blazon or coat of arms   

TWO MOST SRANGE AND notable examples, showed at Lyshborne the 26. day of januarie now last passed.  
THE ONE BY STRIKING DUMB two of the chief of the Holy-house, as they were pronouncing the sentence of death against two English Mariners, unto whom they had offered great promotions, to have them to serve against the King of France, and their own Country.  
The other within six days then next following, by burning two Ships of Corn in the harbour there, which was brought out of France to relieve the King his enemies: An example most wonderful.  
A notable warning to such English Merchants, which for their own benefit, by carrying our victuals away, impoverish our Country, and strengthen the enemies of God and our Prince.  
Affirmed for truth by those men under named, of honest reputation, being present at the doing thereof, the one Master of the Ship called the Fortune: the other Master of the Flying Heart.  
Hance Hogenberge, & Adrian van How.  
Signed for truth in the presence of those here underwritten.  

Henry Roberts.  
john Nashe.  
Water Mantle.  
Robert Ihones.   
LONDON Printed for William Barley, and are to be sold at his shop in Newgate Market. ANNO. 1591.   

A worthy example of burning two Ships of Corn brought for the relief of the enemy unto Lisbon.  
IN the month of August, 1586. There was taken by the Spaniards a tall Ship called the Bark row, now belonging unto the Town of Newcastle upon Tine, the Master of which Ship at that time was one john Harrison, borne in Cornwall, and four others with him, which because they were found to be men of reputation, and of good experience in their Art, were had in more regard than the rest. And whereas the company were all condemned to the Galleys, where some of them yet serve. They were committed unto the custody of a Cavalier, who had charge to use them with great courtesy. One whole year remained they in the keeping of this their first Host, with very great entertainment, where they were often visited with Friars and other religious persons, which very earnestly laboured to draw them both from God, and their allegiance to their Prince, which how earnest so ever they were solicited, it pleased God to strengthen them, so that their hearts were hardened against their religion and them, who scorned to how to any Idols, knowing that they be but stones, and the works of men's hands, and therefore utterly refused to give the glory of the Omnipotent God, to such trash as they honoured. These shavelings, when as they saw no hope to win those souls as they term it, conferring together touching their obstinacy, thought to prove if some hasher usage might make them yield: wherefore the Cardinal of Lisbon, Viceroy to the King of Spain, at whose command they were: being informed by such as he sent, how they answered to such demands which were required of them, commanded that the said john Harrison, and his four companions, should all be omitted unto the Inquisition or Holy house, and there to abide such punishment as their manner is to lay upon the Children of GOD, which was presently done as he gave in charge, and they all severally imprisoned, in such loathsome places as it would have pitied a man to have seen their estate, during the time of their durance there.  
Twice every week would they send unto them, villains disguised in the counterfeit attire of a Devil, which cruelly, like him that he represented, would scourge them with whips of wire, so that their flesh was most grievously torn with those tormentors, living with no other vyandes, but only with boiled Barley, and fair water. of which they scantly had their bellies full. Thus by God's favour, who strengtheneth his servants, continued those our Countrymen steadfast in the faith of Christ, refusing all the vanities of the world, to bear the Cross of their Redeemer (Christ jesus.)  
Two years spent they in these extremities, in which time two of them by God's visitation died, whom these Cannibals would not allow Christian burial unto, for that they died not in their faith.  
Well, their great Fleet being prepared for England, men of skill for the Coast was greatly wantnig, so that there was great means made for all men of what nation so ever that would take charge, Amongst which there was sent for, this john Harrison, and his two consorts Peter Bryan his Mate, a very good Mariner, and William Mathewes, the Gunner, brave men, and of stout Courage.  
Those men being brought unto the presence of the Cardinal, humbling themselves as to the kings Viceroy one their knee▪ The Cardinal came to take them up, and blessed them with his hand, making on their heads the sign of the Holy Cross, speaking two or three words in Latin, which they understood not, this William Mathewes, seeing how he used the other two, when as he offered to bless him, thrust away his hands, and told him, that his blessing was rather a curse, (to them that believed it was of any force) than a blessing: Which words understood by an English Friar, appointed to be their interpreter, and revealed unto others standing by.  
