THE NINE ENGLISH WORTHIES: Or, Famous and Worthy Princes of England, being all of one name; Beginning with King HENRY the first, and Concluding with Prince HENRY, eldest Son to our Sovereign Lord the King.  
AT LONDON Imprinted by H. L. for John Harrison the younger: and are to be sold at his shop in Paternoster, row, at the sign of the blue Anchor.  
1606.   

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE HENRY, Eldest Son to our Sovereign, the Kings most Excellent Majesty.  
RIght High, Right Excellent, and gracious sweet Prince,( in all humility) I beseech your Highness to pardon me, in that( being one of the meanest among the King your Father's servants) I have presumed to Dedicate this simple small Treatise to your Excellency: the Subject whereof is notwithstanding such and so great, as may seem unmeet to be termed a Subject. For, it treateth only of Kings and Princes; all excellent Worthies: a matter( I confess) much unbefitting my slender capacity, and less learning, to deal with. In which regard, I cannot but acknowledge, the true Proverb most fit to be applied against me, Blind Bayard is the boldest horse in the Cart. Notwithstanding, that, which hath spurred me forward to commit the fault, may( I hope) in some measure, qualify and excuse it; to weet, my servant love and zealous heart: which cannot endure, your Grace should pass by me, without some little testimony of my great joy, zeal, and bounden duty: howsoever, in the manner of expressing it, my discretion may perhaps be worthily taxed, and my insufficiency laid open to the world. But to proceed on: The Worthies, here recorded, are nine in number; all Henry's, all mighty Potentates: eight of which have already been Sovereign Kings of this renowned Nation; seven of them excelling in Martial valour and conquest, one of them( namely, King Henry the sixth) in virtue and piety,( the conquest of sin and himself) and none of them much inferior to some of the ancient nine Worthies. Now, your Highness being of the same name with them, and Heir apparent to the same Dominions, which those eight Worthies( your glorious Ancestors) sometime held, and the blessed son of a mighty Monarch; the eye of the World is upon you, and looks for a transparent passage of their virtues into you, and a reflection from you: the joy and comfort of this famous Realm of Great Britain( aswell in Church as Common wealth) is set and settled in and upon you, next to our King and present saving Governor. And their hopeful expectation hath already installed you the ninth Worthy; as being likely( in time) I say not, to equal the eight, but even to surmount and exceed them. For, as the ages, since theirs, have been illustrated with more learning, Religion, and divine wisdom: so, besides your gifts of Nature( who, in perfections, hath not been niggardly towards you) your Highness taking also your princely and happy education in a time of peace, and that under the wings and eyes of the most learned King your father, virtuous Queen mother, and such a Council of settled and deep wisdom, as not the like in Europe; your Highness, I say, hath( herein) means, examples, and leisure to hear, learn, behold, and observe the singular goodness of God, in that, which hereafter shall be your own greatness and happiness. And here I may not forget your chiefest honour, nobility, and worthiness; that you are descended of the eldest and highest house, of the blood royal of Heaven, the child and son of God, and consequently coheir with Christ( our great Lord) to the immortal Crown. Now, the same God, your heavenly Father, who hitherto( in rich mercy) hath showered down abundantly his graces upon you, vouchsafe to continue and increase them in you; guiding all your princely affections and actions, to the glory of his name, the benefit of the Church, the good of this whole Monarchy, the unspeakable joy of your royal Parents; and bless both them and you, as with much health, long life, and glory here, so with eternal happiness hereafter. July the 4.  
Your GRACES most humbly devoted, ROBERT FLETCHER.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable, my very good Lords, the Earls of Oxenford, and Essex, with my Lord Viscount Cranborne, and the other young Lords, Knights and Gentlemen attending the Prince's Highness; health, honour, and happiness.  
NObles and Gentlemen: Please ye to peruse the Chronicles of this Realm, you may therein read of many your famous and worthy Progenitors, who( some of them by Valour; the rest, by Wisdom and their other virtues) have grown great in Sovereigns favour, been preferred to high Place in Common wealth, lived and died in much glory; leaving an overplus of honour and dignity( by many descents) to you their children. The consideration hereof may, and( I doubt not) will, incite and egg you on( who are already well entered the way) to tread the same steps of honour, by imitating those your worthy Ancestors in their virtuous actions. For, your tender years are not ignorant, that The readiest way to get( and surest to hold) true honour, is to deserve it; and( consequently) that Virtue only, which first began Nobility, must still maintain it: whereas, chose, by degenerate and base conditions, many forfeit their Nability, ere they come at it. For, who knows not, that Nobility, without Virtue, is but apocryphate Gentry? and that, therefore, as it began in virtuous Ancestors; so it endeth in their wicked progeny. We see, The strongest wine becomes the sharpest vinegar: and, The most Noble, by nature, are made most vile by negligence. Of which Rank and sort, are chiefly such as hold learning in scorn, and the attaining of knowledge not worth the while. In reproof of whom, truly and eloquently was it( long since) written by M. Ascham; The fault is in yourselves, ye noblemen's sons( and therefore ye deserve the greater blame) that commonly the meaner men's children come to be the wisest Counsellors, & greatest doers in the weighty affairs of this Realm: and why? For, God will have it so by his providence; because ye will have it no otherwise by your negligence. And again, It grieveth me to say( but it helpeth not to hide) what every man sees; 'tis seldom seen, that the son of an excellent man proves excellent. I grant, that in excellent men, Nature must frame the chiefest parts: but learning addeth a further ornament, groundeth a deeper judgement, and formeth perfection, and excellency, in shorter time. The best learned are best advised. And, No man is deceived, but in those things whereof he is ignorant. In a word: What soever may be saydin dispraise of Ignorance, is the praise of Learning and Knowledge. Wherefore, I trust, your Honours, and the rest, will think it as great shame( which also are M. Aschams words) to be valiant and Courtly without Learning, as to be studious and bookish without Valour. My servant prayers, to almighty God, shall be so to direct your generous hearts to the study of good literature, with the love of virtue and true valour, that you always( not only in time of this your tender youth) may be found meet Gentlemen to attend so worthy a Prince. Remember, I beseech you, the Poesies borne in some of your honourable Ensigns; Vero nihil verius. Virtutis comes invidia. Serò, sed seriò: And never forget the most worthy saying of that thrice honourable late Senator; Corunum, via una. These Mottoes, well imprinted in youth, will bring honour to old age. Which the God of heaven and earth make you all partakers of in the present, and possessors in the future; and the same, after many years, to be permanent in the heavens, for ever.  
Your Honours in all humility, ever to be commanded, ROBERT FLETCHER.   

To his friend M. Ro. Fletcher, upon his Subject of the nine Worthies.  

WHo dreads the fume of every frothy spirit,  
And begs th'applause of each fantastic brain,  
Frighting with causeless fears industrious merit,  
Too much dejects exalted Poesy's strain.  
Let blind distrust insinuate approbation:  
A princely Subject scorns base deprecation.  Vino vendibili, non opus est suspensa bedera. 
φιλαρετὴ, R. fen.    

Thomas, Lord Windsor, his humble congratulation of the ninth Worthy.  

Whoever shall a virtuous mind embrace,  
Present renown, and glory shall him grace  
Long after life: as in these Worthies nine  
It doth appear. For they long since are dead;  
Their Virtues live, in Chronicles they shine,  
Their Corpse consumed to dust: yea even the Lead,  
That closed their earthly bodies in the grave,  
Can not be seen; no sign thereof we have.  
Their names, nor fames, their deeds will never die:  
Their Acts( their Monuments) their worthy praise;  
These registered, do live perpetually:  
There is no end or period of their days.  
Live so, Great Britain's Prince, as they have done,  
Ninth Worthy, hopeful HENRY, great King's Son.    

Sir William Whorewood, Knight, in honour of the ninth Worthy.  

WHen Silvius Post-humus did seek this soil,  
And therein thought to reign, to rule, to rest,  
Travails he found, and storms, with bitter broil:  
But little space in quiet he possessed.  
Since when, what alterations, and what change,  
By Conquest, and by Tyrant's bloody hand,  
To write at large, it would be true; but strange  
To count the troubles of now happy land.  
Yet, by eight HENRY'S, settled in itself;  
Lastly, united to one Kingdom more,  
What needeth it to care for Indian pelse?  
Gold, Plate, and Pearl it now possesseth store;  
And, more than all, a King, a Queen, a Plant,  
A Royal Issue, Parents chiefest joy,  
A Captain that in time will those supplant  
That dare attempt Great Britain's least annoy.  
Ninth Worthy, worthiest next our Sovereign be.  
God grant, long Reign of both may Britain see.    

john Wideup( the elder) Gent. upon the Worthies; but with most humble duties to the Worthiest of them all.  

