THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN MODERATOR.  
Collections Of such intermarriages, as have been between the two Royal Lines of ENGLAND and SPAIN, since the Conquest: with a short view of the Stories of the lives of those Princes.  
And also some observations of the passages: with diverse reasons to moderate the Country people's passions, fears, and expostulations, concerning the Prince his Royal Match and State affairs.  
Composed and collected by Edm. Garrard.  
AT LONDON: Printed by Edward Allde. 1624.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, HENRY Lord DANVERS, Baron of Dauntesey.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE,  
IF I (poor and infortunate) should say, that I can no more forget your Noble house, I so long followed, and many Noble favours from thence received: then the children of Captivity, could forget their own jerusalem: if I should tell your Lordship how much I honour you, joy at your sight, memory, and happiness, liberally protesting all this, and much more; it may be thought but superficial, and the common phrase of indigent men: But God that knoweth the secrets of all men's hearts, can witness from mine, it sincerely proceedeth: If I could do any thing worthy acceptance, I humbly acknowledge, it is due to your Lordship; yet howsoever, I here make bold to put out under your Honourable Patronage, these my poor endeavours.  
First, the Title is some way suitable to the condition your Lordship now liveth in, as being (indeed) more a Country Lord then a Court: If the Fate and State shall please to have it otherwise, (Tam marti quam Mercurio) for the service of the King, and Country, amongst the rest of the Stars placed in that Sphere, your Lordship would at least contribute light: but your daily relieving of many poor in the Country, where and for which your renown is, done more to God's glory then your own; your Lordship's preferment will be in a better Kingdom.  
Secondly, the Subject & Treatise are likewise agreeable to your Lordship's loyal disposition, which is only desiring God may be truly honoured, all things suit and succeed to the complete comfort, contentment, & good of the King, Prince and Kingdom: if they amongst their serious affairs, shall vouchsafe to look into this work. I humbly desire the motive thereof might be as from your Lordship, receiving your favourable acceptance, pardon for this my boldness, and to live esteemed  
Your Lordships ever devoted servant, Edm. Garrard.   

To the Reader.  
I Intent by God's help, and your patience (gentle Reader) to present unto your view an Abstract of such intermariages as have been between the two royal Lines of England and Spain, and some other passages betwixt the two Nations, from the time of the Conquest, until this present: the subject appropriating to that which is now most autentick on England's fair stage, & of the greatest consequence that hath been there these many years, therefore the greater, is both my adventure and presumption, for that the same and such great affairs of State, are not to be meddled withal or talked of, but with great caution and reverence, or rather indeed not at all, upon the former and accustomed courses of restriction, of the vulgar in that particular, having been a long time in council consulted of, & now someway public: These my endeavours being but merely collections out of our English Chronicles (as history) which is said to be the witness of time, the light of truth, the memorial of life, & report of antiquity: with some other observations concerning those affairs, and in the country too much expostulated of, I hope I shall give no cause of offence, tax, nor exception; having no affectation to talk or busy myself in State affairs, nor minister more, but rather less occasion for others so to do. But that I should presume to write in a business of so great a consequence, and of this nature, and the rather coming now so late, and not in so good a season as formerly it would have done, I may be subject both to reproof and tax. Only, I shall desire the judicial, and best affected (prima fancy) not to judge me; what follows comes from a Protestant pen, from one that wisheth all may be well, liveth in the country fare out of sight, and almost out of hearing, from the helm where the affairs of State are steered: therefore more than by observation, and what the country affords is beyond my knowledge, neither sent, nor set on to write or speak, having neither thought, aim, nor expectation of preferment, (not assuming to myself thereof any ways worthy) should think myself happy, if I might as a Moderator some way qualify passion that the Country people might not so much expostulate of our Princes Royal Match, and the affairs of State as now they do. For that purpose it is only to them sent, meant, and intended: having only treated of the passages of former times, concerning that affair or others of State for the present or future, I neither have, nor will meddle withal, as indeed not fitting for the common people so to do: As they are fare from their knowledges and apprehensions, so should they be likewise from their discourses and expostulations, not to look where Lions wake or sleep: The actions of Princes not to be pried into, but by such as are in authority. Peradventure some will say, that in this my Discourse I have been squint-eyde, as not looking or bending my course any ways direct: those who have been averse, and unwilling for our Princes Royal Match, will tax me for a temporizer, I conceive I have not magnified the Spaniards above measure, more or otherwise then our own authors and other Writers affirm; so could I wish they should not out of passion, and invention, be detracted beyond merit, and with those that have so much desired our Prince's Match, myself with them I shall not any ways ingratiate, I hope my honest plain meaning and intentions, shall indicially justify me against either. Will as a good subject ought (wishing all the Country people would do the like) only desire God may be truly honoured, praying to him to direct all things for the best, his Majesty obeyed in all his Commands on earth, have complete content and comfort, and live long to see his holy intentions take effect for the good of Christendom, and not with any farther expostulations to trouble ourselves, but rely on God's providence, the King and Prince's wisdoms, and integrities, letting them and those that are in authority alone in the business; neither fear nor doubt, that any thing will be done, which shall any ways impair the honour of Religion, or general good of the kingdom: The farther particulars, this my Epistle Dedicatory by way of anticipation, shall not relate, but the work itself shall make particular demonstration thereof: What I have here begun, some of better ability (if it please them) may supply that wherein I have been defective: these my poor endeavours, I humbly leave to your considerations, & myself to your favourable censures: resting  
Yours, E. G.   

ENGLAND AND SPAIN'S INTERMARRIAGES, with a brief tract of the story of those Princes concerning those affairs.  
PRescription and precedents, swaying with the positive laws of the Kingdom, they may then fare better overrule, or at least give Real satisfaction, in point of mere conceit, and late conceived disaffection: reading our own Annalles and Chronicles, we shall there find many mutual intermarriages, to have been between the two Royal Crowns, of England and Spain, began in the very infancy of our Monarchy, running in a long descent, chained and linked together one with another, making as it were a golden Orb and circle of sincere Princely love and amity: so that many mighty Kings of Spain and Portugal, have had Royal mothers of the English Nation, and likewise many Royal Princesses of Spain, have been the blessed mothers of some puissant, and victorious Kings of England. King William surnamed the conqueror, by whom England received his last subversion, and general alteration, his courses of government, institutions and laws (by which we are now governed) being exactly executed, were as links intermutually fastened, made so strong a Chain, that it hath ever since held together, the whole frame of the state in peace and order, as all the politic Regiments upon earth, all the inter-leagued societies of men, cannot show a straighter form of combination. This King first began, contracted Margaret his youngest daughter, to Alphonsus' King of Galicia: 
1076.  Henry the second lineally descended from him, a famous and worthy King of England, married Elinor his second daughter, to another Alphonsus the ninth, 
1171.  surnamed the good King of Castille.  
Richard the first, surnamed Cuer de Lion, son of Henry the second, he took to wife Berengaria, daughter of Sanctius King of Navarr.  
The next intermarriage we find, to have between those two Nations being England, had thereby a Queen (therein) And so for other in like sort; I will be more particular; it was in the time of King Henry the third, 
Henry the third reigned 56. years.  who of all the Kings of England since the conquest, reigned longest, and his troubles therein the greatest: not any ways occasioned by the marriage, but for that he would rule and govern, according to his will, and lusts, and not by his laws: those that desire to be more particularly informed thereof, 
Stowe. holinsh. Speede.  the story of his life written by many, will give them further, and full satisfaction: for so much as shall concern marriages, and other passages between England and Spain, I will only contract myself.  
This King when he had reigned 39 years, with infinite and daily troubles, of civil wars, with his Barons, he was suddenly called to another service from home. Alphonso King of Spain, 
The King of Spain claimed Gascoigne.  claimed title to Gascoigne, by virtue of a Charter from Henry the second, confirmed by Richard and john, Kings of England. Henry the third, fearing the Gascoyners would draw in the Spaniards, peaceably as it were in the manner of a Progress, repaired into Gascoigne, 
King of England went into Gascoyney.  and from thence sent Ambassadors to the King of Spain, to desire that the Lady Elinor his sister, might be given in marriage to his son Prince Edward, 
Ambassadors sent into Spain to treat of a marriage.  which was after Edward the first: this motion was well approved, besides that they brought Letters Patents with them, from the King of Spain, in which amongst all other clauses, it was contained, 
The King of Spain released his claim to Gasconey.  that the King of Spain did quit his claim, and whole right, which by virtue of any grants, from Henry, Richard, and john, Kings of England, he had or aught to have: hereupon the King of England sendeth both for his Queen, and his son, (whom the King of Spain desired, 
The King of Spain sends for the Prince of England.  might be conveyed unto him) only with a noble intent, to see and do him honour. Among other acts of sincerity, and love, Alphonso sent to the King of England good advice, that after the example of good Kings and Princes, he should be a Lamb to his Subjects, and Servitors, and a Lion unto Aliens and Rebels.  
Soon after, the Queen and her son arriving in Gascoigne, when all things were rightly prepared, Prince Edward was thence presently sent into Spain, where, at the City of Burges, he married the Lady Elinor, sister to the King with great honour, 
The Prince of England marrieth with the King of Spain's sister.  having first received Knighthood at his hands, which done returns to Bordeaux, from whence they altogether came safe, through France into England; the King of France being not long before returned from the Holy land, 
The Prince of England had great entertainment in France.  gave them both safe conduct in their passage, and did to him and all his whole company, all the honour, with triumphs, and feasts, which the wit of man, or the goodly Kingdom of France could afford: afterwards landed safely at Dover; what treasure this noble young Princess brought in portion to her husband, our Writers have not delivered unto us, but the king forthwith gave to his son Gascoigne, Ireland, Bristol, Stamford, and Grantham: King Henry lived after the marriage of his son seventeen years; during which time, this Spanish Lady carried herself, 
The Spanish Lady a most virtuous Princess.  as a most noble and worthy Princess, and afterwards being Queen, a more renowned, loyal, and virtuous wife, no age ever afforded. This King Edward the first, amongst many his enterprises, of a Royal and Kingly resolution, went in person to War against the Sarazenes: where that renowned and virtuous Lady Elinor his wife, did endure with him an unseperable companion of all his fortunes, and was at Acon delivered of a daughter, there baptised by the name of jone, she is denoated by our own. Writers, to be a matchless precedent, of conjugal affection; the King her husband being traitorously wounded by a Sarazen, with a poisoned knife, that when no medicine could extract the poison, this Lady Elinor (whilst the King her husband slept.) With her tongue daily licked his rankling wounds, drawing forth the empoisoned matter, that soon after he was fully cured, and she fortunately preserved.  
The King and Queen not long after taking their journey together towards Scotland, the Queen in her way thither-wards, sickened and died in the year 1284. The king almost struck dead with sorrpw, altars his resolution, returns back towards London, with a long and sorrowful journey in a slow and stately manner, she being conveyed out of Lincolnshire towards London, in her honour, the king her husband, (who loved her above all worldly creatures) caused those many famous Crosses to be erected, wheresoever her Royal corpses did rest. 
