secure , that 's the way to invite it . 6. But if we be always prepared to receive an Enemy , if the ambition or malice of any should incite him , we may be very confident we shall long live in peace and quietnesse , without any attempt upon us . 7. To make the preparations hereunto the more assured : In the first place , I will recommend unto you the care of our out-work , the Navy Royal and Shipping of our Kingdome , which are the walls thereof ; and every great Ship is as an impregnable sort ; and our many safe and commodious Ports and Havens in every of these Kingdomes , are as the redoubts to secure them . 8. For the body of the Ships , no Nation of the world doth equal England , for the Oaken Timber where with to build them ; and we need not borrow of any other , iron for Spikes , or Nails to fasten them together : but there must be a great deal of providence used , that our Ship-Timber be not unnecessarily wasted . 9. But for Tackling , as Sails and Cordage , we are beholden to our neighbours for them , and do buy them for our money ; that must be foreseen and layd up in store against a time of need , and not sought for when we are to use them : But we are much too blame , that we make them not at home , onely Pitch and Tar we have not of our own . 10. For the true Art of building of Ships , for burthen and service both , no Nation in the world exceeds us : Ship-wrights and all other Artizans belonging to that Trade must be cherished and encouraged . 11. Powder and Ammunition of all sorts we can have at home , and in exchange for other home commodities we may be plentifully supplied from our Neighbours , which must not be neglected . 12. With Mariners and Seamen this Kingdom is plentifully furnished , the constant Trade of Merchandizing will furnish us at a need ; and navigable Rivers will repair the store , both to the Navy Royal , and to the Merchants , if they be set on work , and well payed for their labour . 13. Sea-Captains and Commanders , and other Officers must be encouraged , and rise by degrees , as their fidelity and industry deserve it . 14. Our strict League of amity and alliance with our neere Neighbours the Hollanders is a mutual strength to both ; the shipping of both , in conjuncture , being so powerful , by Gods blessing , as no Foreigners will venture upon ; This League and Friendship must inviolably be observed . 15 From Scotland we have had in former times some Alarms and Inrodes into the Northern parts of this Kingdome ; but that happy union of both Kingdomes under one Soveraign , our gracious King , I hope , hath taken away all occasions of breach between the two Nations ; let not the cause arise from England , and I hope the Scots will not adventure it ; or if they do , I hope they will finde , that although to our King they were his first-born Subjects , yet to England belongs the birth-right : But this should not be any cause to offer any injury to them , nor to suffer any from them . 16. There remains then no danger , by the blessing of God , but a Civil War , from which God of his mercy defend us , as that which is most desperate of all others . The Kings wisdome and justice must prevent it , if it may be ; or if it should happen , quod absit , he must quench that wilde-fire with all the diligence that possible can be . 17. Competition to the Crown , there is none , nor can be ; therefore it must be a fire within the bowels , or nothing , the cures whereof are these ; Remedium praeveniens , which is the best physick either to a natural bod , or to a State , by just and equal Government to take away the occasion ; and Remedium puniens , if the other prevail not : The service and vigilance of the Deputy-Lieutenants in every County , and of the high-●heriff , will contribute much herein to ou● security . 18. But if that should not prevail , by a wise and timous inquisition , the peccant humours and humorists must be discovered , and purged , or cut off ; mercy in such a case , in a King , is truly cruelty . 19. Yet if the Heads of the Tribes can be taken off , and the mis-led multitude will see their errour , and return to their obedience , such an extent of mercy is both honourable and profitable . 20. A King , against a storm , must fore-see , to have a convenient stock of treasure : and neither be without money , which is the sinews of War , nor to depend upon the courtesie of others , which may fail at a pinch . 21. He must also have a Magazine of all sorts , which must be had from Foreign parts , or provided at home ; and to commit them to several places , under the custody of trusty and faithfull Ministers and Officers , if it be possible . 22. He must make choice of expert and able Commanders to conduct and manage the War , either against a foreign invasion , or a home-rebellion ; which must not be young and giddy , which dare , not onely to fight , but to swear , and drink , and curse ; neither fit to govern others , nor able to govern themselves . 23. Let not such be discouraged , if they deserve well , by mis-information , or for the satisfying the humours or ambition of others , perhaps out of envy , perhaps out of treachery , or other sinister ends : A steady hand in governing of Military Affairs , is more requisite then in times of peace , because an errour committed in war , may perhaps prove irremediable . 24. If God shall blesse these endeavours , and the King return to his own house in peace , when a Civil War shall be at an end , those who have been found faithful in the Land must be regarded , yea , and rewarded also ; the traiterous , or treacherous , who have misled others , severely punish'd ; and the neutrals , and false-hearted friends and followers , who have started afide like a broken bow , be noted , Carbone nigro ; and so I shall leave them , and this part of the work . VI. I come now to the sixth part , which is Trade , and that is either at home , or abroad . And I begin with that which is at home ; which enableth the Subjects of the Kingdom to live , and layeth a foundation to a foreign Trade by traffique with others , which enableth them to live plentifully and happily . 1. For the Home-trade , I first commend unto your consideration the encouragement of Tillage , which will enable the Kingdom for Corn for the Natives , and to spare for exportation : And I my self have known , more than once , when in times of dearth , in Queen Elizabeth's days , it drained much coin of the Kingdom , to furnish us with Corn from foreign parts . 2. Good Husbands will finde the means by good husbandry , to improve their lands by Lime , Chalk , Marl , or Sea-sand , where it can be had : But it will not be amiss , that they be put in minde thereof , and encouraged in their industries . 3. Planting of Orchards in a soil and air fit for them , is very profitable , as well as pleasureable ; Sider and Perry are notable Beverage in Sea-voyages . 4. Gardens are also very profitable , if planted with Artichokes , roots , and such other things as are fit for food ; whence they are called Kitchin-gardens , and that very properly . 5. The planting of Hop-yards , sowing of Woad , and Rape-seed , are found very profitable for the Planters , in places apt for them , and consequently profitable for the Kingdome , which for divers years was furnished with them from beyond the Seas . 6. The planting and preserving of Woods , especially of Timber , is not onely profitable , but commendable , therewith to furnish posterity , both for building and shipping . 7. The Kingdom would be much improved , by draining of drowned lands , and gaining that in from the over-flowing of salt waters and the sea , and from fresh waters also . 8. And many of those grounds would be exceeding fit for Dairies ; which , being well houswiv●d are exceeding commodious . 9. Much good land might be gained from Forests and Chases , more remote from the King's access , and from other commonable places ; so as always there be a due care taken , that the poor Commoners have no injury by such improvement . 10. The making of navigable Rivers would be very profitable ; they would be as so many indraughts of wealth , by conveying of commodities with ease from place to place . 11. The planting of Hemp and Flax would be an unknown advantage to the Kingdome , many places therein being as apt for it , as any Forreign parts . 12. But add hereunto , that it be converted into Linen-cloath , or Cordage , the commodity thereof will be multiplied . 13. So it is of the Wools and Leather of the Kingdome , if they be converted into Manufactures . 14. Our English Dames are much given to the wearing of costly Laces ; and , if they be brought from Italy , or France , or Flanders , they are in great esteem ; whereas , if the like Laces were made by the English , so much threed as would make a yard of Lace , being put into that Manufacture , would be five times , or perhaps ten , or twenty times the value . 15. The breeding of Cattel is of much profit , especially the breed of Horses , in many places , not onely for travel , but for the great saddle ; the English Horse , for strength , and courage , and swiftnesse together , not being inferiour to the horses of any other Kingdome . 16. The Minerals of the Kingdom , of Lead , Tron , Copper , and Tynn especially , are of great value , and set many able-bodied subjects on work ; it were great pity they should not be industriously followed . 17. But of all Minerals , there is none like to that of Fishing upon the coasts of these Kingdomes , and the seas belonging to them : our Neighbors within half a days sail of us , with a good winde , can shew us the use and value thereof ; and , doubtlesse there is sea-room enough for both Nations , without offending one another ; and it would exceedingly support the Navy . 18. This Realm is much enriched , of late years , by the Trade of Merchandize which the English drive in Foreign parts ; and , if it be wisely managed , it must of necessity very much increase the wealth thereof ; care being taken , that the exportation exceed in value the importation , for then the balance of Trade must of necessity be returned in Coin , or Bullion . 19. This would easily be effected , if the Merchants were perswaded , or compelled to make their returns in solid commodities , and not too much thereof in vanity , tending to excess . 20. But especially care must be taken , that Monopolies , which are the Cankers of all trading , be not admitted , under specious colours of publick good . 21. To put all these into a regulation , if a constant Commission to men of honesty and understanding were granted , and well pursued , to give order for the managing of these things both at home and abroad , to the best advantage ; and that this Commission were subordinate to the Councel-board , it is conceived it would produce notable effects . VII . The next thing is that of Colonies and Foreign Plantations , which are very necessary , as out-lets to a populous Nation , and may be profitable also , if they be managed in a discreet way . 1. First , in the choice of the place ; which requireth many circumstances , as the situation neer the Sea , for the commodiousness of an intercourse with England , the temper of the Air and climate , as may best agree with the bodies of the English , rather inclining to cold , than heat ; that it be stored with Woods , Mines , and Fruits , which are naturally in the place ; that the soil be such as will probably be fruitful for Corn , and other conveniencies , & for breeding of Cattel ; that it hath Rivers , both for passage between place and place , and for fishing also , if it may be ; that the Natives be not so many , but that there may be elbow-room enough for them , and for the Adventives also : All which are likely to be found in the West-Indies . 2. It would be also such as is not already planted by the Subjects of any Christian Prince , or State , nor over-neerly neighbouring to their Plantation . And it would be more convenient , to be chosen by some of those Gentlemen or Merchants which move first in the work , than to be designed unto them from the King ; for it must proceed from the option of the people , else it sounds like an Exile : so the Colonies must be raised by the leave of the King , and not by his command . 3. After the place is made choice of , the first step must be , to make choice of a fit Governour , who although he have not the name , yet he must have the power of a Vice-Roy ; and if the person who principally moved in the work be not fit for that trust , yet he must not be excluded from command ; but then his defect in the Governing part must be supplied by such Assistants as shall be joyned with him , or as he shall very well approve of . 4. As at their setting out they must have their Commission , or Letters Patents from the King , that so they may acknowledge their dependency upon the Crown of England , and under his protection ; so they must receive some general instructions how to dispose of themselves when they come there , which must be in nature of Lawes unto them . 5. But the general Law , by which they must be guided and governed , must be the Common Law of England ; and to that end it will be fit , that some man , reasonably studied in the Law , and otherwise qualified for such a purpose , be perswaded ( if not thereunto inclined of himself , which were the best ) to go thither as a Chancellor amongst them , at first ; and when the Plantation were more setled , then to have Courts of Justice there , as in England . 6. At the first planting , or as soon after as they can , they must make themselves defensible both against the Natives , and against Strangers ; and to that purpose , they must have the assistance of some able Military man , and convenient Arms and Ammunition for their defence . 7. For the Discipline of the Church in those parts , it will be necessary , that it agree with that which is setled in England ; else it will make a Schism , and a rent in Christs Coat , which must be seamless : and , to that purpose , it will be fit , that by the King 's supream power in . Causes Ecclesiastical , within all his Dominions , they be subordinate under some Bishop and Bishoprick of this Realm . 8. For the better defence against a common Enemy , I think it would be best , that Foreign Plantations should be placed in one Continent , and neer together ; whereas , if they be too remote the one from the other , they will be dis-united , and so the weaker . 9. They must provide themselves of houses , such as for the present , they can , and , at more leisure , such as may be better ; and they first must plant for Corn and Cattel , &c. for food , and necessary sustenance ; and after , they may enlarge themselves for those things which may be for profit and pleasure , and to traffique withal also . 10. Woods for shipping in the first place , may doubtlesse be there had , and Minerals there found , perhaps , of the richest ; howsoever , the Mines out of the fruits of the earth , and seas , and waters adjoyning , may be found in abundance . 11. In a short time they may build Vessels and Ships also for Traffique with the parts neer adjoyning , and with England also , from whence they may be furnished with such things as they may want , and in exchange , or barter , send from thence other things , with which quickly , either by Nature , or Art , they may abound . 12. But these things would , by all means be prevented ; That no known Bankrupt , for shelter ; nor known Murderer , or other wicked person , to avoid the Law ; nor known Heretick , or Schismatick , be suffered to go into those Countreys ; or , if they do creep in there , not to be harboured ▪ or continued : else , the place would receive them naught , and return them into England , upon all occasions , worse . 13. That no Merchant , under colour of driving a Trade thither , or from thence , be suffered to work upon their necessities . 14. And that to regulate all these inconveniences , which will insensibly grow upon them , that the King be pleased to erect a subordinate Council in England , whose care and charge shall be , to advise , and put in execution , all things which shall be found fit for the good of those new Plantations ; who , upon all occasions , shall give an account of their proceedings to the King , or to the Councel-board , and from them receive such directions as may best agree with the Government of that place . 15. That the King 's reasonable profit be not neglected , partly , upon reservation of moderate rents and services ; and partly upon Customs ; and partly , upon importation and exportation of Merchandize ; which , for a convenient time after the Plantation begin , would be very easie , to encourage the work ; but , after it is well setled , may be raised to a considerable proportion , worthy the acceptation . VIII . I come to the last of those things which I propounded , which is , the Court , and Curiality . The other did properly concern the King , in his Royal capacity , as Pater patriae ; this more properly , as Paterfamilias : And herein , 1. I shall , in a word , and but in a word onely , put you in minde , That the King in his own person , both in respect of his Houshold , or Court , and in respect of his whole Kingdom ; ( for a little Kingdom is but as a great Houshold , and a great Houshold , as a little Kingdom ) must be exemplary , Regis ad exemplum , &c. But for this , God be praised , our charge is easie ; for your gracious Master , for his Learning and Piety , Justice and Bounty , may be , and is , not onely a president to his own Subjects , but to foreign Princes also ; yet he is still but a man , and seasonable Memento's may be useful ; and being discreetly used , cannot but take well with him . 2. But your greatest care must be , that the great men of his Court ( for you must give me leave to be plain with you , for so is your injunction laid upon me ) your self in the first place , who is first in the eye of all men , give no just cause of scandal , either by light , or vaine , or by oppressive carriage . 3. The great Officers of the King's Houshold had need be both discreet and provident persons , both for his Honour , and for his Thrift : they must look both ways , else they are but half-sighted : Yet in the choice of them , there is more latitude left to affection , than in the choice of Councellors , and of the great Officers of State , before touched , which must always be made choice of meerly out of judgement , for in them the Publick hath a great interest . 4. For the other Ministerial Officers in Court ( as , for distinction sake , they may be termed ) there must be also an eye unto them , and upon them ; they have usually risen in the Houshold by degrees , and it is a noble way , to encourage faithful service : But the King must not binde himself to a necessity herein , for then it will be held ex debito ; neither must he alter it , without an apparent cause for it : but to displace any who are in , upon displeasure , which for the most part happeneth upon the information of some great man , is , by all means to be avoided , unlesse there be a manifest cause for it . 5. In these things you may sometimes interpose , to do just and good offices : but for the general , I should rather advise , meddle little , but leave the ordering of those Houshold-affairs to the White-staff , which are those honourable persons , to whom it properly belongeth , to be answerable to the King for it ; and to those other Officers of the Green-cloth , who are subordinate to them , as a kinde of Councel , and a Court of Justice also . 6. Yet for the Green-cloath Law , ( take it in the largest sense ) I have no opinion of it , farther then it is regulated by the just Rules of the Common-Laws of England . 7. Towards the support of his Majesties own Table , and of the Princes , and of his necessary Officers , his Majesty hath a good help by Purveyance , which justly is due unto him ; and , if justly used , is no great burthen to the Subject ; but by the Purveyors , and other under-Officers , is many times abused . In many parts of the Kingdome , I think it is already reduced to a certainty in money ; and if it be indifferently and discreetly managed , it would be no hard matter to settle it so throughout the whole Kingdom ; yet to be renewed from time to time , for that will be the best , and safest , both for the King , and People . 8. The King must be put in minde , to preserve the Revenues of his Crown both certain , and casual , without diminution , and to lay up treasure in store against a time of extreamity ; empty Coffers give an ill found , and make the people many time forget their Duty ; thinking that the King must be beholden to them for his supplies . 9. I shall by no means think it fit , that he reward any of his servants with the benefit of forfeitures , either by Fines in the Court of Star-Chamber , or High-Commission Courts , or other Courts of Justice ; or that they should be farmed out , or bestowed upon any , so much as by promise , before judgement given ; it would neither be profitable , nor honourable . 10. Besides matters of serious consideration , in the Courts of Princes , there must be times for pastimes and disports : When there is a Queen , and Ladies of Honour attending her , there must sometimes be Masques , and Revels , and Enterludes ; and when there is no Queen , or Princess , as now , yet at Festivals , and for entertainment of Strangers , or upon such occasions , they may be fit also : Yet care would be taken , that in such cases , they be set off more with wit and activity , then with costly and wasteful expences . 11. But for the King and Prince , and the Lords and Chivalry of the Court , I rather commend , in their turns and seasons , the riding of the great Horse , the Tilts , Barriers , Tennis , and Hunting , which are more for the health and strength of those who exercise them , than in an effeminate way to lease themselves and others . And now the Prince groweth up fast to be a man , and is of a sweet and excellent disposition ; it would he an irreparable stain and dishonour upon you , having that accesse unto him , if you should mis-led him , or suffer him to be mis-lead by any flattering Parasites : The whole Kingdom hath a deep interest in his virtuous education ; and if you , keeping that distance which is most fit , do humbly interpose your self , in such a case , he will one day give you thanks for it . 12. Yet Dice and Cards may sometimes be used for recreation , when field-sports cannot be had ; but not to use it as a mean to spend the time , much less to mis-pend the thrift of the Gamesters . SIR , I shall trouble you no longer ; I have run ●over these things as I first propounded them ; please you to make use of them , or any of them , as you shall see occasion ; or to lay them by , as you think best , and to add to them , as you daily may , out of your experience . I must be bold again , to put you in minde of your present condition ; you are in the quality of a Sen●●el ; if you sleep , and neglect your charge , you are an undone man , and you may fall faster than you have risen . I have but one thing more to minde you of , which neerly concerns your self ; you serve a great and gracious Master , and there is a most hopeful young Prince , whom you must not desert ; it behoves you to carry your self wisely and evenly between them both : adore not so the rising Son , that you forget the Father , who raised you to th● height ; nor be you so obsequious to the Father , that you give just cause to the Son , to suspect that you neglect him : But carry your self with that judgement , as , if it be possible , may please and content them both , which , truly , I believe , will-be no hard matter for you to do ; so may you live long beloved of both , which is the hearty prayer of Your most obliged and devoted servant . THese were his Rules , and this his practice : My Lord of Nottingham he bought nobly from the Admiralty ; his Assistant , Vice-Admiral Maunsel , he entertained civilly , and procured that place for life , which he had onely during pleasure . The Warden of the Cinque-ports resigned his place seasonably ; the Master of the Horse gave up his preferment and his life opportunely . — He advanced his Relations prudently , gratifying them , and fortifying himself : He made an excellent choice of Servants and Confederates ; entertained the ablest and most faithful Assistants : Doctor Williams and Dr. Laud were of his Council for the Church , Sir Francis Bacon for the State. From the first he received frequent Schedules of Persons and Doctrines ; from the other constant Transcripts of Rules and Intelligence : Never any man more constant to his approved friend , never any more fatal to his known Enemies : He was the instrument of all the Subjects services to his Soveraign , and of his Sovereign's favours to his Subjects : no place was bestowed without his knowledge ; no action passed without his approbation ; not an eminent man but depended on him , and was subordinate to him : His dispatches were many , and pregnant testimonies that he was a great Master of his Time , and a greater of his Method and Affairs . Great he was indeed , and humble too , not raised by his present fortune above the sense of his former : envied he was , not haud ; applauded in the same Parliament for his services , & declaimed against for his preferments ; ever studious of the Peoples Interest , which is the care if few Favourites ; never happy in their love , which is the fate of all . He approved himself both to the declining Monarch , and the rising , as having won himself not so much to their affections , which were alterable , as to their judgements , which were lasting ; and made his preferment rather a matter of Interest , which is real , than of favour , which is personal : Looking on Somerset laid at his feet , Bristol and Williams brought on their knees , Carlisle and Pembrook beneath him , and Holland behinde him ; and every man that would not owe his preferment to his favour , must owe his ruine to his frown . He was intrusted with the greatest service and secret in Spain , when he dived to the bottome of that Countreys policy , and the Intrigues of Europes Counsels ; and could come off in the Match with Spain to the King and Kingdoms minde dexterously , when Sir Walter Aston and my Lord of Bristol were at a losse about it , to both their displeasures , weakely , amidst the open entertainment , and secret working of that place . — In his attendance on the King in Scotland as Counsellor of that Kingdome , he carried himself with singular sweetnesse and temper , as it behoved him , being now in 〈◊〉 your , and succeeding one of their own . They that censure his sudden advancements and great prefements , consider not , that Certainly the hearts of great Princes , if they be considered as it were in Abstract , without the necessity of States , and circumstances of time , being besides their natural Extent , moreover once opened and dilated with Affection , can take no full and proportionable pleasure in the exercise of any narrow bounty . And albeit at first they give onely upon choice and love of the Person yet within a while themselves likewise begin to love their givings , and to foment their deeds , no lesse than Parents do their children . Besides that , by so long , and so private , and so various consociation with a Prince of such excellent nature , he had now gotten as it were two lives in his own Fortune and Greatnesse ; whereas otherwise the Estate of a Favourite is at the best but a Tenant at will , and rarely transmitted . And the more notable , because it had been without any visible Eclipse or Wane in himself , amidst divers variations in others . How general his care , appears in that amidst his more important Negotiations , he condescended to this noble act of charity to a Scholar and to Learning ; which I must , for my part , celebrate above all his Expences . There was a collection of certain rare Manuscripts exquistely written in Arabick , and sought in the most remote parts , by the diligence of Erpenius the most excellent Linguist . These had been left to the Widow of the said Erpenius , and were upon sale to the Jesuites of Antwerp , liquorish Chapmen of such Ware. Whereof the Duke getting knowledge by his worthy and learned Secretary , Doctor Mason , interverted the bargain , and gave the poor Widow for them five hundred pounds , a sum above their weight in silver , and a mixed act both of bounty and charity ; the more laudable , being much out of his natural Element . These were they , which after his death were as nobly presented as they had been bought to Cambridge by his Dutchess , as soon as she understood by the foresaid Doctor her Lords intention to furnish the said University with other choice Collections from all parts at his own charge . The Duke's Answers to his Appeachments , in number thirteen , I finde very diligently and civilly couched : and though his heart was big , yet they all savour of an humble spirit one way , and an equitable consideration another , which could not but possesse every vulgar conceit , and somewhat allay the whole matter ; that in the bolting and fifting of near fourteen years of such power and favour , all that came out could not be expected to be pure , and white , and fine Meal , but must needs have withal among it a certain mixture of Padar and Bran in this lower age of humane fragility . Howsoever this tempest did onely shake ; and not rent his Sails . His defence against danger was noble , but his contempt of it nobler ; for when Sir George Goring advised him onely to turn out of the ordinary road , He resolved not to wave his way upon this reason , perhaps more generous then provident ; That if , as he said , he should but once by such a diversion make his enemy believe he were afraid of danger , he should never live without . And when his young Nephew the Lord Viscount Fielding offered him another time to put on his Coat and blew Ribbon , while they passed through a Town where they apprehended some design against the Duke ; He would not ( as he said ) accept of such an offer in that case from a Nephew , whose life be tendered as much as himself : But after some short direction to his company , he rode on without perturbation of minde , though a drunken fellow laid hold of his Bridle under pretence of begging , to begin a tumult . Neither ( for ought I can a hear ) was there any further enquiry into that practice , the Duke peradventure thinking it wisdome not to reserve discontentments too deep . But in the middest of these little dangers , his Grace was not unmindful of his civil course , to cast an eye upon the ways to win unto him such as have been of principal credit in the lower house of Parliament ; applying lenitives , or subducting from that part where he knew the Humours were sharpest ; amidst which thoughts , he was surprized by a fatal stroke , written in the black book of Necessity . Whereof he was forewarned as well by his own as others apprehensions , as appears by his last Addresses to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , the Earl of Holland , and his sacred Majesty . And certain it is , that some good while before , Sir Clement Throckmorton , a Gentleman then living , of grave judgement , had in a private conference advised him to wear a privy Coat ; whose counsel the Duke received very kindly , but gave him this answer ; That against any popular fury , a shirt of male would be but a silly defence ; and as for any single mans assault , he took himself to be in no danger . — So dark is Destiny . Since he is dead , he is charged ; 1. For advancing his Relations ; which yet was humanity in him , and not a fault . 2. For enriching himself ; though as it is said of that French Peer , he was rich onely in Obligations , his Estate being at the mercy of Suitors . To his familiar Servants , so open-handed he was , though many of them so ungrateful as to deny relation unto him , either about his person in ordinary attendance ; or about his affairs of State , as his Secretaries ; or of Office , as his Steward ; or of Law , as that worthy Knight whom he long used to solicite his Causes : He lest all both in good Fortune : and , which is more , in good Fame : Things very seldom consociated in the instruments of great Personages . 3. He had many Offices , but committed himself a most willing Pupil to the directions of such as were generally thought fit to manage affairs of that nature , condescending to the meanest Arts , to a●apt himself to his employments . 4. He was not bookish , it 's true ; his Affairs forbad him study , yet had he a natural readinesse to discourse of all subjects ; which wanted nothing towards applause , but the candor and benevolence of his hearers , whose dis-ingenuity oft-times turned his most honest discourses to accusations ; witnesse that ebullition of his joy to his Majesty in behalf of is People , which Sir John Eliot made Treason a-against them . 5. He was great indeed , but gentle and affable ; insomuch , that though his memory were a place so taken up with high thoughts , and unlikely to have any room for matters of so small importance , he was ever known to entertain his younger acquaintance with much familiarity , — and all men with that civility , wherein was observed his peculiarity , happy bravery of deriving favours , and conferring them with so many noble Circumstances , as the manner was as obliging as the matter , and mens understandings oft-times as much puzled as their gratitude . 6. He would intercede , it 's confessed , for poor Malefactors , more out of his innate compassion , than any designe to obstruct the course of Justice ; believing doubtless ( saith my Author ) that hanging was the worst use a man could be put to . In fine , a Gentleman he was of that choice and curious make for exteriour shape , as if Nature had not in his whole frame drawn one line amiss ; nor was his Fabrick raised by soft and limber studs , but sturdy and virile . His intellectual gained him rather the opinion of a wise man , than of a wit. His skill in Letters very mean ; for finding Nature more indulgent to him in the ornaments of the body , than of the minde , the tendency of his youthful Genius was rather to improve those excellencies wherein his choice so lieity consisted , than to addict himself to morose and sullen Bookishnesse ; therefore his chief exercises were , dancing , fencing , vaulting , and the like , as indications of strenuous Agility ; y 〈…〉 could he have foreseen where all the Climacterie and motions of his Advance should have terminated , that from no more than a meer Gentleman , it should be his luck to vault into the dignity of a Duke , and trust of a Privy-Counsellor , we may presume his early studies would not have cast so much neglect upon a thing so important to him as a States-man , though not very fashionable as a Courtier . The temperature of his minde was , as to moral habits , rather disposed to good than bad ; his deportment was most affable and debonair , a rare example in one raised so high and so speedily : To his Relations liberal , firm to his friend , formidable to his enemy . He was a Courtier , and a young man , a profession and age prone to such desires , as when they tend to the shedding of no man's blood , to the ruine of no Family , Humanity sometimes connives at , though she never approves . So that take him in his publick capacity ( wherein onely he comes under our observation , which meddles not with mens private converse or moralities any further then they are subservient to their State-employments ) we may say of him , as one doth of his Master ; That in him the things we can wish , are fewer than those we praise . But be it for ever remembred , That the villain , whose despair of advancement made him carelesse of his own life , and Master of this Lords , talked in his examination of a Sermon at St. Faiths , not his own Parish-Church , where he heard ; That every man in a good cause might be Judge and Executioner of sin ; which he applied to himself . Whence raw discoursers in Divinity should learn how prudently they should preach ; and itching hearers , how warily they should hear . Observations on the Life of Sir William Noy . SIr William Noy , born in Cornwal , was bred in Lincolns-Inne , a most sedulous Student , constantly conversant with ancient Writing , verifying his Anagram : WILLIAM NOY , I moyl in Law. He was for many years the stoutest Champion for the Subjects Liberty , until King Charles entertained him to be his Attorney . The dis-ingenuity of the Parliament , & his impendent necessity , would have put another Soveraign on extraordinary wayes : but to King Charles it was enough , they were illegal . No extreamity , though never so fatal , could provoke him to irregularities ; yet what-ever wayes the Laws allowed , or Prerogative claimed , to secure a desperate People , that would undo themselves , he was willing to hearken to ; therefore for a cunning man , the cunningest as such a project of any within his three Dominions he sends for his Attorney-General Noy , and tell him what he had in contemplation , bids him contrive the Mode , but a statutable one , for defraying the expence : Away goeth the subtle Engineer , and at length , — from old Records bolts out an ancient common Precedent of raising a Tax for setting out a Navy in case of danger . The King glad of the discovery , as Treasure-trove , presently issued out Writs , first to the Port-Towns within the Realm , declaring that the safety of the Kingdome was in danger ( and so it was indeed ) and therefore that they should provide against a day prefixed twenty seven Ships of so many Tun , with Guns , Gun-powder , Tackle , and all other things necessary . But this businesse is no sooner ripened , than the Author of it dyeth , Aug. 6. 