THE Famous History of Albion's Queen.  
Wherein is discoursed King Edward's jealousy, Queen Katherine's chastity, the Duke of Suffolk's loyalty, and the Baron of Buckingham's treachery.   blazon or coat of arms 
Imprinted at London by W. White for T. PAVIER, and are to be sold at his shop in Cornhill near to the Exchange at the sign of the Cat and Parrettes. 1600.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL EDMUND MVILINEUX ESQVIER, health, happiness, and prosperity.  
THE general report (right Worshipful) of your gallant mind and noble disposition, hath emboldened me to pres●●● this my worthless labour to the view of your ingenious judgement: and the long desires of my willing mind being now set on fire with the fame of your bright renown, presageth my m●ses good fortune; which although it be but barren, yet watered with the dew of your gracious acceptance, will hereafter be more fruitful. What the Story is, let your wisdom conceit: my Subject is, The Virtues of a chaste Queen, and the loyalty of a faithful Subject; the triumphs of an honourable mind, shrouded under the habit of a jealous King. Accept it (sweet M●●●tialist) with a favourable countenance, and my hopes are advanced. After the thundering alarms of dreadful War, Soldiers will sometime recreate themselves with pleasant discourses: be you then, I beseech you (right Worshipful) a kind Patron to an unworthy wit, that I may say unto my muse, Happy is thy chance, and fortunate thy proceedings.  
By your divoted and humble well-willer till death. R. G.   

THE Famous History of ALBION'S QUEEN.  

CHAPTER. 1. ❧ How King Edward grew jealous of Queen Katherine, through the flattery of the Baron of Buckingham.  
ABout three hundred years before the royal name of great Plantagenet possessed the imperial Diadem of this Maiden Land: in which golden age, there reigned as then one Edward, surnamed the Senior, a Prince of most excellent wisdom: but yet in the first entrance of his government, crossed with many strange calamities through disloyal actions of false subjects.  
This Edward was not any of those royal Edwardes, which lived since the Normayne Conqueror made England happy by his lawful claim, but one lineally descended from the Roman Emperors, who in the spring time of his blooming youth, took to wife a most wise and virtuous Queen, beautified with many singular good gifts of nature and princely qualeties, beseeming so worthy a Lady: which Queen Katherine (for so was she called) altogether employed a dutiful care to adorn and set forth her husband's Princely house and Sceptre, with surpassing glory and rich renown of virtue: and besides that, she so worthily defended her own honour against a number of lose Loveres, which daily practised the conquest of her chastity.  
But now her betrothed husband King Edward, being troubled divers ways with the hurly-burlies of his Kingdom, nothing at all solaced his mind in the company of his virtuous Queen, by which he grew in mistrust of her chastity, greatly fearing lest others should love that, which himself liked: or that she favoured that, which he falsely suspected, his telous mind never rested satisfied: partly of himself led with fond belief, but chief incensed through the faithless falsehood of one George de Combria, surnamed the Baron of Buckingam, being advanced from low and poor parentage to the king's Court, and not only made one of his privy counsel, but placed in all digneties next unto his person.  
This proud Baron, envying the honour of Queen Katherine, closely stuffed the King's conseated head with false reports, and as it were conjured the spirit of I closie into his mind, against the good and gracious Princess: which unjust occasions of grief being settled, & unkindness so deeply graved in his heart, that never after it could be razed out by any means whatsoever.  
King Edward being thus sunk into the bottom of despair, fetched many grievous sighs, and often in great sorrow of heart would breathe forth this, or such like lamentations.  
Oh my untrusty Wife and Lady! wherefore hast thou wounded thus my hidden love, and enforced me to complain of thy treacherous infidelity? Thou hast engaged my honour, discharged my person from renown, and possessed dishonour to my Sceptre. Oh! I lance forth into the gulf of dolorous distress. My marshal staff of prowess is broken in pieces, and I am led into voluntary servitude, deceitfully bereft from the freedom of my nuptial life, and sacrefized a slave into the hands of traitorous varlets.  
In this manner many a day King Edward fed his jealous mind with vain imaginations, casting himself from the lofty mountain of passed joys, into the bottomless pit of present woe. So on the other side, the Baron of Buckingam, being hardoned in shameless audacities, encountered him with a new onset, to diet his smell with a quicker scent: and so espying a time to play with the sword of sedition, he in presence of many of King Edward's Lords, vomited out this wrongful accusation that followeth.  
If protesting of loyal duty to your worthy Majesty, or floods of incessant tears distilling from the cundets of my sorrowful eyes, may make perfect show of a Subjects honest mind, as yet never blemished with the breach of dishonesty, or ever touched or found guilty of traitorous crime: in regard of which true obedience (most mighty Prince) account my speeches for a verity, and nearly look into the wrongs of your Marriage bed, which ignorance hath heretofore coutched up in secrecy: For be it known, that the mighty Duke of Suffolk, an ancient enemy unto your Crown and dignity, is familiarly crept into secret favour with Queen Katherne your honourable Spouse, who under shadow of serviceable duty, bereaveth your Majesty from the fruit of true continency, and covereth your nuptial bed with a strained mantle of black infamy: Oh what a grief is this unto the souls of us, which entirely love your Majesty, whose lives be wholly consecrated to your good fortunes. It is not spite that enforceth me to defame the reputation of your royal Queen, unto whom I stand bound in all humble service: nor any hate, nor proffered miuryes, doth inflame my mind to blemish the good Duke of Suffolk's fame with immortal ignobilletie, but love and duty to my Prince and country: wherefore (most noble King) clear your understanding, and weed from your Court such treacherous deceivers, that your life be not suddenly entrapped, and we unfortunately deprived of a wise and puissant Prince. And to conclude, if I George de Cambria Baron of Buckingam, be disproved or polluted with the breach of dishonesty, an utterer of false speeches, or be found a flatterer, or one that hunteth after Princely favour, proudly aspiring after dignities and promotions, then let me perish, and like a traitor be thrown out as an open shame unto the world: otherwise, knit and bind me to your Majesty in the fast bond of loyalty, and have the reward of a faithful subject.  
When the Baron had thus enchanted King Edward's ears, his head burned more hotter with the heat of jealousy then before: a disease so incurable, that being once entered into the mind, never resteth till it penitrateth into the secret depth of the heart. The King thus catched in a fools net, neglected honest truth, and was choked with the sweet bait of flattery: and being unable to discharge the boiling heat of his stomach, with extreme outrage called for the Lord high Marshal of England, and commanded him to take a strong Garrison of best tried marshal Soldiers, and to apprehend the Queen, and the Duke of Suffolk, and keep them both in safe custody, until he knew his further pleasure: which sharp commandment was presently put in execution by the Marshal, who in heart greatly lamented the dishonour of so virtuous a Queen. But now the King like one being scandalized by his wives infidelity, departed into his chamber, where many a day he secluded himself from all company, except the wicked Baron, which continually increased his jealousy: in which hell of life, we will leave him for a space, and speak of the Queen's extremity, being imprisoned under the Lord high Parshals' guard.   

CHAP. 2. ¶ How the three Earls, of Westmoreland, Somerset, and Durham, came to visit Queen Katherine, being in Prison: and what passed betwixt them.  
THe Duke of Suffolk seeing himself so wrongfully imprisoned, and such false accusations laid against the honour of his reputation, was strooken into such a sudden amaze, that he could not outwardly bewray his sorrow, but as it were inwardly bleed tears of blood, to clear his conscience before the immortal Majesty of God for such a crime.  
On the other side, the noble guiltless Queen, oppressed with like woe and mortal mishap, beholding herself a spectacle of dishonour to the world, although before the supernal judge most clear and perfect in conscience, without either stain or spot of defamation: yet being perplexed plexed with sundry thoughts of grief, procured by the furious frowns of her husbands hate, in the time of her imprisonment, writ these verses upon the walls with the blood of her marriage finger.  

The spiteful Barons cursed flattery,  
Hath wronged Queen Katherine's spotless chastity:  
And leveled out his darts of lasting shame,  
Against the princely honours of her fame.   

But Truth in time, shall conquer envies will,  
Where Faith shall spring, and brightly flourish still:  
Pack hence Despair, sweet joy come ease my smart,  
For constant Faith doth harbour in my heart.   

My Love is true, my spousal Promise just,  
Not stained with any crime of lawless lust:  
Then princely EDWARD, cease thy cruel hare,  
For Falsehood wrongs my noble fame and state.   

Dear Spouse, despise not thus thy constant Queen,  
Whose loyalty doth glister bright and green:  
If ever you took pleasure in my youth,  
Let sound belief be witness of my truth.   
No sooner had the Queen finished these bloody lines, but there came into the Prison to comfort her, three grave Counsellors of King Edward's Court, whom she did most lovingly entertain: and after some conference passed betwixt them, she most kindly kissed her husbands lively Picture, which as then hanged about her neck by a fair chain or rundle of Gold, pouring out many bitter tears, to the wonderful grief & admiration of all that beheld her: the which being done, she humbly desired pardon of the Lords, to use some words in the defence of her chastity, so that she might not abuse their patience: and as she having an innocent & guiltless heart, so she might freely discharge her conscience, and clear herself from all those unjust accusations laid against her.  
This her virtuous request so highly pleased the three Lords, that they presently consented to give her free authority openly to honest her honourable and ancient credit. The harmless Queen in a most seveere and bold countenance, with sundry taire amiable syrtes in her checks, her brows beset like the majesty of Diana, her white ivorte trembling hands like the driven snow, her body even framed and fashioned of the virgin wax, spoke as followeth.  
If unmeasurable grief of heart (Right honourable Lords) or the noble blood of my predecessors, may be sufficient to draw melting pity from your minds, I do not doubt but your wisdoms will account the accusation of the wicked Baron to be unjust, which he hath oppressed me withal, who daily seeks by flattery, to cut the sweet verdure, and tender greenness of my young years: therefore (most noble Lords) for pities sake, arm me from his hurts, defend and guard me from his dreadful conspiracies, succour and support me with honourable justice: for he doth assault me with misery, he doth usurp tyrannical villainy against me, he seeketh the overthrow of the Signiory of our Kingdom, he setteth a deviston betwixt my Lord and me, and doth prepare an entrance for himself: But I wish a separation of soul, with a thousand torments of body, if ever I overturned my spousal chastity, the which I have always carefully kept, and without violation preterued it to my dear Lord and Husband. If then these my words may mollify your hearts, to plead in my behalf to Kind Edward that he may with discretion consider my innocence, 〈◊〉 repute you merciful men, and sound searchers 〈◊〉: wherefore, have mercy upon me I say, have mercy upon a wronged Queen, traitorously abused. And in speaking this, tears so abundantly flowed from the cundets of her eyes, that she was forced to be silent.  
These words of Queen Katherine, so grieved their hearts, that they were all persuaded of her virtuous life, and that her honourable fame was injured through the bengance of the aspiring Baron, who by flattery had perverted King Edward's noble mind: therefore to comfort the grieved Queen, the worthy Earl of Somerset, in the name of all the rest, spoke as followeth.  
Your modesty (most noble Queen, quoth he) shall enforce us to prostrate ourselves before his Majesty, that he may favourably enfranchize your lipertie, and take you again to his good grace and well liking, whose head (no doubt) is fraughted with many fantasies against you: but yet since humility doth illustrate and advance your cause with open truth, resolve this a comfort to your princely mind, that your enemy which hath so mightily abused your reputation, can never escape due punishment: and the Gods (I know) will never forgive so vile a wickedness: As for example. Camera the Queen of Egypt, having a hundred thousand sorrows lodged in her chaste mind, being by rigorous justice condemned to be torn a sunder by wild Horses, and so made a dolorous example unto the world: But now mark the judgements of God upon the vile betrayers of this virtuous Queen: for even in the hour of her death, an host or army of angry Wasps with the sharp stings in their tails, in open view destroyed and subverted her enemies: an exploit of worthy warning against all false pertured accusers, and sudden severity against such as exercise by tyrannical fury, to flatter Princes ears.  
Let not me forget the noble Egyptian Panteron, which made a law, that whosoever vowed a false oath, should be led and slain as a Calf in the shambles, his skin flayed of, his head set up as a sign of a murderer, a ravisher of holy chastity, and his corpses thrown to the kings Hounds to be devoured.  
Infinite examples might be remembered, amongst the radiant flourishing Ladies, that have been inspired with excellent gifts of virtue. I could discourse manifold warnings: but chief I will prefix before your eyes the misery, tears, and unmeasurable furrows of Lady Aelana, a paragon and mirror of true continency, whose portion was vexation and unrestfulnesse, cruelly bereft from chaste integrity, and renowned honour: but such was the proof of her rare and exquisite virtue, by the favourable Gods, that greedy Bears (as Lieutenants of justice) devoured her enemies.  
Thus, if right were not maintained by immortal means, violence, dissimulation, and deceitful flatterers, would flourish amongst mortal men, to the subversion of Kingdoms, inquiatations of King's houses, tirrable cries in judgement seats, destruction of Cities, and overturning of common wealths: wherefore (most honourable Princess) if the righteous honesty of your cause be builded upon a sure rock, mercy shallbe gained, malice vanquished by modesty, and thraldom deprived by liberty: thus resting ourselves with this resolution, till King Edward's mind and pleasure be further known herein.  
After this kind promise pronounced by the good Earl of Somerset, the Queen pulled from her golden locks certain sumptious pearls, & rich jewels, hanging in most beautiful brightness, and gave them to the Earl of Somerset, saying. I do not (right honortable Lord) impart these gifts as a bribe covertly to balance my cause, but as a proof of my good will, and a requital of your pains, in visiting me thus in my miseries: which if they be graciously accepted, I shall think myself most highly honoured.  
No sooner were these speeches finished, and thanks given for the Queen's gentle Rewards, but the Nobles departed the Prison, and conveiged themselves into a secret Chamber, where every one delivered his opinion, measuring out a direct means for her enlargement: all which proceeded of true love, and firm belief of her chastity. But after many consultations, with a general consent, they concluded to write unto the King, not only to alter his discontented mind, but to discover the falsehood and flattery of the wicked Baron.  