Charing Cross, at Waltham, St. Alban's, and Dunstable.  The King with his whole Nobility and Clergy, in a pompous and Royal manner meets the body at Saint Alban's, and with a Noble and general concourse of his Subjects, brings it to the Royal Sepulture of his Ancestors at Westminster; and there in Saint Peter's Church, it was with all possible Royalty, and magnificence honourably interred. The King gave unto the Abbot there, twelve large and rich Lordships, charitably to give Alms, and devoutly to pray for the blessed Queen, until the world's end.  
Our own Writers affirm of this Queen, 
Speede. Walsing. Camden's Britania.  to our Nation she was a loving mother: and saith one, the Column and pillar (as it were of the whole Realm) she added the virtues of a wife to her sex; to them both, her immortal fame is a glory, and an honour to her Nation.  
King Edward the third, 
1360.  married his daughter johanna to Henry the second King of Castille, son of Alphonsus the 11.  
john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, fourth son of King Edward the third, did take to wife Constantia, eldest daughter of Peter King of Castille.  
To whom in right of his said wife Constantia, the Kingdom of Castille and Leon, did descend, and they both styled themselves King and Queen of Castille, and Leon, which illustrious title is yet to be seen, upon his noble monument in Saint Paul's Church in London.  
Katherine the sole daughter of the said Duke of Lancaster, by his aforesaid wife Constantia, was married to Henry, 
1388.  the third son of king john of Castille and Leon.  
Edmund Duke of York, youngest son of king Edward the third, 
1391.  married Isabella youngest daughter of Peter king of Castille.  
King Henry the fourth married johanna the daughter of Charles king of Navarr. 
1403.   
The next intermarriage we find, between England and Spain, was in the time of king Henry the seaventh, his own marriage, his sons with Spain, and marriages of his daughters, are the greatest acts of State, our English Annalles do afford us, first his own marriage made a Union, whereupon after the effusion of much blood, to the consumption of the greatest part of the English Nobility, there followed, and ever since continued, a happy peace, and then by the marriage of his daughter, settled an undoubted and permanent succession, for the Crown of England, the blessed happiness at this instant we enjoy. All which with the patience of the Reader, contrary to my intended resolution, which was only for the story of the Spanish matches, I will a little digress, and briefly touch, having one with another dependency and coherence.  
This king Henry the seaventh, for his wisdom was said to be a second Solomon, and lay somewhat heavy on his people, and was Ancestor to our now Sovereign, who will peradventure some way, both for the managing of the State, and marriage of his children, make him a pattern, and precedent: But the difference is (the more is our happiness) Henry the seaventh his gathering of treasure together, was to heap up in store, as appeared being found at Richmond, after his decease under his own key, and keeping eighteen hundred thousand pounds sterling. A huge mass of money for those times. Our king hath expressed his Royal and Princely bounty, and exposed his treasure upon important occasions, whereunto his Majesty hath been necessitated, gathered up from his Subjects, but as showers of rain, that falls back upon the earth again. But it hath been of late, and it is very like henceforth it will be employed to repay, support, and supply.  
About the ninth year of king Henry the seaventh his reign, there was one Peter Hyalus an Ambassador, 
A Spanish Ambassador sent into England.  sent from Ferdinando and Isabel king and Queen of Spain, to treat of a marriage between Katherine their daughter, and Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry the seaventh: it was observed this Hyalus was a man of great wisdom, that through the present could see fare into the future: which king Henry soon perceived; Hyalus instantly became in great favour and estimation with him, brought it so about, and yet not seen therein, that Hyalus was employed for him into Scotland, both about a treaty of peace, as also a marriage for Margaret his eldest daughter with james the fourth, then king of Scotland: it was not king Henry his course, to seek peace at any Prince his hands: But it was conceived he did it then, as not loving the barren wars, which he thought would not be worth his charge: Hyalus so carried himself in those Ambassies, that it was his masterpiece, which ever after gave him the esteem of an excellent workman, which shall be hereafter more particularly related. The wars between the king of England and the king of Scots, were then at the height, when Hyalus was sent, but coming as it were from the king and Queen of Spain, as from friends, equally well affected to both parties, to mediate a peace between the two kings, of England and Scotland, as also about a treaty, or overture, at least of a marriage, which perhaps in their own persons would not have been so easily brought about, the point of honour might thereunto give impeachment. Hyalus so handled the point of his employment, that immediately after, Bishop Fox was sent as an Ambassador into Scotland, whereupon followed an honourable truce, and shortly afterwards a marriage concluded, between the king of Scots, and Margaret the eldest daughter of Henry the seaventh king of England: so that Doctor Morton afterwards Cardinal, and this Peter Hyalus the Spanish Ambassador, were two of the happiest instruments that ever were, the one for composing and contriving the marriage between king Henry the seaventh, and Elizabeth the eldest daughter of Edward the fourth, whereby the two houses of York and Lancaster were united, and Hyalus a forerunner of good hap, was therefore by some called an Elias, being the first motive and special means of the intermarriage between England and Scotland, whereby we enjoy our now Sovereign, whom God grant long to reign over us.  
The Spaniards are observed generally to be acute and ingenious, and many of them of great wisdom, and deep judgements, some reason thereof conceived, for that they are freer from the dull disease of drink, than other Nations are.  
The great Historians writes in this manner of them. The Spaniards are more able, 
Guichardine. Biterus.  then either the French, or Germans, to endure the actions of the body, and to suffer the passions of the mind. Their first founder was a Soldier, therefore are they held naturally the more for war: 
Jgnatius.  and no Nation hath ever been therein more exercised. They have a Spanish Proverb, To have peace with England doth us betide, wars with all the world beside.  
These our ancient Writers affirm, 
Droder. Siculus lib. 6. Strabo lib. 3. Mila lib. 2.  that the Spaniard is most patiented in want, hardness, hunger, thirst, heat, cold, and all other toil and trouble, both of body and mind, and most ready and resolute, for love of Country, or honour, to encounter all dangers whatsoever. For the last particular, wherein the Spaniard hath that height of commendation given him, it neither can be any detraction or diminution to the English; they have deserved as much: whereof the Spaniards themselves have had experience.  
The marriage with Spain was almost seven years in treaty, 
The Spanish match seven years in treaty.  which was in part caused, by the tender years of the marriage couple, especially of the Prince: But the true reason was, that those two Princes, being Princes of great policy, and profound judgement, stood a great time, looking one upon another's fortune how they would go, knowing well that in the mean time the very treaty itself, gave abroad in the world, a reputation of a straight conjunction and amity between them, which served on both sides to many purposes, that their several affairs required, and yet they continued still free: But in the end, when the fortunes of both Princes did grow every day more and more prosperous, and assured, and that looking about them, they saw no better conditions, they shist it up.  
The second day of October, 
Queen Katherine arrived in England.  in the 17. year of the king's reign, the Lady Katherine, daughter to Ferdinand, and Izabella king and Queen of Spain, arrived in England at Plymouth, and she was married to Prince Arthur in Paul's, the 14. day of November following; the Prince being about 15. years of age, and the Lady 18. The manner of her receiving, the manner of her entry into London, and the celebration of their marriage were performed, with great and true magnificence, in regard of cost and order. The chief man that took the care, was Bishop Fox, who was not only a great Counsellor for war, or peace, but also a good Suruayor of works, and a good Master of ceremonies, and any thing that was fit, for the active part belonging to the service of a Court, or State of a great king.  
Amongst the devices, and conceits of the triumphs at the marriage, there was a great deal of Astronomy: the Lady being resembled to Hesperus, and the Prince to Arcturus: and the old king Alphonsus, that was the great Astronomer of kings (and Ancestor to the Lady) was brought in to be Fortune-teller of the match: And whosoever had those toys in compyling, they were not altogether pedantical. But we may be sure, that king Arthur the Britain (in whose acts were worth enough to make him famous, besides that which is fabulous written of him:) the Prince his descent from him, and the Lady Katherine from the house of Lancaster, was not forgotten; those two particulars had a great part in the play: But it seems, it is not good to fetch fortune from the Stars. This young prince Arthur, drow upon him not only the hopes and affections of his Country, but the eyes and expectations of Foreigners, all frustrated, enjoying him so little a time, as they did, the great alterations, and strange events afterwards ensuing.  
The marriage portion the Princess brought, 
The marriage portion.  which was turned over to the King, by renunciation, was two hundred thousand Ducats, whereof one hundred thousand were paid ten days after the solemnisation of the marriage, and the other hundred thousand, at two payments annual; but part of it in jewels, and Plate, and a due course set down to have them justly, and indifferently prised.  
The jointure, 
Queen Katherine's jointure.  or the advancement of the Lady, was the third part of the principality of Wales, and of the Dukedom of Cornwall, and the Earldom of Chester, to be after set forth in severalty; and in case she came to be Queen of England; her advancement was left indiffinite, but that it should be as great, as any former Queen of England had: Prince Arthur, immediately after the Solemnisation of the Marriage, was sent to keep his rescyance and Court, as Prince of Wales, at the Castle of Ludlowe: after a few months, in the beginuing of April, he there deceased; 
Prince Arthur deceased.  So that in respect he died so young, and by reason of his Father's manner of education, that did cast no great Lustre upon his children, there is little particular mention of him, only thus much remaineth, that he was very studious and learned beyond his years, and beyond the custom of great Princes.  
The February next following, Henry Duke of York, afterward Henry the Eight, was created Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester; For the Dukedom of Cornwall, devolved unto him by Statute, which was half a years distance taken for his creation, and his Prince Arthur's death, which was construed to be, to exprect a full time, whereby it might appear, whether the Lady Katherine were with child by Prince Arthur or not; when this doubt was cleared, Henry the Prince of Wales, was presently Contracted to the Lady Katherine his brother Prince Arthur's Widow, the reason of the Kings so doing, some Writers affirm, was because he was close handed, and would not part with a second Dowry; some others affirm (and it is like they are nearest the truth) out of his affection to Ferdinando King of Spain, with whom he had ever a consent, even in nature and customs, and out of a politic consideration, to continue his alliance with Spain, being assured, that the Lady was of a most worthy, virtuous, and Princely disposition, and in his profound judgement, knew that wives were casual commodities, both for the love he bore to his Son, and the kingdom; for that neither of them should run another hazard, retained the Lady to be Queen of England.  
The next instantly taken in hand, 
The King of Scotland's marriage with the King's eldest Daughter, done by Proxy.  was the work begun by Hyalus the Spanish Ambassador, the Solemnisation of the Spowsals of james the Fourth, King of Scotland, with the Lady Margarel the King's eldest Daughter, which was done by Proxy, and published at Paul's Cross, the 25. day of january, and Te Deum solemnly sung; But certain it is, that the joy of the City thereupon showed by ringing the Bells, and Bonfires, and such other incense of the people, was more than could be expected, in case of so great and fresh enmity between the Nations, especially in London, which were far enough from the feeling any the former calamities of the War, and therefore might be truly attributed to a secret instinct, and inspiring, (which many times runneth not only in the hearts of Princes) but in the pulses and veins of people) touching the happiness there to ensue in time to come.  
The Marriage was in August following consummated at Edinburgh, King Henry bringing his Daughter as fare as Colliweston on the way, and then consigning her to the attendance of the Earl of Northumberland, who with a great troop of Lords and Ladies of Honour, brought her into Scotland to the King her Husband.  
This Marriage had been in treaty by the space almost of three years, from the time that Hyalus made the first overture, and that the King of Scotland shortly after, opened his mind to Bishop Fox.  