1634. He was a man passing humorous , but very honest ; clownish , but knowing ; a most indefatigable plotter , and searcher of ancient Records , whereby he became an eminent instrument both of good and evill ( and of which most , is a great question ) to the King's Prerogative : For during the times that Parliaments were frequent , he appeared a stout Patriot for the Common-wealth ; and in the last was an active opponent in the differences concerning Tonnage and Poundage : But when the dissolution of that was in some mens apprehensions , the end of all ; No sooner did the King shew him the Lure of advancement , but quitting all his former Inclinations , he wheeled about to the Prerogative , and made amends with his future service for all his former dis-obligements . — This is something smart ; more to his advantage is that character Arch-Bishop Laud gives him ; That be was the best friend the Church ever had of a Lay-man , since it needed any such ( and indeed he was very vigilant over its Adversaries , witness his early foresight of the danger , and industrious prosecution of the illegality of the design of buying Impropriations set up by persons no● well affected to the present constitution ) and tha● of the Historian , that he loved to hear Dr. Preston preach , because he spake so solidly , as if be knew Gods will. — To which I add a passage from the mouth of one present thereat . The Gold-smiths of London had ( and in due time may have ) a custom once a year to weigh gold in the Star-Chamber , in the presence of the Privy-Council and the King's Attorney . This solemn weighing by a word of Art they call the Pixe , and make use of so exact scales therein , that the Master of the Company affirmed , that they would turn with the two hundredth part of a grain . I should be loth ( said the Attorney Noy , standing by ) that all my Actions should be weighed in those Scales ; with whom all men concur that know themselves : And this was the first evidence of his parts , and the occasion of his reputation . Three Grasiers at a Fai● had left their money with their Hostess while they went to Market ; — one of them calls for the money , and runsaway ; — the other two come upon the woman , and sue her for delivering that which she had received from the three , before the three came and demanded it . — The Cause went against the Woman , and Judgement was ready to be pronounced ; when Mr. Noy being a stranger , wisheth her to give him a Fee , because he could not plead else ; and then moves in Arrest of Judgement , that he was retained by the Defendant , a●d that the case was this : The Defendant had received the money of the three together , and confes●eth was not to deliver it untill the same three demanded it ; and therefore the money is ready , Let the three men come , and it shall be paid : a motion which altered the whole proceeding . Of which , when I hear some say it was obvious , I remember that when Columbus had discovered America , every one said it was easie : And he one day told a company at Table where he was , that he could do a stranger thing than that discovery ; he would make an Egge stand an end on a plain Table : the speculatives were at a losse how it should be done ; — he knocks the Egg upon the end , and it stands : Oh! was that all , they cryed ; Yes ( saith he ) this is all ! and you see how hard a thing it is to conceive a thing in the Idea , which it 's nothing to apprehend in the performance . I need say no more of this Gentleman , but that Sergeant Maynard will say to this hour , he rose mainly at first by being looked upon as Mr. Noy's Favourite . Observations on the Life of Sir John Savil. THe methods of this Gentleman's advancement exactly parallel those of his Countrey-man Sir Thomas Wentworth : Both had the same foundation of wealth and honour to build on ; both had solid and strong parts to act by ; both began with Popularity in the Countrey , proceeded with activity in Parliaments ; — accomplished themselves with correspondence all over the Nation : both eminent upon the Bench ; both hospitable at home ; both bountiful to Lecturers ; both well skilled in , and stedfast to the great poynts of Prerogative and Liberty . — For the last whereof ; they were so bold ( as sure either by carrying the Cause to oblige the People to themselves , or by suffering for it to enrage them against the Government ) that Sir R. Weston made it his business to take off the one , and my Lord of Canterbury the other ; which they did with such successe , that as my Lord Wentworth became a great Favourite , so the Lord Savile was an eminent Counsellor ; onely finding that his young Neighbor had got the start of him , he kept to one of his popular Principles always , viz. a restless impetuosity towards Papists , against whom he made himself famous ; 1. For a Disputation procured by him in Drury-Lane ( whither he brought Bishop Vsher under the notion of a Countrey-Parson ; when the Jesuites cryed , There was more Learning in that Parson , than in all the men in England . ) 2. For a project offered by him in Parliament : — For when they taking advantage of King Charles his wants , proffered to maintain five thousand men to serve his Majesty in Ireland , and a proportion of Ships to secure him in England , on condition of the free exercise of their Religion ; Sir John interposed , That if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay Thirds ( legally due to the Crown ) it would prove a way more effectual , and lesse offensive , to raise a masse of money : It being but just , that they who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges , should first pay their old Penalties . When I read of a Lord Savile going privately to Scotland , 16●9 . subscribing to a Petition , with other moderate Lords , as they called them , containing the very sense of the faction ( insomuch that it is observed , the City-Petition and theirs were couched in the same words ) yet going to Oxford , and after all , being so turbulent there , that his Majesty was feign to send him beyond Sea , where his Majesty writes with his own hand , He doubts be will rather exchange his villany , than end it ; I am almost of that wise mans minde , that there were no lesse then 17 particular Designs set on foot by the promotion of the late Troubles ; whereof though most , yet not all were carried on in Westminster : — or to enforce something more solid ; that a King should say as the Italian doth , If my Subject deceives me once , God forgive him ; If a second time , God forgive me ; and the rather , because it 's fatal for Majestie to erre twice . Oservations on the Life of the Lord Bishop Williams . A Strong constitution made his parts , a strict education improved them ; unwearied was his industry , unexpressible his capacity : He never saw the book of worth he read not ; he never forgot what he read ; he never lost the use of what he remembred : Every thing he heard or saw was his own ; and what was his own , he knew how to use to the utmost : His extraction being Gentile , his Soul large and noble , his presence and carriage comely and stately ; his learning copious , his judgement stayed , his apprehension clear and searching , his expression lively and effectual , his elocution flowing and majestick ; his Proctorship , 1612. discovered him a person above his place ; and his Lectures to his Pupils , above his preferment . Bishop Vaughan first admitteth him to his Family , and then to his bosome ; there his strong Sermons , his exact government ( under my Lord ) his plentiful observation , his numerous acquaintance , made him my Lord Chancellor Egerton's friend , rather than his servant ; his familiar , rather then his Chaplain . Never was there a more communicative Master to instruct , than my Lord Elsemere ; never a more capable Scholar to learn , than Doctor Williams , who had instilled to him all necessary State-maximes while his old Master lived , and had bequeathed to him four excellent a Books when his Master was dead : These four books he presented to King James the very same time that he offered himself to the Duke of Buckingham . The Excellent Prince observed him as much for the first gift , as the noble Duke did for the second : the King and Duke made him their own , who they saw had made that excellent Book his . Willing was King James to advance Clergy-men , and glad to meet with men capable of Advancement . His two Sermons at Court made him Dean of Westminster ; his exact state of the Earl of Somerset's Case made him capable of , and the KING'S inclination to trust his Conscience in a Divines hand , fetled him in the Lord Keepers place actually , onely for three yeares to please the people ( who were offended with his years , now but 34. and his calling a Divine : ) but designedly for ever to serve his Majesty . The Lawyers despised him at first , but the Judges admired him at last : and one of them said , That never any man apprehended a Case so clearly , took in all the Law , Reason , and other Circumstances more punctually , recollected the various Debates more faithfully , summed it up more compendiously , and concluded more judiciously and discreetly . For many of them might have read more than he , but none digested what they had read more solidly , none disposed of their reading more methodically , none therefore commanded it more readily . He demurred several Orders , as that of my Lord Chancellor's pardon , the Earl Marshal's Patent , &c. to let his Majesty see his judgement ; yet passed them , to let him see his obedience : He would question the Dukes Order sometimes discreetly , to let him know he understood himself ; yet he would yield handsomely , to let him see he understood him : and indeed he had the admirable faculty of making every one of his actions carry prudence in the performance . Necessary it was , for one of his years and place to keep his distance , and avoid contempt ; yet fatal was it to him to do so , and incur envy . — Well understood he the interest of all his places , and resolutely he maintained them . What ? saith he , shall the Liberties of Westminster be infringed , when the chief Favourite is Steward , and the Lord Keeper Dean , and I the contemptible man that must be trampled on ? When he was in trouble , what passion , what insinuation , what condescention hath he at command ? when petitioned to , how quickly he looked through men and business ? how exactly would he judge , and how resolutely conclude , without an immediate intimation from his Majesty or the Duke ! Many eyes were upon him , and as many eyes were kept by him upon others , being very watchful on all occasions to accommodate all Emergencies , and meet with all humors-alwayes keeping men in dependance on the Duke , according to this intimation of his . — Cabal 287. Let him hold it , but by your Lordships favour , not his own power . A good way , had he been constant to it , the neglect whereof undid him ; for designing the promotion of Doctor Price to the Arch-Bishoprick of Armagh , he moved it to the Duke , who told him it was disposed of to Doctor Vsher . Whereupon he went his own way to advance that man , and overthrew himself : For then his Lord let him feel what he had threatned my Lord Bacon when he advanced him ; That if he did not owe his preferment alwayes to his favour , he should owe his fall to his frown . The peremptorinesse of his judgement rendered him odious ; his compliance with Bristol , suspected ; and his Sermon at King James his Funeral [ his tryal rather than his preferment ] obnoxious . His spirit was great to act , and too great to suffer . It was prudence to execute his decrees against all opposition while in power ; it was not so , to bear up his miscarriages against all Authority , while in disgrace . A sanguine complexion , with its resolutions , do well in pursuit of success : Phlegme and its patience do better in a retreat from miscarriages . This he wanted , when [ it may be , thinking fear was the passion of King Charles his Government as well as King James ] he seconded his easie fall with loud and open discontents , and those discontents with a chargeable defence of his servants that were to justifie them , and all with that unsafe popularity , invidious pomp , and close irregularity , that layd him open to too many active persons that watched him : Whether his standing out against Authority , to the perplexing of the Government in the Star-Chamber in those troublesome times ; his entertainment and favour for the Discontented and Non-conformists ; his motions for Reformation and alteration in twelve things ; his hasty and unlucky Protestation in behalf of the Bishops , and following Actions in England and Wales , where it 's all mens wonder to hear of his meruit sub Parliamento , had those private grounds and reasons , that if he Bishop could have spoke with the King but half an hour , he said , would have satisfied him , the King of Kings onely knoweth , to whom he hath given , I hope , a better account than any Historian of his time hath given for him . But I understand better his private inclinations , than his publick actions ; the motions of his nature , than those of his power ; the conduct of the one being not more reserved and suspicious , than the effects of the other manifest , and noble : for not to mention his Libraries erected at St. John's and Westminster , his Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge ; the repairs of his Collegiate Church : his pensions to Scholars more numerous than all the Bishops and Noble-mens besides ; his Rent-charges on all the Benefices in his Gift as Lord Keeper , or Bishop of Lincoln , to maintain hopeful youth , according to the Statute in that case provided . Take this remarkable instance of his muni●icence ; that when Du Moulin came over , he calleth his Chaplain , now the R. R. Father in God , John Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield , and telleth him , he doubted the good man was low , wishing him to repair to him with some money , and his respects , with assurance that he would wait upon him himself a● his fi●st liesure . — The excellent Doctor rejoyneth , that he could carry him no lesse than twenty pounds ; the noble Bishop replyeth , he named not the sum● to sound his Chaplains mind ; — adding , that twenty pounds was neither fit for him to give , nor fo 〈…〉 the reverend Foreigner to receive . Carry him , said he , an hundred pounds . He is libelled by common same for unchaste , though those that understood the privacies and casualties of his Infancy , report him but one degree removed from a Misogonist , though to palliate 〈◊〉 infirmities ; he was most compleat in Courtly addresses : the conversablenesse of this Bishop wi●● Women confisted chiefly ( if not onely ) in his treatments of great Ladies and Persons of honour , wherein he did personate the compleatness of co●tesie to that Sex ; otherwise a woman was seldome seen in his house , which therefore had always mo 〈…〉 of Magnificence than Neatnesse , sometimes defective in the Punctilio's and Niceties of Daintinesse lying lower than masculine Cognizance , and as level for a womans eye to espy , as easie for her hand● to amend . He suffereth for conniving at Puritans , out of hatred to Bishop Laud ; and for favouring Papists , o 〈…〉 of love to them : — Yet what-ever he offered Ki 〈…〉 James ( when the Match went on in Spain ) as 〈◊〉 Councellour , or what-ever he did himself as 〈◊〉 States-man ; such kindnesse he had for our Litu●gy , that he translated it at his own cost into Spanish , and used it in the visitation of Melvin when sick , to his own peril , in the Tower ; and such resolution for Episcopacy , that his late Majesty of blessed memory said once to him ; My Lord , I commend you , that you are no whit daunted with all disasters , but are zealous in defending your Order . — Please it your Majesty , replyed the Arch-Bishop , I am a true Welsh-man , and they are observed never to run away till their General first forsakes them — No fear of my flinching , while your Majestie doth countenance our Cause . His extraction was Gentile and Ancient , as appeared from his Ancestors Estate ; which was more than he could purchase without borrowing , when at once Lord Keeper , Bishop of Lincoln , and Dean of Westminster . His minde great and resolute , insomuch that he controuled all other advices to his last , to his losse in Wales : — and daunted Sir John Cook , as you may see in his character to his honour in England . His warinesse hath these arguments ; 1. That he would not send the Seal to the King but under lock and key . 2. That being to depute one to attend in his place at the Coronation , he would not name his Adversary , Bishop Laud , to gratifie him ; nor yet any other , to displease the King ; but took a middle way , and presented his Majesty a List of the Prebendaries , to avoid any exception , referring the Election to his Majesty himself . 3. That he proposed a partial Reformation of our Church to the Parliament , to prevent an utter extirpation by it . 4. That he exposed others to the censure of the Parliament 1625. to save himself . 5. That he answered to several Examinations without any the least advantage taken by his Antagonist . This character of his I think very exact . That his head was a well-fitted treasury , and his tongue the fair key to unlock it : That he had as great a memory as could be reconciled with so good a judgement : That so quick his parts , that others study went not beyond his nature ; and their designed and forelayd performances , went not beyond his sudden and ready accommodations : Onely he was very open , and too free in discourse , disdaining to lye at a close guard , as confident of the length and strength of his weapon . Observations on the Life of Sir Isaac Wake . THis honourable person whom I look upon at Oxford , in the same capacity and fortune that Sir Robert Naunton and Sir Francis Nethersole were in at Cambridge . He was born in Northampton-shire , ( his Father Arthur Wake being Parson of Billing , Master of the Hospital of St. Johns in Northampton , and Canon of Christs-Church ) bred Fellow of Merton-Colledge in Oxford , Proctor and Orator of that University , whence he was admitted Secretary to Sir Dudley Carleton Secretary of State , and afterward advanced into the King's service , and by his Master and the Duke of Buckingham , employed Embassadour to Venice , where he neglected his own interest to attend his Majesties employment ; the reason that he dyed rich onely in the just conscience of his worth , and the repute of his merit . Coming from Venice , he was appointed Lieger of France , and designed Secretary of State , had not Death prevented him at Paris ; being accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publick Employment , Learning , Languages , Experience , Abilities , and what not ? King CHARLES hearing of his death , commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England , allowing the expences of his Funeral , and enjoyning his neerest Relations to attend the performance thereof . These accordingly met his body at Bulloign in France , and saw it solemnly conveyed into England , where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover . His REX PLATONICUS , or his Latine account of King James his six dayes stay at Oxford , speaks his Learning ; and his Instructions for Travel , his experience . — He observing his Predecessors failings , retrenched his expences , satisfying himself with a repute of noblenesse , while in his way to preferment ; and others with the expectation of his bounty . When preferred , he seemed liberal , that he might not be despised abroad ; but he was neer , that he might not be odious at home . His prodigality it may be might have satisfied the curiosity of a few Strangers , while he incurred the displeasure of all his friends . Besides , a close & wary man may be bountiful at his pleasure , but the munificent cannot be so easily sparing ; for if his occasions or fortunes check his profuseness , all his gallantry is in his first action of good husbandry . Caution in expences , if it be a vice , is one of those , saith the Italian , that never disinherited a man. Nay , of the two , saith Machiavel , It 's more discretion to hold the style of miserable , which begets an infamy without hatred , than to desire that of Liberal ; which being maintained by necessitous courses , procures an infamy with hatred . As never did States-man a brave action that seemed illiberal , so never did he any such that was not so : — Yet four things our Knight spared no cost in : 1. Intelligence ; He could afford ( he said ) a golden key for the Pope's Cabinet . 2. Books ; — his Study was his Estate . 3. In watching the Spanyards , saying , The Indies will pay for this . And 4. Entertaining knowing men often ; applauding that Emperour's maxime , That bad rather go fifty miles to hear a wise man , than five to see a fair City . And this he was eminent for ; that he saw nothing remarkable in Foreign parts , that he applyed not to his own Countrey : Sir Henry Wotton being not more curious in picking up small Rarities to pleasure particular persons , than Sir Isaac Wake was industrious to observe any useful invention that might improve the publick good . Observations on the Life of the Lord Cottington . SIr Fran. Cottington being bred , when a youth , under Sir .......... Stafford , lived so long in Spain , till he made the garb and gravity of that Nation become his , and become him too . He raised himself by his natural strength , without any artificial advantage ; having his parts above his learning , his Experience above his Parts , his Industry above his Experience , and ( some will say ) his Successe above all : So that at last he became Chancellor of the Exchequer , Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex , Constable of the Tower , 1640. and ( upon the resignation of Doctor juxon ) Lord Treasurer of England , gaining also a very great Estate . Very reserved he was in his temper , and very slow in his proceedings ; sticking to some private Principles in both , and aiming at certain rules in all things : — a temper that indeared him as much to his Master , Prince Charles his person , as his integrity did to his service ; — Nor to his service onely , but to that of the whole Nation ; in the Merchandize whereof he was well versed ; to the trade whereof he was very serviceable many ways : but eminently , in that he negotiated , that the Spanish Treasure which was used to be sent to Flanders by the way of Genoa , might be sent in English Bottoms , which exceedingly enriched England for the time ; and had it continued , had made her the greatest Bank and Mart for Gold and Silver of any Common-wealth in Europe . Indeed the advantage of his Education , the different Nations and Factions that he had to deal with , the direct opposition of Enemies , the treachery of Friends , the contracts of States-men , the variety and force of Experience from the distinct knowledge of the natures of the people of several Countreys , of their chief Ministers of State , with their Intrigues of government , made him so expert , that the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston could do nothing without him ; and he onely could finish that Treaty , which they had for many years spun out . Men take several ways to the ends they propose themselves . Some , that of confidence ; others , that of respect and caution , &c. when indeed the main businesse is , to suit our selves with our own times ; which this Lord did , and no man better , untill looking into the depths of the late Faction , he declared at the Council-Table , 1639. that they aimed at the ruine of Church and State. And viewing the state of the Kingdome , he advised ; That Leagues might be made abroad ; and , that in this inevitable necessity , all wayes to raise money should be used that were lawful . Wherefore he was one of those few excluded the Indempnity by the Faction , and had the honour to dye banished for the best Cause and Master , in those foreign Countries ; where he suffered as nobly for the Crown of England in his later dayes , as he had acted honourably for it in his former . When he never came off better than in satisfying the Spanyards about toleration , reducing the whole of that affair to these two Maximes ; 1. That Consciences were not to be forced , but to be won and reduced by the evidence of Truth , with the aid of Reason , and in the use of all good means of Instruction and perswasion . 2. That the causes of Conscience , wherein they exceed their bounds , and grow to matter of faction , lose their nature : and that Soveraign Princes ought distinctly to punish those foul practices , though overlaid with the fairer pretences of Conscience and Religion . One of his Maximes for Treaty I think remarkable , viz. That Kingdomes are more subject to fear than hope : And that it 's safer working upon them by a power that may awe the one , than by advantages that may excite the other . — Since it 's another rule , that States have no affections but interest ; and that all kindnesse and civility in those cases are but oversights and weaknesse . Another of his rules for Life I judge useful , viz. That since no man is absolute in all points , and since men are more naturally enclined out of envy to observe mens infirmities , than out of ingenuity to acknowledge their merit ; — He discovereth his abilities most , that least discovereth himself . To which I may add another , viz. That it is not onely our known duty , but our visible advantage , to ascribe our most eminent performances to providence , since it not onely takes off the edge of envy , but improves the reason of admiration . None being lesse maliced , or more applauded than he , who is thought rather happy than able ; blessed , than active ; and fortunate , than cunning . Though yet all the caution of his life could not avoid the envy of his advancement from so mean a beginning to so great honours , — notwithstanding that it is no disparagement to any to give place to fresh Nobility , who ascend the same steps with those before them . New being onely a terme , saith one , onely respecting us , not the world ; for what is , was before us , and will be when we are no more : And indeed this Personage considering the vanity and inconstancy of common applause or affronts , improved the one , and checked the other , by a constant neglect of both . Observations on the Life of Sir Dudly Carleton . SIr Dudley Carleton was born in Oxford-shire , bred in Christs-Church in Oxford under Dr. King , and afterwards in relation of Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood in the Low-Countreys , where he was very active , when King James resigned the cautionary Towns to the States . Here he added so great experience to his former Learning , that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice , Savoy , and the United Provinces ; Anne Gerard his Lady ( Co-heir to George Gerard Esquire ) accompanying him in all his Travels , as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster-Abby . He was by K. Charles the first , to balance the Duke of Buckingbam's enemies in the House of Peers , with the Lord Mandevil now Earl of Manchester , and the Lord Grandison , created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey , and afterwards Viscount Dorchester , marrying for his second Wife the Daughter of Sir Henry Glenham , the Relict of Paul , Viscount Banning , who survived him . He succeeded the Lord Conway , ( when preferred President of the Council , in the Secretary-ship of State , being sworn at White-Hall , December 14. 1628. and dying without Issue , Anno D●m . 163 ... Much ado he had to remove a State-jealousie that was upon him ; That he insisted on the restitution of some Towns in Cleves and ●uliers , to gratifie the Spanyards at that time in ●reaty with us : more to remove a Church-jealou●e , that in negotiating an accommodation in Re●gion , he designed the undermining of the Re●onstrants then in so much power there : In which ●atter he was at a losse , whether his Majesty should ●terpose by Letter or Message : The former he said was most effectual , but the later lesse subject to 〈◊〉 constr●●●on , considering Barnevel's interest in ●he State. But he had a Chaplain , one Mr. Hales , that kept this Controversie even on the one hand , while he balanced the State-interest on the other ; equally carefull that the United Provinces should not be over-run by the Armies of Spain , and that they should not be swallowed up by the protection of France . Watchful was his eye there over the West-India Company ; Diligent his carriage upon any accommodations from Spain ; which he apprehended always as a design to distract that people then in regard of their unsetlednesse , but too apt upon any dispute to fall into faction : Great his industry in reconciling Sir Horace Vere and Sir Edward Cecil for the honour of the English Nation , and the advancement of the common service : Sincere his services to the Prince Elector , and his Lady . Exact his rules of Traffique and Commerce , and dexterous his arts of keeping the States from new alliances , notwithstanding our likely Marriage-treaty with Spain , especially since the Prince of Orange bluntly ( after his manner ) asked , Qui at ' il vestre Marriage ? — And indeed he behaved himself in all Employments so well becoming a man that understood so many Languages , that was so well versed in Ancient and Modern History , t 〈…〉 had composed so many choice pieces of Politi 〈…〉 that was so well seen in the most practical Mathe 〈…〉 ticks ; and added to these a graceful and charm 〈…〉 look , a gentle and a sweet elocution ; that no● withstanding his , and his brother Bishop Carle 〈…〉 rigidnesse in some points , kept him to his dyin● day in great favour and most eminent service ; a●● sailing in nothing but his French Emb●●●● , becau●● there he had to do with Women . L 〈…〉 g behind him this observation ; That new Common-weal●● are hardly drawn to a certain resolution ; as 〈◊〉 knowing not how to determine , and remaining 〈◊〉 in suspence , take ordinarily that course rather whi●● they are forced to , than what they might choose f●● themselves . — And this eminent service when 〈◊〉 assisted the Earl of Holland in France , viz. That 〈◊〉 pa●ified the high difference there , upon which 〈◊〉 revolt of the Hugonots depended , and put a re 〈…〉 resolution in King Lewis to advance against the Valtoline and Spain by the advantage of the Leagu● with England : proceeding upon this Maxime wi●● that King ; They that have respect to few things , 〈◊〉 easily misled . I had almost forgot , how this Lord finding tha● want of Treasure at home , was the ground of ou● unsuccessful and despicableness abroad ; and tha● Principe senza quatrius è come un muro senza cr●l 〈…〉 da tulls scompisliato ; That a Prince without money is like a wall without a Crosse , for every one to draw upon ; did mention the Excize in the Parliament-House , and in no ill meaning neither , and was violently cryed to the Bar : and though a person of that eminence , as being then a Privy-Councellor , and principal Secretary of State , he hardly escaped ●eing committed to the Tower : — So odious was ●●at Dutch-Devil ( as they called it ) in the excel●●t King Charles , which was raysed by the belo●ed Parliament , with many more that were conju●ed up in three or four years , but not likely to be ●aid in three or fourscore . Living in those times when weak men imagined ●o themselves some unknown bliss from untried go●ernments ; and considering that alterations coun●ervail not their own dangers , and as they bring ●ittle good to any , so they bring least of all to those ●hat first promoted them ; This Lord refused to be ●he mouth of the Zealous multitude ( whose rage ●ould neither be well opposed , nor joyned with ) whom a pardon or compliance might bring off , leaving their Demagogues to compound for their fol●●y with their ruine ; choosing rather to be patient , than active , and appear weak , than be troublesome ; and once resolved upon an exact survey of circumstances for power against the faults of it on the one ●●and , and the affronts of it on the other , he gained the esteem of all parties by his fidelity to his own . I am much taken with his plain saying , which I finde of late printed ; There will be mistakes in Divinity while men preach , and errours in Government while such govern : And more with his method of proceeding in his affairs , whereof he laid first an Idea in his own minde , and then improved it by debate ; the result whereof was usually so compleat , as shewed the vast difference between the shallow conceptions of one man , and the deep judgement of many . Observations on the Lives of Sir Richard , and Sir Jerome Weston , Earls of Portland . SIr Richard Weston in his youth impaired his estate , to improve himself with publick accomplishment , but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last , when made Chancellor of the Exchequer , and afterwards , ( upon the remove of the Earl of Marlborough ) July 15. in the fourth of King Charles , Lord Treasurer of England . His activity in Parliament made him considerable at Court , none fitter to serve a Prince than he who commands the humor of the people . Indeed where ever he was , he discovered himself able and faithful . 