The Counsel's Supplication to King Edward.  
IF unfeigned affections which loyal Subjects bear to the Commonwealth of England, or the true chastity of your Queen unjustly wronged by flattery, may move you (most excellent Prince) to remember the holy vow of Wedlock, where your inseparable loves were joined together, and of two persons made but one body; we assure ourselves then, that your virtue and wisdom will lenify the honourable cause of your nuptial Spouse, and gather these unjoinied members into right course again: For why should your Grace be dismembered, having all the parts of natural proportion redefied in your person? Why should you make your self a pointing stock of infamy to foreign enemies, and a domestical contempt to your own Subjects? Let natural regard persuade you, to drive out these pernicious poisons, which flattering Subjects have lodged in your breast, enchanting you with uncurable jealousy; which except you speedily reform, your Royal estate may fall into present ruin. These dangers considered, lieth you upon speedily to frequent the company of your chaste Queen, whose honourable undefiled footsteps we have made good trial of, to the hope of your favour, her speedy delivery, and a just discharge of our duties.  
This Supplication received by the King, could nothing at all prevail to enlarge her servitude: for a little before, the wicked Baron had presented to King Edward a Goldsmith's daughter of London, named Casiope; a Damsel of a lewd behaviour, yet beautiful and passing amorous, who with her flattering smiles so entangled his eyes, and bewitched his fancy in such sort, that he delighted only in her company, wholly changing his ancient love from his loyal Queen, thinking all times too long, till the tender thread of her life were cut off, which Virtue before time, had so honourably spun.  
King Edward's mind being thus obscured with thick fogs of flattery, and overwhelmed into a pernicious gulf of darkness, his disease of jealousy proved more incurable: which could neither be helped through the earnest love of his Queen, nor persuaded through the long service of learned Counsellors.  
Oh, it is a world to behold, how flattering deceivers can temper deslicate drinks for every man's appetite, stop wisdoms ears by false enchantments, and subvert true conscience by wrongful insinuation. The King on the other side, mistrusted not vulgar reports of popular men, neither the overthrow of his Kingdom by such a de●ision, nor regarded the patiented mind of his virtuous Queen, called for certain of his privy Counsel: who being comde before him, he gave them this sharp ediet for the arraignment and sentence against Queen Katherine and the Duke of Suffolk: the tenure of the King's words were as followeth.  
If wild ivy (my noble Lords) ruinated the walls of my House, reaching within the windows of my secret Chamber, were it not necessary to be plucked up: If in pleasant Gardens one spreading Weed disorder all the other odoriferous Flowers, is it not requisite to have it destroyed: And although the rare beauty, and excellent orniamentes of my Queen might easily inflame simple mind, to believe her feigned holiness: yet one filthy stain blemisheth all the rest. One wrintle in Apelles tinsel, blurred the costly Tables of Bacchus. Doth not one unsavoury corner pester a whole House? One lothfome odour overcome many precious Ointments? Why are you then my Lords, so blinded with her deceitful practices, plagued with her dissembling words, and allured with her pestilent poisons? What, do you repute her a demie God? Do you think her an Angel of heaven? Is she twice blest, & myself a thousand times accursed? I swear by the honour of my Sceptre, to punish her lewd life in such a manner, that never after the black clouds of her shame, may obscure the glory of my Kingdom.  
Let it not therefore (most noble Lords) be imagined, that I can be overcome by any man's flattery, or my wits so lightly carried away, to be deceived without good and due proof: all which great injuries to my person, impeachment to my Kingdom, and wrong to my Subjects, shall be follows with seveere judgement: therefore, I charge you upon your duties, as you hope to win the garland of my favour, to prosecute my determination: which is, the desertful fall of my untrusty Queen, and the confusion of her proud minion the Duke of Suffolk. And in saying this, like one wholly bend to a resolute will, not staying for any answer, he departed from his Lords, and left them every one suddenly surprised with grief, ready to cast themselves headlong into the deserts of despair: yet durst they not by any means seek to contradict his will, but presently to persevecre in this sinister judgement.    

CHAP. 3. ¶ How the Queen and the Duke of Suffolk were arraigned and condemned of adultery, through false witnesses, and what after happened.  
THe very next morning after King Edward had given charge for their arraignment, were they called forth before certain of the honourable Lords of the privy Counsel, and were tried upon the proof of their accusation: where, the wicked Baron of Buckingam, with two other base Gentlemen of the kings Court, did swear by the immortal powers of heaven, that the filthy fact of adultery was committed between Queen Katherine and the Duke of Suffolk, against the honour of his majesties person.  
After which detestable oath falsely protested, the good Earl of Somerset stood up in open audience, and with a dischearefull countenance, spoke as followeth.  
Oh you wretched betrayers of Innocent blood (quoth he) although they taste the bitter torments in this world, yet I fear not but they will shortly wander to that celestial Paradise, from whence will descend fiery vengeance upon your heads. Oh you Devils and Fiends of impiety, woe worth the time that ever you attempted so vile a perjury: for you have taken a virtuous Queen from us, a Queen that is the merrour of true continency, and only pattern of a constant woman: the like clamour and pitiful lamentation was in the whole Country round about. Then in the midst of which sorrowful moan, the Duke of Suffolk desired the counsellors and judges, that he might utter some speeches in his own behalf, and likewise to discharge his conscience of the vile act his accuser had laid against his life: his speeches were in this manner delivered.  
I am not ignorant (right Honourable assembly) that this my tender body clothed with innocency, must shortly be discharged from the prison of this world, and must take my journey up to heaven for true protection, for this life is nothing but a wandering pilgrimage of woe, a merciless sea, which often times vomiteth us into the mouth of prying Pirates, dashing us upon many dangerous Shipwrecks: and now since my duty tieth me to solemnize an honourable memory of this afflicted Queen, deliver out a true discharge of her chastity, and a preservation of mine own honesty: For if ever I presumed such a deed against the majesty of her worthy person, let this Ghost of mine be delivered a pasture for infernal worms to gnaw upon; or, if my senses had been so arrogantly disposed, her virtues might have easily killed my desires, yea and disclosed the same, to my utter ruin and confusion. But I see my proffered diligence like a trusty Servant, proffered to her commandment, hath brought this woe upon us both: therefore, if her fame be brought in question through my misusage, or if the proud Baron enviously thirsting for my blood, hath thus wrongfully damnified my gracious Princess, let a double death for her deliverance, be laid upon my life: let my sorrows be twice embrewed, to diminish her pains: let the ransom of her pictie be laid upon my body, a grave and pit to finish up her sorrows.  
Now this I speak as a witness of my last will, having enjoyed this world twenty six years, sufficiently proving the vanities thereof, and now willing to resign this life to a more better hope: and as my young forepast life is free from stain, so will I never blush nor hide my face, as one suspected, or blotted with any such crime, of which I am now condemned of.  
With these words (pronounced by the Duke of Suffolk) was the Earl of Somerset deprived of speech, and for the inward grief which swollen in his breast, he could not utter any one word: human sorrow powered down from his eyes abundant streams of tears, manifesting the good will and true affection he bore to truth and justice, his soul grecued that true honour nursed up to ripe age, should in a short moment be delivered to a cruel and most untimely death.  
But the Earl of Westmoreland (which as then presented the kings person) having somewhat a more cheerful heart, stood up in the judgement seat, and spoke as followeth.  
Most gracious Queen (quoth he) and you my honourable Lord the Duke of Suffolk, know, that we in justice cannot release, nor help your miseries, for it behoveth us to fulfil the kings commandment, lest we incur displeasure to ourselves, hindering us, and nothing furthering you: but yet this remedy in my conceit stands with justice, that you my Lord of Suffolk may reobtain your honourable fame, challenging a combat of the wicked Baron, and so reveal to the world your guiltless perfection: for he in presence of us all, hath spit out most vile words of despite, blemishing and overthrowing your credit: even so noteane before the face of men, your true intention and respect to honour: and to the same effect, frameman humble Supplication to his Majesty: and in doing so, we the estates of this land hear present, will eternally crownacle your endeavours to after ages. And in speaking these words, the whole Counsel brook up court for that day, and departed every one severally to their lodgings: the Queen and the Duke, were conducted again to their wont captivity, whereas the Duke of Suffolk greatly comforted with this counsel, thought every day a year, until he had given the challenged, and that the Baron was provoked to the combat: so taking pen and ink, he writ this knightly petition to his Majesty.  
The Duke of Suffolk's challenge of combat, sent to King Edward.  
IF your royal person (most mighty Prince) hath been wronged thorough my counterfeit service, let me be attached with the scourge of penal judgement, so that reasonable desires be first favoured: for now honour burning hot in the closure of my heart, in trial of my honesty, doth crave this permission at your princely hands, that I may combat with the mischievous varlet, and false flatterer, the proud Baron of Buckingham, in disproof of his cloaked falsehood. If my quarrel be unjust, the eternal powers of heaven will not prosper it: If his groundwork be well laid, and have a sure foundation, his intent will be expressed the better. For he that dares commit these wrongs openly, will not be abashed to avow them openly. He that launcheth in the puddle of discord, knoweth a clear passage how to escape: therefore (most noble Prince) let the holy fountain of merciful pity strain out, that it may move your Grace, to grant my requests: I end.  
By me the sorrowful and desolate Duke of Suffolk.  
King Edward receiving this Supplication, in the manner of a Challenge, thought it a deadly bane prepared against the Baron of Buckingham's life, yet he judged the denial of it would greatly prejudice his dignity: so dissembling an outward respect to honour, though inwardly harbouring fraudulent deceit, he with a smiling countenance made motion of the combat to the Baron, as well for expressing of fame, as publishing of faith. The Baron tendering his own insufficiency, being loath to perform the Combat, was astonished at the kings request, and strooken into sudden dumps, like one that had lost his speech: but yet after a great pause, and long stay, he spoke in this manner.  
I will not refuse (said he) the accomplishment of any thing commanded by your Majesty, although your will and pleasure herein seemeth strange and unjust, in that a true Subject should hazard his life with a false Traitor. The Baron sometimes silent, sometimes over talcative: sometimes lusty, sometimes a coward: so that standing between fraud and fear, he faintly represented an offer. Upon this, the King procured a day of Combat, and published throughout the whole land this proclamation that followeth.  
I EDWARD, by long sufferance of divine fortune, King, Prince, and chief Ruler of all the parts of England. etc. Whereas the determined purpose of the noble and hardy Gentleman the Lord Baron of Buckingam, is to defend himself against the miserable and condemned caitiff the Duke of Suffolk, a fable for the world to gaze upon, an infamous wretch of notable dishonour, harbouring in his heart long Treasons against our Person, Subjects, and dominion: in excuse of his lewd life, for his best advantage, challengeth open war against my good Subject the Lord Barron: unto whose request, in favour of ancient prowess, I have yielded. But as touching the trespass of my Queen, no Combat shall prevail to acquit her disgrace, nor no mortal benefits pardon her offences. Thus far you well.  
Edward of England.  
Thus did the King think no pains ill bestowed that might bring her in hatred of the common people, and also very much thirsted after her blood, through the persuasion of his unchaste Courtesan fair Casiope, that every day sealed his lips with so many kisses, as her suit could neither-be frustrated, nor at no time forgotten.  
The Baron, and he likewise, roved in a unetie of mischiefs, and did privily higher a kitchen drudge, named Trusty Thomas, a slave full of poverty, yet a lusty tall fellow, glad to obtain the kings favour by accomplishing of any exploit for gayve: who in receipt of a thousand Crowns, took upon him the name and person of the Baron of Buckingam, to fight the combat with the Duke of Suffolk, being of equal proportion and stature. This Trusty Thomas had free liberty to make choice in the kings armory, fitting himself best for his defence in the surest coat of Steel, and the like passage into the kings Stable for the choice of the most courageous Courser. Thus furnished in most seemly order, for the gain of money, was content to commit himself to the malice of fortune's hate.  
The Duke of Suffolk on the other side, as well furnished in all respects, nothing doubted the good success of his adventure, being borne of a Noble family, valiant, and well exercised in the feats of Arms, reputed for the goodliest Gentleman in the universal country of England: so laying aside his courtly delights used in the blooming time of his youth, and putting on invincible firm and approved magnanimity of body, he came the night before the Combat should be tried, to Queen Katherine's chamber window, being both prisoners in one Tower, nothing but a wall between their seberall lodgings, where as the Duke of Suffolk sung thief verses following.  

Revenge, ring out thy knell, let truth appear,  
To change my bitter Springs to Waters clear:  
Go pack Despair, thy sight I do disdain,  
My Knightly deeds, bright Honour shall obtain.   