The sum given in marriage portion by the King, 
The Marriage portion.  was ten thousand pounds. The jointure and advancement assured by the King of Scotland, was two thousand pounds a year, after King james his death, one thousand pounds a year in present, for the Lady's maintenance. This to be set forth in lands of the best, and most certain Revenue.  
The King as it is reported, 
A question proposed by the Lords of the Counsel.  before this Match was concluded, proposed it to his Council, and amongst them it was debated, some of the Table, in the Freedom of Counsellors (the King being present) did put the case, that if God should take away the Kings two Sons without issue, that then the kingdom of England would fall unto the King of Scotland, 
The. Kings Reply.  which might prejudice the Monarchy of England: whereunto the King himself replied, that if that should be, Scotland would be but an accession to England, and not England to Scotland, for that the greater would draw the less; and that it was a safer Union for England then that of France; This passed as an Oracle, and silenced those that moved the question; This was a kind of divine and prophetical proposition, made by the Lords of the Council, and so accordingly answered by the King; so that the said james the fourth King of Scotland, had issue by the Lady Margaret, james the Fift, 
The King's Descent.  and he had issue Queen Mary, she had issue our now Sovereign; so that he is great Grandchild of Margaret, eldest Daughter to Henry the Seaventh.  
Now seeing I have gone thus fare in matters of Marriage, contrary to my intent, as not to have meddled with any but those of Spain, I will now go through by way of touch, rather than by ample discourse, of the marriage of the last, and indeed of all the Daughters and children of King Henry the Seaventh; 
Henry the Seaventh contracteth Mary his youngest Daughter to the Emperor.  and the rather, for that it was the last act, that concluded his temporal felicity, which was the conclusion of a glorious match, between his Daughter Mary and Charles, Princes of Castyle; afterwards the great Emperor, both being of tender years (which treaty was perfected by Bishop Fox, 
Henry the Seaventh dying, the Marriage took not effect.  and others his Commissioners at Calais.) But by reason the King about some year after died, that marriage did not take effect; 
Marry King Henry's youngest Daughter married to the King of France. Afterwards to the Duke of Suffolk.  she was afterwards married to the King of France, who being aged, shortly after died, had no issue by her: King Henry the Eight her brother sent over into France, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, to fetch her from thence, who married her, and by him she had issue: the farther particulars in those affairs, I leave the readers, to the perusal of the works of many Writers, 
Stowe. Holland. Speede.  that have written the same at large.  
For Henry the Seaventh I will conclude, being he himself by the general concluder of all, was concluded. (Only this) he had the fotune of a true Christian, aswell as of a great King, 
●ote.  in living exercised, and dying repentant, his happiness was much the more; as when he left the world, was in great felicity (being as it were at the top of all worldly bliss) in regard of the high marriages of his Children, his great renown (throughout Europe) his great Riches, and the perpetual constancy of his prosperous successes, all which were some way a shadow and veil; that it did not so evidently appear, as otherwise it would, in what obloquy of the people, (he notwithstanding lived.) So that death to him was wonderful opportune, to withdraw, and preserve him from any future blow of Fortune, which in all likelihood would have fallen upon him, in regard of the great hatred of his people; and the Title of his Son, being then come to eighteen years of age, and being a bold Prince, and liberal, gained upon the people, by his very aspect and presence.  
The King according to the contract made by his Father, 
King Henry the 8. married the Lady Katherine, his brother's widow.  married his Brother Prince Arthur's Widow. The secret providence of God ordaining that Marriage to be the cause of great events and changes: our Writers do not lay it to the Lady's charge, that she in her particular ministered any occasion thereof.  
The story of the King's life, more or otherwise then it shall concern the divorce; the Lady's life and conversation, I will not here meddle; many have written of him at large, but the less is the more, for his commendation: 
Queen Katherine lived twenty years with the King  When this Lady had lived above twenty years with the King, as a virtuous and loyal Wife, Cardinal Wolsey we find had a great part in this play, whose descent Pollidor Vigil relateth, Parentem habuit virum probum at lanium, had an honest man to his Father, but a Butcher: then for the particular story of his life, more than shall concern this affair, I leave the Readers to many other Authors that have written the same at large; but in brief, he was intolerable wicked, pompous, and magnificent, and according to the fate (commonly of such men) his end was infamous and infortunate; upon some private grudge he bore to Queen Katherine, partly to be revenged thereby upon her Nephew the Emperor, because he would not make him Pope (as secretly he had requested him) and partly because oftentimes in a most secret, loving, and gentle fashion, she had admonished and warned him of his covetousness, tyranny; of his extortions, oppressions; of his pride and licentious course of life; such men, when they are told of those things, being eminent and powerful, usually will extend it to the highest, to execute their malice; which Wolsey so did towards the Queen, as it afterwards fell out to be apparent, that to the King in private he had cast some scruples, with some subtle disputations, concerning the lawfulness, and nullity of the King's marriage, who having (as it seemed) a desire to change, as by his having so many Wives, afterwards it was somewhat probable, made a great show and expressure to the world, that he began to be tender over his conscience, and provident to establish the true succession of the kingdom, in a lawful heir; struck so great an impression into him, and so busied his cogitations and thoughts, that a religious sorrow began to seize upon him (and to avoid the continuance in that incestuous sin) until by a judicial sentence, the doubts were cleared, he refrained from the Queen's bed; and the Cardinal to make himself more great than he was, procured a Commission from the Pope, to be directed to him, and to his ancient brother Cardinal Campeius, that before them as supreme judges, that question (by legal process and proceed) might be heard, debated on, and censured, according to the laws of God.  
These two Legates (having received their Commission) informeth the Queen of their authority and power, and she in some passion accused Wolsey, as the principal broacher of that doubt, and a maintainer of that contention, which he denied, and excused himself. The King pretending nothing in this business but truth, sincerity, and justice, according to the Laws of God and man, was well contented, that the Queen should make choice of the greatest Clerks, and the best learned men in the kingdom, to defend, and maintain her cause, which she accordingly did, 
Commissioners chosen by the Queen.  as namely, William Warham then Archbishop of Canterbury, and Nicholas West Bishop of Ely, john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Henry Standish Bishop of Assoph. For the prosecuting of this business, a stately Court was erected in the great Hall at the Blackfriars, where the two Legates sat as judges, the King and Queen scited in their own persons, or by their Proctors to appear. The King by his Proctor submitted himself to the Apostulation authority and power, which by the Pope to the two Legates was given: But the Queen herself (accompanied with many Lords, Knights, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen) and having first done great reverence to the two Legates) appealed from them (as from judges, which were not compotent, and indifferent, to determine betwixt the Queen and King) to the Court at Rome; This appeal they allowed not, but in the same Court they sat weekly, and before them many learned and subtle Disputations, touching the lawfulness; and also concerning the insufficiency of that Marriage, were daily made before them.  
The King perceiving, that no quick dispatch was used, though oftentimes they deliberately consulted, came with the Queen into the said Court, where his Majesty solemnly protested his infinite love towards her, acknowledging her to be the most amiable, 
The King's protestation and love to the Queen.  loving, kind, duteous, modest, and sweetest Wife, that he thought was in the world; and that therefore he should not take so much joy and comfort in any thing else whatsoever, as he should do in her; if by the laws of God and man, she might remain his Wife, and therefore for the determining of that question, and for the quieting of his troubled conscience, he instantly importuned a quick dispatch, and a final end.  
Then was the Queen demanded, whether she would stick to her appeal or no, who answered yea, yet for all that, the Court proceeded weekly, though softly, as before.  
The Queen presently rose up, and going about the Court to the King, fell down on her knees before his feet, and in the hearing of the people spoke thus in effect; 
The Queen's speech to the King.  Sir, I desire you to take some pity upon me; and do me justice and right: I am a poor Woman, a stranger borne out of your Dominions, having here no indifferent counsel, and less assurance of friendship! alas, wherein have I offended, or what cause of displeasure have I given, that you intent to put me away? I take God to my judge, I have been to you a true and humble wife, ever conformable to your will and pleasure, never gainsaying any thing wherein you took delight: without all grudge, or discontented countenance, I have loved all them that have loved you, howsoever their affections have been to meward: I have borne you children and been your wife, now this twenty years. Of my virginity and marriage bed, I make God and your own conscience the judge, and if it be otherwise proved, I am content to be put from you with shame: The King your father in his time for his wifedome, was known to be a second Solomon, and Ferdinando of Spain my Father the wisest amongst their kings; could they in this match be so fare overseen, or are there now wiser, and more learned men then at any time were? surely it seemeth wonderful to me, that my marriage after twenty years should be thus called in question, with new invention against me, who never intended but honesty; Alas Sir, I see I am wronged, having no Council to speak for me, but such as are your subjects, and cannot be indifferent on my part; therefore I most humbly beseech you in charity stay this course, until I may have advice and counsel from Spain; if not, your Grace's pleasure be done, and therewithal rising, and making lowly obeisance to the Court, departed thence, 
Queen Katherine departed the Court.  leaning upon the arm of her servant, deceived each man, expecting she had returned to her seat, when as she took directly out of the place; which being perceived, the Crier again called her by the name of Queen Katherine, to come into the Court; Madam quoth her guide, you are again called; on said she, it maketh no matter, this is no indifferent Court for me, therefore go forward.  
The King perceiving that she was departed, 
The King's report of the Queen.  presently spoke thus unto the assembly; I will (quoth he) in her absence declare before you all, that she hath been to me a most true, obedient, and comfortable wise, endued with all virtuous qualities, conditions, according to her birth, and lowliness, equals any of the meanest estate.  
The Court sat many times after, where many subtle and vebement allegations were urged for the lawfulness and nullity of the Marriage, the King eagerly bend to have an end, foresaw he should never there have any: whilst the business was in debate and handling, he privately employed diverse Lords, and the greatest Divines within his kingdom, to travail into all the Universities in the Christian world, and there to be resolved of their opinions, touching the validity or nullity of the marriage. And when they all returned, they brought with them twelve Instruments, sealed with the public Seals of so many of the Universities, and also the opinions of sundry great and famous learned men: 
The King's marriage judged unlawful.  by all which it appeared, that they agreed and consented in one, that the King's marriage with his Brother's wife was utterly void, and contrary to the laws of God and man, notwithstanding the dispensation of the Pope.  
The King sent those Instruments unto the Queen, desiring to be satisfied from her, whether she would yield her consent to the Divorce or no, for the quieting of the King's conscience, to refer it to four Prelates, and four temporal Lords.  
The Queen thereunto made a long, grave, noble, and patiented answer, positively concluding, she would not submit herself to any course therein: until the Court of Rome which was privy to the beginning, had made there a determination and final end: the King having several times formerly sent unto the Pope, had been long delayed, seeing no likelihood of an end, resolved no longer to wait in his attendance on the Court of Rome, went roundly and resolutely on in another course, summons a Parliament, there showing the twelve Instruments from the several Universities, 
The King's Divorce by act of Parliament.  an Act passed, and his marriage with the Lady Katherine was dissolved and made void, a sentence of Divorce pronounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and she was ever after to be called the Queen Dowager: few or none but are either so fare read in our English Chronicles, or may observe what afterwards became of the Pope's usurped Heptarchy in England, and what further followed.  