NIne Worthies were described long agone,  
And as forgotten are intumbed dead:  
No Monument remains of any one,  
Though they were Shrined better than in Lead:  
But josua, David, Macchabeus be  
In Bible booked for first Worthies three.  
Next in that Rank( and so the number nine)  
Were julius, Alexander Macedon,  
Hector of Troy, and Godfrey-de-Boloigne,  
Arthur of Britain, Charles King Pippins son.  
In other books their Stories written are;  
With whom eight HENRIES well-nigh may compare.  
The ninth, in hope more worthy than the eight:  
Upon whose shoulders wisest heads have hurled  
Of future honour a far greater weight,  
Applauded of Europa, and the World.  
Besides all these, one Worthy more I sing;  
The worthiest of Worthies, JAMES our King.    

Jo: Guilliams Gent. upon the ancient nine Worthies.  

THe drift and scope of princely Subject this  
Is bend to very perfect honest end.  
The Writer thought, he could not write amiss,  
In writing that which formerly was penned.  
Nine former Worthies Stories theirs extend  
Some of them up to heaven, with endless praise:  
All of them lived most worthy in their days.  
But all were not of one, nor oneselfe sort:  
Three excellents, of God ordained before:  
Three other valiant, famous by report.  
The first three Kings, one Prophet, valour store:  
All three commended heavenly virtues lore.  
Three other were profane, but valiant men:  
Three Christian Kings, that used pike for pen.    

Paul Pert, Gent. upon the later nine Worthies.  

TO make those Worthies live again.  
Which long ago were leapt in Lead,  
Is worthy praise for taken pain,  
To him that raiseth from the dead  
Such Princes as in time possessed  
The Regal Sceptre, Crown and Globe,  
And in their Tumbs have taken rest,  
That once did wear a kingly rob,  
Now to appear on princely Stage,  
And to resign a princely power,  
Unto a Prince whose tender age  
jehovah bless, and grant each hour  
Him to attend the royal hest,  
And follow after true renown.  
He then from heaven shall be blest,  
Nor dare proud Fortune ever frown  
On him that virtuously doth live,  
To whom eight HENRY'S honour give.    

john Wideup ( the younger) Gent. of the nine Worthies.  

THe premier Worthies, which we Worthies call,  
Were worthy, three for godly exhortation  
( josua, David, Macchabeus): and all  
The other six for valour's imitation.  
Nine worthies more behold; eight Kings, a Prince,  
Young, Tender, Sweet, Great Britain's hopeful joy:  
Who will in time his father's Foes convince,  
And worthy prove, as Hector was of Troy.  
Then eighteen Worthies, with the Prince of Britain,  
This book doth note: Lo here their stories written.    

Thomas Webber( servant to the King's Majesty) upon the sixth Worthy, King HENRY the sixth.  

THe King was left an infant, most unfit  
To Reign, by age: but not to rule, till when  
He should attain in time to riper wit,  
Thereby to judge the differences of men:  
Yet, Crowned in Paris King of mighty France,  
In tender years almost an infant still,  
His uncles and his Nobles did advance  
His Regal power, as did his father will  
They should. But yet this King, a tender child,  
Was ruled and overruled by Tutor's head.  
For de-la-Poole his nonage then beguiled  
And brought King Rayners daughter to his bed:  
Yet during nonage, or his kingly youth,  
The valiant Dukes of Bedford, Gloucester thoe  
Salisbury, Shrewsbury Earles, these bent their truth  
T'uphold him King of France in spite of foe.  
In whose time, Talbot was a terror great  
To all the French. For, as his dubbing drums  
With armed soldiers did their walls down beat:  
So women feared their children, TALBOT cometh.  
Thus whilst these Nobles lived, this Worthy thrives:  
They being dead, than all was lost again.  
Salisbury, Talbot both did lose their lives,  
Bedford likewise. Now both these valiants slain,  
This King at home drenched in domestic strife,  
Fierce factions set his Nobles at debate:  
Some followed him, and some his headstrong wife,  
Till Richard Duke of York disturbed their State,  
Who claimed the Crown; yet never could attain  
The same: but Edward fourth his valiant son  
Rose into Arms, though first his father slain  
At Wakefield, where the Queen a battle won.  
With these and thousands more, this worthy King  
Tost and turmoiled, spent his Mortal time  
Till Tyrant Gloster in the Tower did bring  
To death this worthy Prince devoid of crime:  
In all his life who ever shunned evil,  
Conquering Sin, the World, the Flesh, the Devil.    

Thomas Binwin, Gent. upon his worthy young Master, the ninth Worthy.  

I Fall the Worthies should on earth appear,  
The ancient Worthies nine in Rank and place  
( Three from judaea, three from other where,  
And Christians three) our Britaines hopeful Grace,  
Our sweet young Prince, thereby could take small stain  
Though they from graves were raised up again.  
Now for those Kings, which HENRY had to name,  
May they compare with HENRY Britain's Prince?  
These Worthies( though of far renowned fame)  
Have sought and fought long time ago, and since,  
In vain for to conjoin their neighbour land  
To this their own; continuing war and strife,  
Until it pleased jehovas' mighty hand  
From hence to give King JAMES the fourth a wife,  
HENRY sevenths, sister, Lady Margaret fair;  
Of whom descends our Liege and gracious King,  
And brave Prince HENRY, his thrice worthy heir.  
Magnify God and Nature, for this thing.  
Which sole succession hath brought such accord,  
That he of both may once rest Sovereign Lord.  
This then may make our Worthy principal  
Of later nine; His future power and strength:  
Yea more, herein exceeding Worthies all;  
They being dead are now entumbd at length:  
This Worthy lives. God grant him long to live:  
Grant long( good Lord) the King, his father, reign  
( And to his princely son thy graces give,  
Great God) that both may Britain's wealth maintain.    

The Author's excuse of an Escape, in the Title following.  

NExt Title some small error may contain;  
Which doth aver HENRY'S, nine English Kings:  
Yet, to my Book, why should it seem a stain?  
Sith, to Great Britain, it great comfort brings.   

The hopeful Prince and Heir apparent, He  
With the eight Kings well may consorted be.  
Twice scap't( by Pen, and Press) I feared to raze  
His future Style, at whom even Kings may gaze.    

The nine English Worthies, or famous and worthy Kings of England; being all of one name, beginning with King HENRY the first, and concluding with HENRY now Prince of Great Britain.  

King Henry the First.  
 
KIng Henry the first was the son of William the Brother to William Rufus, that was immediately before King of England: which worthy King for his wisdom, learning, judgement, and honourable policy was surnamed Henry Beuclarke, or the fair Writer and good Scholar. He began his reign the fifth day of August, Anno Domini 1100. He was crowned at Westminster, reigned 35. years, and 4. months, lacking 4. days: he was strong of body, comely of stature, black haired, large and fair eyes, a Princely and a pleasant countenance, excelling in three virtues most commendable and comfortable to the subjects of his time, viz, Wisdom, Eloquence, and Valour.  

His Epitaphe.  

HENRY the first, a King, a Prince's son,  
Excellent wise, well learned, of valiant mind,  
His government recorded this hath won,  
For everlasting praise to him assigned,  
First worthy. Then take place, O mighty Prince,  
That with these virtues didst thy foes convince.     

King Henry, the Second of that name.  
 
HE was a Frenchman borne, the second son of jeffrey Plantagenet, Earl of Anjou, begotten of Mawde the Empress, daughter to King Henry the first; he began his reign over this noble Kealme of England the 25, day of October, in the year after the incarnation of our Saviour Christ 1154. and departed this life in An. 1189. in the 61. year of his age, after he had reigned 34. years, 9 months, and two days. And here may be thought( saith the Historiographer) that the reign of the Frenchmen, and the names took an end, after they had borne sway 122. years, after the coming in of King William the Conqueror. For, those Kings which reigned after this Henry the second, may rightly be called Englishmen, because they were borne in England and used the English tongue, custom, and manners, according to the nature and quality of the Country. His body was buried at Fountverand, which is an Abbey situate not far from the Eagle, within the Duchy of Almucon.  

His Description.  
HE was a man of good stature and very well form, of comely countenance, partly red haired, grey eyes, of wit quick, and perfect good memory, so that he could remember long all things of any moment, which he had either heard or seen; of body somewhat fleshy, and strong, and could abide very patiently the displeasures both of cold and heat, he had a large head, a broad breast, and very spare of diet, the rather because he would not be too fat, therefore when he was at leisure and free from wars, his exercise was hunting, and progress travels.  
He was a Prince of stout stomach and invincible courage, more resolute and constant in time of adversity, then in prosperity: liberal to all men, but chiefly unto soldiers. Pitiful to the poor( an excellent virtue and nature in a Prince). For proof whereof in a time of dearth which happened in Anjou and Maine, he did at his own cost and Princely pity: feed ten thousand poor people every day with good victuals, from the first of April till the last of july, An. Dom. 1176. And above his Princely and most magnificent housekeeping he stored garners, cellars, and store-howses, religious persons and their houses. Tributes and Taxes he took very seldom, and those not great. He was very expect in feats of war, and no less fortunate therein. He would praise his Captains and men of war after their deaths to encourage those that lived; he was well learned as those Princes aforesaid, and exceeding wise. His care to have justice duly administered in his Realm was exceeding great, in so much that finding that the Sheriffs in his time were rather inclined to seek their own gain, then to deal uprightly with his subjects, he appointed Sapranisors over them to over see their doings, as if they had been Controllers, so as an awful regard made them circumspect, and wary in their doings. He ordained also punishment for Hunters in Forests and grounds of warren, either by fines or byimprisonment. He ordained that murderers should be hanged, other offences he punished with loss of limbs, and otherwise as the quality of the offence required. Most careful he was to have justice administered without corruption. He tried men of sundry sorts to execute justice with justice, but in fine he referred it to the Bishops and Clergy men, hoping in that profession to find the most integrity: and yet he little regarded the Bishop of Rome or feared his censures, as is manifest by the history of Thomas Becket in this King's time, and sundry others.   