Faint Fear, dislodge thee from my noble breast,  
Thou art no friend of mine, nor wished guest:  
For coward Captains wins no stately Forts,  
Nor rotten Bark arrives in pleasant Ports.   

Assurance tells the secrets of my heart  
That Falsehood shall receive his due desert:  
Proud Envy then shall not obscure the light,  
Of Honour's brightness, with his hateful spite.   

Oh sacred Heavens, accomplish my desire!  
That I may quench the heat of envies fire:  
Whereby my sad and discontented mind,  
May gentle solace and sweet comfort find.   
This sorrowful song struck such a passion to the Queen's heart, like one despising this vain life, that she desired doleful death hastily to finish her calamities: but yet bearing a Princely mind, in some measure to requite the Duke's courtesy, she answered him with these Verses following.  

Queen Katherine's Song to the Duke of Suffolk.  
Good luck conduckt thy mind unto content,  
To conquer him, that is so lewdly bend,  
To set division betwixt my Lord and me,  
In spoiling of my blooming chastity.   

Stay stately Pride, climb up thy steps no higher,  
But soon disgorge thy hot ambitious fire:  
For if Queen Katherine ever lived so,  
Let graveled Grave be cradle for her woe.   

Suspicion, leave to vex such worthy wights,  
Which spends their days in virtues sweet delights.  
Nor let the cruelty of spiteful foes  
Plant up a Dock, unroot a smelling Rose.   

Victorious pome will shortly seek to crown,  
Thy princely brows with garlands of renown;  
Which evermore shall spring and flourish green,  
For thus defending of a wronged Queen.   
In this, or such like manner, spent they the night away, to the exceeding comfort of each other, until the radiant beauty of the next morning began to glifter in the eastern world, which caused them then to take leave of each other: for at that same instant, the Lord high Marshal in sovereign justice, called forth the Duke of Suffolk to avow his prize of Combat, having ten old sage Fathers going before him in mourning Gowns, and white Wandes in their hands, like one that went to fetch away the golden Garland of renown: and coming to the place appointed, he met Trusty Thomas, as defendant, in stead of the proud Baron: unto whom, with a bold courage he spoke as followeth.  
Ah thou false Traitor, spoiler of true honour, thou unshamefast butcher of innocent blood: Can nothing quench thy insatiate thirst of flattery, but the guiltless blood of Queen Katherine and my life: I doubt not, but thou hast purchased a just revenge for thy infamous wickedness: thou at this present seekest after honourable fame, but the Gods, I hope, will cast thy corpses unto the most unworthiest vermin of the earth to pray upon. Thou feedest thyself with false honour, but perpetual shame shallbe thy best reward. Doth not thy heart throb at this enterprise? And doth not thy conscience declare thy impiety? It would be a most seemly thing before any blow pass betwixt us, that thou with sharp penance reconcile thyself unto the Gods, to have a comfortable joy after this life: for there is such inumcible manhood sealed in my heart, that the revenge of thy blood shall acquit thy villainy.  
The simple slave in hearing this knightly resolution, was so amazed, that with more willingness he was ready to deliver up his Marshal's staff, then defend the enterprise taken in hand.  
But the Duke with valtant magnanimity hastily bucklde on his enemy, blessing him with sound blows, as if he should say, now is the time either of winning or losing honour: now, either the spot of dishonour shall blur me, or the shining light of renown clear me for ever. Within six blows the Combat ended, and Trusty Thomas hanged dead in his steel Saddle, grovelling and fooming, with his neck broken: whereat the people with wonderful admiration shooted, and caused Drums and Trumpets to be sounded, in sign of victory.  
But a little before the Combat began, the King gave the Lord Martial this charge, that if the Defendant took the foil, his Armour should not be unbuckled, nor the dead coarse discovered, except it were in his presence. The Marshal as well to accomplish the kings pleasure, as a full discharge of his office, caused the said dead body to be transported before the King: upon whose commandment, certain Dominick Friars (sworn to the same effect) immediately burned the Peasant's filthy corpses, promising them rich rewards, and great promotions for their faithful service showed therein.   

CHAP. 4. ¶ How the Duke of Suffolk was banished England, and Queen Katherine condemned to die, with other things that happened.  
ALthough the victorious Duke in plain troth thought his enemy dead and vanquish: and when that he expected releasement, he had his calamities the more increased. For the King being stirred up with indignation against him, and fearing least this base enterprise should be bruited to the ears of the common people, to his utter disgrace and infamy, he gave this requital to the victorious Cumbitant, and committed by universal proclamation, that the good Duke should within two days be banished not only the Court, but also the bounds and territories of England, with all his Lordly possessions, lands, revenues, rents, fees, inheritances, but also from his kindred, friends, and acquaintance. Which heavy and unprincely judgement, did not only trouble his thoughts, but grieved the heart of gracious Queen Katherine: that although she was not destitute of many singular good friends, yet bereft of her best friend, the only staff of her life: the loss of whose company, struck such an extreme sorrow unto her heart, that she lived like one without a soul, weary of the world, and all other pleasures, which as then did but smally comforther.  
The Duke of Suffolk an hour before the tune of his departure, came to the Queen's lodging to take his leave: who gave him a Hoop of gold, round fastened to his neck: the Posy about the same was this.  
What earthly place so ever harbours thee,  
Till death depart (brave Lord) remember me.  
The which being clasped about his neck with two silver clasps prepared for the same purpose, whereon was very curiously engraved two bloody Hearts bound together with a True-loves-knot: with many interrupted sighs and panting stomachs, departed they the one from the other, to the great grief of all the beholders there pres●●●.  
But within an hour after the Duke's departure, the King directed his letters to the Lord high Marshal, that within two days following, the Queen should be beheaded. Which heavy news, and tyrannical fury, displeased the minds of the whole Country: for the kings vicious life was manifested to every man; beside, the common people of England cast their eyes to the multitude of false flatterers, which continually haunted the kings Court, every man serving his own will, glutting in pride, ambition, and whoredom: reaching and roving after stately honour, seathering and warming their nesses, whistling merry songs in the King's ear, and feeding the world with pleasant delights: besides that, many desperate Ruffians were harboured about the King's person, whereby every man became lawless to live as he listed: yet many noble Lords, virtuous, wise, and learned judges, of his majesties privy Counsel, inwardly mourned the state and time they lived in, by which means the commons loves were drawn to the Queen's saveguard, so that she wanted no prayers, good will, nor earnest suit for her deliverance: the more her furrows increased, the greater was she favaured.  
The King hereby fell to extreme hatred, thorough his universal Dominion, and every man readily held up his weapon to pull the Princely Sceptre out of his hands: And whilst he expected the Queen's execution, a present message was returned him, that she was with child, (all which being true) yet jealousy having so much power in his unruly senses, that he could neither alter his present purpose, nor find a resting place for his unquiet thoughts, nor wholesome counsel to eure the disease of his mind: which tyrannical resolution being wholly bend to the confusion of the gracious Queen, chiesly incensed through his Concubines smiling beauty: on whose poisoned sweetness he now baighted & said upon, did rather apply with courtesy to her humour, then to reprieve his Queen from her appointed execution: which resolute purpose, when the good Earl of Somerset understood, as well to content sundry other Lords, being partners in the cause, as the purchasing of civil tranquillety to the Kingdom, made this oration to King Edward: the effect following.  

¶ The Earl of sommerset's Oration to King Edward, for the Queen's reprieve.  
NO greater ornament of glory (most mighty King) may adorn your royal Majesty, then to revert to your Princely estate, magnificence, justice, and clemency, (the only standard of protection which all your Subjects must rest upon) therefore let wisdom persuade you, to make a conquest of those vices, which in the eyes of the word are apparent, for your Subjects in general, repute your honourable dear spouse and virtuous Queen: but your Princely opinion (by flatterer's envy) is hardly persuaded: which if it be continued, will in the end greedily vanquish and leave you a common ●●oty to the world. And further more, your common people grudge that your worthy Queen, hath been so nearly examined, wroungfully imprisoned, shamefully arraigned, hatefully handled, cruelly condemned, and without spark of favour adjudged to die. Also, they report that the good Du●● of Suffolk (being victor in the Combat) is against law and justice, banished the land.  
All these strange customs (most noble Prince) is ridiculous to your government, and offensive to your people: and since your Queen is falsely accused, misreported and belied, it were a royal glory, only for hope of posterity, that your virtuous Spouse were reprieved. If you hack down the tree, first save the fruie: If you grasp up the gallant flowers, conserve the seeds: hereby you regard your dessent, royallice your name and family: otherwise you overthrow your princely Throne, Seat, and Sceptre for ever. As I protest (uttering my words before the supernal judge of heaven) that the chaste body of Queen Katherine is pure, untouched from all despite of villainy. So (most noble Prince) take her again into your favour, adorn your princely Throne with her beautiful countenance, recover your royal name, weed from your Court these feigned flatterers, gaping ambitiously after gain: discover the mornings light, and cut the lofty hills that overshadow your pleasant springs. Be not persuaded, but that the fruit which her body hath form, from your majesties loins first issued, is rightly planted, and of a perfect of spring, considering the Duke of Suffolk (upon weighty affairs) was sent ambassador into Normandy in the time of your Queen's conception, long before, & many weeks after.  
Therefore I doubt not (most excellent Prince) but these my speeches may ●●llifie your heart, and procure present pity to appear; and in doing so, humanetie, courtesy, and noble worthiness, shall illustrate your person, and with pregnant policy odorne your high estate and Imnage: a rare blossom sprouting out, to the exceeding comfort of all England.  
The King being resolved (at this the Earl of sommerset's request, with the persuasion of divers other noble men) to grant her reprivement, until her deliverance of childbirth were accomplished, so that his desire in putting her to death, might not afterward be hindered.  
This her reprivement did not so much rejoice the sorrowful hearts of the English Lords, as it bred anger and discontentment in the Baron of Buckingames breast, who emboldened Casiope the kings Concubine, to call for the Queen's secret destruction, greatly mistrusting that continual winds would at length shake the Tower of their prosperiites. The beauty of this fair Casiope seemed in the eyes of King Edward a little earthly Paradise, which changed his inclinations to any way she pleased: for what soever he openly promised to his Nobles, would he secretly deny before Casiope: and what soever was obtained contrary to her good liking, was contivally crossed with a bad success.  
This costly magnificent Lady, thus undermined high mountains, builded bridges over mighty Seas, and stood as a sure Irone post in the defence and safe conduct of the wicked Baron her professed friend, by art of words winding the kings mind to her ready bend bow, and with beautiful countenance, indooting his concupiscence against the whole dominion of England: all which, as a manifest truth on a time approvedly fell out, for after that sundrey of the Queen's friends ha●●eliuered many pitiful petitions for her enlargement, Casiope secretly between themselves, taunted the King as followeth.  
To what solletary wilderness is the ripeness of your policy wandered? Shall every base Subject, having aspired some promosion, rather of your goodness, than their own deserts, change your inclination as they list? For shame my Lord, put on a princely mind, put off this base relenting heart: let Subjects penetrate your minds not as they lust, but as you please: let them evermore seek, and never find the secret depth of your heart: let them rather grate upon hard Irone, then soft melting wax: my counsel herein followed, and put in practice, will bring speacial welfare to your state, and worthy estimation to all those which attend your person. Further, if Queen Katherine be the pleasant flower that every one seeketh to smell at, do but unroot the stalk, and all their delights will perish. And to conclude, her life will be your death, and my dishonour.  
King Edward hearkening still to the voice of this night Raven, which daily crooked for the sweetlife of the virtuous Queen, and spent much commumcation with the King, as well for her dispatchance after her deliverance from childbirth, as conveying the state of the Kingdom to her issue. The which pricks and darts of mortal shot thrown out, so inwardly grieved the Lords of the privy Counsel, that they departed the kings court, resigned their offices and rich fees, and sold their Patrimonies: so that the Kingdom and dominion of Britain, which before abounded in prosperous felicity, with manyfould orniaments of honour, was now ruinated with great poverty, wretchedness and misery. The King neglected the care of his people: the people on the other side, envied the person of the King & their martchandize and traffic decayed, their husbandry foreslowed, ground became baron with out tillage, & miserable famine over spread the whole Country: the which consumed breed of cattle. The gold, silver, and treasures, was encroached among the wealthiest subjects, who for their better saffety, betook both themselves & their riches under foreign governments.  
Presently upon this hurly-burly, which happened throughout the whole dominion, the heavens sent this good fortune to Queen Katherine, that in the Lord high Marshal's house, she was delivered in childbirth of two Twins, a Son and a Daughter, being two children of an excellent beauty, which by the Marshal was presented to King Edward: who although utterly despising the Mother, yet not altogether choked in ill nature toward the infants, speedily celebrated a soliemne Christoning, and caused the man child to be called Edmond, and the woman child by the name of Silvia: the which being performed by official Priests, as the manner was in those days, but yet not in such a royal sort as Princes childred aught to have been christoned: the which being no sooner finished, but the King (kindled in fury against the Infants, through the persuasion of fair Casiope) caused young Edmond to be conveyed into the Dukedom of Normandy: in which dominion the young Infant in company of his English nurses was most honourably received, both because that Duke Robert (being the first of that name) was unissued, as being a King's child of royal blood, thinking that the Infant being naturally brought up, would prove in time, to be a loving Prince to his people, and a careful governor amongst them.  
Further, King Edward in the despoil of lawful posterety from his dominion and Kingdom, likewise transported fair Silvia with her English nurses into Denmark, where very honourable entertainment and comfort was given in the kings Court, who through age and time gained wonderful estimation: for as nature had rewarded her with excellent beauty, so fortune forgot not to replenish her with wealthy prosperety, who from her childhood in Princely orniamentes proved the only Paragon of Denmark: where now we will leave her for a time to her good fortunes: and likewise Prince Edmond in the Court of Normandy, and discourse of the miseries that happened to Queen Katherine, after her delivery of childbirth.    