The said Mathewes was grievously buffeted, in the Cardinal's presence, whereat he seemed to be very discontent. Well after some outrageous words offered to Mathewes for refusing this Holy Father's blessing. The Cardinal began again to work such means and persuasions as he best could, to draw them unto his will, protesting that he was such a favourer of their causes, that he was grieved to see or here of their misery: yet (quoth he) I have entreated those Holy Fathers. Seniors of the Church of Rome, chiefest in commission for his Holiness, to mitigate the extremity of the laws, for the punishment of Heretics provided, so that ye will be reform, and become Catholics, and live like Christians, forsaking your damnable opinions, which unless you do, you cannot be saved. (It may be) quoth this Holy Cardinal, that your desire to live in your Country with your friends, may cause you stand upon more points then willingly you would. If that be the cause stand not one such terms, for on mine honour you shall have sufficient maintenance out of the King's treasury. Be ruled, and you shall live in so good 〈◊〉 with us, as the best men in England. You have heard how the Catholic Princes, have joined their forces to abate the pride of your Country, and to make them know the living God, for which intended voyage our provision is all ready, and knowing by reports of such Matriners whom in secret I have sent to confer with you, that you are men of sufficiency, to take the charge of good ●hippes, for that you are borne in that damned Country, I have thought good to make you offers of favour such as your own Country shall never afford mell … simple birth.  
First from your imprisonment you shall be 〈◊〉, next shall you be conducted to all places where our forces are, where every of you shall make choice of what 〈◊〉 ●●llyasse, Pinnace, or other, you will serve in as Master: where 〈◊〉 doing your true intents, like faithful Soldiers of the living God, and his Catholic Church of Rome. And God shall give those miscreants into your hands, whereof there is no doubt, you shall be there advanced to what honours you will require, and 500 Ducats monthly to be paid you of the King, if you think well of this my offer, let me see your willingness to confirm my request.  
Those faithful servants of God, whose comfort is the great God of Israel, having harkened unto the alluring speeches of the Cardinal, as means to pull them from the truth calling to mind how Christ himself was tempted of the Devil by worldly promotions, job tried and persecuted, yet remained constant in Christ jesus, took● 〈…〉 on that God which comforteth the distressed, who feeling the flesh weak and willing, hardeneth their hearts against their offers, and the Popish Doctrine preached unto them. And Mathewes in the name of the rest 〈◊〉 answered.  
Your grace hath said sufficient in mine opinion, 〈…〉 your … est Catholic from his allegiance, both from Antichrist whom you serve, and the King's service: yet shall your grace know, we are Englishmen, who not obstinately refuse your gracious offers, but in that they are offered to the end 〈◊〉 should fall from GOD, forsaking the true doctrine of Christ, to cleave to your damnable opinions: from good sub …, you would draw us like Rebels, to bear Arms against our Country where we received life, seeking to shed the blood of Christians, (a damnable race) bereaving our own bloods with the Enemy's sword, by whom we were nourished, thereby to heap the vengeance of God upon us. No, no, my Lord, (quoth he) rather than it shall be said that an English man shall deliver his Country into the hands of the devil, (for no better I account you, nor none of your Religion, whose minds be butcherlike, delighting in nothing but 〈…〉) let me die, and my brethren with me, or inflickt such punishments on us as you please, that God, which delivered Devil from the Lions, the three innocent children from the burning Oven, and many other wonders hath showed for his 〈…〉 shall deliver us from your tiraunie, or give us the like patience to endure it.  
The Cardinal hearing his offers so rejected, was grieved not a little, wherefore he commanded them away to prison, whether going, they were by such as heard their answers, 〈…〉 and abused, as it might grieve a man to think on it. This purpose failing, the Cardinal took order that they were sent unto the Duke of Savoy, to serve in his Galleys, where two of them remained ever since, until Christmas 〈…〉 there came from Savoy a power of men, with Munition and victuals, to go for Britain as it is supposed, in which Fleet came those two which were left living, namely, john Harison and William Matthewes, who on the xxiv. day of january, (after their computation) were sent for again before the Inquisition, and in like manner as before with great favours offered liberty, if now they would serve, and larger offers than before.  
But Matthewes in the name of the other and for himself, answered, that necessity could not draw him from the joys of heaven, to live in pleasure on the earth, and therefore persuaded them, that they should no more urge him unto it; for it was frivolous, and rather than he would hold up his hand, or give the least word of advise to prejudice his Prince and Country, he would willingly yield to what torment soever.  
The States of Holly-house demanded of Harison, if his mind were so resolute as that damned. Heretic his companion? Who answered, in no damnable opinions he would be ruled by him, but if he remained in those opinions which he did profess, he would confirm with his blood what Matthewes had spoken. When they saw that no persuasions might avail them, nor misery which grievously they had endured, move them to forsake their true God, they were committed again to prison, and the Prelates called a counsel what to do with them, who having debated thereon sufficiently, determined to burn them to the ensample of others.  