I find two Latin Epitaphs translated into rude English by the Writer of this whole History, the effect whereof somewhat reform is, as followeth.  

KIng Henry was of late my famous name,  
A Conqueror of many a Princely land:  
Small Epitaph shall need to advance my fame,  
What done by me was done by powerful hand,  
And in my days I passed not a pin,  
For Pope of Rome, he nought of me could win:  
War, Law, and justice as a prince's word,  
I held them always of the great'st regard:  
Where peace would not prevail I drew my sword:  
Unto myself and soldiers, full reward  
I gave, and with small bloodshed as I could,  
I tamed my foes and quailed princes bold.  
As second Worthy, I do claim the place,  
Amongst the nine, and more. For in my time,  
All Christian Princes sought to me for grace,  
For without me they could not live sans crime.  
My peers and princes I maintained with right,  
And in the field dubbed many a worthy Knight.     

King Henry the third.  
 
KIng Henry, the third of that name was the eldest son of King john, the youngest son of king Henry the second: being a child of the age of nine years he began his reign over the realm of England the 19 day of October, in the year of our Lord 1216. he was crowned at Gloucester by the hand of two Bishops: viz. Winchester and bath, by the honourable means of William Martial then Earl of Pembroke. He was a Prince of great wisdom, power, and policy, by whose eloquent oration this young king was crowned as is here mentioned: he departed this life at Westminster the 16. day of November, 
Nota.  in the year of our Lord 1272. after he had lived 65. years and reigned King of this Realm 56. years & 28. days: he was buried at Westminster, left a Princely and a very honourable issue, as Edward Prince of Wales, who succeeded him by the name of King Edward the first. He had one Son more and three daughters, he was of body well cast( to use the former writers own words) being strong and of a good stature, well favoured, and of a be wtifull face, only blemished a little in the lid of one of his eyes, of nature very courteous, and of stomach both noble and stout, as may appear by his many battles and victories, a devaut Prince toward his God, and bountiful in works of relief, and comforts towards the poor and needy: therefore a Worthy, and worthy of th'ensuing Epitaph.  

His Epitaphe.  

HEnry the third began his reign in peace,  
And likewise brought a mighty peace to pass:  
Beginning his forced factious French surcease,  
And landed Lewis in France where first he was:  
Else noble England had been thrust in thralls,  
By Lodowick and his lusty gallants then:  
But English Britaines banished the Galls;  
So showing that they were true English men.  
King Henry then of Worthies was the chief,  
That for his subjects wrought so greatreliefe.     

King Henry the fourth.  
 
WHen king Richard the secod had resigned the crown, as in his history it appeareth he did, Henry Plantagenet borne at Bollingbroke in the county of Lincoln, Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Hertford, Leicester and Lincoln, was with the general consent both of the Lords and commons of the Realm published, proclaimed, and declared king of England, France, and Lord of Ireland: he was crowned at Westminster in An. 1399. with great and kingly Majesty, all Officers of estate and of princely service doing their homages, and attending upon the same. He departed this life the 20. day of March 1413. and in the year of his age 46. when he had reigned 13. years five months and odd days.  

The manner of his death.  
THis king was endued with magnanimity, and did purpose a voyage against the infidels, and to have with his force and might redeemed Palestina, or the holy land then so called, from the Infidels. Having an army and all honourable provisions for such a journey ready, and being the time of his high court of Parliament, he fell suddenly and extremely sick, as he was then( though vainly) praying before Saint Edward's shrine: from whence being removed into a chamber of the Abbots of Westminster called jerusalem, he departed as is above said. But during the time of his sickness, say some Writers, he caused his crown to be set upon a pillow at his beds head: and suddenly the pangs of death having power over him he seemed dead, and the gentlemans Attendants covered his face with a vail. That valiant Prince his son being advertised thereof, entered into the chamber, took away the Crown and departed. The King his father revived quickly, and did perceive the lack of his crown, and having knowledge that the Prince his son had taken it away, he caused him to appear before his presence, demanding of him how he durst presume to such an act. Who made unto the king an humble and princely answer: but the king answered with a powerful Majesty, saying with a great sigh; Well fair Son, what right I had to it God knoweth, yet I commit all to God, and wish unto you all good graces from him worthy of so high and mighty a calling; so yielding up the ghost in the Abbot of Westminster's chamber called jerusalem as is aforesaid. And himself being told that the same chamber was so called he took comfort there at and much rejoiced therein: for, determining a most honourable journey towards jerusalem, he did end his days in jerusalem.   

His Description.  
THis King was of a mean stature, well proportioned and formally compact, quick, prompt and ready of wit, of a stout courage, and in his latter days he showed himself so gentle that he obtained more love amongst the Nobles and people of this Roalme, than he had purchased envy concerning his right to the Crown mentioned to the Prince his son: he was buried at Canterbury, the King his son being present at his funerals.   

His Epitaphe.  

HEnry the fourth( though Richard second should  
Have died our king) he died our King indeed.  
Which act by dint ofsword was so controlled  
That many English hearts it made to bleed:  
Shrewsburie field doth still the matter scan:  
Where Percies pierced the heart of many a man,  
Themselves were pierced and perished in the field:  
This mighty King could not be conquered so,  
Lord Henry hotspur could not make him yield,  
Northumberland Earl, Worcester, thousands more,  
The Prince of Wales, a leader young but bold,  
Fought for his Father like a Lion old.  
Like an old Lion rampant open jaws,  
Devouring beasts, so fought this peerless Prince;  
Yet was he, wounded in the face God knows,  
Prayed to take Tent: he said I will convince  
Those foes that dare behold my Father's face,  
Within his land and work him this disgrace.  
The brave Earl Dowglas struck the King on helm,  
And field him flat upon the trampled plain,  
Slew Walter Blunt and like to overwhelm  
The King, the prince, and all their valiant train,  
Till Kingly valour forced Dowglas flight  
And with his hand slew thirty six outright.  
Dowglas was taken prisoner in the place,  
So was the Earl of Wore'ster worthy pain,  
And so he was beheaded wanting grace:  
But Dowglas was received to grace again,  
And freely ransomed by that worthy King  
'Gainst whom he fought and many foes did bring.  
More of this King, if more ye list to hear,  
Then read his story and more shall you find,  
That from his prime unto his perfectest year  
Great honour and great fortunes were assigned  
Unto this King; but more unto his son  
Who had no peer since Christian World begun. 
Counterfeit kings.   
Counterfeit Kings in Kingly armours clad  
Were beaten down by the Earl Dowglas hand,  
To see them fall it seemed his heart to glad  
To rise again, he said o powerful land  
That valiant hearts withstanding fortunes check  
Three Kings to rise each one in others neck.     