CHAP. 5.  
¶ How Queen Katherine was delivered from prison by the policy of the Earl of London, being her own brother: and what happened to the Lord Martial after her departure.  
KIng Edward not ending his jealous fury in the banishment first of the Duke of Suffolk, the young infant Edmond his legitimate procreation, and fair Silvia his natural daughter, but with a greater determination of mischief, presently sent letters to the high Marshal, giving him a special charge for the Queen's beheading, protesting by the same letters, what peace and tranquillety thereby might be purchased to his country.  
After receipt of these news, the night before her death anpoynted, Lord Martial entered the Queen's lodging, and made relation of his charge given by the King for her execution: to whom she with a sober countenance answered in this manner. My Lord Martial (said the Queen) be not amazed, but accomplish your duty herein: nor think me displeased either with these news from my dear husband, or with you the messenger: for I am fully resolved that my death more grieveth you, than myself: and as you have been ever careful in my cause, so it is no little sorrow unto your heart I know, in that my blood thorough your hands must be imbrued: but this is the day which long I have looked for, the which being now come, I greatly rejoice that my miseries must be finished, and the time of my sorrows expired: But yet a further comfort relieveth my afflicted mind, in that young Edmond my Son, is transported into the hands of the Normaine Duke, and my dear daughter Silvia, brought up in the King of Denmark's Court, a Prince of singular virtue and honourable fame: their causes being thus solicited by strangers, helped of unknown men, the vigilant eye of fortune cannot choose but be evermore cast upon them. And now for you my Lord Marshal, I can but give thanks for all curtedes and assured friendships, approvedly showed to me in these my heavy woes: good my Lord, to morrow in the morning, when death hasteneth upon me by the execution of your office, departing and shaking hands with this life, let it not be tedious or oversmartsome unto me, but rid me quickly from my miferies.  
The Lord Martial, and the virtuous Lady his wife being as then present with the Queen, bathing their cheeks with floods of tears, spoke to her, and said in these words.  
If that power were in us (fair Princess) your death should be deferred until the appointment of the mighty powers, whose leisure your enemies should weight upon: but we fearing the unhappy success and heavy burden thereof would lodge upon our backs, and incur the kings tyrannical fury and wrath. No, no, my dear honourable friends (replied the Queen) I do joyfully prostrate my life to death: Why should I hope after life, sith my Lord and King desireth my dispatchance? If any such accident take place, you my keepers shall taste the sour, and feel the smart thereof. If I escape, some unjust lot will fall upon you: if my life through your good means should be saved, my enemies would flesh themselves upon you in contempt. Nay noble Queen (said the Lord Martial) we are not afraid to advise ourselves in defence of your virtues, but shall in time to come rid and dispatch these bloody varlets from the bosom of this land, which now is made unhappy by their cursed flattery. All which could nothing change her virtuous intent, but was readily prepared in mind to scale the immortal thrown of heaven. Her wroungfull imprisonment, the false accusations laid against her, the unchaste life of the King her husband, the infinite cares which she was well acquainted with: all which gave full instruction, and persuaded her soul to prepare for a heavenly pilgrimage.  
Oh (said the sorrowful Queen) this life is a wilderness of woe, I do abandon my whole reputation, honours, children, friends, and worldly estimation, as fading shadows. Oh said she, my enemies hath charged me with adultery, but the Gods know me a blameless innocent, as yet never stained with the purple spot of infamy.  
The high Marshal and his wife passing all the whole night in these & such like virtuous speeches, addressing and framing her mind to the everlasting voyage, where she purposed to rest her unspotted conscience, and to wear the celestial crown of peace, prepared for all such chaste Ladies wrongfully accused.  
But now speak we again, of the wicked Baron of Buckingham, who early in the morning came with a mighty band of warlike Soldiers, appointed to execute the kings commandment, besetting the Lord Marshals house round about, lest the condemned Queen should be reschewed from death: and being thus placed in the streets, the Earl of London being the Queens own brother, accompanied with certain other Gentlemen of worth: all which attired in friars garments, craved licence of the common Soldiers, to go and talk with the Queen, touching the estate of her conscience, belonging to their function and calling, that through their good Counsel, she might at the hour of death be well advised, lest either vanquished with impenitency, or thrown down into desperation, another life should be tedious and full of torments.  
These good causes earnestly considered by the Baron and his Soldiers, obtained them a free recourse to the condemned Queen, whom they presently changed from Princely orniaments into a Friar's weed, and so concucted her through the whole garrison of Soldiers without examination or suspicion: and being in this secret and disguised manner transported to the end of the town, the Earl of London had there prepared a Wagon, which speedily carried her only in his company far from the danger of their enemies. This renowned possecie do I repute for a virtuous deed, in delivering the guiltless Queen from the hands of such tyrants: an action worthy to be registered in the golden book of fame, to shine as a mirror to all ensuing ages.  
Shortly after the Queen's departure, thus succoured by her beloved brother, the wicked Baron called at the Marshal's gate, commanding him to bring forth his Prisoner, showing himself as though he were greatly displeased and stirred up with impassable choler, chase and fuming as though he would tear her in pieces himself, saying. What, do you daslie with the kings commandment? Or, doth it grieve her to leave this transitory world? Is this the patiented Queen, which with her feigned holiness hath so craftily crept into the favour of the common people? Bid her not fear to hoist up sail towards heaven, having a merry wind: bid her behold how Angels and celestial troops stand here attending, safely to conduct her to the Gods themselves.  
These spiteful taunts given against the Queen, bred such a fury in the Lord Marshal's wife, that she could not withhold her anger any longer, but desperately stepped forth, and reviled the Baron in this manner, saying. Oh thou incarnate Devil (quoth she) art not thou content to wreak thy villainous mind by wrongful accusation against the good Queen, but thus rediculously to abuse her miseries? (She uttered a thousand such dispightful words, enforced with deadly fury and fiery choler, after the simple sex of woman kind, as if it had consisted in her power to have punished the Baron: she yielded so much to wrathful desires, that no law could have tamed her tongue, nor restrained the rage of her ireful indiscretion:) Go seek the gilelesse Queen (saith she) it is unknown to my Lord and husband where, and to what place she hath attained. I verily suppose that she is gone down into the bottomless pit of hell, to seek such a wicked varlet as thou art: for in heaven I know she can not find thee forth.  
Well (saith the Baron) bring her forth according to the sentence of judgement, or else the smart will fall upon your shoulders, as well for violating the laws of our land, as contenming the Kings will and pleasure.  
Upon these words, certain of his most trustiest Soldiers violently rushed into the Lord Marshal's house, and with diligent view left no corner unsearched: and at last perceiving it a manifest truth, that the Queen was secretly conveyed away, they brought present word back to the Baron: who in a rigorous boldness, caused a bloody pursuit presently to be made: when the Lord Martial, his wife, children, and family, were put to sharp dint of sword, and hot broils of consuming fire, save only one of his children, a proper fair virgin, being as then absent from her father and mother, brought up with the Earl of London, the Queens own brother; who after, was trained up in all honourable education by Queen Katherine: whom we will leave traveling like banished exiles, from their native Country.  
The Baron after this murthersome conflict, returned safe to King Edward's presence: who not only rewarded his valiant service with gold and rich treasures, but endued him with great laudes and revenues: and besides all which, by letter of Deputation, he constituted him to guide and govern his whole dominions.   

CHAP. 6. ¶ How King Edward's Concubine the fair Casiope, was delivered of a bastard Son: and of the secret favours between her and the Baron.  
THE King after all these things were finished (as you heard discoursed in the former Chapter) promised securety to himself, princely renown to his minion Casiope, and royal advancement to his trusty counsellor the Baron of Buckingham: yet the love of Subjects, a guiltless conscience, and a good name (being the chief groundworkes of peace) were wanting: besides which, the King utterly deceived in his own imaginations, for that penal shame began every hour to knock at his gates, staining his glory with iufamie and dishonour.  
Casiope his amorous Lady, being great with child, the which shame, heaven had appointed for the common sort of people continually to talk upon: besides which, the kings vile affection possessed with lewd lust, never glutted, but daily shining in the sea of vain delectations, Casiope on her behalf, with provident discretion prevented her sudden downfall: for, perceiving the kings head tossed with inconstant inclinations, his treadings lose and unsure (on whom she principally depended) she judged that she could not be so safely embarked as her expectation desired, and therefore daily wished that she had ended well, where she had so ill begun.  
Thus tottering upon a broken bridge, by little and little cast herself into the love and good liking of the Baron, who used many secret contemplations, feeding each other with artificial favours, as opportunity happily ministered occasion, and misspent no one hour in the day without yielding some amorous fruits.  
King Fdward being utterly unacquainted with these untrusty tricks, never mistrusted the cunning conveyance of Casiopes' lewd life, who passed forth her time so warily without suspicion, until she was delivered: the which being fully expired, was to the King a secret solace, but an open shame: a private comfort to himself, but a public infamy to the land, a man child was brought forth into the world: the which in process of time, approved the only poison by which the King was choked, and a Caterpillar through whom the common wealth was gnawn.  
But alas, who would regard & esteem of an unnatural Bastard, borne in a sour crab-stacke, and utterly reject the good Children of Queen Katherine, bred and nourished in the sweet Apple juice, which was christoned in mourning and sorrowful tears, without any pomp and glory? Where contrary wise this Bastard, the child of a Harlot, was royally received into the Church, and christoned by the name of Vallentinus, with such sumptuous magnificence, as no King could surpass in such a case: for many were the triumphs, solemn jousts, and costly banquet that were kept in the English Court in the honour of his name: the which for breveties sake, I here pass over, lest I should be a hindrance to our following discourses.  
No small consolation took King Edward in the education and bringing up of this filthy young venomous vermin Vallentinus, who being dazzled in dotage, imagined winter storms overpast, and the pleasant arrival of a fair summer to be at hand: yet was he nipped and attached with a privy disease in his brows, by means of the new enjoined love of the Baron and Casiope: whose league of friendship, and falsehood of flattery, so blinded the King's conceits, that no mistrustfulness of their lewd sports could arise. First, sweetening his mouth with the brave beauty of Casiope. Secondly, rejoicing in the policy of the Baron. And thirdly, alured with the hope and budding forth of the bastardly blossom Vallentinus: the which I compare to three broken staves, whereon the King took his chiefest hold.  
What a long relation could I make of the sport and dalliance begun between the wicked Baron and proud Casiope, having bended the King to their bow, commanding the whole dominion, and controlling what so ever seemed best to themselves. And whereas in the days of virtuous Queen Katherine, the kings head was diseased and fraughted with the rheum of ●elousie, so now his Darling, & cunning Counsellor, gave him a greater glister beneath, for his headaking Kerchief above: for she yielded her body & love to the Barons pleasure. When the King was sleeping, they would be waking: when the King was in his Chamber, they were handling pretty toys in the Closet: when the King was in one place, they were in another, keeping company together, discoursing upon lovers laws. In which pleasure, we will leave them solacing, and return to Queen Katherine, and her brother the Earl of London.   