1. In his Foreign Employments , his judgement was searching , and reach admirable , he being the first that smelt out the intentions against the Palatinate ; which were then in brewing , and mashed with much art . In his Domestick charge , his Artifice was singular , both in a faithful improvement of the In●●mes , and a discreet moderation of the expences in his Masters Revenues — In his Aspect , there was a mixture of authority and modesty ; in his apprehensions , quickness and solidity ; in his port and train , a suitable dignity and correspondence , with little noyse and outward form : An enemy to Complements , yet very courteous : no flatterer , yet of great power : irreconcileable to frothy formality , yet maintaining a due regard to his person and place . A great Scholar he was , and yet a great States-man ; of various erudition , and as large observation . — He secured himself much by Alliances with the best Nobility , more by the love , and ( what is more ) the esteem of a constant King ; it being one of the wonders of that time , that my Lord of Canterbury and he , who were at so much distance from one another , should be so inward with their Soveraign , but that that excellent Prince measured not his affections to his Dependants so much by a particular interest , as by a publick serviceableness . — The necessity of the Exchequer put him upon some ways of supply that displeased the rabble ; though his three particular cares , viz. The paying of the Navy , the satisfying of the City , and the Queen of Bohemia's supply ( three things he was very much intent upon while Treasurer ) obliged the wiser sort of men . I know nothing he was defective in , being careful ( to use his own words ) to perform all duties , with obedience to his Majestie , respect to the Duke , and justice to the particular parties concerned ; — But that he had so much of his Master's love , and so little of his patience , being grated ( as all States-men are that have to do with various interests and humors ) between a strong inclination of satisfying every man , and the impossibility of pleasing all : Considering the importunities of persons and affairs , a little impatience must needs fall upon your Lord-ship ( writes Sir Henry Wotto● to him ) unlesse you had been cut out of a Rock of Diamonds , especially having been before so conversant with liberal Studies , and with the freedom of your own minde . In his time was the great Question agitated ; Whether a Prince should aime at the fear , or the lov● of his People ? — Although no Prince did more to oblige his People , than the Excellent King Charles the I , Yet was there no Prince ever more advised to awe them : For this Lord , and many more , who looked upon over-much indulgence as the greatest cruelty , considering that men love at their own pleasure , and to serve their own turn , and that their fear depends upon the Princes pleasure , were of opinion ; That every wise Prince ought to ground upon that which is of himself , and not upon that which is of another : government being set up in the world , rather to trust its own power , than stand upon others courtesie . Besides , two things the vulgar are taken with : 1. Appearance . 2. The event of things ; which , if successful , gains both their love and reverence . Neither was the Father more exact in his Maximes than the Son in his , of whose many infallible principles this was one ; That it was the safest way for the King's Majestie to proceed upon a Declaration , that the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament , upon his own and his most loyal Lords and Commons removal to Oxford . And this another ; That provided the Gentry and Clergy were well principled , and His Majestie that now is had a constant correspondence with the most eminent of them , it was our Interest to promote his Majesties grandeur abroad , and sit still at home , untill the Faction might be so secure as to divide , — and his Majesties Interest became so conspicuous by the Principles that were kept up at home , and the State that was born abroad , as to command all . And really his little saying hath much in it ; — He that will see what shall be , let him consider what hath been : For there are the same desires , humours , and interest in every age , that were before it : So that as Machiavel observeth , it is very easie for him , that with diligence examineth past Occurrences , to serve himself of those remedies which were in use among the Ancients ; Or if they fail , to devise what is most like them . Observations on the Life of William Earl of Pembrook . HE was an ancient Gentleman of good repute , and therefore well esteemed ; a proper person , well set , and of graceful dep●rtment , and therefore well beloved of King ●ames and Queen Anne : His inclination was as ge●erous as his extraction , and manners ancient as ●is Family . One of his Ancestors is renowned , for that he would condescend to deliver his Embassies 〈◊〉 no Language but Welch ; and he is commended for that he would comply with no customes in his con●●●se but the old English , — though his Contem●oraries make that his defect , rather than his orna●ent ; proceeding from his want of Travel , rather ●●an his observance of Antiquity : He having had ●●ely ( saith the Historian ) the breeding of Eng●and , which gave him a conceited dislike of Foreign men , their manners and mode ; or of such English as professed much advantage thereby : so that the Scots and he were ever separate ; and therefore he was the onely old Courtier that kept close to the Commonalty , and they to him though never suspected by either of his Soveraigns , not because he was not over-furnished with Abilities ( as that pen insinuates ) to be more than Loyal , but because he had too much integrity to be lesse . Being munificent and Childlesse , the University o● Oxford hoped to be his Executor , and Pembrook-Colledge his Heir . Pembrook-Colledge , I say , calle● so not onely in respect to , but also in expectatio● from him , then Chancellor of the University : and probably had not our noble Lord died suddenly soon after ( according as a Fortune-teller had informed him , whom he laughed at that very nigh● he departed , being his Birth-night ) this Colledge might have received more than a bare name from him . He was ( saith one of his own time ) the very picture , and Vive Effigies of Nobility ; his person rather Majestick than Elegant ; his presence , whether quiet , or in motion , full of stately gravity ; his minde generous , and purely heroick often stout , but never disloyal : so vehemen an opponent of the Spanyard , as when tha● Match fell under consideration , he would sometimes rouze to the trepidation of King James yet kept in favour still ; for that King knew plai● dealing , as a Jewel in all men , so was in a Privy● Councellor an ornamental duty . An instance o● his familiar converse with King James , was , tha● the King observing that he naturally hated Frog , threw one into his neck ; and he in requi●tal , caused a Pig ( of an equal disgust with the sam● Prince ) to be put under his Close-stool : where , though it produced no extraordinary ill effect for the present , yet after the prank had been descanted upon , and worst of Interpretations made by some ( the title of Jewes being at that time bestowed on the Scots ) the King was much affected with it ; and the more , because it was done at Wilton the Earls own house . — Though Kings when free and sociable , break out to sprightful and facetious extravagancies with Courtiers , yet must they not presume , lest their words are interpreted , not by their meaning , but others jealousie : free spirits cannot be too circumspect . And the same true-heartednesse commended him to King Charles , with whom he kept a most admirable correspondence , and yet stood the firm Confident of the Commonalty ; and that not by a sneaking cunning , but by an erect and generous prudence , such as rendred him as unsuspected of ambition on the one side , as of faction on the other ; being generally beloved and regarded . Observations on the Life of the Lord Conway . EDward Lord Conway succeeded to his Father's Martial skill and valour , who was under the Earl of Leicester , Governour of Ostend , and twisted therewith peaceable Policy in State-affairs , so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most eminent proportion , and thereupon King James advanced him one of the principal Secretaries of State. For these his good services , he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County , and afterwards by King Charles Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim ; And lastly , in the third of King Charles , Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvan-shire ; England , Ireland , and Wales mutually embracing themselves in his Honours ; and not long after , President of the Councel . Upon the breach with Spain , King James and the Duke of Buckingham both judged it very convenient to have a Martial Secretary ; neither was there any man fitter for their turn then this Gentleman , who was as able to direct them in the Affairs of War abroad , as he was ready to be directed by them in those of Peace at home : Being one of those three remarkable Servants that King James used to jest upon , viz. a Lord Treasurer [ meaning the Earl of Suffolk ] that could not cast Account , a Chaplain [ meaning Doctor Preston ] that could not read * Prayers , and a Secretary [ meaning this Lord ] that could not write his name . Sir Richard Weston beat the Bush in the Affair of the Palatinate , but Sir Edward catched the Hare ; his rough humour being more suitable to that business : Or inded it having been always more successful to be bold , than wary ; to be free for all occasions , than to be obstinate to some rules . — Fortune ( saith Machiavel ) is a Mistriss , that is sooner won by those that ruffle and force her , than by others that proceed coldly . Indeed he was charged with treachery and cowardize in the action against the Scots , 1640. but he came off with his honest animosity , saying , If he might but fight their whole Army , he would settle Scotland in six moneths , or lose his head : — being in that , of my Lord of Canterbury's opinion , who assured his Majesty they would not hold out four : a motion ! that if as easily entertained by that gracious King as it was effectually pursued by the bloody Usurpers , a sad experience hath taught us and them , would have prevented much mischief there , more here ; especially since it was that wise Prince his judicious observation , That they and their Confederates were a people lost by favour , and won by punishment . Observations on the Lives of the Digges . MAster Leonard Digges was one of excellent Learning and deep judgement . His minde most inclined him to the Mathematicks , and he was the best Architect in that age for all manner of Buildings , for conveniency , pleasure , state , strength , being excellent at Fortifications . Lest his Learning should dye with him , for the publick profit , he printed his Tectonicon , Prognostick General , Stratiotick , about the ordering of an Army , and other Works . He flourished Anno Dom. 1556. and dyed I believe about the Reign of Queen Elizabeth , when as in most growing times Arts were drowned in action . Nothing else have I to observe of his name , save that hereditary Learning may seem to run in the veins of his Family ; witnesse Sir Dudly Digs of Chilham-Castle , made Master of the Rolls , in the yaer 1636. whose abilities will not be forgotten , whilest our age hath any remembrance . This Knight had a younger son , of a most excellent wit , and a great judgement , Fellow of All-Souls in Oxford , who in the beginning of our Civil Wars wrote so subtile & solid a Treatise of the difference betwixt King and Parliament , that such Royallists who have since handled that Controversie , have written plura non plus ; yea aliter rather than alia of that Subject . The Son writes down those Rebellions that the Father countenanced : The Father , I say , who by a bold impeachment against his Majesties chief Minister of State , to his face , taught a discontented People to draw a bolder against his Majesty himself : — Wherefore it was , that ( after his undutiful Prologue against his Majesties Prerogative in favouring his Servants ; the Preface to more disloyal methods against his right , in governing his People ) he and Sir John Eliiot were whispered out of the Lords House , when they were hottest against the Duke , to speak with a Gentleman , and thence sent immediately by two Pursevants that attended , to the Tower ; where , and in the Country , this Gentleman lay under just displeasure , until it was thought fit to take off so dangerous a piece of boldnesse and eloquence upon the growing distempers of the age by favour and preferment , to a Neutrality at least , if not to the just measures of his duty . But our observation here is this ; That faction is one of those sins , whereof the Authors repent most commonly themselves , and their posterities are always ashamed . Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Ridly , Dr. LL. THis Knight and Dr. was born at Ely in Cambridge-shire , bred first a Scholar at Eaton in Buckingham-shire , then Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge . He was a generall Scholar in all kinde of Learning , especially in that which we call Melior Literatura . He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester , and Vicar-general to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury . His memory will never dye , whilest his Book called The view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living ; a book of so much merit , that the Common Lawyers ( notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions ) will ingenuously allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject : Although it startled them to hear King James was so affected with it , insomuch that Sir Edward Coke undertook from thence to prophecy the decay of the Common-Law : though in that prophecy of his , others foresaw nothing but his fall . Never book came out more seasonably for the Church than this ; never Comment came out more suitably , than Mr. Gregories Notes upon it : He writ well , and advised better : being good to give , better to manage Counsel ; which he never offered till called , and never urged longer then it pleased ; answering no question of consequence unlesse upon emergent occasion , without deliberation ; observing the design of people , that aske most commonly to try his sufficiency , as well as improve their own : However , being sure that time is likelier to increase than abate the weight of a result , discovering as well what may be returned suitably to the general temper , as what may be answered fitly to the particular instance . What alterations he designed for the Churches benefit , were not sodain , but leisurely . To force men out of one extreamity into another , is an attempt as dangerous , as it is invidious ; as awakening most opposition , and obnoxious to most hazard . Wise * Tacitus observeth , that men have reformed inveterate habits more by yielding to them , than engaging against them ; though a man must so yield as not to encourage , while he doth so countermine , as not to exasperate : Although he was always able , yet was he never willing to mend the Copy his Superiors had set him , unlesse owned as from former instruction , lest they grew jealous , he valued his own experience before theirs , who measure mens sufficiency from their caution , and not from their parts ; from what they can forbear , rather than from what they can do . To conclude , he was one of those able men that cannot be eminent , unlesse they be great ; men of great merit , behave themselves so negligently in small affairs , as that you shall never understand their abilities , unlesse you advance their persons . Mens capacities & sufficiencies have certain bound● prescribed them ; within the limits of which they are able to acquit themselves with credit and applause : But if you advance them above , or depre 〈…〉 them below their spheres , they shew nothing but debilities and miscarriages . Onely this he was alway● commended for ; That having the management of Affairs intrusted to him , he under went all the miscarriages himself , ascribing all the honour and sufficency to his Patron ; carrying his hand in all actions so , that his Master had the applause of what ever was either conceded or denyed in publick , without any other interruption from Mr. Ridley , than what became the bare instrument of his commands , however he ordered the mater in private . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Martin . HE would merrily say , That if his Father had left him fourscore pounds a year , where he left him but forty , he would never have been a Scholar , but have lived on his Lands : whereas his Inheritance being a large encouragement , but a small maintenance , he made up in study what he wanted in Estate ; first at Winchester , and then at New-Colledge , where his inclination led him to Divinity , but Bishop Andrews his advice perswaded him to the Civil Law , wherein he attained that great proficiency he was eminent for , thus : — He had weekly transmitted to him from some Proctors at Lambeth , the brief heads of the most important Causes which were to be tryed in the High-Commission . Then with some of his familiar friends in that faculty , he privately pleaded those Causes ; acting in their Chamber what was done in the Court : But Mr. Martin making it his work , exceeded the rest in amplifying and aggravating any fault , to move anger and indignation against the guilt thereof ; or else in extenuating or excusing it , to procure pity , obtain pardon , or at least prevail for a lighter punishment : — Whence no Cause came amisse to him in the High Commission : For , saith my Author , he was not to make new Armour , but onely to put it on , and buckle it ; not to invent , but apply arguments to his Clients . — As in decision of Controversies in his Courts , he had a moderate and middle way : so in managing of affairs in Parliament , he had a healing Method : Whence in most Debates with the Lords , where Mr. Noy's Law and Reason could not convince , Sir Martin's a Expedients could accommodate . For which services , and his other merits , he was made Judge of the Prerogative-Court for probate of Wills , and of the Admiralty for Foreign Trade . Whence King JAMES would say merrily , He was a mighty Monarch by Sea and Land , over the Dead and the Living . Observations on the Life of Sir John Bramstone . SIr John Bramstone , Knight , was born at Maldon in Essex , bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law , wherein he attained to such eminency , that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief-Justice of the King's ●ench . One of deep Learning , solid Judgement , integrity of Life , gravity of behaviour , above the envy of his own age , and the scandal of posterity . One 〈…〉 stance of his I must not forget , writes the Historian effectually , relating to the foundation wherein I was 〈…〉 ed : Sergeant Bruerton by Will bequeathed to 〈…〉 idney-Colledge well-nigh three thousand pounds , ●ut ( for haste , or some other accident ) it was so im●erfectly done , that ( as Dr. Sam. Ward informed 〈◊〉 ) the gift was invalid in the rigour of the Law. ●ow Judge Bramstone , who married the Sergeants Widow , gave himself much trouble ( gave himself 〈…〉 deed , doing all things gratis ) for the speedy pay●ent of the money to a farthing , and the legal 〈…〉 tling thereof on the Colledge , according to the 〈◊〉 intention of the dead . He deserved to live in ●etter times . The delivering his judgement on the ●ing's side in the case of Ship-money , cost him ●uch trouble , and brought him much honour , 〈◊〉 who understood the consequence of that Ma 〈…〉 me , Salus populi suprema lex ; and that Ship-mo●ey was thought legal by the best Lawyers , voted ●own arbitrarily by the worst Parliament : they ●earing no Counsel for it , though the King heard 〈…〉 men willingly against it . Yea , that Parliament 〈…〉 ought themselves not secure from it , unlesse the ●ing renounced his right to it by a new Act of his 〈◊〉 . Men have a touch-stone to try Gold , and ●old is the touch-stone to try Men. Sir William 〈◊〉 's gratuity shewed , that this Judges Inclination 〈◊〉 as much above corruption as his Fortune ; and 〈◊〉 he would not , as well as needed not , be base . Equally intent was he upon the Interest of the 〈◊〉 and the Maximes of Law , as which mutually suported each other . — He would never have a W 〈…〉 nesse interrupted , or helped , but have the patie 〈…〉 to hear a naked , though a tedious truth : the 〈◊〉 Gold lyeth in the most Ore , and the clearest 〈◊〉 in the most simple discourse . When he put on 〈◊〉 Robes , he put off Respects ; his private affectio● being swallowed up in the publick service . 〈◊〉 was the Judge whom Popularity could never flatt 〈…〉 to any thing unsafe , nor favour oblige to any thi 〈…〉 unjust . Therefore he died in peace , 1645. wh 〈…〉 all others were engaged in a War , and shall 〈◊〉 the reward of his integrity of the Judge of Judg 〈…〉 at the great Assize of the world . Having lived as well as read Justinian's maxi 〈…〉 to the Praetor of Laconia ; All things which 〈◊〉 pertain to the well-government of a State , are order●● by 〈◊〉 constitutions of Kings , that give life and 〈◊〉 to the Law : Whereupon , who so would walke wis 〈…〉 shall never fail , if he propose them both for the rule his actions , — For a King is the living Law of 〈◊〉 Countrey . Nothing troubled him so much as ( shall I call it the shame , or the fear of the consequence of the unhappy contest between his Excellent Majesty 〈◊〉 his meaner Subjects in the foresaid case of Ship-m●ney ; no enemy being contemptible enough to 〈◊〉 despised , since the most despicable command gr 〈…〉 ter strength , wisdome , and interest than their ow● to the designs of Malice or Mischief . — A gr 〈…〉 man managed a quarrel with Archee the King Fool ; but by endeavouring to explode him 〈◊〉 Court , rendred him at last so considerable , 〈◊〉 calling the enemies of that person ( who were not a few ) to his rescue , as the fellow was not onely able to continue the dispute for divers years , but received such encouragement from standers by ( the instrument of whose malice he was ) as he oft 〈…〉 oke out in such reproaches , as neither the dignity of that excellent person's calling , nor the greatnesse of his parts , could in reason or manners admit : — But that the wise man discerned , that all the fool did was but a symptome of the strong and inveterate distemper raised long since in the hearts of his Countrymen against the great mans Person and Function . Observations on the Life of Sir Augustine Nicols . SIr August . Nicols , son to Tho. Nicols , Sergeant at Law , was born at Ecton in Northampton-shire . Now though according to the rigour of our Fundamental Premises , he be not within our cognisance under this Title , yet his merit will justifie us in presenting his Chracter . He was bred in the study of the Common-Law ; wherein he attained to such knowledge , that Qu : Eliz. made him , and K. James continued him his own Serjeant , whence he was freely preferred one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas . I say freely , King James commonly calling him the Judge that would give no money . Not to speak of his moral qualifications , and subordinate abilities ; he was renowned for his special judiciary Endowments ; of very calm affections and moderate passions ; of a grave and affible deportment ; of a great patience to hear both Parties all they could say ; a happy memory ; 〈◊〉 singular sagacity to search into the material circumstances ; Exemplary integrity , even to the rejection of Gratuities after Judgement given , and a charge to his Followers , that they came to their Places clear-handed , and that they should not meddle with any Motions to him , that he might be secured from all appearance of corruption . His forbearing to travail on the Lords day , wrought a Reformation on some of his own Order . Very pitiful and tender he was in case of life , yet very exact in case of blood . He loved plain and profitable Preaching , being wont to say , I know not what you call Preaching , but I like them that come neerest to my Conscience . The speech of Caesar is commonly known ; Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori ; which Bishop Jewel altered and applyed to himself , Decet Episcopum concionantem mori : of this man it may be said , Judex mortuus est jura dans ; dying in his Calling , as he went the Northern Circuit , and hath a fair Monument in Kendal-Church in Westmerland . This I observe of this good man ; that he was so good a man , that in the ruffling times he could be but a bad Magistrate , Cum vel exeunda sit natura , vel minuenda dignitas : when he must either go out of his easie nature , or forgo his just authority . Observations on the Life of Sir Nich. Hyde . SIr Nicholas Hyde was born at Warder in Wiltshire , where his Father in right of his Wife had a long Lease of that Castle from the Family of the Arundels . His Father , I say ( descended from an antient Family in Cheshire ) a fortunate Gentleman in all his children , ( and more in his Grand-children ) some of his under-boughs outgrowing the top-branch , and younger children ( amongst whom Sir Nicholas ) in wealth and honour exceeding the rest of his Family . He was bred in the Middle-Temple , and was made Sergeant at Law the first of February , 1626. 〈◊〉 on the eighth day following was sworn Lord Chief-Justice of the Kings-Bench , succeeding in that Office , next save one unto his Country-man Sir James Ley ( than alive , and preferred Lord Treasurer , born within two miles one of another ) and next of all under Sir Francis Crew lately displaced . Now , though he entred on his Place with some disadvantage ( Sir Randal being generally popular ) and though in those dayes , it was ●ard for the same Person to please Court and Countrey , yet he discharged his Office with laudable integrity , until 1631. Prudence obligeth Princes to refer the management of affairs to persons who have the reputation of extraordinary ho●esty , especially to the transacting of such things which notwithstanding their innate justice , may provoke any evill spirits . — The most part of man-kinde guessing onely by their own senses and apprehensions , judge of the affairs by the persons wh 〈…〉 conduct them . Opinion guideth the world , and the reputation of him that negotiateth , sets a value and price upon his words and actions ; and the opinion which is conceived of him is so absolute 〈◊〉 Umpire , that there is no appeal from his judgement . — Opinion is the strongest thing in the world Truth the next . Observations on the Life of Sir Walter Aston . HE was a Gentleman of so much diligence in the Spanish Negotiations , that there were no Orders , Cabals , Consultations in th 〈…〉 intricate time , &c. he was not acquainted with : 〈◊〉 so much resolution , that there was not a dangerous Message in that great businesse he would n● deliver : Of that excellent converse , that ther● was not that Minister of State in that jealous Co 〈…〉 he was not familiar with . Very observant he wa● by Don Juan Taxardoes means , of the Spanish pr●ceedings , and as well skilled with the Duke 〈◊〉 Buckingham's direction in the English ; though y● he confessed himself almost lost in those Intrigue had not the Duke stood between him and the King displeasure that suspected him , and the Prince 〈◊〉 jealousie that feared him . [ He had need have steady head , that looks into such depths : ] But as 〈…〉 had an excellent faculty of excusing others mis 〈…〉 iages , so he had a peculiar way of salving his 〈◊〉 ; being advantaged with a great foresight , a 〈◊〉 reservedness , and a ready spirit . Few understood better the Importance of the 〈…〉 glish Trade with Spain : None pursued more di●gently its priviledges and freedom ; tracing most the secret Counsels and resolutions so closely , at he was able with his industry and money to 〈◊〉 an account of most proceedings . — In the ma 〈…〉 gement whereof he resigned himself to the 〈…〉 ke's disposal , professing to own no judgement 〈…〉 affection but what was guided by his direction . — 〈◊〉 own words are these ; Vntil I know by your Gra 〈…〉 favour by what compasse to guide my course , I can 〈◊〉 follow his Majesties revealed will : — And the 〈…〉 ke's answer this ; You desire me to give you my opinion ; My ancient acquaintance , long custome of lo 〈…〉 you , with constancy of friendship , invites me to 〈…〉 you this office of good will. My Lord of Bristol shuffled the Cards well , but 〈◊〉 Walter Aston playd them best . — The first set a 〈…〉 ign , but the second pursued it , — being happy an humble and respect●u● carriage ; which open 〈…〉 the breast , and unlocked the hearts of all men 〈…〉 him . He that looked downward saw the Stars in 〈…〉 water : but he who looked onely upward , could 〈…〉 see the waters in the Stars . Indeed there was in his countenance such a 〈…〉 one of sweetnesse , and his words had so power 〈…〉 a charm , set off with so agreeable and taking ●●avity , that the respect due to him was not lost in 〈◊〉 love he had deserved ; nor the love he attained to , abated by the respect he commanded ; being one that had and gave infinite satisfaction in the Negotiations he engaged in : Wherein among other things , he would urge how unpolitick , and unsuccessful it is for the Spanyard to meditate a conque● of Europe , where all his Neighbours oppose him rather than Asia , where they would all joyn with him out of Interest and Conscience , both to secur● him from France , and carry him towards Turkey at whose doors his friend the Emperour was ready to attaque them upon any Mutiny or Rebellion then frequent among them , whose strength ( sai 〈…〉 Machiavel ) lyeth more in Tradition than in any real Truth : — Considering the contrary complexions of the people in point of Interest and Religion that can admit of no considerable coalition upon the approach of a Foreign impression . Observations on the Life of Sir Julius Caesar . SIr Caesar's Father being Physitian to Q 〈…〉 Elizabeth , and descended of the ancient Family of the Dalmarii in Italy , then living a Tottenham neer London ; This his Son was bred 〈◊〉 Oxford ; and after other intermediate preferments was advanced Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lanc●ster , and sworn a Privy-Councellor on Sunday th 〈…〉 sixth of July , 1607. and afterwards was preferre● Master of the Rolls . A Person of prodigious bou●ty to all of worth or want , so that he might see● to be Almoner-general of the Nation . The story is well known , of a Gentleman who once borrowing his Coach ( which was as well known to poor people as any Hospital in England ) was so rendevouz'd about with Beggars in London , that it cost him all the money in his purse to sati●fie their importunity , so that he might have hired twenty Coaches on the same terms . Sir Francis Bacon Lord Verulam was judicious in his Election , when perceiving his Dissolution to approach , he made his last Bed in effect in the house of Sir Julius . He continued more then twenty years Mr. of the Rolls ; and though heaved at by some Expectants , sate still in his Place , well poysed therein , with his gravity and integrity . Vir tantarum El●emosynarum non movebitur ; a man of so great Alms and Prayers ( made by him and for him ) shall not be removed . Nor was it without a prosperous Omen , that his chief House in Hartfordshire was called Benington , that is , Villa benigna , the bountiful Village , as one Author will have it ; or as another , Villa beneficii , the Town of good turns , from the River so named running by it . His Arms were these , viz. Gules , three Roses Argent on a Chief of the first , so many Roses of the second , embleming the fragrancy of the Memory he hath left behinde him . His Monument in great St. Hellens , London , being out of the road of ordinary Fancies , was thus designed by himself in form of a Deed in ruffled Parchment , in allusion to his Office as Master of the Rolls . OMnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos hoc praesens Scriptum pervenerit ; Sciatis me Julium Dalmare alias Caesarem Militem , utriusque legis Doctorem ; Elizabethae Reginae Supremae Curia Admiralitatis judicem , & unum 〈◊〉 Magistris libellorum ; Jacobo Regi ae Privatis Conciliis , Cancellarium Scaccarii , Scriniorum Magistrum , hac praesenti Charta mea Confirmasse me Annuent● Divino Numine naturae debitum libenter solviturum quam primum Deo placuerit . In cujus rei memoriam , Manum meam , & Sigillum apposui . Datum 27 Februarii , 1635. Julius Caesar . Here his Seal or Coat of Arms is affixed , and beneath them is written Irrotulatur Caelo . He dyed the twenty eighth day of April , Anno Domini , 1636. in the seventy ninth year of his Age. They say of Witches , that they are unable to hurt till they have received an Almes . It 's certain , none ever undermined this Gentleman's insufficiency , but such as were advanced by his civility ; a civility that secured him , as well as it impowered them , making his Grants to all persons double kindnesses by Expedition , and cloathing his very Denyals in such robes of Courtship , as that it was not obviously discernable whether the Request or De●yal were most decent ; having this peculiar to himself , That he was very cautious of Promises , lest falling to an Incapacity of performance , he might forfeit his Reputation , and multiply his certain Enemies , by his design of creating uncertain Friends . Besides , he observed a sure principle of rising , viz. That great persons esteem better of such they have done great Courtesies to , than those they have received greater Civilities from ; looking upon this as their disparagement , the other as their glory . Observations on the Lives of Sir Henry , Sir Lucius , Sir Henry Cary , Lords Viscounts Faulkland . ARace of accomplished men , the ornaments and supports of their Countrey , which they served with no lesse faithfulnesse and prudence in their Negotiations abroad , than honour and justice in their Places at home : Of such a Stock of reputation , as might kindle a generous emulation in Strangers , and a noble ambition in those of their own Family . Henry Cary , Viscount Falkland in Scotland , son to Sir Edward Cury , was born at Aldnam in Hertfordshire : being a most accomplished Gentleman , and a compleat Courtier . By King James he was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland , and well discharged his Trust therein : But an unruly Colt will ●ume and chase ( though neither switch nor spur ) meerly because back'd . The Rebellious Irish will complain , onely because kept in subjection , though with never so much lenity ; the occasion why some hard speeches were passed on his Government . Some beginning to counterfeit his hand , he used to incorporate th● year of his age in a knot flourished beneath h 〈…〉 name , concealing the day of his birth to himsel 〈…〉 Thus by comparing the date of the month , with his own Birth-day ( unknown to such Forgers ) 〈◊〉 not onely discovered many false Writings which were past , but also deterred dishonest Cheated from attempting the like for the future . He made good use of Bishop Vsher's Interest while he was there , as appears by the excellent Speech that the Bishop made for the King's supply . Being recalled into England , he lived honourably in the County aforesaid , until by a sad casualty he broke his Leg on a Stand in The●b●ld's Parke , and soon after dyed thereof . He married the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Lawrence Tanfield , Chief Baron of the Exchequer , by whom he had a fair Estate in Oxfordshire . His death happened Ann● D●m . 