The next day they were again called before them, when after some speeches used in like manner: to win them from their opinion, and that it would not prevail, with railing speech they recounted unto them, how favourably it had pleased the Cardinal to deal with them, and to spare their lives, willing that they should live: but since nothing might prevail, they were now either to receive their former 〈◊〉, or to prepare themselves to die.  
These speeches could not terrify them, but as men desirous for Christ and his truth, to be freed from the torment which they endured, craved no favour, but wished them to proceed.  
The judge giving sentence of death against them.  
Their answer given, Don Frederick chiefest in the Commission stood up, and as he was pronouncing the sentence of death against those innocents, a sudden fear fell upon them all that were present, and Don Frederick was stricken dumb, that his tongue foltering in his mouth, he could not speak a word. This struck a terror in them all.  
Don Frederick being carried away, Don Francisco chief Ambnere to the Cardinal stood up, & railing against those poor-men, told them, that they wrought by sorcery & witchcraft, calling them devils, and using other bad speeches, forgetting God was of power, to show his might in punishing those miscreants, upon whom it pleased him to show the like example, by taking from him, not only the use of his tongue, wherewith he abused those servants of GOD, but also his limbs, to the great admiration of the company, so that he was carried away likewise from the judgement place.  
Then fell the people generally to railing on them, and with grievous strokes to lay upon them, so that if GOD had not moved one of the State to pity them, they had been presently slain amongst them. From thence they were again committed to prison, where they endured all the extremities possible for men to abide, whom God for his mercy's sake strengthen, and release at his pleasure.  
Within two days following, another example worth the noting happened. There were riding in the Harbour certain Hulks, to the number of 26. sails, some of Lubicke, some other of Austerdame, and of other places of the East Countries, into which harbour also came two small Barks of S. Mallows in France, laden with Corn for provision of the King's Fleet, which is expected to come for Britain. Those two French ships, having moored themselves a starne a Hulk of Austerdame called the Fortune, chanced to have her Anckors come home, and thwarted the Frenchman so, that it put him in some danger, that betwixt them grew some hot speeches. The next day the Frenchman arrested the Hulk for his damage, and accused unto the Inquisition six of those Hulks, that their traffic was for Englishmen, and that the goods were all Englishmen, whereupon they were stayed to the King's use, and their men imprisoned, which the Duchmen denied, as justly they might. But the Frenchman on his oath averred the same, so that there was no remedy but to lose their goods and endanger themselves. Yet God who seeth the secrets of all men's hearts, and canat his pleasure lay them open to the world, to show his wonders on earth & make his name more feared, showed this most gracious and wonderful miracle, within 6. days after the conviction of those Flemings.  
The Frenchman having taken order for unloding of their Corn●, as the Master of the Bark which accused them, was busted with his companions, a sudden Lightning with grievous weather happened, in which storm, a Thunder-stone as it is supposed, slew the Master, who had before fersworne himself, dashing his brains about the ship, and fired both the Ships of Corn, which could not be quenched by all the means they could make, nor save one pennyworth of the same, to the great wonder of all the beholders.  
After which example, the Flemings suing by their friends for their liberty, caused certain of the company on their oaths to be examined, touching the accusation given by the Master of the Bark against them, who affirmed before the Cardinal, that the Master had confessed amongst them divers times, that he did it but for revenge, and would often rejoice in the misery of the men, who by his means were in danger both of goods and life. Upon whose reports they were all discharged, and their goods delivered, but not without great charge and hindrance.  
Thus gentle Reader, have you heard the works of God, in revenging his servants on those of authority, who oppressed them, which lie still in most pitiful manner, without remedy, albeit they have not wanted for the counsels of the approouedst Physicians in the whole Land. But God, is just, and will be known, I pray God this example prove of sufficient force, to turn their devilish minds to the knowledge of the true God, who defendeth his children, and will punish those stiff-necked miscreants that dishonour his name.  
In this Pamphlet also mayst thou see the reward of perjury, and the just judgement of God, in bereaving his life, that sought the lives and destruction of those he had never seen, for a small offence by casualty committed, for which they offered him large amends which might not suffice, as also if God's judgements might be conjectured by men, how God was angry, in relieving those which seek to dishonour his Name, with that Corn which would have done good amongst that famous King of France his Camp where it is needed, yet purloined by those Rebels of his own Country, to maintain his enemies. God make every man to amend his own faults, and to fear, that God will inflict the like plague upon our Countrymen, that for gain rob the Common wealth of victuals, and maintain the Enemies of God and our Country. God give every man grace to forbear so desirous a mind of covetousness, and make us thankful for all his benefits, which thorough his mercies we daily receive. Amen.  
FINIS.