CHAP. 7. ¶ Of Queen Katherine's arrival in Normandy, and of her entertainment in Duke Roberts Court.  
AFter the Queen (by the policy of her brother) had escaped the furious intended tyranny of her foes, accompanied with the Lord marshals Daughter tending and weighting upon the Queen's person, with great care and endeavour took Ship, having a merry wind, hoisted up sail towards Normandy: into which country, her young son Prince Edmond, was before conveyed and arrived. The tediousness of this journey was not so much troublesome, as the dangerous dashing upon craggy Rocks hazarded their lives: but yet Fortune in the middle of their miseries favouring them, cast them happily upon a fruitful Island bordering upon the confines of Normandy: in which place a right noble Knight inhabited, governing the people with great wisdom: into whose presence being no sooner come, but the Earl of London, in the name of the Queen and Lord Marshals daughter, spoke to the Knight as followeth.  
Most worthy man (said he) we being strangers to thy people and Island, by unhappy misadventures are compelled hither to make our refuge, and to seek friendship among you: for I am to let you understand, that here is the renowned Queen Katherine of England, whose fame (I know) hath full often sounded in your ears: the which distressed Queen, long vexed with captivity, arraigned, and condemned to die, but yet (by good fortune) escaping the subtle snares of her enemies, hath betook herself to banishment: and now hardly avoiding shipwreck, committeth herself to your mercy. She hath not left her native soil for any evil desert, lewd behaviour, or misgoverning her life, for she is a continent and chaste Matron, bearing the glory of virtue in her countenance: but yet a cruel and unjust woe chanced unto her young days, to become the nuptial Spouse of a voluptuous unchaste King, who more esteemed the false dissembling face of a Harlot, than the chaste beauty of this virtuous Queen: and yielded more credit to the unjust accusation of a flattering Peer, then to the pitiful tears of this honourable Person: whose life from her infancy hath hitherto continued without blemish: Therefore now we hope, that mercy waighteth in the gates of the righteous, ever to relieve the distressed travelers.  
This being said, the Knight having a good liking to the bright honour which virtuously appeared in their faces, vouchsafed to give them a favourable entertainment: and according to the worthiness of honourable strangers, he reteived them with great kindness: who not refusing his willing offer, with great humility thanked his courtesy, esteeming themselves in adversity, as pilgrims thrown upon strange rocks of hard fortune, were exceeding glad of friends and friendship.  
This bountiful Knight more to honour their estates, commanded the best and wealthiest subjects within the Island to attend their persons, and to provide all necessaries for their needful want: besides which, the most plesantest buildings within the Island were appointed for their lodgings: who after long recreation, refreshing their weary miseries with good ease, they craved liberty to departed.  
But at the time of their abode in the Island, the Knight was grieved with a most strange disease, the which most cruelly tormented him through all the parts of his body: but Queen Katherine taking a view of the same, said unto him in these words. Your disease good Sir, is evidently known unto me, being already partly acquainted with the nature thereof. I am no professed Physician, nor Chirurgeon: but yet if it stand with your good pleasure to adventure yourself upon my simple skill, (although a stranger) yet will I show my uttermost experience in the recovery of your health.  
Most renowned Queen (replied the Knight) I can but thank you for your courteous offered friendship: but if my health may be recovered by your knowledge, I shall obtain a greater benefit from your good grace, than ever yet could be ministered by any mortal creature. I have to my great cost and charge, entertained many good and learned physicians and chirurgeons, from sundry famous places of the world: yea men of renowned credit have travailed unto me, yet hitherto I never could, neither by wisdom, cunning, learning, policy, nor practise, be remedied or eased.  
But now such was the virtue and grace of this noble Queen, that although she was of royal blood, yet the fulsomeness of the disease neither was loathsome unto her, neither the daintiness which her degree might require, did cause her to refuse any pains for accomplishment of his health: but so she applied her medicines within and without, of such virtue & effect, that in short time the knight recovered not only his health, but lived long after a very perfect and sound man.  
The knight having thus made a trial of the incomparable virtue, wisdom, learning, and modest chastertie of this noble Queen, caused her renown to be published in many foreign nations, and rewarded her with great treasures: likewise, appointing a sure ship, trusty Mariners, with great store of provision, for her passage into Normandy: likewise, he writ a letter to Duke Robert, touching her rare and excellent orniaments of nature: yea, what a renowned woman his country was like to enjoy, wishing that his fortune had been worthy of so blessed and good a creature to have dwelled amongst his people. Thus this good Queen, her dear brother, with the residue of her honourable company, passed forth their journey towards Normandy; where, and into which country, she was royally entertained of Duke Robert, his Duchess, and principal estates of that nation, and received favour of all other sorts of people for her courteous behaviour. In this country, her orniaments of skill, wortinesse of virtue, and studious learning, so increased, flowed, and abounded, whereby she was able to dispute, talk, and reason with the learnedst physician in the world: for she was so much guided by wisdoms lore, that many foreign princes came to reverence her: beside, common people full of sundry diseases, homaged to her person for remedy and ease, some for one grief, some for another: and to conclude, there is no disease which this gracious Queen took in hand, but her excellent knowledge gave health and soundness. Oh how many Princes and great monarchs of the world were content to stoop (for health of body) to this worthy woman. What wonderful treasures and rich jewels were daily laid before her, sent from all the parts of the earth, in respect of her magnificence, renowned same, and admirable credit, being universally spread through all the dominions of the world.   

CHAP. 8. ¶ How King Edward grew in misliking with his fair minion, and her secret friend the wicked Baron: and how by their means he was deposed, and constrained to forsake his native country.  
THE fame of Queen Katherine's glory, (obtained in the Dukedom of Normandy) did more depress and martyr her enemies in England, then if she had made a conquest of them with forty thousand men of war: the which her good success abroad (being favoured in a foreign nation) did not a little fret the cankered stomachs of her foes at home, as King Edward her husband, Casiope, and the Barren of Buckinggam, which greatly repent themselves that better forecast had not settled in their heads, in the prevention of such mischiefs, by the Queen's prosperous event like to ensue.  
Casiope enjoying the lour, pleasure, and faithful service of her dear friend the Baron, beginneth now to fathom the deepest waters, and to blind the kings eyes with the foggy mists of her deceitful smiles: who as an instrument of folly, was drawn to what purpose his Minion pleased, first framed by the Barons fraudulent devices, ceased not more and more to use their wits in the best manner they could to maintain their unjust loves: and being in a fear, lest their lewd lechery should come to the king's ears, the which not a little tormented their thoughts, advised themselves by privy consultation together, how they might best procure their own safety. So by subtle science of wit, they inveigled the King to deliver up the title of his government and dominion to young Valentinus his bastard son: all which being brought to unhappy pass, Casiope and the Barren her lover, for recreation sake, might the more safer use their pleasant delights in the kings presence without suspicion, as though no blemish were in beauty, nor lewdness in love.  
The King being thus deposed, many times sitting like a dizzard, desolately left to himself, putting a by, receiving only by the year six thousand crowns, and the wicked Baron appointed the lord Protector of young Valentinus: who was brought up according to his wished desire.  
King Edward now being discharged from the heavy burden of a crown, early in a summer's morning (to refresh his dulled wits) road forth into a fair green Forest, forsaking his company and train, and prancing his courser somewhat aside, by chance he met with a poor country peasant, being a she apheard by profession: whom he saluted on this manner. Good morrow fellow (said the King) whether art thou traveling: Good sir (answered the shepherd) I am traveling to London about necessary business. But tell me (quoth King Edward) dost thou know the King of this land? No by my troth (said he) I know him not, neither do I care if I never do, except his manners were better, and his wits more surer. What (said the King) doth his manners endamage or hurt thee? No (said the shepherd) but he hurts both himself, his subjects, and his whole country. The King being in wardly chafed hereat, could hardly govern nature, or tie up affection, to hear the poor country fellow reckon up his abominable life: but yet dissembling a little longer, he asked him what reports the country did give out of Lady Casiope. Marry (said the shepherd) some say that she is a lewd Courtesan, and one that hath almost undone this noble fruitful dominion, which for many hundred years hath been virtuously guided, now overthrown by Casiope: whose wicked counsel first procured the banishment of Queen Katherine and her children, and now hath usurped the crown and sceptre to Valentinus her bastard son: besides which, the King is used as a fiddle to play upon: for the Baron of Buckingham day and night gathereth the choicest flowers out of his Mafesties' garden: the which is no small grief to his subjects hearts. More would the shepherd have spoken, had not King Edward interrupt him in this manner. Good fellow (quoth he) know, that I myself am the king, charging and commanding thee upon pain of death, to give attendance at the court, there to avow and utter at large the same words to Casiope, which thou hast here already discovered to me, I will be thy safeguard from all barmes, and will richly reward thy pains therein taken.  
Thus in a discontented humour, departed the King after his company: and being returned back to the court, there he found the Shepherd according to his commandment given, who seemed to play his part before king Edward, in the presence of Casiope, counterfeiting the gesture of an Iddiot, pleasantly conceited himself to expel fantastical imaginations from the king's brains. My Lord (saith the Shepherd) you have a fair pond, replenished with dainty fish, preserved for your own taste, but yet deceitfully rob by night, by one which flattereth you by day. Your white Swan, swimming in a most pleasant River, preserved by you, but is plucked by others. Your delicate Plumb-tree, daintily kept for your own tooth, hath her boughs broken by a privy practiser: but such is your liberal and frank heart (I know) that if within your garden a sweet posy be gathered, and sufficient smells left behind to refresh your senses, it will be no grief at all: for things unseen of the eye, is not rued of the heart.  
This biting talk of the Shepherd, so opened the king's blind senses, that he began to have clear knowledge of Casiope and the Barons violent villainies, whereby he fell into witless fury, watching the gates while the City is on fire: and thought to subdue Casiopes' inclination, when he himself was slain before: so great was his grief, that he began to curse and swear, wishing himself dead: and reputed himself above all others, the most accursed, in giving credit to false Courtesans, and dissembling Parasites.  
Well (saith Casiope) if my sight and company have glutted and pampered your affections, I pray you make speedy devoydance of me. I will not impair your honour. I was never accounted a lewd liver, before I met with a violent lecher: and if you so gladly desire to forsake my society, I must brook and digest your hard nature in the same, as well as I may.  
These furious storms overpassed, the Baron the next night following, enticed the Shepherd to a secret corner of the king's palace, where he thrust a sharp sword through his heart, and buried the peasants carcase within a stinking dunghill: the report whereof pierced the king's ears with extreme grief: but seeing help prevailed not, as a man plagued in his head, & diseased in his brows, he upbraided Casiope of falsehood and ingratitude in this manner.  
If that wise and learned council in times past, could have reform my wilful follies, I had not now been overturned. If I had been guided by the example of the gentle Reed, bending with every wind hither and thither, I had now like the proud stately Dake (over high in mine own conceit) been cast up by the roots. The same shameful scorn now happeneth to me, as to the simple Goat, who meeting with the crafty Fox, drinking both together in a deep ditch, where the Fox by fair words procured the Goat with his horns to lift him up to the high banks: the simple Goat bele●uing overmuch to the Foxes fair words, performed his request, and left himselle still in the ditch, not knowing how to escape, wishing that he had better considered before hand, what would follow after: so surely, if government in the beginning had foreseen the end, I had not now been subject to your wicked, false, and disguised dissimulations. Have I hatred in place of friendship? hath familiarity brought contempt? and hath benevolence nursed ingratitude? I have neglected all men's counsels, to prefer and advance your reputations. I have banished wife and children, forsaken friends and subjects, stripped myself from all honours, and resigned my crown & sceptre into your hands, only to satisfy your wills and pleasures in all points: yet for all this, brute beasts, and fowls of the air, in all thankfulness and humanity, excel your savage natures.  
In this manner King Edward sought to reobtain the wont favour & good liking of Casiope and the Baron, who keeping still silence, in a great snuff departed the kings Palace to an other house, which they enjoyed in the right of Vallentinus the Bastard: and being there settled, the Baron writ this Letter back to the King, as followeth.  
The Baron of Buckingams' Letter sent to King Edward.  
YOUR evil deserts, and frantic fashions, hath so highly offended your dearest friends, that they have refused at any time hereafter, to hazard credit, life, and goods, in your behalf: And since you have forgot the right rule of honest life, abandoning the special care of the Commonwealth (which inconveniences grow through your negligent slothfulness) our purpose is therefore to have it reform: And now since fortune hath appointed me an honourable Magistrate, in the right of virtuous Vallentinus, I am readily bent to abridge and cut off your licentious mind and careless living: For as you have dispossessed yourself from princely government of the Realm, so we must constrain you either to live as a private person, or else by banishment enforce you to forsake the land, whereby we may the better appease homebred mutinies, repress the practices of foreign foes, and prevent the policies of Queen Katherine and her councillors: all which, concerneth the establishment of that famous young Prince Vallentinus. And whereas you, hoping after the love of Casiope, whom you have long time wrongfully abused, and made a pointing stock for the world to wonder at; but now, repenting of her former amiss, she determineth to retire from infamy, and to match in honest marriage with my person, being the only sure staff of her virtuous life: Therefore (to be short) take this choice unto yourself, either to departed quietly into some foreign region, or else to live a private life in your own country, not once coming within the sight of our royal Court: Therefore if wisdom may rightly persuade you, I do not then doubt, but that you will accept that good ordinary way, which shall bring you the best security: I end.  
By me the Lord Protector of the young Prince Vallentinus.  
AFter King Edward had perused these saucy and malapert letters, he stayed and breathed upon the Barons former flattery: and seeing this sudden change of lovers, he often times sighed, remembering in what oversight he was led & alured, injuriously defaming and banishing his dear beloved Queen, cruelly murdering the Lord high Marshal, his wife and children, and himself utterly despoiled, over much trusting to the trifling pleasures of an harlot, and leaning too much to the false allurements of a traitorous flatterer: through whose wicked persuasions he sent his natural children to the adventures of roving fortune: so also having resigned the keys of his kingdom to a bastardly miscreant, the son of a wicked strumpet: all which did not so much grieve his tormented mind, as in that he was made a jesting stock to the world, degenerated from ioyall blood: such was his distress, that his Noblemen, grave counsellors, and valiant Captains forsook him, and 〈◊〉 him to his misery; and his poor and needy Subjects tried out for due vengeance upon him.  
Thus finding no consolation in his extremity, he thus conferred with himself. Oh (said King Edward) if I stay within the territories of my kingdom, every man will scorn my wretched plight: of whom (with reasonable requests) it may neither crave mercy nor succour, having so unjustly wronged my country with an everlasting plague: besides that, my mified life is offensive, odious, and disdainful to the company of men. How may I expect safety amongst my countrymen, being a King of royal blood, turned from my government, bereft from dignities, honour and renown, and forced to take a stipend of six thousand crowns towards my maintenance, paid by the discretion of flattering traitors?  
The King upon these inward piercing sorrows, departed his dominion and native country, and without company like a Pilgrim, wandered to what place fortune had appointed, and his own follies deserved: so traveling many days through strange countries, it was his chance to arrive in the Dukedom of Brouswick, where being destitute of money, he was forced to sell all the rings, chains, jewels and other orniaments of gold, whereby in a short time he consumed all that he had, and was compelled through penury and want, to crave the good will of well disposed people: but every one beholding his gallant coat upon his back his costly hat upon his head, and his embroidered hose upon his legs, esteemed him some stout runagate, which more delighted in wandering wildness, then in good serture: or, one that was sent abroad as a Spy, to view the commodities of their land and country, and therefore would no man extend friendship nor relief toward his comfort.  
Being thus a pretty while pinched with hunger and want, and consideting that his just plague happened through the deserts of his former life, he thought with himself what good way might be best taken in so extreme a misery; either with shame to make known what he was, or else to live in hope of some better chance in time to come: and being in a strange country, he was the less ashamed of his foul reproach: and far from acquaintance, his calamities became the more hardoned.  
So early in a morning traveling on his way, in hope of a batter recovery, he met by chance with an old poor wretched beggar, having a simple patched cloak upon his back, the which the king desired to exchange for his costly vestures: a covenant betwixt them both quickly concluded, & being both contented, they stripped themselves to their naked skins: the King putting on the beggars poor patched orniaments, and contrariwise the poor beggar addressing himself in the King's costly apparel, and so departed one from the other, without any further conference. Thus after leave being taken, the King in his simple weeds laid him down upon the green grass, he opened the beggar's budget or scrip, and found such good store of brown bread, hard cheese, and bacon, that he very well relieved his terrible hunger: after which good banquet, he arose up & went unto a clear spring near adjoining, & drunk such an insatiable drought as though it had been some Horse or Muse after dry provender.  
Thus after King Edward had well refreshed his hunger, and satisuned his greedy guts, almost clunged together for lack of food and sustenance, he passed further into the country, continuing still this course of life, and traveling from place to place, he was at last, according to the strait laws of that country, apprehended and taken for a vagrant runagate: where, being brought before the Magistrates, he was imprisoned, whipped, & rigorously punished.  
About some two months after these sharp conslicts, and grievous punishments, a virtuous gentleman of that country, resorting by chance unto the common prison, to relieve the wretched estate of miserable Captives, he by fortune cast his eye upon the King, which as then lay fast fettered in chains, of whom he demanded what country man he was? who answered, that he was an English man borne, imprisoned neither for treason, murder, nor theft, but only because he being a stranger, was enforced to crave relief of well disposed people.  
The Gentleman perceiving King Edward well qualified in learning, and seeming to be ready and perfect in the Latin and Greek tongues, he was content to obtain his enlargement, and freely to set him at liberty, if he within his house would become a Schoolmaster for the bringing up of his children.  
The King being joyful of this offer, and hoping after some better days, he yielded to the Gentleman's request: where, after long service in the trade of a Schoolmaster, so painfully employing his diligence to the profit of his scholars, that he obtained the well liking, & high favour of his Master & Mistress, and was loved of the whole family: and in continuance of time, by these good occasions offered, he made open confession to his master, that he was the royal King of England; the which being understood by the Gentleman, forthwith (as much as his ability would serve) he safely conveyed him in comely apparel, jewels, money, and other provision to his daughter Silvia, brought up as then in the Denmark Court: upon whose arrival there, news was sent unto the King, that a stranger being an Englishman by birth, was desirous to speak with his Majesty: who being full of friendly entertainment, received him in a most royal manner: and being come before his presence, King Edward spoke as followeth.  
The tempest●s of adversity (right excellent King) hath brought me unto your presence, not in any evil pretence against your country, but as one traitorously deceived by ambitious Subjects. For, know (most noble Prince) that I am the unhappy King of England, banished from my countries and dominions, and bereft from Princely titles, honour, and renown: And now, sith my dear Daughter and child, fair Silvia, here at your cost & charge is brought up, nature and affection have drawn me hither to see her. This being said, the Denmark King with right good grace rejoiced, and both courteously received and reverenced him, proffering him friendship, power, and assistance, as well to maintain his present estate, as to restore him again unto his Kingdom. Fair Silvia with great obedience, presented herself before King Edward her father; who greatly commended her beauty, and divine gifts of nature, condemning his own hard heart, in banishing her so unnaturally from her native Country: for I wish (said he) my grave had swallowed me alive, when first my malicious mind committed her to banishment. Therefore in requital of that injury, fair Silvia, if ever I recover again my right, refuse not to be crowned the royal Queen of England. These, and many more like speeches past berwixt King Edward and his daughter, duering the time of his abode in the Denmark Court: the which King, gave him such honourable maintenance, as belonged to his princely estate: the rather, because he esteemed fair Silvia a meet wife for his son and heir young Essricke, both being of an equal age, and nursed up together.  
Thus the Denmark King revived with a gladsome hope of climbing the highest top of these famous dignities, did make no spare of cost for the accomplishing of his haughty expectation. Also, King Edward made a determined purpose with more deliberation & riper judgement, to reobtain his dominion and government.   