1620. being Father to the most accomplished States-man , 2. Lucius Lord Falkland , the wildness of whose youth was an argument of the quicknesse of his riper years : He that hath a spirit to be unruly before the use of his reason , hath mettle to be active afterwards . Quick-silver if fixed , is incomparable ; besides that the adventures , contrivances , secrets , confidence , trust , compliance with opportunity , and the other sallies of young Gallants , prepare them more serious undertakings , — as they did this noble Lord ; great in his ●own , greater in his Buffe ; able with his Sword , abler with his Pen : a knowing States-man , a learned Scholar , and a stout man● : One instance of that excess in learning and other great perfections , which portended ruine to this Nation in their opinion , who write , that all Extreams , whether of Vertue or Vice , are ominous , especially that unquiet thing call'd Learning , whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth its own period , and that of the Empire it flourisheth in ; a too universally dilated Learning , being not faithful to the settlements either of Policy or Religion ; it being no lesse rea●ly to discover blemishes in the one , than Incongruities in the other : Sophisters ( saith my smart Author ) like the Countrey of the Switz , being as able upon the least advantage proposed , to engage on the wrong side as on the sight . As to go no further , this excellent Personage being among the Demagogues that had been for twelve years silenced , and were now to play the prize in Parliament , and shew their little twit-twat , but tedious faculties of speaking , makes the bitterest Invective against the Governours and government of the Church , that ever was penned in English ; which though designed by him , it'● thought , onely to allay the fury of the Faction , by some compliance with it , carried things beyond the moderation and decency of that Assembly , which he made too hot for himself , retyring in cooler thoughts , as many more ( that like Brutus could not lay the storms they had raised ) to Oxford , where his Pen was more honourably employed in detecting the fundamental Errour of Rome their infallibility , and countermining the main props of Westminster their Hypoerisie ; this as Secretary , the other as a Student — in both laying open the little pretensions , whereby poor people were insnared in their Civil and Religious Liberty . — Much was the gall always in his Inke , and very sharp his Pen ; but even , flowing , and full his Style , such as became him , whose Learning was not an unsetled masse of reading that whirled up and down in his head , but fixed Observations , that tempered with solid prudence and experience , were the steady Maximes of his Soul fitted for all times and occasions ; he having sate ( as some Noble-mens sons used to do formerly in the House of Lords ) behind the Chair of State from his very child-hood , and owning a large heart capable of making that universal inspection into things that much becomes a Gentleman , being a Master in any thing he discoursed of . — Insomuch that his general knowledge husbanded by his wit , and set off by his Meine and Carriage , attracted many to come as far to see him , as he prosessed he would go to see Mr. Daillee — which rendred him no lesse necessary than admirable at Court , until his Curiosity engaging him at Newbery , he was strangely slain there , dying as he lived till then , between his Friends and Enemies , to the King 's great grief , who valued him , because he understood his parts and services in the Treaty at Oxford , where he was eminent for two things ; the timing of Propositions , and concealing of Inclinations ; though no man so passionate for his design , as never enduring that hope that holds resolution so long in suspence , but ever allaying it with that fear that most commonly adviseth the best by supposing the worst . — His usual saying was , I pity unlearned Gentlemen in a rainy day . 3. He was Father first to Henry Lord Falkland , whose quick and extraordinary parts and notable spirit performed much , and promised more , having a great command in the Countrey where he was Lord-Lieutenant , a general respect in the house where he was Member , a great esteem at Court ( with his Majesty and his Royal Highness the Duke of Yorke ) where he was both wit , and wisdome . — When there was the first opportunity offered to honest men to act , he laid hold of it , and got in spight of all opposition , to a thing called a Parliament : By same token , that when some urged he had not sowed his wilde Oats , he is said to reply ; If I have not , I may sowe them in the House , where there are Geese enough to pick them up . And when Sir F. N. should tell him he was a little too wilde for so grave a service , he is reported to reply ; Alas ! I am wilde , and my Father was so before me , and I am no Bastard , — as , &c. In which Contention he out-did the most active Demagogues at their own weapon , speaking . When Major Huntington and his followers were for the long Parliament , Sir F. N. L. S , &c. were for the secluded Members , My Lord carried all the County for an absolute free Parliament ; which he lived to see , and act in so successfully , that he was voted generally higher in trusts and services , had he not been cut off in the prime of his years ; as much missed when dead , as beloved when living — A great instance of what a strict Education ( for no man was harder bred ) a general Converse , and a noble Temper can arrive to ; and what an Orator can do in a Democracy , where the Affections of many is to be wrought upon , rather than the judgement of few to be convinced . A golden tongue falling under a subtle head under such a constitution , hath great influence upon the whole Nation . Observations on the Life of Sir James Ley , Earl of Marlborough . SIr James Ley , son of Henry Ley Esquire ( one of great Ancestry , who , saith my Author , on his own cost , with his men , valiantly served King Henry the Eighth , at the siege of Boloin ) being his Fathers sixth son , ( and so in probability barred of his inheritance ) endeavoured to make himself an Heir by his Education , applying his book in Nose-Colledge , and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolns-Inne , wherein such his proficiency , King James made him Lord Chief-Justice in Ireland . Here he practised the charge King James gave him at his going over , ( yea , what his own tender Conscience gave himself ) namely , not to build his Estate upon the ruines of a miserable Nation , but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice , not to enrich himself , but civilize the People . But the wise King would no longer loose him out of his own Land , and therefore recalled him home about the time when his Fathers Inheritance , by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him . It was not long before Offices and Honours flowed in fast upon him , being made by King James King Charls 1. Attorney of the Court of Wards . 1. Earl of Marlborough in Wiltshire , 2. Chief-Justice of the Upper Bench , the 18 of his Reign , Jan. 29. immediately after the King's Coronation . 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22 of his Reign , Dec. 22. 2. Lord President of the Council , in which place he died , Anno. Dom. 1629. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire , the last of the same month .   He was a Person of great Gravity , Ability , and Integrity : And as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebbe nor flow , so his minde did not rise or fall , but continued the same constancy in all conditions ; a good temper enough for a Judge , but not for a States-man , and for any States-man , but a Lord Treasurer ; and for any Lord Treasurer but in King CHARLES his active time who was put to it to finde out such stirring men as might recover him from the hazard and defection he was fallen into in Purse and Power . Observations on the Life of Henry Vere Earl of Oxford . THis noble person had more of the Camp in h 〈…〉 temper than the Court ; whence his roug● Armour-constitution grated often against the our tiers Silks ; for when one of them laughed at h 〈…〉 milk-white Feather , he returned smartly upon him with reflections on his Ancestors , That it had no 〈…〉 in t in it . His Predecessors had not been more 〈…〉 placable enemies to Spain in the Low-Countries , 〈…〉 an he was at White-Hall , backing those arguments against the Match stoutly in the Presence-Chamber , that Doctor Hackwel had urged zealously in the Pulpit ; and as resolutely suffering imprisonment for the one , as the Doctor did suspension for the other ; declaring himself as freely against the Agent Gondomar , as against his business , ●he Marriage : For chancing to meet Gondomar at ●n Entertainment , the Don accosted him with high Complements , vowing ; That amongst all the 〈…〉 obility of England , there was none he had tendered his service to with more sincerity than to his Lordship , though hitherto such his unhappinesse , that his affections were not accepted according to his integrity that tendered them . It seems ( replyed the Earl of Oxford ) that your Lordship hath good leisure , when 〈…〉 ping in your thoughts to one so inconsiderable as my self , whose whole life hath afforded but two things memorable therein . It is your Lordships modesty ( returned the Spaniard ) to undervalue your self , whilest we the spectators of your Honours deserts , make a true and impartial estimate thereof ; hundreds of memorables have met in your Lordshipe life : But , 〈…〉 od my Lord , what are those two signal things more 〈…〉 spicuous than all the rest ? They are these two ( said the Earl ) I was born in the year 88 , and chri 〈…〉 ned on the fifth of November . Neither was he a more inveterate enemy to the Church of Rome , than a cordial friend to that of England ; for presenting one Mr. Copinger to 〈…〉 neham , he added , to try him , He would pay no tythes of his Parke : Mr. Copinger desired again to resign it to his Lordship , rather than by such sinful gratitude to betray the rights of the Church . — Well , if you be of that minde ( said the Earl ) then take the tythes ; I scorn that my Estate should swell with Church-goods . Observations on the Life of Sir John Cook. SIr John Cook , younger brother to Sir Francis Cook , born at Trusley ( in the Hundred of Apple-tree ) in Derby-shire , of ancient and worshipful Parentage , and allied to the best Family in that County ; was bred Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridg , where his wit being designed his Estate , he was chosen Rhetorick-Lecturer in the University , where he grew eminent for his ingenious and critical reading in that School , where Rhetorick seemed to be not so much an art , as his nature ; being not onely the subject , but the very frame of his discourse : then travelled he beyond the Seas for some years ( when his judgement was fitted for Foreign observations by Domestick experience ) in the company of a person of quality , returning thence rich in Languages , Remarks , and Experience , waving all the dangers incident to him for his Religion , by a wary profession , that he came to learn , and not to search . Being first related to Sir Fulke Grevil , Lord Brook , who did all men● business but his own ; He was thence preferred to be Secretary of the Navy , then Master of the Requests , and at last Secretary of State for twenty years together . Being a very zealous Protestant , he did all good offices for the advancement of true Religion : His Contemporaries character him a grave and a prudent man in gate , apparel , and speech ; one that had his Intellectuals very perfect in the dispatch of businesse till he was eighty years old ; when foreseeing those Intrigues that might be too hard for his years , he with his Majesties good leave retyred as Moses did , to dye when his eyes were not dim , &c. having kept himself strictly to the Law of the Land : Insomuch , that being sent to command Bishop Williams from Westminster ; and being asked by the stout Bishop , by what authority he commanded a man out of his house and his free-hold , he was so tender of the point , that he never rested till he had his pardon for it . Much ado he had to keep the King's favour for his compliance with the Faction , witness his third submission ; and as much ado to retain the Factions good opinion for his service to the King , witnesse his several Apologies in Parliament to this purpose ; That it was a hard thing , that they who should have thanks for the good offices they did the People with the KING , had now nothing but censures for the same offices they did the King with his People . — Never was any man more put to it to reconcile the two readings of that Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — which he could never have done , but that his old rule safe-guarded him , viz. That no man should let what is unjustifiable or dangerous appear under his hand , to give Envy a steady aime at his place or person ; no mingle Interests with great men made desperate by debts or Court-injuries , whose falls hath been ruinons to their wisest followers ; nor pry any further into secrecy , than rather to secure , than she● himself ; nor impart that to a friend , that may Impower him to be an enemy . Besides that his yea● excused in him that caution some obstinate me● want that are broken with vicissitudes , because they consider not that the forwardest in turmoyls a●least regarded when things return to a calm . He served the time out of Christian discretion , in finding out the seasons of things commendably . He complyed out of some infirmity in particular accommodations pardonably ; but neither of ignorance or design , in pursuance of his own , or any other mans plot unfaithfully . Indeed he must have wrenched and sprained his grave soul with the short turnings in those dayes , if it had been true , that he should shuffle a Scots Paper ( instead of the genuine Articles of Pacification at York ) which the Earls of Holland , Pembrook , &c. disavowed 〈◊〉 the Northern Commissioners faces ( my Lord 〈◊〉 Pembrook saying , That indeed as he took Horse , and his Friends being busie about him , such a Paper was put into his hand , but he opened it not untill he came to his Majestie ) and his Majestie burned in the face of both Kingdoms ; whereupon they say he was dismissed , which I am not willing to believe : onely I finde him hereafter bringing Propositions from the Parliament ( as they called it ) to the King , as actively as formerly he had carried Messages from the King to the Parliament : — Indeed he had an● happy mixture of Discretion and Charity , whereby he could allow to things and persons more than men of streighter apprehensions , or narrower affections were able to do . Indeed , though as I told you otherwise wary , he broke an Affair to a Partizan that kept him under all his days : & he that entertains a dangerous design , puts his head into an ●●alter , and the halter into his hand to whom he first imparts it . — Sir Francis Windebanke and he fell into extreams ; which balanced , might have supported the Government , if they had directed their particular inclinations and indulgences by the measures of the general interest and temper . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Danby . ALl that I finde of this plain Noble-man , is written on his Tomb-stone at Dantsey in Wiltshire . Here lyeth the Body of Henry Danvers , second son to Sir John Danvers Knight , and Dame Elizabeth , Daughter and Co-Heir to ●evil Lord Latimer . He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts , Anno Dom. 1573. being 〈…〉 ed up partly in the Low-Countrey Wars , under Maurice Earl of Nassaw , afterwards Prince of Orange ; and in many other Military actions of ●hose times , both by Sea , and by Land. He was ●ade a Captain in the Military Wars of France , and there Knighted for his good service under Henry the fourth the then French King. He was employed as Lieutenant of the Horse , and Serjeant-Major of his whole Army in Ireland , under Robert Earl of Essex , and Charles Baron of Mou 〈…〉 joy , in the Reign of Queen Eliz. By King Jam●● the first , he was made Baron of Dantsey , and Pee● of this Realm ; as also Lord President of Munster and Governour of Guernsey . By King Charles the first , he was created Earl of Danby , made one of his Privy-Councel , and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter . In his later time , by reason of imperfect health , confiderately declining more active Employments , full of honours , wounds and days , he died Anno Dom. 1643. LAVS DEO . For many years before , St. George had not been more magnificently mounted ( I mean the solemnity of his Feast more sumptuously observed ) the● when this Earl , with the Earl of Morton , were installed Knights of the Garter . One might have there beheld the abridgment of England and Scotland in their Attendance . The Scotish Earl ( like Xeuxes his picture ) adorned with all Art and costlinesse , whilest our English Earl ( like the plain shee● of Apelles ) by the gravity of his Habit , got the advantage of the gallantry of his Corrival with judicious beholders . He died without Issue in the beginning of our Civil Wars , and by his Will made 1639. setled his large Estate on his hopeful Nephew Henry D'Anvers , snatch'd away ( before fully o● age ) to the great grief of all good men . Observations on the Life of Sir Geo. Crook . SIr George Crook , son of Sir John Crook , and Elizabeth Vnton his Wife , was born at Chilton in Buckinghamshire , in the second year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth ; bred first in Oxford , then a double Reader in the Inner Temple , Sergeant at Law , and the King's Sergeant ; Justice first of the Common Bench , 22 Jac. and then of the Upper Bench , 4 Caroli . His ability in his Profession is sufficiently attested by his own printed Reports ; Eight eminent Judges of the Law out of their knowledge of his great Wisdom , Learning , and Integrity , approving and allowing them to be published for the common benefit . His onely defect was , that he was against the ancient Naval-aid called Ship-money , both publickly in Westminster-Hall , and privately in his judgement demanded by the King , even at that time when our Neighbours not onely incroached upon our Trade , but disputed our right in the Narrow-seas , though concluded to subscribe ( according to the course of the Court ) by plurality of Voices . The Country-mans wit ( levelled to his brain ) will not for many years be forgotten ; That Ship-money may be gotten by Hook , and not by Crook ; though since they have paid Taxes ( Leynes to the little finger , and Scorpions to the rod of Ship-money ) but whether by Hook or Crook , let others enquire : Hampden's share for which he went to Law , being but eighteen shillings , though it cost the Nation since eighteen millions . Considering his declining and decaying age , and desiring to examine his life , and prepare an account to the supream Judge , he petitioned King Charles for a Writ of Ease ; which though in some sort denyed , ( what wise Master would willingly part with a good Servant ? ) was in effect granted unto him . For the good King ( exacting from his Subjects no services beyond their years and abilities ; and taking it better at his hands , that he confessed his infirmities , than if he had concealed them ) discharged him from the pains , though he allowed him the fees and honour of Chief-Justice while he lived . — Wherefore in gratitude as well as conscience , however he was misled in the foresaid matter of Ship-money , he abhorred the Faction heartily , for he would say of Hampden , He is a dangerous person , take heed of him : — and loved the Church as heartily ; for we are told by a person of great worth and credit , That having read over the book of Canons 1640. when it first came out , and was so much spoken against , he lifted up his hands , and gave hearty thanks to Almighty God , that he had lived to see such good effects of a Convocation . In a word , he was no lesse in his Life , than he is in h 〈…〉 Epitaph now dead , which runs thus ; Georgius Crook Eques Auratus , unus justiciari 〈…〉 cum de Banco Regis , Judicio Linceato , & ani 〈…〉 presenti insignis , veritatis haeres , quem nec min 〈…〉 nec h●nos allexit : Regis authoritatem & populi 〈◊〉 bertatem aequâ lance Libravit ; Religione cordatu 〈…〉 vitâ innocuus , manu expansâ , Corde humili pauperes irrogavit : mundum vicit & deseruit , Anno Aetat . Lxxxii , Annoque R. C. I. xv●i . Anno Domini MDCXLI . Observations on the Life of Sir Rob. Armstroder . HE was a great Soldier , a skilful Antiquary , and a good Fellow : In the first capacity I finde him bringing off five hundred English for three miles together without the losse of a man , from six thousand Spanyards , along a plain Champion , where the Enemy might have surrounded them at pleasure . — Well he could handle bright Armour in the Field , better he understood that more rusty in the Tower ; therefore in his second capacity we have him picking up old Coyn , traluing more a Dollar which he might study , than a pound he might spend : Yet though his minde was taken with the Curiosities of former Times , his ●nclination was very compliant with the mode of his own ; for he was excellent company , in which capacity none more prevalent than he in Germany , where they talk much ; none more acceptable in Denmarke , where they drink hard ; none more taking in Sweden , where they droll smartly . His humble proposition and submission in behalf of the Elector , was accepted by the Emperour , 1630. He went to Denmarke ; and the first night he arrived he pleased the King so well in drinking healths , that his Majestie ordered that his businesse should be dispatched that very night , and he shipped when asleep , as he was to his own amazement when awaked , and the amazement of all England when returned ; he being here before some thought he had been there . — Humour is the Mistresse of the world . Neither was he more intent upon the pleasing of Foreign Princes , than careful in the honour of his own , especially in his faith , word , and impregnable honesty ; for he knew a faithlesse Prince is beloved of none ; but suspected by his friends , not trusted of his enemies , — and forsaken of all men in his greatest necessities . Yet he was not so taken with antique Medals abroad , but he promoted a new invention at home : for to him & Sir H. Wotton we owe it , that F. Klein the German , a very eminent Artist in working Tapestry , came over to serve K. Charls the first , a Virtuoso , judicious in all Liberal mechanical Arts , and for 100 pounds per ann . pension , so improved that Manufacture , at this time very compleat at Mortlack , in a house built by Sir Francis Crane upon King James his motion , who gave two thousand pounds towards it in that place . — General Tilly would say before Gustavus Adolphus came into Germany , that he was happy for three things ; That he heard Masse daily ; that he had never touched a woman ; and that he had never lost a battel . — What-ever Sir Robert could say to the first , he was very prosperous for the last ; that he never failed of success either in fighting or treating ; in the Field , or in the Chamber . Observations on the Life of Philip Earl of Arundel . HAd his Faith been as Orthodox as his Fathers Faithfulnesse was eminent , K. James his gratitude , and his Uncle Northampton's policy had raised him as high as his Father hath been , and his son is . But since his opinion made him a Separatist from the Church , and his temper a recluse from the Court , we have him in a place of Honour onely as Earl Marshal , while we finde his Brother in a place of Profit , as Lord Treasurer — though both in a place of Trust as Privy-Counsellors , — where this Earl approved himself a confutation of his a Uncles maxime ; That a through-paced Papist could not be a true-hearted Subject ; being as good an English-man in his heart , is he was a Catholick in his conscience ; onely the greatnesse of his spirit would not suffer any affronts in b Parliament ; whence he endured some discountenance from the Court , insomuch that the House of Lords finding him a Prisoner , when they sate 1626 , would not act until after several of their Petitions he was released ; when , his temper yielding with years , he was very complying , onely he ●resumed to marry his Son to an Heiress the King ●nd disposed of elsewhere : which yet he laid upon the women that made the Match . Indeed the 〈◊〉 Observator saith ; That women of all creatures are the most dextrous in contriving their designs , their natural sprightfulnesse of imagination , attended with their leasure , furnishing them with a thousand Expedients , and proposing all kinds of Overtures wi 〈…〉 such probability of happy suce●sse , that they easily desire , and as eagerly pursue their design . When he was sometimes barred the service of his own time , he studied those before him , being a fond Patron of Antiquaries and Antiquity , of whose old pieces he was the greatest Hoarder in Europe , setting aside Ferdinando de Medicis , grand Duke of Tuscany , from whom by the mediation of Sir Henry Wotton , he borrowed many an Antique Sculpture which furnished his Archives so well , ( as we may guess by Mr. Selden's Marmora Arundeliana ) that as my Lord Burleigh's Library was the most compleat one for a Politician , my Lord Bacon's for a Philosopher , Mr. Selden's for an Historian , Bishop Vsher's for a Divine , my Lord of Northampton's for a Poet , Mr. Oughtred's for a Mathematician , Dr. Hammond's for a Grammarian , or an universal Critick ; so the Earl of Arundel's was the best for a● Hearld and an Antiquary , a c Library not for shew but use . Neither was he more in his study , where he be stowed his melancholy hours , than in Councel where he advised three things in reference to the Foreign troubles : 1. Correspondence abroad 2. Frequent Parliaments . 3. Oftner progresse into the Countries . Neither was he lesse in the Field than in Council , when General against the Scots ( the more shame ! ) that Protestants should 〈◊〉 time rebel against their King , when Papists vent 〈…〉 red their lives for him : After which Expedition he was ordered beyond Sea with the Queen-Mother of France , 1639. when they say he looked back on England with this wish , May it never have need of me . It 's true , some observe , that the Scots who cried upon him as a Papist , yet writ under hand to him their Noble Lord , as they did to Essex and Holland so effectually , that they had no heart to that War afterward ; — and it is as true , that thereupon a schedule was now the second time given of the parties that combined against the Government , viz. 1. The busie medlers that had got the plausible trick of Haranguing since King James's time , not used in Parliament from H 6. time to his . 2. The covetous Landlords , Inclosers , Justices of the Peace that ruled in the Country , and would do so in Parliament . 3. Needy men in debt , that durst not shew their heads in time of Peace . 4. Puritans , that were so troublesome against Hatton , &c. in Queen Eliz. dayes ; and under pretence of Religon , overthrew all Government . 5. Such Male-contents as either lost the preferment they had , or had not what they were ambitious of , with their Kindred and Dependants . 6. Lawyers , that second any attempt upon the Prerogative , with their Cases , Records , and Antiquities . 7. London Merchants , that had been discovered by Cranfield and Ingram , as to their cheats put upon the King in his Customes , and Plantations . 8. Common-wealths-men , that had learned from Holland in Queen Eliz. days to pray for the Queen and the State. And 9 ( Because there cannot be a Treason without a P — ) such Recusants as were Hispanioliz'd , whereof this Earl was none : but though as a Church-Papist he had most of the Catholick Peers votes devolved on him ; he never bestowed them undutifully , albeit sometimes stoutly , and resolutely . A great friend he was to all new Inventions , save those that tended to do that by few hands , which had been usually done by many ; because , said he , While private men busie their heads to take off the Poors employment , the publick Magistrate must trouble his to finde them maintenance . Either he or the Earl of Northampton used to say ( when asked what made a compleat man ? ) To know how to cast Accompts : an accomplishment though ordinary , yet might save many an Estate in England . Observations on the Life of Esme Duke of Richmond . GReat in his Ancestors honour , greater in his own vertu , and greatest of all , in that like the Star he wore , the higher he was , the lesse he desired to seem , affecting rather the 〈◊〉 , than the pomp of noblenesse ; — therefore his courtesie was his nature not his craft ; and his affableness not a base & servile popularity , or an ambitious insinuation ; but the native gentlenesse of his disposition , and his true value of himself : He was not a stranger to any thing worth knowing , but best acquainted with himself , and in himself , rather with his weaknesses for Caution , than his abilities for Action . Hence he is not so forward in the traverses of War , as in Treaties of Peace , where his honour ennobled his cause , and his moderation advanced it : He and my Lord of Southampton managing the several Overtures of Peace at London , Oxford , and Oxbridge with such honourable freedome and prudence , that they were not more deservedly regarded by their Friends , than importunately courted they their Enemies ; who seeing they were such , could not be patient till they were theirs , though in ●ain , their honours being impregnable as well against the Factions kindnesse as against their power . At Conferences his conjectures were as solid as others judgements ; his strict observation of what was passed , furnishing him for an happy guesse of what was to come : Yet his opinion was neither variably unconstant , nor obstinately immoveable , but framed to present occasions , wherein his method was to begin a second advice from the failure of his first , — though he hated doubtful suspense , when he might be resolute . This one great defect was his good nature , that he could never distrust till it was dangerous to suspect : and he gave his Enemy so much advantage , that he durst but own him for his friend . — One thing he repented of , that he advised his Majestie to trust Duke Hamilton his Adversary with the affairs of Scotland , in compliance with the general opinion , rather than the Marquess Huntly his friend in compliance with his own real interest ; an advice wherein his publick-spiritednesse superseded his particular concerns and his good nature his prudence : — So true is it , that the honest mans single uprightnesse works in him that confidence , which oft-times wrongs him , and gives advantage to the subtle , while he rather pities their faithlesness , than repents of his credulity : so great advantage have they that look onely what they may do , over them that consider what they should do ; and they that observe onely what is expedient , over them that judge onely what is lawful . — Therefore when those that thought themselves wise , left their sinking Soveraign , he stuck to his Person while he lived , to his body when dead , and to his cause as long as he lived himself : — attending the first resolutely , burying the second honourably , and managing the third discreetly ; undertaking without rashnesse , and performing without fear ; never seeking dangers , never avoiding them . Although when his Friends were conquered by the Rebels , he was conquered by himself , retyring to that privacy , where he was guessed at , not known ; where he saw the world unseen ; where he made yielding a conquest ; where cheerful & unconcerned in expectation , he provided for the worst , and hoped the best , in the constant exercise of that Religion , which he & his maintained more effectually with their Examples , than with their Swords ; doing as much good in encouraging the Orthodox by his presence as in relieving them by his bounty . — In a word , I may say of him , as Macarius doth of Justine ; There was no Vice but he thought below him ; and no Vertue which he esteemed not either his duty on ornament . Neither was his prudence narrower than his virtue , nor his virtue streighter than his fortune . His main service was his inspection into the Intrigues and Reserves of the Parliamentiers at Vxbridge , and his cajoling of the Independants and Scots at London , where the issue of his Observations was ; That the King should as far as his conscience could allow , comply with the unreasoble desires of an illimited ambition , to make it sensible of the evils that would flow from its own Counsels : being confident , as events have assured us , that the people would see the inconvenience of their own wishes ; and that they would return that power which they sought for , but could not manage , to its proper place , before it became their-ruine : — for unbounded Liberty overthroweth its self . But alas ! it was too late to grant them any thing , who by having so much , were onely encouraged more eagerly to desire what they knew the King in honour could not give : — For when a Prince is once rendred odious or contemptible , his Indulgences do him no lesse hurt than injuries . As his services were great , so were his Recreations useful a ; Hunting , that manly Exercise being both his pleasure & his accomplishment : his accomplishment , I say , since it is in the list of Machiavel's rules to his Prince , as not onely the wholsomest and cheapest diversion , both in relation to himself , and his People , but the best Tutor to Horse-manship , Stratagems , and Situations , by which he may afterwards place an Army ; what-ever Sir Sidney's apprehension was , who used to say ; Next hunting , he liked hawking worst . Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Justice Banks . SIr John Banks his Parents perceiving him judicious and industrious , bestowed good breeding on him in Grayes-Inne , in hope he should attain to preferment ; wherein they were not deceived . For after he was called to the Bar for some years , he solicited Suits for others , thereby attaining great practical experience . He afterwards might laugh at them , who then did smile at him , leaving many behind him in Learning , whom he found before him in time , until at last he was Knighted by King Charles , made first his Attorney , then Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas , dying in the middest and heat of our Civil Dissentions . He ordered by his Will , that his Body should be buried under some plain Monument at the discretion of his Executors ; and after an Epitaph mentioning the severall Places he had held , this Motto to be added ; Non nobis Domine , non nobis , sed Nomini tuo da Gloriam . By his said Will he gave to the value of thirty pound per ann . with other Emoluments , to be bestowed in pious Uses , and chiefly to set up a Manufacture of course Cottons in the Town of Keswick . He was one whom the Collar of S S. S. worn by Judges and other Magistrates became very well , if it had its name from Sanctus , Simon , Simplicius ; no man being more seriously pious , none more singly honest . — When Sir Henry Savile came to Sir Edward Cook then at bowls , in Arch-Bishop Abbot's behalf , and told him he had a Case to propose to him : Sir Edward answered ; If it be a Case in Common-Law , I am unworthy to be a Judge , if I cannot presently satisfie you : but if it be a point of Statute-Law , I am unworthy to be a Judge , if I should undertake to satisfie you without consulting my Books . — Sir John Bankes , though ready without his Books on the Bench , — yet always resolved Cases out of them in his Chamber ; answerable to his saying to Dr. Sibs , A good textuary is a good Lawyer , as well as a good Divine . His invention was prompt and ready ; his apprehension sure and solid ; his memory capacious and retentive ; his knowledge in the Law , and the inward reasons of it , profound ; his experience in affairs of State universal , and well laid : patient he was in hearing ; sparing , but pertinent in speaking : very glad always to have things represented truly and clearly ; and when it was otherwise , able to discern through all pretences the real merit of a Cause . He was a man of singular modesty , of the ancient freedome , plain-heartednesse , and integrity of minde : Very grave and severe in his deportment , yet very affable , in such sort , that , as Tacitus saith of Agrippa ; Illi quod est rarissimum nec facilitas authoritatem , nec severitas amorem diminu●● : And in a word , so even and circumspect he was in the several turnings and occasions of his life , that though he went himself , and brought over as many as he had any interest in , to the King , I finde him under no extraordinary displeasure from the Rebels ; and I observe but one unhappinesse in his whole life , and that is , that all men speak well of him . Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Edmonds . THe Trophees of Miltiades would not let Themistocles sleep , nor the Courts-advancements of his Relations this Gentleman to sit still ; having both Livie's qualifications , for an eminent man , a great spirit , and a gallant conduct for actions ; a sharp wit , and a fluent tongue for advice . — Whence we meet with him Comptroller of the Kings Houshold at home , and his Agent for * Peace abroad , equally fit for businesse of courage and resolution , and for affairs of Councel and complement . — I think it was this Gentleman , who foreseeing a Contest likely to ensue between the English and the Spanish Embassadors , to the first whereof he belonged , went to Rome privately and fetched a Certificate out of the book of Ceremonies ( which according to the Canon giveth the rule in such cases ) shewing that the King of England was to precede him of Castile ; a good argument , because ad homines , wise men having always thought fit to urge not what is most rational in its self , but what ( all circumstances considered ) is most conrincing . Sir Thomas Edmonds used to puzzle the Catholicks about six Records . 1. The original of Constantine's grant of Rome to the Pope . 2. St. Marke's grant of the Adriatique Guiph to Venice . 3. The Salique Law in France . 4. The Instrument whereby King John passed away England to the Pope . 5. The Letter of King Lucius . And 6. The Ordinal of the Consecration at the Nags-head . — Neither did he perplex them with these Quaeries , more than he angered the Faction with his Principles , Tertio Car. I. 1. That the King was to be trusted . 2. That the Revenue was to be setled . 3. That the Protestant cause was to be maintained . 4. That Jealousies were to be removed , and things past were to be forgotten . Observations on the Life of Sir Paul Pindar . HE was first a Factor , then a Merchant , next a * Consul ; and at last an Embassador in Turkey : Whence returning with a good purse and a wary Headpiece , he cast about what he might do to gratifie K. James and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury most ; and finding them much pleased with acts of Charity and Piety , he repaired the Entry , Front , and Porches of St. Paul's Cathedral to all the upper Church , Quire and Chancel , and enriched them with Marble structures and figures of the Apostles , with carvings and guildings far exceeding their former beauty , which cost above two thousand pounds ; the act of a good man , said K. James , who made him one of the great Farmers of the Customes : in gratitude whereof , Sir Paul besides his former expences , took upon him to new build the South Isle , which cost him above 17000 l. A Projector ( such necessary Evils then countenanced ) and he a Clergy-man too , informed K. James how he might speedily advance his Revenue by bringing in Spiritual preferments ( now forsooth under-rated in the Kings books ) to a full value , to the great encrease of first-Fruits and Tenths : the King demands the Lord Treasurer Cranfield's judgement thereof : he said ; Sir , You are esteemed a great lover of Learning ; you know Clergy-mens Education is chargeable , their prefermeut slow , and small : Let it not be said you gain by grinding them other ways lesse obnoxious to just censure will be found out to furnish your occasions . The King commended the Treasurer ( as doing it onely for tryal ) adding moreover , I should have accounted thee a very Knave , if encouraging me herein . — But he sends for Sir Paul Pindar , and tells him , he must either raise the Customes , or take this course ; who answereth him nobly : That he would lay thirty thousand pounds at his feet the morrow , rather than he should be put upon such poor projects , as unsuitable to his honour , as to his inclination . Go thy way ( saith the King ) thou art a good man. Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Vane Senior . THree things Henry the fourth of France said would puzzle any man. 1. Whether Qu : Elizabeth was a Maid ? 2. Whether the Prince of Orange was valiant ? 3. What Religion he himself was of ? To which I may add a fourth , viz. what Sir Henry Vane was ? whom I know not what to call , but what Mr. Baxter calleth his son , a bider : the Fathers life being as mystical as the Sons faith , men as little understanding the actions of the one , as they did the writings of the other : But the two powers that govern the world , the best , and the worst , are both invisible . All Northern men are reserved to others , but this was too slie for his own Country-men ; neither Sir John Savile that brought him to Court , nor Sir Thomas Wentworth that advanced him there , understanding either his temper , or his design . — He betrayed any Council he was present at , and marred all the Actions he was employed in . As 1. When he was sent to relate the Emperor's overture to the Queen of Bobemia , of thirty thousand pounds per ann . and a Marriage between her eldest Son and his Daughter , he did it with those ackward circumstances , that transported the good Lady , to such unseasonable expressions , as at that time blasted her cause and expectations . And thence it 's thought he brought Sir Dudley's Rhapsody of Projects to disparage the King's government , under pretence of supplying his necessities : [ it was the way of the late Underminers , to relieve their Masters present need upon future inconveniences ; hiding themselves under Proposals , plausible for the present , and fatall in the consequence ] which juggles of his were so long too little to be considered , that at last they were too great to be remedied . 2. He is said to have shuffled other Conditions into the Pacification at Yorke , where he was a Commissioner , than were avowed by the Lords Commissioners , much insisted on by the Scots , and burned by the common Hang-man , as false , and contrary to the true Articles . 3. When sent to the House , 1640. to demand 12 , or 8 , or six Subsidies , he requireth without abatement twelve , with design ( as it 's judged ) to aske so much , as might enrage the Parliament to give nothing ; — and so to be dissolved unhappily , or continued unsuccessfully . 4. He and his son together betray the Votes passed in the select Councel , taken by him privately under his hat , for the reducing of Scotland , to the ruine of the Earl of Strafford , and the Arch-Bishop of Carterbury . — The story is , Sir Henry Vane was trusted with the Juncto , where he took Notes of their several opinions ; these Notes he puts up in his Closet : A while after , he delivers to his son Sir H. Vane Junior , a key to fetch some Papers out of a Cabinet , in which he findes another key to an inward shutter ; which he opened , and lighted upon this Paper , and communicates it to Mr. Pym for the end aforesaid ; and upon this very Paper ( doest not tremble Reader at this Treason ? ) alone , the House of Commons voted that brave Earl out o 〈…〉 his Life , the same day that twenty two years after the same Sir Henry Vane Junior , lost his head . Absolvi numen . Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Hutton . SIr Richard Hutton was born at Perith , of a worshipful Family ( his elder brother was a Knight ) and bred in Jesus-Colledge in Cambridge . He intended his Studies for Divinity , till disswaded by the importunity of his friends ( amongst whom George Earl of Cumberland was most eminent ) he became Barrister of Grayes-Inne . But in expression of his former Affection to Divinity , he seldome ( if ever ) took fee of a Clergy-man . Afterwards being Recorder of Yorke , he was Knighted , and made Judge of the Common-Pleas . In the case of Ship-money , though he was against the King , or rather for the a Commons , yet his Maiesty manifested not the least distaste , continuing to call him the honest Judge . This person so pious to God , and charitable to the Poor , was dissolved about the beginning of our National misery . Thus God , before he ploweth up a Land with the furrows of a Civil War , first cutteth down his old crop , and gathereth them like ripe sheaves into his Barn. He died at Sergeant's Inne , and was buried at his earnest desire with the Common-Prayer , without any Funeral-Sermon ( save what his own Vertues preached to posterity ) at St. Dunstan's in the West , on the 27 day of February , Anno Dom. 1638. Here I learn how circumspect our counsels must be in reference to things and persons above us ; which implying an over-poyzing of our own judgement , and a debating of others , in all cases is obnoxious to jealousie , but in these to danger , under which there are no Qualifications to patience and moderation , The vertues of this happy Judge ( if he had cast obstinacy over-board , and let his wisdome tack about in things capable of expedience ) whereby he knew well both how to allay the asperities of a bad fortune , and check the excesses of a good one , packing up his fears and hopes in so narrow a compasse , as made the last lesse tedious , and the first more portable ; to which he added an unaffected plainnesse , the argument of his worth and weight , a weaknesse and emptinesse being as safely as usually concluded from too much affectation , — an over-much care of the out side being an argument of remisnesse in what is within , it remaining ( saith one ) equally rare , to finde a starched and formal man wise , as a Woman valiant ; the most serious Endeavours of both being to take onely the Eyes . Observations on the Life of the Marquess of Hertford . HE was none of those Male-contents who make the sins of their riper years make good the follies of their youth , and maintain oversights with Treasons : as he was patient under his Imprisonment for the one , so he was active in his services against the other ; not more dutifully submitting to the severity of K. James for his Marriage , then loyally assisting the necessities of King Charles in his Wars . It 's natural to return an Injury , it 's heroical to overcome it ; and be above it , when we are below our selves . It is true , he was drawn in to subscribe the untoward Proposals at Yorke ; but it is as true , he did of his own accord declare against the unnatural War in London , where the King advanced him to the tuition of the Prince , and he went himself to the defence of the King : at what time such his popularity , that he raysed an Army himself such his humility , that he yielded the command of it to another , as if he knew nothing but others merit , and his own wants ; being one of those choice men that admire every thing in others , and see nothing in themselves . His face , his carriage , his habit savoured of Lowlinesse without affectation , and yet he was much under what he seemed . His words were few and soft , never either peremptory or censorious , because he thought both each man more wise , and none more obnoxious than himself ; being yet neither ignorant nor carelesse , but naturally meek , lying ever close within himself , armed with those two Master-pieces , Resolution and Duty , wherewith he mated the blackest Events that did rather exercise than dismay that spirit that was above them , and that minde that looked beyond them : He was the easiest enemy , and the truest friend ; whom extremities obliged , while ( as the Reverend Bishop speaks ) he as a well-wrought Vault lay at home the stronger , by how much the more weight he did bear . He offered his life for his Prince's service in the Field , and his person for his ransom at the Court ; and when many wished they might dye for that excellent King , he , the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton offered , That since his Majesty was presumed by the Law to do no harm himself , and since he did all by them his Ministers , as they had the honour to act under , they might have the happinesse to suffer for him . Observations on the Life of Sir John Finch . THis Family hath had an hereditary eminence in the study of the Law. — Sir Henry Finch [ the Author of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] learned Sergeant at Law in King James his time . 〈◊〉 Heneage Finch Recorder of London in K. Charles time , and this noble person at the same time the Queen's Attorney , and Speaker of that curious , knowing , and rich Parliament wherein some have observed , though wide , I suppose , that the House of Commons modestly aestimated [ consisting of 500 ] could buy the House of Peers [ consisting of 118 ] thrice over . — Norimbergh in Germany , and Florence in Italy , would not of old admit of any learned men into their Councel ; because great learned men , saith the Historian of those places , are perplexed to resolve upon Affairs , making many doubts full of Respects and Imaginations . — Semblably this Parliament was too rich and curious to do any good , though this noble personage , even when the House-doors were shut , and he violently detained in his Chair , refused to countenance their proceedings , always abhorring Eliot's doctrine ; That men should not be questioned for offences in Parliament : As if that reverend Assembly were called for no other end , than that turbulent spirits might be at liberty to speak Treason once every three years . When he was questioned for his opinion about Ship-money , his judgement was ; That if the whole were in danger , the whole should contribute . — When he was urged to read the Remonstrance against Sir R. W. 4 Car. in Parliament , his opinion was ; That at any rate ( though at the highest that can be ) Authority must be vindicated , and redeemed from contempt , since the Life of Government is reputation . Observations on the Life of the Lord Say. WHether the first impressions of his * Tutor , ( Schoolmasters , though the most neglected , are not the most inconsiderable parts of a Common-wealth : ) the narrownesse of his fortune ( unequal to his honour ; younger brothers of noble houses had need in every State to be observed the repulse , 1613. ( other men must look to whom they are kinde , but Princes to whom they are unkind ) inclined this personage to popularity : This is certain , no man was better tempered for that humour than himself ; being in his nature severe and rigid ; in his carriage close and reserved ; in his resolutions firm and immoveable ; in his apprehension , provident and foreseeing ; in his Sentiments nice and curious : — in his Discourse ( full of Fears and Jealousies ) dissatisfied and bold ; in his followers irregular and pretending ; in the Law well seen ; in the Scripture very ready ; in the occurrences of his age very exact : at Lectures most constant ; to the liberty of the Subject ( then the Diana of the age ) most faithful , insomuch that he made a motion 1628 , That they who stood for the Liberties , forsooth ! ( then called the Lower-House Lords of the Upper-House ) not fifty might make their Protestation upon record , and that the other party should with subscription of their names enter their reason upon Record , that posterity might not be to seek ( good lack ) who they were that so ignobly betrayed the Liberty of our Nation : And this being done , they should resolve themselves to a Committee , and proceed to vote : — Yet so well acquainted with the King's temper , that he would ●ake any occasion of his being pleased by the Parliament , to 〈…〉 sinuate himself into favour with all his Male-contents , as Bishop Williams , Earl of Lincoln , Earl of Essex , the Earl of Warwick , &c. As he wrought upon the peoples humour in that point of Liberty , so he did upon the Nobilities temper in another of Ambition : For in a Petition to King James against Foreign titles of Honour , we finde him first in design , though last in subscription , teaching Essex , Warwick , St. John ( for they joyned with him ) to tilt against their Soveraign's Prerogative with their Pens , as they did after with their Swords . And when this failed ( the wise King a wing the young Lords to renounce that asunder , which they had subscribed together ; none so bold as the factious in company , none so fearfull apart ) the Champion of English honour and priviledge , becomes the Patron of Propriety too ; for we read Ter. Hill. Anno 14. Car. 1. in Banco Regis , the Lord Say's Case . — Action for Trover and Conversion of thrée Oxen taken ( a great matter ) for three pounds five shillings , by the Sheriff of Lincoln , upon the Plaintiff , towards the finding of a Ship. — A goodly reason , for going to Law first , and then to war with his Soveraign , as he did afterwards , when he had sent his son Nathaniel , with Hampden and Lawrence , 1639. to settle the League with their dear Brethren in Scotland , while he formed the grand Design in England , with so much successe , that when there were some Overtures made for saving the Earl of Strafford , and securing the Kingdome by the Party , upon condition of preferment , as that Master Hampden should be Tutor to the Prince , the Earl of Essex his Governour , Mr. Pym Chancellor of the Exchequer , the Earl of Warwick Vice-Admiral , he was to be Master of the Court of Wards ; which he compassed , when the rest mist of their expectation . — No more of him , but that the King going to Scotland , he refusing a Protestation against the Scots , had these questions proposed to him : 1. Whether he would go with the King at his own charge . 2. Whether Rebellion was a just cause of War. 3. Whether the taking of Castles , Crowns , Magazines , &c. was not Rebellion . To the first he answered ; That though as a Pee● and Subject , he could not be forced out of his Countrey but upon extraordinary occasion ; yet out of affection to his Majesty , he would attend him , referring the matter of charge to himself . To the two last he said , he understood not the Law of Scotland , but that those proceedings were Treason in England . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Lindsey . HE and that whole Family ( I know not whether more pious , or more valiant ; whether more renowned abroad , as Confessors for their Religion , or , as Champions for their Country ) have been in this last Age an ornament and a defence to this Crown , equally reverenced by the Subjects of it , and honoured by the Soveraigns . This Noble-man and the Earl of Essex did as Jugurtha and Manus , learn in one School what they practised in two : The one as a faithful Subject , for that government that had obliged his Family ; the other as a discontented Rebel , against that that had disobliged his : Both Commanders for the Palatinate against the Emperor , and for Rochel against the French. When the Duke of Buckingham returned from the Isle of Rhee , his Majestie told him ; The neglect of his relief must lodge on his Friend and Confident , Holland . — To which he acknowledged ; That indeed he had very affectionately intrusted him in ordinary Affairs , but never in such an esteem , as to second him in Arms , that place being more proper for my Lord of Lindsey , — whose judgement of that Expedition was ; That it was friendship in earnest , and War in jest . He it was that pursued twelve French Vessels in his own single one to their Haven , heated at once with anger and shame . He it was , who when all men were amazed at the Duke's fall was assigned his successor . Certainly , saith one them present , He was a person of no likely presence , but of considerable experience , by his former Expeditions ; and one that to the last of his life made good his Faith with Gallantry and Courage , notwithstanding his ill successe ( the times fate rather than his fault ) 1. In scouring the narrow Sea 〈…〉 where he was Admiral , and the Earl of Essex Vice-Admiral . 2. In presiding in several great Cou 〈…〉 on many solemn occasions , the Earl of Strafford's unparallel'd Tryal , &c. And 3. In leading the King's Army at Edge-Hill with a Pike in his hand . Where what is observed of Cataline and his followers , was true of this noble Earl and his Country-men , the Loyal Gentry of Lincoln-shire , that they covered the same place with their Corps when dead , where they stood in the fight whilest living . Observations on the Life of Judge Richardson . JUdge Richardson was born at Mulbarton in Norf● his Father being Minister thereof ; and he a friend to Ministers , though a foe of the Church . He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law , and became the King's Sergeant therein . Afterwards , on the 28 of November , 1626. he was sworn Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas , that Place having been void ten months before ; wherein he was humorsome , but honest , onely unhappy , in that he raised the Sabbatarian Controversie , by his orders against Wakes in Somerset-shire . His Brasse Monument on the South-side of Westminster●bby , thus entertaineth the Reader ; Deo om . Thomae Richardsoni Icaeni Equitis Aurati Humanum Depositum . Ille Juris Municip . omnes gradus exantlavit ●enventus tertii ordinis ann . Jacobi Regis 21 , & 22. Prolocutor extitit ; Fori civilis ( communium Placitorum vocant ) Supremum Magistratum quinquennium gessit ; Ad summum tandem primarii per Angliam Judicis Tribunal A Rege Carolo evectus : expiravit Anno Aetatis 66. Salutis , MDCXXXIIII . Tho. Richardson fil . unicus Eques A●● . Baro Scotiae designatus Patri incomparabili posuit . As one reason of his advancement , you must know , this Judge married for his second Wife the Lady Eliz. Beaumont , the Sister ( as I take it ) of Mary Countess of Buckingham , and the Relict of ..... Ashburnham Knight . She was by K. Charles 〈…〉 eated Baronesse of Croumont in Scotland ; and though Issuless by the Judge ) the Honour discented to his Grand-child . He died an enemy to Bishop Williams , over-ruling all his Pleas in his Cham 〈…〉 r in a quarter of an hour ; and yet , which was strange , at that time no friend to Arch-Bishop Laud ; for he said , The Lawn-sleeves had choaked him . Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Coventry . A Competent Estate he had for his education , and excellent Abilities for advancement : his fortune was not wanting to his parts , nor his parts to his fortune ; the one being as ready to support , as the other was to raise him His staid soul was well prepared for general learning in the Schools and University , for his particular learning at the Innes of Court : his skill in the study of Law called him no sooner to the Bar , than his prudence to Court : Take we his character from his Honour . Why was he created Lord Coventry of Alisbury , and Keeper of the great Seal ? Why , saith the Patent , for his eminent fidelity ; for his 〈◊〉 worthy service ; for his exact circumspection ; for his deep prudence ; for his constant resolution ; for his skill and dexterity ; for his integrity and industry for his immoveablenesse and fidelity : No man mor● apprehensive of the interest of England , none more faithful to it : His kindness to the Church and Clergy argued his piety ; his safe Counsels to his Majesty argued his moderation : his dignity rather enjoyed him , than he it : A man he was that filled u● his great capacities , having digested a body 〈◊〉 the most honest Law , and a scheme of the most innocent policy that ever fillled the head of an abl● States-man , or the heart of an upright Judge . Wha● belonged to him , he knew ; and what he knew , h● practised . He was as constant to his rule , as he knew his rule was to him : Reserved he was , as the King's Councellor , honest as his conscience . We measure Pyramides by their shadows , and this great Lord by his followers : every one whereof was a eminent in his way , and all advanced . Each Action of his , though never so little , yet great as himself , so gravely did he manage it , so solemnly did he perform it : His orders were seldome reversed , because mostly including the consent of Parties . — Few Attorney-Generals came off with lesse censure , and few Lord Keepers with lesse guilt ; his Predecessors miscarriages being foils to set off his exactnesse . — Eminent as in most other Ca 〈…〉 s , so particularly in that of Pryn , Bastwicke , and Burton ; against whom , when after six weeks time given them to put in an effectual Answer , they urged , that their Adversaries the Bishops should not be their Judges : He replyed smartly ; That by that Plea had they Libelled all the Magistrates in the Land ; none should passe Censure upon them , because all were made parties . He had fifteen years enjoyed his Place ; not more proper to say , that Dignity had enjoyed him so long , this latter age affording not one every way of more apt Qualifications for the place . His front and presence bespake a venerable regard , not interiour to any of his Antecessors . His train and suit of Followers was disposed agreeable , to shun both Envy and Contempt : Vain and ambitious he was ●ot ; his port was state , though others ostentation . Of what concerned his place , he knew enough , and which is the main , acted conformable to his knowledge ; For in the Administration of Justice , he was so erect , so incorrupt , as captious malice stands mute in the blemish of his Fame . A miracle the greater , when we consider he was also a Privy-Councellor : A trust , wherein he served his Master the King most faithfully ; and the more faithfully , because of all those Councels which did disserve his Majesty , he was an earnest disswader , and did much disaffect those sticklers who laboured to make the Prerogative rather tall than great ; 〈◊〉 knowing that such men loved the King better the Charles Stuart . So that although he was a Courtier , and had had for his Master a Passion most in tense , yet had he always a passion reserved for the publick welfare ; an argument of a free , noble , and right-principled minde : For what both Court and Country have always held as inconsistent , is 〈◊〉 truth erroneous : And no man can be truly loyal who is not also a good Patriot ; nor any a good Patriot , which is not truly loyal . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Strafford . SIr Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford owned his birth to the best-govern'd City London ; his breeding to the best-modelled School , York , and a most exact Colledge , St. John in Cambridge ; his accomplishments to the best Tutors , Travail and Experience ; and his prudence to the best School , a Parliament , whither he cam in the most active and knowing times , with 〈◊〉 strong brain , and a large heart : his activity wa● eminent in his Country , and his interest strong in Parliament , where he observed much , and pertinently ; spake little , but home : contrived effectually , but closely ; carried his Defigns successfully , but reservedly : He apprehended the publick temper as clearly , and managed it to his purposes as orderly as any man : He spoke least , but last of all , with the advantage of a clear view of others reasons , and the addition of his own : He and his leading Confidents moulded that in a private Conference , which was to be managed in a publick Assembly : He made himself so considerable a Patriot , that he was bought over to be a Courtier : So great his Abilities , that he awed a Monarchy when dis-obliged and supported it when engaged , the balance turning thither where this Lord stood . — The North was reduced by his prudence , and Ireland by his interest : He did more there in two years , than was done in two hundred before . 1. Extinguishing the very reliques of the War. 2. Setting up a standing Army . 3. Modelling the Revenue . 4. Removing the very roots and occasions of new troubles . 5. Planting and building . 6. Setling Ecclesiastical and Civil Courts . 7. Recovering the hearts of the people by able Pastors and Bishops , by prudent and sober Magistrates ; by justice and protection ; by obligations and rewards . 8. Recovering the Churches patrimony and discipline . 9. Employing most able and faithful Ministers and Instruments . 10. Taking an exact view of all former Precedents , Rules , and Proceedings . 11. An exact correspondence with his Majesty , and the Favourites of England . None was more conversant in the Factions , Intrigues , and Designs , than he when a Common-wealths-man ; none abler to meet with them than he when a States-man : he understood their methods , kenned their wiles , observed their designs , looked into their combinations , comprehended their interest : And as King Charles understood best of any Monarch under heaven what he could do in point of Conscience , so his Strafford apprehended best of any Counsellor under the Sun what he could do in point of power : He and my Lord of Canterbury having the most particular account of the state of Great-Britain and Ireland of any persons living . Nature is often hidden , sometimes overcome , seldome extinguished ; yet Doctrine and Discourse had much allayed the severity of this Earl's nature , and Custome more : None more austere to see to ; none more obliging to speak with : He observed pauses in his discourse to attend the motion , and draw out the humour of other men ; at once commanding his own thoughts , and watching others : His passion was rather the vigour , than the disorder of his well-weighed soul ; which could dispense its anger with as much prudence , as it managed any act of State. He gave his Majesty safe counsel in the prosperity of his Affairs , and resolute advice in Extreamity , as a true servant of his interest rather than of his power . So eminent was he and my Lord of Canterbury , that Rebellion despaired of successe as long as the first lived , and Schisme of licentiousnesse as long as the second stood . Take my Lord of Strafford as accused , and you will finde his Integrity and Ability , that he managed his whole Government either by the Law , or the Interest of his Countrey . Take him as dying , and you will see his parts and piety ; his resolution for himself , his self-resignation for the Kingdoms good ; his devotion for the Church , whose patrimony he forbade his son upon his blessing — Take him as dead , you will finde him glorious and renowned in these three characters . The first of the best King. I looked upon my Lord of Strafford , as a Gentleman whose great Abilities might make a Prince rather afraid , than ashamed to employ him in the greatest Affairs of State : for those were prone to create in him great confidence of undertakings , and this was like enough to hetray him to great Errors , and many Enemies ; whereof he could not but contract great store , while moving in so high a sphere , and with so vigorous a lustre , he must needs ( as the Sun ) raise many envious exbalations ; which condensed by a popular Odium , were capable to cast a cloud upon the brightest merit and integrity : though I cannot in my judgement approve all he did , driven ( it may be ) by the necessities of Times , and the temper of that People , more than led by his own disposition to any beighth and rigor of Action , &c. The second , of the best Historian . He was a person of a generous spirit , fitted for the noblest Exercises , and the most difficult parts of Empire : His Counsels were bold , yet just ; and he had a vigour proper for the execution of them : Of an eloquence next that of his Masters , masculine and excellent . He was no lesse affectionate to the Church , than to the State ; and not contented while living , to defend the government and patrimony of it , he commended it also to his Son when he was about to dye , and charged his abhorrency of sacriledge : His enemies called the majestie of his miene in his Lieutenancy , pride ; and the undaunted execution of his Office on the Contumacious , the insolency of his fortune . He was censured for that fatall errour of following the King to London , and to the Parliament , after the Pacification at York : And it was thought , that if he bad gone ever to his Charge in Ireland , he might have secured both himself and that Kingdome for his Majesties service : But some attribute this Counsel to a necessity of fate , whose first stroke is at the Drain of those whom it designs to ruine , and brought him to feel the effects of popular rage , which himself in former Parliaments bad used against Government , and to finde the experience of his own devices upon the Duke of Buckingham . Providence teacheth us to abhor over-fine Councels , by the mischiefs they often bring upon their Authors . The third , of common fame . A Gentleman he was of rare , choice , and singular Endowments , I mean , of such as modelled , fashioned , and accomplished him for State-concernments ; of a searching and penetrating judgement , nimble apprehension , ready and fluence in all results of Councel . Most happy in the veins of speech , which was always round , perspicuous , and expresse , much to the advantage of his fense and so full stocked with reason , that he might be rather said to demonstrate , than to argue . As these abilities raised him to State-administration , so his Addressing , his applying chose abilities so faithfully in promotion of the Royal Interest , soon rendered him a Favourite of the first admission : So that never King had a more intelligent , and withal a firmer servant than he was to his Master . But these qualities which rendred him so amiable to his Majesty , represented him formidable to the Scots , so that some who were not well perswaded of the justnesse of his sentence , thought he suffered not so much for what he had done already , as for what he was like to have done , had he lived , to the disservice of that Nation : And that he was not sacrificed so much to the Scots revenge , as to their fear . And certainly his fall was as the first , so the most fatal wound the King's Interest ever received : His three Kingdomes hardly affording another Strafford , that is , one man his peer in parts and fidelity to his Majesty . He had a singular passion for the Government and Patrimony of the Church , both which he was studious to preserve safe and sound ; either opining them to be of sacred extraction , or at least prudent constitution , relating to holy performances . And had he wanted these positive graces , yet in so great a Person it may be commendable , that he was emiment for privative and negative Excellencies , being not taxable with any Vice ; those petty pleasures being beneath the satisfaction of a soul so large as his . In short , saith the ingenious Gentleman , he was a man who might have passed under a better notion , had he lived in better times . This last period is a question , since this great States-man , and his good Master's goodnesse was so over-shadowed with their greatnesse , and their vertues so lost in their power , as the Sun ( the aptest parallel of their lustre and beneficence ) is hid in his own light , that they owe their great , but glorious same to their misfortunes , and their renown to their ruine , that levelled their worth , otherwise as much out of their reach as their place , to vulgar apprehensions . Eclipsed lustre , like a veiled beauty , as most looked on , when most covered . — The setting Sun is more glorious than its self in its Meridian , because more low : and the lowest Planet seems biggest to a common eye . So faithful he was , and the Arch-Bishop , that in the Juncto consisting of them two and Duke Hamilton , they voted a Parliament , though they knew themselves the first sufferers by it : and so confident of his integrity , that when he had treason enough discovered at the late transactions in Yorke ( touching the Scots conspiracy ) to charge his enemies with , he waved the advantage ; and secure in his own innocence , fell an instance of that Maxime ; That there is no danger small , but what is thought so . This was his great principle ; Vsurped Royalty was never layd down by perswasion from Royal clemency ; for in armis jus omne regni . Observations on the Lives of Hen-Earl of Holland , & Robert Earl of Warwick . HEnry Earl of Holland , and Robert Earl of Warwick , both a brothers , had the same Education at home , and the same admittance to Court — onely the elder having an Estate , brought not thither that compliance and observance that the younger did that wanted it . — The one therefore is serious in his carriage , harsh and rough in his spirit , stubborn in his constitution , steady in his course , stern in his comportments , sly and close in his conduct ; choosing rather to improve himself in America by Trade , than in England by Courtship ; something inclined to the faction by the principles of his Education , more by those of his Interest . The other owned not a greater smoothnesse in his face , than in his soul ; being very taking in his countenance , more in his Converse . The first being not more lovely , than the last was obliging . — While a Courtier , so much was he in favour with King James , that one morning as he and Mr. Ramsey waited on his Majesty , and two Porters came by with some money , he did but smile on Ramsey , and tell his Majesty , who asked why he smiled , that it was to think what good that money would do him : and he had it ; his Royal Mr. whose heart was as large as his Kingdome , adding , I 'll warrant you , you are glad of this ; Let me tell you , I have more pleasure in bestowing this money , than you in possessing it : so much a more blessed thing it is to give , than to receive . While Embassador in France ( where he represented a King in his State and port , as well as in his place ) so great was he with the Queen-Mother , that he was admitted to all treatments ; that he had the honour of all Entertainments ; that he commanded the Kings ears , understood the Spanish policies , dived into the French humour and inclination . All the while he was in Paris , his observations were minute and particular , his Addresses wary and reserved ( never opening the Marriage-treaty until he was sure of a good reception ) his working upon Madames affection close & artificial ; his counter-plots to the Spanish insinuations nimble and effectual ; his correspondence with the Duke of Bucks , weekly & constant ; his contrasts with Count Soisons , and Madam Blanvile , in behalf of her Husband here in England , resolute and honourable ( urging very nobly and successfully , that the clamours of a turbulent Agent was not to out-weigh the favour of a mighty Monarch . ) The discovery he made of the Duke of Buckingham's enemies , their Cabals and Oaths from the said Blanviles Letters , was seasonable and compleat ; but his Master-piece was his command over all affections and tempers , — but his own so soft and smooth , that it endured not the roughnesse of the following times , wherein he was very unsetled when Commissioner in Scotland , while he lived , and very fearful when he died : The fate of all delicate and too fine Constitutions . It hath been the method of Grandees to endear themselves to power for a present interest , and to learning for their future fame ; to add the renown of the one , to the greatnesse of the other . Neither was this Lord more careful to succeed his great friend the Duke of Buckingham in his favour at Court , as Captain of the Guard , and Groom of the Stool , than in his Place at the Vniversity as Chancellor , of which he expresseth himself thus ●o his Cambridge , That his Master had raised his fortune beyond wishing in this world , that he could desire no more than a fair name when he was gone out of it ; which the University contributed , to whom he devoted his Iuterest . Though they answered not his expectation in their Contributions for St. Pauls , and other particulars , wherein he was defeated and over-born by the busie faction , who thought it a vain thing ●o repair any Church , when they intended to pull down all . After all , this great man is a great instance of ●hat observation , viz. That when able and prudent men are brought on the Stage to manage their ●wn parts , they are then ( mostly ) not of the clear●st sight , and commonly commit such errours as ●re both discernable and avoidable , even by men of ●ean abilities . — Although I finde him subject ●o no great errour before the War , save that when Dr. Preston was by his party judged of so great parts 〈◊〉 to make a fit Patron for them , and thereupon ●irected to appear aloof [ the way of Court-ob●ervers ] in his Addresses to the Duke of Bucking●m by his Confident the Earl of Holland , whose ●amily favoured that side , though the Duke said he ●new him , and so would use him accordingly : ●et this Earl was so far over-reach'd by him , that in the Apology the Doctor writ under-hand to 〈◊〉 Partizans touching his Court-compliance , he she●eth he over-reached the Court-wits ; as inde● he was a great Politician , and used ( Lap-wi●● like ) to flutter most on that place which was fa 〈…〉 thest from his Egges : ) a copy of which Lette● with some satyrical stanzaes was found unsealed 〈◊〉 the streets , and carried to the Duke ; a noble frien● discovering to the Doctor , how witty he was 〈◊〉 Rhime , to the breaking of his heart , he confess●●● then he was undone , especially when the Duke Barber could finger the Letter out of his Lord pocket , as he was directed . — And now I canno● but remember how this Earl at his death said , 〈◊〉 had been a friend to godly Ministers , as had 〈◊〉 friends before him , by whom he bad been instruct●● when young . Whence I collect , that the membe● of those great Families , into which the godly Ministers , i. e. peevish , factious and discontented perso● which usurp that precious name , insinuate the● selves , and their principles , seldome come to the●● Grave in peace ; they usually instilling into the●● such imaginations as make their lives unquiet , a●● their deaths dishonourable . — Whence the goo● old Lord Willoughby would say ; Carry the peevi●● man this ( speaking of one Chambers a Separatist but tell him he must not come under my Roof , for will not meddle with them that are given to chang● whose calamity ariseth suddenly , and who knoweth t●● ruine of them both ? To conclude , it is observed as the reason wh● he fell off from the Parliament , that the war● Sirs would not trust two Brothers , him and th● Earl of Warwick with supream commands ; therefore when they voted the one Admiral , they de●yed the other General of the Horse . Both are charactered by their Contemporaries for natural Endowments excellent ; for temper sweet and loving ; for behaviour , affable and courteous ; for spirit , meek and lowly ; of the same inclinations before and after their advancement : In honore sine ●●more ; lifted up with honour , but not puffed up with pride . Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop LAUD . THe pregnancy of his childhood promised the wisdome of his riper years , and obliged his friends beyond their abilities to his support , and strangers beyond expectation to his encouragement : Some persons offering him great sums of money for his maintenance in his younger years , upon the bare security of his parts , which payd them well in his more reduced age . None more observant of favour , none more mindful of kindnesses , and none more grateful for civilities : He was so wise as seldome to forget an injury in the consequence of it , and so noble as ever to remember love in the return of it . His honest Parents conveyed him an excellent temper and that temper a brave spirit ; which had the advantage of his birth , some say at Reading , some at Henley , at an equal distance from the University , where he was to be a Scholar ; and the Court , where he was to be a Man : In the first of these , his indefatigabl● industry , his methodical study , his quick apprehension , his faithful memory , his solid judgement , his active fancy , his grave and quick countenance , his sharp and piercing eye , raised him b● discreet and wary steps to all the perferments , an● commended him to all the employments of th● University , when Proctor whereof he was admitted for his prudence to the Earl of Devonshire's service , which hazarded ; and when Divinity-Reader observed by the Lords of Rochester and Lincoln for his judgement , which advanced him . As his design was above the level of modern Sciolists , s● were his Studies not prepossessed with the parti●● Systemes of Geneva , but freely conversant with the impartial volumes of the Church Catholick : 〈◊〉 had an infallible apprehension of the Doctrine and Discipline , and a deep insight into the interest 〈◊〉 Christianity : This capacious soul conversed with the most knowing of all Judgements , to finde the bottome of all Errors ; and with the most Judicious of his own , to discern the grounds of all truth . He had his eye on the University to reduce it , when Head of St. John's ; on the lower Functions o● the Church in his Pastoral charges , to reform them ; and upon the higher , when Dean of Gloucester , Prebend of Westminster , and Bishop of St. Davids , to settle them . He was a man of that search and judgement , that he found out the principles of government that were true to the Church ; of that faithfulnesse and resolution , that amidst all discouragements he was true to them : The Church-government he found by many private spirited men , accommodated to their ease and interest , he adjusted to truth and settlement ; consulting not humors which are uncertain as interest , but truth which is certain as Eternity . Arch-Bishop Abbot's Yield , and they will be pleased at last , was a great miscarriage , Arch-Bishop Laud's Resolve , for there is no end of yielding , was great policy . His great reach in Government suitable to that King's apprehensions , commended him to King James ; his vast ability and integrity , to K. Charles and the Duke of Buckingham ; To the first whereof he was a Privy-Councellor , to the other a Bosom-friend , before both whom he laid the best Representations and Ideas of the English government , as to things and persons in severall abstracts , of any man under heaven . I have heard a States-man say , That none knew the joynts , turnings , flexures , and interests of all Parties in Church or State , that were either to be encouraged or suppressed , with the seasons and opportunities to do it , so well as Dr. Laud. Discerning was his fore-sight , compleat his intelligence , exact his correspondence , quick his dispatches ; seasonable and effectual his Sermons and Discourses , inquisitive and observing his Converse . His Instruments were able and knowing men , that were faithful to the Church , as he was in Manwaring and Mountagu's case to them ; Knowing well ( as he wrote to my Lord of Buckingham ) that discouragements would deter men of parts , whom encouragements might make serviceable . He knew no man better how to temper a Parliament , having a Catalogue of all the Nobility and Gentry , with their Interest and Inclination in his eye : He understood none more exactly what was to be discoursed and proposed to them , having a clear apprehension of the several Junctures and Tendencies of affair● . He entertained no thought but what was publick 〈◊〉 his breast ; no man , but what was nobly spirit●● in his familiarity : Ever watchful he was of all opportunities to advance the Churches honour 1. In her Sons , as Bishop Iuxon , &c. 2. H●● Discipline , as in his several Visitations , Articles Star-Chamber , and High-Commission-matters 3. In her Endowments , as the buying of Impropriations in Ireland . 4. In her Priviledge , as the Canons of England . 5. In her Ornaments , as the repairing & furnishing of St. Pauls and most other Churches in his Province . 6. In her Universities , 〈◊〉 the Statutes of Oxford , the priviledges of Cambridge , and his vast gifts of Oriental Books and Buildings , and his vaster design for both , — and as watchful against all the designs to undermine it . The Feoffees for Impropriations he laid aside ; the Sabbatizing and Predestinarian controversies he silenced ; the Licentious Presse he reduced ; Dignities and Preferments he worthily filled up ; bribes at Court he retrenched : No interest , no alliance could ever advance an unworthy person while he lived : Breed up your children well , and I will provide for them , was his saying to all his Relations . Many a man would be disobliged by his sternnesse at first view , for whom if deserving , he would afterwards contrive kindnesses by after and unexpected favours . No place of experience did he ever misse , none of employment did he ever decline : He would never see Authority baffled , but either wave all proceedings against offenders , or go through with them ; His prosecutions , as in Leighton's Case , were close ; his observation of all circumstances , as in Lincoln's , wary ; his declarations of the Cases clear and con●●cing , as in Pryn's , Bastwick's , and Burton's ; 〈◊〉 sentence milde and compassionate , as in Wal●●'s ; his resolution and justice ever making way to 〈◊〉 mercy , and his mercy crowning his justice : Often did he confer with the ablest and most Or●●odox Clergy , with the most experienced and ●owing Civilians , with the most observing and ●●served Courtiers , with the profoundest Lawyers , ●ith the skilfullest and discreetest Mechanicks ; out fall whose opinions the result was , his most exact ●●dgement in any case that came before him at Court , or at Lambeth . The roughnesse of his nature sent most men dis●●tented from him : but so , that he would often of ●●●self find ways and meanes to sweeten such as had 〈◊〉 worth again , when they least looked for it . — ●ny were offended at his prudent zeal against the ●●wish Sabbatism in his government , who were ●●ry well satisfied with the strictnesse of his obser●●tion of the Lords day in his person . — But let ●●e great man expresse another ; Bishop Gauden , ●●rch-Bishop Laud ; whose thoughts lye so much ●●e more levelled to his brave Sentiments , as his ●●ignity did to his high place . As to his secret design of working up this Church by little and little to a Romish conformity and captivity , I do not believe ( saith he ) he had any such purpose or approved thought ; ●ecause , beside his declared judgement and consci●●nce , I finde no secular Policy or Interest which ●ecould thereby gain , either private or publick , ●ut rather lose much of the greatnesse and freedom ●hich he and other Bishops , with the whole Church had : without which temptation , no man in charity may be suspected to act contrary to so clea● convictions , so deliberate and declared determinations of his Conscience and Judgement in Religion , as the Arch-Bishop expresses in his very excellent Book . I am indeed prone to think , that possibly he wished there could have been any fai 〈…〉 close or accommodation between all Christian Churches , ( the same which many grave and learned men have much desired : ) And it may be 〈◊〉 Lordship thought himself no unfit Instrument 〈◊〉 make way to so great and good a work , considering the eminencies of Parts , Power , and Favour which he had . Haply he judged ( as many learned and moderate men have ) that in some things between Papists and Protestants , differences are made wider , and kept more open , raw and sore they need be , by the private pens and passions of some men , and the Interests of some little parties whose partial policies really neglect the public and true Interest of the Catholike Church and Christian Religion ; which consists much in peace as well as in purity , in charity , as in verity . He found that where Papists were silenced and convinced in the more grand and pregnant Disputes ( that they are Novel , partial , and unconform to Catholick Churches in ancient times ) then he found they recovered spirits , and contested afresh again 〈…〉 the unreasonable transports , violences and immoderations of some professing to be Protestants who , to avoid Idolatry and Superstition , run to Sacriledge and rudenesse in Religion . denying many things that are just , honest , safe , true and reasonable , meerly out of an ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) excessive Antipathy to Papists . Possibly the Arch-Bishop and some other Bishops of his minde did rightly judge , That the giving an Enemy fair play by just , safe , and honourable concessions , was not to yield the conquest to him , but the most ready way to convince him of his weaknesse ; when no honest yieldings could help him any more , then they did endanger the true cause or courage of his Antagonist . For my part , I think the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was neither Calvinist , nor Lutheran , nor Papist , as to any side or party ; but all , so far as he saw , they agreed with the Reformed Church of England , either in Fundamentals , or innocent and decent Superstructures : Yet I believe he was so far a Protestant , and of the Reformed Religion , as he saw the Church of England did protest against the Errors , Corruptions , Usurpations , and Superstitions of the Church of Rome , or against the novel opinions and practices of any party whatsoever . And certainly he did with as much honour as justice so far own the Authentick Authority , Liberty and Majesty of the Church of England ( in it's reforming and setling of it's Religion ) that he did not think fit any private new Masters whatsoever , should obtrude any Foreign or Domestick Dictates to her , or force her to take her copy of Religion from so petty a place as Geneva was , or Frankefort , or Amsterdam , or Wittenbergh , or Edenborough ; no nor from Augsburg , or Arnheim , nor any foreign City or Town , any more than from Trent or Rome ; none of which had any Dictatorian Authority over this great and famous Nation or Church of England , further than they offered sober Counsels , or suggested good Reasons , or cleared true Religion by Scripture , and confirmed it by good Antiquity , as the best interpreter and decider of obscure places , and dubious cases . Which high value , it is probable , as to his Mother the Church of England , and her Constitutions , was so potent in the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , that , as he thought it not fit to subject her to the insolency of the Church of Rome , so nor to the impertinencies of any other Church or Doctor , of far lesse repute in the Christian world . No doubt his Lordship thought it not handsome in Mr. Calvin to be ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , rather then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) so censorious of the Church of England , as to brand it's Devotion or Liturgy with his tolerabiles ineptiae , who knew not the temper of the Nation , requiring then not what was absolutely best , but most conveniently good : and such not onely the Liturgy was , but those things which he calls tolerable toys . I having occasion to speak with him , he upon a time was pleased to grant me access , & some freedom of speech with him ; and withal asked me the opinion of the people of him : I told him they reported his Lordship endeavoured to betray the Church of England to the Roman correspondency and communion . He at length very calmly and gravely thus reylyed ; protesting with a serious attestation of his integrity before God's Omniscience , that however he might mistake in the mean and method , yet he never had other design than the glory of God , the service of his Majesty , the good order , peace and decency of the Church of England : that he was so far from complying with Papists , in order to confirm them in their Errors , that he rather chose such Methods to advance the honour of the reformed Religion in England , as he believed might soon silence the cavils of fiercer Papists , induce the more moderate Recusants to come in to us , as having lesse visible occasion given them by needlesse Distances and Disputes to separate from us ; which he thought arose much from that popular Variety , Inconstancy , Easinesse , Irreverence and Uncomeliness , which might easily grow among us in the outward profession of Religion , for want of observing such uniformity and decency in Religion , as were required by the Laws and Canons of this Church and State. He added , that he had ( further ) a desire , as much as he could to relieve the poor and depressed condition of many Ministers , which he had to his grief observed in Wales and England , where their Discouragements were very great , by reason of the tenuity and incompetency of their Livings ; that in his Visitations he had sometime seen it with grief , among twenty Ministers , not one man had so much as a decent Garment to put on , nor did he believe their other treatment of Life was better ; that he found the sordid and shameful Aspect of Religion and the Clergy , gave great Advantages to those that were Popishly inclined , who would hardly ever think it best for them to joyn with that Church which did not maintain either it's own Honour , or it's Clergy to some competency and comeliness . Much more discourses his Lordship was pleased to use at several times to this purpose , which commands my charity to clear him , as far as I can judge , of any tincture of Popery truly so called ; or of any superstition , which placeth a Religion in the nature and use of that thing which God hath not either particularly commanded , or in general permitted . I suppose he thought , that where God hath allowed to his Church , and to every private Christian ( so far as may consist with the Churches Order and Peace ) a liberty of ceremonious and circumstantial decency as to God's worship ; there neither himself was to be blamed , nor did he blame other men , if they kept within those discreet and inoffensive bounds , which either the Churches publick peace required , or its indulgence to promote Christians permitted . That Uniformity he pressed was not more advantageous to Religion , which must of necessity have been propagated , when Controversies had been turned to devotion , than it was necessary for the State ; which cannot be secure , as long as there is a marke of distinction , under which all Male-contents may shrowd themselves ; a note of separation , whereby the Factions may reckon their parties , and aestimate their strength , and a way open to popularity to the ambition of any whose interest or desperatenesse shall adventure to make himself head of so great a party . He was a person of so great abilities ( which are the designations of nature to dignity and command ) that they raised him from low beginnings to the highest Office the Protestant profession acknowledgeth in the Church , and he was equal to it : His learning appeared eminent in his Book against Fisher , and his piety illustrious in his Diary : He was of so publick a spirit that both the Church and State have lasting Monuments of the virtuous use he made of his Princes favour ; at his admittance into which , he dededicated all the future Emolumeuts of it to the glory of God , and the good of men , by a projection of many noble Works : most of which he accomplished , and had finished the rest , had not the fate of the Nation checked the current of his Design , and cut off the course of his Life . He was not contented by himself onely to serve his Generation , ( for so he might appear more greedy of fame , than desirous of the universal benefit ) but he endeavoured to render all others as heroick , if they aimed at a capacity for his friendship : For ( I have heard it from his Enemies ) no great man was admitted to a confidence and respect with him , unlesse he made Addresse by some act that was for the common good , or for the ornament and glory of the Protestant Faith. Learned men had not a better Friend , nor Learning it self a greater Advance● . He searched all the Libraries of Asia , and from severall parts of the world purchased all the Ornaments and helps of Literature he could , that the English Church might have ( if possible ) by his care , as many advantages for knowledge , as almost all Europe did contribute to the grandeur of that of Rome . The outward splendour of the Clergy was not more his care , than their honour , by a grave and pious conversation . He would put them into a power of doing more good , but was sore against their Vices and Vanities . He scorned a private Treasure , and his friends were rather relieved , than raised to any greatnesse by him . In his election of friends , he was determined to the good and wise , and such as had both parts and desires to profit . The Church had his closest embraces ; if otherwise it happened , their frauds , not his choice deserved the blame . Both Papists and Sectaries were equally his Enemies ; one party feared , and the other hated his Virtues . Some censured his zeal for Discipline above the patience of the Times : but his greatest unhappinesse was , that he lived in a factious Age , and corrupt State , and under such a Prince , whose Vertues not admitting an immediate approach for Accusations , was to be wounded with those it did caresse . But when Faction and Malice are worne out by time , Posterity shall engrave him in the Albe of the most excellent Prelacy , the most indulgent Fathers of the Church , and the most injured Martyrs . His blood was accompanyed with some tears that fell from those Eyes that expected a pleasure at his death : and it had been followed with a general mourning , had not the publick Miseries , and the present Fears of Ruine exacted all the stock of Grief for other objects . His very enemy Sir Edward Deering would confesse ; That let him dye when he would , St. Pauls would be his Monument , and his Book against Fisher his Epitaph . Observations on the Life of the Lord Keeper Littleton . SIr Edward Littleton , the eldest son of Sir Edward Littleton , of Mounslow in Shrop-shire , one of the Justices of the Marches , and Chief-Justice of North-Wales , was bred in Christs-Church in Oxford , where he proceeded Batchellor of Arts , and afterwards was one of the Justices of North-Wales , Recorder of London , and Sollicitor to King Charles . From these places he was preferred to be Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas , and made Privy-Councellor ; thence advanced to be Lord-Keeper , and Baron of Mounslow , the place of his Nativity . He died in Oxford , and was buried in Christs-Church where he was bred : — Being a Member of the Parliament 1628. he had the management of the high presumption charged on the Duke of Buckingham about King James his death ; wherein he behaved himself so discreetly between the jealousie of the People , and the honour of the Court , that Sir John Finch would say , He was the onely man for taking things by a Right bandle . — And Sir Edward Cook , that He was a well-poized and weighed man. His very name carried an Hereditary credit with it , which plaineth out the way to all great Actions : his virtue being authorized by his nobility , and his undertakings ennobled by his birth , gained that esteem , which meaner men attain not without a large compasse of time and experience : worthlesse Nobility and ignoble worth lye under equal disadvantage . Neither was his extract so great as his parts ; his judgement being clear and piercing ; his Learning various and useful ; his skill in the Maximes of our Government , the fundamental Laws of this Monarchy with its Statutes , and Customes , singular ; his experience long and observing ; his integrity unblemished and unbyassed ; his Eloquence powerful and majestick , and all befitting a States-man and a Lord-Keeper : — set off with a resolved Loyalty that would perform the harshest service his Master could enjoyn him while he stayed at London , and follow the hardest fortune he could be in when at Yorke , whither he went with the great Seal he knew made to stamp Royal Commissions , rather than authorize Rebellious Ordinances . At Oxford he did good service during the Session of Parliament by Accommodations there , and as good during their recesse by his interest in the Country . Observations on the Life of the Marquess Hamilton . A Preacher being at a losse what to say of a party deceased , concluded his Sermon with these words ; There is one good quality in this man , viz. that he was born , and that God made him : And another , viz. That he is dead , and we must speak nothing but good of the dead . I may say of this Noble-man , that I have two reasons to speak well of him . 1. That good King Charles honoured him ; and 2. That his wicked Subjects beheaded him , otherwise I must leave these Queries as I finde them . Quaere 1. Why should Duke Hamilton post without leave into Scotland , when the Parliament was discontented , and the Duke of Buckingham murthered in England ? Quaere 2. Why should Ramsey the Dukes Messenger to the King of Sweden , play the Embassadour in Germany , and take place of all other persons there ? Qu. 3. What design was that which Elphyston , Borthricke , Meldrum , Vobiltry , &c. discovered one to another ? Qu. 4. What did Ramsey with the Pedigree of Hamilton derived from James I. King of Scots in Foreign parts ? Qu. 5. What private Instructions had Meldrum to Scotish Officers in the Swedish Army ? Qu. 6. Why was Meldrum , Alexander Hamilton , and other his Dependants , so preferred in the Scots Army ? Qu. 7. Why were there such Fears and Jealousies whispered in Germany of the English Government ? Qu. 8. Why was not Ramsey able to give a positive Answer at the Tryal by combate ? And why did the Marquess take him off before the Controversie was decided ? Qu. 9. Why is Huntley put by , and Hamilton made high Commissioner ? Why is discontented Balcanquel employed to pen Declarations ? And why are the King's Papers , Letters , &c. taken out of his pocket , and betrayed to the Scots ? And why did the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ( writing to the King ) wish him not to trust his own pockets with the Letter ? Qu. 10. Why doth his Mother ride with pistols at her Saddle-bow , leading all her Kindred and Vassals for the Covenant ? Qu. 11. Why is that time spent in posting to and fro to patch up a base Pacification with the Rebels , that might have been employed in suppressing them ? Qu. 12. Why did the Bishops of Rosse and Breben , Sir Robert Spotswood , Sir John Hay , the Earl of Sterling , ride post to England to intreat the King not to trust the Marquess ? Qu. 13. Why was there so much granted to the Covenanters in Scotland — yea and time given them to do their businesse ? Qu. 14. Why did he forbear the Common-prayer at Dalkeith , and neglect to protest the King 's gracious Declaration ; the justice and clemeney whereof had without doubt allayed the commotions ? Qu. 15. Why did he not set out the King's la 〈…〉 Declaration before the Covenanters Protestation was out against it ? Qu. 16. Why was there nothing done with the Ships sent upon the coasts of Scotland ? Qu. 17. Why did he so caresse his covenanting Mother , that the Scots could say ; The son of son of 〈◊〉 geud a Mother could do them no harm ? Qu. 18. Why had he a hand in most of the Monopolies and Projects of England ? Qu. 19. Why did he refuse to contribute as others had done to the Scots Wars ? Qu. 20. Why did he intercede for Lowdon's release , notwithstanding the trayterous Letter to the French King was his hand ? Qu. 21. How comes Montrosse to be slighted by the gracious King at first ? And when he offered his service again , how came his Letters into the Covenanters hands at Newcastle ? Qu. 22. Why did he and Argyle raise such Fears and Jealousies in Scotland and England by with-drawing suddenly from the Court , under pretence forsooth of danger to their persons ? Qu. 23. Why could not the King hear of the Scots design to invade England , 1643. before Montrosse posted first to Oxford , and then to Gloucester to tell him of it , though the Marquess was all the while in Scotland ? Qu. 24. And yet why was that noble person mistrusted till the Kings interest was lost in that Country ? Qu. 25. Why was he and his brother imprisoned at Oxford ? And why did the King say , Nay , if Hamilton leads them , there is no good to be done for me ? Qu. 26. Why did the King say , That he must dispose of the Master of the Horse place to the Earl of N. That my Lord Cottington was the fittest man for the Treasury , and that Sir Edward Hyde was the onely man he could trust with the Secretaries affairs ? Being loth that D. H. should return to an opportunity of recozening them : Questions these , that shew , After-ages can scan great mens lives with the same liberty that they live them . Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Hopton . GEntile was this excellent person's extraction in the West of England , and man-like his Education in the Low-Countries , that School of War , where Sir William Waller and he learned in one Camp , what they practised in two : The one being no lesse eminent for his service under his late Majesty of blessed memory , than the other was for his against him . The one was the best Soldier the King had ; the other the most experienced that the pretended Parliament boasted of . None sice● to balance Sir Hopton's successe ; none likelier to understand his stratagems ; none abler to undermine his designes , than his Fellow-soldier , Sir William , who understood his method as well as he was acquainted with his person . Both were equally active , both equally vigilant . But what better character of this Heroe , than that which his Master gave him in his Patent for Baron , which is his history as well as his honour ? Carolus Dei Gratiâ Angliae , &c. Cum & Nominis nostri & Posteritatis interest , & ad clara Exempla propaganda utilissimè compertum , palam fieri omnibus praemia , apud nos virtuti sita , nec peri●● fidelium subditorum officia , sed memori & benevoli pectore fixissimè insidere : His praesertim temporibus cum plurimum ( quibus antehac nimium indulsimus ) temerata , aut suspecta fides , pretium aliorum constantiae addidit . Cumque nobis certò constat Radulplium Hopton Militem de Balneo splendidis & Antiquis Natalibus ; tum in eaetera sua vita integritatis & moris eximium , tum in hac novissimâ tempestate , fatalique Regni & rebelli motu , rari animi fideique exemplum edidisse , Regiae dignitatis in eaque publicae contra utriusque dversarios assertorem & vindicem acerrimum . Quippe quia non solum nascenti huie Furori ( nec dum omnibus manifesto ) optimis consiliis fortis in curia Senator restiterit ; sed insinuante se latius veneno , & crescente ferocia domum ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi & vicinis partibus omni ope & manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit , in Arce praesertim Sherborniana , sub Anspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit . Mox ulterius progressus pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide , & munitissima civitate in foedus illecta , & jam undique bonis subditis perniciem minante , ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes , contracto è Cornubia Milite , & primoribus statim impetum earum repressit jacentesque & affictas nostras partes mirifica virtute recreavit . Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars Negotii hostes erant , tantum abfuit ut vel illis , vel istis succumberet , ut contra copiis auctiores , & bellico apparatu instructissimas , saepius signis Collaris in acie dimicans semper superior excesserit : Testis Launcestonia , Saleash , Bradock , aliaque obscura olim nomina & loca , nunc victoriis illius & perduellium cladibus Nobilitata Vix etiam ab his respiraverat , cum novus belli furor Lassas jam fer● & continuis praeliis laxatas vires Numerosissimo exercitu adortus , uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam . Cum ille in campis Strattoniae in difficillimas licet Augustias redactus , inops militaris instrumenti , & consumpto jam pulvere tormentario , armatos inermis , Vallo munito inter sola causa & virtute animatus , ita retudit , cencidit , castris exuit , ut totum belli molem cum ipsis Authoribus profligavit ; Quic quid fugae illius residuum erat , inter urbis unius Moenia eaque arcta obsidione astricte concluso . Qua quidem pugna memorabili , praeter quod miserum popellum , jugo intolerabili levaverat , sedes suas expulsis , Ecclesias Pastoribus , pacem omnibus , & Firmamentum pacis obsequium pristiaeter restituerit . Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum foelicitate qua partes Regni occidentales maturius a● officium & verum Dominum redierunt , & viam apperuisse & momentum ingons extitisse libentissimè profitemur ; In hac opera laudabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstiterit adhuc in victo animo & industria indefessa nullo arduo quantumvis labore & periculo excusatus , cumque mille argumentis testatum fecerit , Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna & capite potiorem , nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectu● animum benigno studio prosequi & amplius demereri volentes , hunc & praeconio merito ornandum , & propiori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus . Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali , ac ex certa scientia mero motu , praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum , gradum , stylum , Dignitatem , Titulum & Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae , &c. In cujus rei Testimonium has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes . Teste meipso apud Oxon. quarto die Septembris , Anno Regni Nostri Decimo nono . His two great Actions , the one at Liscard , the other at Stratton , cannot be better described than by an Eye-witnesse , whose are these : as he saith , out of a Manuscript corrected with Sir Ralph 's own hand , communicated to him by his Secretary Mr. Tredus . At Liscard a little before the Fight began , the King's party took it into seasonable consideration , that seeing by the Commission the Lord Mobun brought from Oxford , four persons ( viz. the said Lord Mohun , Sir Ralph Hopton , Sir John Berkley , and Colonel Ashhurnham ) were equally impowered in the managing of all Military matters : And seeing such equality might prove inconvenient ( which hitherto had been prevented with the extraordinary moderation of all parties ) in ordering a Battel , it was fittest to fix the power in one chief ; and general consent setled it in Sir Ralph Hopton : He first gave order that publick Prayers should be read in the head of every Squadron , and it was done accordingly ; and the Enemy observing ●t , did stile it saying of Masse , as some of their Prisoners afterwards did confesse . Then he caused the Foot to be drawn up in the best order they could , and placed a Forlorn of Musquetiers in the ●●ttle Inclosures , winging them with the few Horse and Dragoons he had . This done , two small My 〈…〉 ion Drakes speedily and secretly fetched from the Lord Mohun's house , were planted on a little ●urrough within random-shot of the Enemy ; yet 〈◊〉 , that they were covered out of their sight with small parties of Horse about them . These concealed Mynions were twice discharged with such successee , that the Enemy quickly quitted their ground ; And all their Army being put into a rout , the King's Forces had the execution of them ; which they performed very sparingly taking 1250 prisoners , all their Cannon and Ammunition , and most of their Colours , and Arms ; and after publick Thanks , taking their repose at Liscard . Stratton Fight succeeds on Tuesday the 16th of May , 1643. The King's Army wants Am munition , and hath a steep hill to gain , with all disadvantage and danger ; the Horse and Dragoons being not above five hundred , and the Foot two thousand four hundred . The Parl. Forces were well furnished and barticadoed upon the top of the hill , their Foot 3400. and their Horse not many indeed , having dispatched 1200 to surprize the Sheriff● and Commissioners at Bedmin . On the King's side , order was given to force the passage to the top of the Hill by four several Avenues : the ascent was steep and difficult ; resolutely did his Majesties Forces get up , and obstinately did the Enemy keep them down . The Fight continued doubtful , with many countenances of various events ( from five in the Morning , till three in the Afternoon ) amongst which most remarkable , the smart charge made by M. G. Chudleigh , with a stand of Pikes on Sir Bevil Greenvil , who fell nobly himself , and had lost his squadron , had not Sir John ( now Lord Berkley , who led up th● Musquetiers on each side of Sir Bevil ) seasonably relieved it , so resolutely reinforcing the Charge , that Major-General Chudleigh was taken Prisoner Betwixt three and four of the Clock the Commanders of the King's Forces , who embraced those four several wayes of ascent , met to their mutual joy almost at the top of the hill , which the routed enemy confusedly forsook . In this service , though they were Assailants , they lost very few men , and no considerable Officer , killing of the Enemy about three hundred , and taking seventeen hundred prisoners , all their Cannon ( being thirteen pieces of brasse Ordnance ) and Ammunition ( seventy barrels of powder ) with a Magazine of Bisket and other provision proportionable . For this victory publick Prayer and Thanksgiving was made on the hill ; then the Army was disposed of to improve their successe to the best advantage . — Nothing had sunk this great spirit , but the fate of Kingdomes , with whose ruine onely he was contented to fall , and disband his brave Soldiers upon honourable terms . Five things made my Lord Hopton so eminently serviceable . 1. His great insight into the designes , and prudent foresight of the events of present Councels ; which when most doubted and wavered , gave him that resolution that undertook great difficulties , and bore up against greater . 2. His experience of War in general , and his acquaintance with that seat of it committed to him in particular . 3. His renown all over the Kingdome for piety and moderation , and within his own association for hospitality , civility , and charity . 4. His name among the Enemies , as confiderable for his generousnesse and justice , as for his valour and conduct . 5. His Estate , that set him above mercenarinesse ; and his care for money , that set his Soldiers above need , the occasion of mutinying among themselves , or of incivilities towards others . Observations on the Life of the Earl of Carnarvan . RObert Dormer Ar. was on the tenth of June 1615. made Baronet by K. James , & on the 30 day of the same month was by him created Baron Dormer of Wing in Buckinghamshire . His Grand-childe Robert Dormer was by K. Charles in the 4th of his Reign created Viscount Ascot , & Earl of Carnarvan . He lost his life fighting for him who gave him his honour , at the first Battel of Newbury . Being sore wounded , he was defired by a Lord , to know of him what suit he would have to his Majesty in his behalf , the said Lord promising to discharge his trust in presenting his request , and assuring him , that his Majesty would be willing to gratifie him to the utmost of his power . To whom the Earl replyed , I will not dye with a Suit in my mouth to any King , save to the King of Heaven . By Anne daughter to Philip Earl of Pembrook and Montgomery , he had Charles , now Earl of Carnarvan . From his noble Extract , he received not more honour than he gave it : For the blood that was conveyed to him through so many illustrious veins , he derived to his Children more maturated for renow● and by a constant practice of goodnesse more habituated to vertue . His youth was prepared for action by study , without which even the most eminent parts of Noble-men seem rough and unpleasant sant , in despight of the splendor of their fortune : But his riper years endured not those retirements , and therefore brake out into manlike exercises at home , and travel abroad . None more noble , yet none more modest ; none more valiant , yet none more patient . — A Physician at his Father-in-Law's Table gave him the Lye ; which put the company to admire on the one hand the man's impudence , and on the other my Lord's mildenesse , until he said , I 'll take the Lye from him , but I 'll never take Physick of him . — He may speak what doth not become him , I 'll not do what is unworthy of me . — A vertue this ! not usual in Noble-men , to whom the limits of Equity seem a restraint , and therefore are more restlesse in Injuries . In the middest of horrour and tumults his soul was serene and calm . As humble he was as patient . Honour and nobility , to which nothing can be added , hath no better way to increase , than when secured of its own greatnesse , it humbleth it self , and so at once obligeth love , and avoideth envy . His carriage was as condescending as heroick , and his speech as weighty as free . He was too great to envy any mans parts and vertues , and too good not to encourage them . Many a time would he stoop with his own spirit , to raise other mens . — He neglected the minute and little circumstances of compliance with vulgar humors , aiming at what was more solid and more weighty : Moderate men are applauded , but the Heroick are never understood . Constant he was in all that was good : this was his heroick expression when solicited by his Wives Father to desist from his engagement with the King , Leave me to my Honour and Allegiance . No security to him worth a breach of Trust ; no interest worth being unworthy . His conduct was as eminent in War , as his carriage in Peace ; many did he oblige by the generosity of his minde , more did he awe with the hardinesse of his body ; which was no more softned to sloath by the dalliances of a Court , than the other was debauched to a carelesnesse by the greatnesse of his Fortune . His prudence was equal to his valour , and he could entertain dangers as well as despise them ; for he not onely undeceived his enemies surmises , but exceeded his own friends opinion in the conduct of his soldiers , of whom he had two cares : the one to discipline , the other to preserve them . Therefore they were as compleatly armed without , as they were well appointed within ; that surviving their first dangers , they might attain that experience & resolution which is in vain expected from young and raw soldiers . To this conduct of a General , he added the industry of a Soldier , doing much by his performances , more by his example , that went as an active soul to enliven each part , and the whole of his brave Squadron . But there is no doubt but personal and private sins may oft-times over-balance the justice of publick engagements . Nor doth God account every Gallant a fit instrument to assert in the way of war a righteous cause the event can never state the justice of any cause nor the peace of mens consciences , nor the eternal fate of their souls . They were no doubt Martyrs who neglected their lives , and all that was dear to them in this world , having no advantageous designe by any innovation , but were religiously sensible of those ties to God the Church , their King , their Countrey ; which lay upon their souls , both for obedience and just assistance . God could , and I doubt not but he did through his mercy crown many of them with eterlife , whose lives were lost in so good a cause : the destruction of their bodies being sanctified as a means to save their souls . Observations on the Life of the Lord Herbert of Cherbury . Edward Herbert , son of Richard Herbert Esq and Susan Newport his Wife , was born at Montgomery-Castle , and brought to Court by the Earl of Pembrook , where he was Knighted by K. James , who sent him over Embassador into France . Afterwards K. Charles the first created him Baron of Castle-Island in Ireland , and some years after Baron of Cherbury in Montgomery-shire . He was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist , studied both in Books and Men , and himself the Author of two Works most remarkable , viz. A Treatise of Truth , written in French , so highly prized beyond the Seas , and ( they say ) it is extant at this day with great Honour in the Popes Vatican ; and an History of King Henry the Eighth ; wherein his Collections are full and authentick ; his observation judicious ; his connexion strong and ●ohaerent , and the whole exact . He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir William Herbert of St. Julians in Monmouth-shire , with whom he had a large Inheritance in England and Ireland ; and died in August , Anno Dom. 1648. having designed a fair Monument of his own invention to be set up for him in the Church of Montgomery , according to the model following ; Upon the ground a Hath-pace of fourteen foot square , on the middest of which is placed a Dorick Column , with its right of Pedestal Basis , and Capitols fifteen foot in height ; on the Capitol of the Column is mounted an Urn with a Heart Flamboul , supported by two Angels . The foot of this Column is attended with four Angels , placed on Pedestals at each corner of the said Hath-pace , two having Torches reverst , extinguishing , the Motto of Mortality ; the other two holding up Palms , the Emblemes of Victory . When this noble person was in France , he had private Instructions from England to mediate a Peace for them of the Religion ; and in case of refusal , to use certain menaces . — Accordingly being referred to Luynes the Constable and Favourite of France , he delivereth him the Message , reserving his threatnings till he saw how the matter was relished . — Luynes had hid behind the Curtain a Gentleman of the Religion , who being an Ear-witnesse of what passed , might relate to his friends what little expectations they ought to entertain from the King of England's intercession . Luynes was very haughty , and would needs know what our KING had to do with their affairs : Sir Edward replyed ; It 's not you to whom the King my Master oweth an account of his actions : and for me , it 's enough that I obey him . In the mean time I must maintain , That my Master hath more reason to do what he doth , than you to aske why he doth it ? Nevertheless , If you desire me in a gentle fashion , I shall acquaint you further . Whereupon Luynes bowing a little , said , Very well . The Embassador answered ' ; That it was not on this occasion onely , that the King of Great Britain had desired the Peace and prosperity of France , but upon all other occasions , when ever any War was raised in that Countrey ; and this he said was his first reason . The second was , That when a Peace was setled there , his Majesty of France might be better disposed to assist the Palatinate in the affairs of Germany . Luynes said , We will have none of your advices . The Ambassador replyed , That he took that for an Answer , and was sorry onely that the affection and the good will of the King his Master was not sufficiently understood ; and that since it was rejected in that manner , he could do no lesse then say , That the King his Master knew well enough what he had to do . Luynes answered ; We are not afraid of you . The Embassador smiling a little , replyed , If you had said you had not loved us , I should have believed you , and made another answer : In the mean time , all that I will tell you more is , That we know very well what we have to do . Luynes hereupon rising from his Chair , with a fashion and countenance a little discomposed , said , By God , if you were not Monsieur the Embassador , I know very well how I would use you . Sir Edw : Herbert rising also from his Chair , said ; That as he was his Majesty of Great-Britain ' s Embassador , so he was also a Gentleman , and that his Sword whereon be laid his band , should do him reason if he had taken any offence . After which Luynes replying nothing , the Embassador went on his way toward the door ; and Luynes seeming to accompany him , he told him there was no occasion to use such Ceremony after such Language ; and so departed , expecting to hear further from him : But no Message being brought him from Luynes , he had in pursuance of his Instructions a more civil Audience of the King at Coignac , where the Marshal of St. Geran told him he had offended the Constable , and he was not in a place of security here : whereunto he answered ; That he held himself to be in a place of security wheresoever he had his Sword by him . Luynes resenting the affront , got Cadenet his brother , D● : of Chaun , with a ruffling train of Officers ( whereof there was not one , as he told K. James , but had killed his man ) as an Embassador extraordinary to mis-report their Traverses somuch to the disparagement of Sir Edw : that the Earl of Carlisle , sent to accommodate Le Mal Entendu that might arise between the 2 Crowns , got him called home ; until the Gentleman behinde the Curtains , out of his duty to truth and honour , related all circumstances so , as that it appeared , that though Luynes gave the first affront , yet Sir Edward kept himself within the bounds of his Instructions and Honour , very discreetly and worthily . — Insomuch that he fell on his knees to King James before the Duke of Buckingham , to have a Trumpeter , if not an Herald sent to Monsieur Luynes , to tell him , that he had made a false Relation of the passages before-mentioned , and that Sir Edward Herbert would demand reason of him with Sword in hand on that point . — The King answered , he would take it into consideration : But Luynes a little after died , and Sir Edward was sent Embassador to France again , and otherwise employed so , that if it had not been for Fears and Jealousies , the bane of publick services , he had been as great in his Actions , as in his Writings ; and as great a States-man , as he is confessed a Scholar . Observations on the Life of the Lord Capel . HIS privacy before the War was passed with as much popularity in the Country , as his more publick appearance in it was with valour and fidelity in the Field : In our too happy time of Peace none more pious , hospitable , charitable , and munificent : In those more unhappy of our Differences , none more resolved , Loyal , and active . The people loved him so well , that they chose him one of their Representatives ; and the King esteemed him so much , that he sent for him as one of his Peers in that Parliament , wherein the King and People agreed in no one thing , save a just kindnesse for my Lord Capel , who was one of those excellent Gentlemen , whose gravity and discretion ( the King saith ) he hoped would allay and fix the Factiou to a due temperament ( guiding some mens well-meaning Zeal by such rules of moderation , as are best both to preserve and restore the health of all States and Kingdomes ) keeping to the dictates of his conscience , rather than the importunities of the people ; to what was just , than what was safe , save onely in the Earl of Strafford's case , wherein he yielded to the publick Necessity with his Royal Master , but repented with him too , sealing his contrition for that miscarriage with his blood , when he was more troubled for his forced consent to that brave person's death , than for losing his own life ; which he ventured throughout the first War , and lost by his Engagement in the second . For after the surrender of Oxford , he retyred to his own house , but could not rest there , until the King was brought home to his ; which all England endeavouring as one man , my Lord adventured himself at Colchester to extremity , yielding himself upon condition of Quarter , which he urged by the Law of Arms , that Law that ( as he said on the Scaffold ) governeth the world , and against the Lawes of God and Man ( they are his own words ) for keeping the fifth Commandment , dying on the Scaffold at Westminster , with a courage that became a clear conscience , and a resolution befitting a good Christian ; expressing that judicious piety in the Chamber of Meditation at his death , that he did in his a Book of Meditation in his life : a piety that ( as it appeared by his dismission of his Chaplain , and the formalities of that time 's devotion , before he came to the Scaffold ) was rather his inward frame and habit , than outward ostentation or pomp ; from the noble Sentiments whereof ( as the Poet ( not unhappily alluding to his Arms ; A Lyon rampant in a Field Gules between three crosses ) expresseth it ) Our Lyon-like Capel undaunted stood , Beset with Crosses in a Field of blood . as one that affrighted death , rather than was afrighted by it — It being very observable , that a learned Doctor of Physick present at the opening and embalming of this noble Lord , and Duke Hamilton , delivered at a publick Lecture , that the Lord Capel's was the least heart , and the Duke 's the greatest that ever he saw ; agreeable to the observation in Philosophy , that the spirits contracted within the least compasse , are the cause of the greater courage . Three things are considerable in this incomparable person . 1. His uninterrupted Loyalty keeping pace with his Life ; for his last breath was spent in proclaiming K. Charles the II. in the very face of his Enemies , as known to him to be a vertuous , noble , gentle , just , and great Prince ; a Perfect English-man in his inclination . 2. His great merits and modesty , whereof K. Charles I. writes thus to his excellent Queen ; There is one that doth not yet pretend , that doth deserve as well as any , I mean Capel ; Therefore I desire thy assistance to finde out something for him before he aske . 3. The blessing of God upon his noble , but suffering Family , who was a Husband to his excellent Widow , and a Father to his hopeful Children , whom not so much their birth , beauty , and portion ( though they were eminent for these ) as their Vertues , married to the best Bloods and Estates in the Land , even when they and the Cause they suffered for were at the lowest . It 's the happiness of good men , though themselves miserable , that their seed shall be mighty , and their Generation blessed . Observations on the Life of Bishop Andrews . I Have much a-do to prevail with my own hand to write this excellent Prelate a States-man of England , though he was Privy-Councellor in both Kingdomes : For I remember what he would say when he came to the Council-Table ; Is there any thing to be done to day for the Church ? If they answered Yea , then he said , I will stay . — If No , he said , I will be gone . — Though yet this be an instance of as much prudence as any within the compass of our Observation : So safe is every man within the circle of his own place , and so great an argument of abilities hath it been always confessed , to know as well what we ought , as what we can , especially in Clergy-men , whose over-doing doth abate their reverence , and increase their envy , by laying open those defects and miscarriages , which are otherwise hallowed , or at least concealed in the mystick sacrednesse of their own function . Not but that men of that gravity and exactnesse , of that knowledge and experience , of that stayedness and moderation , of that sobriety and temperance , of that observation and diligence as Bishops are presumed to be , were in all Governments judged as fit to manage publique affairs , as men of any other professions whatever , without any prejudice to the Church ; which must be governed as well as taught , — and managed as well as a society dwelling in the world , as under the notion of a peculiar people taken out of it . — His successful skill in dealing with the Papists under my Lord of Huntington President of the North ; and with the Puritans under Doctor Cosin , an Ecclesiastical Officer in the South , recommended him to Sir Walsingham's notice , as a person too useful to be buried in a Country-Living ; who thereupon intended to set up his Learning in a Lecture at Cambridge , to confute the Doctrine of Rome ; untill Queen Eliz. resolved to set up his prudence in other Employments at Court , to countermine its policy : where I know not whether the acuteness of his Sermons took most with the most Learned the devotion of them with the most pious ; or the prudence of them with the most Wise — ( it hath been one thing always to Preach learnedly , and another thing to preach wisely ) for to the Immensity of his Learning , he added excellent Principles of politick prudence , as a governour of the Church , and a Councellor of State , wherein he was conspicuous ; not for the crafty projects and practices of policy , or for those sinister ways of Artifice and subtlety , or the admired depths of Hypocrisie called reason of State ; nor the measures and rules of his Politicks and Prudentials were taken from the great experience he had gotten , and many excellent observations he had made out of all Histories , as well Humane as Divine : though he always laid the greatest weight upon the grounds and instances of holyScripture , which gives the truest judgement of wisdom or folly ; considering the mixture of State-affairs , with those of the Church in Christian Common-wealths , and the fitnesse of sober and discreet Clergy-men for those of the State in all . It 's a wonder how Clergy-men come to be excluded publick Councils at any time : but observing Bishop Andrews his insight into the Fundamental constitution of our State , as appears from his Speech in the Countess of Shrewsbury's Case : His distinct foresight of the consequences of Affairs , evident in his speech against Thraske : His circumspect care of the Publick , visible in his Petition to King James then sick at New-Market ; that the Prince then under Scotch Tutors be educated by well-principled men , the occasion that King James took to bring him up himself so exactly in the Doctrine and Discipline of our Church , that it 's a question whether he was more by his Pen or Sword , his Scepter or his Style , The Defender of the Faith : — His wonderfull skill in the government of this Church , discerned by the excellent King Charles , in that he sent so many Bishops to consult with him , 1625. what was to be done for the Church in that Parliament : His caution and moderation , in that he never , unlesse upon great considerations innovated in his Church , but left things in the same decency and order he found them ( knowing that all alterations have their dangers ) I am astonished to think , that Bishops should be forbidden secular employment in our time . — Who hath more ampleness and compleatness ( saith Bishop Gauden ) for a good man , a good Bishop , a good Christan , a good Scholar , a good Preacher , and a good Counsellor , than Bishop Andrews , a man of an astonishing excellency both at home and abroad ? Observations on the Life of Henry Earl of Manchester . HEnry Earl of Manchester , third son to Sir Edward Mountague , Grand-childe to Sir Edward Mountague Lord Chief-Justice of the King's Bench in King Edward the sixth's time , was born at Boughton in Northampton-shire . One skilful in mysterious Arts , beholding him when a School-boy , foretold that by the pregnancy of his parts , he would raise himself above the rest of his Family ; which came to passe accordingly : He being bred first in Christs-Colledge in Cambridge , then in the Middle-Temple , where he attained to great Learning in the Laws ; passed through many preferments , as they are reckoned up , viz. 1. Sergeant at Law. 2. Knighted by K. James , July 22. 1603. 3. Recorder of London . 4. Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench , Novemb. 18. 1616. 5. Lord Treasurer of England , Decemb. 16. 1620. 6. Baron of Kimbolton . 7. Viscount Mandevile . 8. President of the Council , Sept. 29. 1621. 9. Earl of Manchester . 10. Lord Privy-Seal . He wisely perceiving that Courtiers were but as Counters in the hands of Princes , raised and depressed in valuation at pleasure , was contented rather to be set for a smaller sum , than to be quite put up into the box . Thus in point of place and preferment , being pleased to be what the King would have him ( according to his Motto , Movendo non mutando me ) he became almost what he would be himself , finally advanced to an Office of great Honour . When Lord Privy-Seal , he brought the Court of Requests into such repute , that what formerly was called the Alms-Basket of the Chancery , had in his time well-nigh as much meat in , and guests about it ( I mean Suits and Clients ) as the Chancery it self . His Meditations of Life and Death , called Manchester Al mondo , written in the time of his health , may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul , preparatory for his dissolution , which happened 164 ... The Office of Lord Treasurer was ever beheld as 〈◊〉 place of great charge and profit . My Lord being demanded what it might be worth per ann . made this answer ; That it might be some thousands of pounds to him ( who after death would go instantly to heaven ) twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory , and a Nemo scit to him who would adventure to a worse place . But indeed , he that will be a bad husband for himself in so advantageous a place , will never be a good one for his Soveraign . Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Wotton , and his Relations . SIr Henry Wotton first having read of his Ancestor Sir Robert Wotton , the noble Lieutenant of Guisnes , and Comptroller of Callais , in King Edward the fourth's days , His Grand-father Sir Edward Wotton , that refused to be Chancellour of England in King Henry the Eighth's time . 2. Having known his Father Sir Thomas Wotton , one of the most Ingenuous modesty , the most Ancient freedome , plainnesse , single-heartednesse , and integrity in Queen Elizabeths Reign : His Brothers Sir Edward Wotton , the famous Comptroller of Queen Eliz. and K. James his Court , since Lord Wotton , & Baron Morley in Kent ; Sir James Wotton ( with R. Earl of Essex , Count Lodowick of Nassaw , Don Christophoro , son of Antonio King of Portugal , &c. ) Knighted as an excellent Soldier at Cadiz : Sir John Wotton the accomplished Traveller and Scholar , for whom Queen Eliz. designed a special favour : — His Uncle Nicholas Wotton , Dean of Canterbury and Yorke , nine times Embassador for the Crown of England ( he that was one of King Henry's Executors , King Edward's Secretary of State , Queen Mary's right hand , and ( that refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury in in Queen Eliz. days ) 3. Being bred 1. In Winchester , that eminent School for Discipline and Order . 2. In New-Colledge and Queens , those famous Colledges for the method of Living by rule , could promise no lesse than he did in his solidly sententious , and discreetly humoured Play at Queens , called Tancredo , in his elegant Lecture of the nobleness , manner , and use of Seeing , at the Schools ( for which the learned Albericus Gentilis called him , Henrice Mi Ocelle , and communicated to him his Mathematicks , his Law , and his Italian learning ) in his more particular converse with Doctor Donne and Sir Richard Baker in the University , and his more general conversation with Man-kinde in travells for one year to France and Geneva , ( where he was acquainted with Theodore Beza , and Isaac Casaubon , at whose Fathers he lodged ) for eight years in Germany , for five in Italy , whence returning balanced with Learning and Experience , with the Arts of Rome , Venice , and Florence ( Picture , Sculpture , Chimistry , Architecture ) the Secrets , Languages , Dispositions , Customes , and Laws of most Nations , set off with his choice shape , obliging behaviour , sweet discourse , and sharp wit , he could perform no lesse than he did , 1. In the unhappy relation he had to the Earl of Essex , first of Friend , and afterward of Secretary . 2. In his more happy Interest by his Secretary Vietta ( upon his flight out of England after the Earl's apprehension ) with the Duke of Tuscany , then the greatest patron of Learning and Arts in the world ; who having discovered a design to poyson King James , as the known successor of Queen Elizabeth , sent Sir Henry Wotton with notice of the plot , and preservatives against the poyson , by the way of Norway into Scotland , under the borrowed name of Octavio Baldi ; where after some suspicion of the Italian message , discovering himself to the King by Lindsey's means , he was treated with much honour , complacency , and secrecy for three months . After which time he returned to Florence , staying there till King James enquiring concerning him of my Lord Wotton the Comptroller ; the great Duke advised his return to congratulate his Majesty , as he did ; the King embracing him in his arms , & calling him the best , because the honestest Dissembler that he met with : and Knighting him by his own name . Adding withal ; That since he knew he wanted neither Learning nor Experience ; neither Abilities nor Faithfulnesse , he would employ him to others , as he was employed to him ; which accordingly he did to Venice , the place he chose as most suitable to his retyred Genius , and narrow Estate , where , 1. Studying the dispositions of the several Dukes and Senators . 2. Sorting of fit Presents , curious , and not costly Entertainments , sweetned with various and pleasant discourse , particularly his elegant application of Stories : He had such interest , that he was never denyed any request ; whereby he did many services to the Protestant interest ( with his Chaplain Bishop Biddle , and Pauloe's assistance ) during the Controversie between the Pope and the Venetians , especially in transmitting the History of the Councel of Trent , sheet by sheet to the King and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as it was written : And in his three Embassies thither , gained many Priviledges for the English along all those Coasts . In the second of which Embassies , calling upon the Emperour , he had brought Affairs to a Treaty , had not the Emperour's successe interposed ; whereupon he took his leave , wishing that Prince to use his Victory soberly ; an advice his carriage indeared to his Majesty , together with his person , so far , that he gave him a Diamond worth above a thousand pounds , which he bestowed on his Hostess , saying , He would not be the better by a man that was an open Enemy to his Mistress , so the Queen of Bohemia was pleased he should call her : — Onely while abroad , and writing in the Album that friends have this sentence , Legatus est vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendum reipublicae causâ , whereof Scioppius made a malicious use in his Books against King James , He lost himself a while for using more freedome abroad than became his Employment , until his ingenuous , clear , and choicely eloquent Apologies recovered him to more respect and cautiousnesse , until he writ Invidiae remedium over his Lodgings at Eaton-Colledge , the Provostship whereof he obtained in exchange for the reversion of the Mastership of the Rolls , and other places promised him ; Where looking upon himself in his Surplice , as Charles 5 , or Philip 2. in Cloysters , his Study was divine Meditations , History and Characters : His recreation Philosophical conclusions , and Angling ; which he called his idle time not idly spent , saying , he would rather live five May-months , than sorty Decembers : His Table was exquisite , where two youths attended , upon whom he made the observations that were to furnish his designed discourse of Education : His Histories and Observations remarkable , his Apophthegms sage and quick . 1. Being in a Popish Chappel , a merry Priest that knew him , sent a Paper to him , with this question ; Where was your Religion before Luther ? Under which he writ ; Where yours is not , in the written word of God. 2. Being asked , whether a Papist could be saved ? He replyed ; You may be saved without knowing that : look to your self . 3. Hearing one rayl against Arminius & Popery , he answered , S●● , he that understands amisse , concludeth worse : — If you had studied Popery so much as I have , and knew Arminius so well as I did , how learned , how strict , and how rare a man he was , you would not fall so foul on his person , nor thinke that the further you go from the Church of Rome , the nearer you are to God. 4. One pitched upon for Embassador , came to Eaton , and requested from his some Experimental rule for his prudent and sase carriage in his Negotiation ; to whom he smilingly gave this for an in 〈…〉 ble Aphorism : That to be in safety himself , & serviceable to his Country , be should alwayes , and upon all occasions speak the truth ; For ( said he ) you shall never be believed ; and by this meanes your truth will secure your self , if you shall ever be called to any account : and it will also put your Adversaries ( who will still hunt counter ) to a losse in all their disquisitions and undertakings . 