So here you have heard the relation of the Story of this great Queen Katherine, though infortunate, was indeed, a mirror and example of wisdom, integrity, sincerity, and all Royal and Princely virtues. Yet it is unlike, but that before her coming ovet into this kingdom, she might be detractively expostulated of, and had not she been as she is here described, (as the times afterwards were) she would assuredly have had her part of detraction from our Writers, as they have been some way sparing of her due commendation.  
After her separation and divorce from the King, there is little news of her, but that within some three years after at Kimbleton in the County of Huntingdon, 
Queen Katherine deceased.  she there religiously lived and died, and lieth interred in the Cathedral Church of Peterborough.  
The next marriage betwixt England and Spain, King Philip the second came over into England and married Queen Mary, Daughter to Henry the Eight, which he had by Queen Katherine of Spain.  
That Marriage is yet so fresh in memory, and amongst the country people is indeed a great occasion of producing those fears and doubts, they seem to apprehend, these things I must acknowledge, are too great a consequence of State for me to meddle withal, yet under favour as a Moderator, I would willingly the country people should truly know and take it into their considerations, that for those persecutions in Queen mary's time (it was thought) she was much the more thereunto drawn by her two Bishops, that were such bloodhounds (Gardener and Bonner) King Philip was both a mediator, and Moderator, what he could, to stay them, the which with the story of the marriage, and other passages concerning the same, I will here as our own Writers have affirmed, briefly and truly relate.  
Queen Mary her intent to marry with King Philip, she caused to be published: Stephen Gardener then Lord Chancellor, made a speech to the Nobility in the Chamber of presence, setting forth the honour, the riches, and augmentation of Titles to the Crown of England; yet was it distasteful to many, great fears and doubts instantly conceived would follow, as well the Church reform, as for the politic, and State affairs of the kingdom.  
The first beginners of commotion were, Henry Duke of Suffolk, and Sir Thomas Wyatt, making Proclaimations for the abandoning of strangers, and to withstand the Queen's marriage with King Philip, the reasons they further alleged and published, their proceed and infortunate ends, I leave the reader to the perusal of their Stories by diverse Written at large.  
The Queen removed to the Tower, 
The Queen's marriage confirmed by Parliament Anno. 2. Ca 2. Some of the Nobility and Commons much discontented. The Queen sent Letters to give them some content  summons a Parliament, wherein by Statute the marriage was confirmed, to the great contentment, comfort and joy, of the then time observers. But some of the Nobility, and the Commons for the most part were much grieved and discontented thereat. These distastive stomaches, Queen Mary well perceauing, therefore to give them the more content, she sent Letters signed with her own hand into Wales, charging the Lord Precedent, the Bishop of Oxford and Salisbury, to intimate the benefit thereof to the whole land, as much as might be, and especially London, whose Lord Maior and Commons were sent for; to whom the Lord Chancellor made a Speech, told them how by the match, all the Realm would be much intiched, 
The Londoners became instantly for the marriage.  but especially London by their Trade and Traffic with Spain, that was enough, not only to alter and reduce, but to set them an edge beyond, or at least equivolent with all other respects, or considerations whatsoever.  
The Earl of Bedford and the Lord Fitzwaters, 
King Philip sent for.  were sent into Spain to conduct King Philip into England, the Lord Admiral with twenty eight ships securing the seas, the space of three months before. All things thus ordered, and Philip in readiness, took shipping at Carone in Gallezia, and with a Navy of an hundred and fifty sailed directed his course for the Queen; upon Friday the twenty day of july he arrived at Southampton, 
King Philip landed in England.  and was the first man of the Fleet that set soot on the shore, which no sooner done, but he drew his Sword, and bore it naked in his hand as he went. The Earl of Arundle Steward of the Queen's house, presented to his Highness the George and Garter, and the Mayor of the Town of Southaempton the keys of the Town, thither was sent the Lord Chancellor from the Queen, and he again of his Nobles sent to her (who was on the way to Winchester to welcome himself.) Towards which City upon Monday following he set forth, being accompanied with the marquis of Winchester, the Earls of Arundle, Derby, Worcester, Bedford, Rutland, Penbroke, and Surry; the Lords Clinton, Cobham, Willoughby, Darcy, Matrevers, Talbot, Strange, Fitzwarren, and North. 
The Spanish Nobles.   
The Spanish train were the Dukes of Aluer and Medina Cellina the Admiral of Castilia, the marquis of Bergnes Piscara Sarra Valli Anguilar, the Earls of Egmonde, Horn, Peria, Chinchon, Olivares, Saldana, Medela, Euente, Sallida, Landriano, Castellar, the Bishop of Cuenca, and others, so that more honourable Attendants had seldom been seen.  
Then there were Articles agreed on, which were branched out into ten propositions, whereunto King Philip subscribed, they were very honourable for England: the particulars of them I leave the Reader to Mr. Speed his excellent compendious work, where the whole passages of this affair, and these Articles are at large related.  
Then with the consent of all parties, 
The matriage of King Philip and Queen Mary. Anno 1554.  the marriage with great state was solemnised at Winchester upon Wednesday, being the 25. of july on Saint james day, where the Emperor's Ambassadors presently pronounced, that in consideration of this marriage, their Master had given unto his son Philip, the Kingdoms of Naples and jerusalem: whereupon their titles by Garter King at Arms, was solemnly proclaimed with these styles as followeth.  
Philip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England, France, Naples, jerusalem and Ireland, defender of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Cicill, Archdukes of Austritch, Dukes of Milan, Burgundy, and Brabant, Counties of Haspurge, Flaunders, and Tyroll.  
In November following the marriage, the Queen was reported to have been conceived with Child: for joy whereof, Te Deum was commanded solemnly to be sung, and Processions and Prayers made for her safe deliverance. The Queen took her Chamber, the Court was full of Midwives and Gentlewomen Attendants, Rockers were provided, the Cradle prepared, and all made so certain, that some were punished for publishing doubts thereof to the contrary, in so much as it passed in Parliament, that if God should take away Queen Mary, their supposed young Master coming into the world, 
So called by Sir Richard Southwell Knight of the house.  should find himself provided for. It was by Act of Parliament ordained, that King Philip should be Protector of her issue, and Governor of the Realms, until their Prince or Princesses should come of able years. 
Anno 2. and 2. Philip & Mary. Enacted that King Philip should be Protector of his supposed issue.   
King Philip apprehended continual fears, and doubts of the English, in regard of the maligners of his marriage: for at his first entrance the door of his great Hall of his Court, for the most part kept shut, or straightly guarded, not any suffered to enter, unless his business was first made known. 
Acts and Menuments. pag. 1643. 6. King Philip fearful of the English. Those Lords that were against the marriage, commanded to send their weapons to the Tower.   
The Lords some of them having formerly showed themselves to have been much against the marriage, having leave to departed London, had strait commandment to send all their Harness and Artillery to the Tower, which was done. The King was as well doubtful of those that bear a fair show, conceiving it upon this ground: For that a Noble man in consultation had given his counsel to cut off Lady Elizabeth's head; whereby he assured himself, that those so bad minded towards their own natural Princess, could not be better to him a stranger: he was graciously courteous to the English, and endeavoured all ways and means to gain their loves and affections: For which he laid a good foundation, became an earnest mediator, 
King Philip a great friend to the Lady Elizabeth.  and solicited the Queen for the liberty of that innocent Princess her sister the Lady Elizabeth, who still remained a solitary prisoner in Woodstock about Wyat's conspiracy, though no proofs could be brought against her for any offence.  
King Philip at length obtained his suit, that the Lady Elizabeth was brought to Hampton Court, and for 14. days there locked up, and laid at by Gardiner to submit herself, having not seen her sister in two years before: she was sent for into the Queen's Chamber about ten of the clock in the night, which she no sooner had entered, but falling upon her knees, she prayed to God to preserve her Sovereign Majesty, protesting her loyalty, and truth to her person whatsoever had been spoken, or instigated to the contrary.  
At which time there was between them long and much debate, the Lady Elizabeth made good her innocency: Queen Mary replied in Spanish (God knows,) and so went away, King Philip standing behind the Arras all the time.  
About some week after, 
Princess Elizabeth released of her imprisonment.  the Princess Elizabeth was discharged of Bening field, whom she termed her jailer, and leave of liberty, yet so that Sir Thomas Pope a privy Counsellor, and Master Gage the Queen's Gentleman Usher, were still her Attendants, all Queen Maries time.  
But the death of Gardiner immediately followed, those storms grew more calmer, and the Lady Elizabeth every day more affectionately respected. King Philip by this his honourable and worthy act, gained him the love of many the Nobility and Gentry of the Kingdom, and did thereby so endear and ingratiate himself into the affections of the Commons, 
Nota.  that they turned their hate and distaste upon those that had been the chief opponents and maligners of the marriage: So that they are indeed like a stream of water, though turned out of the current, yet will run.  
He every day gained more and more upon the loves of the English, 
King Philip gained the love of the English.  in his affection gracing and countenancing them, and his own Country men: he carried himself wondrous evenly, which kept good correspondency between the two Nations, though his marriage with Queen Mary made him Master of all here in England, yet in his honest and just disposition, those Articles which he had formerly agreed unto, always mastered his affections obsequiously, and exactly performing them, which is not always seen in Princes; he had the two chief ornaments belonging to a King, that is to say, mercy and justice, for the one he was both a moderator and mediator, 
King Philip his good disposition and inclination to justice.  what he could to restrain those severe and cruel persecutions, committed in Queen Mary's time: then for justice he had a Princely inclination to have it duly administered. Amongst many there is one piece of justice noted in him: an Englishman at London in single fight being killed by a Spaniard, he was executed, though by the Strangers two hundred Ducats were offered for the Spaniard his reprieve, which could not stay the hand of justice: For that there will be further occasion hereafter in my intended course, for the pursuing of this my relation, I will write here no more of him in his particular (as being not to be doubted) he was no less worthy and graciously disposed a Prince, than he is here briefly described, or at least howsoever if his virtues had not exceeded his imperfections, (which is a great happiness to a State where such a King is) by some of our Writers that have written of those times, we should have heard of him at large.  
King Philip frustrate of his hope for his heir, upon the fourth of September 1555. taken shipping, and went to visit his Father the Emperor, and to take possession of the Low Countries, where he stayed a year and a half, to the great grief of Queen Mary his wife. But returning, came to Dover, he was by the Queen met on the way, and brought through London, accompanied with many Peers of the Realm, as in triumph against a Coronation.  
In the King's absence many conspiracies had been attempted, but they were like vapours that are drawn up by the Sun, and falls again: so those actors (as commonly incident to such men) were drawn up with hemp by the hand of justice, before they did any hurt, 
holinsh. Grafton.  the persons and particular passages, I also leave to those Authors before mentioned.  
The Emperor overworn with the affairs of the world, 
Grimston in his French. History.  and wearied with the troubles of turmoiling wars, or rather touched with remorse of conscience, for the infinite miseries brought by him upon Florence, Naples, Sicily, Tuscan, Elbe, and Calabria, persuaded that those mournful jars of Christian Princes, 
Nota.  had given to the Turk advantage upon diverse parts of Europe, 
jars of Christian Princes giveth advantage to the Turk.  he called his son King Philip of England unto Brussels (as is said) where by authentic Letters, resigned all his Realms unto him, commanding all his Estates, and Subjects to acknowledge and hold him their lawful King, and among many other instructions, and most wise exhortations, gave him charge chief to hold amity with the French, lest otherwise the wars of those puissant Nations might oppress all Christendom.  