CHAP. 9 ¶ How Vallentinus the bastard was crowned King, and how he through the persuasions of Perce of Winchester, caused his own Mother with her paramour the wicked Baron, to be most strangely put to death.  
NOW must we speak again of the troubles that happened in England after the kings banishment, where the wicked Baron and his minion Casiope, many a day practised their wits, not only for ever to bar king Edward from his kingdom, but used diligent watch, and examined the bottom of every attempt that might practise his return: but at last, they concluded upon the coronation of young Vallentinus, and resigned the Crown and Sceptre into his hands, which before time they had reserved to his use, for declaration of true obedience. Many of the best Subjects did swear disloyalty to King Edward, and subjection to the Bastard: who had no sooner falsely usurped the Crown, but by unkind behaviour, he altered the minds of the wealthiest Subjects, who in security of their lives, forsook their native Countries, whereby the Realm was left unpeopled, without tillage, destitute of bread, bereft of money, treasures, and traffic of merchandise from other dominions: for, their necessary trades decayed, and all things grew out of frame and good order.  
But now Vallentinus the Bastard, beginning to grow proud, ryetous, and wanton, disdained the wont checks, of the Baron and his Mother, who many times sought to control his wretchles life, through which a great misliking and dissension grew amongst them: and to make envy the more riper, there was one Sir Perce of Winchester, a notable cunning youth, brought up with Vallentinus, and wholly of his counsel, who knowing him to be no lawful Prince, but a usurper: also viewing the woeful calamity and ruin the Country was brought into, stirred cinders more hotter amongst them: for he so flattered the young King, feeding his humours, and advised him to reject the Baron and Casiope his Mother, to make denial of their checks, contemn their controulments, and to bear sway of his own absolute authority.  
Thus being incensed by Sir Perce, he began to rouse up his peacocks feathers, and to bear a malicious hatred against the Baron and his mother, his best friends and chief advancers. Sir Pierce nothing failing in all manner of deceits, played likewise on the other side, and under the colour of love that he bore to the young Prince, he wished and exhorted them sharply to reprove the unbridled life of Vallentinus. Thus ambidexter like, this young flatterer Sir Perce of Winchester, under a cloak of true love, still feeding the stubborn and uncivil natures of both parties, planted up most weighty cannons, and battered the strongest walls of the Kingdom.  
Casiope and the Baron, thinking themselves without hope of reclaiming Vallentinus, secretly departed his Court, and raised up an army of well approved Soldiers, and attempted as well to ransack his Palace, as the apprehension of his person. Vallentinus (through the cunning of Sir Perce) was admonished of this device and practice, and mustered into his service the most courageous and valiant Captains, and best approved Soldiers that could be found. But now the Baron with his Army seeking to prevent them, fought such an unlucky Battle, that two thousand of his bravest followers came to foil and slaughter, and himself and Casiope taken prisoners: who by the furious cruelty of the young Prince, was clapped up in prison, to abide a hard and merciless captivity.  
Having thus taken an occasion of the time and fortune, he consulted with Sir Perce what was best to be done in such a business: who having a wily wit, and a crafty capasetie, whispered privily in the Prince's ears, and advised him to judge them to a speedy execution: for doubt you not, (quoth he) but there is just causes to be laid against them: as chief your mother's filthy adulterous life with that base and wicked Baron, whose traitorous mind hath not only moved this rebellion, but hath been the cause of your dear father's banishment: And being now in safe custody, let no good fortune be neglected, till you have expressed the duty of a loving child, by their dispatchance out of this transitory world.  
Vallentinus now wholly fastening his mind more upon prodigality, ambition, and vain glory, then public profit to his Crown and Country, and was ignorant what danger would ensue in cutting off the Baron and his Mother, being his best friends, and surest props in all extremities: therefore without any further consideration, he erected, furnished, and sumptuously builded a strong Tower, very splendent and admirable to behold, of wonderful largeness, depth, and hight. He also caused a Gibbet to be festened upon the top thereof: the which being no sooner finished by the handy work of cunning Artificers, but he commanded the Baron and his mother Casiope dispightfully to be brought forth, as scorns of the world to jest upon: where, casting his eyes to the Tower, he said: You think time sleepeth, or that siouthfulnesse wanton walloweth in me: no, no, although to my great cost, yet have I settled up a surer stay to this my Realm & Country, than ever did my predecessors before me: For I have here established a Tower to hang traitorous Knaves & Courtesans upon. The world shall not adjudge me partial in my Laws: for subjects shall drink alike of one cup and liquor. This being said, he caused the Baron and Casiope, to be again carried to prison, and there to remain till his further pleasure, every hour expecting the deadly stroke that should separate their bodies from their souls.  
All this while Sir Perce was not unbusied, omitting no time that might further his intent, but continually filling Vallentines' ears with strong persuasions, that their lives and spirits might be speedily deprived a sunder: which bloody stratagem was not long a finishing; for the young Prince, or rather unnatural viper, in this manner powered down the tempestuous showers of trowel murder: for early in the morning, he caused his Mother Casiope to be brought forth, who the night before having intelligence by her keepers, that her days were at an end, clothed herself in vestments of white silk: and coming before her bastard son, she very humbly prostrated herself, and craved pity, mercy, and forgiveness at his hands, and with a blushing countenance, as beautiful as the new bloomed Rose, she spoke in this manner.  
Oh son Valentinus (said she) remember that I am the Mother, thyself fashioned of my womb and body, and by nature springing from the tree of my life: yet thou like a most unnatural Homicide, seckest to shorten my days, and to stop my breath, whereas thou oughtest in duty and obedience to uphold my honour, and prolong my life. I do confess my vile offences have deserved punishment: but shall mine own child be the revenger thereof: The banishment of good Queen Katherine, and the confusion of all her friends, through my unjust means was accomplished, with many other miseries which I have overburdened this land withal, only to advance an ungrateful dissembler, which like the Viper seeketh to finish the life of his dearest pareuts. Many more were the speeches which Casiope spoke, in hope to attract remorse from her Iron hearted son: who nothing regarded her words, but rather the more emboldened and stirred up into a greater fury, by a present commandment, he caused her body to be cast upon a Table, and her hands and legs to be holden by the strength of men: the which being done, he with a sharp knife cut his Mother's throat: and with the same butcherly instrument desevered her lisly neck from her shoulders, which! ad wont to be adorned with a glittering chain of pure gold. After this, he caused the place which first conceived him to be ripped up, and sild full of corny salt: where after her belly being thus closed up, he gave commandment to have her dead carcase transported to the top of the Tower, & there hung upon a jibbet. Her dear friend the Baron, was used in the same order: for he had his mouth stuffed full of burning Pepper, and hung likewise upon the same jibbet alive, as a just view of such ungeateful flatterers, and adulterous traitors to behold.  
This bloody action being finished, Valentinus spoke to the people many reproachful words in the disgrace of the wicked Baron, and Casiope his mother, calling her the She-devouring Bear of England, & her dear friend, the first causer of King Edward's dishonour: in which tyrannical course of life, our story bids us now leave the bastard Valentinus with his new friend Sir Perce, and speak of the accidents that happened in the Normaine court.   