5. And when he made his Will two years before he died , out of policy to let the King understand his Debts and Arrears ( to which end he bestowed in that Will on his Majesty , Sir Throgmorton's Papers of Negotiation in Queen Elizabeths dayes : on the Queen , Dioscorides in Tuscany , with the Herbs naturally coloured : on the Prince , the Queen of Bohemia's picture : on my Lord of Canterbury , the picture of Divine love : to my Lord of London , high Treasurer , Heraclitus and Democritus ; and to Secretary Windebanke old Bastano's four Seasons ) he directed that this onely should be written on his plain Marble : Hie jacet hujus sententiae primus auctor ; Disputandi Pruritus fit Ecclesiarum Scabies : Nomen aliàs qu●re : 7. Going yearly to Bocton for the connaturalness of that Ayr , and to Winchester or Oxford for Recreation , he would say to his friends ; How useful was that advice of a holy Monk , who perswaded his friend to perform his customary devotion in a constant place , where his former thoughts might meet him ; for ( said he ) at my being at that School , seeing the place where I sate when I was a boy , occasioned me to remember my youthful thoughts ; sweet thoughts indeed , that promised my growing years numerous pleasures , without mixture of cares , and those to be enjoyed when time ( which I thought slow-paced ) changed my youth to man-hood ; and now there are a succession of Boys using the same recreation , and questionless possessed with the same thoughts . Thus one generation succeeds another both in their Lives , Recreations , Hopes , Fears , and Deaths . 8. There are four things that recommend Sir Henry Wotton to posterity : 1. That King Charles took great pleasure in corresponding with him in Letters . 2. That my Lord Racon took great pains in collecting his Apophthegme● . 3. That Sir Richard Baker , who submitted most of his Writings to his Censure , said of him ; That the Kingdome yielded not a fitter man to match the Capriciousnesse of the Italian wits . And 4. That his work of Architecture is translated into Latine , printed with Vitruvius , and this Elogy prefixed : Henricns Wottonus Anglo-Cantianus Tho : optimi viri Filius Natu minimus a serenissimo Jacobo I. Magnae Britanniae , &c. Rege in Equestrem titulum ascitus , ejusdemque ter ad Remp : Venetam Legatus Ordinarius , semel ad Confaederatarum Provinciarum Ordines in Juliensi Negotio ; bis ad Carolum Emanuelem Subaudiae ducem : Semel ad unitos superioris Germaniae Principes in Conventu Heilbronnensi . Postremo ad Archducem Leopoldum , Ducem Wirtenbergensem , Civitates Imperiales Argentinam , Ulmamque , & ipsum Romanorum Imperatorem Ferdinandum II. Legatus Extraordinarius Tandem hoc Dedicit . Animas sapientiores fieri quiescendo . Observations on the Lives of the Lord Wilmot , and Sir Tho. Roe . THese honourable persons are united not so much in their own relation or character , as in my unhappinesse , who was promised Observations on the life of the first , but never had them ; and had some on the life of the second , but lost them . 1. My Lord Wilmot I finde acting like a States-man , when Commissary in the expedition against the Scots ; and speaking like a Soldier , when a Member of the Parliament that was for them : in the first capacity speaking with my Lord Conway , he saw the King would be overcome by the English at home , if he overcame not the Scots abroad . In the second , whispering with some Army-Officers , he said ; If the Scots Army were paid in the North , the King's Army would be paid in the South . — A wise and brave speech , that had almost rallied all the Army against the Parliament , as soon as that Parliament had rallied their multitude against the King ; but that treachery got easily into the bosome of that brave Prince , that had nothing but honesty in his heart . Yet since he could not awe the counsels of the faction in the City , he went to suppresse their Rebellion in the Field ; being voted a Traytor by the Rebels , because he endeavoured they should not be so . What he performed in the Wars , all the Kingdome knows ; what he did at Oxford , the King's Letters intimate ; what he negotiated in Germany , acted in Scotland , endeavoured at W●rcester , and other places for the King's Majesties escape and restauration , posterity shall celebrate while he lives , as renownedly in History , as he doth nobly in his son the most hopeful Earl of Rochester . 2. Sir Thomas Roe — understood the dispositions of men so exactly , could suit their humours so fitly , observe opportunities and seasons of actions so punctually , keep correspondence so warily , wade through difficulties so handsomely , wave the pinch of a businesse so dexterously , contrive Interests so suitably , that he was advised with concerning the most important Affairs of the Kingdoms he resided in abroad , and admitted of the Privy-Councel while he lived at home . — Where his speech against the debasing of the Coyn at the Council-Table will last as long as there is reason of State in the world ; His settlement of Trade as long as this is an Island ; and his Eastern MSS. as long as there are Books to furnish Libraries , or Libraries to preserve Books . Three of the noblest English actions beyond Sea are these . 1. That Sir Thomas Roe pardoned the Dutch Merchants thrice in Persia and Turkey at his mercy . 2. That my Lord Wilmot , when Embassador in Germany , refused the assistance of the Popes Nuncio , or Turkish Aga ; judging his great Master , when at lowest , above those suspected Auxiliaries . 3. That my Lord Culpeper having offered him in Muscovy all the English goods there , refused them , declaring his Royal Master a Father of his Country , though kept out of it by Traytors ; and a merciful Prince to his People , when cast off by the Rebels . Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Juxon . WIlliam Juxon , born at Chichester in Sussex , was bred Fellow in St. John's Colledge in Oxford , where he proceeded Batchelor of Law ; very young , but very able for that Degree : afterwards becoming Doctor in the same Faculty , and President of the Colledge , was one in whom Nature had not omitted , but Grace had ordered the Tetrarch of humours , being admirably Master of his Pen and Passion . For his Abilities , he was successively preferred by King Charles the first , Bishop of Hereford and London , and for some years Lord Treasurer of England : wherein he had Religion to be honest , and no self-interest to be corrupt . A troublesome place in those times , being expected he should make much Brick ( though not altogether without , yet ) with very little straw allowed unto him : Large then the Expences , low the Revenues of the Exchequer . Yet those Coffers he found empty , he left filling , and had left full , had Peace been preserved in the Land , and he continued in his Place . Such the mildenesse of his temper , that Petitioners for money ( when it was not to be had ) departed well pleased with his Denials , they were so civilly languaged . It may justly seem a wonder , that whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time , and Lord Treasurers at all Times are liable to the complaints of discontented people ; though both Offices met in this man , yet with Demetrius he was well reported of all men , and of the truth it self . He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function , and all the while possessed his own soul in patience . Nor was it the least part of this Prelat's honour , that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land , King Charles the first selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdome , when he honoured him with this testimony ; That good man. He formerly had had experience [ in the case of the Earl of Strafford ] that this Bishop's Conscience was bottom'd on piety , not policy , the reason that from him he received the Sacrament , good comfort and counsell just before he was murthered . I say , just before the Royal Martyr was murthered ; a Fact so foul , that it alone may confute the Errour of the Pelagians , maintaining that all sin cometh by imitation , the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent , as if chose Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the observation of Solomon , that there is no new thing under the Sun. King Charles the second preferred him Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1660. He died in the year of our Lord , 1663. and with great solemnity was buried in St. John's Colledge in Oxford , — to which he was a great Benefactor , though a greater to Pauls and Lambeth ; and greatest of all to the Church which his eminence adorned , and his temper secured in those times , wherein roughnesse enraged that humour , which delay and moderation broke : a discreet yielding to the multitude is the securest way of Conquest : They that hold together by opposition , languish and moulder away by indulgence : In his duty , this good man went along with Conscience . in Government , with Time and Law. He had the happinesse , that K. James admired in a States-man of his time , to do all things suavibus modis : He referred his Master in the Earl of Strafford's case , as he did himself in all cases , to his own Conscience for matter of fact , and to the Judges for matter of Law ; who according to their Oath ought to carry themselves indifferently between the King and his Subjects . — The King was not more happy in this faithful servant , than he was in his followers , among whom there was no uncivil Austerity to disoblige the Subjects , nor base Corruption to incense them . They need not keep state , they had so much real power ; nor extort , they had so much allowed advantage . His care was his servants , and their care his businesse : His preferments were his burthen rather than his honour ; advanced by him , rather than advancing him — and therefore he was more ready to lay them down , than others to take them up : Witnesse his Treasurers Place ; which when he parted with ( like those that scatter their Jewels in the way , that they may debar the violence of greedy pursuers ) no lesse than four durst undertake ; when his single self sufficed for the two greatest troubles of this Nation , the Treasurer-ship of England , and the Bishoprick of London . Religion was the inclination and composure as well as care of his soul ; which he used not as the artifice of pretence or power , but as the ornament and comfort of a private breast , never affecting a pompous piety , nor a magnificent vertue , but approving himself in secret to that God who would reward him openly . His devotion was as much above other mens , as his Calling ; his meditations equall with his cares ; and his thoughts even and free between his Affairs and his Contemplations , which were his pleasures , as well as his duty , the uniform temper and pulse of his Christian soul . Neither was his Religion that of a man onely , but that of a Bishop too , that made his Piety as universal as his Province , by such assistances of power , as brought carnal men , if not to an obedience , yet to such a degree of reverence , that if they did not honour , they might not despise it . His justice was as his Religion , clear and uniform ; First , the ornament of his heart , then the honour of his action . Neither was Justice leavened with rigour or severity , but sweetned with clemency and goodnesse ; that was never angry but for the publick , and not then so much at the person , as the offence : So ambitious of that great glory of Moderation , that he kept it up in spight of the times malignity , wherein he saw all change without himself , while he remained the self-same still within the Idea of sobriety and temperance , vertues that he put off onely with his life : Neither was this a defect of spirit , but the temper of it ; that though it never provoked troubles , yet it never feared them : His minde was always great , though his fortune not so : Great to suffer , though not always able to act : so good his temper , and so admirable his humility , that none ever went discontented from him : — Never ●ourting , but always winning people , having a passage to their hearts through their brain ; and making them first admire , and then love him . He was slow , not of speech , as a defect ; but to speak , o● of discretion ; because when speaking , he plentifully paid the Principal and Interest of his Audito●● expectation . In a word , his government as a Bishop was gentle , benigne , and paternal : His management of the Treasury was such , that he served his Prince faithfully , satisfied all his friends , and silenced all his enemies ; of which he had enough as a Bishop , Greatnesse is so invidious and suspected ; though none as a man , goodnesse is so meek and inoffensive . The most thought the worse of Dr. Juxon for the Bishops sake , the best thought the better of the Bishop for Dr. Juxon's sake . Observations on the Life of John Lord Culpeper . I Finde nothing promoting him to his first preferment of Chancellor of the Exchequer , but his pure merit ; nor any thing advancing him to his after-honours , but his steady Loyalty ; — which when others stuck to London ( in compliance with that Maxime ; In all Divisions keep your self to the Metropolis , the chief City being for the most part preserved , who-ever prevaileth , in a Civil Commotion , abounding in Money and Friends , the readiest Commodities to purchase Quiet ) carryed him after a persecuted Soveraign for twenty years together , by the strong obligation of a well-principled Conscience , and the well-weighed observation of the natural Affection of all Englishmen to their lawful Soveraign ; from whom , though the Arts and Impulses of seditious Demagogues may a while estrange and divorce their mindes , yet their Genius will irresistibly at last force them to their first love . It was the resolution of a great States-man ; That if the Crown of England were placed but on an Hedge-stake , he would be on that side the Crown was . His first service was to discover his Soveraign to his deluded People , worthy not onely of their obedience , but their lives and fortunes . His next was , to lay open his Enemies in all their Intrigues and Reserves , being most happy in all the Treaties he was engaged in , in discerning the bottome of his own Parties Interest , and their Adversaries pretensions discoveries ! that prevailed on all that was either noble or but ingenuous in the Nation , especially whither my Lord came with his indefatigable Industry , his obliging Converse , and potent Eloquence , excepting London it's self , whither he was sent from Nottingham , with the Earls of Southampton and Dorset , and Sir William Wedale Knight , the very day the King set up his Standard there . The Principle he went upon was , That the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament ; A Principle most safe on all hands : For which and the rest of his judicious Sentiments , he hath the honour to be enrolled among those that Traytors durst not pardon ; which he could not choose but smile at , knowing ( as he used to say ) That Treason is alwayes within five years weary of its self , the People being more impatient of their own Libertinisme , than of the strictest and most heavy government . His way of Intelligence from L●●don by Mistresse E. P. friend to J. M. puts me 〈◊〉 minde of a passage in Queen Elizabeths Reig● who being presented with an Overture out 〈◊〉 Spain , so secretly managed by the Councel there , as the first news of its approach came with its sel● the Messengers ( out of fear of a surprizal ) dispensing the Ceremonies commonly used in the behalf of Embassadors ( something strange , considering the haughtinesse of that Nation ) did much inflame the Lord Treasurer's desire to know the farthest extent of the Negotiation , as conducing to a present advantage , that such an Answer might be made as should in some proportion quadrate with the demand of the Catholique King , at that time standing upon Termes little different from those of an Enemy . And being informed from the ordinary Espials he kept about his Person , that the attempt was something difficult , if not impossible ; the Don out of distrust still carrying his Instructions in his bosome : Burleigh caused such a Jesuite to be apprehended , as by reason of former miscarriages could not expect mercy ; and imparts his desires to him under as large promises if he brought them about , as threats to be revenged on him and his Associates , if he found himself abused . All which , though with some reluctancy he undertook , and performed , through the mediation of a fair Lady that first took away his Commission , and then again layd it under his pillow whilest he slept . His early endeavours for Peace by Addresses to London , Scotland , Cornwal , speak his integrity , and his prudence . Every inconsiderable person may be powerful at disturbances : but to forme Peace , requires much wisdome and great vertues ) and his observations upon the division of the great Faction to two parties , Independent , and Presbyterian . His care and watchfulness ; none of their clashes escaping his reach , which was ready to accommodate as occasion served their respective Interests , in their New models and alterations ; making as good use of Fears and Jealousies between them , as they had done between the King and his People . These and other his services recommended him to the attendance of his most excellent Majesty when Prince , in the perfecting of the Western Association , when it was thought fit to put the happiness and hope of the Kingdom in two bottomes , with whom he continued with a constant fidelity in all difficulties , performing several Embassies during their banishment with honour ( particularly one to the Emperour , who had great respects for his Master , and an aweful regard of his Cause ) till it pleased God to bring his Majesty by his and others counsel to his Father's Throne ; which he just saw , and dyed Master of the Rolls , June 1660. From one of whose Relations I have these Notes and Postils , containing some of the policy of the late Times , from 1642. to 1659. — which I set down nakedly , as I finde them ; not supposing they are his , but that they were among his Papers . 1. It is against the experience of the wisest Princes of France and England , to leave their chief City in times of tumult ; — yet it was necessary for the King to do so , as well to break the fury of the worst people there by distance and time , as to dis-abuse the best abroad by his presence and time : — and indeed it had been a shame for him to have perished in a tumult . 2. It was urged , that the King should not delay any longer the War , — but besides that nothing could perswade his gracious Majesty to a War , but pure necessity ; It 's usually observed , that if Boutefeus make not the feud irreconcileable by a desperate action , Rebels cool , consider , break , suspect , fear , and fall off to nothing . 3. The repulse of Hotham did the King excellent service , by alarming all the Loyal in the Kingdome with their designed plot . 4. Especially when the Country saw the King so unwilling to engage , that he discharged their guards several times . 5. It was thought unfit to send to the Faction from Nottingham , until it was rejoyned that men of understanding and fidelity are usually employed to those persons against whom a War is to be managed , to discover their design , humour , forces , succours , and what-ever might succour or strengthen them ; which none but they who were secured with the priviledg of Agents might do ; and none were judged fitter than they that were best acquainted with the knowing Ladies , and the talkative Lords . 6. It was offered that Intelligence should be written to satisfie the people , and make the vulgar pretences ridiculous : But quaere , whether it is possible for the Areana Imperii to remain always under so exact a discipline as may admit a thorow-inspection of the multitude without danger . 7. When it was urged as the fundamental Principle the King should proceed upon , that the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament , the King being firme to his promise ( as there was not a juster man alive ) not to dissolve them without their leave — it was judged that self-preservation being the first principle in nature , that concession which wisdome saw then , and experience since , so contrary to that principle , was rather to be repented of , than performed . 8. It is a very great advantage to the King's Cause , that his Messages of Peace were sent alwayes after his Victories ; and his Enemies after their defeats : And that his Declarations were natural , easie , as grounded upon obvious principles of Scripture , Law , and Reason ; and theirs harsh , forced , and wilde , as grounded onely upon Pretences and Fancies . 9. It 's a probable opinion , that it is in vain to treat with the Rebels , who can never trust the King with their guilty heads . 10. It is in vain to yield them any thing , since all Concessions have no other issue than either or both of these two inconveniences . 1. That they make the Faction so insolent , that the King should not be able to deny nor grant them any thing . 2. That they justified former proceedings , and layd the blame upon the King for not granting that sooner , which he thinks fit to grant now . Besides , it 's more fit Propositions come to the King , than from him . 11. It may be wondered that the King doth not cut off the chief of the Rebels , as they fall into his hands , according to the usual Maxime in that case ; but that his inclination to clemency is inexpressible — and that the principle he goeth upon is fure , though deep , viz. That so much are Man-kinde in general , and the English in particular obliged by fair usages , that the generality of this Nation returned nine times in 1300 years after long intervals of Usurpation , out of gratitude as well as duty unto their Allegiance to the posterity of good , pious , mercifull , but unhappy Princes . 12. When it was urged against the King's going to London upon the successe in the West , that the City would pour out fresh men upon him , as at Brainford ; It was replied , that the City & Country were not under such strong delusions as then , but were more sensible of the miseries they had been trepanned into . Besides , there was a more miraculous power of conversion went along with the King's presence where ever he came , convincing all he conversed with . 13. Whether the King beng so wise and able , it were not convenient to contrive it so , that the people might see how well he acted by himself , — provided he had sufficient security ? 14. Whether it being dangerous that the Rebels should seize ( as God forbid they should ) on the whole Court at once , it were not convenient that his Majesty and the Prince did part , that the Kingdome might know its hope as well as its happiness ; and that their interest when separated , might be more spreading than when together ? 15. It was judged prudence to let the successe wherein their souls were unequal , overthrow the Faction by mutual Jealousies and Animosities , till it dissipated all pretences , and the people saw none oppressed them in their Estates , Liberties , Consciences , more than the pretended Patrons of them all . An Indempnity without regard to any Faction , being most likely to render the misled as jealous for the King , as they had been against him . 16. It were to be wished that the Parliament did draw into entire Propositions their design , that his Majesty and his People might make a clearer judgement of it in order to an accommodation . 17. His Majesty must be secured of the Militiae , and against tumults , and all persons invested in their first right without any controversie — As to other matters , a full debate may settle them , with such explanations and qualifications as may satisfie all parties . 18. It 's thought his Majesty may concur with the Parliament about the Presbyterian Government for three years , the time allowed by themselves ; and that at the three years end the very Kingdome will throw it off as inconsistent with the English temper , and unsuitable with the British Monarchy : — And so likewise in other things which look plausible in the general , but are unpracticable in the particular . 19. Though many things are necessary to avoid jealousies , which are inconvenient , yet they may be allowed , upon the respect of the likelihood that all things will in time return to their proper chanel — onely a general Act of indemnity is the best bond of Peace , whereby the numerous discontents of many persons and families otherwise exposed to ruine , might not become Fuel to new disorders , or Seeds to future troubles , with particular regards to the priviledges of the City , notwithstanding non-user , mis-user , abuser , and the interest of the Army , — an indulgence that would help the world to see clearly the Kings intentions in matter of future government . 20. No Act to passe till the Peace be concluded , lest what his Majesty grants , may be an argument to urge what he must deny ; so that he cannot treat in Honour , Freedome , or Safety . 21. Time is the best cure of Faction . 22. When the Treaty is broken off , so that neither side could reassume it without a seeming yielding , it should be renewed upon the Queens motion , provided always that her name was not used or intimated till the Rebels willingness to complyance were preassured . But stay , I am fallen upon mine own knowing time , wherein I am fitter to read others Observations , than to write my own : and it becomes me rather to be instructed , than to instruct . Industry and Curiosity bid me begin this Collection where Sir W. F. Sir R. N. Sir J. H. Characters end : and modesty enjoyns me to finish it , where my Contemporaries own knowledge begins , — with whom I shall quietly passe my time , observing how far the affairs I see or hear of agree with those I have read of . Having gained thus much ( if no more ) by this Essay ; That by looking into the Intrigues of former times , I have learned a great deal of reason to blesse GOD I was born in these : being assured , that murmurs , discontents , complaints , whisperings , speaking evil of Dignities ; the common , but unreasonable faults of this Age , are kept up onely because men are ignorant of the Ages foregoing : And as my Lord Bacon saith of the Schoolmen in the Church , so I say of troublesome persons in the State ; that they are so , because they know nothing beyond their own time : whereas if the most discontented person did but compare his own dayes with those before , he must confesse , that there wants nothing in the general frame of our Government ( particular persons miscarriages must be always allowed ) to make us most happy , but thankefulnesse , content , and the continuance of these blessings under our dread Soveraign , for whom it 's as much our interest as our duty to pray according to St. Chrysostoms Liturgy , that God would give him strength , victory , health , safety , length and tranquillity of dayes : or in Tertullian's form ; Long life , a secure government , safe Court , valiant Army , faithful Senate , good People , quiet world , & what-ever he can desire as a King , or as a man. Or once more , in Lactantius his words , That God will keep him , who is the keeper of all things in his Dominions , to his Felicity , and our Tranquillity . The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England , in the Reign of K. Charles I. Books printed for Samuel Speed at the Rainbow in Fleetstreet . PHaramond , or the History of France , a new Romance , by the Author of Cassandra and Cleopatra , in Folio . The precedency of Kings , a discourse , by James Howel Esquire , in folio . Actions on the Case for Deeds , by William Shepheard Esquire , in folio . Declarations and Pleadings , by the Lord Cook , in folio . The Body of Divinity , written in Latine by Bucanus , and rendered into English , in quarto . The Golden Coast , or a Description of Guinney , in quarto . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A48796-e5910 Henry 8. a Tho. Ful. Holy State. p. 251. a St. Anthonies under New-Hall . b Christ-Church . a He married Mr. Colts daughter of New-Hall . b whereby he was double Reader . c On St. Aug. de Civit . Dei. d He was made Chancellour of that Duchy . e Queen Katherine said so . f A fellow at Bruges would undertake to answer any question : Sir Thomas put up this , Whether Averia capta in Withernamia sint irreplegiabilia , to that Thrasoes great amazement . g He built a Chappel at Chelsey , and hired an Alms-house there . h With the cause attested by the Attorney , in token whereof when one Tubbe brought him a Subpoena to subscribe , finding it frivolous , he writ under it a tale of a tub . Herbert . a When Master thereof . b When Knight of the Garter . c When Vi 〈◊〉 . General d Stow Sur. London . a As when one said he was accused for disloyalty to the King , he said , He would stab him with his dagger if he were . * Wiat. Let Florence fair her Dante 's justly boast , And Royal Rome her Petrarchs numbred feet , In English Wiat both of them doth coast , In whom all graceful Eloquence doth meet . a There were two sorts of these Knights , the first made by way of encouragement , the second by way of Reward : Sir Ralph was of the second sort , and the last that survived of that sort . b That of the Queens Marriage . c Luther , Melancthon , Carolostadius . b The Creed , The Lords Prayer , and the Commandments . e Saith Sir Richard Baker . f Per celebriora Anglorum Gymnasia artes excoluit . * Being called Bifrons Janus , g Cecil was the first . * Mr. More in the printted Life of his Grand-father Sir Tho. More , page 334. * That is , from Will. Molineux Knight , of Sefton in Lancashire Cic. pro Archiâ Poetâ * When Cardinal . * One of the house of York . * He is made Viscount Rochford . * They were 50 , with an Archer , a Demilance and a Constillier apiece : They and their horses being vested in Cloth of Gold. * Of Bretany and Normandy a Master of the Ordnance , who was killed the first night before Therouene . Notes for div A48796-e29980 Edw. 6. Bacons Ess . 116. The Duke of Somerfet's march . a The same day that 30 years ago they were beaten at Flodden . b He made the first and last Bannerets . The Lady Stanhope , c Whom they put in new Liveries . d For contriving the death of a Privy 〈…〉 Counsellour . There was another of his name Sheriff , Nephew to this Knight , in 25 of H 8. Lord Bacon's Essayes . a A Duffeild . b Recommending to him the care of three thrings : 1. His God. 2. His Soul. 3. His Company . Full. Hist . Cambr. p. 119 Vid. Full. Eccl. Hist . Edw. 6. T. F. p. 9. This story is related from the mouth of his Grandchild the Earl of Warwick that last was . See Ep. ad Lect. Lees Plees des Coron . Eth. l. 10. c. 7. Vid. Waterhouse in Fortesc . de laud. Leg. Angl. Vid. Cok. in Littl. Prefat . Notes for div A48796-e37990 Q. Mary . " Here William Cordel doth in rest remain ; " Great by his Birth , but greater by his Brain : " Plying his studies hard , his Youth throughout , " Of Causes he became a Pleader stout . " His Learning deep such Eloquence did vent , " He was chose Speaker to the Parliament : " Afterwards Knight Queen Mary did him make , " And Counsellour , State-Work to undertake ; " And Master of the Rolls : Well worn with Age , " Dying in Christ , Heaven was his utmost Stage . " Diet and Clothes to poor he gave at large , " And a fair Alms-House founded on his charge . Fuller Eccles . Hist . B. 8. Cent. 15. Cambd. Eliz. an ▪ 1576. The things that overthrow a Favourite . * The first of these loved Alexanders interest , the other his person . * France , Spain and England . Cicero . * He meant land . Anno H. 8. 24. Mach ▪ Prince , p. 56. 6 Viz. The Lord Tho. Seymour . Hist . Camb. p. 131. * His Mother was Daughter to the Duke of Clarence , and Granchild to Edward the IV Full. Hist . Cent. 16. p. 14. * Governor of Bi●● . * Kept at Black Fryars . Upon Record in Sir Rob. Cotton's Library . * As , Ecclesia , poenitentia , Episcopus , Sacrificium , Pontifex . * Viz. Those of his Diocess . * In King H. 8's time , when they rise against the Resormation . * When the rising was there . Notes for div A48796-e52440 Q. Eliz. a Descended of the Roman Cecilii , say some . b Grays Inne . c Fuller Holy State ex Arist . l. 2. de Coelo , c. 4. & 10. d Camb. Eliz. anno 15 79. / 80. " Take all ; there 's but one Jove above him : He " Is Rich , Fair , Noble , King of Kings , and free . " My Inferiour shall not fear , my Superiour shall " not despise me . * Cicely , Daughter of Thomas Bourchier , late Earl of Essex . Verulam's Essays . Cambden Eliz. 13. K. H. 4. K. Ja●es . * In Opposition to him of Spain . In Ll. a They say his father married a Familiar of King Henry's . See his Negotiation in France , in his Letters to Cecil in The compleat Embassador . See Fuller in his Worthies . * Causa virtus à Deo , vel ipse Deus . Vol. 3. p. 95● . * Camb. Eliz. 1560. Bacon Ess . 7. Oct. 15. 1565. * Sir Tho. By the learned , industrious and ingenious Edward Waterhouse Esquire , of Si●n . Colledge . a Which he made out from Dr. Wottons Discourse on that subject at Cambray . b To which Queen Elizabeth addeth a saying of Valentinians , Have the French for thy Friend , not for thy Neighbor . c De jure Reg. apud Scotos . d About moneys transported beyond Sea. Cambden Eliz. 1566 * Cambd. Eliz. anno 1577. * The Marquess of Northampton , the Earl of Bedford , John Grey of Pyrgo , Sir William Cecil , and Sir Tho. Smith * The Doctors Parker , Bill , May , Cox , Grindal , Whitehead , Pillington , and Sir Tho. Smith * At Cambray . * Who put Cardinal Wolsey , then but a Schoolmaster , in the Stocks . His Eliz. 1584. * As Cyrus at Thermopylae , Crassus in Parthia : therefore Alexander had exact Maps always about him to observe Passages , Streights , Rocks , Plains , Rivers , &c. Nethersole Fun. Orat. Prince Hen. p. 15 , 16 , 17. * Sir Rob. Naunton in his Fragmenta Regalia . a 2 Sam. 20 2● . b 1 King. 4. 6. c 1 King. 12 d Ibidem . See Davies of Ireland , and Ware and Powel of Wales . H. W. Sir Robert Naunton . F. B. a Leicester . See Sir H. Wottons Observalions . b He was one of them whose Natures disclose but slowly . c Under Dr. Whitgift . a His Eliz. to which Cambden gave but the language and the transcript . a From the mouth of Mr. Ramsey Minister of Rougham in Norfolk , who married the widow of Mr. Giles Fletcher , sou to this Doctor . * In his volume of English Navigations , P. 473. † Camb. in his Eliz. Anno 1583. when he was Agent in Muscov . as afterward Ambassador . Notes for div A48796-e85040 K. James . In his Book called , The Declination of Monarchs . Sir Robert Naunton ' s Fragmenta . a Adversus perduelles . a Where he was Bridegroom . a Witnesse his entertainment at London . H. Holland , p. 39. a Domanda assai , che non Manchera poi calare . Proverb . Hisp . apud Insig . D. Howeilum de legatis . Psal . 104. 3 a In the life of Richard the second . b Sir John Davies in Disc . of Ireland , pag. 39 , &c. * Vere's Commentaries . a Therefore the Yoke is their supporter . * Cambde● Eliz. Anno 1587. Idem , Anno 1600. * The E● of Essex The Lo● Nortis . Plau. in Aularia . * Though some observe that his digressions marred his repute , and had broke his neck , had he lived in any Kings reign but King James's . * Vid. Duke of Buckingham's Life . Notes for div A48796-e105170 K. Charls . Compleat Instructions for a States-man , given by L. B. to D. B. a Sir Hen. Wotton's life of the Duke of Buckingh . a 1. Of the Prerogative Royal. 2. Priviledges of Parliament . 3. The proceedings in Chancery . 4. The power of the Star-Chamber . * Being not used to the Common-Prayer . * In Tiberio● a As about the Petition of Right ; in reference to which , he & Sergeant Glanvile sat●●fi●d the Lords . Admin . Card. de Rich. p. 283. F. O. p. 12. 〈◊〉 . O. 134. a See the Ea●●●f Northampton's Speech . b See Lord Spencer . c Nobly communicated to all ingenious persons by the honourable H Howard of Norfolk , greater in his own worth than in any ti●●es . a See his late Majesties recomdation to him at his departure from Hamton-court . * In France , 1629. * At Perro●s & Aleppo . a So saith the Historian : but I think as much against them as against the K. Not onely because the welfare of K. & people are inseparable : but also because there is not a more common saying among the people , than defend me , and spend . J. H. * 〈◊〉 T. C. a The most pious , learned , wise , and Reverend Father in God , the Lord Arch-Bishop of Cant. was his Domestick . E 〈…〉 E 〈…〉 . Meditat. 2. Exemplified by his Chaplain Tho. Pritter . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vid. crudit . J. H. de lega●s , p. 25. a Since published .