Charles the Emperor, as he hath been described, by those that have written his life, he was an excellent wise Prince, which is showed both in that his sage and grave observation, as also for his like Council given to his son Philip.  
The consideration of both are fitting, 
Nota.  and suitable for these our now times; as first the infinite miserable calamities that those Countries of Germany have endured, and may be brought unto by the late Wars there, and may give much advantage for the Turk against Christendom.  
The other in likelihood, it may be a great happiness for a State to be in league, and amity with a neighbour Nation, that is opulent and powerful, and to have it confirmed and fastened by marriage, 
Nota.  which commonly is then inviolable: There might be much written upon this Subject, but I will leave it to those of better ability to do it, only as I passed by I have called.  
King Philip was much inclined to peace, and Queen Mary his wife at that time much more, both to hold him with her at home, and to support the Religion which she had again raised by restoring the Clergy to their wont possessions, 
The Nobility would not part with the lands they had belonging to the Clergy. The Queen by Parliament all such like lands she had.  whereof much was then held in the Noble men's hands, from whose hard hold hardly could any thing be wrested: But those in her own, she freely resigned by Parliament, with this most Christian resolution & Princely saying, that she set more by the salvation of her own soul, than she did by the revenues of all the Kingdoms of the world, and so committed the restoration, and dispose thereof unto the Pope, and Cardinal pool his Legate, to the great enritching of the Church, and impoverishing of the Crown.  
King Philip following his Father's advice, made peace with France, which was to continue for five years, 
The Pope besieged, confined within the walls of Rome. John Slcidon.  which no sooner was made, then again was broken: one principal occasion was ministered, by Pope Paul the fourth, than an Enemy to the Spaniard, whom Duke Alva had besieged, and confined him within the walls of Rome, he sent to Henry the French king for aid, and withal sent him a triumphant Hat, with a stately Sword, and thereupon had succour by the Guise, who removed the siege, and set the Pope at liberty. But the French decreasing for want of pay, and the Spaniard still raising their Trophies of victory, the Pope thought it the surest to hold with the strongest, 
The Pope took the surest side, reconciled himself to the Spaniard.  fell off from the amity of the French King, and was reconciled to the Spaniard: so that by this occasion there grew a strong party against the King of France: For by King Philip and Queen Mary his wife, he had both England and Spain against him, and the Pope, no less powerful there, than he was, within the walls of Rome.  
The occasion that Queen Mary took for the breach of the peace, was more upon pretences, 
john Stows Annals.  surmises, and picked quarrels, than any just cause ministered by the French King. Queen Mary sent him a defiance, and instantly proclaimed wars against France. And King Philip her husband went in person for the prosecuting thereof. The Queen immediately sent after the King her husband, the Earl of Pembroke General, Viscount Montacute, with diverse Earls and Barons, with a great Army, who came to King Philip, and joined with him, whilst the Duke of Sau●y, Brunswike; the Earls of Egmonde, Horn, and Mansfield, invaded the French confines, and planted a strong siege against Saint Quintens, which shortly after by the English, 
St. Quintens wonne by the English.  was nobly and victoriously won to the great loss, and discomfort of the French, Monsieur Mountomorancie Constable of Frunce, and General, was taken prisoner.  
Queen Marry contrary to her promise and agreement, made upon her marriage with King Philip, entangled her Subjects, with the quarrels of the Spaniards: The greatioy conceived for the victory, was shortly after dashed, with as much sorrow for the loss of Galice.  
The English after they had so gotten Saint Quintens, they afforded to themselves either little list, or leisure more, or otherwise; but betook themselves to their delights, disorders, and pleasures, and only to keep, and make good what they had newly gotten, grew negligent, and careless of the Town of Calais, that the Forts thereabouts for defence being unrespectively regarded (won by that victorious Prince Edward the third) and that by no less than eleven months siege (were in the compass of eight days besieged, surprised, and won) in the depth of Winter, to the world's wonder, and not without great suspicion of treachery, which happened the the 12. day of lanuary: and in the second month, were surrendered the strong Fort of Gyves, and Hames, whereby all the English sooting was lost in the continent of France.  
So here you may see, that our own Writers affirm, that the breach of the peace with the French King, was not any ways by the occasion of King Philip, nor the loss of Calais by his default: After his great victory at Saint Quintens, he would admit no peace at all with the French, but with restoring Calais, until the English themselves, without him made their peace, and renownced Calais to the French for ever.  
These josses were grievous, to the English Nobility, and most of all, to Queen Mary herself: After she had abolished the Gospel, restored the Pope's Supremacy, whatsoever she took in hand, was no ways prosperous, but in all things infortunate: her conceptions failing, extreme dearthes' raining, hurt done by thunders from heaven, and Fire in the Royal Navy, Foreign losses, Calais surrendered, which could never be recovered, upon any composition; and King Philip always in troubles, and turmoiling wars, occasioned his keeping from court, so that Queen Mary her life (during her raignet) was little pleasurable, or that she scance ●●ioyed any delights, or at lease little contentment as all: which so much augmented hor melancholy, which grew to a burning Fever, when she had reigned five years; 
Queen Mary with grief died.  she ended her life at her Manor of St. james, and lieth interred amongst her Ancestors in the Abbey of Westminster.  
Now next in course doth follow, the relation of the passages, between England and Spain: after King Philip his return thither, which was immediately after Queen Mary's death, and during the time of the reign, of the late Queen Elizabeth, where then I come to the Spring head, from whence the averseness, and unwillingness of the Commons do rise, for our Princes Royal match with Spain, the remembrance of the late Hostile wars, with other the passages, which plebeian like, they have by tradition, as the Britons had the story of their times delivered them by their Druids. These things, being they concern the breach of the league between England and Spain, may be thought too deep, and of too great a consequence of State, to be meddled withal: I hope I shall minister no cause of offence, nor innovation, but rather give satisfaction, and occasion moderation: For here I observe in the Country, the Papists in their discourses, magnifying the Royal proceed of King Philip, and the Spaniards in general, lay some tax, and aspersion upon the late Queen Elizabeth, which is very harsh, and much displeasing to the Protestants: And then on the other side, they urge and aggravate against the Spaniards, with much bitterness, and thereupon they fall into expostulation, Pro & Gon, of the Prince's match, neither understanding nor taking into their considerations, more or farther, then to make good their own part, & conceit, which breedeth difference amongst ourselves, maketh and maintaineth a partition wall, betwixt the English and the Spaniards, in such love as should be betwixt Subjects, whose Sovereigns are in league & amity. That the Commons might not so disobediently, in their affections, mutiny against that which the King hath so laboured, and doth so much desire to bring to pass, as also for their so much expostulation thereof, the scope of my endeavours, only end, and aim of my ambition is, that these my labours might occasion some moderation therein: For the better accomplishing thereof, and giving the better satisfaction in those particulars, I will here relate some observations, which the Papists have formerly collected, and usually in their discourses will urge them: the usage and carriage of the Spaniards towards the English, and other Nations, and the English towards them, with some other former passages between the two Nations. I could wish the Commons would believe these things, so fare forth as their own knowledge, or true informations do not extend the contrary, and the Papists to do the like; for that which is here alleged either concerning the late Queen Elizabeth, or the King of Spain, neither part to be transported with passion; but of those things, to make a favourable, and the best construction, and mutually to take them into a charitable and reconciliable consideration: The particulars are as followeth.  
The Papists allege, 
The Papists collections.  that King Philip had a great desire to continue in league, and amity with England, and that after he returned into Spain, constantly maintained the same for thirty years together, would never hearken to give assistance to any the discontented English Nobility, that would have rebelled; and in the year 1568. absolutely denied aid to the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, and the Lord Dacres, when they rose up in rebellion, in the North parts of England, how the King afterwards, to wit, in the year 1575., for contenting her Majesty at the Persuasion of some of his own Officers, but namely the Commendador Maior, that forth present governed Flaunders, was content to yield to the banishment of all English Papists, out of his estate in Flaunders for the space of two years, though he paid them always their pensions to live on, as before. And for the same consideration of friendship with the Queen, and for keeping his league, he denied diverse years help to the Irish, that desired the same, as namely in the year 1578. to Sir james Fitz-Morris, and Sir Thomas Stukely, 
Siukley slain.  and to the later of them, when afterwards he with some 5. or. 600. men that he brought from Italy, the King would not grant so much as a port in Spain, to enter into; whereby he was forced to pass to Lisbon, where finding the King of Poxtugall ready to go with his Army to Barbary, he could not refuse to go with him, was there slain.  
Sir james Fitz-Morris returning again the next year, to ask succours for the Irish, to have from Spain some forces, to carry for Ireland, denied the same again, until at the last, at the earnest suit of the Pope, for that Doctor Saunders upon his extreme zeal, had adventured to go thither before in person, to comfort the Irish, not having with him above 50. men, the King was contented to wink at, and say nothing, whiles Sega the Bishop of Placentia, the Pope's Nuncio, under certain of the Italian Captains, did send thither some five hundred Soldiers, taken upon the Sea coasts of Italy, which were those that were slain by the Lord Grace in Ireland.  
Then do the Papists farther urge, the Queen's taking of Flushing, Brill, and Oste-end, and other Towns in Flaunders, and likewise the assisting, and countenancing of Duke Mathias, at his first coming, and after Monsicur Duke of Alenson; and likewise the setting up the title of Don Antonio King of Portugal: and sending him into his Country, with an Army: The intercepting the King of Spain his money, first in the Duke of Alva his time, and many times afterwards, the sending of Hawkins, Frobrisher, Drake, and Candish, and others to the Indies, and some of them even to Spain itself: For which there were special Commissions granted, that whatsoever could be taken from the Spaniards, to be held as lawful reprisals, and those Commissions to be specified, in Stowe his Chronicles.  
Then they allege, 
The breach of the peace between England & Spain.  that the King of Spain did thereupon make arrests of the English ships, then instantly grew enmity, and oepn wars: and afterwards, viz. in the year 1588. the King of Spain, with his great Fleet, attempted the invasion of England, which yet with many the English, is too fresh in memory.  
The Papists farther urge, and have collected, that in November 1591. Queen Elizabeth published a strict Proclamation for searching out, apprehending and punishing of Seminaries and jesuites, and such as received and favoured them in England, sharp & severe laws, made and executed upon them, and further both to put fears and doubts into the heads of the Commons, as also to exasperate them against the Spaniards; Farther urging, that the King of Spain, his great power, force's, and wealth, were dangerous to England, possessing more Crowns, Kingdoms, and countries, than ever any Christian Prince had before, and yet ambitiously seeketh more, endeavouring to make himself absolute Monarch of the world, and that his carriage towards other Princes and their subjects was tyrannous, and those nations which he subdued, were cruelly dealt withal, and kept in great slavery.  
The Papists for all these particulars, have collected appologicall defences, which in their arguments and discourses, they will much insist upon, to the high commendations of the Kings of Spain, their royal and gracious proceed with other Princes, and towards their subjects, as also with their own, which are as followeth.  