King Henry the fifth.  
THe Prince of Wales son and heir to king Henry the fourth was born at Mounmouth in Wales upon the river of Why: after his Father was departed this life, he took on him the regiment of the Realm of England the 20. day of March: and being proclaimed King by the name of Henry the fifth, the year of our Lord 1413, such great hope & good expectation was had of this kings fortunate success to follow, that within sour days after his Father's departure, divers Noble men and honourable personages did to him homage, and swore to him due obedience: which had not been seen done to any his predecessors kings of this Realm, till they had been possessed of the Crown.  
He was crowned the ninth day of April being Palme-sonday: and being a very fierce and cruel day for variety of fowl weather, men divined and deemed diversely what might ensue of such a beginning.  
But whatsoever men's fantasies might or did conjecture, yet this was the King, that according to the proverb did show and declare indeed how true and new honour ought to make exchange of old and evil manners. For no sooner was he invested king and had received the Crown, but he did put upon him the shape of a new man, turning insolency and wildness, into gravity and soberness: and whereas he had passed his youth with wanton and dissolute wild young gentlemen who had led him into all excess of riot, in so much as one of his youthful train being committed by the Lord chief justice for misdemeanour, the youthful Prince did strike the Lord chief justice upon the face, who also presently committed the Prince to strait and close prison. The King his Father maintained the Lord chief justice; banished the Prince from his presence and Court, did remove him from the Counsel Table, and would not readmit him into favour, until with submission extraordinary he obtained the same. But as before being placed in the seat Royal, he called these Gallants before him, told them of his and their own faults, banished them from his presence, not unrewarded nor yet unpreferred, inhibiting them upon a great pain, not once to approach, lodge, or sojourn within ten miles of his Court or Mansions. And then he made choice of grave, wise, and politic Counsellors: by whose high wisdoms, and prudent advertisements he might at all times rule to his honour, and govern to his profit. And considering with himself what charge he had in hand, and what appertained to his duty and office, he trusted not too much to his own wisdom, judgement, and directions: but as is aforesaid he called to his Counsel such honourable personages as might assist him in the government of so weighty a charge to instruct him with such good reasons and fruitful persuasions, as that thereby he might show himself to his subjects, a Mirror of virtue, and an example of just and upright dealing. And having first laid the foundations of his government sure, he did providently forecast and consider in his Princely mind, that every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from the Father of lights. He determined withal to begin with something most acceptable to his divine Majesty. And therefore commanded the Clergy sincerely & truly to preach the Word of God and live accordingly; that they might be as they ought to be, and their profession required, lanterns of light to the temporalty. The Lay men he commanded to serve God and obey their Prince, prohibiting them above all things the breach of matrimony, the fowl abuse of swearing, chiefly of wilful perjury: and to that end he ordained good & wholesome laws, and presently summoned a Parliament, in the which in honour of the most noble order of the garter, he ordained the day of S. George ever after to be kept with a double feast: in this his first parliament, he propounded matters of question touching the hierarchy of Churchgovernment, that time; but was answered with the just and lawful title which he had to the kingdom of France. Which when he had conceived to pursue, the Dolphin of France a valiant young prince, sent unto his Majesty a barrel of tennis balls, as if he would have said, these are fit instruments for such a young gentleman to play withal as you the King of England is, & not at these years to forecast the conquest or rather a Reconquest of the noble and renowned kingdom of France, which the King my Father, and I the Dolphin do and will possess maugre the power of England.  
But this redoubted king, magnanimous, wise, grave, and settled to all kingly resolutions, sendeth the Dolphin this mild and sober answer. Go tell that gallant young gentleman your Master, that I do thank him for his present, and will with all speed prepare to send him in requital such store of London balls, as shall batter the strongest holds, make stoops the most beautiful Towers, and make flat the chimneys, and roufes of houses, about his and his Father's ears, that are contained in the realm & confines of France. For I will make the highest crown to stoop, and the proudest mitre to kneel down; yea and that before one year do pass me, by the power of God. Which thing to make good he slacked no time, omitted no occasion, lost no opportunity, but made preparation both by sea and land to execute the full of his intended purposes.  
Being furnished for the expedition of the fleet, ready for his Majesty and Armies to sail forth for the entire conquest of all France, behold a conspiracy was practised against this immaculate king, by the Earl of Cambridge and others at Sowthhampton, upon whom he commanded( though sore against his will, as some Authors do affirm) execution to be done upon his going to shipboard, making it known by a most loving and princely Oration how unwilling he was to have taken life away, or to have left the noble Earl of Camebridge dead and sequestered from his then victorious voyage.  
Yet had he seen or foreseen at that time to have showed the like upon the Earl of March: Richard Duke of York had not claimed afterward as he did, nor confounded the state and government of this kings only son, nor wrought his own end at Wakefield as he did: but the Almighty is and ever will be all in all.  
This his first and honourable voyage into France, his warlike proceedings there, his conquest of many particulars, his battle or most famous victory at Agincourt, where he slew and subjecteth to himself, as prisoners and captives, all the flower and chivalry of France, his return again into England, his second voyage back again, his second conquest of all France, the Homages of Philip duke of Burgundy with other estates of France, his marriage with Katherine the French Kings daughter, his triumphant stay there in Paris, his Princely or rather Imperial howsekéeping there, his return again into England, his last return into France, his settling of the estate there, his Coronation at Paris, the most Prophetical censure of Prince Henry his Son borne at Windsor, and afterward King of England crowned also in Paris King of France, his untimely or most lamentable death, his return into England in mournful funerals, are extant in his histories, and the best worthy of reading, in regard of his own Princely Person, valour, virtues, and most excellent acts, of all the other Chronicles of the English Nation. And yet to observe the order and decorum of my poor endeavour in abstracting the beginnings and end of eight most worthy Kings, and all Henry's, I will conclude this most worthy king, with the manner of his death, and description, using the Hystoriegraphers own words, phrase, and manner; as not to be amended by any.  
The King fell sick, and so was brought to Boys de Vincens, and thither came to visit his Majesty( with heavy hearts) the Dukes of Bedford & Gloucester: the Earls of Salisoury, and Warwick; whom the King right lovingly welcomed, and showed himself to be no less glad of their presence: but when he did see them pensive for his sickness, and danger wherein he lay, with many grave pithy and courteous words recomforted them the best hes could, and there with he exhorted them to be trusty and faithful unto his son, to see that he might be virtuously educated, and brought up: concerning the rule and gonernance of his Realms, during the minority and young years of his said son, he willed them to join together in all friendly love, and concord, keeping continual peace and amity with the Duke of Burgundy and never to make treaty with Charles, who calleth himself Dolphin of Vyenne, by the which any part of the crown of France, or of the Duchy of Normandy and Gwyene might be lessened and diminished. And further that the Duke of Orleans, and the other Princes should remain prisoners till his son came to lawful age, lest by returning they might kindle more fire in one day, then could well be quenched again in three. He further advertised them, that if they thought it necessary, than it should be good to have his brother the Duke of Gloucester to be Protector of England during the minority of his son: And his brother the Duke of Bedford with the help of the Duke of Burgundy to be Regent of France.  
Commanding him with fire and sword to persecute the Dolphin, until he had either brought him to reason and obeisance, or else to drive and expel him out of the Realm of France. And herewith he protested unto them that neither ambitious desire to enlarge his Dominions neither to purchase vain renowue and worldly fame, nor any such consideration had moved him to take that war in hand, but only that in prosecuting his just Title, he might in the end attain to perfect peace, and come to enjoy those pieces of his inheritances which to him of right belonged: and that before the beginning of the same wars he was fully persuaded by men both wise and holy of life, he might and ought upon such inteut, both begin the same wars and follow them till he had brought them to an end, justly and rightly; and that without all danger of the Almighty's displeasure, or peril of soul.  
The Noble men present promised to observe his precepts and perform his desires: but their hearts were so pensive, and replenished with sorrow, that one could not for weeping behold an other. Then he received the Sacrament and fell to devout prayer: and in saying of certain Psalms meet for the present time, he ended the days of this life, the last day of August, Anno 1422.  

His Description.  
THis Henry was a king whose life was immaculate, and his living without spot, this king was a prince whom all men loved, and was of none envied, this prince was a Captain against whom fortune never frowned, nor mischance once spurned: this Captain was a Shepherd, whom his flock both loved and obeyed. This Shepherd was such a justiciary, that he left no offence unpunished, nor good desert unrecompensed & fully rewarded. This justiciary was so feared, that all rebellion was banished, and Sedition suppressed. His virtues were no more notable than his other qualities were worthy of praise. In strength, and nimbleness of body, from his youth few or none were to him comparable. In wrestling, leaping, and running, no man( almost) durst with him presume. In casting of great iron bars, & heavy stones, he excelled commonly all men: cold weather never made him siothful, nor hot caused him to shrink, & when he most laboured his head was uncovered: he was no more weary of his armour, then of a light cloak. Hunger and thirst to him were never noisome, he was never afraid of a wound, nor would shrink for the pain in dressing, he neither turned his nose from ill savours, nor from smoke and dust would close his eyes, no man could be found more temperate in eating and drinking, whose diet was not too delicate, but rather more meet for men of war, then for dainty and delicate persons: every honest person was permitted to come to him even sitting at meals, and either secretly or openly to declare their minds, and intent: high and weighty causes as well between men of war, as other he would gladly hear, and either determine them himself, or commit them to other to give sentence. He slept very little, and that was moved either by bodily labour, or unquietness of mind: but being in sleep no small noise could awake him; insomuch as when his soldiers did sing, or minstrels play in the camp that it sounded withal, than he slept most sound. His courage was invincible and his heart so immutable that fear was banished from him. If an Alarm chanced to be raised by his enemies he was the first in armour, and the first that would set forward: in the time of wars he would not only get knowledge what his enemies did, but what they said, and intended to do; so that all things to him, were known aforehand. And of his devices, few persons before the execution of his purposed intent should be made privy: he had knowledge in the ordering and guiding of an army, and such a rare gift to encourage his men to fight, that the Frenchmen said it was impossible for him to be vanquished in battle: he had such wit, such prudence, and such policy, that he never enterprised any thing before he had fully debated it, and foreséen all the main chances that might happen: and when the end was once concluded, he with all diligence and courage set his purpose forward. What policy he had in finding sudden remedies, from present and dangerous mischiefs, and what practice he used in saving himself and his people in sudden distresses, except by his acts they did plainly appear, it would seem incredible to be told; and no less admirable how he did abstain from lascivious living, and avaricious desires in such time and estate of riches and provoking youth. In the time of loss he was no more sad then in the times of victory, which constancy few Princes have ever used. To speak of his bounty and liberality, no man could be more free, gentle and liberal in bestowing rewards upon all persons according to their deserts: saving that he did not regard money to keep, but to give away, and to spend. What may besaid? he was the Mirror of all Christendom, and the glory of his Country, the flower of Kings passed, and the glass of all succeeding Majesty. No Prince had less of his subjects, no king conquered more: whose fame by his death lively flourished, as his acts in his life were seen and remembered. The loss of such a Prince could not be sufficiently lamented of his subjects: blaming fortune for taking away so precious a jewel, so noble an ornament so sure a defence: for no doubt so much hope as was taken away from the Englishmen( the assured conquest of all France) by his sudden death, so much trust was increased in the French nations stomachs to recover their late losses again; as not many years after they did indeed: Peter Basset Esquire, and one of his chamber, affirmed that he died of a Pleurisy, there were others that did astirme otherwise, but the most likely was a Pleurisy indeed; the nature of that disease being then unknown to Physicians, or to the world in those days especially.  
This King reigned nine years, five months and three and twenty days: and lived not full thirty eight years: he was of stature higher than the common sort, of body lean, singularly proportioned and strongly made, of face beautiful, something long necked, black haired, stout of stomach, eloquent of tongue, in Martial affairs a perfect master, and of chivalry the very peragon: His body inbalmed and lapped in lead was laid in a chariot royal, richly appareled in cloth of gold: upon his corpse was laid a representation of his person, adorned with robes, diadem, sceptre, and ball, like a king: the which chariot was drawn with six horses richly trapped with several arms; the first with the arms of S. George, the second with the arms of Normandy, the third with the arms of king Arthur: the fourth with the arms of S. Edward, the fifth with the arms of France, the sixth with the arms of England and France. On this Chariot gave attendance james King of Scotland principal Mourner, his Uncle Thomas duke of Exeter, Richard Earl of Warwick, Edmond Earl of March, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Edmond Earl of Mortaine. The 
Nota.  Lord Fitz Hugh, Hugh L. Beufort, Walt. L. Hungerford Sir Lewis Robsert, Lord Bourchier, Sir john Cornwall, Lord Fanhope, and the Lord Cromwell were the mourners. The Lord Lovel, the Lord Audley, the Lord Zouch, bore the banners of Saints: the Baron of Dublin bore the standard, The Earl of Longvile bore the banner. The Hatchments were borne only by Captains to the number of twelve, and round about the Chariot road five hundred men at Arms all in black armour, and their horses barbd with black, carrying the but end of their spears upwards. The convoy of this dolorous funeral was committed to Sir William Philip's Treasurer of his household, & to Sir William Porter his chief carver and other mourners: on each side the chariot were 300. men bearing long torches, and Lords bearing banners, baveroles and pennons. 
Nota.  With this funeral pomp he was conveyed from Bois De Vincens to Paris; and so to Rouen, to Abuill, to Calis, to Dover, and so through London to Westminster, where he was buried with such solemnities as to such a Prince appertained; especially such lamenting of the Lords, and such mourning of the Commons, asn ever before those days were seen in the Realm of England.   