CHAP. 10. ¶ How Prince Edmond returned again into England, and was crowned King: and how the bastard King was put to death after a strange manner.  
QUEEN Katherine as you heard before, after her wrongful banishment from England, was graciously entertained of the Normane Duke, where she daily had intelligence of the woeful estate of England, by many of her distressed countrymen which continually fled thither for succour: in the redress of whose miseries, she made suit unto Duke Robert of Normandy, that her young son Prince Edmund might return into Enland, not only to possess himself into the rightful inheritance of his own dominions, but to repress the pride of the miscreant bastard, whose tyrannize had made England the perfect mirror of calamity, and the woefullest nation under the cope of heaven.  
In this manner every day Queen Katherine solicited Duke Robert with favourable petitions for the furnishing of her son into his own Country with a band of warlike Soldiers: unto whom the Normane Duke answered in this manner. Loath I am fair Queen) that your princely son should forsake my dukedom and dominion, being the only staff of my old age; and after my death, the hope of my subjects: although not naturally borne amongst them, yet coming of a royal blood, the son of a majestical Prince, they will rather submit to his obedience, then to the government of one of a simpler birth. No, no (said Queen Katherine) there is no reason why a stranger should be Prince of foreign subjects, through whom they should be either too much burdened, or moved to disdain: and therefore (most noble Duke) I humbly crave, that permission may be granted for his departure: and in regard of your princely liberality, having brought him up to such ability, prowess, and warlike perfection, he shallbe bound to confess homage and loyalty to your kingdom whilst he liveth.  
The Normane Duke being possessed with a mild nature, and ready in all actions to satisfy Queen Katherine's expectation, presently mustered a great multitude as well of Normane soldiers, as exiled Englishmen, which zealously protested all dutiful endeavours in the young Prince's behalf, and in the accomplishment of that honourable exploit. Queen Katherine having gathered great masses of gold and silver, attained through her learned skill, and practise in Physic, furnished her son Prince Edmond with such abundance, that nothing wanted either to his adventure, or contentment: and so being furnished with Munition, Ships, and Soldiers, he hoisted up sail, and with a merry wind, safely arrived upon the confines of England: where presently he advanced his Culloures, and planted his forces to the best advantage.  
But now the bastard Prince Valentinus, being amazed at the sight hereof, with a fearful troubled mind, greatly misdoubted that his kingly government was at an end: yet having mustered up a slender army of English Soldiers, nothing available for his defence, he committed them under the leading of Sir Perce of Winchester: who tendering his own safety, went to the enemy, where both himself and his soldiers, swore true obedience to Prince Edmond. This unexpected accident so daunted the bastard King, that he grew desperate of good hap: and being left as a naked man, he secretly conveyed himself to the Tower, and hid himself in an obscure den,  
Thus Prince Edmond without any further disturbance, quietly entered the Kingdom, where he took upon him the possession of the English crown, placing the banished English men in honourable dignities, & most richly advanced the Normane soldiers: the which being so luckily accomplished, he caused the bastard to be searched forth, & his mouth likewise to be stuffed & closed up with burning Pepper, and hanged alive in chains of Iron by the Baron & Casiope, upon the top of the Tower, as you heard before so used.  
Every thing brought thus to so good a pass, England in short time became well unpeopled again, the Realm multiplied in gold & silver: noble Famelies adorned with honourable possessions: Lords, Knights, Esquires, & Gentlemen in semblable degree endowed: Merchants and Artificers well placed for traffic from foreign regions: great vent and tillage, and breed of cattle increased: learning and liberal arts maintained: Marshal prowess exercised, and all things else in most decent manner placed: the which we will pass over, and speak of King Edward, living in the King of Denmark's Court.   