First, they propose and recommend it to consideration; For the conceived opinion amongst the English, that the Kings of Spain, their government is strict, or rather indeed somewhat cruel, the main occasion thereof is. The countries, dominions, and territories, are very large and spacious, many of them achieved by conquest, formerly governed by Roitelets as petty Kings, and now inhabited by several nations, of several natures; So that the nature, necessity, and disposition of the Kings of Spain their affairs requireth; that they must carry somewhat a harder hand in their government, then ordinary, otherwise they cannot secure, nor make good their plantations, nor retain their subjects in obedience. And the very name of conquest, imports violence and misery, and is of so harsh a sound, and odious in nature, that from a Nation subdued, detractions will suppress all commendations a Conqueror shall any ways deserve; Though their governing of such like subjects may be particular, yet the aspersion in that kind will run in the general, and a long time (as it were) in descent, especially amongst malignant dispositions.  
In remote parts of King's Dominions where the government by them is committed to subordinate Officers, & Commanders, sometimes barbarous and in humane acts, may be done by them, & the common people, which Kings in their nature may much abhor and detest, yet for the same in their honour and reputation they often suffer.  
Then they further allege, that the Kings of Spain to the Turks, Moors, and such like Infidels, have been many times a scourge. But then in particular, with the Italians, Portugals, French, English, Scottish, and Flemish, their dealings with them, to have been most honourable, quiet, just, and without injury offered to any, which is said to appear, by their own testimonies and witnesses, also of many Writers.  
For the war, 
Thillip the second.  and other affairs, that have passed in Portugal, they were so carried and no otherwise, for the justification thereof, out of Hieromme Francht a Genoes' that was present, and wrote the story, and in other points showeth himself no great friend to Spaniards; yet doth he so justify all the King's actions, in these affairs, even by the testimony of the Portugals themselves, as they seem rather over-scrupulous then only justifiable.  
Then there is further cited Genebrard a French Writer, that setteth out the King of Spain, his noble proceed with France, in all the times of the minorities of King Henry the second his children, to wit, Francis, Charles and Henry the third, and how he never sought, either to profit himself, or to impair the kingdom of France during those troubles, and thereupon giveth a touch by way of tax, for the taking of Newhaven by the English; further alleging, that the King of Spain at his own charges, sent aids of men, horse, victuals, and money often times to the succours of those young Princes, notwithstanding the old enmities and emulation, between those two Crowns of France and Spain, and the cruel wars that had passed between them many years. And maketh further relation of the king his clement proceeding with his own subjects, that rebelled in the low Countries, as appeared by his many pardons, peaces, and tolerations made with them: his liberal and noble dealings with the English, Irish, and Scottish, especially such as were subject to troubles, for their conscience at home, those he sustained liberally, without requiring any service at their hands.  
And lastly for the great wealth, forces, strength, 
Note.  and power of the King of Spain, being a friend, and temperately used, cannot be fearful to any good man but rather comfortable; nor to be dangerous to Christendom, but rather a great and singular stay, and providence of Almighty God (who foreseeing the tumults and revolts) that heresies might bring in and the dangers Christendom might be subject unto, by the great power and strength of Infidels, the Turks and Moors hath provided so potent, and opulent a Prince as the king of Spain, for the defence of the Catholic Church.  
For the manifestation thereof, two special observations worthy of note have been collected, and cited, the first after that interleaged and indissoluable knot of amity and alliance which was between Henry the seaventh, Ferdinando and Isabel, King and Queen of Spain, there mutually passed between them, many Letters congratulatory, amongst which, there came Letters from Ferdinand and Isabel, signifying the final conquest of Granada from the Moors, which action itself so worthy, King Ferdinando (whose manner was) as indeed the nature is, never to lose any virtue for the showing) expressed and displayed in his Leters at large, all the particularities, and religious punctures and ceremonies, that were observed in the reception of the City and king doom; showing amongst other things, that the King would not by any means in person enter the City, until he had first aloof seen the Cross set up upon the greater Tower of Granada, whereby it became Christian ground: That likewise, before lie would enter, he did homage to God alone, pronouncing by an Herald from the height of that Tower, that he did acknowledge to have recovered that kingdom by the help of God Almighty, and the glorious Virgin, and the virtuous Apostle S. james, and the holy Father Pope Innocent the eight, together with the aids and service of his Prelates, Nobles, and Commons; that he stirred not from the camp, till he had seen a little army of Martyrs, to the number of seven hundred and more Christians (that had lived in bonds and servitude as slaves to the Moors) pass before his eyes, singing a psalm for their redemption, and that he had given tribute to God by alms and relief, extended to them all, for his admission into the City: these things were in the Letters, with many more ceremonies of a kind of holy ostentation.  
King Henry ever willing to put himself into the consort, or quire of religious actions, and naturally affecting much the King of Spain, (as much as one King could affect another, partly for his virtues, and partly for a counterpoise to France upon the receipt of these Letters, sent all his Nobles and Prelates, that were about the court, together with the Mayor and Aldermen of London in great solemnity to the Church of Paul's, there to hear a declaration from Bishop Morton, than Lord Chancellor and Cardinal, standing upon the uppermost step, or half pace before the Quire; and all the Nobles, Prelates, and Governors of the City at the foot of the stairs, made a speech unto them, letting them know that they were assembled in that consecrated place, to sing unto God a new song; for that (said he) these many years the Christians have not gained new ground, or territory upon the infidels, nor enlarged and set further the bounds of the christian world: But this is now done by the proneness & devotion of Feredinando and Isabel, King and Queen of Spain, who have (to their immortal honour) recovered the great and rich kingdom of Granada, and the populous and mighty city of the same name, from the Moors, having been in possession thereof by the space of seven hundred years and more: For which, this assembly and all Christians are to render laud and thankes to God, and to celebrate this noble act of the King of Spain, who in this is not only victorious, but Apostolical in the gaining of new Provinces to the Christian Faith; and the rather, for that this victory and conquest is obtained, without much effusion of blood, whereby it is to bohoped, that there shall be gained, not only new territories, but infinite souls to the Church of Christ, whom the Almighty (as it seems) would have to be converted. Herewithal, he did relate some of the most memorable particulars of the war and victory; and after his speech ended, the whole assembly went solemnly in procession, and Te Deum was sung.  
Then for the other particular observation I collected and cited, was in the reign of Philip the second King of Spain, here formerly treated of. And about the 14. year of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Turk having conquered many Lands, and Cities, bordering upon the Seas, and in the year 1571. knowing division among diverse Christian Princes, as well for matters of Religion, as affairs of State, upon hope of which advantage, he assembled a great Army of Galleys, presuming thereby to make himself Master of the Sea, and Lord of the Land; they were encountered by the Christians: 
The battle of Lepanto.  For the which Don john de Austria, a brave Commander, was sent by the King of Spain, with a great Fleet of Ships, Galleys, and Galliass; so that at one instant there were sunk and taken 230. of the Turkish Galleys, and 30000. Mahamotists slain, besides many taken prisoners. There were 12000. Christians redeemed from Turkish slavery, and 8000. slain; with the loss of leaven or eight Galleys: Our Writers affirm, 
Stowe.  that the Spanish Fleet, was a main occasion of that memorable victory, and that the Galliass did admirable service in that expedition.  
Lo here you see the King of Spain, his commendation by the Papists, extended to the height; with some tax of the late Queen Elizabeth: wherein I have been sparing in my relation, to that they will speak in some bitterness, they do therein but as men that throw dust against the wind. Her Royal worth is left behind recorded, fare more durable, then in Letters of Br4asse, a Princess of blessed fame, and everlasting memory: to write of her commendation, any thing near in proportion to her deserving, it is a work for excellent Writers. They may in that faculty excel, but upon that subject never exceed; therefore for my particular, I will begin, and conclude both together, she had every way as many virtues as could live, and more than could dye. I do not here revive, nor make repetition of these things, to give farther occasion of faction; but rather for the present moderate, and in the end some way reconcile, and reclaim the disaffections of the common people, presuming they will produce no other effects, as when the Country people, especially those affected to Papistry, shall understand, and take into their considerations, former passages, and then being not so peremptory, and confident, as now they are to cross, grieve, and aggravate against those (that in respect of religion) in their affections, have been somewhat unwilling for our Princes Royal match: I presume it cannot but rather farther moderation and community, than otherwise.  
The Papists did not observe, or at least do not desire it should, that though the King of Spame did often deny to afford succours to the Irish Rebels: yet at the last (as by their own collections appear) did wink and say nothing, when Doctor Saunders and Sega, the one going over into Ireland in person, the other sending forces thither: so that Queen Elizabeth, her succouring those in Flaunders, which the King of Spain held Rebels, she did no more than he did, but only the difference was, she want roundly and resolutely on, and the King of Spain somewhat reserved, and privately: And the moneys taken from Duke Alva, and other rich prizes brought in, by Hawkins, Frobisher, Drake, and Cavendish, they were only to pay the Soldiers. Queen Elizabeth was of such a gracious & Royal disposition, she could not endure but to have her Soldiers paid the money should have paid Duke Alva his Soldiers: but it paid them that fought against him, so that it was but misemployed.  
The king of Spain doubtless was desirous to have continued his league with England, whereof he made many good demonstrations: therefore I could wish he should not lose his due commendation in that particular: But it seemed he presumed on Queen Elizabeth's patience, that for suffering, as it were, but a handful of Soldiers of his Subjects, to go for Ireland, to assist the Rebels there, thought so small an occasion, would not have broken the league: But it seems peace long before, was laid up, that it became a dry commodity, so that it soon took fire.  
Then for the Proclamation, urged against Queen Elizabeth, published in November 1591. with the severe laws then made, and executed against the Papists: they were always plotting, conspiring, and attempting, the taking away her life; those laws were but like a good and skilful Physician, that drew some blood, to preserve much more, the life of our Sovereign, and indeed the life and light of the Gospel. Tyrant's shed blood for pleasure, Princes for necessity. Let the proceed of her predecessor, be put into the other balance, there will be found great difference: Wherefore it is best for all parties, either ways affected, to let these things alone unreviued, neither weighed, nor farther discoursed of.  
I will here (under savour) presume to add some observations, which may some way moderate the disaffections of the common people towards the Spaniards, concerning those particular passages before mentioned.  
The Pope you see was Author, though he made the King of Spain Actor, for the breach of the peace, as being too much led by the Pope, which was no extraordinary thing. Let us but read our English Chronicles, we shall there find, that many of our most puissant and victorious Kings here in England, their powers and prerogatives have been captivated by the Pope, and some by them brought to untimely ends, always working upon them, and the indisposition of the times, where they saw, either a weak Prince, a factious Nobility, or a mutinous Commons; by their directions, their Legates and Clergy would be always working, to make the Pope and themselves masters both of the King and Kingdom. If they would teach Kings truly the ways of righteousness, let God alone with his providence, & Princes with their inheritances: not to device and direct stratagems, nor be so violent wheresoever they get dominion to suppress the Protestant Religion, and advance the Roman Catholic, it would bhee a most blessed happiness to all Christendom.  