There is as I do think an Epitaph fixed upon his tomb, at Westminster: but I held it my duty to continue my course in writing a simple one of my own, in honour of him, etc. His Epitaphe.  

OHad I Homer's pen, and Virgil's wit,  
With Tully's Eloquence to praise this Prince,  
And would the Muses come and by me sit;  
Yet pen and paper would my Muse convince.  
For who can write of this most famous King,  
And shall not err in many a worthy thing?  
His life immaculate, what doth that mean?  
But that he conquered sin, the world, the flesh,  
Unspotted sure: O heart and body clean!  
Almost two hundred years ago, yet fresh  
The memory of thee O King remains.  
Thy tomb like Crystal shines devoid of stains.  
Prose be thy praise, which Holinshed hathpend:  
And praised be thy name O King for ever.  
Thy own pure praise no mortal man can mend,  
Thy name cannot forgotten be, no never.  
England and France ring forth thy famous praise.  
Though thou reign with the Ancient of all days,  
Yet as a mirror, or a looking glass  
Thou may'st remain o King amongst us still.  
Succeeding princes will not let thee pass  
To Heaven without administering thy Will.  
Such testaments grant all thy heirs to prove:  
Then England's glory never shall remove.  
Rest then o Rex, and rise up with renown,  
Westmonastery doth thy tomb possess,  
Succeeding Sovereign doth enjoy thy Crown  
And Kingdoms all, one more; for whom we bless  
Thy name great God, who long prolong his days  
To England's comfort and ay-lasting praise.     

King Henry the sixth.  
AFter that death had bereft the World of that noble Prince King Henry the fifth, his only son Prince Henry being of the age of nine months or thereabout with the sound of Trumpets was openly proclaimed King of England and of France, the thirteenth day of August Anno. 1422. by the name of King Henry the sixth. The custody of this young Prince was committed to the Duke of Exeter, and to Henry Beuford Bishop of Winchester. In the eight year of his reign & the same of his age, he was with all solemnity crowned king at Westminster: not long after which time he took the sea at Dover, landed at Calis, from thence to Rouen, and so to Paris, whither attended on him his Uncle the Cardinal of Winchester, the Cardinal and Archbishop of York, the Dukes of Bedford, York and Norfolk, the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Oxford, Huntingdon, Ormond, Mortaine, and Suffolk: of Gaskoines, there were the Earls of Longvoile and March, besides many Noble men of England, Gwyen, and Normandy: and the chief of the French Nation, were the Dukes of Burgundy, Lewis of Luxenburgh Cardinal and Chancellor of France for King Henry, the Bishops of Baviors and Noyom, both Peers of France; the Bishop of Paris and divers other Bishops: the Earl of Vandemont, with a great number of other Noblemen, superfluous to be named. And he had a Guard about his person of three hundred choice Archers, some on horseback, and part on foot. With what triumphs, pageants, rich and sumptuous shows he was received into Paris, would be too tedious to repeat. On the seventh day of December, he was crowned King of France in our Lady Church( so called) in Paris, by the Cardinal of Winchester; the bishop of Paris not being contented that the Cardinal should execute such an high office in his Church and jurisdiction. After all ceremonies finished, the king returned to the palace, having one crown on his head, and another borne before him, one sceptre in his hand and another borne before him: A triumphant feast and great rejoicing, but mingled with distaste by means of the proud Cardinal of Winchester; who, preferring his own will before the weal public, controlled that mighty Prince and valiant Captain, the Duke of Bedford Protector of France: which malice moved, and heartburning broached by the Cardinal, was remembered and revenged by the Nobility. But my only purpose being to select forth the name of Henry, and but to note their beginnings & end, by way of abstract I will leave this worthy young prince yet a while, and tell the untimely death of john Duke of Bedford, a tale worthy of note and memory, and this is it: viz.  
This year the fourteenth day of September 1436. died john Duke of Bedford and Regent of France, a man most politic in peace, and no less hardy in war, and yet no more valiant than merciful when he had the victory: whose body was with all funeral pomp and solemn obsequies buried in the cathedral Church of Rouen in the North side of the quire under a sumptuous & costly monument etc. Which tomb when King Lewis the 11. knew to be his, and was incited by certain indiscréet Frenchmen to deface the same, he answered; What honour shall it be to us, or to you, to break this monument, and to pull forth of the ground the dead body of him, whom in his life time, neither my father nor your progenitors with all their puissance and friends were not once able to make flee one foot backward; but by his strength wisdom and policy, he kept them all out of the principal Dominions of the realm of France, and also out of this Noble and famous Duchy of Normandy: wherefore I say first, as God hath his soul, so shall his body now lie in rest, who when he was alive would have disquieted the proudest of us all. And as for the Tomb, I do assure you it is not so decent nor convenient, as his honour and acts deserved, no although it were more rich and more beautiful than it is.  
But to return according to the occasion, and by the way to touch this worthy Prince. His misfortune in his minority, was the cause of his Nobles dissension: and that the cause of an unmeet and unfortunate marriage; so that the Prince in his young years spent all the honour power and pleasures of this mighty and worthy King, whose life was immaculate like his Fathers, whose patience overcame all his perplexities. Once deposed from his regal state, and dignity, and once again restored( in which interim was his prophetical speech to those Princes and Nobles about him, touching the young Earl of Richmond a child of ten years old, Behold( saith he) steadfastly beholding the young Earl: This is he, whom we and all our Adversaries must give place unto, when all is done) He was again deposed, committed to the Tower of London, his only son slain, his Queen took sanctuary, his Nobles, best subjects, and all his partakers slain in sundry battles: himself lastly murdered in prison; and yet his patience, integrity, godly life and good works were no less commendable, than the acts of his father were famous, and honourable. He reigned 38. years, 6. months and odd days; and other 6. months after his readeption of the crown. Helived 52. years.  
To censure him, the God punished him for his grandfathers & father's faults, or that miracles were wrought by him, I neither will believe, nor write, as the writer of his history doth, nor of King Henry the seavenths' purpose to have him canonised for a Saint: but yet the love of that most mighty King, that in the zeal of this Kings immaculate life would have had him remembered for such holiness, doth commend my purpose( which is) to commend him for the sixth worthy( and in rank also) above all other his princely deeds. The king's college in Camebridge, and Eton College near Windsor, are both very excellent monuments of his princely liberality: and myself have observed forty years together that God blessed both those houses, the one for education, and the other for bringing forth very excellent scholars.  