CHAP. 11. ¶ Of the Wars between King Edward and his own Son, and the success thereof, with other things that happened.  
THese affairs could not be so privately handled in England, but that King Edward had intelligence thereof in Denmark: who with a resolute determination desired to return into his native Country; not only that his old age might be there comforted, but that his daughter Silvia might be joined in marriage with Essricke the Prince of Denmark: whose father, in the redress of King Edward's long offlictions, caused the second part of all his able men at arms to be mustered up, and provided rich treasures for Soldiers pay, with warlike weapons, armour, and store of ships necessary for such a dangerous exploit, and published by Proclamation through all the Provinces of Denmark, that king Edward was to reclaim his lawful right in England, unjustly usurped by his own Son: with many other encouragements given out, to animate his Subjects, to proceed with resolution.  
This busy preparation in Denmark so pierced Sir Perce of Winchester's ears in England, that he mistrusted his estate to be dangerous, and that his double dealing would be shortly espied: in the prevention whereof, the better to protect and defend himself, he writ this privy Letter to King Edward, as followeth.  
Sir Perce of Winchester's Letter, sent to king Edward.  
NOTHING shall entice my heart (most Sovereign Lord) to prove disloyal to your majesty: nor nothing restrain the serviceable duty which I own unto your Excellence. And although I was in my cradle when first you left your natural Country of England, but yet now being grown up to sufficient reason, do assemble all my powers of nature, what policy chief may prevail, or practise procure your recovery: For there is nothing that my drooping soul wisheth for more, than your happy return to your former possessions. I love Prince Edmond, if he reverence your Majesty; and I wish him good success, if he show the duty of a son unto his father: against whom if he lift but his hand in wrath, the Gods will wreak just vengeance and destruction upon. Therefore most noble Lord, think it not danger to return, for I will counsel him to submission, showing what execrable vengeance is pottended to them which draw the sword of tyranny against their own Fathers. I will admonish him to converse, lest his own wilful conceit bring him to perdition. Thus may I both defend and counsel him, without suspicion of the world: and also thereupon show favour and reverence to your worthy Majesty.  
Thus far you well.  
THIS Letter being transported to King Edward into Denmark, was receined as sweet flowers, with promised requital, the which refreshed his drooping senses, and changed despair into perfect assurance; and thinking now to recover his former right by the means of Sir Perce, upon whose back the common wealth of England depended: but fearing lest his proffered affections should alter, he sent this answer to his letters, as followeth.  
King Edward's answer to Sir Perce of Winchester's Letter.  
I Never despaired, but the Gods, (which hitherto hath governed all my attempts) would at last send some comfort to my miseries, and bring me again to the full perfection of my felicity; which through your wisdom and policy must be attained. Therefore, in most humble sort I do accept your kind proffer; and this your loyal enterprise shall in the highest degree, be blazed amongst my best friends: and until my soul be divorced from my body, I shall never forget the love of so faithful a Subject; henceforth vowing to put off all feminine affection and vain delights, which haunt Princes Palaces, and the Courts of mighty Kings.  
Have not I just cause to render thanks to the immortal Gods, that in the midst of my miseries I have found so prudent and worthy a friend as is your noble self, whose loyal heart is wholly consecrated to my good fortunes. Every day do I wash my face with tears for the tragical ruin of my Country; and every day do I breathe out sorrowful sighs from the closure of my soul, to think how the light beams of my princely honours hath been darkened by the falsehood of Casiope, and the Barons cunning craft, whereby my poor Subjects have been in ●ang●r●●, and myself plunged in careful calamities; all which, grieveth not my soul so much, as that mine own child now, contrary to the dutiful obedience of a Son, doth usurp my Crown, and holdeth up the sword of sedition against his own Father: But yet I see the Gods will still preserve both my life and honour, in that you are appoyuted to remedy my distress, and correct the traitorous trespass of a wicked Son. Thus I end, assuring myself, that my fortune shall amount to the lofty turrets of my desire, and likewise tread ●owne disgrace, and quench the scorching flames of noisome enemies: thus wishing you as myself, I bid you farewell.  
YET for all this, King Edward regarded this person but as a prodigal and climbing traitor, p●ou●ly aspiring after princely dignities, and therefore entertained and placed in the rank of false friends, using him as a shadow and image of a dead man, without either respecting his valloure, or trusting to his feigned flatteries.  
But now in the meave space, whilst these things were a working, Prince Edmond understood (by a private friend) of Winchester's pestiferous treasons: to the reformation whereof, he sent forth a trusty band of Soldiers for his apprehension: which news by Sir Perce was first understood, and therefore he fled secretly into Denmark, and disclosed to King Edward all the policies practised in England: for which, he was richly recompensed and rewarded with sumptuous entertainment. After whose departure, Prince Edmond felt the toundation of his Kingdom to begin to shake, and thinking now to be cloaked under his Mother's wing, he writeth to her of the starting away of Winchester his chief Counsellor, who hath not only stained the true duty of a subject, but impaired the safeguard of his regiment, and disclosed the privities of his counsel.  
Prince edmond's letters to Queen Katherine, sent to her into Normandy.  
DEAR and well-beloved Mother, I have seen, and known, and now at length found the force of a flatterer: for the unconstant knight of Winchester with false colours hath bleared my eyes; He hath sucked honey in England, and now spiteth poison in Denmark; he hath drawn out a venomed sword to hack a sunder my rule & government: He that was wont to comfort me with counsels, now killeth me with deadly destruction. Therefore my beloved Mother, as you did safely conduct me hither, so leave me not now in danger of confusion; for I am as one wrapped in sundry extremities, sold into the hands of enemies, either to yield with repulse and shame, or have my young unexperienced age conquered with death: wherefore sweet Mother, aid me with your strong hand, that these dangers laid against me may be escaped. Rule me with reason, and with your honourable wisdom counsel me, that I may ever hereafter govern my actions with discretion, and never more be troubled with treasons of a flatterer, whose villainies henceforth I will disdain, and no more regard them then the chaff blown away with the wind. Dear Mother, speedily answer my distressed desires, that my soul may not ever languish in distress. Thus ending at this time, wishing the heavens to bless you with honourable and long life; far you well. From our English Court.  
WHen Queen Katherine had received Prince edmond's Letters, she in tenderness of heart wept bitter tears: but yet being perfectly instructed in wisdoms precepts, thought it against the laws of nature to strive against her husband, therefore she poured forth these sage sentences, the which in manner of a Letter she returned back into England to Prince Edmond her son.  
Queen Katherine's Letters of confolation, sent to her son in England.  
IT is well remembered (my princely Son) that flatterers undermining Kingdoms, are Timber-wormes, which lurk in the secret celles of Princes consciences, that counterfeits the complexions of all creatures, and fills their boosoms up with the noble blood of honourable Houses: Why had not you then read and turned over the ancient Chronicles of England, and seen into the fall of Princes, practised by the pride of flattering startups? The Lacedimonian Kings, although preserved in walls of Iron, and in towers and castles of brass, yet by the deceit of flattering traitors, were their princely glories subverted to miserable infamy. The Grecian Princes continually placed in Chariots and close Litters of gold, guarded with great armies and hosts of puissant Soldiers; yet through the sufferance of false flatterers, were they daily diverted to sudden confusion. I say my dear and honourable Son, look into the government of our ancient Kings of England, who retained none into their counsels, but the sons of Noble families, borne to honourable gifts of nature, wise, virtuous, and of a civil government: If any of a base birth were entertained into Prince's favours, first were they tried, and then trusted: deserved, then honoured: well approved, and then credited. I say, if either learning, wisdom, or experience, had in any point ruled thee, sweet flattery had not thus overreacht thee, nor subtle dissembling so deceived thee: and to conclude, King Edward my husband and thy father, in love equal unto us both, may not be undermined by me, nor resisted by thee. I may well council, but not defend thee, nor any way minister comfort to thy sorrowful afflictions, especially against mine own dear husband, and thy father: and as I admonish thee to reverence his person, so I charge thee to restrain thy stubborn will; for although he hath heaped manifold miseries upon my back, yet with all honour to his person will I discharge myself. Thus far you well, from the Court of Normandy.  
Your sorrowful Mother, unhappy Katherine.  
Queen Katherine although she favoured her son, yet would she not seek to resist King Edward her husband, but with wisdom, obedience, and humility, gave the world to understand, what glory and magnificence adorned her patience: and although motherly nature willed her to seek the advancement of her son, yet discretion did medigate the means that might scandolize the honour of her husband. Whereas Queen Katherine rested in equal love indifferently between them both, so the Earl of London being her brother, and Prince edmond's Uncle, matched in marriage with the Duchess of Britain, which honourable preferment happened through his sister's credit, who understanding of his Cousin's distress, as well by King Edward's prepared ●●●a●●on, as Winchester's false treacheries in denouncing his subjection, raised a great Army of soldiers, to the number of thirty thousand able warriors, the which he conveyed into England to be employed in Prince edmond's service.  
On the other side, the good Duke of Suffolk, after his banishment from England, was highly graced with so tunes felicity, where through his Knighthood and manly behaviour, he got such good liking of the Queen of Portugal, into which cruntrey he traveled, that she received him into her favour, and changed his wandering life into princely estimation, betrothing her love and kingdom to his government whilst she lived: and after her death, this noble Duke, by the general voice of the Portugeses, was elected King and ruler in her stead.  
The Duke of Suffolk being thus crowned King of Portugal, not of compulsion, but in courtesy, requested ten thousand able men to be priest in his friend edmond's behalf: the which multitude being levied, and accepted into service, were conducted into England, & there by Prince Edmond most courteously entertained: who being now strengthened with the Duke of Suffolk's soldiers from Portugal, with the Earl of London's soldiers from Britain, and with his own soldiers in England, being all conveyed into one main Battle, he weighed in the balance of discretion, either an honourable winning of renown, or a losing of all his kingly dignities.  
So upon a time, assembling all the whole Army of soldiers together, as well Britain's, Portugese's, as Englishmen, who to inflame their undoubted minds to honourable resolution, upon an open Theatre he spoke this Oration following.  
Prince edmond's Oration to his Soldiers.  
ALthough this our dominion of England (most noble Soldiers and worthy Subjects) hath of late been made a common spoil by sundry base flatterers, and impudent traitors, deeply digging and undermining our royal estate: The fresh memory of which English miseries, through Casiopes' filthy life, the wicked Barons cruel extortion, and the Bastards false usurpation, might easily from your eyes constrain a fountain of tears: which grievous calamities at length through my Mother's care was taken away, and myself being young, and without experience, settled among you, am now in hazard to be bereaved not only of life, but of rule and government: the which if it be unfortunately brought to pass, what other hopes may you then expect, but to be ransacked and despoiled of all your possessions and wealth: your young men put to violent sword, your wives ravished, and your daughters every one deflowered: surely then let troth be in your hearts, stir up your valours, manifest your noble minds, and stretch forth the power and strength of men, whereby that they which seek to win our joys, may first be drowned in a sea of sorrows: and those that will be honoured with crowns, must first in marshal fields obtain a victory: therefore my loving soldiers, if you steadfastly stand, I will sprinkle my heart blood upon our English ground, before that cowardice shall enforce me to fly, or lose one jot or little portion of my kingdom. Be not amazed my friends and countrymen, either let us live to maintain our states together at liberty, or else lose our lives with fame & renown. Thus much I trust, sufficeth to witness the unfeigned affection the which I bear towards you; from whose love, I will never departed, till death.  
THis Knightly Oration, so rejoiced the soldiers hearts, that they almost willingly offered their lives a sacrifice in Prince edmond's service, and made choice rather to fight in defence of their Country, then to be captivated with tyrannical slavery: for whereas the English forces were before separated in their several opinions, so now were they with inseparable hearts knit fast together, valiantly resolved to try the last event of this dangerous war.  
Thus whilst Prince Edmond encouraged his followers in this Knightly manner, the Denmark King, with King Edward, arrived on the coasts of England with a mighty band of armed soldiers, intermingled with the aid of many foreign Princes, who marched successfully to a convenient place in Rent, whereas they pitched their forces at the bottom of a high hill: in which place, the Danish King being a perfect good soldier, & a man of a prudent judgement, practised many excellent policies: for in the night time, he caused a thousand wild horses with hollow rattls of iron fastened to their necks, to be sent forth upon the English tents without return: this inroad being so confusedly entered, he ordained also an host of four thousand soldiers to pursue them with wild fire & burning brimstone in their hands. In this manner entered they upon the English soldiers as naked men, and despoiled the whole multitude of their lives: in which conflict, Prince Edmond was taken prisoner, who had his head (by his own father's commandment) strooken from his shoulders, and pitched upon the top of a Pikes end.  
The battle thus ceasing: news by a public report was spread throughout the land of Prince edmond's death: at which report the cities and principal holds in the country were yielded up, and the foreign soldiers being enforced to shift for themselves, escaped away in the night: after whose departure, King Edward although in utter hatred of the people, yet once again gloriously entered into his kingdom, and became their governor: where, after he had settled himself, and the Denmark King taken leave, and departed back into his Eountrey: but King Edward reposses sing his former estate lard sharp punishments & hard laws upon the English-mens backs, the which brought him again into cankered contempt: for the people being unruly, with unbridled will placed their former malice against him: upon which, the King for his better fecuritie resigned his crown and government to his daughter Silina, and unto Lord Essricke her husband, and so betook himself to private pleasure and rest.  
Lord Essricke and fair Silura with renowned honour thus took upon them the government of the land, and because they were unacquainted with the manners & conditions of the people, they retained Sir, Perce of Winchester to be esperially of their council, and their only Secretary, who cunningly dehaved himself, that he obtained the faudr and friendship of the common fort, winding himself more and more into their privities in such sort, that he persuaded the people that Lord Essticke and Lady Silvia were unnatural Princes, and unfit to govern so soving a people.  
Sir Perce of Winchester thus got into the love of the common sort, winked upon all transgressions, fa●●●●ed traitors, thieves, harlots, and such dissolute persons, and many times having a company of simple then in his presents, he would speak to them in this manner, saying Oh if I were your governor, & the awful sword of justice in my hands, what liberty then should overshadow your attions for without controusment or punishment then, should you freely live, and have both honour, wealth, & pleasure, at your will.  
This practice fecretly came to king Edward's ears, who being well acquainted with the drifts of flatterers, trembling at the memory of his former miseries, led Winchester by fair words up to the top of a high Tower, whereas overlooking the same, King Edward, with other confederates, appointed for that purpose, cast him headlong over the wall, dashing his bones against the hard ground, & so broke his neck: even as he craftily crept into the favour of the common sort, so wretchedly with shame and dishonour ended he his life.  
Now King Edward thinking the estate of his kingdom freed from all traitorous complotters gave himself wholly to voluptuous desires: and having unchaste lust harbouring in his ●●est (against all nature) he desired incestuous concupiscence with fair Silvia his own daughter: and being in a secret chamber ready to enforce her to that filthy fact, she spoke to him in this manner.  
Dear Father, remember the honour of your house, my alcadance and duty to my husband, and the violating of my nuptial chastity: all which (if you commit your pretended sin) will bring a heavy judgement and grievous scourge from God to punish our wicked deed, and evermore in this world we shallbe made a disdain and open contempt to be gaped at. All which persuasions nothing prevailed, for the King being drowned in forgetfulness of former miseries, enforced vehemently the ravishment and deflowering of his daughter siluia's honourable chastity: the which being no sooner obtained, and shamefully committed, but by the just judgement of God, he was suddenly strooken with death: for in his daughter's presence, a fearful flame of burning fire descended from the celestial throne of heaven, and bereaved him both of speech and life in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Which strange vengeance was no little vexation to the sorrowful heart of Lady Silvia; yet remembering the duty of a daughter to her father, she caused a costly Monument of pure wrought gold to be framed, wherein with her husband's consent) he was with great honour entombed, as though he had left this transitory world naturally, without any such violent end.  
After king Edward's death thus strangely happened, Lord Essrick upon his own absolute authority bore sway among the people, who was not able to govern the country, except it were with merciless tyranny: for the natures of Englishmen be evermore such, that they will not endure nor sustame the burdens of any foreign Prince. In the reformation of which rule, they did not only dispirse su●●y infamous slanders against him throughout the whole country, but also traitorously conspired the final destruction of his life: which wilful treacheries might have easily been prevented, had not Lord Essricke misliked the sweet and pleasant marriage estate of virtuous Silvia his wife: for after her company became loathsome to his good liking, the dominion could not long continue unhazarded.  
Lord Essricke was not only now led with an ambitious and princely desire, but also had his affections over mastered with witless cogitations, fervently burning with the strange Just of the English Ladies: and being thus vainly intended, he disdained the comely beauty and honourable parsonage of fair Silvia; whereby bright gold seemed dross, pure wine reputed stinking water: and the pleasant flowers before smelling sweetly, were now esteemed stinking weeds. Thus his wholesome senses being corrupted with lust, fair Sylvia's virtues in his eyes seemed nothing delightsome: so loathsome he accounted her presence to his company, that he daily practised a mean whereby she might be dispatched: but at last, after many devices touching her death, he consulted about the same with a doctor of Physic, who although well qualletied, and singularly experienced, & deeply seen in that noble and reverent science, yet a covetous gain, and a desire of estimation (as a lewd instrument to any vile purpose) puffed him up, and made him consent to the overthrow and fatal finishing of the sweet and tender life of Lady Silvia: who having received an earnest of a rich reward from Lord Essricke, he prepared a fatal potion to cast her into her everlasting sleep. The which Potion, or rather deadly Poison, being no sooner ministered by the Physician, and received by fair Silvia, but presently she was drowned in a deadly and unwakefull sleep, wherein her vital senses were so mortified, that her sweet body losing both strength and operation, yielded up her delicate life without hope of recovery. The uncertainty of Sylvia's death being reported abroad, caused many doubtful surmises to be made, some one way, some another of her tragical end: but yet to salve this contagious sore, Lord Essricke her husband, by proclamation published throughout the dominion of England her honourable and liberal Funeral: the which was openly solemnized in the city of London, not only to creep into the favours of the vulgar sort of people, but also to cloak and bury the murder up in hidden secrecy; by which cunning means he thought the more safer to climb to the highest top of the Kingdom, without either stop or impedimented stay by any one whatsoever.  
After the honourable funeral of Lady Silvia was finished, and her delicate body entombed in the graveled earth, certain English Priests (by a general speech daily given out by the common sort) heard reported, that Lady Silvia was buried by her husbands appointment with great store of treasure about her: to the attaining thereof, to the number of forty official Priests, in a night secretly attempted to dig up the ladies body, thereby to enrich themselves with inestimable store of treasure, that all their lives afterward might be stored with plenty of wealth. But now to put this exployet and vile enterprise in practice, in the mddle hour of the night they met all together at Sylvans Tomb, where they speedily delved & digged up her sanctified body: the which being taken up, they perceived their intentes to be frustrate; and missing the gain of that which they most desired, they suddenly departed, and let the corpse naked upon the bare ground, the which so openly was left to be seen of every one, that all the beholders might easily percevie, that she had her death contrived by the violence of poison.  
The body of S●●●ia being thus privily untombed, present news of the same was transported to he hearing of Lord Essricke, who fearing his unnatural murdering of her dainty life would be brought in public question to the world, therefore presently sending for the Physician, whose counsel he chief required in this cause, and diligently fathomed the depth thereof how Lord Essricke might best regard his own person, defend his credit, and possess the Kingdom in the honour of the people. But now such was the frawdullem attempts of these two secret murderers, by inquisition they found, that the conspiracy & treason in digging up of Sylvia's body proceeded from the English Prelacy: for which fact, most execrable crueitie was prepared for them: for by the worthy and diligent search, and the physicians policy, the general number of those English priests which were at the fact doing were found out, taken, and apprehended, and by order of law put to death. Thus were the end of the said wicked Prelates, who at their dying hours inwardly mourned, and grievously lamented their misspent lives, and their ill disguised manners in the religion which they professed before God; whose souls were drowned in the lake of covetousness & extortion, in pride, lechery, and ambition: which Priests were the rather put to death, because the common sort of people daily complained of their wicked conversations, than their wilful practices at fair Sylvia's Tomb.  
Lord Essricke to throw himself into the favour of the vulgar sort, as well to disguise his own lewd life, as to appease the people's murmurations, he made a resolute determination, utterly to displease the religious Prelates: all which nothing prevailed to cover his wickedness, or make him the better liked amongst the ruder people, whose natures always loatheth and misliketh strange & unnatural governments: yet this was the physicians counsel, to tame and chastise the manners of the people; which cannot be performed (said he) except by cruelty, tyranny, inissgovernment, usurpation, taxes, heavy tributes, and such like: all other gentle means helped not, but rather made them more fircer, and in manners and conditions the more ruder.  
But now discourse we again of the virtuous Queen Katherine, that in the midst of there troubles in England, had her fame and renown made lorious in foreign Nations: for during her abode in the Normaine Court, she preferred the late Lord high Marshals daughter of England to Duke Robert in marriage estate, who not long before had buried his Duchess, and committed her virtuous spirit, to the mighty and supernal majesty of heaven. This young Lady which now the Normaine Duke had matched withal, by the motion and preferment of Queen Katherine, was the Lord Marshal's daughter, whose father spent the best blood of his heart, and yielded his life with his family, in the right and defence of Queen Katherine's chastery, (as you heard before discovered in the beginning of the history:) in recompense whereof the Queen thus preferred and advanced his only child and daughter, being of long time under her tuition educated, & in honourable manner instructed.  
But now by the appointment of the immortal powers of heaven, Queen Katherine, to the accomplishment of all the tragical calamities that long had oppressed her country England, whose happiness she inwardly in heart most entirely loved, & long sighed after, with the aid of the Normaine Duke and other Princes of Christendom, which tenderly affected her virtues, she returned with great admiration, praise, and renown from her banishment: who being placed in a Coach of pure gold, drawn with four milk white Palfreys, with a rich imperial Diadem upon her head, a Sceptre of bright silver in her hand, with many other gorgeous ornaments which most gloriously adorned bit princely person: in which sumptuous manner she entered upon the coast of her native Country from whence she was unjustly banished: whereon, being no sooner come on land, but there met her such multitudes of distressed English people that the pleasant pastures where she travailed seemed to be overspread, who entertained her with exceeding joy (saying aloud with a general voice) Oh happy is the hour, and blessed is the day that our renowned Queen is returned from banishment: the gods preserve and bliss her with everlasting peace, and send her long to reign and govern us with joy and great tranquillity, in more admired glory than did ever Queen in this happy Island. These, and such like speeches was spoken both of young and old, not only to her great joy, but to the excreding comfort of all the foreign Princes, her well willers.  
But now Lord Essricke and his chief Counsellor the Physician, perceiving the whole Country to revolt from their subjection, & willingly yielded to the wished government of Queen Katherine: which unexpected alteration caused them both to submit themselves to her gracious favour: who remembering the death of Prince Edmund and the murdering of Silvia her dear children, and also what inconvenience and disturbance by prolonging their lives might happen to the commonweal: Therefore in strait execution she commanded her will effectually to be discharged, which was, to have Lord Essrick and his counsellors head presently desevered from their shoulders: the which was not so strictly commanded, as speedily performed.  
The great prosperity and wealth wherewith Queen Katherine by her return from banishment, beautified and enriched England, did so much rejoice the dying spirits of the mournful people, that they were glorified in their own desires, and every one deemed their fortunes lifted from long continued misery, to everlasting felicity. But now the virtuous Queen, to make requital for the good Duke of Soffolkes' banishment, and heinous injuries beside, in times past extended through the unbridled fury of her husband's wrath, much desired his return into England to possess his own patrimonies, lands, and lofty dignities so long withholden from him: Therefore to the same effect she sent Ambassadors speedily into Porttingall, where she heard he remained and governed in Princely estate: which knowledge was no sooner given to the Duke, but with majesty, sumptuous renown, and abundant of treasures furnished on every side, he hastened into England: who by the virtuous Queen was received with surpassing glory and magnificence: long had not these two princely personages remained in the English Court, but by the consent of the whole Country, they were joined and matched together in the lawful estate of marriage, by whose wise government the land of Egland in short time, not only became populous, rich, honourable, and quiet: but replenished with all manner of necessary things. And finally, Queen Katherine marrying the good Duke of Suffolk, together with the consent and advice of the whole dominion, were crowned legetimate governors of England: where they enjoyed issue and posterity between them, with long life, prosperous renown, eternal honour, and everlasting felicity.  
(* ⁎ *)   
FINIS.   

 blazon or coat of arms  
Imprinted at London by William White dwelling in Cow-lane. 1600.