Then lastly, the King of Spain his attempt in 88 was by the Pope's instigation, & had no doubt his benediction, for assurance of good success therein: but it had a contrary effect, brought a malediction, and an infausting upon him, and his King doom, as an ill Prognostic, which in the event proved true. The Spaniards have no cause to joy at the remembrance thereof; the English only to thank God for their deliverance. If the Spaniards will forget and pass it over (as being fare the greater loser's) it is both charity and religion, for the English to do the like. And the rather for that, and such like hostile actions, passing between the two Nations in the time of war: and now in peace, in all Christian and religious considerations, envy, and hatred, should have an end, and not be continued. States are subject to the wheel; times have their turnings, and great Princes themselves not free from calumny and detraction, and many times with much agravation therein.  
For these particulars I will conclude, with that grave and sage observation, of Cornelius Tacitus, that free tongued Roman, that wrote, they made it a custom, to make Kings the instruments of oppression; they may many times seem so, and yet they themselves of a most gracious and Royal disposition. Queen Elizabeth therein not second to any, and yet according to the fate, and fashion of great princes, by some great and grave Counsellors near about her, and by some that could thrive only by war; she was much swayed and ruled, which she thought was no diminution to her commendation, though it made not so much for her absoluteness, yet it seemed she held it the more for her safety.  
Let us not be transported with passion and doubts, beyond reason, good ground, or probability; the Kings and Monarchies of England, in their whole choice of wives made from all parts of Europe, were never more fortunate, and happy in any, then in those Royal Queens, which they had from Spain.  
The first in this Scene of honour, shall be the Royal Queen Elinor, wife to Edward the first formerly mentioned: what was she but the wonder and miracle of her Sex?  
The next, Queen Katherine, wife first to Prince Arthur, afterwards to Henry the eight; she was the clear mirror, and example of wisdom, integrity, sanctity, and all Royal and Princely virtues; in all which she was fare more precious and excellent, being so tried as she was, with the touchstone of fortune.  
Constantia, Izabella, Beringaria, and joanna, Spanish Princes, all these were proper, and peculiar to our English Monarchy: our own Chronicles telleth us no otherwise of them, but that they were, as so many glorious and conspicuous lights of matrimonial faith, love, piety, and chastity.  
And lastly, King Philip the second, that married Queen Mary, our own Writers leaves him to posterity, highly commended. So that for those Princes; that we have formerly had from Spain; England hath had joy, and comfort of them; we have loved them, and they us.  
Wherefore should we now so much doubt, and fear, for the future, the like success? unless we will conclude, our dispositions are grown worse, and that the then times deserved a great part of their commendations: So that here you may see, that no Nations in former times, did ever more faithfully and entirely love each another, or were in more straighter leagues, and bonds of friendship united together, than the English and Spaniards, until by the late war they were ●●●oynted.  
Severe judgement threatens high places. 
Sa. ca 6.4.8.  The greatest happiness of great Kings and Princes, is to make happy their Subjects; and that happiness on each, is esteemed greatest, which cometh nearest to that in heaven, consisting only in the eternity of blessed peace: then consequently those Princes must be deemed most blessed, who do chief direct their Royal cares, and endeavours to bring glory to God on high, peace and good will to those on earth. Our now gracious King hath so governed us this 21. years, that we have enjoyed that happiness, as God hath been truly honoured, he obeyed, and we have lived in quiet under our own Fig trees, and Vines, eating the fruits of our own labour4s free, from those calamities and miseries of war, some of our neighbour Nations are subject unto; and by God's grace he will so continue us, whereby he will be worthily held in the esteem, and deemed one of the most blessed Princes, according to the position before mentioned.  
How willing, desirous, and observant the Spaniards have been, to be in peace and amity with us, let the Reader but duly consider, that which hath been formerly related, and for farther satisfaction, to an ocular experience we late had thereof. 
The Xing of Spain his desire to be in league and amity with England.  No sooner then our now gracious Sovereign, came to the Crown, but the King of Spain, Philip the third, instantly sent over his Ambassadors, sought peace at his hands, and had it, which ever since hath been religiously, nobly & muioable kept, and so continued his son now King of Spain, Philip the fourth.  
An overture of marriage long time in treaty for our now Royal Prince Charles, with the Lady Maria, daughter of the said Philip the third, by him much desired, and now as much as her brother Philip the fourth, (as it is generally conceived) that those two Royal Sceptres, should be now conjoined in the sacred knot, and bond of marriage, thereby to strengthen their ancient Alliances, and make a perpetual league, and indissoluble confederation of blessed peace and friendship betwixt them.  
Seeing many excellent learned men, merely out of zeal, and some others wise and politic in the affairs of State, that are true lovers of their country, have written and spoken freely, proposing doubts, fears, and dangers that may come and ensue to England with the marriage with Spain, and also others of both those sorts of like rank and quality (only in religion contrarily affected) have written, and will speak as much, for the approbation and commendation thereof, proposing the infinite & unspeakable good, the match may be to the Kingdom of England. Without farther intermeddling, I will leave those things to their learn, and judicial experiences: that which I relate, may be as materials for them to work on, and is intended but as home made stuff for the Country people, who in State affairs sees no farther than the Rhine, and many of them wade not so deep, as into the point of Religion, yet in their affections have been very averse, and expressed unwillingness, for our Princes Royal match: I would herewithal clothe, or at least someway cover their bare opinions, that there is no such great cause of fears, doubts, and dangers, as they seem to apprehend, though the Spaniards were lately our enemies, yet anciently they were our friends, and seem to desire to be so again, to live in league and amity with us: I would gladly so moderate and reclaim the disaffections of the common people, that they might forget and remit, all former occasions conceived of distaste, and not in their affections and discourses, so disobe diently mutiny, and dispute against our Sovereign's high commands, and Royal intentions. It is incident for men so to do, of some one of the dispositions following.  
A kingdom composed of men of diverse humours and dispositions, whereof some do burn in hatred, some busied in seditious practices, some distracted with factions, some transported with dissensions, some carried headlong with fury, others to save themselves from some punishment they have formerly deserved, or else having entangled, or rather prodigally consumed then inheritance (Novandis quam gerendis rebus aptiores) rather desiring factions and disorders, then to have affairs of State settled, as knowing they can receive no benefit, by the well settling and composure thereof, as the sick disrelisheth all meats whatsoever: so distempered dispositions do all passages of State, be they never so good, and are indeed a kind of wild beasts, that sometimes brings themselves into the toil, occasioning the virtues and loyalties of some good men to be suspected; his Majesty highly discontented, and the subject thereby infinitely prejudiced.  
Both of the Protestants and Papists in England to many of them, do perticipate of those imperfections, such indeed as are drawn from the Lees of each Religion.  
First for the Papists; some of them are grown so impetuous, unbounden, and unlimmited, both in their carriage and discourses, proposing and maintaining dangerous and fearful positions, insolently intimating, what a golden time they now shall have: these things do much grieve, and produce great fears to many, that are truly religious, and zealosly affected: let us not doubt, but that by God's grace, the King's wisdom and integrity, they shall freely enjoy that happiness to have quietness, and contentment in their courses of life and consciences, until their life's end, when many of those Papists (who in respect of their former exploits and practices have been found very dangerous) shall have a straighter hand carried over them then otherwise.  
Then there are of those, which only in seeming, are somewhat more than Protestants, their farther description would ask a long discourse, which I will omit: More than this, they think they have much knowledge, when indeed it is mere ignorance, and that engenders vehemency, and vehemency produceth passion: then with true, sincere, and regular discipline, there is no co-operation. His Majesty hath been pleased to denote them long since, in a speech he made, in his higher house of Parliament, as saying they were a people, that were ever discontented with the present government, and impatient to suffer any superiority; which maketh their sectunable to be suffered, in any well governed Commonwealth: many of them think they cannot miss the way to heaven, if they be opposite to the Pope, and yet in another way will meet the Papist in superstition; they have so much talked, expostulated of our Princes Royal match, and in their dispositions and discourses, mutening so much against it, occasioning many to do the like, forecasting and seeming to foreknow future events, prejudicating dangers, both for religion, and state politic of the kingdom, so that they thereby, and that sort of Papists before mentioned, with their insolency and boldness, have much prejudiced the Commonwealth, amuzeth the country people; making them stand as it were at a gaze, so spending their time; buying & selling, & all dealings in the country, more than for victuals and clothes, are much out of use; great scarcity of money every where complained of: they find by woeful experience, that royal Trading and commerce are much decayed, and our money which was wont to be employed therein, is now converted into the bastard and barren employment of Usury: Lands and Rents fallen, and clothing failed: so that the poor in that course, neither scarce in any have been set a work: whereby they have endured the extremity of hunger, of all extremities the extremest. The affairs and passages amongst men, do not run so smooth as they were wont to do; all cry out want of money: some that have it, sits as it were abrood thereon; they will not vent nor adventure it, as saying they will first see, what will become of the world, which is now a common phrase: some now and then, speaking as they would have it, as saying the world will mend: the reply that follows is; Nay it will be worse: Yet it hath pleased God, out of his infinite goodness and mercy so to deal with us, (God give us grace to be thankful) that for our enjoying the fruits of the earth; the times have been very seasonable, and we have, and are like to enjoy them in great plenty. Yet the state and condition we do, and are like to live in only preiudicated, and chief by ourselves occasioned, will rather be miserable then happy: We are falling into the latter days, ignorance and heresy strives to get the upper hand.  
It is said that God above all men, doth inspire Kings; and than it is like, he doth and will inspire great Counsellors of State above ordinary men; therefore let us pray unto God, they may consult, and debate of the reasons, work, and effect the remedies.  
I am now come near the end of my stage, though some man of better ability (which had been fare more fit) to have undertaken this work, I am confident against all those good Wives formerly mentioned, to have come from Spain, and all the reasons that either hath or can be alleged, that in all likelihood and probability, the match may be happy and successful for England; the objection will be, Exempla illustrant, sed non probant; in those former times, there was a uniformity of Religion, so that now the difference therein, is the only stone of offence, and the main occasion conceived of the fears and doubts of dangers may ensue, as well to the Church reform, as to the politic, and state affairs of the kingdom.  
I must ingenuously confess, my homebred imaginations did fly with the flock: I am no Courtier, (of whom there be too many) that upon the shift of every King or Prince's marriage, do please themselves with some probable project of preferment, before all other respects or considerations whatsoever. I do not yet much joy at the match, nor should sorrow if it should not be: only in point of religion, I will pray unto God, and hope, we may have cause to joy thereat hereafter; in the mean time I will not further trouble myself, as being not the duty of subjects, to intermeddle, or busy themselves with the actions of their King; neither in their dispositions and discourses, to mutiny against the match, if his Majesty and our hopeful Prince shall be pleased to proceed therein: all that we have to do is only to obey, and pray to God to direct all things for the best, relying on his providence, the King's wisdom and integrity, and without our further expostulations, to let his Majesty and his Council alone in the business. Certainly God will be glorified, and whatsoever man doth or shall determine, he will dispose; It is said by him Kings reign, and Princes decree justice. 
Pro. 8.15.   
I have to myself both grounded and collected some particular considerations, which gives me confidence and real satisfaction, that there is no such cause of doubts and dangers, for the Protestant religion, or state politic of the kingdom, as is generally feared; Which collections, I will here in my conclusion relate, only inviting unto them my country neighbours and friends: and do therein according to the fashion of Feasters, wish their cheer better for their satisfaction.  