His Description.  
HE was of a seemly stature, of body slender; to which proportion all his parts were answerable. His face was very beautiful: wherein was ever resident a sweet reseblance of bounty, wherewith his Royal heart was naturally endued, and ever thereunto inclined. He abhorred all vices both of the body and of the soul. His patience was such, that of injuries done to him( which were innumerable) he did never seek vengeance; thinking and saying, that for such adversities as befell him, his sins should be forgotten and forgiven: what losses soever did happen unto him, he never esteemed nor made account thereof: but if any thing were done which seemed to offend the Almighty, that he lamented with sorrowful repentance.   

His Epitaphe.  

HEnry the sixth, a Prince, a Saint, a King,  
Fair England's sovereign eight and thirty year:  
Which time with more, his woeful end did bring,  
As in his story doth too plain appear:  
O had his Uncles lived and well agreed,  
His death had not so vilely been decreed.  
Had Dela Poole been dead ere he was borne  
King Raynars Daughter had not been thy wife.  
If innocency thou hadst held in scorn  
And reached thy hand to war, debate and strife,  
And Parent like hadst proved Mars his son,  
Gloucester had not thy fatal thread unspon.  
Had Richard( Warwick) won at Barnet field,  
Brave Montacute, or many Nobles more,  
That fled, or died, or were enforced to yield  
( But power divine had not ordained so)  
He had not gone back prisoner to the Tower  
And there detained until his latest hour.  
Tewksbury field had like or worse success;  
Duke Somerset, the Earl of Devon, eke  
The marquess Dorset taken in the press  
The poor young Prince was found, whom Crofts did seek  
And brought before the King by armed Band;  
Whom Richard Gloucester murdered out of hand.  
Did patient job endure more pain than this  
Most Mighty Prince. Who hearing all this ill  
Yet never murmured or once thought amiss,  
More than a man, remaining patient still,  
A King indeed a conqueror of the mind.  
In all the stories we no such do find  
( Divine, profane, or moral, as I yet  
Did ever read) such magnanimity  
To rest in man where human heart was set,  
Or who had feeling of extremity.  
Rest now o King in heavens most happy shrine,  
Preserved from foesb all the powers divine.  
Let Windsor be his monument of state,  
Because he was both borne and buried there,  
Knight of the Garter, mighty Potentate. 
Nota.   
Though to his Father's sense it did appear  
That Henry borne at Windsor should not be  
Like Henry borne at Mounmouth, which was he:  
Yet Henry borne at Windsor worthy fame  
Was and still is and shall be to the end:  
His Colleges continue will his name  
Whilst Worlds endure: it is in marble penned.  
Then worthy King, sixth Worthy live, and be.  
For many Worthies were not like to thee.     

King Henry the seventh.  
THat most valorous, virtuous, and politic Prince, King Henry the seventh, needeth not any preamble for his birth and education: only he was the true & undoubted heir of the house of Lancaster, and came to the Crown by the conquest of his enemy Richard Plantagenet late Duke of Gloucester; but later a most horrible murderer, registered Homicide, Tyrant, and Usurper of the crown of England: of whom I will make no further mention, but that this mighty Prince conquered him, and his people in fought field. At Bosworth in the county of Leicester 22. day of August 1485. the conflict and conquest was determined.  
So prevailed King Henry the seventh, the day and year above said, to the great glory of God, and the continued comfort( ever since) of all true and faithful English hearts. Now this King being by conquest absolute, by power able, by birth heir Apparent; yet to settle and make steadfast his reign and succession, he married Elizabeth, the daughter of king Edward the fourth, next heir of the house of York: and so reunited both those houses( most honourable in themselves) into one entire monarchy, into one unity, into one body, into one( I say) and that a most happy one, into one bed; and blessed be that bed, and the seed for ever, that sprang and still springeth of that generation. This union, or knitting of these two famous houses both together, was the end of long continued civil wars, the death of nobility, destruction of the commonalty, the griete of foreign Princes, the lamentation of Cities, the outcry of the people. The State, before this union, was so rend and torn, that it was thought a thing impossible ever to have been reconciled again: therefore this gracious beginning doth prognosticate a happy continuance and never to have ending.  
Yet the Duchess of Burgundy, a Princess of state and stomach, being Aunt to Elizabeth the Queen, did so much malign this great and excellent good, that she set up many mawmentes and apysh toys of purpose to distemper the peace of this union: as rearing up Perkin Warbeck, a base dutch vassal, to usurp the name of Richard Duke of York, the second son of king Edward the fourth; who with his tender young brother king Edward the fifth, had by their unnatural Uncle been both murdered in the Tower. Many vain and surmiled images she advanced to distemper the state, until time and succession made an end of her malice: which also by a lingering sickness took this worthy an excellent king forth of this World. But, before his death, he married the Lady Margaret( his eldest Daughter) to King james the fourth King of Scotland: which marriage I thought good to insert, as it is recorded in the course of his history; viz.  
james the fourth king of Scotland, a mighty and a valiant Prince, having had sundry fewdes, and garboils which the English Nation, and that in the interim of truce, and abstinence of war, especially about Norham castle; the Bishop of Durham Richard Fox owner of that castle in the right of the Bishopric wrote divers letters of submission to the said K. and the K. again to the Bishop, & one letter in conclusion of many things, that the bishop of Durham should come into Scotland to him about weighty affairs.  
The Bishop certifying the King his Sovereign of the premises, The King commanded the Bishop by his letters to satisfy the Scottish Kings desires, which he took to be both reasonable and honourable: and of which message the Bishop was very glad.  
So going into Scotland the king himself most graciously & courteously received this Bishop at the Abbey of Melrose, and after some expostulation with the Bishop touching some slaughter done upon his Subjects at Norham Castle, and the Bishop's submiss and gentle answers thereunto, the King gave the same most like a King the hearing. And afterward called the Bishop into a secret place garden or gallery, where no witnesses were admitted but only the King and the Bishop, and then he declared unto him what just causes had moved him in times past to seek amity with the king of England which now he desired to have confirmed, and to hold inviolable for ever, if the said King would vouchsafe to conjoin in matrimony with him the fair and bountiful Princess L. Margaret the K. eldest daughter. In the behalf whereof we were purposed to send our Ambassadors to the K. your master. But we thought good first to prove your love, good liking and forwardness towards us and our good liking to your king, his daughter, his subjects and dominions.  
The Bishop answered but few words: only he said that when he was returned to the King his master, he would in so great and weighty a cause do the best offices that he could. When the Bishop was returned into England and came before the king, he declared to his Majesty all the communication which had passed between king james of Scotland, and him, from point to point in order.  
The king liked exceeding well of the motion, as he to whom peace was ever a sovereign salve.  
But having then a marriage in nuptial celebration almost, between Arthur Prince of Wales, and Katherine the Infant of Spain, the marriage with Scotland being hastened by both the kings: in the very triumphs of the former marriage, king james sendeth an Earl, a Bishop & divers noble personages, who were received into London for the consummation of his marriage with the aforenamed Lady Margaret: which Earl by proxey, in the name of king james his master affied and contracted the said lady. The which affiance was published at Paul's cross the day of the conversion of S, Paul being the 25. day of Januarie supposed. In the rejoicing whereof Te Deum was sung, & great bonfires made throughout the City of London.  
All these things being accomplished, the Imbassadors both of Scotland and Spain took their leave of the king and departed, not without great rewards to both the Ambassadors.  
Not long after, the Lady Margaret affyed as aforesaid was sent towards the king her husband: the conveyance of which princess was committed to the Earls of Northumberland & Surrey, the Earl of Northumberland being L. Warden of the Marches, and was commanded to deliver her at the very confines of both the realms. And thereupon she was removed from Berwick to Lamberton Kyok in Scotland; where the king's Majesty met her, and with him all the flower of Scotland of Noblemen and Gentlemen; and where the Earl of Northumberland according to his commission delivered her unto the king of Scotland. The Earl of Northumberland that day was so richly appareled in garments garnished with goldsmiths work, stone and pearl, his Hexemen also and the barbs and trappings of his horses, besides 400. tall men well mounted & appareled in his livery & colours, that he seemed more like a king than an Earl.  
From Lamberton the foresaid Lady was conveyed to Edinburgh; and there, the day after, king james espoused her in the presence of all the Nobility of Scotland, and of those English that attended her, with great feastings banketings, jousts, and Princely pastimes: and after all things finished to such a solemnity appertaining, the Earl of Surry being chief in commission, with the Earl of Northumberland, and all the other English Lords and Ladies returned into their Country again.  
But as all earthly creatures and things transitory have their end and period, so had this Mighty prince K. Henry the seventh. For his sickness increasing daily more and more, he well perceived that his end drew near: therefore meaning to do some comfort to his people, he did grant them of his own free motion a general pardon for all men, and for all offences committed against any his Laws and Statutes: thieves, Murderers, and certain others were excepted: he also paid the fees of all prisoners in and about the gaols of London abiding there only for that duty: He paid also the debts of all such persons as lay in the Counters or Ludgate for forty shillings, and under, and some he relieved that were condemned in ten pounds. General prayer being made to God for the restitution of his health, nevertheless he was so wasted with his long Malady, that nature could no longer sustain his life, and so he departed this life the 22, of April, 1509 at his palace at Richmond: his corpse was conveyed to Westminster with all funeral pomp, and there buried by the good Queen his wife in a sumptuous Chapel, which he not long before had caused to be builded. And as the greatest travelers have reported it is one of the most beautiful and most curious pieces of work in the World.  

His Issue.  
HE reigned twenty three years, seven months & odd days and lived fifty two years: he had by his Queen four sons, and four Daughters, of the which number there remained alive behind him, Henry his second son, prince of Wales, which after him was king: Margaret Queen of Scotland, and Marie promised to Charles king of Castille.   

His Description.  
HE was of body but lean and spare, yet mighty and strong therewith, of parsonage and stature somewhat higher than the common sort of men: of a wonderful beauty and fair complexion, of countenance merry and smiling, especially in his communication: his eyes grey, his teeth single, and hair thin, of 
Nota,  wit in all things quick and prompt, of a princely stomach, and haughty courage; in great perils, doubtful affairs and matters of importance supernatural and as it were divine: for he ordered all his doings advisedly and with great deliberation.  
He was sober, modest, moderate, honest, courteous, bounteous; so much abhorring pride, and arrogancy, that he was ever sharp and quick to all about him noted with that fault, he was also an upright justice: by the which one property he won to him the hearts of many people. He left to that lusty valiant and gallant young Prince his son and heir many excellent good parts and properties of a Prince, as also Coffers full stuffed with coin, jewels and treasure. To conclude, he had in him as many good gifts both of body and mind, and fortune as it was possible for any King to have: his politic wisdom in governance was unngular, his wisdom always assured, reasons pithy and substantial, his memory fresh and holding, his experience notable, his counsels fortunate and taken by wise deliberation, his speeches grations in divers languages: leagues and confederations he had with all Prince's Christian, his mighty power was dread every where both within his own Realm and without, all his people were to him in humble subjection as ever they were to King: his land many a day in peace and tranquillity, his prosperity in battle against his enemies was marvelous: his dealing in time of perils and dangers was cold and sober, with great hardiness. If any treason were conspired against him it was miraculously discovered: his buildings most sumptuous, and goodly, all of the newest form and fashion and cast all of pleasure. So this king lived all his time in fortune's favour, in high honour, wealth, and glory, and all which wrought his fame in this world, and the same everlasting in the world which shall never have end.   

His Epitaphe.  

MOst provident, most politic, most wise,  
Most sumptuous builder, most profound in all  
The things that wealth and wisdom can devise,  
The things that Art to memory can call,  
All things that God and nature did decree,  
Those with this worthy king concluded be.  
Not any other with this mighty King  
May be received nor entertainment have.  
That which doth peace and plenty to him bring  
That which his Realms and subjects lives can save,  
Those he receives that blessing brings from God,  
Those he rejects which threaten scourge and Rod.  
Thrice blessings in his marriages he made:  
First was his own, Queen El'zabeth his wife;  
Before the which was many a bloody blade  
Bathed in the bowels of continued strife.  
The house of Lancaster, with York did strive,  
To leave of Prince nor Subject one alive.  
This Worthy brought into his nuptial bed,  
The bride whose beauty did the World excel,  
This Worthy joined the white Rose with the red,  
This bed doth now in Windsor wardrobe dwell:  
This manage wrought that perfect Unity,  
By which this day all Britain's happy be.  
The second was his eldest Virgin pure,  
The Lady Margaret. Unto james the King,  
Bishop of Durham did that match procure:  
Earl of Northumberland the bride did bring  
Home into Scotland. james the fourth did wed.  
Britain most happy by that nuptial bed.  
Only these two, though more this worthy made,  
May now and shall suffice, for all the rest.  
No Actor he of Hymenaeus trade.  
We in these two most happy now are blest,  
And blest in heaven are the authors all  
As we thereby redeemed are from thrall.  
Henry the seventh seven Sciences embraced,  
All liberal, all princely all of power,  
All enemies he from his kingdoms chased  
And left a Son of Chivalry the flower,  
Succeeding Henry and the eight to be  
Worthy, but now a worthier is then he.     

King Henry the eight.  
KIng Henry the eight was borne at Greenwich the 22. of june, Anno. 1492. He began his reign the 22. day of April. 1509. he reigned, 37 years, 9 months and odd days, being 18. years old when he began to raignè. And although this worthy king was in years young, in person strong, beautiful and valiant, in treasure rich passing any his predecessors, mighty and worthy in power and in action: yet being adorned and beautified with learning to his Princely magnanimity, he ordained his Council by the advice of his gracious grandmother the Countess of Richmond and Derby, such as he knew to be prudent indeed, and the kings his father most dear and familiar friends: some of whose names I thought good to insert, for the especial and singular effects which ensued of their most honourable and grave counsels: viz.  
Thomas Lord Haward Earl of Surrey and Treasurer of England, George Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewsebury and Steward of the king's household: Charles L. Somerset Lord Chamberlain, after Earl of Worcester, and others: which wise and grave Counsellors, seeing what abundance of wealth this young king was now possessed of, lest it might incline his young years unto riotousness, and forgetting of himself( for not to any King before him was left the like riches in ready coin, jewels, and plate, and excellent movables, as to him by his famous father King Henry the seventh) therefore those most honourable Counsellors did labour to attain his Princely presence, in their secret meetings, and most honourable privy counsels; that by degrees they might win him to survey at least the affairs of a kingly office, and Princely government.  
Which also he slacked not to do: for within less than 5. years after, to wit, the 20. of july in the fifth year of his reign, he entered into France with a puissant power; and mighty army, won the strong Towns of Torney▪ and Turwin, had in pay( as soldiers mercenary) that most famous Emperor Charles the fifth, and also the Palsgrave of the Rhine, which wore Saint George's cross: in which time also was fought that famous battle of Branxstone or Floden-field, where the King and the flower of all his chivalry was conquered by the valiant hands, of Norfolk, and Hawardes.  
In the sixth year of his reign the Pope did send him a cap of maintenance, in those days the highest degree of honour: and the same Pope was mediator to him for peace, in the French Kings behalf, and for the confirmation thereof the French king married the king's younger sister Mary, and died shortly after.  
In the twelfth year, the king made a most famous, pleasant, and princely voyage into France, with atriumphant train of Nobles, Ladies, etc. for an interuew between him & his Queen and States on the one party, which was performed in the valley of Andrean, with many varieties of princely shows, as the history thereof at large describeth that voyage;  
And that in his way the Emperor Charles met his Majesty at Canterbury keeping Whitsuntide there, with the king.  
In the fouretéenth year of his reign, he was by a Bull from Rome, ordained or entitled the defender of the Christian faith, which title was then given to him and his successors for ever.  
The same year also he received into his Realm the forenamed Charles the fifth Emperor again into the City of London, with Great triumphs, etc. invosted him with the Garter, and habit of that most honourable order, swore league and amity during both their lives.  
In the 18. year he contracted league with the french K. to hold both those king's lives, and one year after; he was also invested, with the collar and order of S. Michael, and the French king with the Garter and order of S. George.  
The twenty three year he( or the law for him) did confiscate Cardinal Wolsey a proud and wealthy Prelate in the statute of praemunire, had great treasure thereby, as also great fines of all the Clergy, for defence of the Cardinal's power Legatine: and about the same time, he took upon him the title Supreme head of the church etc. For the which & for the suppression of abbeys immediately after; howsoever the Pope and his successors since have presumed to curse him and his blessed succession( his Daughter Mary only excepted):  
Yet the Almighty hath blessed both him, and them, Edward and Elizabeth since, and long O Lord vouchsafe to bless the true and lineal descent of noble King Henry the seventh.  
But sure it was a wonderful Kingly Majesty in that valiant King: who possessed but a part of great Britain, nor having fast friendship with the other part, but many domestic and civil garboils at home: all or the mayor parts of Christendom, holding then Rome and her religion for Catholic and universal: all which notwithstanding, this most famous and mighty king did abolish and abandon, to his ever immortal praise and wonder of the world. How did God after this bless his son, although but with young years and short reign, yet with miraculous might: and his second sister reigning almost forty and five years, with immaculate happiness.  
And after this also he warred against the French king, won the Tower of Bulloyne and many other parts on that side, forced that Nation to composition, brought home peace, honour, wealth; and in the exceeding love of his people, he ended his life, at his palace at Whitehall, the eight and twentieth day of January, Anno 1546. when he had reigned thirty and seven years, nine months, and odd days, triumphantly, and in great felicity, leaving the Issue before mentioned, Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth. His body, according to his Will in that behalf, was interred at Windsor, with all funeral Pomp, in the Chapel, and College of S. George, Patron of the Garter; whereof almost 38. years he had been sole Sovereign.  