Though the eyes of humane providence, cannot see beyond that Horizon, as directly to discern future contingents; yet can they only judge, what seems fit to be done by probability grounded upon mature consideration and profound judgement: therefore let us not fear nor doubt, but that by God's infinite goodness and mercy, the King's great providence, judgement, and integrity for religion, there will be a gracious, royal provision, and preservation made.  
Amongst the country people there is much fear and doubt conceived, the Pope in his power and prerogative, being so predominant bth in Spain, and with other foreign Princes, by them as Stales we may be drawn into that net.  
The King, that doth so much insist upon his prerogative here in his own kingdom, that will not admit any dyminution therein; that he should now give way to have it subjected to such a dangerous sorraine power; there is no manner of likelihood.  
There have been many of our Kings of England, 
Roman Catholik Princes that have been at difference with the Pope.  that were Roman Catholics, and other Foreign Princes, yea, and Spain itself (which I will here make bold to tell them) wearied and tired out with the insupportable pressures of the Pope, have been at great difference with him, at mortal enmity and open war: as namely Henry the fift, the Emperor (hane by the Pope's instigation) banded against his father Henry the fourth, who associated him in the Empire, and held him prisoner in that distress, that he died; touched after with remorse of this act, 
Note.  and reproach of the State, for abandoning the rights of the Empire, levies sixty thousand foot, and thirty thousand horse for Italy, constrained the Pope and his College to acknowledge the rights of the Empire, in that form as Leo the fourth had done to Otho the second; and before that, Adrian to Charlamaine, according to the decree of the Council of Rome; and made him take his oath of fidelity between his hands, as to the true and lawful Emperor. The Pope, so soon as Henry was departed home, assembles a Council, nullifies his acknowledgement as done by force, and shortly after died. The Emperor to make himself the stronger against his successors, 
Note.  enters into alliance with the King of England, taketh to wise Maude the daughter to Henry the first, being but five years of age.  
Calixti the next succeeding Pope, at a Council held at Rheims by ecclesiastical sentence, caused Henry the Emperor to be declared an enemy to the Church, and degraded him of his Imperial dignity. The King of England, seeing this Council was held in France, composed chief of the Gallicane Church, desirous to overmaster Lovis the King of France, incenses his son in Law the Emperor, to set upon him (as the Pope's chief pillar) on one side, and he would assail him on the other; The Emperor easily wrought to such a business, prepares all his best forces: the King of England doth the like.  
The King of France, seeing this storm coming so impetuously upon him, wrought so with the princes of Germante, as they taking into their consideration, the future mischief of a war rashly, and unadvisedly taken, with the importance of a kind neighbourhood, advised the Emperor not to enter thereinto, till he had signified to the King of France the causes of his discontent; Whereupon Ambassadors were dispatched to the King of France, who answers, that he grieved much to see the two greatest pillars of the Church thus shaken with those dissensions, which might hazard the ruin of the whole Frame; that he was a friend to them both, and would labour and endeavour all he could to mediate an atonement, rather than add fuel to a fire too fierce already, which he desired to extinguish for the good and quiet of Christendom.  
This Ambassage and answer so taken, that the Emperor was diverted from his former resolution, and was glad to have Louis a mediator of the accord between the Pope and him, which shortly after was concluded at Worms, for the Pope's advantage, to whom the Emperor yields up the right of the investitures of Bishops and other benefices.  
The King of England expecting great matters to have risen by this business, was highly displeased, being so disappointed of the Emperor's assistance; proceeds notwithstanding in his intentions against Lovis. Between them there were many great conflicts, with the expense of much blood, and charges, (which is the only fruit war affordeth) but in the end both wearied and tired out, a peace was concluded.  
Then of late years (as it hath been here formerly related) in the reign of King Philip the second, there was enmity and open wars between Pope Paul and the Spaniard. The Pope besieged and confined within the walls of Rome by Duke Alva; relieved by the French King, yet fell from him, and reconciled himself to the Spaniard, as to the stronger side.  
That the Pope cannot err in matter of faith; his power to depose Kings, and dispose of Kingdoms; are two main positions the Papists hold: both which, I humbly leave, to our Divines to deal with them therein. But for those two particulars here now mentioned, and many other former passages of the Pope, the vulgar may judge. In the time of Queen Elizabeth; did familiarly and freely give Bishoprics in Ireland: but those that had them so given, could never gain possession.  
Then farther, there can be no such fears & doubts for the alteration of Religion, as is apprehended, if we take into consideration these particulars following:  
First, we having a well ordered and well governed Kingdom, where Religion is established, Rites and Ceremonies ordained, and by a long use and custom received and confirmed; the many apparent probabilities of the King's integrity, the many rare and worthy learned men that are in the Kingdom considered.  
The King, though Princelike for his recreations, and that his affections have been carried with some delights and pleasures; yet hath he been so studious, that he is learned beyond expectation, and custom of great Princes: and for his integrity, it is of fifty seven year's growth, hath made thereof many religious & worthy expressions both by his learned works, and words, and indeed hath shot such arrows, which will hang in the sides of the Romish Religion in after ages, as he is Defender of the Faith by title, he will so continue in truth.  
The first that had the Title, was Henry the eight, given him by Pope Leo the tenth, for writing against Luther. After his conversion and suppression of Popery, yet retained he that style, and afterwards during the reigns of Edward the sixth, the late famous Queen Elizabeth, and our now Sovereign, it hath been continued, and doubtless by him will be maintained.  
Amongst many his worthy expressions of himself therein in one of his works, he thus declareth: that it is one of the principal parts of the duty which appertains to a Christian King, to protect his true Church within his own Dominions: to extirpate heresies is a maxim without all controversies. In which respect, those honourable titles of Custos, Vindex utriusque tabulae, keeper and revenger of both tables of the law, and Nutricius Ecclesiae, nursing Father of the Church, do rightly belong to every Emperor, King, and Christian Monarch: so that there is no question or imagination, that he will suffer the Religion now professed, to come under the Egyptian servitude of the Pope: But rather will be like a goodly Cedar tree, of full growth, irremoveable, not to be otherwise, or other where set or planted: under whom his Subjects shall sit safe and protected. Our hopeful Prince, a branch thereof, will be of the like kind, affording the same fruit, who doubtless will now be the more precious in that kind, in respect of his late travel and trial, longed for the sweet comfort, and preaching of the Gospel (according to the saying of the Psalmist) even as the thirsty Hart did for the watery Brook: Though he hath been amongst the Sirens, his ears would admit no audience: a sound was always in them, as if he heard his religeous Father King james speaking unto him, 
1. Chro. 28.9.  as sometimes holy David spoke unto his son Solomon: And thou Charles my son, know thou the God of thy Father, & serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all the hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts; if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever: all which served only but as addition. Our Prince his integrity is such, so firmly settled in the true Religion now professed, that there was no possibility of his alteration. For which, we are infinitely bound unto God, and an incomprehensible happiness it is to the Kingdom, that his disposition, all his courses and carriages affording all Royal and Princely virtues (as indeed merely composed thereof) his patience fare exceeding his passion, which bringeth peace to himself, and victory over others; free from all imperfections that Princes many times are subject unto, the more having no strict nor disciplinated education, but rather soothed and flattered in all they say or do.  
What an exceeding great comfort and joy may we take to see his willing heart, and ready hand to receive the Petitions and complaints of the poor distressed Subjects, and his gracious disposition to see them relieved? which doubtless will occasion the whole progression of his life, to be much the more happy and prosperous, gain him blessed fame, and everlasting memory, and a Crown of glory in a better Kingdom.  
Positively our King and Prince, the one for paternal affection, the other for filial obedience, for after ages may be worthy patterns.  
That by the Spanish Lady her coming over, the Protestant Religion should be any ways endangered, or subject to alteration, there is not so much likelihood, as probability she may come to be a Protestant, for these reasons following: the effects of true love are great, and the rather, she being a young tender Princess, and fare from her own Country and friends, amongst whom she hath been bred, and now come to have others new, and living in their companies, she may of her own accord by degrees have her affections incorporated amongst them; borne and bred amidst the pleasures and delights of the Court, accustomed to Royal Courtship, may much farther it. Towns before they yield, do usually parley; That the Lady neither can nor will avoid, and then having so pleasing an object to the eye, and so Royal an affailant in such a person as our hopeful Prince is. These things may go near the point to do it: Then her Ladies and Maids of Honour, which of like at the first, will be the Cabinets of her Council, and other her followers, though Sermons they will not hear, yet when in daily discourses they shall have such siege and battery laid to their Romish Religion, by an Army of reverend Bishops, Doctors, and many famous learned Preachers in that kind, the whole forces of our Kingdoms; assuredly it will rather lose ground then gain any: the proper nature of Religion, is fare sooner to be persuaded by reason, then forced by constraint. Those are the two things that Religion stands on: the world cannot create a new creature, be it never so little: So no law of man, nor compulsion can make a good Christian in heart, without inward grace: wherein the Minister is to persuade, and leave the success to God. More famous, learned, and worthier men, no age ever afforded: who will be a glory to the age: The King, and they, as the Sun and Moon, and some others of the Clergy, as lesser Stars will make perfection of light, though they contribute somewhat less, will make the light of the Gospel in the course and manner as it is now professed, shine so bright, that it shall dim all Romish superstition and Idolatry, as the blessed Sun doth a burning Taper: and there shall be no such Curtain drawn to keep out the light, but that it shall shine over the whole face of the earth, that we shall see their good works, and be taught by them to glorify our heavenly Father.  
The two famous Universities, the Spheres from whence learning, and so consequently the true knowledge of Religion, hath his motion, they will not be eclipsed. Let us be confident, that our josuah and his Clergy being of his house, will profess (whatsoever other Nations do) he and they will serve the Lord. If any of the Clergy, when they shall come to the touch, prove not right (as peradventure some of them may not;) it will be said of them, Ye children of jerusalem, weep, and lament, that for want of courage you betray your Master.  
So in conclusion, wishing the country people, from henceforth in their resolutions would be satisfied, and not to trouble themselves as now they do, in their expostulations of our Princes royal match, nor take upon them to foreknow and prejudicate, that dangers may ensue, either for matters of religion or government, but abandon all doubts, and despair of those things, and rather take it to their comforts, hopes, or rather indeed assurances, that all those things formerly related, will rather so come to pass then otherwise; and that there will be no more such rubs in the passages of State affairs as late have been, but will run smooth, as formerly they have done, and all dealings and passages between man and man, will come again into their course and current, and the Iron age we have lately lived in will have an end, which may be the beginning of a golden world; so soon as it shall please God, our Princes royal match be once settled. For his safe return, and the assurance we have of his integrity, with unanimous hearts, let us give God hearty thankes, and pray that his marriage may bring with it glory to him on high, peace and good will to those on earth, and all happiness and joy to his Highness, to the complete comfort, contentment, and good of the King and kingdom, and to Reign many years, honouring the age we now live in, with the merits of their wisdoms and integrities; and finally, that their selicities in this world, may overtake that in the next, and make them wear perpetual Crowns of God's glory and their own, and that successively their Royal Progenies may sit upon the thrones of their kingdoms, even to the world's end.  
FJNJS.