His Description.  
THis worthy Prince was right fortunate in all his doings▪ so that( except only in his marriages) all other his attempts had good success as well in matters of peace, as of wars. Of parsonage he was tall and mighty, yet exceeding comely: but towards his latter end gross and( as we term it) burly: in wit and memory very perfect, of great Majesty; yet so tempered with gracious humanity as best became so high an estate: a great favourer of Learning & learned men, and of himself not ignorant of divine Learning, nor moral literature: and for his great magnificence and bounteous liberality his renown was spread throughout the World.   

His Epitaphe.  

EIght Worthies now are nominated here,  
Eight Kings, eight Britain's, eight brave English men:  
Eight, such as in their times had no compear:  
Eight, such as cannot be expressed with pen:  
Eight, such as never lived in time together,  
King David's Worthies might not match them ever.  
For David's Worthies were not crowned Kings:   

David was once anointed of the Lord, 
〈…〉 vid.   
His Psalms great comfort to our conscience brings,  
His virtues were according to the word  
Of God, for all his treatises are true  
Prefiguring Christ, he Bear and Lion slew.   

Prince josua Captain of that mighty host,  
Six hundred thousand did his camp contain, 
〈…〉 va.   
His prayer stayed the Sun amid the Coast  
Till he the Kings of Canaan had slain:  
He Israel their foes did all confound  
And razed proud jericho down to the ground.   

Brave judas Machabeus with the best 
〈…〉 as acha 〈…〉 us.   
Of valour his thus boldly may he boast:  
The jews redeeming them with foes oppressed  
And that with small and very sober host:  
A Worthy therefore of the jewish Race,  
Armed with that God, disposer of all grace,   

Great Alexander Macedonian Prince,  
Whom the earth's continent could not content: 
Alex 〈…〉 der.   
Philippe his father Nations did convince,  
For which his son with tears did sorelament,  
Saying with sighs his father's Captains to,  
My father will leave nothing me to do.   

Hector of Troy a valiant Champion tried  
'Gainst factious foes did oft reinforce the field, 
〈…〉 ector.   
Enforcing them their faces else to hide  
Or plead for mercy and like suppliants yield,  
Not any of our Henry's wanted power,  
To have subdued him in his sternest stour,   

If julius Caesar could have been a King 
〈…〉 lives 〈…〉 sar.   
With conquest which his Roman Legions made,  
By bloody bodkins he should not the sting  
Have felt of death in powerful Senate's shade.  
Brutus' his son nor Cassius had conspired  
His death, had he not kingly state required.   

Arthur of Britain most renowned king, 
〈…〉 rthur.   
Six of the nine were not his equal peers,  
Full thirty king domes he to his did bring,  
Yet was his life not many more in years.  
Brave Britain then take place among the best,  
And midst our worthy Henry's take thy rest.   

Next Charlemagne of France, a Monarch great, 
Charlemagne.   
So called great, and Emperor he was.  
French Chronicles his actions all do treat,  
He for a Christian Worthy well may pass.  
Yet Henry ours the eight as good as he,  
Shall for a Christian King compared be.   

Godfrey de Bulleigne was a Prince of fame,  
He wore upon his helm a crown of thorn, 
Godfrey   
Hefreed all Christian captives where he came:  
And not forsook them, till in pieces torn  
He left their foes laid groveling on the ground,  
That durst attempt a Christian to confound.   

See then nine Worthies in their rank and place,  
Three of which number governed the jews,  
Great josua is foremost of that race:  
But, for king David brought us better news,  
I place him first, and do withal compare  
Henry the eight a worthy King most rare.  
Henry the eight gave us our premier taste  
Of milk which is most meet for infant's food:  
Edw. and Eliza. stronger meats embraced,  
And fed us till we better understood  
The word of God, which Rome had us bereft:  
This grace to England gracious Henry left.  
Three more of Worthies by their names to call,  
Great Aloxander was the Graeciaus joy:  
And julius Caesar mighty Roman shall  
Be second here, than Hector stout of Troy:  
three mighty Princes, peerless in their days,  
Whose worthy valour won them endless praise.  
Three Worthies more of Christians bear the name,  
Arthur of Britain, Charlemagne of France,  
And he that freed all Christians where he came  
Wearing a crown of thorn the name t'advance,  
Godfrey de Bulloyne worthy Christians three.  
Nine no less worthy follow in degree.  
Henry the first, Henry the second eke,  
Henry the third, Henry the fourth and five:  
Henry the sixth, whose match is far to seek.  
Except King james do match him, none alive  
With that sweet King may well compared be,  
For true and perfect magnanimity.  
Henry the seventh a prudent worthy Prince,  
Whose wisdom joined with perfect policy,  
With red Rose and with white, he did convince  
Domestic foes, and foreign that durst try  
For title, state, pre-eminence or place.  
Eldest Daughter his is now great Britain's grace.  
Henry the eight, eight Worthies more hath made:  
The ninth remains in Henry Prince of Wales.  
The eight do rest in fresh Elysian shade,  
The ninth need fear no blast of winter gales,  
So long as worthiest of all Worthies lives,  
King james, to whom all Eighteen Worthies gives  
Their Sceptres, Crowns, their Diadems and power,  
Their places and pre-eminence likewise.  
Th'Almighty hold his mighty hand each hour,  
Upon his head; that caused him to rise  
Like Phoebus when our Cynthia lately set, 
Cynthia.   
Paying to God and nature all her debt.  
This Epitaph in Henry eight shall end,  
And Henry Prince of Wales may here begin,  
To imitate, for that he doth descend,  
Such Worthies eight, such honour may he win,  
Long life, good health, all graces from above,  
With subjects praise and kingly Father's love.    
FINIS.   

Henry the ninth, Prince of Great Britain.  
 

The Author, in honour of the last ninth Worthy.  
EIght famous Kings precedents to a Prince,  
Whose valiant acts are registered with fame:  
Eight Henries, and all those the conquest since,  
As Worthies all have justified their name:  
Eight such as all the King domes of the earth  
Cannot exceed, for Title, State, and Birth.  
What makes men Noble? Birth and parentage,  
Adorned with gifts, and beautified with grace.  
Then Britain boast, that never any age  
Brought the like Prince, a thousand years in space:  
For birth, for virtue, and for expectation,  
Prince of Great Britain ouerpeer's each Nation.  
Ninth Worthy then, O Prince, possess in peace  
That worthy Title, best befiting fame:  
Let prudence, fortitude, and all increase  
That virtue adds, and doth adorn your name.  
Let Princes all, and spite itself confess,  
In foreign Lands Prince Henry is peerless.  
Of all the World our mirror then of might,  
Our Paragon, most rare and worthy praise,  
Our Comet, and our rising Star most bright,  
Grant mighty jove, that long and happy days  
He may enjoy, and we rejoice and sing  
For this Ninth Worthy, first for james our King,  
Your famous father, and Great Britain's joy,  
Your glory also, guider of your youth;  
Whose careful, Counsel to prevent annoy,  
Most like a King, he penned in perfect truth,  
You to direct: and all young Gentlemen  
( Your followers) are advised, by Kingly Pen.    

The Prince his Bien-venue, or welcome to all the famous Worthies of the World.  

Brave Britain's beauty, and fair England's joy,  
Camber's Commander, Ireland's lamp of light,  
Cornwales fair Duke, and Chester from annoy  
Count Palatine, for to defend with might,  
Whole Europe's Comet and Saint George's Knight,  
Grant Lord, the George and Garter long he wear  
To King and Country's comfort, as true heir.  
Welcome sweet Prince, into our company,  
Which we from heaven with cheerfulness behold.  
We had our times, our period was to die;  
But yours to live, and registered in gold:  
Whose powerful parent cannot be controlled,  
Because he knows and fears the Lord above,  
lives in his Laws, and hath his people's love.  
But had your praise been limd with learned pen,  
Of Princely Surrey, once a Poet sweet,  
Sir Thomas Wyatt, or like gentlemen,  
They on this Theme discoursers had been meet:  
But this( alas) hath earthen hands and feet:  
And yet, for that we in our tombs do rest,  
Let's be content to see and and say the best.  
This poor beginning may much better prove:  
The fairest tops and architectures stand  
On low laid mortar: beauty shines above.  
Foundations, first, are laid, with miry hand:  
Timber, glass, stone, lead, iron, gold on sand  
Are seated, and more subject to decay  
Then that beneath, whereon their State doth stay.  
From hence may hap some Builders take a frame,  
And rear with Beauty sumptuous stately Towers:  
The worthy Poets, Daniel by name,  
Sylvester, Drayton, can build sumptuous Bowers:  
And many more bedewed with heavenly showers.   

And though who now this task doth undertake,  
Did never to the Muse's homage make  
( The more unfit to fawn upon them then,  
In craving of their aid without desert,  
And to invite them with a rustic pen,  
Fetching his cunning only from the Cart)  
Yet, yet, give leave to every loyal heart.  
For all are not endued with learning's skill:  
And he writes well of States, that writes no ill.  
Then take, in gree, all what proceeds of love,  
Of duty, and of true obedience.  
And whosoe'er he be doth faithful prove  
In services, and shall( without offence)  
Whistle or pipe, sans hope of recompense,  
And only to express a joyful heart  
At Princes good; O, let him Act his part.    
FINIS.